Practice Verbal Ability questions on Sentence Improvement, covering grammar correction, sentence structure, tenses, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, modifiers, and choosing the clearest and most grammatically correct expression. Takes about 20–25 minutes and is useful for placement tests, TCS NQT, SSC, banking and MBA entrance exams.
Question 1
In the following question, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option marked ‘no improvement needed’.

Having given up smoking, he had no utilize of a lighter.
A
use of✓✗
B
use for✓✗
C
utility✓✗
D
no improvement needed✓✗
Explanation
The correct idiom is "to have no use for something", which means to have no need of it. So the sentence should read "he had no use for a lighter".

Option A is wrong because "use of" does not fit the idiom "no use for", and "utilize of" is also wrongly formed.
Option C is wrong because "utility" is a noun meaning usefulness and does not fit the phrase "no ... a lighter".
Option D is wrong because the underlined part has an error, so some improvement is needed.
Question 2
In the following question, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option marked ‘no improvement needed’.

Sudama was true with his friend Krishna.
A
of✓✗
B
for✓✗
C
to✓✗
D
no improvement needed✓✗
Explanation
The adjective "true" takes the preposition "to". We say "true to a friend", which means loyal to a friend.

Option A is wrong because "true of" is used to say that a statement applies to something and does not mean loyal.
Option B is wrong because "true for" is used to say that something is valid for someone and does not mean loyal.
Option D is wrong because the underlined preposition "with" is wrong, so improvement is needed.
Question 3
In the question below, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option d.) no improvement required.

Her performance is steadily improving over the past few weeks.
A
has been steadily✓✗
B
was steadily✓✗
C
had steadily improved✓✗
D
no improvement required✓✗
Explanation
"Over the past few weeks" refers to a period continuing up to now, so the present perfect continuous is needed: "has been steadily improving".

Option B is wrong because "was steadily improving" is the past continuous and does not link to the present.
Option C is wrong because "had steadily improved" is the past perfect and does not link to the present.
Option D is wrong because the underlined tense is wrong, so improvement is required.
Question 4
In the question below, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option d.) no improvement required.

My experience in Hor came as a stark contrast to accounts I’d read of earlier first travel encounters with Lake Manasarovar.
A
belonging to earlier traveller’s first encounters with Lake Manasarovar.✓✗
B
of earlier travellers’ first encounters with Lake Manasarovar.✓✗
C
of first encounters by Lake Manasarovar of earlier travellers.✓✗
D
no improvement needed.✓✗
Explanation
The correct phrase is "of earlier travellers' first encounters with Lake Manasarovar", which uses the plural possessive to say the encounters belong to earlier travellers.

Option A is wrong because "belonging to earlier traveller's" uses a singular possessive and adds a wordy phrase.
Option C is wrong because "encounters by Lake Manasarovar of earlier travellers" is confusing.
Option D is wrong because the underlined part has errors, so improvement is needed.
Question 5
In the question below, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option d.) no improvement required.

With the election of Jeremy Corbyn, a longtime socialist with commitment to reversing centrist policies, the Labour Party is in the hands of the hard left for the first time in decades.
A
a longtime socialist committed to reversing centrist policies✓✗
B
a longstanding socialist committed to reversing centrist policies✓✗
C
a longtime socialist who committed to reversal of centrist policies✓✗
D
no improvement required✓✗
Explanation
"A longtime socialist committed to reversing centrist policies" is correct because "committed" is a participle that describes the socialist, and the phrase is concise.

Option B is wrong because "longstanding" is not usually used for a person.
Option C is wrong because "who committed to reversal" is wordy and changes the meaning.
Option D is wrong because the original phrase "with commitment to" is weaker, so improvement is needed.
Question 6
In the question below, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option d.) no improvement required.

