Idiomatic Phrases with the Right Register

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

C1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Fill in the blank (dropdown)

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   We need to ___ the outstanding issue before signing.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. iron away
   2. iron out
   3. iron into
   4. iron off
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   iron out

   Iron out means resolve a difficulty.

2. Question 2 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The revised wording should ___ any doubt about responsibility.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. dispose
   2. dispel
   3. disappear
   4. displease
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   dispel

   Dispel doubt means remove it.

3. Question 3 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   I would prefer not to ___ a position until the evidence is complete.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. admit
   2. adopt
   3. adapt
   4. adept
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   adopt

   Adopt a position means take a particular stance.

4. Question 4 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The request falls outside our ___.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. remit
   2. reminder
   3. remainder
   4. remittance
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   remit

   Remit is the scope of responsibility or authority.

5. Question 5 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The agreement was reached after ___ negotiations.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. protractedly
   2. protraction
   3. protracting
   4. protracted
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   protracted

   Protracted describes negotiations lasting a long time.

6. Question 6 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   We cannot give the proposal our ___ support at this stage.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. unqualifying
   2. unqualified
   3. unqualifiedly
   4. unqualification
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   unqualified

   Unqualified support means support without reservations.

7. Question 7 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The letter strikes a ___ tone without conceding the point.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. consequential
   2. concurrent
   3. conciliatory
   4. conclusive
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   conciliatory

   Conciliatory language seeks to reduce hostility.

8. Question 8 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   We should not ___ the issue by introducing unrelated complaints.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. clouding
   2. cloudiness
   3. cloudy
   4. cloud
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   cloud

   Cloud the issue means make it less clear.

9. Question 9 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The director has the final ___ on budget changes.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. tell
   2. say
   3. speech
   4. saying
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   say

   Have the final say means hold ultimate decision authority.

10. Question 10 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The arrangement is acceptable in ___, subject to details.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. principally
    2. principled
    3. principal
    4. principle
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    principle

    In principle means agreement at the general level.

11. Question 11 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The reply carefully ___ a direct accusation.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. avoidance
    2. avoiding
    3. avoid
    4. avoids
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    avoids

    A singular reply takes avoids directly before its object.

12. Question 12 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    Neither party expected the other to make every concession. Both parties agreed to meet ___ halfway.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. one of them
    2. each other
    3. themselves
    4. their own
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    each other

    Meet each other halfway means compromise.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.