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 crank
1First recorded before 1000; Middle English crank, cronk, Old English cranc-, in crancstæf, a kind of weaver's tool (see staff1)
OTHER WORDS FROM crank
crankless, adjectivenon·crank·ing, adjectiveun·cranked, adjectiveWords nearby crank
Other definitions for crank (2 of 3)
crank2
[ krangk ]
/ kræŋk /
adjective Nautical.
noun
a crank vessel.
Origin of crank
2First recorded in 1690–1700; probably to be identified with crank1, but sense development unclear; see also crank-sided
Other definitions for crank (3 of 3)
Origin of crank
3First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English cranke; of obscure origin
OTHER WORDS FROM crank
crankly, adverbcrankness, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use crank in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for crank (1 of 2)
crank1
/ (kræŋk) /
noun
a device for communicating motion or for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa. It consists of an arm projecting from a shaft, often with a second member attached to it parallel to the shaft
Also called: crank handle, starting handle a handle incorporating a crank, used to start an engine or motor
informal
- an eccentric or odd person, esp someone who stubbornly maintains unusual views
- US and Canadian a bad-tempered person
verb
See also crank up
Word Origin for crank
Old English cranc; related to Middle Low German krunke wrinkle, Dutch krinkel crinkle
British Dictionary definitions for crank (2 of 2)
crank2
cranky
/ (kræŋk) /
adjective
(of a sailing vessel) easily keeled over by the wind; tender
Word Origin for crank
C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to crank 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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