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 21

Easy

The meeting was cancelled by the manager was absent.

A because the manager absent

B because the manager was absent

C for the manager absent

D owing manager absent

E No improvement

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

'Because' introduces a full clause with a subject and verb: 'because the manager was absent'.

Question 22

Medium

The bus driver, along with the passengers, were waiting for the police.

A are waiting

B waited

C have been waiting

D was waiting

E No improvement

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In 'along with', the verb agrees with the first subject, 'The bus driver', which is singular: 'was waiting'.

Question 23

Easy

The sea looked calmest than usual this morning.

A more calm than

B calm than

C most calm than

D calmer than

E No improvement

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Comparing two states with 'than' requires the comparative 'calmer than', not the superlative.

Question 24

Medium

He prefers to walking rather than to drive.

A prefers walking rather than to drive

B prefers to walk than drive

C prefers walking to driving

D prefers walking than driving

E No improvement

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

'Prefer' takes 'to' for comparing two activities, and the gerund follows: 'prefers walking to driving'.

Question 25

Easy

She is senior to her colleagues in the department.

A senior than

B senior from

C senior with

D senior for

E No improvement

Correct Answer: E

Explanation:

'Senior to' is the correct idiomatic structure, so the underlined part needs no change.