PUT YOUR GRAMMAR TOGETHER
C1 grammar check
Three versions, 20 questions each, mixing topics from the C1 syllabus. Allow about 15 minutes per version. Your place is saved on this device.
Answers and explanations appear after completion, with links to lessons worth revisiting. This checks familiar practice material; it does not assign a CEFR level or complete individual lessons.
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I ___ for the delay. (performing the apology now)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: apologise
Completed sentence: I apologise for the delay. (performing the apology now) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
I ___ wondering whether you could help. (tentative enquiry)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: was
Completed sentence: I was wondering whether you could help. (tentative enquiry) Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
The car ___ start this morning, however often I tried. (past refusal)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: wouldn't
Completed sentence: The car wouldn't start this morning, however often I tried. (past refusal) Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
We may as ___ leave; nobody else is coming.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: well
Completed sentence: We may as well leave; nobody else is coming. Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
They demanded that he ___ immediately.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: leave
Completed sentence: They demanded that he leave immediately. The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
By June, I will have been ___ here for a decade.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: working
Completed sentence: By June, I will have been working here for a decade. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
___ been warned, she proceeded cautiously.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: Having
Completed sentence: Having been warned, she proceeded cautiously. Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Only after the vote ___ they reveal the cost.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: did
Completed sentence: Only after the vote did they reveal the cost. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
The colleague with ___ I collaborated has retired.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: whom
Completed sentence: The colleague with whom I collaborated has retired. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
The number of applicants ___ increasing.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: The number of applicants is increasing. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
You're ___ unusually quiet today. (temporary behaviour)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: being
Completed sentence: You're being unusually quiet today. (temporary behaviour) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
She had been ___ for hours when the decision arrived.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: waiting
Completed sentence: She had been waiting for hours when the decision arrived. Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
That ___ be the courier at the door. (confident present inference)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: will
Completed sentence: That will be the courier at the door. (confident present inference) Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
She hopes to be ___ to attend.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: able
Completed sentence: She hopes to be able to attend. Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
It is essential that she ___ informed.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: be
Completed sentence: It is essential that she be informed. The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
She regretted having ___ the invitation.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: declined
Completed sentence: She regretted having declined the invitation. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
___ carefully, the document revealed several inconsistencies. (passive)
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: Examined
Completed sentence: Examined carefully, the document revealed several inconsistencies. (passive) Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Only Jo ___ the answer.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: knew
Completed sentence: Only Jo knew the answer. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
The policy ___ which we objected was withdrawn.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: to
Completed sentence: The policy to which we objected was withdrawn. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
A number of applicants ___ withdrawn.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: have
Completed sentence: A number of applicants have withdrawn. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
I ___ for the delay. (performing the apology now)
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: apologise
Completed sentence: I apologise for the delay. (performing the apology now) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: was
Completed sentence: I was wondering whether you could help. (tentative enquiry) Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: wouldn't
Completed sentence: The car wouldn't start this morning, however often I tried. (past refusal) Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: well
Completed sentence: We may as well leave; nobody else is coming. Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: leave
Completed sentence: They demanded that he leave immediately. The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: working
Completed sentence: By June, I will have been working here for a decade. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: Having
Completed sentence: Having been warned, she proceeded cautiously. Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: did
Completed sentence: Only after the vote did they reveal the cost. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: whom
Completed sentence: The colleague with whom I collaborated has retired. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: The number of applicants is increasing. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: being
Completed sentence: You're being unusually quiet today. (temporary behaviour) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: waiting
Completed sentence: She had been waiting for hours when the decision arrived. Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: will
Completed sentence: That will be the courier at the door. (confident present inference) Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: able
Completed sentence: She hopes to be able to attend. Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: be
Completed sentence: It is essential that she be informed. The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: declined
Completed sentence: She regretted having declined the invitation. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: Examined
Completed sentence: Examined carefully, the document revealed several inconsistencies. (passive) Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: knew
Completed sentence: Only Jo knew the answer. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: to
Completed sentence: The policy to which we objected was withdrawn. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: have
Completed sentence: A number of applicants have withdrawn. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: opens
Completed sentence: The novel opens with a letter. (plot summary) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: heeded
Completed sentence: If only he had heeded the warning. Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: Should
