SENTENCE IMPROVEMENT

Test 1
Directions :
In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each
sentence are given four different ways of improving the sentence. Select the option that
would best improve the sentence, or choose option (5) info improvement or correction is
required.

(1) He has said so out of affection. Do not take it to heart.

1. in heart 2. it in the heart 3. by the heart 4. by heart 5. No improvement

(2) Sumit would have been looked smart in traditional clothes.

1. was looked 2. would be looked 3. had looking 4. would have looked 5.
No correction required

(3) I am sorry but I don’t believe what you say.

1. I wilI not believe 2. I am not believing 3. I will not be believing 4. I did
not believe 5. No improvement

(4) Let’s buy a new sari with the annual bonus, can we ?
1. Can’t we 2. Don’t we 3. Shall we 4. why don’t we 5. No improvement

(5) The need of the hour was some fast action on the part of the leader.
1. needed 2. Needing 3. Needs 4. needy 5. No correction required
 Test 1 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 5 4 5 3 5

(1) To "take something to heart" is to take it very seriously. Hence (5).

(2) Only "would have looked" is grammatically correct among the options given. Hence
(4).
(3) The given sentence is correct and requires no improvement. Even option (1) is a
grammatically correct option, but since the original sentence is correct, it is best to go
with option:(5). Hence (5).
(4) The correct option here is "shall we". Hence (3).
(5) The given sentence is correct and needs no correction. Hence (5).
TEST 2
Directions :

In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each
sentence are given four different ways of improving the sentence. Select the option that
would best improve the sen-tence, or choose option (5) info improvement or correction is
required.

(1) The teacher asked the intruder who was he and why was he occupying his chair.
1. who he was and why he was 2. Who he was and why was he 3.
Who was he and why he was 4. who and why was he 5. No improvement

(2) No sooner he had returned home than his mother felt happy.
1. He had returned home then 2. He had returned home when
3. Did he return home than 4. had he returned home that 5. No improvement

(3) He stayed back so that it can look as if he was unaware of the entire incident.
1. May look 2. Would look 3. Will look 4. Shall look 5. No
improvement

(4) In the modern world it is difficult to live through one’s ideals.

1. To live up to 2. To live by 3. To live for 4. To live off 5. No improvement

(3) He stayed back so that it can look as if he was unaware of the entire incident.
1. By 2. With 3. For 4. About 5. No improvement

Test 2 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 1 3 2 2 2

(1) Only option (1) is grammatically correct. Hence (1).

(2) The construction is “no sooner…than”. Hence (3)
(3) “Would” implies a definite possibility in the future. Hence (2).
(4) One “lives by” one’s principles or ideals. Hence (2).
(5) The correct usage is “in accordance with”. Hence (2)

Test 3
Directions :
In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each
sentence are given four different ways of improving the sentence. Select the option that
would best improve the sentence, or choose option (5) if no improvement or correction is
required.

(1) Young men and women should get habituated to reading and writing about current
affairs.
1. prepared 2. Trained 3. used 4. Skilled 5. No improvement

(2) He has cooked that meaI so often he can do it with his eyes closed.
1. mind blank 2. eyes covered 3. hands full 4. feet up 5. No improvement

(3) Because of his mastery in this field, his suggestions are wide accepted.
1. are widely accepted 2. are wide acceptance 3. have widely accepted

4. have been wide accepted 5. No correction required

(4) I waited for half an hour for my friend, but the train didn’t turn in.
1. turn about 2. turn around 3. turn up 4. turn off 5. No improvement
(5) Each of the quests were introduced to the bride.
1. introduced 2. was introduced 3. have been introduced 4. are being
introduced
5. no improvement

Test 3 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 3 5 1 3 2

(1) There is really no necessity of turning "reading and writing about current affairs" into
a habit. Options (1), (2) and (4) are grammatically incorrect. They would have been
correct if it was followed by "to.read and write about current affairs". Hence (3).
(2) To be able to do something with your "eyes closed" means to be very well-versed and
habituated to doing that job. Hence (5).
(3) The underlined portion of the sentence should be rephrased as "are widely accepted"
or "have wide. acceptance". Hence (1).
(4) When something "turns up", that means that it has arrived. Hence (3).(5) "Each"
implies a singular subject, and hence, must be followed by a singular verb. Hence (2).

Test 4
Directions :
In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each
sentence are given four different ways of improving the sentence. Select the option that
would best improve the sentence, or choose option (5) if no improvement or correction is
required.

(1) All the allegations levelled against him were found to be baseless.
1. levelled for 2. eye with 3. eye against 4. levelling with 5. No corrections is
required
(2) He did many mischiefs.
1. made many a mischiefs 2. made much mischief 3. committed many
mischief
4. committed many acts of mischiefs 5. No improvement

(3) I would gladly accompany your sister if you had asked me.
1. would have gladly accompanied 2. was to have gladly accompanied
3. will gladly accompany 4. shall gladly accompany 5. No improvement

(4) Is there ally rightful reason for me to sit ?

1. reason 2. valid reason 3. analytical reason 4. reason in actuality 5. No
improvement

(5) I am used to hard work.

