Grammar Gladiators
Neither of the students are responsible for the missing books.
Correct Answer: Neither of the students is responsible for the missing books.
All that glitters is not gold.
Shakespeare (Merchant of Venice)
A double-edged sword
A situation that has both positive and negative consequences.
Social media is indeed a double edged sword
I am something that can be read, written, or spoken. I can express your thoughts and feelings. What am I?
Language
Incessant
Continuing without interruption; unceasing.
We are bombarded with too much content, shown to us incessantly through a tiny screen
She insisted ___ going to the event, despite the bad weather.
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Error type: preposition (on + gerund -ing verb)
Correct Answer: She insisted on going to the event, despite the bad weather.
This love is like a fire that consumes my soul.
Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream)
to make peace or resolve differences
After years of rivalry, the two companies decided to bury the hatchet and work together on a new project.
I am black when you buy me, red when you use me, and gray when you throw me away. What am I
Charcoal
Indignant
Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.
Thousands of individuals took to social media to air their indignance and share their personal stories of unjust treatment.
By the time we reached the theatre, the movie had already started and was playing for ten minutes.
Error Type: Tense
Correct Answer: By the time we reached the theatre, the movie had already started and had been playing for ten minutes.
I never trust a narcissist, but they love me.
Taylor Swift (I did something bad)
to bite the bullet
To face something difficult or unpleasant with courage.
Although the new school regulations have been difficult to enforce, we’ll have to bite the bullet and implement them to the best of our abilities
I am full of holes, but I can still hold a lot of weight. What am I?
Sponge
Innocuous
Not harmful or offensive.
Social media is not as innocuous as it seems.
If he ___ (know) the truth earlier, he ___ (not make) such a mistake.
Correct Answer: If he had known the truth earlier, he would not have made such a mistake.
You drew stars around my scars, but now I'm bleeding.
Taylor Swift (Cardigan)
to throw a spanner in the works.
To cause a disruption or problem in a plan.
All was going fine with the TV show until the main actor's cancellation threw a spanner in the works.
I have keys but open no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter but never leave. What am I?
Keyboard
Inundate
To overwhelm or flood with things or people.
We are constantly inundated with advertisements and political content on social media, whether we like it or not.
It is essential that he studies hard for the final exam
It is essential that he study hard for the final exam.
And did the twin flame bruise maim you, too?
Taylor Swift (All Too Well)
to have a bee in one's bonnet
To be preoccupied with an idea or obsession.
Jenny had a bee in her bonnet about organizing the charity event, and she couldn't stop talking about it for weeks.
I have cities, but no houses. I have forests, but no trees. I have rivers, but no water. What am I?
A map
Insipid
lacking flavor, taste, or interest. It is often used to describe something that is dull, boring, or unexciting.
Sometimes, what we see on social media is nothing more than insipid content, inspiring no one and resulting in boredom.