Sentence Improvement
Sentence improvement is a vital part of English grammar tests. It asks you to make a sentence better or grammatically correct. You are given a sentence with a specific part highlighted or underlined. You must choose the best option to replace that part. If the original sentence is correct, you choose 'No improvement'. This topic tests your knowledge of tenses, prepositions, and sentence structure. It also checks your vocabulary and how you use words in context.
Concepts (3)
Parallel structure means using the same word pattern for multiple items in a list or series. If you start with a verb ending in '-ing', the next verb should also end in '-ing'. This creates balance and makes the sentence easier to read.
Parallel structure means using the same word pattern for multiple items in a list or series. If you start with a verb ending in '-ing', the next verb should also end in '-ing'. This creates balance and makes the sentence easier to read. For example, 'I like hiking, biking, and to swim' is incorrect. The correct version is 'I like hiking, biking, and swimming'. This rule applies to nouns, verbs, and adjectives alike.
Sometimes a sentence is grammatically correct but uses a weak word. Sentence improvement tests if you can find a more precise word. For example, instead of saying 'a person who is easily tricked', use the word 'gullible'.
Sometimes a sentence is grammatically correct but uses a weak word. Sentence improvement tests if you can find a more precise word. For example, instead of saying 'a person who is easily tricked', use the word 'gullible'. This shows a higher level of language mastery. Always look for the most specific word that fits the context of the sentence provided in the question.
The word 'since' acts as a bridge between a starting point in the past and the present moment. Therefore, you must use the Present Perfect tense in the main clause. The structure is usually: [Present Perfect] + since + [Past Simple].
The word 'since' acts as a bridge between a starting point in the past and the present moment. Therefore, you must use the Present Perfect tense in the main clause. The structure is usually: [Present Perfect] + since + [Past Simple]. For example, 'I have lived here since I left college.' Many students wrongly use the simple past 'I lived here since...' which is a common trap in exams.
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Start Lesson: Parallel Structure