Fill in the Blanks – Grammar based Aptitude

“Fill in the Blanks” questions in verbal ability tests assess a student’s understanding of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and context. These questions require candidates to carefully read the sentence or passage, understand the context, and choose the best word(s) to complete the sentence meaningfully. Mastering these questions involves a strong grasp of grammar rules, contextual understanding, and vocabulary.

Key Grammar Concepts for Fill in the Blanks

  1. Subject-Verb Agreement
    • Ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in number (singular or plural).
    • Example: “Each of the players ___ a good chance to win.”
      Correct Answer: “has” (Each is singular, so we use “has,” not “have”).
  2. Tense Consistency
    • The verb tense should match the context and remain consistent throughout the sentence.
    • Example: “She ___ her homework before going to the party.”
      Correct Answer: “had completed” (past perfect tense indicates the action was completed before another past event).
  3. Pronoun Consistency
    • Pronouns should clearly refer to the appropriate noun and match in number and gender.
    • Example: “If a student wants to succeed, ___ must work hard.”
      Correct Answer: “he or she” (matches the singular “student”).
  4. Parallelism
    • When listing actions or qualities, ensure parallel structure (same grammatical form).
    • Example: “She enjoys reading, writing, and ___.”
      Correct Answer: “swimming” (all verbs should be in the -ing form).
  5. Prepositions and Conjunctions
    • Correct prepositions or conjunctions enhance sentence flow and meaning.
    • Example: “He is interested ___ learning new languages.”
      Correct Answer: “in” (interested is typically followed by “in”).
  6. Adjective and Adverb Usage
    • Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
    • Example: “She sang ___ at the concert.”
      Correct Answer: “beautifully” (describes how she sang; adverb form).

Steps to Approach Fill in the Blanks Questions

  1. Read the Sentence Carefully
    Skim through the sentence to get a general idea of the context. This will help you understand what type of word (e.g., noun, verb, adjective) may fit the blank.
  2. Identify Clues in the Sentence
    Look for grammatical indicators, contextual clues, and keywords that signal the meaning. Words like “although,” “but,” “and,” or “because” can indicate contrast or causation.
  3. Predict the Answer Before Looking at Options
    Try to think of a word or phrase that would logically fit the blank based on the context. This prevents confusion from similar answer options.
  4. Evaluate All Options
    Read through each option, ensuring they fit grammatically and logically. Discard answers that seem off-topic or grammatically incorrect.
  5. Check for Grammatical Consistency
    Verify that the sentence structure and tense remain consistent. Singular and plural forms, verb tenses, and pronoun references should all be correct.

Example Questions and Explanations

Example 1

Question: “Despite his ___ to do well, he missed the deadline.”

Options:
A) laziness
B) diligence
C) reluctance
D) disinterest

Solution: The phrase “missed the deadline” suggests a negative outcome, but the word “despite” indicates that he had positive intentions or efforts. “Diligence” (hard work) is the only option that contrasts with a missed deadline.
Correct Answer: B) diligence

Example 2

Question: “She ___ the instructions carefully to avoid making mistakes.”

Options:
A) read
B) reads
C) reading
D) is read

Solution: The sentence implies an action she performed in the past to avoid errors, so the past tense “read” fits correctly.
Correct Answer: A) read

Example 3

Question: “The committee members expressed their ___ at the lack of progress on the project.”

Options:
A) satisfaction
B) frustration
C) enthusiasm
D) delight

Solution: The phrase “lack of progress” implies a negative feeling. “Frustration” is the only option that conveys dissatisfaction due to slow progress.
Correct Answer: B) frustration

Example 4

Question: “___ he was exhausted, he continued working late into the night.”

Options:
A) Even
B) Because
C) Although
D) Despite

Solution: The sentence shows contrast (exhaustion versus continued working). “Although” fits best as it introduces a concession.
Correct Answer: C) Although

Example 5

Question: “The teacher encouraged the students to work ___ and finish the project on time.”

Options:
A) quickly
B) quick
C) more quick
D) quickest

Solution: An adverb is needed to describe “work.” “Quickly” is the adverb form and thus correct.
Correct Answer: A) quickly

Additional Tips for Success

  1. Expand Vocabulary: A broad vocabulary aids comprehension and gives context for filling blanks more accurately. Flashcards, word games, and reading can all help in building vocabulary.
  2. Understand Synonyms and Antonyms: Often, choices in fill-in-the-blank questions are synonyms or antonyms. Knowing similar and opposite meanings can quickly narrow down choices.
  3. Practice with Timed Exercises: Since these tests are timed, practicing with a clock helps improve speed and efficiency.
  4. Learn Collocations: Collocations (common word pairings) are a crucial part of grammar and vocabulary. Knowing that “take advantage of,” “pay attention to,” or “deal with” are fixed expressions helps in choosing the correct words.

Practice Questions

Try these on your own, and then check the answers provided.

  1. “She was ___ enough to solve the problem before it got worse.”
    • A) careless
    • B) cautious
    • C) reckless
    • D) rude
  2. “The scientist conducted the experiment ___ and recorded the results meticulously.”
    • A) care
    • B) careful
    • C) carefully
    • D) caring
  3. “Because of the heavy rains, many flights have been ___.”
    • A) canceled
    • B) postponed
    • C) delayed
    • D) held
  4. “The young artist’s work was ___ admired by everyone at the gallery.”
    • A) deeply
    • B) nearly
    • C) seldom
    • D) barely

Dive into next topic Find the Error (Grammar based): https://www.learntheta.com/aptitude-grammar-find-the-error/

Refer Aptitude Questions on Fill in the blanks: https://www.learntheta.com/aptitude-questions-fill-in-the-blanks-grammar/

Practice Aptitude Questions with LearnTheta’s AI Practice Platform: https://www.learntheta.com/placement-aptitude/

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