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Intermediate Grammar – Quiz 1
Intermediate Grammar Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates intermediate grammar skills, including understanding verb phrases for initiating activities, temporal relationships in English, and the use of passive voice. It covers concepts such as future tense contractions, interrogative sentences, and subject-verb agreement.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What ..... on your last holiday?
A) Did you do.
B) Did you.
C) Did your doing.
D) You did.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Did you do.
This option correctly forms a question in the past tense, which is appropriate for asking about actions taken during a holiday. The phrase "What did you do on your last holiday?" is a common and grammatically correct way to inquire about activities from a previous vacation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly forms a question in the past tense, appropriate for asking about actions.
Option B:
Incorrect as it does not form a complete question and lacks the necessary verb "do" to make it interrogative.
Option C:
Grammatically incorrect; "Did your doing" is not a proper way to ask about actions taken.
Option D:
Incorrect as it does not form a question and lacks the necessary verb "do" to make it interrogative.
2.
5 ..... a couple of months
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "5 ..... a couple of months" is best completed with "For," indicating a duration over time. "For" is used to express the length of an action, while "Since" indicates a point in time from which something has been happening.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "For" expresses duration.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Since" introduces a starting point of an action, not its duration.
3.
"Shining" (film) by Stanley Kubrick.
A) Was filmed.
B) Was filming.
C) Was film.
D) Filmed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Was filmed.
This option correctly uses the passive voice in the past perfect tense, indicating that the film "Shining" by Stanley Kubrick was completed and exists as a result of the filming process.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive voice with past perfect tense.
Option B:
Incorrect. Active voice does not fit the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Was film" is grammatically incorrect and incomplete.
Option D:
Incorrect. Simple past tense does not convey the completed action in relation to existence.
4.
My dress was ..... by Ralph Lauren
A) Design.
B) Designed.
C) Written.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "design" is used to describe the process of creating something, often involving planning and drawing up plans. In this sentence, it makes sense that a dress was created through the process of design by Ralph Lauren. The past participle form "designed" correctly describes what Ralph Lauren did to create the dress.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Design" is in its base form and does not fit grammatically as it would require a different verb tense.
Option B:
"Designed" correctly describes what Ralph Lauren did to create the dress, making it the right choice.
Option C:
"Written" is incorrect because writing refers to creating text or documents, not clothing design.
Option D:
This option is incorrect as "designed" fits grammatically and semantically in this context.
5.
My kids ..... their homework when I got home, so I helped them.
A) Were doing.
B) Have done.
C) Did.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence indicates an action that was in progress when the speaker arrived home, which is why "were doing" (Option A) is correct. This verb form conveys ongoing action at a specific time in the past.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates an action in progress at a specific point in the past.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Have done" implies a completed action, which does not fit the context of an ongoing activity.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Did" is used for simple past tense and does not indicate an ongoing action.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
6.
There ..... been many hurricanes this year.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject of the sentence is "hurricanes," which is a plural noun referring to multiple hurricanes. Therefore, the verb should also be in its plural form, making "Have" (Option A) the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The subject "many hurricanes" is plural, so the verb must agree and use the plural form "have."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Has" is singular and does not match with the plural subject "hurricanes."
7.
Tomorrow ..... his new job.
A) He's starting.
B) He will start.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "He's starting" uses the contraction of "he is," which is more informal and commonly used in spoken English to indicate a future action that is about to begin. This form is suitable for describing an event happening tomorrow.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses contractions, appropriate for informal contexts like describing immediate future actions.
Option B:
Is grammatically correct but sounds more formal and less immediate than Option A.
8.
In 'look forward to', to is a:
A) Part of an infinitive.
B) Adjective.
C) Article.
D) Preposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"to" in 'look forward to' is a preposition. It introduces the object of the verb phrase, indicating what one looks forward to.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Part of an infinitive - Incorrect. "To" here is not part of an infinitive but a preposition.
Option B:
Adjective - Incorrect. "To" does not modify or describe 'look forward' as an adjective would.
Option C:
Article - Incorrect. There is no noun preceding "to" that requires an article.
Option D:
Preposition - Correct. It introduces the object of the verb phrase, indicating what one looks forward to.
9.
The library is ..... the third floor.
A) At.
B) In.
C) By.
D) On.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) On.
