This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Test Prep
>
Toefl
>
Toefl Grammar – Quiz 1
Toefl Grammar Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates advanced English grammar skills, including subject-verb agreement, passive voice construction, comparative structures, and complex sentence structure. It also covers the use of articles with countable and noncountable nouns, conditional sentences, and idiomatic expressions in context.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Students ..... online classes at all until the internet has become so widely used.
A) Didn't use to have.
B) Must not have.
C) Needn't have.
D) Shouldn't have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence indicates a change in the past, suggesting that students did not have access to online classes before the internet became widely used. "Didn't use to have" (Option A) correctly conveys this idea of a past state that changed over time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a past condition that no longer exists due to the widespread use of the internet.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must not have" implies an absolute prohibition, which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Needn't have" suggests a situation where something was unnecessary, which does not fit the context of online classes becoming available due to internet usage.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Shouldn't have" implies a recommendation against an action that did not occur, which is not relevant here.
2.
Nobody knows ..... motivated him to change his mind about not going to school.
A) Which.
B) What.
C) Why.
D) That.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) What is correct because the sentence requires a noun clause to explain the reason for his change of mind, which "what" can introduce effectively in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Which introduces a relative clause and does not fit here as it would require a specific object or thing.
Option B:
What correctly introduces the noun clause explaining the reason for his change of mind.
Option C:
Why introduces an interrogative clause, which is not appropriate in this declarative sentence structure.
Option D:
That typically introduces a nominal clause but does not add meaningful information here and is often omitted in such contexts for brevity.
3.
Harry ..... his friends that night so he ..... his parents he was going to be late.
A) Meets / had told.
B) Would meet / is going to tell.
C) Was meeting / told.
D) Will meet / will tell.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes an action that was happening in the past and a completed action related to it. "Was meeting" indicates an ongoing action in the past, while "told" is used for a completed action in the past. This matches Option C.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Meets" is in present tense and does not fit the context of past actions.
Option B:
Incorrect as "Would meet" implies a future action, which does not match the past context.
Option C:
Correct as it uses "Was meeting" for an ongoing past action and "told" for a completed past action.
Option D:
Incorrect as both verbs are in future tense, which is inconsistent with the sentence's context.
4.
I am actually working on call this weekend, ..... I would definitely go fishing with you.
A) Except for.
B) Otherwise.
C) Opposite.
D) Likewise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) Otherwise is correct because it indicates an alternative scenario. The sentence suggests that if the speaker is not working, they would go fishing with you. "Otherwise" implies a contrast between the current situation (working) and the desired action (fishing).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Except for means excluding something or someone, which does not fit the context of providing an alternative.
Option B:
Otherwise is correct as it indicates a contrast between working and going fishing.
Option C:
Opposite suggests the direct opposite in meaning, but here we are looking for an alternative scenario rather than a direct contradiction.
Option D:
Likewise means similarly or in the same way, which does not fit as it would imply both actions happening simultaneously or under similar conditions.
5.
Every time we go there, we take a lot of pictures ..... we take a drive along the beach to see the surfers.
A) Even if.
B) As.
C) So that.
D) Whereas.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Every time we go there, we take a lot of pictures.....we take a drive along the beach to see the surfers."
Option B) As is correct because it indicates the reason for taking many pictures: driving along the beach to watch surfers. "As" introduces an explanatory clause that logically follows and explains why they take so many pictures.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Even if - This implies a contrast, not a reason.
Option B:
As - Correct; it provides the reason for taking pictures.
Option C:
So that - Suggests purpose rather than explanation of an action already stated.
Option D:
Whereas - Introduces a contrast or comparison, not a reason for an action.
6.
Don't leave your books near the open fire. They might easily .....
A) Catch on fire.
B) Catch to fire.
C) Catch the fire.
D) Catch with fire.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Catch on fire.
This phrase is a common idiom meaning to start burning. It is grammatically correct and fits the context of the sentence, warning against leaving books near an open fire which could cause them to ignite.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Catch on fire" is the proper phrase used idiomatically.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Catch to fire" is not a standard English phrase and does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Catch the fire" typically means to inspire someone, which does not make sense in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Catch with fire" is not a standard English phrase and does not fit grammatically or contextually.
