Tutor Ted Idioms

Idioms are

• standard expressions in a language

• words that sound alike

• a fun and fancy way to call someone an imbecile ("You, sir, are an idiom!")

The part of speech that the ACT most often likes to mess with in idiom questions is

• verbs (run, smile, think)

• nouns (ball, hat, idea)

• prepositions (to, on, with)

When you see an ACT question asking you which preposition to use, ask yourself

• “Does this correctly match the noun it’s referring to?”

• “How would *I* say this?”

• “Could I use a period here instead?”

• “Is it too late now to say ‘sorry’?”

There is no rhyme or reason to idioms, so trust your instincts.

• true

• false

Dr. Flametooth has been studying fire-eaters since 1981, when he started the now-famous Human Inferno Laboratory out of his one-car garage.

• NO CHANGE

• more-then-famous

• now famously

• famously

Caroline’s ability to tack, let out the sail, and maintain control of the boat simultaneously developed over years as if witnessing her uncle do the same.

• NO CHANGE

• when witnessing

• of witnessing

• then witness to

The Founding Fathers weren’t always the portrait of innocence: Perhaps the most infamous character in which this regard was Benjamin Franklin, who spent most of his married life wooing and carousing with European wives and widows.

• NO CHANGE

• in this regard

• ones that

• which

Which is correct?

• My sister is guilty from eating cookies.

• I was interested in playing either tennis nor basketball this year.

• I am encouraged with my teacher’s advice.

• Between Ariana and Cardi B, I like Ariana best.

Which is correct?

• My friend needed help so I hinted to the answer.

• I am proud for my cousin graduating high school.

• I am afraid of being attacked by a monster.

• I am not aware for those accusations.