QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of boom
1First recorded in 1400–50; 1910–15 for def. 10; late Middle English bombon, bummyn “to buzz”; cognate with Dutch bommen, German bummen; imitative of the sound
OTHER WORDS FROM boom
boom·ing·ly, adverbOther definitions for boom (2 of 2)
boom2
[ boom ]
/ bum /
noun
verb (used with object)
to extend or position, as a sail (usually followed by out or off).
to manipulate (an object) by or as by means of a crane or derrick.
verb (used without object)
to sail at full speed.
Origin of boom
2First recorded in 1660–65; from Dutch: literally, “tree, pole”; see origin at beam
OTHER WORDS FROM boom
boomless, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use boom in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for boom (1 of 2)
boom1
/ (buːm) /
verb
to make a deep prolonged resonant sound, as of thunder or artillery fire
to prosper or cause to prosper vigorously and rapidlybusiness boomed
noun
Word Origin for boom
C15: perhaps from Dutch bommen, of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for boom (2 of 2)
boom2
/ (buːm) /
noun
nautical a spar to which a sail is fastened to control its position relative to the wind
a beam or spar pivoting at the foot of the mast of a derrick, controlling the distance from the mast at which a load is lifted or lowered
a pole, usually extensible, carrying an overhead microphone and projected over a film or television set
- a barrier across a waterway, usually consisting of a chain of connected floating logs, to confine free-floating logs, protect a harbour from attack, etc
- the area so barred off
Word Origin for boom
C16: from Dutch boom tree, beam
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Other Idioms and Phrases with boom
boom
see lower the boom.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.