English

Fill in the Blanks Questions

Chapter: Grammar & Usage | Total Available: 93 Real Questions

Question 1 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Each of the following items features one part of a sentence followed by four alternatives. Complete the sentence by choosing the correct alternative. 

 I wish

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option A is correct. This phrase effectively expresses a wish that is not based on a real situation.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

The phrase "I wish" initiates the subjunctive mood, which is used to articulate desires or hypothetical situations contrary to reality.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct Example: "I wish I could help you."
Incorrect Example: "I wish I did help you." (This implies past action which diminishes the expression of a wish.)

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: "I could help you." - Theoretical capability to assist.
  • B: "I ought to help you." - Indicates a moral obligation.
  • C: "I did help you." - Refers to an action in the past, unfit for current desires.
  • D: "I must help you." - Suggests necessity rather than a wish.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

A frequent pitfall is using the past tense ("did") after "wish," which can imply regret rather than a true desire. Use "could" for hypothetical wishes, not "did."

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar, specifically in the context of conditional sentences.

Question 2 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Following items have four sentences. Identify the correct sentence and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Which one of following sentence is correct?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option A is correct. It accurately uses the comparative form "taller than" to make a valid comparison.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

The correct usage of the comparative form in English is crucial to accurately express comparisons. The phrase "taller than" is the proper construction for comparing the height of two subjects.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct Sentence: No other mountain is taller than the Himalayas.

Incorrect Sentence: No other mountain is tall than the Himalayas.

This shows that "tall" should be replaced with "taller" in comparative structures.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: No other mountain is taller than the Himalayas. (Correct)
  • B: No other mountain is tall than the Himalayas. (Incorrect - uses the wrong form)
  • C: No other mountains taller than the Himalayas. (Incorrect - missing verb)
  • D: No other mountain is taller then the Himalayas. (Incorrect - "then" is an improper form)

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

A common grammatical trap is confusing "than" (which compares) with "then" (which indicates time). Remember: Think of "than" for comparisons. "Then" relates to sequences in time.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against standard grammar references such as Wren & Martin English Grammar.

Question 3 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate answer and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. 

 __________, if the referee points his fingers, this indicates that someone has done something wrong.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (c) is correct. "Briefly" effectively introduces the explanation regarding the referee's action.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

Discourse markers, like "briefly," are used to introduce explanations succinctly, thus establishing the context of a statement.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct: "Briefly, if the referee points his fingers, this indicates that someone has done something wrong."

Incorrect: "On the contrary, if the referee points his fingers, this indicates that someone has done something wrong." (Misleading as it implies contrast rather than explanation.)

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: On the contrary - used to indicate a contrast; not suitable for explanations.
  • B: Whatever more - grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity.
  • D: As regards - refers to a specific matter; does not introduce an explanation succinctly.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

  • Remember: "briefly" denotes a succinct explanation. Contrast markers, like "on the contrary," serve a different purpose.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against "Wren & Martin's High School English Grammar and Composition".

Question 4 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate answer and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. 

 __________, this issue is likely to be discussed when the Council meets next.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option A is correct. "As per reports" indicates the basis for the upcoming discussion.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

Discourse markers, such as "as per reports," signal the relationship between statements and provide context. The phrase implies that the upcoming discussion is grounded in previously received information.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct Usage: "As per reports, this issue will be discussed at the meeting."

Incorrect Usage: "Accordingly, this issue is likely to be discussed." (This does not imply prior sources).

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: As per reports - Basis for upcoming discussion; indicates prior knowledge.
  • B: Accordingly - Means as a result; does not imply prior source.
  • C: Likewise - Suggests similarity; does not fit context.
  • D: Briefly - Refers to short duration, irrelevant here.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

  • Remember that "as per" often precedes reports or information.
  • β€œAccordingly” implies consequence, not foundation for discussion.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar, Chapter on Discourse Markers.

Question 5 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate answer and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

__________, you needed to consult a physician to have a clear idea of what the disease is about.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option A is correct. "In that case" indicates a specific scenario requiring action.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

"In that case" is a phrase used to indicate a specific condition or scenario previously mentioned that necessitates a certain response or action.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct Usage: "In that case, you needed to consult a physician to have a clear idea of what the disease is about."
Incorrect Usage: "In these case, you needed to consult a physician." (should be "cases")

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: In that case - indicates a condition; contextually fits.
  • B: In these case - incorrect; "case" should be plural ("cases").
  • C: Likewise - means "similarly," does not indicate conditionality.
  • D: Henceforth - implies a future action, not relevant to current scenario.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

Remember that "in that case" is used when linking back to a previously discussed scenario. A mnemonic to recall this could be: "If it’s mentioned and conditions are set, 'in that case' is your bet."

