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 comma punctuation english

Then, when the dust settled, they began to calculate their profits and losses.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. Then when the dust settled, they

  2. Then, when the dust settled they

  3. Then, when the dust settled - they

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
When non restrictive or nonessential information comes in between the sentence, rather than at the end of, it should be set off using a pair of commas. In the given sentence, the nonessential or nonrestrictive information, 'when the dust settled' should be set off with a pair of commas.
The en dash is used to represent conflict and connection between sentences.
Thus, the correct answer is Option D, no change.
Multiple choice comma punctuation english

When I was in the early stages of my career - I worked in a town far from home.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. career I

  2. career, I

  3. career; I

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
The given sentence can be identified as a complex sentence. In such sentences, if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, a comma is used to separate it. Thus, in the given sentence, a comma should be used in place of a dash.
A dash is used to create an emphasis or to produce an informal tone.
A semi colon is used between two independent clauses when the coordinate conjunction is omitted.
The correct answer is Option B.
Multiple choice comma punctuation english

Francis lived in California; Barry in Michigan.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

  1. Barry, in Michigan.

  2. Barry in, Michigan.

  3. Barry - in Michigan.

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
The given sentence consists of two parallel sentences with no conjunction between them. In such a case, a semi colon is used to join them. 
The second half of the sentence consists of two dependent elements but the conjunction is left out. So, a comma must be used between the elements to separate them.
Thus, the correct will be Option A.
An em dash is used when the sentence calls for a more emphatic tone, which is not the case in the given sentence.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

If only I had chosen a different city to live in ... but why regret the past?

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. If only I had chosen a different city to live in - but why regret the past?

  2. If only I had chosen a different city to live in: but why regret the past?

  3. If only I had chosen a different city to live in (but why regret the past)?

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses that are related. However, the use of an ellipsis is incorrect, an ellipsis is used to indicate trailing off thought.
An em dash is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Thus, the correct answer is Option A. 
A colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second illustrates or explains the first whereas, a parentheses is used to add information in a sentence.

Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Yes, I'd like to have a painting done; as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  1. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done - as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  2. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done: as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  3. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done ... as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
Option D is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Give me the keys to the house ... can you do that ... I've left some things behind.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. Give me the keys to the house; can you do that; I've left some things behind.

  2. Give me the keys to the house - can you do that? I've left some things behind.

  3. Give me the keys to the house - can you do that? - I've left some things behind.

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
Parentheses is used to add additional information to a sentence. However, a pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses, if the content is less formal.
In the given sentence, a pair of em dashes should be used for the parenthetical element, in place of ellipsis. A pair o ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C. The remaining options are incorrect.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

I wish the trains ran on time - but why complain about things that can't change?

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. I wish the trains ran on time; but why complain about things that can't change?

  3. I wish the trains ran on time ... but why complain about things that can't change!

  4. I wish the trains ran on time: but why complain about things that can't change?
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her views. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A, no change.
Option B is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things, the only things, you will need if you were stranded on an island.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things, the only things - you will need if you were stranded on an island.

  2. A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things - the only things you will need if you were stranded on an island.

  3. A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things - the only things - you will need if you were stranded on an island.

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option C, will be correct.
Option A and B are incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Option D is incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas, they can be used to replace commas in the given sentence.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Friend, father, counselor; he was all these things to me.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Friend, father, counselor ... he was all these things to me.

  3. Friend, father, counselor (he was all these things to me).

  4. Friend, father, counselor - he was all these things to me.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option D.
Option A is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option B is incorrect. A ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Option C is incorrect. A pair of parentheses is used to add additional information in a sentence.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Reading, especially a good book - can be a very absorbing activity.

  1. Reading, especially a good book; can be a very absorbing activity.

  2. Reading - especially a good book - can be a very absorbing activity.

  3. Reading - especially a good book, can be a very absorbing activity.

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option B, will be correct.
Option C and D are incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Option A is incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas and semi colons, they can be used to replace commas in the given sentence.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

He was planning to paint the house, or was he, when the roof caved in.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. He was planning to paint the house; or was he? when the roof caved in.

  3. He was planning to paint the house - or was he? - when the roof caved in.

  4. He was planning to paint the house, or was he - when the roof caved in.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option C, will be correct.
Option A and B are incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas an semi colons, they can be used to replace commas in the given sentence.
Option D is incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather - all decided to play tennis last evening.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

  1. Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather; all decided to play tennis last evening.

  2. Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather: all decided to play tennis last evening.

  3. Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather (all decided to play tennis last evening).

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option D, no change.
Option A is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option B is incorrect. A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Option C is incorrect. A pair of parentheses is used to add additional information in a sentence.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

The old man - the one with the walking stick - crossed the road slowly.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. man - the one with the walking stick;

  3. man - the one with the walking stick:

  4. man, the one with the walking stick;
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option A, will be correct.
Option B and C are incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Option D is incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas, they can be used to replace commas and semi colons in a sentence.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part of the sentence:
She brought her umbrella: the red and black one: to the party with her.

  1. umbrella, the red and black one:

  2. umbrella - the red and black one -

  3. umbrella; the red and black one;

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option C, will be correct.
The remaining options are incorrect.
Multiple choice dash and hyphen punctuation english

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word:
I lived fearfully then; but why regret the past?

  1. then -

  2. then:

  3. then,

  4. NO CHANGE
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
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