cheat on a test

Meaning

To act dishonestly on an exam in order to get a better grade, such as by copying someone else's answers or using unauthorized notes.

Examples

• He got caught trying to cheat on a test by looking at his phone.

  He got caught trying to cheat on a test by looking at his phone.

• Cheating on a test is a serious offense that can get you suspended from school.

  Cheating on a test is a serious offense that can get you suspended from school.

• I would rather fail honestly than cheat on a test to get an A.

  I would rather fail honestly than cheat on a test to get an A.

• She realized someone was trying to cheat on a test by copying her answers.

  She realized someone was trying to cheat on a test by copying her answers.

• The teacher walked around the room to make sure no one was trying to cheat on the test.

  The teacher walked around the room to make sure no one was trying to cheat on the test.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He cheated in the test by copying his friend.

  ✓ He cheated on the test by copying his friend.

  In American English, we use the preposition 'on' (cheat on a test). 'Cheat in' is sometimes used in British English, but 'on' is standard globally.

• ✗ She cheated the test to pass.

  ✓ She cheated on the test to pass.

  Without the preposition 'on', 'cheat the test' sounds like you tricked the test itself, which is incorrect. You cheat *on* a test.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you try to ___ , the teacher will collect your paper and give you a zero.

  💡 To act dishonestly during an exam.

  Show answer

  cheat on a test

• He was suspended because he decided to ___ using hidden notes.

  💡 To use unauthorized help to pass an exam.

  Show answer

  cheat on a test