Auxiliary verbs exercise

Auxiliary verbs exercise

Fill in the blanks with appropriate forms of be, have and do.

1. I will go to Chicago after I ——————– finished my work here.

a) has
b) have

c) had

2. She ——————– playing the piano when I entered her room.

a) was
b) is
c) has

3. The patient ——————- died before the doctor came.

a) has
b) did
c) had

4. —————— you ever been to Kashmir?

a) were
b) have
c) had

5. That is what he ——————— not seem to understand.

a) did
b) does
c) has

6. They ——————— say that they would pay up.

a) does
b) do

c) did

7. I will call you when dinner ——————– ready.

a) is
b) was
c) has

8. She asked where I ——————- going.

a) am
b) was
c) have

9. —————— you know where John lives?

a) have
b) do
c) does

10. I ——————– admit that I was wrong.

a) do
b) have
c) was

11. I always feed the dogs before I ——————- breakfast.

a) have
b) has

c) had

12. Before he —————- community service, he went to university.

a) did
b) had
c) has

13. After he ——————- finished school, he went to England.

a) had
b) has
c) did

14. We —————- to get a 10 per cent wage rise in May.

a) was
b) are
c) have

15. Why don’t you ——————– a good boy and sit down?

a) be
b) is
c) was

Answers

1. b) have
2. a) was
3. c) had
4. b) have
5. b) does
6. c) did
7. a) is
8. b) was
9. b) do
10. a) do
11. a) have
12. a) did
13. a) had
14. b) are
15. a) be

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Prepositions Quiz 2

Prepositions Quiz 2

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

1. The boy walked ——————– the road.

a) in
b) along
c) at
d) in to

2. The river flows ——————- the bridge.

a) along
b) under
c) on
d) beyond

3. The work was done —————– haste.

a) in
b) with
c) on
d) with

4. He died —————– his country.

a) at
b) for
c) with
d) between

5. The steam engine was invented —————— James Watt.

a) by
b) with
c) for
d) to

6. The robbers jumped —————– the compound wall.

a) over
b) under
c) inside
d) outside

7. The village was destroyed —————— fire.

a) by
b) with
c) between

d) around

8. He spoke —————- me —————— French.

a) to, in
b) in, to
c) at, with
d) to, over

9. They live —————— the same roof.

a) under
b) in
c) within
d) outside

10. I have not seen him ——————– last Wednesday.

a) for
b) since
c) from
d) between

11. I have known him ——————- a long time.

a) since
b) for
c) from
d) between

12. This is a matter —————– little importance.

a) of
b) over
c) with
d) off

13. He has not yet recovered —————— his illness.

a) from
b) on
c) of
d) off

14. I shall do it —————— pleasure.

a) with
b) by
c) from
d) to

15. He broke the jug ——————- a hundred pieces.

a) in
b) into
c) by
d) at

Answers

1. b) along
2. b) under
3. a) in
4. b) for
5. a) by
6. a) over
7. a) by
8. a) to, in
9. a) under
10. b) since
11. b) for
12. a) of
13. a) from
14. a) with
15. b) into

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Prepositions Exercise

Prepositions Exercise

It is difficult to learn to use prepositions correctly in a foreign language. Many nouns, verbs and adjectives are normally used with particular prepositions.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

1. The turban and the beard easily distinguish a Sikh ——————— others.

a) to
b) from
c) with
d) in

2. The laboratory should be furnished ———————- all necessary equipment.

a) in
b) of
c) with
d) out

3. She is keen ———————- building a career in music.

a) on
b) in
c) at
d) from

4. She is a disgrace ——————- her family.

a) to
b) for
c) at

d) on

5. He was the first to alight ——————- the train.

a) on
b) from
c) in
d) with

6. He is busy ——————– his studies.

a) in
b) with
c) of
d) off

7. He is addicted ——————– drugs.

a) to
b) in
c) on
d) for

8. The hotel is adjacent ——————- the railway station.

a) to
b) at
c) in
d) for

9. During his speech, he alluded ——————– a story in the Vedas.

a) to
b) at
c) in
d) with

10. You must apologize ——————— him.

a) with
b) to
c) for

d) with

11. The inspector commented favorably ——————– our work.

a) on
b) in
c) with
d) for

12. I congratulated him —————— his success.

a) in
b) on
c) for
d) with

Answers

1. b) from
2. c) with
3. a) on
4. a) to
5. b) from
6. b) with
7. a) to
8. a) to
9. a) to
10. b) to
11. a) on
12. b) on

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Verb patterns with gerund

Verb patterns with gerund

Do a lot of + gerund

This construction is used to emphasize the frequency with which an action is performed.  Study the following sentences.

• He does a lot of reading. (Affirmative)
• He doesn’t do much reading. (Negative)
• I used to do a lot of gardening. (Affirmative)
• I don’t do much gardening these days. (Negative)
• My job requires me to do a lot of traveling.
• I hate having to do much traveling.

