Test your understanding of basic grammar rules and sentence patterns with this exercise. Complete each of the following sentences with an appropriate word or phrase.
1. The meeting will start at six o’clock ……………………..
As an adverb sharp can mean punctually.
2. You shouldn’t have spoken to her rather ……………………….
Sharp can mean punctually as an adverb. Sharply is used to express other meanings.
3. Under no circumstances ………………………. allowed in the pub.
After negative adverbial expressions like ‘under no circumstances’ we use an inverted word order. That means the auxiliary goes before the subject.
4. He launched his own business after ………………………. from the US.
After + ing often has the same meaning as after + having + past participle.
5. She is ……………………… as her husband.
No preposition is used in the structure ‘be + … age’.
6. She ……………………….. a few minutes ago.
We cannot normally use the present perfect tense with ago.
7. ……………………….. was there.
Please select 2 correct answers
Hardly anybody means the same as almost nobody. Nearly is not normally used before negative expressions.
8. They were quarreling all ………………………… the journey.
We prefer through to talk about periods or activities.
9. You could go by train, or ……………………….. you could hire a taxi.
Alternatively means instead.
10. We have been living ……………………… this street for ten years.
On is used in American English and in is used in British English.
11. You look ……………………. with a beard.
Look is a copular verb. We use an adjective, not an adverb to modify copular verbs.
12. Why don’t you do something for ………………………….?
Others can mean other people.
Answers
1. The meeting will start at six o’clock sharp.
2. You shouldn’t have spoken to her rather sharply.
3. Under no circumstances are kids allowed in the pub.
4. He launched his own business after returning / having returned from the US.
5. She is the same age as her husband.
6. She arrived a few minutes ago.
7. Hardly anybody / almost nobody was there.
8. They were quarreling all through the journey.
9. You could go by train, or alternatively you could hire a taxi.
10. We have been living in / on this street for ten years.
11. You look different with a beard.
12. Why don’t you do something for others / other people?