Completed sentence: Should you require further details, contact us. (formal condition) Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: be
Completed sentence: He may be inexperienced, but he learns quickly. Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: not be
Completed sentence: They insisted that the report not be altered. (mandative negative) The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: misread
Completed sentence: He appears to have misread the instructions. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: permitting
Completed sentence: Weather permitting, we'll eat outside. Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: was
Completed sentence: What surprised me was her calmness. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: resolving
Completed sentence: She succeeded in resolving the dispute. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: contains
Completed sentence: Each of the reports contains a summary. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: thinking
Completed sentence: I'm thinking of applying abroad. (considering) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: had
Completed sentence: By the time we reached the platform, the train had gone. Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: checked
Completed sentence: You should have checked the figures before submitting them. Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: warned
Completed sentence: You might have warned me! (criticism of an omission) Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: were
Completed sentence: If I were in your position, I would object. The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: known
Completed sentence: I had known him for years before we worked together. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: Having considered
Completed sentence: Having considered all the evidence, the panel reached a decision. (earlier active action) Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: has
Completed sentence: Seldom has such precision been required. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: with
Completed sentence: We acted in accordance with the agreement. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: Neither the assistants nor the manager is available. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: finishing
Completed sentence: She is constantly finishing my sentences! (irritated comment) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: switched
Completed sentence: He unlocked the door, entered and switched the light on. Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: talk
Completed sentence: He will talk for hours about his garden. (characteristic behaviour) Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
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Correct answer: can
Completed sentence: Winters here can be severe. (general possibility) Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: should
Completed sentence: The chair recommended that we should consult an expert. (British alternative) The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: completed
Completed sentence: By the time you return, the repairs will have been completed. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
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Correct answer: Having missed the train, I took a taxi.
Correct choice: Having missed the train, I took a taxi. Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: That proposal I cannot support.
Correct choice: That proposal I cannot support. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: to
Completed sentence: With regard to your request, we need more details. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: Ten kilometres is a long way to walk in this heat. (one distance) Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: apologise
Completed sentence: I apologise for the delay. (performing the apology now) Beyond habits and ongoing activity, the present simple appears in commentary, summaries, performative statements and scheduled future events. The continuous can foreground temporary behaviour or repeated behaviour coloured by attitude. State verbs may become dynamic with a meaning shift: I think versus I'm thinking it over.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: was
Completed sentence: I was wondering whether you could help. (tentative enquiry) Past forms can narrate events, establish background or create interpersonal distance. Past perfect marks an earlier reference, including unreal past conditions; continuous forms can soften enquiries. Once chronology is clear, a narrative may return to past simple instead of maintaining past perfect throughout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: wouldn't
Completed sentence: The car wouldn't start this morning, however often I tried. (past refusal) Will can express characteristic behaviour, willingness or a present inference; would can express past habit, refusal or tentative judgement. Should can express expectation, formal recommendations and conditional inversion. Modal + have + participle refers to an earlier situation rather than merely shifting a tense mechanically.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: well
Completed sentence: We may as well leave; nobody else is coming. Can expresses ability and general possibility, while may/might commonly express a specific uncertain possibility. Use be able to where can lacks a form. May/might as well recommends a reasonable available option; might have can express past possibility or criticism depending on context. Concessive may acknowledges a point before a contrast.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: leave
Completed sentence: They demanded that he leave immediately. The mandative present subjunctive uses the base form after demands or recommendations: that she be, that he leave. Negatives use not + base form without do. Irrealis were expresses hypothetical distance, not necessarily past time. Should + infinitive is also possible in many British mandative clauses.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: working
Completed sentence: By June, I will have been working here for a decade. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: Having
Completed sentence: Having been warned, she proceeded cautiously. Advanced participle clauses include perfect and passive forms: having completed, having been informed. Their implied subject normally matches the main-clause subject. Some absolute constructions supply their own subject: weather permitting. Meaning may be temporal, causal or concessive and must be inferred from context.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: did
Completed sentence: Only after the vote did they reveal the cost. Word order controls focus through inversion, fronting, clefts and end-weight. Negative fronting triggers auxiliary inversion; fronted objects normally do not. Heavy information often comes later. Only before an adverbial can trigger inversion, but only before the subject does not.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: whom
Completed sentence: The colleague with whom I collaborated has retired. Prepositions may be stranded in ordinary relative clauses and questions or placed before whom/which in formal style. They require noun phrases or -ing, not a bare infinitive. Except and but sometimes allow special infinitive patterns; learn advanced combinations such as with regard to and in accordance with as units.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: is
Completed sentence: The number of applicants is increasing. Agreement depends on the head noun and meaning, not simply the nearest noun. Each/every and subjects headed by the number take singular verbs; a number of takes plural. Collective nouns may be singular or plural depending on variety and viewpoint. In proximity agreement with either/or, match the nearer subject in standard exercises.