Notes

We use much / many in negative and interrogatives sentences. In affirmative sentences longer expressions like ‘a lot of / plenty of / a great deal of’ etc are used.

Exercise

Rewrite the following sentences using the do a lot of + gerundconstructions.

1. I rode a lot in my youth.
2. He drank too much last night.
3. The old woman talks too much.
4. We used to read a lot when we were at university.

Answers

1. I did a lot of riding in my youth.
2. He did a lot of drinking last night.
3. The old woman does a lot of talking.
4. We did a lot of reading when were at university.

How about / what about + gerund

These expressions are used to seek an opinion or propose a suggestion. They are used at the beginning of a question. Note thathow about / what about cannot be followed by an infinitive.

• How about hiring a cab? (NOT How about to hire a cab?)
• What about buying ourselves a drink?
• How about going to the movies?

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Verbs Exercise

Verbs Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the past or past participle form of the verb given in the brackets.

1.       The country is —————– by factions. (tear)
2.       Once Sydney Smith was asked his name by a servant and found to his dismay that he had —————— his own name. (forget)
3.       You couldn’t have —————- a better day for a drive. (choose)
4.       The old beggar was —————— by a mad dog. (bite)
5.       He —————– the book on the table. (lay)
6.       Walking through the jungle he —————- on a snake. (tread)
7.       He —————— a hasty retreat on the arrival of a policeman. (beat)
8.       You must reap what you have —————– (sow)
9.       His voice —————- as he spoke. (shake)
10.   His path was not —————– with flowers but he persevered. (strew)
11.   The explorers were ————— to death. (freeze)
12.   His voice —————— to a whisper. (sink)

Answers

1.       Torn
2.       Forgotten
3.       Chosen
4.       Bitten
5.       Laid
6.       Trod
7.       Beat
8.       Sown
9.       Shook
10.   Strewn
11.   Frozen
12.   Sank

Notes

The past participle form is used after be (is / am / are / was / were) and have (has / have / had). The past tense form is used in other cases.

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Prepositions Quiz

Prepositions Quiz

Although prepositions are small words they are very important ones and their correct usage shows your mastery over the language. Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate preposition.

1. He is very sensitive ——————- criticism.

a) at
b) to
c) for
d) in

2. The Japanese are used ——————- periodic cyclones and earthquakes.

a) to
b) in
c) at
d) for

3. He is wanting —————— sympathy and understanding.

a) in
b) at
c) for
d) with

4. I warned him ——————— her treachery.

a) against
b) with
c) on
d) from

5. We will not yield ——————– such temptations.

a) to
b) in
c) on

d) at

6. He has a zest ——————— adventure.

a) for
b) in
c) on
d) at

7. I am sure ——————— passing this time.

a) in
b) for
c) of
d) at

8. As she was ill, we send —————— a doctor.

a) with
b) for
c) out
d) in

9. I am thankful to  you —————— your co-operation.

a) to
b) for
c) with

d) at

10. He is worthy —————— our reverence and esteem.

a) of
b) at
c) for

d) with

11. I am tired —————— repeating this.

a) with
b) at
c) of
d) by

12. I am suspicious ——————- his true intentions.

a) with
b) of
c) in
d) for

Answers

1. b) to
2. a) to
3. a) in
4. a) against
5. a) to
6. a) for
7. c) of
8. b) for
9. b) for
10. a) of
11. c) of
12. b) of

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Tenses Quiz 1

Tenses Quiz 1

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

1. I waited for my friend until he ————

a) came
b) had come
c) comes
d) will come.

2. He ran as quickly as he ————–

a) can
b) could
c) may
b) might

3. He went where he ————- find work.

a) will
b) can
c) could
d) shall

4. As he was not there, I ————- to his brother.

a) speak
b) spoke
c) was speaking
d) will not speak

5. He finished first though he ————- late.

a) would start
b) started
c) start
d) starts

6. Just as he ———— the room the clock struck seven.

a) enter
b) entered
c) will enter
d) enters

7. Answer the first question before you ————- any further.

a) proceed
b) proceeded
c) will proceed
d) would proceed

8. I forgive you since you ————-

a) repent
b) repented
c) will repent
d) would repent

9. He ———— because he was in a hurry.

a) runs
b) ran
c) run
d) had run

10. He stayed at home because he ———— feeling ill.

a) is
b) was
c) were
d) had

Answers

1. came
2. could
3. could
4. spoke
5. started
6. entered
7. proceed
8. repent
9. ran
10. was

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Easily confused words Quiz 1

Easily confused words Quiz 1

Confusing words are words that are very similar in spelling or pronunciation. Choose the correct word to complete each sentence. Each question has only one correct answer.

