This grammar exercise tests your understanding of some commonly confused words in English.
Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate option.
1My grandfather ............... have an elephant.
Wrong!
Use "used to" for a past state, not "would".
2Kerala is ............... worth visiting.
Wrong!
The fixed expression is "well" worth visiting.
3She was very kind ............... me.
Wrong!
The adjective "kind" is followed by "to" when we name the person who receives the kindness.
4Do you ............... to open the window?
Wrong!
Use "want" before an infinitive with "to".
5It was a decision ............... importance I didn’t realize at the time.
Wrong!
Use "whose" to show possession.
6I can’t decide ............... to leave or stay.
Wrong!
Use "whether" before an infinitive when choosing between alternatives.
7We walked ............... the edge of the desert.
Wrong!
Use "up to" for movement as far as a place.
8I would have died if they hadn’t taken me to hospital ...............
Wrong!
Use "in time" to mean early enough to prevent something bad.
9Who is that girl sitting ............... James?
Wrong!
Use "beside" to mean next to someone or something.
10The house was clean ............... the bedroom.
Wrong!
Use "except for" when one part is different from the general statement.
Answers
- My grandfather used to have an elephant.
- Kerala is well worth visiting.
- She was very kind to me.
- Do you want to open the window?
- It was a decision whose importance I didn’t realize at the time.
- I can’t decide whether to leave or stay.
- We walked up to the edge of the desert.
- I would have died if they hadn’t taken me to hospital in time.
- Who is that girl sitting beside James?
- The house was clean except for the bedroom.