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

Directions: Select the correct change of narration. My classmate said,” I have your number.”

  1. My classmate said that I had your number.

  2. My classmate told that he had my number.

  3. My classmate said that he has my number.

  4. My classmate said that he had my number.

  5. Dummy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D 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, the reported speech (while change of narration) converts into the past. Hence, option 4.

Multiple choice

Choose the option in which the word LATE is used incorrectly or inappropriately.

(1) She was half an hour late for her lunch appointment. (2) Rajani and Kanika promised to reach the theater on time, but the later didn't turn up at all. (3) The hockey team won the game with a late goal. (4) The late William Shakespear is still living in the hearts of his readers. (5) The students appearing for civil services have to be in touch with the latest news.

  1. 4

  2. 1

  3. 2

  4. 5

  5. 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Correct; the word 'later' is used inappropriately. The correct word should be 'latter'  which  means ' the second person'.

Multiple choice

Choose the option in which the word STAY is used incorrectly or inappropriately.

(1) The Supreme court stayed the execution of the bill allowing criminals to contest the elections. (2) After the whole day's running around, I grabbed something to stay the pangs of hunger. (3) Jenny decided to stay at home with their young child. (4) I have been staying in this house for the last twenty years. (5) I invited my friends to stay with me during summer break.

  1. 4

  2. 2

  3. 5

  4. 1

  5. 3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Correct; the word  is used inappropriately here. The word 'stay' is used for short term stay, whereas for longer stay we use the word 'live'.

Multiple choice

Select the option that corrects the following incorrect sentence. Both Matt as well as Terry are proposing to see a film.

  1. Matt as well as Terry are proposing to see a film.

  2. Both Matt and Terry is proposing to see a film.

  3. Both Matt and Terry are proposing to see a film.

  4. Both Matt and Terry was proposing to see a film.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

(1) is incorrect because if two subjects are joined by “as well as”, then the verb has to agree with the first subject, which is singular and hence, the use of 'are' is wrong. (2) is incorrect because if two subject are joined by “and”, then the verb should be plural whereas in (2), the verb used is singular. (4) is incorrect because the usage of 'was' is incorrect. Answer: (3)

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the answer that shows the best punctuation for the underlined part of the sentence. If the sentence is correct as it is, choose 5.

Many people believe in UFO's however I've never seen one.

  1. UFO's however: I've

  2. UFO's, however, I've

  3. UFO's however, I've

  4. UFO's; however, I've

  5. Correct as it is
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The semicolon can be used to separate two main clauses, so that each could alone stand as a complete sentence.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a gerund?

  1. She is dreaming about it.

  2. Jumping here and there, is the hobby of our rabbit.

  3. I am enjoying this cool weather.

  4. Ragav is selling vegetables.

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

'Jumping' is acting as a gerund.