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar, Standard Usage of English Expressions.

Question 6 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate answer and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. 

 __________, the records have been completely undermined by shoddy book-keeping.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option [b] is correct. "As such" accurately relates the record-keeping issue to its consequence.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

The phrase "as such" is a discourse marker used to refer to a previously mentioned situation and denotes its consequences or relevance.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct: "The project failed; as such, we need to reconsider our approach."
Incorrect: "The project failed; because of, we need to reconsider our approach." (Misuses causal connectors)

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Because of - Indicates a reason, often used before a noun or a noun phrase.
  • C: Forever - Indicates an infinite duration, not applicable in this context.
  • D: Hence - Implies a conclusion or result but does not connect to a previously mentioned situation like "as such".

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

Remember: "As such" connects ideas logically and contextually, while "because of" requires different sentence construction. A mnemonic: "As such connects; hence concludes."

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar principles.

Question 7 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space followed by four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

It does not look like he is going _______ in his studies than what was predicted by his school principal.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option [b] is correct. "Further" aptly denotes progress in studies.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

The adverb "further" refers to progress or advancement, while "farther" typically relates to physical distance. "Any" used with "further" emphasizes a total lack of progress.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct: "She wishes to go further in her studies."
Incorrect: "She wishes to go farther in her studies."

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • any further: Implies no additional progress has occurred; usage can be redundant here.
  • further: Correctly indicates progression in non-physical contexts.
  • farther: Refers to greater physical distance; incorrect in this context.
  • any farther: Suggests no physical distance gain; also inappropriate for academic progress.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

Remember: "further" for figurative uses and "farther" for literal distance. Mnemonic: "Future means 'further' with education."

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar.

Question 8 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Directions:Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space followed by four options. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. 

 _______ all the confusion the thief made a quiet getaway.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option C is correct. "Amidst" effectively conveys being in the middle of confusion.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

"Amidst" is a preposition synonymous with "amid," meaning "in the middle of" or "surrounded by." It is often used in more formal or literary contexts.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct: "Amidst all the confusion, the thief made a quiet getaway."
Incorrect: "Amongst all the confusion, the thief made a quiet getaway." (While "amongst" is a real word, it's less common than "amidst" in formal English.)

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Among - Refers to being surrounded by a group of people or things.
  • B: Amongst - Synonymous with "among," but less common in modern usage.
  • C: Amidst - Best choice, implies being in the middle of something like confusion.
  • D: Amid - Similar to "amidst," but less formal.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

Remember: "Amidst" has a poetic tone; use "amid" for everyday use. A mnemonic to recall this could be: "Amid the storm, amidst the calm."

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar, Section on Prepositions.

Question 9 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Fill in The Blanks

Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.

It was a __________ experience. Everybody was shocked.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (c) is correct. The word 'terrifying' accurately conveys the negative impact of the experience described.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

The term "terrifying" functions as an adjective denoting something that induces fear or dread, aptly modifying "experience" in the given context.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Example Sentence: - **Correct**: The horror movie was a terrifying experience for all who watched it. - **Incorrect**: The horror movie was a terrified experience for all who watched it.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A) terrified: Past participle of 'terrify'; refers to someone who is scared.
  • B) horrified: Past participle of 'horrify'; expresses shock or disgust.
  • C) terrifying: Adjective; describes something that causes fear.
  • D) denouncing: Present participle of 'denounce'; relates to criticizing or condemning.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

Tip: Remember, adjectives describe nouns. 'Terrifying' (adj.) fits the noun 'experience' unlike the other options that are verbs.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar, section on adjectives.

Question 10 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Fill in The Blanks

Directions: Each of the following sentences in this section has a blank space and four words or group of words given after the sentence. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.

The United Nations had _______ 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health.

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (d) is correct. The term "declared" fits the context of an official announcement.

πŸ“– Rule & Word Origin

The term "declare" means to announce something formally or officially. It often relates to making known a decision or statement to the public.

πŸ’‘ Usage & Examples

Correct: The government declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health.
Incorrect: The government ruled 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health.

πŸ” Option Analysis

- **A: ruled** - To exert control; inappropriate in this context.
- **B: ordered** - To give a command or directive; lacks formality compared to "declared."
- **C: foretold** - To predict or prophesy; does not fit the meaning of formally stating.
- **D: declared** - To make known officially; the correct choice.

⚑ Grammatical Traps & Mnemonics

Remember: "Declare" often indicates an official announcement. Mnemonic: **D**eclared = **D**ecision formally stated.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against Wren & Martin English Grammar.

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