7.
TOEFL Grammar Review (Count and Noncount Nouns:True/False)Is the statement below correct (true) or incorrect (false)? ..... We're looking for a place to rent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The statement "We're looking for a place to rent" is grammatically correct and does not involve the distinction between count and noncount nouns. The subject "place" is singular, and the verb "are looking" agrees with it in number.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True. Correct statement.
Option B:
False. Incorrect option as no grammar issue exists here.
8.
For more than a decade, ..... that certain species are becoming scarce.
A) A warning for bird-watchers.
B) Birdwatchers have warned.
C) Warn the bird-watchers.
D) The warnings of bird-watchers.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it properly conveys that birdwatchers have been issuing warnings for more than a decade, which fits the context of the sentence. The passive voice in "that certain species are becoming scarce" requires an active subject to introduce the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option is incorrect as it suggests that bird-watchers are being warned, not warning others.
Option B:
Correct. It states that birdwatchers have been issuing warnings for more than a decade.
Option C:
This option is grammatically incorrect and does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option D:
While this might be true, it does not directly answer the question about who has been warning others.
9.
The grizzly bear, A)which can grow B)up to eight feet tall, has C)been called D)a more dangerous animal of North America.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) D.
The sentence "A grizzly bear, which can grow up to eight feet tall, has been called a more dangerous animal of North America." is grammatically correct as it stands. Option D refers to the entire statement being correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because the sentence structure and grammar are correct.
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reason as option A.
Option C:
Incorrect for the same reason as options A and B.
Option D:
Correct, indicating that the sentence is grammatically sound.
10.
The manager sent ..... memo to his employees.
A) An.
B) A.
C) The.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) A.
The article "a" is used here because the noun "memo" is not specific; it refers to any memo, not a particular one. Using "the" would imply that there was a specific memo previously mentioned or known to both the manager and employees.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct usage for an indefinite noun.
Option B:
Correct usage for an indefinite noun.
Option C:
Incorrect; "the" would imply a specific memo was previously mentioned.
Option D:
Incorrect; there is a correct answer among the options provided.
11.
Dr. Douglas hates ..... by his first name.
A) Calling.
B) Call.
C) Be calling.
D) Being called.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Being called.
This is because Dr. Douglas hates the action of people calling him by his first name, which is expressed using the passive voice "being called." The other options are incorrect: "Calling" (A) and "Call" (B) are active forms; "Be calling" (C) is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Active form, not suitable for the passive voice required.
Option B:
Active form, not suitable for the passive voice required.
Option C:
Grammatically incorrect in this context.
Option D:
Correct use of passive voice to express Dr. Douglas's dislike.
12.
Can we omit 'that' in defining relative clauses? The exam that we had to sit was easy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In defining relative clauses, the word "that" can often be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence. In the example given, "The exam we had to sit was easy," the clause "we had to sit" is a defining relative clause that provides essential information about which specific exam is being referred to. The omission of "that" does not affect the clarity or the grammatical structure of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as omitting "that" in this context does not alter the meaning.
Option B:
Correct, as demonstrated by the example where "that" can be omitted without affecting the sentence's clarity or grammatical correctness.
13.
..... in Stevenson's landscapes, the more vitality and character the paintings seem to possess.
A) The brushwork is loose.
B) The loose brushwork is.
C) The looser the brushwork is.
D) The looser brushwork.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C, "The looser the brushwork is," correctly uses a comparative structure to show a relationship between the looseness of the brushwork and the vitality and character in Stevenson's landscapes. This option maintains parallelism with the subject "the more vitality and character" and provides a smooth flow in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"The brushwork is loose." - This does not show the comparative relationship needed.
Option B:
"The loose brushwork is." - This lacks the comparative structure and is incomplete.
Option C:
"The looser the brushwork is." - Correct, shows a comparative relationship.
Option D:
"The looser brushwork." - This is an adjective phrase without proper comparison or subject.
14.
TOEFL Grammar Review (Count and Noncount Nouns:True/False)Is the statement below correct (true) or incorrect (false)? ..... My neighbor dislikes a noise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The statement "My neighbor dislikes a noise" is incorrect (false). The noun "noise" in this context should be treated as noncount, and thus does not take an article such as "a". The correct form would be "My neighbor dislikes noise."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
False. Correct because the statement uses an inappropriate article with a noncount noun.
Option B:
True. Incorrect since the sentence structure is wrong and should not include "a" before "noise".
15.
Alike other forms of energy, natural gas may be used to heat homes, cook food, and even run automobiles.
A) May be used.
B) Run.
C) Alike.
D) To heat.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C "Alike" is correct because the sentence uses "alike" to compare natural gas with other forms of energy, indicating that they share similar characteristics in terms of usage. This comparison is grammatically appropriate and maintains the parallel structure of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"May be used" does not address the comparative aspect of the sentence.
Option B:
"Run" refers to a specific use but doesn't capture the comparison intended by "alike."
Option C:
"Alike" is correct as it properly compares natural gas with other forms of energy in terms of usage.
Option D:
"To heat" is part of a specific use but doesn't fit the comparative structure of the sentence.
16.
Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence. She turned off the record player ..... she could study.
A) In case.
B) So that.
C) Now that.
D) Even if.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"So that" is the correct choice because it indicates purpose, meaning she turned off the record player to enable her to study without any disturbance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"In case" suggests a precautionary measure rather than an intended outcome. It does not fit the context of turning off the record player for a specific purpose.
Option B:
"So that" correctly indicates the purpose or result of her action, which is to be able to study undisturbed.
Option C:
"Now that" implies something has already happened and does not fit the future-oriented intent of turning off the record player. It suggests a present state rather than an intended action.
Option D:
"Even if" is used to express a condition despite doubt or uncertainty, which is not relevant in this context where she is actively controlling the situation for her study.
17.
Radium is no more a baby but the conditions of the discovery were somewhat peculiar, and so it is always of interest ..... them and to explain them.
A) In remembering.
B) To have remembered them.
C) To remember.
D) Remember.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a purpose clause to express the interest in remembering the conditions of the discovery. "To remember" (Option C) correctly functions as an infinitive phrase indicating the purpose, making it the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In remembering - This is a gerund phrase and does not function as a purpose clause.
Option B:
To have remembered them - This implies an action already completed, which is not the intended meaning here.
Option C:
To remember - Correct infinitive form indicating purpose.
Option D:
Remember - Missing the necessary 'to' before the verb to function as a clause.
18.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:I have ..... seen such a beautiful sunset.
A) Always.
B) Sometimes.
C) Never.
D) Ever.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I have never seen such a beautiful sunset" implies that the speaker has not witnessed any sunsets as beautiful as this one, making it a strong statement about the uniqueness of the experience. The word "never" fits perfectly here to convey the idea that the sunset is exceptionally beautiful and unlike anything the speaker has ever experienced.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Always - This would imply that the speaker has seen many beautiful sunsets, which contradicts the uniqueness of this particular sunset.
Option B:
Sometimes - This suggests a regular occurrence of beautiful sunsets, not unique to this one.
Option C:
Never - Correct. It emphasizes that this is an exceptionally beautiful sunset, unlike any other the speaker has seen.
Option D:
Ever - While "ever" could work in some contexts, it's less precise than "never" for emphasizing a unique experience here.
19.
People drink this by pouring boiling water onto the dried leaves. It usually has a brown color. What is it?
A) Milk.
B) Tea.
C) Soft drink.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Tea is the correct answer because it involves pouring boiling water over dried leaves, and its infusion typically results in a brown color.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Milk is a liquid consumed directly without brewing or steeping. It does not change color when mixed with other substances.
Option B:
Tea fits the description perfectly as it requires boiling water and leaves to produce its characteristic brown hue.
Option C:
Soft drinks are pre-mixed beverages that do not require brewing or steeping. They usually have a clear, colored appearance rather than turning brown when mixed with hot water.
Option D:
Not applicable as one of the options correctly matches the description.
20.
A dulcimer can be played by either striking its strings with a hammer or .....
A) Fingers are used to pluck them.
B) To pluck them with fingers.
C) They are plucked with the fingers.
D) Plucking them with the fingers.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is D) Plucking them with the fingers. This option maintains proper verb agreement and sentence structure, making it grammatically sound in the context of completing the statement about playing a dulcimer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Fingers are used to pluck them - While this is correct, it uses passive voice which is not as natural as active voice.
Option B:
To pluck them with fingers - This option starts with a gerund and lacks proper subject-verb agreement.
Option C:
They are plucked with the fingers - This option uses passive voice, which is less common in this context compared to active voice.
Option D:
Plucking them with the fingers - This option is grammatically correct and maintains active voice, making it the best fit for completing the sentence.
21.
Identify the adjective clause in the sentence:The girl who won the competition is my sister.
A) The girl.
B) Who won the competition.
C) Is my sister.
D) The competition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The adjective clause in the sentence "The girl who won the competition is my sister" is
Option B: Who won the competition.
This clause modifies "the girl" by providing additional information about her, specifically that she is the one who won the competition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The subject of the sentence; not an adjective clause.
Option B:
Correct. Adjective clause modifying "the girl."
Option C:
The predicate of the sentence; not an adjective clause.
Option D:
Noun phrase; not an adjective clause.
22.
Jimmy ..... watching football at work, I won't be surprised if he is fired soon.
A) Shouldn't have been caught.
B) Must not have been caught.
C) Might not have caught.
D) Shouldn't have caught.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence implies a rule that should not have been broken, which is why "Shouldn't have been caught" (Option A) fits best. It conveys the idea that Jimmy was doing something he shouldn’t have done at work.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Implies a rule or policy that should not have been broken.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must" is too strong and doesn't fit the conditional tone of the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Might" implies uncertainty, which contradicts the certainty in the original statement.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Shouldn't have caught" is grammatically incorrect and doesn’t fit the context.
23.
Half of the food that we are serving to the guests ..... still in the refrigerator.
A) Are.
B) Is.
C) Were.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Half of the food that we are serving to the guests
is
still in the refrigerator" uses a singular subject "half" with an accompanying plural noun "food." However, when referring to half as a single entity, it is treated as singular. Therefore, the verb should be "is."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Are - Incorrect because "are" is plural and does not agree with the singular subject "half."
Option B:
Is - Correct because it agrees with the singular subject "half."
Option C:
Were - Incorrect because "were" is past tense and does not fit the present context of the sentence.
Option D:
None of above - Incorrect because option B is correct.
24.
TOEFL Grammar Review (Count and Noncount Nouns:True/False)Is the statement below correct (true) or incorrect (false)? ..... If we don't have up-to-date information, how can we make sensible decisions?
Show Answer
Explanations:
The statement "If we don't have up-to-date information, how can we make sensible decisions?" is grammatically correct and logically sound. It uses a conditional clause followed by an interrogative phrase to express the necessity of having current information for making rational choices.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
False.
Option B:
True. This is the correct answer as the statement is grammatically and logically accurate.
25.
Choose the word or phrase that best completes the sentence. Beginning in the Middle Ages, composers of Western music used a system of notating their compositions ..... be performed by musicians.
A) Will.
B) That.
C) And when to.
D) So they could.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) So they could.
This option provides a clear and logical connection between the composers' notation system and its purpose, which is to enable musicians to perform the compositions as intended by the composers. The phrase "So they could" indicates the result or consequence of using the notational system.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Will - This option does not fit grammatically and logically in this context, as it implies a future tense that is unnecessary here.
Option B:
That - While "that" can introduce a clause, it doesn't effectively convey the purpose or result of using the notation system.
Option C:
And when to - This option introduces an unnecessary element and does not clearly express the intended function of the notation system.
Option D:
So they could - This correctly conveys that the composers used a notation system so that musicians could perform their compositions as intended.
26.
A thunderhead, dense clouds that rise high into the sky in huge columns, produce hail, rain, or snow.
A) High.
B) A.
C) Produce.
D) Rise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes the action of a thunderhead, which is to produce hail, rain, or snow. "Produce" (Option C) correctly identifies this action as the main verb in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
High - This refers to the position of the clouds but does not describe their function.
Option B:
A - This is an article and does not make sense as a standalone answer here.
Option C:
Produce - Correct, it describes what thunderheads do (produce weather phenomena).
