English Grammar Proficiency Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which sentence is grammatically correct in the third conditional?

If I knew, I would have told you.
If I have known, I would have told you.
If I would have known, I would have told you.
If I had known, I would have told you. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: If I had known, I would have told you.

The third conditional requires 'had + past participle' in the if-clause; using 'would have' in the if-clause is a very common grammatical error to avoid.

Question 2: What is the value of industry certifications?

They replace experience
They guarantee employment
They are meaningless
They validate knowledge, demonstrate commitment to the profession, and may be required by employers or regulations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They validate knowledge, demonstrate commitment to the profession, and may be required by employers or regulations

Certifications provide third-party validation of your knowledge and skills, showing employers and clients that you meet recognized professional standards.

Question 3: Which of the following is a demonstrative pronoun?

Each
These (Correct answer)
Who
Their

Correct answer: These

'These' points to specific things and functions as a demonstrative pronoun.

Question 4: Which sentence correctly uses 'as long as' to introduce a condition?

As long as you are here, I feel safe. (Correct answer)
As long as you were here, I feel safe.
As long as you had been here, I feel safe.
As long as you will be here, I feel safe.

Correct answer: As long as you are here, I feel safe.

'As long as' introduces a condition and functions like 'if,' so simple present is used for ongoing or general conditions, just as in a zero conditional.

Question 5: Identify the appositive phrase in: 'My neighbor, a retired teacher, gardens every morning.'

gardens every morning
every morning
My neighbor
a retired teacher (Correct answer)

Correct answer: a retired teacher

An appositive renames or identifies the noun next to it; 'a retired teacher' renames 'My neighbor.'

Question 6: When I was a child, I recall _______ here.

being (Correct answer)
be
to be

Correct answer: being

The verb 'recall' is generally followed by a gerund when referring to a past action or state that one remembers. 'Being' is the gerund form of 'to be,' correctly expressing the remembered state of existing or having been in that place. Using an infinitive ('to be') or the base form ('be') would be grammatically incorrect after 'recall' in this context.

Question 7: Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?

Neither of the answers have been correct.
Neither of the answers is correct. (Correct answer)
Neither of the answers were correct.
Neither of the answers are correct.

Correct answer: Neither of the answers is correct.

"Neither" as a subject takes a singular verb, so "is" is correct.

Question 8: Which correctly punctuates a non-restrictive relative clause?

My brother who lives in Denver is a doctor.
My brother, who lives in Denver, is a doctor. (Correct answer)
My brother who lives in Denver, is a doctor.
My brother, who lives in Denver is a doctor.

Correct answer: My brother, who lives in Denver, is a doctor.

A non-restrictive clause adds extra information and must be set off by commas on both sides.

Question 9: What is a short squeeze?

A type of juice
A market crash
A broker fee
A rapid price increase that occurs when short sellers are forced to buy back shares, driving the price even higher (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A rapid price increase that occurs when short sellers are forced to buy back shares, driving the price even higher

When a heavily shorted asset's price rises, short sellers rush to buy back (cover) their positions to limit losses, which further drives up the price in a feedback loop.

Question 10: Which option correctly fills the blank? '_____ Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on Earth.'

An
A
The (Correct answer)
No article needed

Correct answer: The

'The' is used before names of oceans, rivers, and seas because they are unique geographical features.

Question 11: Select the sentence with correct agreement.

The news are shocking.
The news is shocking. (Correct answer)
The news were shocking.
The news have been shocking.

Correct answer: The news is shocking.

"News" is a singular noun despite ending in "s," so it takes the singular verb "is."

Question 12: What is an interjection?

A word that expresses strong emotion or surprise, often followed by an exclamation mark (Correct answer)
A noun modifier
A type of preposition
A type of verb

Correct answer: A word that expresses strong emotion or surprise, often followed by an exclamation mark

Interjections like 'Wow!', 'Ouch!', and 'Hey!' express sudden emotions and are grammatically independent from the rest of the sentence.

Question 13: Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

She likes to hike, swimming, and to cook.
She likes hiking, to swim, and cooking.
She likes hiking, swimming, and cooking. (Correct answer)
She likes hike, swim, and cooking.

Correct answer: She likes hiking, swimming, and cooking.

All three items use the gerund (-ing) form, maintaining parallel structure.

Question 14: What role does networking play in professional development?

Networking provides opportunities for learning, mentorship, referrals, and staying current with industry trends (Correct answer)
It is unnecessary
It is only about finding jobs
It is only for extroverts

Correct answer: Networking provides opportunities for learning, mentorship, referrals, and staying current with industry trends

Professional networking connects you with peers, mentors, and opportunities while keeping you informed about industry developments and best practices.

