Precise word choice (C2) — English exercises with answers

Choosing between near-synonyms and easily confused words with different shades of meaning

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
He is so about hygiene that he won't eat food anyone else has touched.
fastidiousmeticulousthoroughpainstaking'Fastidious' suggests being excessively concerned about cleanliness or small details.
2
Multiple choice
The minister was about his private life and refused to answer personal questions.
reticentreluctantunwillinghesitant'Reticent' means unwilling to talk about something; 'reluctant' means unwilling to do something.
3
Multiple choice
I was to lend him money again after what happened last time.
reluctantreticentaverseadverse'Reluctant to do something' means you do not want to do it; 'averse' is followed by 'to' + noun.
4
Multiple choice
The drug can have effects on patients with heart problems.
adverseaversereversediverse'Adverse' means harmful or unfavourable; 'averse' describes a person who dislikes something.
5
Fill the gap
A judge must remain completely and treat both sides equally.
impartialuninterestedindifferentpartialAlso accepted: disinterested, unbiased'Impartial' means not favouring either side; 'uninterested' simply means not interested.
6
Fill the gap
His remarks at the funeral offended many of the guests.
flippantflimsyfrugalferventAlso accepted: facetious'Flippant' means not showing the seriousness that a situation deserves.
7
Fill the gap
The company was accused of a disregard for safety rules.
flagrantfragrantflippantfragileAlso accepted: blatant'Flagrant' describes something shockingly obvious and wrong, such as a breach of rules.
8
Fill the gap
What exactly are you (implying / inferring)? That I was lying?
Answer: implyingThe speaker implies (suggests indirectly); the listener infers (draws a conclusion).
9
Fill the gap
The rain was (continual / continuous) for three days: it never stopped once.
Answer: continuous'Continuous' means without a break; 'continual' means happening again and again.
10
True / false
'Meticulous' is usually positive, while 'fastidious' can suggest that someone is hard to please.
Answer: TrueBoth mean careful about details, but 'fastidious' often adds a critical tone.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'The new policy will effect everyone who works part-time.'
Answer: FalseThe verb meaning 'to influence' is 'affect'; the verb 'effect' means 'to bring about'.
12
Discussion question
Explain the difference between 'reluctant' and 'reticent' or between 'meticulous' and 'fastidious', and give an example from your own life for each word.
Sample answer: 'Reluctant' is about not wanting to do something, while 'reticent' is about not wanting to talk. I was reluctant to change jobs last year, and I'm quite reticent about my salary, even with friends.

Choosing between near-synonyms and easily confused words with different shades of meaning

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
He is so about hygiene that he won't eat food anyone else has touched.
fastidiousmeticulousthoroughpainstaking'Fastidious' suggests being excessively concerned about cleanliness or small details.
2
Multiple choice
The minister was about his private life and refused to answer personal questions.
reticentreluctantunwillinghesitant'Reticent' means unwilling to talk about something; 'reluctant' means unwilling to do something.
3
Multiple choice
I was to lend him money again after what happened last time.
reluctantreticentaverseadverse'Reluctant to do something' means you do not want to do it; 'averse' is followed by 'to' + noun.
4
Multiple choice
The drug can have effects on patients with heart problems.
adverseaversereversediverse'Adverse' means harmful or unfavourable; 'averse' describes a person who dislikes something.
5
Fill the gap
A judge must remain completely and treat both sides equally.
impartialuninterestedindifferentpartialAlso accepted: disinterested, unbiased'Impartial' means not favouring either side; 'uninterested' simply means not interested.
6
Fill the gap
His remarks at the funeral offended many of the guests.
flippantflimsyfrugalferventAlso accepted: facetious'Flippant' means not showing the seriousness that a situation deserves.
7
Fill the gap
The company was accused of a disregard for safety rules.
flagrantfragrantflippantfragileAlso accepted: blatant'Flagrant' describes something shockingly obvious and wrong, such as a breach of rules.
8
Fill the gap
What exactly are you (implying / inferring)? That I was lying?
Answer: implyingThe speaker implies (suggests indirectly); the listener infers (draws a conclusion).
9
Fill the gap
The rain was (continual / continuous) for three days: it never stopped once.
Answer: continuous'Continuous' means without a break; 'continual' means happening again and again.
10
True / false
'Meticulous' is usually positive, while 'fastidious' can suggest that someone is hard to please.
Answer: TrueBoth mean careful about details, but 'fastidious' often adds a critical tone.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'The new policy will effect everyone who works part-time.'
Answer: FalseThe verb meaning 'to influence' is 'affect'; the verb 'effect' means 'to bring about'.
12
Discussion question
Explain the difference between 'reluctant' and 'reticent' or between 'meticulous' and 'fastidious', and give an example from your own life for each word.
Sample answer: 'Reluctant' is about not wanting to do something, while 'reticent' is about not wanting to talk. I was reluctant to change jobs last year, and I'm quite reticent about my salary, even with friends.