1.      The speaker made several ————— to mythology in his speech.

a)      Illusions
b)      Allusions

2.      We must make every effort to ————- a Third World War.

a)      Avert
b)      Invert

3.      He has great ————— for his daughter.

a)      Affection
b)      Affectation

4.      He is an —————- rogue.

a)      Artful
b)      Artificial

5.      Success often depends on a person’s ability to ——————– himself / herself to changing circumstances.

a)      Adapt
b)      Adopt

6.      I hate ————– in speech or manner.

a)      Affection
b)      Affectation

7.      The writer has failed to support his arguments with ————– quotations.

a)      Apposite
b)      Opposite

8.      She looked lovely in her ————— dress.

a)      Bridle
b)      Bridal

9.      A child’s mind requires —————- surroundings to develop well.

a)      Congenital
b)      Congenial

10.  He is ————– to violent methods.

a)      Averse
b)      Adverse

11.  I can —————- the bare principles of the Special Theory of Relativity, but I can’t ————  the full implications of that theory.

a)      Apprehend, comprehend
b)      Comprehend, apprehend

12.  Her —————- qualities endear her to everybody.

a)      Amiable
b)      Amicable

Answers

1.      Allusions
2.      Avert
3.      Affection
4.      Artful
5.      Adapt
6.      Affectation
7.      Apposite
8.      Bridal
9.      Congenial
10.  Averse
11.  Apprehend, comprehend
12.  Amiable

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Prepositions exercise

Prepositions exercise

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate preposition.

1. He is partial ………………….. his relatives.

a) to
b) for
c) with

2. His infatuation ………………. her led him astray.

a) for
b) with
c) to

3. I have great respect ………………….. him.

a) for
b) to
c) with

4. He is not qualified ………………….. the post.

a) for
b) to
c) with

5. Illiteracy is a hindrance …………………. progress.

a) for
b) to
c) with

6. There are several benefits …………………. traveling alone.

a) for
b) to
c) of

7. He neither said nor did anything derogatory ………….………….. his position.

a) of
b) to
c) off

8. She is desirous ……………………. going abroad.

a) of
b) for

9. He is respectful ………………… his senior officers.

a) with
b) to
c) for

10. He has no prejudice ………………….. foreigners.

a) for
b) against
c) before

Answers

1. He is partial to his relatives.

2. His infatuation for her led him astray.

3. I have great respect for him.

4. He is not qualified for the post.

5. Illiteracy is a hindrance to progress.

6. There are several benefits to traveling alone.

7. He neither said nor did anything derogatory to his position.

8. She is desirous of going abroad.

9. He is respectful to his senior officers.

10. He has no prejudice against foreigners.

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Using how

 How is used to introduce questions. It is also used in exclamations. Note that when how is used in exclamations the verb comes after the subject. In questions the verb comes before the subject.

• How do you know him? (NOT How you know him?)
• How pretty she is! (NOT How is she pretty!)

How is not used in comparisons.

This grammar exercise tests your ability to use ‘how’ correctly in questions and exclamations.

1. …………………… grown!

a) How you’ve
b) How have you

2. Do it ……………….. Mummy does.

a) as
b) like
c) how

3. ……………………… holidays!

a) How I love
b) How do I love

4. …………………….. do you weigh?

a) How
b) How much

5. …………………… beautiful she is!

a) How
b) What

6. ………………….. a splendid sight!

a) What
b) How

7.  ……………………….. about inviting Mark to our party?

a) How
b) What
c) Either could be used here

8. Does anyone know …………………….. big the universe is?

a) how
b) how much
c) Either could be used here

Answers

1. How you’ve grown!

2. Do it as / like Mummy does.

3. How I love holidays!

4. How much do you weigh?

5. How beautiful she is!

6. What a splendid sight!

7.  What / how about inviting Mark to our party?

8. Does anyone know how big the universe is?

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Verbs exercise

 

 Verbs exercise

Complete the following sentences using the appropriate form of the verb.

1. It has been years since I ……………… him.

a) have seen
b) saw

2. The old man has …………………. his best days.

a) seen
b) shown

3. Marathi is ………………………. in Maharashtra.

a) spoke
b) spoken

4. At last his patience …………………… out.

a) worn
b) wore

5. The inscription has ………………….. away in several places.

a) wore
b) worn

6. Information technology has …………………… a long way since the 1970s.

a) come
c) came

7. He …………………… his books on the table.

a) lied

b) lain
c) laid

8.  A cloud ………………… across the moon.

a) swam
b) swum

9. The old man was …………………. by a mad dog.

a) bitten
b) bit

10. He …………………. three hundred dollars for the pony.

a) bade
b) bid

Answers

1. It has been years since I saw him.

2. The old man has seen his best days.

3. Marathi is spoken in Maharashtra.

4. At last his patience wore out.

5. The inscription has worn away in several places.

6. Information technology has come a long way since the 1970s.

7. He laid his books on the table.

8.  A cloud swam across the moon.

9. The old man was bitten by a mad dog.

10. He bid three hundred dollars for the pony.

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