1. hard working 2. Work hard 3. Work hardly 4. work a lot 5.No
improvement

Test 4 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 5 4 1 2 5
(1) Allegations are “leveled against” a person. No correction is required. Hence (5).
(2) Mischief is an act that is not “made” but committed. Hence (4).
(3) The words “had asked me” suggests that the event has happened in the past. Hence,
the speaker’s action then would also have happened in the past. This eliminates options
(3),(4) and (5). The hypothetical “if” indicates “would”. Hence (1).(4) Choices (3) and (4)
are absurd. Choice (1) is grammatically intended usage of the word “rightfull” in the
question. Hence (2).
(5) The underlined portion would have to be either the noun “hard work” or the present
continuous verb “working hard”. Hence (5).
Test 5
Directions : In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined.
Below each sentence are given five different ways of improving the sentence. Select the
option that would best improve the sen-tence.

(I) Try to be diplomatic when you refuse any invitation, so far not to cause any bad
feelings.
1. as far not 2. so as not 3. if as far not 4. Since then not 5.No improvement

(2) Old habits die hardly.

1. die much hardly 2. Die hard 3. Die too hard 4. die very hard
5. No improvement

(3) One of the men gave first aid to Hitesh who is injured in a road accident.
1. who had injured 2. Who was injured 3. Which was injured 4. as he was to
inujured
5. No correction required.

(4) The members of his family are coming in this train.

1. with 2. by 3. On 4. Through 5. No improvement

(5) Never has the inadequacy of the police been in clearer focus than in the communal
violence that flared up recently.
1. higher 2. stronger 3. Bette r 4. sharper 5. Closed
Test 5 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 2 2 2 2 4

(1) The only grammatically correct option is "so as not". Hence (2).
(2) The well-known saying goes: "Old habits die hard." Hence (2).
(3) The event took place in the past, as "gave" is in the past tense. So, the given sentence
is incorrect. Option (4) is illogical and grammatically incorrect. Hitesh is a person and
cannot be referred to as "which". Thus, option (3) can be eliminated. Option (1) would be
correct if there was a reflexive pronoun "himself' in the sentence. Hence (2).
(4) One travels "by" a mode of transport. Hence (2).(5) The word "focus" indicates that
the adjective preceding it should be "sharper". Hence (4).

Test 6
Directions : In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined.
Below each sentence are given four different ways of improving the sentence. Select the
option that would best improve the sen-tence, ()r choose option (5) ifno improvement is
required.

(1) She cut a sad figure in her first performance on the stage.
1. made a sorry figure 2. cut a sorry face 3. cut a sorry figure 4. made a sad face
5. No improvement

(2) His trousers are three sizes large.

1. three sizes too 2. Three size 3.three sizes over 4. three more sizes
5.No improvement
(3) There is a shortage of well qualified teachers of most subjects, specially of English and
economics.
1. especially of 2. Especially in 3.in special of 4. specially in
5.No improvement

(4) Not till he got home he did realise that he had lost his keys in the theatre.
1. did he realise 2. He hid not realise 3. He realised 4. he had realised
5.No improvement

(5) I complimented him for his success in the examination.

1. with 2. On 3. In 4. at 5.No improvement

Test 6 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 3 1 1 1 2

(1) The correct expression is "to cut a sorry figure". This means to do badly. Hence (3).
(2) The correct expression is "three sizes too large". Hence (I).
(3) Students should be aware of the common mistake that is made of using "specially"
and "especially" interchangeably. "Especially" should be used to mean "particularly".
Also, the preposition should be "of'. If you rephrase it, you will have "especially, teachers
of English". Hence (1)
(4) The correct usage is "did he realise". Hence (1).(5) You compliment someone "on" his
success. Hence (2).
Test 7
Directions : In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined.
Below each sentence are given five different ways of improving the sentence, or choose
option (5) if no improvement is required.

(1) What are needed are not large houses but small cottages.
1. were 2. was 3. Is 4. Have 5.No improvement

(2) She could not help but laughing.

1. laughing 2. But laughter 3. Laugh 4. not laughing 5. No
improvement

(3) The various practiced and norms for bank’s transaction are lead down by the Reserve
Bank of India.
1. are laid up 2. Are laid down 3. Are lead up 4. have been lay down 5. No
improvement

(4) The matter must be considered in every point of view.

1. with 2. From 3. At 4. on 5.No improvement

(5) On seeing the lion she felt too much afraid.

1. very much 2. unpleasantly 3. Much 4. very 5. No
improvement

Test – 7 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 5 1 2 2 4

(1) The plural “houses” and “cottages” suggest a plural verb like “are” or “were”. Since
“are” is correct, students should go with “No improvement”. Hence (5).
(2) Choice (3) is ungrammatical choice (4) charges the meaning of the sentence. Choice (2)
uses a noun “laughter” in place of the verb “laughing”. Choice (1) is simple and elegant.
Hence (1).
(3) The underlined part can be substituted by “are laid down” or “have laid down”. Hence
(2) (4) Issues are considered “from” different points of view. Hence (2).
(5) “Too much” is incorrect English usage, as is “very much”. Moreover, fear is an
unpleasant emotion. Hence, option (2) Is incorrect. Between “much” and “very” the latter
is more appropriate. Hence (4)

Test 8
Directions :
In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each
sentence are given four different ways of improving the sentence. Select the option that
would best improve the sentence, or choose option (5) if no improvement is required.

