Chapter 03 — Sentence structure and parts of speech

Track: common | Study time: 75–100 minutes | Recall task: write the rule before checking the key.

Teaching note

A sentence is not a bag of words. Its central clause links a subject with a finite verb, then adds an object, complement or adverbial as required. In “The clerk checked the register carefully”, the clerk is the subject, checked is the finite verb, the register is the object, and carefully describes how the checking happened. If you find the finite verb first, many agreement and tense questions become easier.

An independent clause can stand alone; a dependent clause cannot. “The rain stopped” is independent. “When the rain stopped” leaves the reader waiting for a main clause. Connect clauses with a conjunction or punctuation that matches the relationship. A comma alone cannot safely join two complete independent clauses in formal exam writing.

Parts of speech are functions, not permanent labels. A word can be a noun in one sentence and a verb in another: “The report is clear” (noun) and “They report the result” (verb). The same flexibility appears in “fast” as an adjective or adverb. Identify the job a word performs in its current sentence before choosing a grammatical rule.

English usually places a determiner before an adjective and a noun: “a careful review”. Modifiers should sit near the word they modify. “She almost checked every entry” differs from “She checked almost every entry.” In comprehension, misplaced or distant modifiers can change the claim. In descriptive writing, short sentences reduce this risk.

Parallel structure means items in a list share a grammatical form: “The team collected, checked and filed the forms.” A mismatch such as “collected, checking and to file” distracts the reader and often signals a sentence-improvement error. After coordinating conjunctions, compare the structures on both sides.

Telugu-medium transfer check

Translate one Telugu sentence by first identifying the English subject and finite verb, then add the object or complement. Check that a dependent clause has a main clause and that modifiers sit beside the word they describe.

Retrieval practice

Mark the subject, finite verb and clause boundary in five sentences. Combine two clauses using a connector that expresses the intended reason, contrast or condition.

Error-log prompt

Keep the original sentence, underline its finite verb, and label whether the defect was a fragment, agreement error, misplaced modifier or faulty join. Write one minimal correction.

Study plate 03. Recall the sequence before you begin the question set.

Chapter 03 practice questions

001. The passive voice is formed with a form of "be" plus the

A. V1

B. V3

C. V2

D. V-ing

Key: B | Explanation: The passive uses "be + past participle". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

002. Passive of "She writes a letter."

A. A letter has written by her.

B. A letter was written by her.

C. A letter is written by her.

D. A letter is writing by her.

Key: C | Explanation: Simple present passive is "is/am/are + V3". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

003. Passive of "They built a bridge."

A. A bridge is built by them.

B. A bridge has been built by them.

C. A bridge was built by them.

D. A bridge built by them.

Key: C | Explanation: Simple past takes "was/were + V3". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

004. Which sentence cannot be changed into the passive?

A. He opened the door.

B. He wrote a poem.

C. He eats rice.

D. He sleeps.

Key: D | Explanation: An intransitive verb has no object, so no passive. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

005. In reported speech, "tomorrow" usually becomes

A. yesterday

B. the next day

C. the previous day

D. today

Key: B | Explanation: "Tomorrow" becomes "the next day". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

006. In reported speech, "now" usually becomes

A. ago

B. here

C. then

D. there

Key: C | Explanation: "Now" becomes "then". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

007. "He said, 'I am tired.'" In indirect speech this is

A. He says he was tired.

B. He said that I am tired.

C. He said that he is tired yesterday.

D. He said that he was tired.

Key: D | Explanation: Present becomes past after a past reporting verb. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

008. Which conjunction means "if not"?

A. Unless

B. Although

C. Since

D. Because

Key: A | Explanation: "Unless" means "if not". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

009. "No sooner had he arrived ___ it began to rain."

A. then

B. than

C. that

D. when

Key: B | Explanation: "No sooner" is followed by "than". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

010. "Hardly had he come ___ it rained."