When referring to the location of a building's floor, "on" is used to indicate that something is situated on top of a surface, such as a floor. For example, "The library is on the third floor."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At - This preposition typically indicates a specific point or location but not specifically for floors.
Option B:
In - This preposition is used to indicate inside something, such as "in the library," but not for specifying floor levels.
Option C:
By - This preposition indicates nearness or adjacency and does not specify location on a floor level.
Option D:
On - Correctly used to indicate that the library is situated on the third floor of the building.
10.
..... you speak three languages?
A) Are.
B) Do.
C) Did.
D) Will.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) Do is correct because the question "..... you speak three languages?" is an interrogative sentence in present tense, requiring the auxiliary verb "do" to form the question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Are is incorrect for forming a question about ability or state in present tense.
Option B:
Do is correct as explained above.
Option C:
Did is used for past tense, which does not fit the context of the question.
Option D:
Will is used for future tense and is not appropriate here.
11.
3 ..... a very long time
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Since" is typically used to introduce a point in time, often with the present perfect tense (e.g., "I have known him since last year"). In contrast, "for" introduces a duration of time and is followed by a period or length of time (e.g., "He has lived here for 3 years").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Since" would require a specific point in time.
Option B:
Correct. "For" is appropriate when indicating duration.
12.
Where ..... you born?
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "Were" is the proper auxiliary verb used in the past tense negative question form to inquire about a person's place of birth. The structure for asking where someone was born should be: "Were you born [in a specific place]?"
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "were" appropriately for past tense negative questions.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Did" is used for asking about actions in the past, not places of birth.
13.
My parents ..... much money when they were first married.
A) Didn't had.
B) Haven't had.
C) Didn't have.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Didn't have.
This sentence requires the simple past negative form "didn't have" to indicate that the parents lacked money in the past, specifically when they were first married.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Didn't had" is incorrect because it uses an extra verb "had."
Option B:
"Haven't had" is incorrect because it uses the present perfect negative form, which refers to a past action that has relevance in the present.
Option C:
"Didn't have" is correct as it properly forms the simple past negative.
Option D:
"None of above" is incorrect because option C is correct.
14.
The doctor will have the nurse ..... the prescription.
A) Writes.
B) Writing.
C) Write.
D) To write.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Write.
This option uses the base form of the verb "write" as a direct imperative, which is appropriate for the doctor instructing the nurse to perform an action. The sentence structure "The doctor will have the nurse write the prescription" correctly conveys the intended meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Writes" is in third-person singular form and does not fit the imperative context of the sentence.
Option B:
"Writing" is a gerund, which cannot be used as an infinitive to follow "have."
Option C:
"Write" is the correct base form verb needed for the sentence structure.
Option D:
"To write" would imply that the nurse is going to perform the action, which does not fit the intended meaning of the doctor's instruction.
15.
I have just met the neighbour ..... has just moved in next door.
A) Which.
B) Where.
C) Whose.
D) Who.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I have just met the neighbour ... has just moved in next door." requires a relative pronoun to introduce the clause that describes the neighbor. The correct choice is
who
, as it refers to a person (the neighbor). Therefore, option D) Who is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Which is used for things or animals, not people.
Option B:
Where is used to indicate a place, not a person.
Option C:
Whose indicates possession and does not introduce a clause describing the subject.
Option D:
Who correctly introduces a relative clause about a person.
16.
A:Why is he ..... that jacket? B:Because it's very cold today.
A) Wears.
B) Wearing.
C) To wear.
D) Wore.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "A: Why is he wearing that jacket? B: Because it's very cold today." uses the present continuous tense (is + verb+ing) to describe an action happening now, which fits the context of someone putting on a jacket due to current weather conditions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wears - Simple present tense, does not indicate an ongoing action. Incorrect.
Option B:
Wearing - Present continuous tense, correctly indicates an action happening now. Correct.
Option C:
To wear - Infinitive form, does not fit the context of describing an ongoing action. Incorrect.
Option D:
Wore - Past tense, describes a completed action in the past. Incorrect.
17.
I've decided to ..... sailing.
A) Take off.
B) Take up.
C) Take on.
D) Turn up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Take up" is the correct answer because it means to begin a new activity or hobby, which fits well with the context of starting sailing as a new endeavor.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Take off" typically refers to starting an engine or beginning a journey, often in aviation. It does not fit the context of taking up a new hobby.