Option D:
Rise - While this describes how the clouds behave, it does not capture their primary function in the sentence.
27.
An organ is a group of tissues capable to perform some special function, as, for example, the heart, the liver, or the lungs
A) Is.
B) To perform.
C) For example.
D) Of tissues.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "To perform" is correctly identified as the correct answer because it functions as a verb in the sentence, indicating the action that tissues within an organ undertake to carry out their special function. This aligns with the grammatical structure of the given statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is - Incorrect; "Is" is not used here as a verb.
Option B:
To perform - Correct; it describes the action tissues take within an organ.
Option C:
For example - Incorrect; this phrase introduces examples, not actions or functions.
Option D:
Of tissues - Incorrect; "Of tissues" is a prepositional phrase, not a verb.
28.
A)The widely B)used natural C)fiber of all D)is cotton.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) B.
This indicates that "B) used" should be changed to "A) is." The sentence should read: "A) The widely is cotton." However, this is not a grammatically complete sentence. The intended meaning likely refers to the fiber of all kinds, which would make the correct rephrasing: "The widely used natural fiber of all kinds is cotton."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it does not fix the subject-verb agreement issue.
Option B:
Correct, indicating a change to "is" for proper subject-verb agreement.
Option C:
Incorrect as it does not address the grammatical error.
Option D:
Incorrect as it does not correct the sentence structure or grammar.
29.
Even though she might be a little annoying at times, she has never yelled at you ..... ?
A) Hasn't she.
B) Has she.
C) Didn't she.
D) Is she.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the tag question form, which is appropriate for reinforcing a statement with a question. The sentence "Even though she might be a little annoying at times, she has never yelled at you" is a statement that needs to be confirmed or questioned using a tag question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses the negative form which contradicts the original positive statement.
Option B:
Correct for its use of the tag question form, reinforcing the statement with "Has she."
Option C:
Incorrect as it uses the past tense, contradicting the present perfect tense in the original sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect as it is a declarative sentence and does not fit the context of a tag question.
30.
After driving for twelve hours straight, I was ..... that I could barely keep my eyes open.
A) So tired that.
B) As tired as.
C) Such a tired.
D) The most tired.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "So tired that" effectively conveys the intensity of fatigue after driving for twelve hours, making it clear how exhausted the speaker was to the point where they could barely keep their eyes open.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
So tired that. This option correctly uses "so...that" to emphasize the extent of tiredness.
Option B:
As tired as. This is less effective because it compares levels of tiredness, which isn't necessary in this context.
Option C:
Such a tired. This option is grammatically incorrect and does not fit the sentence structure properly.
Option D:
The most tired. This implies an extreme level of tiredness but doesn't fit naturally with "could barely keep my eyes open." It suggests an absolute maximum, which isn't indicated by the context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are adjective clauses in English sentences?
Adjective clauses in English sentences provide additional information about the noun they modify. They typically begin with relative pronouns like "who," "which," or "that" and can be used to describe people, places, things, or ideas.
How do count and noncount nouns differ in usage?
Count nouns are individual items that can be counted (e.g., apple, book), while noncount nouns refer to substances or concepts that cannot be counted individually (e.g., water, information). Count nouns use singular or plural forms and require an article, whereas noncount nouns typically do not use articles and are often used with quantifiers like "a little" or "much."
What is the purpose of using tag questions in English?
Tag questions are used to seek agreement, confirmation, or to invite a response. They consist of a statement followed by a question tag that agrees with the subject and verb of the statement (e.g., "You're coming to the party, aren't you?"). Tag questions can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
How do infinitives and purpose clauses function in English grammar?
Infinitives are verb forms beginning with "to" (e.g., to walk, to talk) that can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Purpose clauses, introduced by words like "so that," explain the reason for an action and often contain infinitive phrases (e.g., I bought a new car so that I could travel more easily).
What is the difference between singular and plural subjects in English grammar?
Singular subjects refer to one person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., apple), while plural subjects refer to more than one (e.g., apples). The verb form must agree with the subject's number—singular subjects use singular verbs, and plural subjects use plural verbs. This agreement is crucial for correct sentence structure in English.