A. so

B. that

C. when

D. than

Key: C | Explanation: "Hardly" is followed by "when". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

011. Which modal expresses permission in formal English?

A. ought

B. used to

C. dare

D. may

Key: D | Explanation: "May" is used for formal permission. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

012. Which is the correct question tag? "She is a nurse, ___?"

A. isn't she

B. doesn't she

C. is she

D. wasn't she

Key: A | Explanation: A positive statement takes a negative tag. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

013. The correct question tag for "I am late" is

A. isn't I

B. aren't I

C. don't I

D. amn't I

Key: B | Explanation: "Aren't I" is the standard tag for "I am". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

014. Passive of "She is writing a letter."

A. A letter was being written by her.

B. A letter is written by her.

C. A letter is being written by her.

D. A letter has been written by her.

Key: C | Explanation: Present continuous becomes "is/are being + V3". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

015. Passive of "Who wrote this book?"

A. By whom was this book written?

B. By whom is this book wrote?

C. Who was written by this book?

D. Who had this book written?

Key: A | Explanation: "Who" becomes "by whom" in the passive. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

016. Passive of "Open the door."

A. The door is opened.

B. Let the door be opened.

C. The door was opened.

D. Door open by you.

Key: B | Explanation: Imperatives use "Let ... be + V3". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

017. Passive of "They laughed at him."

A. He laughed at them.

B. He was laughed by them.

C. He is laughed at by them.

D. He was laughed at by them.

Key: D | Explanation: The preposition stays with the verb. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

018. Passive of "She has finished the work."

A. The work has been finished by her.

B. The work was finished by her.

C. The work is finished by her.

D. The work had been finished by her.

Key: A | Explanation: Present perfect becomes "has/have been + V3". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

019. Change to indirect speech: She said, "I will come tomorrow."

A. She said that she will come tomorrow.

B. She said that she would come the next day.

C. She said that she would come tomorrow.

D. She said that I would come the next day.

Key: B | Explanation: "Will" becomes "would", and "tomorrow" becomes "the next day". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

020. Change to indirect speech: He asked, "Where do you live?"

A. He asked that where I lived.

B. He asked where did I live.

C. He asked where I lived.

D. He asked where I live.

Key: C | Explanation: A reported wh-question uses normal word order and the past tense. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

021. Change to indirect speech: She said to me, "Are you ready?"

A. She asked me was I ready.

B. She told me if I was ready.

C. She asked me that I was ready.

D. She asked me if I was ready.

Key: D | Explanation: A yes/no question is reported with "if" or "whether". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

022. Change to indirect speech: He said to me, "Go home."

A. He said that go home.

B. He ordered me to go home.

C. He asked me if I went home.

D. He told me that I go home.

Key: B | Explanation: A command is reported with "ordered ... to". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

023. Choose the correct sentence.

A. Although he was ill, yet but he came.

B. Though he was ill, but he came.

C. Although he was ill, but he came.

D. Although he was ill, he came.

Key: D | Explanation: "Although" and "but" are not used together. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

024. Fill in the blank: "Walk carefully lest you ___ fall."

A. should

B. would

C. can

D. will

Key: A | Explanation: "Lest" is followed by "should". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

025. Choose the correct form: "He is not only clever ___ hardworking."

A. then

B. than

C. but also

D. and

Key: C | Explanation: The pair is "not only ... but also". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

026. Choose the correct tag: "He never lies, ___?"

A. does he

B. did he

C. doesn't he

D. isn't he

Key: A | Explanation: "Never" makes the statement negative, so the tag is positive. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

027. Choose the correct tag: "Open the door, ___?"

A. don't you

B. will you

C. are you

D. do you

Key: B | Explanation: After an imperative, "will you" is used. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

028. Choose the correct tag: "Let us go, ___?"

A. do we

B. don't we

C. shall we

D. will we

Key: C | Explanation: After "Let us", the tag is "shall we". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

029. Choose the correct tag: "Everyone came, ___?"

A. didn't he

B. wasn't it

C. did he

D. didn't they

Key: D | Explanation: "Everyone" takes the pronoun "they" in the tag. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

030. Which sentence is correct?

A. He can sings well.

B. He can to sing well.

C. He cans sing well.

D. He can sing well.

Key: D | Explanation: A modal is followed by the base verb. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

031. "You ___ not smoke here; it is banned." Which modal fits best?

