English Language

English Grammar and Usage

1,563 Questions

English grammar and usage form a critical component of language sections in competitive exams. This hub provides practice with fill in the blanks, prepositions, and appropriate word selection. Strong grammar skills are necessary to score well in verbal ability tests.

Fill in the blanksPrepositions usageConjunctions selectionSentence correction

English Grammar and Usage Questions

Multiple choice

I will pay ___ cash.

  1. in

  2. for

  3. at

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

The standard idiomatic expression for paying with physical currency is 'pay in cash'.

Multiple choice

We (play) __________ Monopoly at the moment.

  1. play

  2. plays

  3. are playing

  4. is playing
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The phrase 'at the moment' indicates the present continuous tense. Since the subject is 'we', the correct auxiliary verb is 'are' followed by the present participle 'playing'.

Multiple choice proper use of articles articles english

Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
_________ abnormal behavior can be caused by _________ fear, but there are _________ other causes as well.

  1. no article / no article / no article

  2. An / no article / no article

  3. An / no article / the

  4. The / no article / the
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

  1. An/A' is used as an indefinite article for a thing or person when the reader doesn't know which one we are referring to out of many nouns. It states the random nature of the subject.
  2. 'The' is used as a definite article for a thing or person when the reader knows which one we are exactly referring to. It states the specific nature of the subject.

Option A is correct because both the blanks don't require articles to provide meaning to the sentence. Option C is incorrect as 'The' is wrongly used to provide the sense to the sentence. 'The' refers to a particular subject & shows the uniqueness of the subjects of which the readers are aware of. Option B is incorrect as 'An' is used for words with a random nature and it doesn't fit here logically to provide sense to the sentence. Option D is incorrect as 'The' is wrongly used to provide the sense to the sentence. 'The' refers to a particular subject & shows the uniqueness of the subjects of which the readers are aware of. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a direct method of language testing?

  1. Cloze test

  2. Dictation

  3. Multiple-choice test

  4. True-false test
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Dictation is a direct method of language testing as it requires test takers to produce language in response to a stimulus.

Multiple choice

What is the role of context in language testing?

  1. Context can influence the difficulty of a language test.

  2. Context can affect the validity of a language test.

  3. Context can impact the reliability of a language test.

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Context can influence the difficulty, validity, and reliability of a language test.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of orthographic reform?

  1. The spelling of the word "through" in English

  2. The spelling of the word "through" in French

  3. The spelling of the word "a través de" in Spanish

  4. The spelling of the word "à travers" in French
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The spelling of the word "through" in English is an example of orthographic reform, as it shows how the spelling of the word has been changed over time to make it more consistent with the rules that govern the spelling of other words.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of orthographic modernization?

  1. The spelling of the word "computer" in English

  2. The spelling of the word "ordinateur" in French

  3. The spelling of the word "computadora" in Spanish

  4. The spelling of the word "ordinateur" in French
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The spelling of the word "computer" in English is an example of orthographic modernization, as it shows how the spelling of the word has been changed over time to reflect changes in the pronunciation of the word.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of an additive transition?

  1. Moreover

  2. However

  3. Because

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

Moreover is an example of an additive transition, which is used to add information to the previous sentence.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a cause and effect transition?

  1. Because

  2. So

  3. Therefore

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

Because is an example of a cause and effect transition, which is used to show the relationship between a cause and its effect.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a part of speech in Indo-Aryan languages?

  1. Noun

  2. Verb

  3. Adjective

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In Indo-Aryan languages, parts of speech are traditionally divided into four main categories: nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a common method of language immersion?

  1. Studying abroad.

  2. Taking language classes.

  3. Watching foreign films with subtitles.

  4. Listening to music in the target language.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

While language classes provide structured learning, they do not offer the same level of immersion as other methods, such as studying abroad or living in a foreign country.

Multiple choice

What is the main advantage of language immersion compared to traditional language learning methods?

  1. Accelerated language acquisition.

  2. Enhanced cultural understanding.

  3. Improved cognitive abilities.

  4. Greater motivation to learn.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Language immersion allows individuals to acquire a language more naturally and efficiently by exposing them to the language in its authentic context.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a potential challenge associated with language immersion?

  1. Culture shock.

  2. Language anxiety.

  3. Homesickness.

  4. Enhanced cultural understanding.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Enhanced cultural understanding is a benefit, not a challenge, associated with language immersion.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for maximizing the benefits of language immersion?

  1. Actively engaging with native speakers.

  2. Immersing oneself in the target culture.

  3. Relying solely on formal language instruction.

  4. Challenging oneself with difficult language tasks.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Relying solely on formal language instruction limits the opportunities for natural language acquisition and cultural immersion.