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: Fill the blanks with most appropriate answer from the given options.

These days many people prefer to appoint personal ___________ and exercise at home rather than going to gyms.

  1. dieticians

  2. guards

  3. tutors

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

The context mentions exercise and going to gyms. Personal trainers are fitness professionals who design exercise programs and provide instruction. 'Trainers' correctly completes this thought. 'Dieticians' focus on nutrition, 'guards' provide security, and 'tutors' provide academic instruction - none of these relate to exercise.

Multiple choice

Find the appropriate word and fill blank (i).

Directions: Complete this passage by selecting the most suitable option for the corresponding gap.

Quality of working life largely depends upon _____(i)______ wages and salary, _____(ii)_______ benefits, job security, job satisfaction, though any one of these alone is not enough. Employees feel _______(iii)______ after performing the same routine job over a period of time. ________(iv)______ in work schedules, worker’s participation in management, free lunch schemes can be some of the factors leading towards quality of working life. 

  1. beautiful

  2. bountiful

  3. handsome

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

The phrase 'handsome wages' is a standard English collocation where 'handsome' means substantial, generous, or considerable. While 'handsome' typically describes appearance, in the context of compensation, it signifies a good amount. 'Bountiful' and 'abundant' could work but 'handsome' is the established idiomatic expression used with wages and salary.

Multiple choice

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

The members of the patrol picked their way carefully.

  1. Their way was picked carefully by the members of the patrol.

  2. Their way carefully was picked by the members of the patrol.

  3. Their careful way was picked by the members of the patrol.

  4. The patrol members were picked on their way carefully.
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 verb with the helping verb. This is a case of past simple tense. We use 'was/were' with the third form of verb in passive voice in this tense.

Multiple choice

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

She is watching others at play.

  1. Others are being watched at play by her.

  2. Others at play are being watched by her.

  3. Others are being watched by her at play.

  4. Others at play are watched her.
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 verb with the helping verb. This is a case of present continuous tense. We use 'is/are + being' with the third form of verb in passive voice in this tense. 

Multiple choice

'You have to bring your own stationery. You will need 2 pencils, an eraser and a ruler.' The underlined word is a

  1. conjunction

  2. lexically similar word

  3. substitute word

  4. reference word
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The underlined word 'stationery' is a substitute word (also called a superordinate term) that represents the specific items that follow (2 pencils, an eraser, and a ruler). The general term 'stationery' is used to introduce and stand for the list of specific items. This is different from a reference word (which refers back to something previously mentioned) or conjunction (which connects clauses). 'Lexically similar word' is not a standard grammatical category. Substitute words help avoid redundancy by grouping specific items under a general term.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the word that best fits the meaning of the given sentence.

He has a history of alcoholism but is reformed and now ______ drink.

  1. abdicates

  2. abstains

  3. abjures

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

The sentence describes someone who 'is reformed' - meaning they have completely given up their past behavior. 'Abjure' means to renounce, reject, or solemnly give up something formerly held. While similar to 'abstain', abjuring implies a stronger, more formal rejection of a past practice or belief, fitting the context of reform.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the word that best fits the meaning of the given sentence.

His _________ remarks were entirely inappropriate for the solemn occasion.

  1. facetious

  2. facile

  3. humorous

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

'Facetious' means treating serious issues with inappropriate or flippant humor - exactly what the sentence describes. 'Facile' means superficial or easy, 'humorous' is general and can be positive, and 'humbug' means nonsense or deception. Only 'facetious' captures the inappropriate, mocking tone unsuitable for a solemn occasion.

Multiple choice

Directions: Choose the word that best fits the meaning of the given sentence.

Unable to hide his contempt for the media, the _________ contender continued to make sarcastic comments.

  1. berating

  2. vituperative

  3. villainous

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

'Vituperative' means using or characterized by harsh, abusive, and bitter language - exactly fitting the description of someone making sarcastic, contemptuous comments. 'Berating' is a verb, 'inveighing' is also a verb form, and 'villainous' means evil but doesn't specifically capture the verbal abuse aspect.