A. dare

B. may

C. must

D. need

Key: C | Explanation: "Must not" shows prohibition. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

032. Consider these statements. 1. A modal is followed by the base verb. 2. A modal takes "-s" in the third person.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: A | Explanation: Modals do not take "-s". Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

033. Consider these statements. 1. "Need not" shows no necessity. 2. "Must not" shows prohibition.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: C | Explanation: Both statements are correct. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

034. Consider these statements. 1. "That" is used to report questions. 2. "If" or "whether" is used for yes/no questions.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: B | Explanation: "That" is only for statements. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

035. Consider these statements. 1. A positive statement takes a negative tag. 2. A negative statement takes a negative tag.

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: A | Explanation: A negative statement takes a positive tag. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

036. Consider these statements. 1. "Used to" shows a past habit. 2. "Be used to" is followed by V-ing and means "accustomed to".

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Key: C | Explanation: Both statements are correct. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

037. Match the modal with its chief meaning.

A. may - ability

B. can - past habit

C. used to - permission

D. should - advice

Key: D | Explanation: "Should" gives advice. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

038. Match the coordinating conjunction with its use.

A. so - contrast

B. but - contrast

C. because - choice

D. or - reason

Key: B | Explanation: "But" joins contrasting ideas. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

039. Which sentence shows a duty that was NOT done in the past?

A. He should have called.

B. He may call.

C. He must have called.

D. He could call.

Key: A | Explanation: "Should have + V3" shows a missed duty. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

040. "He must have left early." This sentence expresses

A. a future duty

B. a past habit

C. permission

D. strong certainty about the past

Key: D | Explanation: "Must have + V3" shows strong inference about the past. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

041. Which sentence is in the passive voice?

A. The teacher praised the boy.

B. The boy was praised by the teacher.

C. The boy praised the teacher.

D. The teacher is praising him.

Key: B | Explanation: The subject receives the action. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

042. Change to indirect speech: She said, "Alas! I am ruined."

A. She asked with sorrow if she was ruined.

B. She exclaimed that alas I was ruined.

C. She exclaimed with sorrow that she was ruined.

D. She said that alas she is ruined.

Key: C | Explanation: Exclamations use "exclaimed with sorrow" and drop the interjection. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

043. No tense change is required in "He said, 'The earth moves round the sun.'" because

A. The statement is a universal truth

B. It has no subject

C. The verb is past

D. It is a question

Key: A | Explanation: A universal truth stays in the simple present. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

044. Choose the correct tag: "He plays well, ___?"

A. didn't he

B. doesn't he

C. hasn't he

D. isn't he

Key: B | Explanation: With no helping verb in the statement, the tag uses do/does/did in the same tense. Identify the grammatical relationship first, then keep the same tense, voice, pronoun reference and clause order through the transformation.

045. ___ the road was flooded, the team reached the centre.

A. So that

B. Because

C. Although

D. Unless

Key: C | Explanation: “Although” introduces a contrast; do not add “but” in the same clause pattern.

046. No sooner had the meeting begun ___ the lights went out.

A. when

B. then

C. than

D. while

Key: C | Explanation: The paired construction is “no sooner…than”.

047. In “The careful clerk checked the form”, which word is the finite verb?

A. careful

B. clerk

C. checked

D. form

Key: C | Explanation: “Checked” carries tense and is the finite verb; the other words are adjective, noun and object noun.

048. Which part is the independent clause in “When the rain stopped, the team resumed work”?

A. the team resumed work

B. When the team

C. stopped the work

D. When the rain stopped

Key: A | Explanation: “The team resumed work” can stand alone; the when-clause depends on it.

049. Choose the sentence with parallel verbs.

A. The team recording, checked and file the forms.

B. The team records, checked and filing the forms.

C. The team recorded, checked and filed the forms.

D. The team recorded, checking and to file the forms.

Key: C | Explanation: All three verbs use the same past-tense form, making the list parallel.