Option B:
"Take up" means to begin engaging in a new activity or hobby, which is appropriate for starting sailing.
Option C:
"Take on" implies accepting a challenge or responsibility. It does not fit the context of beginning a new pastime.
Option D:
"Turn up" means to appear or arrive somewhere. It does not fit the context of starting a hobby.
18.
The progress of this class needs .....
A) Evaluated.
B) In evaluating.
C) To be evaluated.
D) To evaluate.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) "To be evaluated" is correct because it uses the passive voice form of the verb "to evaluate," which fits naturally with the context of the sentence. The phrase indicates that evaluation will take place but does not specify who will perform the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Evaluated" is in the past tense and implies a completed action, which doesn't fit the future-oriented nature of the sentence.
Option B:
"In evaluating" suggests an ongoing process rather than a future action that needs to be taken.
Option D:
"To evaluate" is active voice and implies the subject will perform the evaluation, which doesn't fit the passive nature of the sentence structure.
19.
The house is in Warsaw and it's already very popular among tourists who want to visit / visiting it.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes the popularity of a house in Warsaw among tourists who have either already visited it or are planning to visit it. The verb "want" is used as part of the present participle phrase "wanting to visit," which functions as an adjective modifying "tourists." Therefore, "To want" (Option B) is correct because it properly describes the tourists' intention.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Visiting - Incorrect. The sentence does not describe the action of visiting but rather the tourists' desire to visit.
Option B:
To want - Correct. It correctly describes the tourists' intention or desire to visit the house in Warsaw.
20.
..... we move into the house, we're going to completely redecorate it.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "After we move into the house, we're going to completely redecorate it." uses the correct preposition "after" because it indicates a sequence of events where one action (moving in) is completed before another (redecorating). The word "until" would imply that redecoration will only occur while they are not living in the house.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a sequence of actions where moving into the house happens first, followed by redecorating.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Until" would suggest that redecoration will only occur while they are not living in the house, which is not the intended meaning here.
21.
Alicia isn't here. She has just ..... out.
A) Went.
B) Go.
C) Been.
D) Gone.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Gone.
In English, the verb "go" can be used in two forms: the simple past tense "went" and the past participle "gone." When describing a completed action that has resulted in a change of state or location, the past participle form "gone" is more appropriate. Here, Alicia's absence indicates she has left, which is a completed action resulting in her no longer being present.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Went - Incorrect; it should be used with 'to' to indicate direction (e.g., "She went out").
Option B:
Go - Incorrect; this is the base form and does not fit in the past tense context.
Option C:
Been - Incorrect; it is used for states or experiences, not actions of movement.
Option D:
Gone - Correct; indicates a completed action resulting in absence.
22.
I am very ..... about December
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Excited.
The word "excited" is the appropriate form to use when referring to a feeling about an upcoming event, such as December which may include holidays or other special occasions. "Exciting" is typically used to describe something that causes excitement rather than the state of being excited.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Exciting" describes something that causes excitement but does not express the feeling one has about an event.
Option B:
Correct. "Excited" is used to describe a state of being enthusiastic or eager, which fits well with feelings towards December.
23.
John fell ..... his bicycle and hurt his knee.
A) Off.
B) Around.
C) Down.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Off.
When someone falls off their bicycle, it implies that they lost balance and came down from the bicycle, which directly resulted in them hurting their knee.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Off" accurately describes the action of falling from a bicycle.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Around" does not fit grammatically or contextually with the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Down" is too vague and could imply simply losing balance without necessarily falling off the bicycle.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
24.
Be careful! You ..... a mistake.
A) Are making.
B) Are making.
C) Making.
D) Make.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a continuous tense to indicate an ongoing action that has not yet been completed. "Are making" (Option A) is the correct form of the present continuous tense, which is used for actions happening now or in the near future. This fits well with the context of warning about an ongoing mistake.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a current action that may not be finished yet.
Option B:
Repeated for emphasis, still correct but redundant in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. No auxiliary verb is used with the base form of the verb "make" here.
Option D:
Incorrect. Past tense does not fit the ongoing nature implied by the warning.
25.
Politely express obligations or duties, issues advice, suggestions, and recommendations, describes an expectation.
A) Shall.
B) Should.
C) May.