(1) They have stopped from constructing new buildings.

1. to construct 2. at constructing 3. Constructing 4. of constructing
5. No improvement

(2) Five years ago today, I am sitting in a small Japanese car, driving across Poland
towards Berlin.
1. was sitting 2. have been sitting 3. sat 4. had sat 5. No improvement

(3) Many believed that girls who received western education would make slaves of their
husbands. 1. could receive 2. Had received 3.have received 4. have still
received
5.No improvement

(4) She gave most of her time to music.

1. devoted 2. Spent 3. Lent 4. Wasted 5.No improvement

(5) When I was fourteen, I sat the entrance examination for senior secondary school.
1. sat for 2. Sat in 3. Sat at 4. sat on 5.No improvement

Test – 8 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 3 1 2 1 1
(1) The preposition "from" is not required in this sentence. Just "constructing" would
suffice. Hence (3).
(2) "Five years ago" indicates that the sentence will be in the past tense. Then, in
accordance with the continuous form of "driving", the underlined part should be in the
past continuous tense. Hence (1).
(3) The sentence is in the past tense. So option (1) can be eliminated. The belief is about
girls who have already received western education, at the time of the belief. Hence, the
past tense "had" should be used before "received". Hence (2).(4) To give time to a hobby
or interest is to "devote" time to it. Hence (1).(5) As most students must be aware, you sit
"for" an exam. Hence (1).

Test 9
Directions :
In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each
sentence are given five different ways of improving the sentence, or choose option (5) if
no improvement is required.
(1) You ought not to have gone there, but you did.
1. be going 2. Have been 3. Go 4. Be 5.No improvement

(2) Being worked for the whole day, you should have taken some rest and started some
rest and started the work tomorrow.
1. after having work 2. Having worked for 3. Working for 4. after being
worked for
5. No improvement

(3) You results depend not only on how much you have studied but how long you have
read.
1. But also how long 2. But also on how long 3. But also on how much long
4. But how much longer 5. No improvement

(4) I am looking forward to see you soon.

1. looking forward towards seeing 2. Looking forward for seeing 3. looking forward to
seeing. 4. Looking forward at seeing 5. No improvement

(5) It was quite clear that the runner could be able to improve upon this own record.
1. will be able 2. Should be able 3. Would be able 4. Can be able 5. No
improvement

Test 9 ANSWERS
Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Ans. 5 2 2 3 3

(1) The words “but you did” suggest that the person had already gone there. Thus, the
past tense of “have gone” is the most appropriate. “Have been” would have been correct
only if the last three words were “but you were”. Hence (5).
(2) The correct expression is “having worked” and not “being worked”. “After having
worked” would also have sufficed, but is not given in the options. Hence (2).
(3) The construction is “not only.., but also”. The “also” is missing in the given sentence
and in option (4). Thus, these two can be eliminated. The verb “depend” requires the
preposition “on”, which is missing in option (1). In option (3), “how much long” is an
awkward construction. Hence (2).
(4) The present continuous form of “looking: demands that “see” should also be in the
same form. This eliminates option (5). The preposition following “look forward” is “to”.
Hence (3).
(5) The sentence talks about a hypothetical situation in the future. Hence, te best option
is “would”. Hence (3).

Test 10
Directions :
In each of the following sentences, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below each
sentence are given five different ways of improving the sentence, or choose option (5) if
no improvement is required.

(1) He doesn’t hesitate to do whatever his brother does.

1. will do 2. Would do 3. Shall do 4. would done 5.No improvement

(2) The problems of translation are still remain.

1. are remain 2. Will remained 3. Will still remain 4. was remaining
5. No improvement

(3) One should exercise their right to vote.

1. his 2. Our 3. One’s 4. everyone’s 5. No improvement

(4) Can you tell me why did you not speak the truth ?
1. why did you not spoke 2. Why did you not spoke 3. Why you did not speak
4. that why did you not speak 5. No improvement

(3) If the pain has returned you had better take another pill.
1. is returning 2. Should retun 3. Returned 4. will return 5. No
improvement
Test 10 ANSWERS

Q. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Ans 5 3 3 3 5

(1) The sentence is correct, and no correction is required. Hence (5).

(2) Options (I), (2) and (5) are out of the question because they are not grammatically
correct. Option (4) is incorrect because it uses a singular verb "was" to talk about the
plural "problems". Hence (3).
(3) When the pronoun "one" is used, the same form must be used throughout the
sentence. Hence (3).
(4) The "that" is not required in option (2), and options (I) and (4) are not grammatically
correct. The correct arrangement of words is seen in option (3). Hence (3).
(5) The original sentence is correct, and needs no further improvement. Hence (5).