Question 15: "Don't shout!"

direct request
reported order
direct order (Correct answer)

Correct answer: direct order

The sentence 'Don't shout!' is an imperative statement, directly telling someone what not to do. The use of 'Don't' and the exclamation mark convey a strong command or instruction. Since it is presented in quotation marks, it represents the exact words spoken, making it a direct order rather than a reported one or a polite request.

Question 16: What type of sentence is this: 'After the rain stopped, we went outside, and the children played for hours'?

Simple
Complex
Compound
Compound-complex (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Compound-complex

It has one dependent clause ('After the rain stopped') and two independent clauses joined by 'and,' making it compound-complex.

Question 17: Identify the correct use of "used to."

I used to live in Ohio. (Correct answer)
I used to living in Ohio.
I use to live in Ohio.
I am used to live in Ohio.

Correct answer: I used to live in Ohio.

"Used to live" is correct; "used to" is followed by the base form of the verb to describe past habits.

Question 18: Select the appropriate sentence from the list below for each.

We have much to do, for example. The carpets need vacuuming.
We have much to do; for example, the carpets need vacuuming. (Correct answer)
We have much to do for example: the carpets need vacuuming.
We have much to do, for example: the carpets need vacuuming.

Correct answer: We have much to do; for example, the carpets need vacuuming.

Similar to 'therefore,' the phrase 'for example' is a conjunctive adverbial phrase that introduces an illustration for the preceding independent clause. A semicolon is correctly used to connect the two independent clauses, and a comma follows 'for example' to set it off from the rest of the sentence, ensuring proper grammatical flow.

Question 19: Select the appropriate sentence from the list below for each.

Finish your job it is imperative that you do.
Finish your job, it is imperative that you do.
Finish your job; it is imperative that you do. (Correct answer)
Finish your job, it is imperative, that you do.

Correct answer: Finish your job; it is imperative that you do.

A semicolon is correctly used here to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. 'Finish your job' is a complete sentence, and 'it is imperative that you do' is also a complete sentence. The semicolon effectively joins them without the need for a coordinating conjunction, indicating a strong logical connection.

Question 20: They stood on the sidewalk looking around as a few people walked by, but no one appeared particularly interested.

Compound
Complex
Compound-complex (Correct answer)
Simple

Correct answer: Compound-complex

This sentence is classified as compound-complex because it contains two independent clauses and one dependent clause. 'They stood on the sidewalk looking around' is an independent clause, and 'no one appeared particularly interested' is another independent clause, joined by the coordinating conjunction 'but'. The phrase 'as a few people walked by' is a dependent clause, introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'as'.

Question 21: When should a comma be used before a coordinating conjunction?

Only in lists
Always
Never
When it joins two independent clauses (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When it joins two independent clauses

A comma is placed before coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when they join two independent clauses.

Question 22: Which sentence is correct?

Everyone are responsible for their actions.
Everyone were responsible for their actions.
Everyone have been responsible.
Everyone is responsible for their actions. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Everyone is responsible for their actions.

"Everyone" is an indefinite pronoun that always takes a singular verb.

Question 23: Select the appropriate sentence from the list below for each.

A proposal, that makes harassment of whales illegal, has just passed.
A proposal that makes harassment of whales illegal, has just passed.
A proposal that makes harassment of whales illegal has just passed. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A proposal that makes harassment of whales illegal has just passed.

The clause 'that makes harassment of whales illegal' is a restrictive clause. It is essential to the meaning of the sentence because it specifies which particular 'proposal' has passed. Restrictive clauses provide necessary information and are therefore not set off by commas.

Question 24: What is the function of the underlined clause in: 'I know [that she will succeed]'?

Noun clause (Correct answer)
Relative clause
Adverbial clause
Participial phrase

Correct answer: Noun clause

The clause 'that she will succeed' acts as the direct object of 'know,' so it is a noun clause.

Question 25: Next week there is a party, but I doubt I can make it.

preposition
adverb
conjuction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: conjuction

The word "but" connects two independent clauses: "Next week there is a party" and "I doubt I can make it." Conjunctions are words used to connect words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. "But" is a coordinating conjunction, used to show contrast or opposition between the two connected ideas.

Question 26: Which word in the sentence 'Ouch! That really hurt!' is an interjection?

Ouch (Correct answer)
That
Hurt
Really

Correct answer: Ouch

'Ouch' expresses sudden pain and stands alone grammatically, making it an interjection.

Question 27: Which sentence is an example of a mixed conditional linking a past condition to a present result?