With the announcement of the election schedule for the Bihar Assembly polls, the Grand Old Party wants to put all the leading lights of the grand alliance on a common platform send hereto a message of unity.
A
achieve all the leading lights of the grand alliance on a common platform sending a message of unity.✓✗
B
get all the leading lights of the grand alliance on a common platform to send a message of unity.✓✗
C
put all the leading lights of the grand alliance on a single platform thus beaming a message a unity.✓✗
D
no improvement needed.✓✗
Explanation
"Get all the leading lights ... on a common platform to send a message of unity" is correct because the infinitive "to send" shows purpose.

Option A is wrong because "achieve all the leading lights" is not a correct use of "achieve".
Option C is wrong because "thus beaming a message a unity" has an error and is unclear.
Option D is wrong because the original has errors ("send hereto a message"), so improvement is needed.
Question 7
In the question below, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option d.) no improvement required.

Poland’s new president, Andrzej Duda, has complained about “dictates” from the European Union to accept migrants flowing onto the Continent from the Middle East and Africa.
A
of the European Union to accept migrants flowing onto the Continent from the Middle East and Africa.✓✗
B
of European Union for acceptance of migrants from Middle East and Africa.✓✗
C
from European Union to accept migrants from Middle East and Africa.✓✗
D
no improvement required✓✗
Explanation
The underlined part is correct. "Dictates from the European Union to accept migrants flowing onto the Continent from the Middle East and Africa" is clear and grammatical.

Option A is wrong because "of the European Union" is not the correct preposition for dictates that come from the Union.
Option B is wrong because "for acceptance of migrants" is wordy and loses the meaning of "flowing".
Option C is wrong because it drops "flowing onto the Continent", which changes the meaning.
Question 8
In the question below, a part of the sentence has been underlined. Replace the underlined part with the most appropriate choice from the four options provided below. In case no improvement is required, choose the option d.) no improvement required.

Cancer claimed Kim Suozzi at age 23, but she chooses to preserve her brain with the dream that neuroscience may one day claim her mind.
A
chose to preserve her brain with the dream that neuroscience may one day revive her mind.✓✗
B
chose to have her brain preserved with the dream that neuroscience might one day revive her mind.✓✗
C
chose neuroscience to preserve her brain with the hope that one day it might be revived.✓✗
D
no improvement needed.✓✗
Explanation
The sentence talks about the past ("claimed"), so "chose" should replace "chooses". "Might one day revive her mind" also fits the tense. So option B is correct.

Option A is wrong because "neuroscience may one day revive" does not agree with the past tense.
Option C is wrong because "chose neuroscience to preserve her brain" changes the meaning.
Option D is wrong because the tense "chooses" is wrong, so improvement is needed.
Question 9
In the sentence given below a part is underlined. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

He appeared to be unaware about how to see the human resources logjam at the company office.
A
How to approach✓✗
B
How to mend✓✗
C
How to break✓✗
D
How to meet✓✗
Explanation
A "logjam" is a blockage, and the phrase "how to break the logjam" means how to clear it. So "how to break" is correct.

Option A is wrong because "how to approach" does not go with "logjam" in this sense.
Option B is wrong because "how to mend" is used for repairing things.
Option D is wrong because "how to meet" does not fit the meaning.
Question 10
In the sentence given below a part is underlined. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

She is dancing to the music of her boss’s whims.
A
tunes✓✗
B
songs✓✗
C
whistles✓✗
D
sounds✓✗
Explanation
The idiom is "to dance to someone's tune", which means to do what the person wants.

Option B is wrong because "songs" is not part of the idiom.
Option C is wrong because "whistles" is not part of the idiom.
Option D is wrong because "sounds" is not part of the idiom.
Question 11
In the sentence given below a part is underlined and for that part options are given. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

He was not bothered about putting up with appearances because he was leaving the company soon.
A
Pushing up with✓✗
B
Pulling up with✓✗
C
Keeping up✓✗
D
Meeting up with✓✗
Explanation
The idiom is "keeping up appearances", which means acting as if things are fine. So "keeping up" is correct.

Option A is wrong because "pushing up with" is not an idiom.
Option B is wrong because "pulling up with" is not an idiom.
Option D is wrong because "meeting up with" is not an idiom.
Question 12
Look at the underlined part of the sentence below with three possible replacements for the underlined part given. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate your response against the corresponding letter. If none of these substitutions improve the sentence, choose (d) as your response.

Not a word did they speak to the others about the sad turn of events.
A
they spoke✓✗
B
they will speak✓✗
C
they have spoken✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"Not a word did they speak" is correct. When a sentence starts with a negative word like "not", the subject and verb are inverted with "did".

Option A is wrong because "they spoke" removes the inversion.
Option B is wrong because "they will speak" changes the tense.
Option C is wrong because "they have spoken" changes the tense.
Question 13
In the sentence given below a part is underlined and for that part options are given. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

They are waiting for her since the afternoon.
A
were waiting✓✗
B
wait✓✗
C
have been waiting✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"Since the afternoon" shows an action that started in the past and continues, so the present perfect continuous is needed: "have been waiting".

Option A is wrong because "were waiting" is the past continuous and does not match "since".
Option B is wrong because "wait" is the simple present and does not match "since".
Option D is wrong because the underlined part is wrong, so improvement is needed.
Question 14
In the sentence given below a part is underlined and for that part options are given. Choose the most suitable option that can replace the underlined part.

If he had time, he will refer you to the next doctor coming after his shift is over.
A
have✓✗
B
would have✓✗
C
has✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
This is a conditional sentence about a real possibility, with "will" in the main clause, so the "if" clause takes the present tense: "If he has time".

Option A is wrong because "have" does not agree with "he".
Option B is wrong because "would have" is used with the past tense in the "if" clause, which does not match "will".
Option D is wrong because the underlined part is wrong, so improvement is needed.
Question 15
In the sentence given below, replace the phrase underlined to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct as it is, mark (d) i.e. “No correction required” as the answer.

At an early age, she had made her mark as a criminal lawyer.
A
made her mark✓✗
B
makes her mark✓✗
C
has been making her mark✓✗
D
No correction required✓✗
Explanation
"At an early age" refers to a completed event in the past, so the simple past "made her mark" is right.

Option B is wrong because "makes her mark" is the present tense and does not match the past reference.
Option C is wrong because "has been making her mark" is the present perfect continuous and does not match.
Option D is wrong because the tense in the original ("had made") is wrong, so a correction is required.
Question 16
Choose one word which can meaningfully replace the underlined words in both the sentences.

I. Dr. John's fees as a general practitioner, are quite affordable.
II. Smith described his rival's accusations as baseless and malicious.
A
recrimination✓✗
B
attacks✓✗
C
prices✓✗
D
charges✓✗
Explanation
"Charges" can replace "fees" (the amount charged) and "accusations" (charges made against someone).

Option A is wrong because "recrimination" does not fit "fees".
Option B is wrong because "attacks" does not fit "fees".
Option C is wrong because "prices" does not fit "accusations".
Question 17
Choose one word which can meaningfully replace the underlined words in both the sentences without changing the meaning of original sentences.

I. As a fearless defender, he always inspired confidence in his goalkeeper.
II. The party shall win if you support my candidature.
A
prop✓✗
B
back✓✗
C
crutch✓✗
D
endorse✓✗
Explanation
"Back" can replace "defender" (a player who backs up the goalkeeper) and "support" (to back a candidate).

Option A is wrong because "prop" does not fit "defender" in sports.
Option C is wrong because "crutch" does not fit either sentence.
Option D is wrong because "endorse" does not fit "defender".
Question 18
Choose one word which can meaningfully replace the underlined words in both the sentences without changing the meaning of original sentences.

I. In the last over, the cricketer managed to get his hands to the ball and hold it.
II. She doubted that her new hairstyle would attract everyone's attention.
A
garb✓✗
B
catch✓✗
C
pull✓✗
D
draw✓✗
Explanation
"Catch" can replace "hold" (catch the ball) and "attract" (catch everyone's attention).

Option A is wrong because "garb" means clothes.
Option C is wrong because "pull" does not fit "hold it" in cricket.
Option D is wrong because "draw" does not fit "hold".
Question 19
Choose one word which can meaningfully replace the underlined words in both the sentences without changing the meaning of original sentences.

I. The robber finally decided to end his silence and reveal the news to the police.
II. The robber finally decided to end his silence and reveal the news to the police.
A
terminate✓✗
B
finish✓✗
C
disclose✓✗
D
break✓✗
Explanation
"Break" fits both sentences: "break his silence" means end his silence, and "break the news" means reveal the news. Option A is wrong because "terminate his silence" and "terminate the news" are not idiomatic. Option B is wrong because "finish the news" does not mean reveal it. Option C is wrong because "disclose his silence" makes no sense.
Question 20
In the sentence given below, replace the underlined phrase to make the sentence grammatically correct. If the sentence is correct as it is, mark (d) i.e. “No correction required” as the answer.

The woman to who I sold my house was a criminal.
A
to whom I selled✓✗
B
to whom I sell✓✗
C
to whom I sold✓✗
D
No correction required✓✗
Explanation
"To" is followed by the object form "whom", and the past tense of "sell" is "sold". So "to whom I sold" is correct.

Option A is wrong because "selled" is not a valid past tense.
Option B is wrong because "sell" is the present tense, which does not match "was".
Option D is wrong because the original has "who", which is wrong, so a correction is required.
Question 21
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

She finished the jigsaw puzzle with hardly no help from anyone.
A
hard help✓✗
B
hardly any help✓✗
C
a hardly any help✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"Hardly" is already negative, so "hardly no" is a double negative; "hardly any help" is correct. So option (2) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "hard help" changes the meaning (help that is hard).
Option 3 is wrong because "a hardly any help" is ungrammatical because "a" cannot come before "hardly any".
Option 4 is wrong because "hardly no" is a double negative, so the sentence does need improving.
Question 22
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

The hotel takes great care to ensure that its guests can be satisfied with their stay.
A
being satisfied✓✗
B
to be satisfied✓✗
C
are satisfied✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"Ensure that" introduces a statement of fact, so the plain present "are satisfied" is needed; "can be" weakens the meaning to a mere possibility. So option (3) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "that its guests being satisfied" has no finite verb.
Option 2 is wrong because "that its guests to be satisfied" is ungrammatical after "that".
Option 4 is wrong because "can be satisfied" only says it is possible, which is not what the hotel ensures.
Question 23
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

I want clearly you to understand that late work will not be accepted.
A
you to understand clearly✓✗
B
you clearly to understand✓✗
C
to clearly you understand✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
The object "you" comes right after "want", followed by the infinitive; the adverb "clearly" goes after "understand". So option (1) is correct.

Option 2 is wrong because "clearly" cannot come between "you" and "to understand".
Option 3 is wrong because "to clearly you understand" breaks up the infinitive with the object.
Option 4 is wrong because the adverb is in the wrong place, so the sentence needs improving.
Question 24
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

The clerk was suspended for losing important files.
A
got suspend✓✗
B
suspended✓✗
C
was to be suspended✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
The clerk received the punishment, so the passive "was suspended" is correct as it stands. So option (4) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "got suspend" uses the wrong verb form.
Option 2 is wrong because "The clerk suspended" would mean the clerk suspended someone else.
Option 3 is wrong because "was to be suspended" means a future plan, not what happened.
Question 25
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

Although the town is by far a quiet place, it gets crowded during the annual fair.
A
by and by✓✗
B
by and large✓✗
C
few and far between✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"By and large" means "on the whole", which fits "generally quiet, except during the fair". So option (2) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "by and by" means "after a while".
Option 3 is wrong because "few and far between" means "rare" and does not describe a place.
Option 4 is wrong because "by far" is used with comparatives and superlatives ("by far the quietest"), not before "a quiet place".
Question 26
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

The reason she missed the train was because her alarm did not ring.
A
why she missed the train was since✓✗
B
she missed the train was that✓✗
C
for which she missed the train because✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"The reason ... was because" repeats the idea of cause; the correct pattern is "The reason ... was that". So option (2) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "was since" repeats the cause in the same way as "was because".
Option 3 is wrong because "for which ... because" is ungrammatical.
Option 4 is wrong because "the reason ... was because" is a redundant construction, so it needs improving.
Question 27
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

Now that she has a steady job, she can look for herself.
A
look into✓✗
B
look around✓✗
C
look after✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"Look after oneself" means to take care of oneself, which fits having a steady job. So option (3) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "look into" means to investigate.
Option 2 is wrong because "look around" means to explore a place.
Option 4 is wrong because "look for herself" would mean to search for herself, which makes no sense.
Question 28
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

There is no more place for another chair in this small office.
A
room✓✗
B
seat✓✗
C
accommodation✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"Room" in the sense of free space is the natural word: "no more room for another chair". So option (1) is correct.

Option 2 is wrong because "no more seat" needs a plural and does not mean space.
Option 3 is wrong because "accommodation" is a place to stay for people, not space for a chair.
Option 4 is wrong because "no more place" is not idiomatic for free space.
Question 29
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

Many residents would strongly object any plan to close the park.
A
object against✓✗
B
object at✓✗
C
object to✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
The verb "object" takes the preposition "to": "object to a plan". So option (3) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "object against" uses the wrong preposition.
Option 2 is wrong because "object at" uses the wrong preposition.
Option 4 is wrong because "object" needs "to" before its object, so the sentence needs improving.
Question 30
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

He says the parcel was delivered while I was out, so I will have to take his word.
A
to give his word✓✗
B
to take his word for it✓✗
C
to keep his word✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
The idiom is "take someone's word for it", meaning to believe what someone says without proof. So option (2) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "to give his word" means to make a promise.
Option 3 is wrong because "to keep his word" means to keep a promise.
Option 4 is wrong because the idiom is incomplete without "for it".
Question 31
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

If she had left home earlier, she would have caught the bus.
A
would catch✓✗
B
could catch✓✗
C
caught✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
A past unreal condition ("If she had left") takes "would have" + past participle in the result clause, so the sentence is correct. So option (4) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "would catch" belongs to a present unreal condition.
Option 2 is wrong because "could catch" also belongs to a present condition.
Option 3 is wrong because "caught" states a fact, which contradicts the "if" clause.
Question 32
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

The new attendance rule applies to all employees, including managers.
A
applies on✓✗
B
applies for✓✗
C
applies with✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
A rule "applies to" the people it covers, so the sentence is correct. So option (4) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "applies on" uses the wrong preposition.
Option 2 is wrong because "applies for" means to make a request, such as applying for a job.
Option 3 is wrong because "applies with" uses the wrong preposition.
Question 33
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

If they would have practised more, they would have won the match.
A
had practised✓✗
B
have practised✓✗
C
were practising✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
In a past unreal condition the "if" clause takes the past perfect: "If they had practised". So option (1) is correct.

Option 2 is wrong because "have practised" is the present perfect and does not fit a past condition.
Option 3 is wrong because "were practising" is a past continuous and does not fit.
Option 4 is wrong because "would have" cannot be used in the "if" clause, so it needs improving.
Question 34
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

It is no use to argue with him once he has made up his mind.
A
argue✓✗
B
for arguing✓✗
C
arguing✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"It is no use" is followed by the -ing form: "It is no use arguing". So option (3) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "no use argue" is ungrammatical.
Option 2 is wrong because "no use for arguing" uses the wrong pattern.
Option 4 is wrong because "to argue" does not follow "It is no use", so it needs improving.
Question 35
In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the alternative that improves it. If no improvement is needed, choose "No improvement".

Please remind him of paying the electricity bill before Friday.
A
for paying✓✗
B
to pay✓✗
C
by paying✓✗
D
No improvement✓✗
Explanation
"Remind someone to do something" is used for a task still to be done. So option (2) is correct.

Option 1 is wrong because "remind him for paying" uses the wrong pattern.
Option 3 is wrong because "by paying" changes the meaning.
Option 4 is wrong because "remind someone of" is for a memory or a fact, not a task to be done.
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