Most Repeated English Grammar MCQs for PPSC, FPSC and NTS (Synonyms, Idioms, Prepositions)
The most repeated English grammar MCQs in PPSC, FPSC and NTS tests come from three areas: synonyms, idioms and prepositions. Examiners reuse the same words and phrases year after year, so if you learn these patterns, you can secure easy marks in the English section of almost any competitive exam in Pakistan.
This guide gives you solved MCQs with short explanations, a simple study plan and answers to the questions candidates ask most often. Read it once, practice it twice, and you will walk into the exam hall with confidence.
Why English Grammar MCQs Matter in PPSC, FPSC and NTS
Almost every screening test in Pakistan includes an English section. Whether you appear for a PPSC Lecturer post, an FPSC Inspector post or an NTS GAT test, you will face questions on vocabulary, idioms and correct usage.
English is also the section where well-prepared candidates gain the most. GK and current affairs change every year, but grammar rules do not. A preposition that appeared in a 2018 paper often appears again in 2026. This is why past-paper analysis shows the same words repeating across commissions.
Most Repeated Synonyms MCQs with Answers
Synonym questions ask you to choose the word closest in meaning to the given word. Focus on words that describe qualities, behavior and time, because examiners prefer them.
1. Abundant
A) Scarce B) Plentiful C) Rare D) Limited
Answer: B) Plentiful. Abundant means existing in large quantities.
2. Candid
A) Frank B) Secretive C) Rude D) Shy
Answer: A) Frank. A candid person speaks honestly and openly.
3. Obsolete
A) Modern B) Useful C) Outdated D) Popular
Answer: C) Outdated. Obsolete means no longer in use.
4. Diligent
A) Lazy B) Hardworking C) Careless D) Clever
Answer: B) Hardworking. A diligent student works steadily and carefully.
5. Benevolent
A) Cruel B) Greedy C) Kind D) Proud
Answer: C) Kind. Benevolent means well-meaning and generous.
6. Ephemeral
A) Permanent B) Short-lived C) Ancient D) Strong
Answer: B) Short-lived. Ephemeral things last for a very short time.
7. Lucid
A) Clear B) Confusing C) Dark D) Heavy
Answer: A) Clear. Lucid writing is easy to understand.
8. Meticulous
A) Careless B) Quick C) Careful D) Noisy
Answer: C) Careful. A meticulous person pays close attention to detail.
Quick tip: If you do not know a word, eliminate its opposite first. In most synonym MCQs, at least one option is an antonym placed there to confuse you.
For more practice, solve the full set of synonyms MCQs on MCQsDrive.
Most Repeated Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers
An idiom is a group of words whose meaning differs from the meaning of the individual words. PPSC and FPSC papers repeat a small pool of classic idioms, so memorizing them gives you a clear advantage.
1. A bolt from the blue
A) A thunderstorm B) A sudden, unexpected event C) A happy moment D) A planned visit
Answer: B) A sudden, unexpected event
2. To turn a deaf ear
A) To listen carefully B) To become deaf C) To ignore D) To shout
Answer: C) To ignore
3. At the eleventh hour
A) Late at night B) At the last moment C) Very early D) On time
Answer: B) At the last moment
4. To burn the midnight oil
A) To waste fuel B) To work or study late at night C) To sleep early D) To cook at night
Answer: B) To work or study late at night
5. A white elephant
A) A rare animal B) A costly but useless possession C) A royal gift D) A peaceful person
Answer: B) A costly but useless possession
6. To be in hot water
A) To be in trouble B) To take a bath C) To feel angry D) To be successful
Answer: A) To be in trouble
7. Once in a blue moon
A) Every month B) Very rarely C) At night D) Regularly
Answer: B) Very rarely
8. To call a spade a spade
A) To speak frankly B) To dig a hole C) To insult someone D) To tell a lie
Answer: A) To speak frankly
Quick tip: Never translate an idiom word for word. Read the whole phrase and ask yourself what situation it describes. That habit alone removes most wrong options.
You can practice more on the idioms and phrases MCQs page.
Most Repeated Prepositions MCQs with Answers
Preposition questions test fixed combinations of words. Many words always take the same preposition, so you should learn them as pairs, not as single words.
1. He is fond ___ music.
A) at B) of C) with D) for
Answer: B) of
2. She was accused ___ theft.
A) for B) with C) of D) on
Answer: C) of
3. I prefer tea ___ coffee.
A) than B) to C) over D) from
Answer: B) to. Prefer takes “to”, not “than”.
4. He died ___ cholera.
A) from B) by C) of D) with
Answer: C) of. We use “die of” for a disease.
5. This book is different ___ the film.
A) from B) than C) with D) to
Answer: A) from. “Different from” is the standard form in exams.
6. She is good ___ mathematics.
A) in B) at C) on D) with
Answer: B) at
7. He has been ill ___ Monday.
A) for B) from C) since D) by
Answer: C) since. Use “since” for a point in time and “for” for a period.
8. Every citizen must abide ___ the law.
A) with B) to C) by D) on
Answer: C) by
9. Employees must comply ___ the rules.
A) to B) with C) by D) for
Answer: B) with
10. This cloth is superior ___ that one.
A) than B) from C) to D) over
Answer: C) to. Superior, inferior, senior and junior all take “to”.
Solve the complete set of prepositions MCQs for deeper practice.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make in English MCQs
Most candidates lose marks in English not because they lack knowledge but because they rush. Here are the mistakes that cost the most marks:
Using “than” with prefer and superior. These words always take “to”.
Confusing “since” and “for”. “Since” points to a starting time; “for” measures a duration.
Reading idioms literally. “Hot water” in an idiom has nothing to do with temperature.
Choosing the most difficult-looking word. In synonym questions, the correct answer is often the simplest option.
Ignoring negative marking. Some tests deduct marks for wrong answers, so skip a question if you cannot narrow it down to two options.
How to Prepare English Grammar MCQs in 15 Days
You do not need months to master this section. Follow this simple plan:
Days 1 to 5: Learn 20 synonyms every day and revise the previous day’s words before starting new ones.
Days 6 to 10: Learn 10 idioms and 15 preposition pairs daily. Write one sentence for each.
Days 11 to 13: Solve past papers of PPSC, FPSC and NTS and mark every word you got wrong.
Days 14 to 15: Take timed quizzes and revise only your mistake list.
Use the free quiz mode on MCQsDrive to create custom tests and check your speed under exam conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which English topics repeat most in PPSC exams?
Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, prepositions and sentence correction repeat most often in PPSC exams. Synonyms and idioms usually appear in almost every paper.
Are FPSC and NTS English MCQs different from PPSC?
The topics are the same, but FPSC questions are usually slightly harder and use more advanced vocabulary. NTS focuses more on analogies, sentence completion and correct usage.
How many synonyms should I learn for competitive exams?
Start with the 300 to 500 most repeated words from past papers. This list covers most of the vocabulary questions you will face.
What is the best way to remember prepositions?
Learn them as fixed pairs, such as “fond of”, “abide by” and “comply with”. Write them in sentences, because context helps you recall them faster.
Can I prepare English grammar MCQs without a tutor?
Yes. Past papers, a reliable word list and daily practice tests are enough for most candidates to score well in the English section.
Conclusion
The most repeated English grammar MCQs follow clear patterns, and those patterns reward smart preparation. Learn the high-frequency synonyms, memorize classic idioms, and practice prepositions as fixed pairs. Revise your mistakes daily and test yourself under time pressure.
Start today with the solved MCQs above, then move to the full English MCQs section on MCQsDrive to practice thousands of questions for PPSC, FPSC and NTS, completely free.