If I slept earlier, I would feel better.
If I sleep earlier, I will feel better.
If I had slept earlier, I would have felt better.
If I had slept earlier, I would feel better now. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: If I had slept earlier, I would feel better now.

A mixed conditional combines past perfect in the if-clause with 'would + base infinitive' in the result clause to show how a past action affects the present situation.

Question 28: Select the correctly written sentence.

Five dollars is a lot for a pencil. (Correct answer)
Five dollar is a lot for a pencil.
Five dollars are a lot for a pencil.
Five dollars were a lot for a pencil.

Correct answer: Five dollars is a lot for a pencil.

When an amount of money is treated as a single unit, it takes a singular verb.

Question 29: Choose the correct verb: "The committee _____ been unable to reach a decision."

were
have
are
has (Correct answer)

Correct answer: has

In American English, "committee" is a collective noun treated as singular, so "has" is used.

Question 30: Which word is a conjunction in the sentence: 'She wanted to go, but it was raining'?

raining
but (Correct answer)
She
wanted

Correct answer: but

Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses. 'But' is a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.

Question 31: What punctuation correctly ends a polite request phrased as a question: 'Would you please close the door'?

Would you please close the door!
Would you please close the door. (Correct answer)
Would you please close the door;
Would you please close the door?

Correct answer: Would you please close the door.

Polite requests phrased as questions often end with a period because they function as commands, not true questions.

Question 32: Which sentence uses the present perfect tense correctly?

She has finished her homework. (Correct answer)
She finishes her homework.
She is finishing her homework.
She finished her homework.

Correct answer: She has finished her homework.

"Has finished" is the present perfect tense, showing a completed action with present relevance.

Question 33: Which sentence correctly uses 'wish' to express an unreal present desire?

I wish I will have more time.
I wish I have more time.
I wish I had more time. (Correct answer)
I wish I would have more time.

Correct answer: I wish I had more time.

'Wish' expressing an unreal present situation is followed by the simple past tense ('had'), following the same pattern as the if-clause in a second conditional.

Question 34: What is the significance of pre-market and after-hours trading?

It follows different rules entirely
It does not exist
Trading that occurs outside regular market hours, often with lower volume, wider spreads, and higher volatility (Correct answer)
It is only for institutions

Correct answer: Trading that occurs outside regular market hours, often with lower volume, wider spreads, and higher volatility

Extended hours trading allows reactions to news and earnings before and after the regular session, but typically with less liquidity and wider bid-ask spreads.

Question 35: Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect progressive?

She worked for three hours.
She is working for three hours.
She had worked for three hours.
She has been working for three hours. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She has been working for three hours.

"Has been working" shows an ongoing action that started in the past and continues to the present.

Question 36: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
The dog barked at the stranger loudly.
She almost drove her kids to school every day. (Correct answer)
Running through the park, he tripped on a root.

Correct answer: She almost drove her kids to school every day.

'Almost' is misplaced; it should be 'She drove her kids to school almost every day.'

Question 37: I purchased a stunning dress in the mall.

preposition
noun
adjective (Correct answer)

Correct answer: adjective

In the sentence, 'stunning' describes the noun 'dress.' Adjectives are words that modify or describe nouns or pronouns, providing more information about their qualities or characteristics. Therefore, 'stunning' functions as an adjective by telling us what kind of dress was purchased.

Question 38: What does the zero conditional primarily express?

An unreal situation in the past
An unlikely or imaginary future event
A real possibility that may happen
A general truth or fact that is always true (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A general truth or fact that is always true

The zero conditional is used to state facts, scientific laws, and general truths where the result always follows the condition.

Question 39: I'm sorry, but I'm unable ______.

laugh
to laugh
laughing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: laughing

The adjective 'unable' is typically followed by an infinitive (e.g., 'unable to laugh') to express an inability to perform an action. However, in certain informal or idiomatic expressions, a gerund like 'laughing' might be used, particularly when implying a state of being incapable of the action. This usage, though less standard, conveys the inability to engage in the act of laughing.

Question 40: Which sentence is correct?

Bread and butter have been a common breakfast.
Bread and butter are a common breakfast.
Bread and butter is a common breakfast. (Correct answer)
Bread and butter were a common breakfast.

Correct answer: Bread and butter is a common breakfast.

"Bread and butter" refers to a single concept (a food combination), so it takes a singular verb.

English Grammar Proficiency Test

A comprehensive English grammar assessment covering parts of speech, verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, punctuation, articles, gerunds, and reported speech.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

65%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. We have not yet matched this exam's facts to an official source, so confirm fees, dates and rules with the exam body. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy