English Language

English Grammar and Usage

2,780 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 introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation marks:
what a pleasant day it is

  1. What a pleasant day it is.

  2. What a Pleasant Day it is!

  3. What a Pleasant Day it is?

  4. What a pleasant day it is!
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
The first letter of a sentence should be capital. So, 'W' in what is capitalised. This sentence expresses a sudden expression which tells that it was a pleasant day. Thus, it is an exclamation. So, ! will come at the end. So, option D is correct.
Option A is incorrect as it ends with a full stop and this isn't an assertive sentence.
Option B is incorrect because P and D in pleasant and day are capitalised respectively. Whereas, pleasant is an adjective and day is a common noun. So, they shouldn't be capitalised. Thus, option B is incorrect.
Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the correctly punctuated version of the following sentence:
wow what an expression she had 

  1. Wow! what an expression she had ?

  2. Wow what an expression she had.

  3. Wow! What an expression she had!

  4. Wow! what an expression she had.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

We use an exclamation mark to indicate an exclamatory clause or expression in writing. ‘Wow’ is a commonly used exclamation that indicates surprise. Therefore it should be followed by an exclamation mark. Similarly, ‘What an expression she had’ is another sentence that indicates exclamation, therefore the first letter of the sentence needs to be capitalized and it needs to be followed by an exclamation mark, at the end. Hence option C is correct. A full stop is used in a declarative sentence and not in an exclamatory sentence. Hence options B and D are incorrect. Similarly, a question mark is used to punctuate an interrogative sentence that demands an answer and not an exclamatory sentence that indicates surprise. Thus option A is incorrect.

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the correctly punctuated version of the following sentence:
how is life

  1. How is life.

  2. How is life!

  3. How is life?

  4. How is life,
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The basic rules in punctuating a sentence are that we use a full stop for a declarative sentence, a question mark for an interrogative sentence and an exclamation mark for an exclamatory sentence. Further, a comma is used to indicate the separation of ideas or elements. In the given sentence the speaker enquires about the listener's well being. Thus it is an interrogative sentence that indicates a question. Therefore it needs to be punctuated with a question mark, so option C is correct. Whereas a full stop or exclamation mark cannot be used since it is not a declarative or exclamatory sentence. Hence options A and B are incorrect. Similarly, the sentence doesn’t convey multiple ideas and only poses a question. So a comma cannot be used to punctuate the sentence. Hence option D is incorrect. 

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the correctly punctuated sentence from the options given below:
mother said to me don't be late for dinner

  1. mother said to me, "Don't be late for dinner".

  2. Mother said to me, "Don't be late for dinner."

  3. mother said to Me "Don't be late for dinner."

  4. Mother said to Me "Don't be late for dinner".
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

While punctuating a sentence it is important to capitalize the first letter of the sentence. Whereas the first letter of the words in the middle of a sentence should be lowercase unless it is a proper noun. Thus the first letter in ‘Mother’ has to be uppercase and ‘me’ which appears in the middle should be in lowercase. Hence options A and C are incorrect. Further, while writing a statement in the direct speech there needs to be a comma before the open quotations, as it represents a shift in the idea. Similarly, the full stop should be before the close quotations since it represents the end of the sentence. Hence option B is correct. Option D is incorrect because ‘me’ isn’t in lowercase, there is no comma before the open quotation and the full is placed after the close quotation. 

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the sentence with the correct punctuation marks:
rajans father is coming back from the netherland

  1. Rajan's father is coming back from the NetherLands.

  2. Rajan's father is coming back from the netherlands.

  3. Rajan's father is coming back from the Netherlands.

  4. Rajans father is Coming Back From The Netherands.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

We use an apostrophe to show possession or belonging. We add an apostrophe and a ‘s’ to singular nouns for the same reason. In the given sentence, ‘Rajan’s father’ would be the right way to express belonging. Therefore, option D is incorrect. On the other hand, while punctuating a sentence it is important to capitalize the proper nouns such as the name of a person, place or organization. In the given sentence, ‘Netherland’ is the name of a country and therefore the first letter of the name has to be capitalized. Therefore option C is correct, whereas option B is incorrect. Further ‘Netherland’ is a single unit, i.e. one name; therefore we should not capitalize the ‘l’ in 'lands' which is in the middle of the name. Thus option A is incorrect. 

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the correctly punctuated version of the following sentence:
where did dr. sundhanshu go at noon

  1. Where did Dr. sundhanshu go at noon?

  2. Where did Dr. Sundhanshu go at noon!

  3. Where did Dr. Sundhanshu go at noon?

  4. Where did Dr. Sundhanshu go at noon.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

While punctuating a sentence it is important to capitalize the first letter of the sentence. Also, it is important to capitalize the proper nouns such as the name of a person, place or organization. The first letter in titles is also capitalized. In the given sentence, the proper noun is ‘Sundhanshu’ therefore the ‘s’ in the beginning of his name needs to be capitalized, and cannot be in lowercase. Therefore, option A is incorrect. Further, the basic rules in punctuating a sentence are that we use a full stop for a declarative sentence, a question mark for an interrogative sentence and an exclamation mark for an exclamatory sentence. The given sentence poses a question as to where Dr. Sundhanshu went at noon. Hence it is an example of an interrogative sentence. So it has to be punctuated with a question mark and not a full stop or exclamation mark. Thus option C is correct, whereas options B and D are incorrect.

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Identify the suitable punctuation(s) for the given sentence:
Inspite of being sick she reported to work

  1. , and ?

  2. , and !

  3. , and .

  4. .
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, a period is used to mark an end to a complete sentence. A comma is used to generate a pause, which is required in the given sentence. Thus, the correct answer is Option C. 
The remaining options are incorrect. 

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Punctuate the given sentence, where necessary:
Didn't i tell you that i was going to leave for USA tomorrow?

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Didn't i tell you that I was going to leave for USA tomorrow?

  3. Didn't i tell you, that, i was going to leave for USA tomorrow?

  4. Didn't I tell you that I was going to leave for USA tomorrow?
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

According to general rule, the first word in every sentence should begin with a capital letter. The letter 'I', when referring to yourself should also be capitalized in every sentence. 
When an independent clause is followed by a dependent clause the use of comma should be avoided. 
Thus, according to the rules, the correct answer is Option D. The remaining options are incorrect.

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Punctuate the given sentence, where necessary:
if i go to work today, i can ask for a leave tomorrow.

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. If I go to work today, I can ask for a leave tomorrow.

  3. IF I GO TO WORK TODAY, I CAN ASK FOR A LEAVE TOMORROW.

  4. If i go to work today, i can ask for a leave tomorrow.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
According to general rule, the first word in every sentence should begin with a capital letter. The letter 'I', when referring to yourself should also be capitalized in every sentence. 
When a dependent clause is followed by an independent clause, a comma is required.
Thus, according to the rules, the correct answer is Option B. The remaining options are incorrect.
Option C - Using all capital letters in a sentence indicates high volume or expression of anger, so it should be avoided.


Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Punctuate the following sentence:
do they have faith in god.

  1. Do they Have faith in God$?$
  2. Do they have faith in God$!$
  3. Do they have faith in God$?$
  4. Do they have faith in god$?$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option A - As 'have' is not a proper noun, 'h' should not be capitalised. Thus option A is incorrect.

Option B - The sentence starts with 'do' and hence we can understand that the sentence is an interrogatory sentence. As the given sentence is an interrogatory sentence and not an exclamatory sentence, we can't use an exclamation mark here. Hence, option B is incorrect.
Option D - 'God' is a proper noun and hence, 'G' should be capitalised. Thus option D is incorrect.
Option C - As the given sentence is an interrogatory sentence, the sentence ends with a question mark, and 'G' is capitalised as 'God' is a proper noun. Hence, option C is the correct answer.
'Do they have faith in God?'

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the sentence with correct punctuation marks.
oh dear did I really hurt you.

  1. Oh$!$ dear, did I really hurt you.
  2. Oh dear$!$ Did I really hurt you?
  3. Oh dear did I really hurt you$!$
  4. Oh, dear$!$ did I really hurt you$!$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Option A - As 'Oh dear!' is an expression, we can't separate 'oh' and 'dear'. Also, a new sentence after the exclamation mark begins with a capital letter and an interrogative sentence should always end with a question mark. Hence, option A is incorrect.

Option C - As the given sentence is an interrogative sentence, we can't use an exclamation mark. 'Oh dear!' is an exclamatory sentence as it is used to declare. Hence, option C is incorrect.
Option D - 'Oh dear!' is an expression and the words 'oh' and 'dear' are not separated by a comma. 'Did I really hurt you!' is not an exclamatory sentence, it is an interrogative sentence. Hence, option D is incorrect.
Option B - The given sentence has an exclamatory sentence 'Oh dear!' which is punctuated properly with an exclamation mark. 'Did I really hurt you?' is a question and thus it ends with a question mark. Hence, option B is the correct answer.
'Oh dear! Did I really hurt you?'

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the sentence with correct punctuation marks.
I found mitas lost bag.

  1. I found Mita's lost bag.

  2. I Found Mita's Lost Bag.

  3. I found Mitas lost bag!

  4. I found Mita's lost bag?
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Option B - All the words in the given sentence are not proper nouns and hence only 'Mita's' should have a capital 'M'. Thus option B is incorrect.

Option C - 'Mitas' is incorrect, as to show someone's possession we use an apostrophe and an 'S'. For example, 'Rahul's office is neat and clean.' Also, the sentence is a simple sentence and not an exclamatory sentence. Hence, option C is incorrect.
Option D - The given sentence is not a question and hence we can't use a question mark here. Thus option D is incorrect.
Option A - 'Mita's' is used appropriately to show the ownership of her 'lost bag'. Also, the sentence ends with a full stop. Hence, option A is the correct answer,
'I found Mita's lost bag.'

Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Choose the sentence with correct punctuation marks among the options given.
My sister kamini studies in merry hearts public school.

  1. My sister, Kamini, studies in Merry hearts public school.

  2. my sister, kamini, studies in Merry Hearts Public School.

  3. My sister, Kamini, studies in Merry Hearts Public School.

  4. My Sister, Kamini, Studies in Merry hearts public School.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option C is the correct answer because it has all the necessary punctuations. The sentence starts with a capitalized word, 'My' and the proper noun 'Kamini' is also capitalized; there is a pair of commas before and after 'Kamini' to express the fact that the name of the sister is not exactly necessary to complete the meaning of the sentence; and the name of the school is also capitalized because it is the name of an institution.

Option A is incorrect as the name of the school is not correctly capitalized.
Option B is incorrect because the first word and the proper noun in the sentence are not capitalized.
Option D is incorrect because the words 'sister' and 'studies' are incorrectly capitalized even when they are not proper nouns and the name of the school is not correctly capitalized despite the fact that it is a proper noun.




Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Choose the sentence with correct punctuation marks among the options given.
Hari my brother is about to reach mumbai.

  1. hari my brother, is about to reach Mumbai!

  2. Hari, my brother, is about to reach Mumbai.

  3. Hari, my brother is about to reach mumbai.

  4. Hari, my Brother is about to reach Mumbai:
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

We use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. In the given sentence, the fact that Hari is the narrator's brother is not really essential to complete the meaning of the sentence. That is the reason why 'my brother' has been separated by a pair of commas. The sentence also promptly ends with a full stop and the proper nouns are correctly capitalized. Hence option B is the sentence with the correct punctuations.

Option A is incorrect because of the incorrect usage of the exclamation mark as we usually use it to indicate an exclamative clause or expression in informal writing. Also the proper noun 'Hari' is not capitalized correctly and the sentence is lacking a comma after the proper noun.
Option C is incorrect because 'Mumbai' is not capitalized and there should be a comma after 'my brother' to indicate a short pause.
Option D is incorrect as the word 'brother' is unnecessarily capitalized, the sentence is lacking a comma after 'my brother' and the sentence is ending with a colon which is generally used between two main clauses in cases where the second clause explains or follows from the first.




Multiple choice introduction to punctuation punctuation english

Select the sentence with correct punctuation marks among the options given.
Mother said honesty is the best policy

  1. Mother said honesty is the best policy

  2. Mother said : Honesty is the best policy

  3. Mother said, "Honey is the best policy."

  4. Mother said "honesty is the best policy"
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Option C is the correct answer as the inverted commas are used correctly, the first letter in the quotation is capitalised and the sentence ends with a full stop.

Option A is incorrect because inverted commas are not used to quote what mother said and it doesn't have a full stop.
Option B is incorrect because neither does it have inverted commas nor a full stop. The colon is used out of place as they are generally used between two main clauses in cases where the second clause explains or follows from the first.

Option D is incorrect because the first letter in the quote is not capitalised, there should be a comma after 'said' to separate the direct speech within the inverted commas and the sentence doesn't have a full stop.