English Language

English Grammar and Usage

2,711 Questions

English grammar and usage questions test fundamental sentence structure, correct verb forms, and accurate syntax. Topics include identifying grammatical errors, filling blanks with appropriate verbs, and changing narration. These are essential for the English language sections of competitive exams.

Verb FormsSentence CorrectionTense IdentificationNarration ChangeRelative PronounsSyntactic Productivity

English Grammar and Usage Questions

Multiple choice

Directions: The sentence is followed by four options. Select the correct option to complete the conditional sentence.

If the agreement ________ signed by you, it ________ signed by me.

  1. has been, would have been

  2. has been, shall have been

  3. were, has been

  4. had been, would have been
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In type 3 conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect (had + V3) and the main clause uses the perfect conditional (would have + V3).

In passive voice, past perfect is changed to 'had + been + V3 (signed)' and perfect conditional is changed to 'would have + been + V3 (signed)'.

Multiple choice

Directions: The sentence is followed by four options. Select the correct option to complete the conditional sentence.

If the gardener _________ given the keys of the gate of the garden, the plants ________ watered.

  1. has been, would have been

  2. had, had been

  3. had been, will have been

  4. had been, would have been
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In type 3 conditional sentences, the if clause uses the past perfect (had + V3), and the main clause uses the perfect conditional (would have + V3).

In passive voice, past perfect is changed to 'had + been + V3 (given)' and perfect conditional is changed to 'would have + been + V3 (watered).'

Multiple choice

Directions: Select the correct option to complete the given conditional sentence.

If black clouds _________ in the sky, it _________.

  1. will appear, rains

  2. appear, rains

  3. appear, will rain

  4. will appear, will rain
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

First type of conditional sentence is used when we talk about the possibilities in the present or future. The structure of the sentence is: If + simple present, subject + will/shall + base verb. Only option 3 fulfills this criteria.

Multiple choice

Directions: Select the correct option to complete the given conditional sentence.

If the father __________ sweets, the children __________ them.

  1. brings, enjoy

  2. will bring, will enjoy

  3. will bring, enjoy

  4. brings, will enjoy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

First type of conditional sentence is used when we talk about the possibilities in the present or future. The structure of the sentence is: If + simple present, subject + will/shall + base verb. Only option 4 fulfills this criteria.

Multiple choice

Directions: Select the correct change of narration.

The Milkman said, ”I milked the cow".

  1. The Milkman said that he milked the cow.

  2. Milkman told that he milks the cow.

  3. Milkman said that I milk the cow.

  4. Milkman told that he milked the cow.

  5. Dummy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In assertive sentences like this, 'said' remains unchanged and is followed by 'that'. If the Reported verb is in the past tense and the Reported speech is in the present, reported speech (while change of narration) converts into the past. Subject 'I' becomes 'He'. Hence, option 1.

Multiple choice

Directions: Select the correct change of narration.

She says, "I go to school daily".

  1. She says that I go to school daily.

  2. She tells that she goes to school daily.

  3. She says that she goes to school daily.

  4. She tells that I go to school daily.

  5. Dummy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In assertive sentences like this, 'says' remains unchanged and is followed by 'that'. If the reported verb is in the present tense and the reported speech is in the present, reported speech (while change of narration) remains present. Hence, option 3.

Multiple choice

Directions: Select the correct change of narration.

Rashi said, My sister is getting married.

  1. Rashi said that my sister is getting married.

  2. Rashi said that her sister was getting married.

  3. Rashi said that her sister is getting married.

  4. Rashi told that her sister was getting married.

  5. Dummy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In assertive sentences like this, 'said' remains unchanged and is followed by 'that’. If reported verb is in the past, reported speech (in indirect form) becomes past. Past of 'is' is 'was’. Hence, option 2.

Multiple choice

Directions: Select the correct change of narration.

She said to Shalini, "How was she returning home?”

  1. She told Shalini how she was returning home.

  2. She asked Shalini that how she was returning home.

  3. She asked Shalini how she had been returning home.

  4. She asked Shalini how was she returning home.

  5. Dummy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In interrogative sentence reporting verb “said to’ is changed into asked. And past continuous tense is changed into past perfect continuous.