D) Might.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Should" is used to express obligations, duties, and provide advice or suggestions in a polite manner. It indicates what is considered appropriate or advisable but does not carry the same level of necessity as "shall." This makes it suitable for describing expectations without sounding too forceful.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Shall conveys a stronger sense of obligation and is often used in legal contexts. It is less appropriate for polite advice or suggestions.
Option B:
Should is correct as it appropriately expresses obligations, duties, issues advice, suggestions, and recommendations while also describing an expectation politely.
Option C:
May indicates permission or possibility rather than obligation or advice. It is not suitable for expressing expectations or giving recommendations.
Option D:
Might suggests a possibility or uncertainty, making it unsuitable for expressing obligations or giving strong advice or suggestions.
26.
Direct: "I could make it."Reported speech:He said that he can made it.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is A) Wrong. In reported speech, the tense of the direct speech should be adjusted according to the time reference in the reporting clause. Here, "could" (past ability) should remain as "could" or change to "was able to" for better formality and clarity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wrong. The tense is not correctly adjusted.
Option B:
Correct. However, the reported speech should be: "He said that he could make it." or "He said that he was able to make it."
27.
..... dogs tend to be loyal.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence fragment "..... dogs tend to be loyal" requires a definite article before the subject "dogs" for grammatical correctness in English. The correct choice is Option B: "The." Thus, the answer A) -., which indicates no change or omission, is incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it suggests no change is needed.
Option B:
Correct as adding "The" at the beginning makes the sentence grammatically complete and proper.
28.
Do you think ..... tomorrow?
A) It will rains.
B) It's going to rain.
C) It's raining.
D) It rains.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B, "It's going to rain," is the correct answer because it indicates a prediction about future weather conditions, which is appropriate for discussing tomorrow’s weather.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"It will rains" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "will rain."
Option B:
"It's going to rain" correctly predicts future weather.
Option C:
"It's raining" describes current weather, not tomorrow’s forecast.
Option D:
"It rains" is a general statement about the weather and does not indicate it will happen tomorrow specifically.
29.
It was a ..... idea to have a party for yourbirthday.
A) Best.
B) Good.
C) Well.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "It was a good idea to have a party for your birthday" is grammatically correct and conveys that the speaker approves of the decision to celebrate their birthday with a party. The word "good" fits naturally in this context as it indicates a positive evaluation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Best - This would imply an even higher level of approval, which is not necessarily required by the sentence structure.
Option B:
Good - Correct. It accurately conveys a positive assessment without overstating it.
Option C:
Well - Typically used to describe actions or states rather than abstract ideas like "having a party," making it less suitable here.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect as "Good" is the appropriate choice.
30.
I'm not very hungry, so I don't want to eat ..... food.
A) Too much.
B) Too many.
C) Enough.
D) Too.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Too much.
The phrase "too much" is used to indicate an excessive amount of something, which fits the context of not wanting to eat a large quantity of food when one is not very hungry.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates an excessive amount of food.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Too many" is typically used with countable nouns, which doesn't fit the context here as we are talking about a quantity of food in general terms.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Enough" suggests an adequate amount rather than an excessive one, which contradicts the meaning of not wanting to eat much.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Too" alone is incomplete and does not fully convey the idea of excess in this context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between using 'begin' and 'start' in English?
Both 'begin' and 'start' can be used to indicate the commencement of an activity, but 'begin' is often considered more formal. 'Start' is generally more casual and commonly used in everyday speech.
When should I use a prepositional phrase in my sentences?
Prepositional phrases are useful for providing additional information about time, place, or manner. They can help clarify where, when, why, or how something happens, making your writing more descriptive and precise.
How do I form a negative question in the past tense?
To form a negative question in the past tense, use 'didn't' with the base form of the verb. For example, 'Did you finish your homework?' becomes 'Didn't you finish your homework?' if negated.
What is the role of relative pronouns in sentences?
Relative pronouns like 'who', 'which', and 'that' introduce relative clauses, providing additional information about people or things mentioned earlier in the sentence. They help connect different parts of a sentence smoothly.
How can I improve my use of adjectives at an intermediate level?
To enhance your adjective usage, practice placing them correctly in sentences and vary the types of adjectives you use (e.g., descriptive, quantifying). Pay attention to agreement with nouns and consider how adjectives can add detail and color to your writing.