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

Directions: Out of the four alternatives suggested select the one which best converts the given sentence into passive or active voice.

His way of talking astonishes me.

  1. I am astonished by his way of talking.

  2. I am astonished with his way of talking.

  3. I am astonished at his way of talking.

  4. I am astonished at his talking way.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

While changing the voice, we interchange the respective places of the subject and the object. In passive voice, we always use the third form of the verb with the helping verb. Case of present simple tense. In such cases, we use the third form of the verb with 'is/am/are'. Correct preposition is 'by', not 'with'.

Multiple choice

Directions: Out of the four alternatives suggested select the one which best converts the given sentence into passive or active voice.

You are wanted outside.

  1. Somebody wants that you come outside.

  2. Outside somebody want you.

  3. Somebody wants you outside.

  4. Somebody outside wants you.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

While changing the voice of a sentence, we interchange the respective positions of the subject and the object. If the object is missing in the passive voice, we can provide the same while changing the voice. Case of present simple tense. Hence, option 3.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the sentence that changes the voice of the following sentence.

People speak English all over the world.

  1. English is spoken all over the world.

  2. All over the world, people speak English.

  3. English is spoken by the people all over the world.

  4. English was spoken all over the world.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The sentence in active voice contains an indefinite or vague pronoun as subject, i.e. people. In such cases, the agent with ‘by’ is usually avoided. The verb in active sentence is in simple present. It changes into ‘is/am/are + v3’ (v3 – past participle).

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the sentence that changes the voice of the following sentence.

The door is being knocked.

  1. Someone is knocking the door.

  2. Someone is being knocked the door.

  3. The door is knocked by someone.

  4. Someone knocked the door.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The active voice for this passive voice sentence should be in present continuous. The verb form 'is +v1 + ing' (A.V.) changes into 'is/am/are+ being + v3' (P.V.). As the subject is indefinite pronoun, it is omitted in passive. It should be present in active voice of the sentence.

Multiple choice

Which forms of the word: "myth" will fit the sentences given below?

Neptune is the god of the sea in Roman _____. Many People say the great epic “The Ramayana” is a __. Aliens are _____ creatures.

  1. myth, mythological, mythological

  2. mythology, mythological, mythological

  3. mythology, myth, mythical

  4. myth, myth, mythical
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The first blank needs "mythology" (noun) as the field/study area. The second requires "myth" (noun) in "is a myth". The third uses "mythical" (adjective) to describe creatures. Option C correctly provides: mythology, myth, mythical. "Mythological" in other options is less precise for sentence 3.

Multiple choice

Directions: In this question, two sentences I and II are given. Each sentence has a blank. Five words, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are suggested. Out of these, only one fits both the blanks in the context of each sentence. The number of that word is the answer.

I You don't need to _______here any longer; you will be informed of the results telephonically. II The coach advised the players to _________ together to foil the rival attack.

  1. sit

  2. wait

  3. stick

  4. stand

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

'Stick' works in both sentences with phrasal verbs. In sentence I, 'stick around' means to wait or remain. In sentence II, 'stick together' means to cooperate or unite as a team. 'Sit', 'wait', 'stand', and 'get' don't form appropriate phrasal verbs for both contexts.

Multiple choice

Directions: Identify the underlined part of the sentence that has an error. If there is no error, choose (5).

In an economy that is not strong, the currency value falls, inflation rate is always increasing, and the cost of living goes up.

  1. an economy

  2. value falls

  3. is always increasing

  4. goes up

  5. No error
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The other two verbs in the sentence - falls and goes up - are in simple present. The correct construction should be inflation rate increases.

Multiple choice

Directions: Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one that best converts the given sentence into passive or active voice.

Your case will be discussed tomorrow.

  1. People will have discussions on your case tomorrow.

  2. The committee will discuss your case tomorrow.

  3. He will discuss your case tomorrow.

  4. I shall discuss your case tomorrow.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

While changing the voice, we interchange the respective places of the subject and the object. In passive voice, we always use the third form of the verb with the helping verb. Voice change is related only to the verb clause. If subject is missing in the passive voice, we provide the same while changing the voice.  

Multiple choice

Directions: Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best converts the given sentence into passive or active voice.

I saw him conducting the rehearsal.

  1. He was seen by me conducting the rehearsal.

  2. I saw the rehearsal being conducted by him.

  3. He was seen by me to conduct the rehearsal.

  4. The rehearsal being conducted by him was seen by me.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

While changing the voice, we interchange the respective places of the subject and the object. In passive voice, we always use the third form of the verb with the helping verb. Voice change is related only to the verb clause. The object 'conducting the rehearsal' becomes the subject in the passive voice.