Sentence Improvement Practice Questions

5 questions per page • Detailed step-by-step solutions

Directions (Q. )

In each of the following questions, a part of the sentence is italicised. Alternatives to the italicised part are provided below, one of which may improve the sentence. Choose the best alternative. If no improvement is needed, select 'E' as your answer.

Question 16
Easy
The children was given strict instructions not to leave the campus.
A was given
B are given
C had given
D were given
E No improvement
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

'Children' is plural, so the passive needs 'were given'. 'Was given' does not agree with the subject.
Question 17
Easy
The company put of the launch because of the storm.
A put on
B put off
C put for
D put to
E No improvement
Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

The phrasal verb meaning 'postpone' is 'put off'.
Question 18
Easy
The factories in the area has been closed.
A is being closing
B is closed
C closed
D have been closed
E No improvement
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

'Factories' is plural, so the passive needs 'have been closed'.
Question 19
Easy
The old bridge were strong enough to carry heavy trucks.
A are
B has been
C being
D was
E No improvement
Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

'The old bridge' is singular, so the past tense verb must be 'was'.
Question 20
Medium
Never I have seen such a beautiful sunset in my life.
A Never have I seen
B Never I seen
C Never I had seen
D Never have I saw
E No improvement
Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

After the negative adverb 'Never', the auxiliary comes before the subject, and the past participle 'seen' follows: 'Never have I seen'.