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

Identify the sentence with the correct usage of pronouns

  1. Having to hurry in the last minute, neither of the family members could find his keys to the main door.

  2. Having to hurry in the last minute, neither of the family members could find their keys to the main door.

  3. Having to hurry in the last minute, neither of the family member could find his keys to the main door.

  4. Having to hurry in the last minute, neither of the family members could find one's keys to the main door.

  5. Having to hurry in the last minute, neither of the family members could find its keys to the main door.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

his / her is used to refer a single person - (neither)

Multiple choice

Identify the sentence with the correct usage of pronouns

  1. The Committee came to a conclusion that it would fine the people who would litter the society premises.

  2. The Committee came to a conclusion that they would fine the people who would litter the society premises.

  3. The Committee came to a conclusion that we would fine the people who would litter the society premises.

  4. The Committee came to a conclusion that it would fine the people which would litter the society premises.

  5. The Committee came to a conclusion that it would fine the peoples who would litter the society premises.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

It is used to refer to a collective noun because a collective noun is referred to as singular for the usage of pronouns.

Multiple choice

Identify the sentence with the correct usage of pronouns

  1. If everyone stopped wasting water, her would realize that little drops of water make an ocean.

  2. If everyone stopped wasting water, their would realize that little drops of water make an ocean.

  3. If everyone stopped wasting water, one would realize that little drops of water make an ocean.

  4. If everyone stopped wasting water, he would realize that little drops of water make an ocean.

  5. If everyone stopped wasting water, they would realize that little drops of water make an ocean.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

He is used to refer a person in common when the gender of the person is not known. Everyone refers to a singular noun.

Multiple choice

Identify the sentence with the correct usage of pronouns

  1. My sixty five year old grandmother still preserves the red rose and the card gifted to her by grandpa because it is a relic from one's happy teens.

  2. My sixty five year old grandmother still preserves the red rose and the card gifted to him by grandpa because they are relics from her happy teens.

  3. My sixty five year old grandmother still preserves the red rose and the card gifted to her by grandpa because they are relics from her happy teens.

  4. My sixty five year old grandmother still preserves the red rose and the card gifted to her by grandpa because she is a relic from her happy teens.

  5. My sixty five year old grandmother still preserves the red rose and the card gifted to her by grandpa because it is a relic from her happy teens.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Third option is correct. The rose and card are two things, hence plural pronoun 'they' needs to be used here. Secondly, teens is referring to grandma's happy teens, so 'her' is to be used.

Multiple choice

Directions: The question has four sentences marked A, B, C and D. Choose the incorrect sentences:

(A) Being a fine day, we went out for a picnic. (B) Being behind, I showed him the way. (C) I was glad at my mother’s coming. (D) I have read Shelly’s poetry who was a romantic poet.

  1. AB and D

  2. A, C, D

  3. BC

  4. CD
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

(A). Add subject 'it' at the beginning of statement A; clarify who is behind whom in statement B; error of modifier in D? 'who' seems to qualify poetry.

Multiple choice

Directions: The question has four sentences marked A, B, C and D. Choose the incorrect sentences.

A. We want your reply at once. B. Both did not go there. C. I told my story to whosoever wanted to listen to. D. The man is my friend who met you yesterday.

  1. B, D

  2. B, C, D

  3. C, D

  4. A, D
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

We do not use 'both' in negative sentences. 'Neither' is to be used in the sentence and its construction needs to be changed. 'Neither of the two went there'. The last sentence needs to be rephrased: 'The man who met you yesterday, is my friend'.

Multiple choice

Directions: Identify the correct idiom or phrase to complete the sentence.

After we have paid our creditors, the____________.

  1. gravy is left

  2. rest is gravy

  3. rest all are all gravy

  4. remaining all is gravy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

'Gravy' metaphorically represents easy money, extra profit, or benefits that come without much effort. After paying creditors, whatever remains is pure profit or 'gravy' - money that can be enjoyed or spent freely.

Multiple choice

Which form of the word: "obligate" will fit in sentence (i) given below? It is (i)that we finish our work by 4 pm. You are under no (ii)_to accept our proposal. The higher authorities were not only entitled, but also(iii)____, to take appropriate measures

  1. obligate

  2. obligatory

  3. obligated

  4. obligation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The sentence needs an adjective to complete 'It is ___ that we finish our work'. 'Obligatory' is an adjective meaning required, compulsory, necessary - 'It is obligatory that we finish our work' correctly expresses necessity. 'Obligate' is a verb, not adjective. 'Obligated' is a past participle/adjective but means 'required to do something' used for people ('I was obligated'), not for impersonal it-clauses. 'Obligation' is a noun. Only 'obligatory' functions as adjective modifying the clause.

Multiple choice

Which form of the word: "obligate" will fit in the sentence (ii) given below?

It is (i)that we finish our work by 4 pm. You are under no (ii)_to accept our proposal. The higher authorities were not only entitled, but also(iii)____, to take appropriate measures

  1. obligate

  2. obligatory

  3. obligated

  4. obligation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'under no obligation' is a standard idiomatic expression meaning 'not required or bound to do something.' 'Obligation' is a noun, which is grammatically correct here. 'Obligate' is a verb, 'obligatory' is an adjective, and 'obligated' is a participle - none of which fit the noun position required after the preposition 'under no.'

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the incorrect sentence.

  1. I saw four women walking in the garden.

  2. The teacher gave him some advices.

  3. Our principal will give us a test next Monday.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Option 2 is the correct answer because “advices” should be replaced by “a piece of advice” as “advice” is a non-count noun and it means “guidance”.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the sentence that completes the dialogue.

S1: “We ate, we danced with joy. It was a great feast.” S2: S3: “The day you marry,” the other said.

  1. “When will the feast be over?”

  2. “When will we have such a marriage again?"

  3. “Next month”
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Option 2 is the correct answer because speaker in S1 presents a situation and S2 asks a question about it (marriage) and S3 is the answer (the day you marry) to that question.