English Grammar and correct usage test - Jan 5, 2015

English Grammar and correct usage test - Jan 5, 2015


In the English language one can find words and phrases imported from many other languages. They make English richer and more expressive. Write down the meanings of the phrases below.

1. Ab initio

a. From the beginning
b. From the origin

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ANSWER: a. From the beginning

It is a Latin phrase literally meaning from the beginning.




2. Ad hoc

a. For a special purpose
b. For general purpose

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ANSWER: a. For a special purpose

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning for this, usually refers to a solution designed for a specific task.




3. Alma mater

a. My mother
b. The university, school, or college that one formerly attended

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ANSWER: b. The university, school, or college that one formerly attended

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning dear mother. But gradually it has come to refer to the institute one has attended previously.




4. Alter ego

a. One's heightened pride
b. One's alternative personality

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ANSWER: b. One's alternative personality

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning another one. But in English it refers to the secondary personality of the same person.




5. Anno Domini

a. After Christ
b. In the year of the Lord

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ANSWER: b. In the year of the Lord

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning in the year of the/our Lord, is used to refer to the years after the traditionally reckoned year of the birth of Christ




6. Ante Meridiem

a. Before noon
b. After noon

Bona fide

a. Benefit
b. In good faith

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ANSWER: a. Before noon
b. In good faith

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning good faith, is used to refer to sincere and good intentions. It is usually used in case of official documents declaring one to be a lawful member of an institution or organization.




7. De facto

a. By right
b. In fact

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ANSWER: b. In fact

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning concerning fact, is used to mean something that is really in practice, but has not been officially instituted or approved.




8. Modus Operandi

a. Method of working
b. Mood of working

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ANSWER: a. Method of working

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning manner of operation, is used to refer to a particular style of doing something.




9. Status quo

a. Existing state of affairs
b. High social status

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ANSWER: a. Existing state of affairs

Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning the state in which, is used to refer to the present condition of something.


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