Rules of Completing Sentences ( Basic)

Basic Rules of Completing Sentences

Rule 1: It is time + for + person + to + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure indicates that it is the right moment for someone to begin or do a certain action. It emphasizes urgency or necessity.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. It is time for me to __________.

  2. It is time for the children to __________.

  3. It is time for us to __________.

  4. It is time for the team to __________.

  5. It is time for her to __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. It is time for me to start my homework.

  2. It is time for the children to go to bed.

  3. It is time for us to leave for school.

  4. It is time for the team to begin the match.

  5. It is time for her to finish her project.

Rule 2: It is time + subject + verb (past form)

• Explanation: This construction expresses that something should have been done already or suggests that it is overdue. It implies that the action has not yet occurred but should have.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. It is time we __________.

  2. It is time she __________.

  3. It is time they __________.

  4. It is time we __________.

  5. It is time he __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. It is time we went to the store.

  2. It is time she finished her homework.

  3. It is time they took a break.

  4. It is time we cleaned the house.

  5. It is time he started his job.

Rule 3: Present Indefinite + as if/as though + past indefinite

• Explanation: This structure is used to describe a situation where someone acts or speaks as if something else is true, despite it not being the case. It creates a comparison between present actions and past events.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. He tells the story as if he __________.

  2. She behaves as though she __________.

  3. They act as if they __________.

  4. He speaks as though he __________.

  5. She runs as if she __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. He tells the story as if he knew it well.

  2. She behaves as though she owns the place.

  3. They act as if they were the only ones here.

  4. He speaks as though he understood everything.

  5. She runs as if she were training for a marathon.

Rule 4: Past Indefinite + as if/as though + past perfect

• Explanation: This structure is used when referring to a past action that someone behaves as if it had already occurred. It compares a past situation to another past event.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. He told the story as if he __________.

  2. She acted as though I __________.

  3. They spoke as if they __________.

  4. He replied as though he __________.

  5. She walked as if she __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. He told the story as if he had known it all along.

  2. She acted as though I had never spoken.

  3. They spoke as if they had been there before.

  4. He replied as though he had heard that question.

  5. She walked as if she had already won the race.

Rule 5: If + Present Indefinite + future indefinite tense

• Explanation: This conditional structure is used to express a possible situation in the present that will lead to a result in the future. The first part (the condition) is in the present tense, and the second part (the result) is in the future tense.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. If it rains, we __________.

  2. If he wants, I __________.

  3. If you play in the rain, you __________.

  4. If she studies hard, she __________.

  5. If they finish early, they __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. If it rains, we shall not go.

  2. If he wants, I shall help him.

  3. If you play in the rain, you will catch a cold.

  4. If she studies hard, she will pass the exam.

  5. If they finish early, they will celebrate.

Rule 6: If + Past Indefinite + would/could + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure indicates a hypothetical situation in the past that didn’t happen. It shows what would occur if the past condition were true.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. If he came, I __________.

  2. If they wanted, we __________.

  3. If I had a bicycle, I __________.

  4. If she visited, they __________.

  5. If you joined us, we __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. If he came, I would go.

  2. If they wanted, we would help them.

  3. If I had a bicycle, I would ride it every day.

  4. If she visited, they would be happy.

  5. If you joined us, we would have more fun.

Rule 7: If + Past Perfect + would have/could have + verb (past participle form)

• Explanation: This structure reflects a condition that did not happen in the past, leading to a different result than expected. It conveys regret or missed opportunities.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. If I had seen him, I __________.

  2. If they had started earlier, they __________.

  3. If she had tried, she __________.

  4. If we had known, we __________.

  5. If he had helped, I __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. If I had seen him, I could have told him the news.

  2. If they had started earlier, they could have caught the train.

  3. If she had tried, she would have succeeded.

  4. If we had known, we would have gone together.

  5. If he had helped, I would have finished faster.

Rule 8: Had + verb + past participle form + would have/could have + verb (past participle form)

• Explanation: This structure is a variation of Rule 7, focusing on the condition that did not happen in the past and the result that would have occurred because of it.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Had I seen him, I __________.

  2. Had he wanted, they __________.

  3. Had I possessed a vast property, I __________.

  4. Had she studied harder, she __________.

  5. Had we planned better, we __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Had I seen him, I would have given him the news.

  2. Had he wanted, they would have helped him.

  3. Had I possessed a vast property, I would have established a college.

  4. Had she studied harder, she would have passed the exam.

  5. Had we planned better, we would have succeeded in our project.

Rule 9: If + Subject + were + would + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure expresses a hypothetical situation that is contrary to reality, often used to discuss dreams or wishes. It implies that the subject is not what is mentioned.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. If I were a king, I __________.

  2. If she were here, she __________.

  3. If they were rich, they __________.

  4. If he were taller, he __________.

  5. If I were you, I __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. If I were a king, I could help the poor.

  2. If she were here, she would support the team.

  3. If they were rich, they would travel the world.

  4. If he were taller, he would play basketball.

  5. If I were you, I would study more.

Rule 10: Present/Future Indefinite Tense + when/after + present perfect

• Explanation: This structure indicates that one action will occur after another action is completed. The first part is in the present or future tense, while the second part is in the present perfect tense.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. You can go to sleep when you __________.

  2. I will call you after I __________.

  3. They will leave when they __________.

  4. She can join us after she __________.

  5. We will eat when the food __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. You can go to sleep when you have finished your homework.

  2. I will call you after I have arrived home.

  3. They will leave when they have packed their bags.

  4. She can join us after she has completed her project.

  5. We will eat when the food has been served.

Rule 11: Would that/ I wish + were + …

• Explanation: This structure expresses a strong desire for something to be true, often about hypothetical situations or unreal conditions. It reflects wishes about the present or future.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. I wish I __________.

  2. Would that he __________.

  3. I wish it __________.

  4. Would that she __________.

  5. I wish they __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. I wish I were a king.

  2. Would that he were alive today.

  3. I wish it were sunny outside.

  4. Would that she could join us for dinner.

  5. I wish they were here to celebrate.

Rule 12: Would you mind + verb(ing) + …?

• Explanation: This polite structure is used to make requests. It asks if someone would be willing to do something, often in a courteous manner.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Would you mind __________?

  2. Would you mind __________?

  3. Would you mind __________?

  4. Would you mind __________?

  5. Would you mind __________?

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Would you mind taking a cup of tea?

  2. Would you mind opening the door?

  3. Would you mind helping me with my homework?

  4. Would you mind turning down the music?

  5. Would you mind passing me the salt?

Rule 13: It is time + to + verb (present form) + …

• Explanation: This structure indicates that it is the appropriate moment to perform a certain action, often used to suggest a change or a need to do something immediately.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. It is time to __________.

  2. It is time to __________.

  3. It is time to __________.

  4. It is time to __________.

  5. It is time to __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. It is time to start the meeting.

  2. It is time to leave the house.

  3. It is time to prepare for the exam.

  4. It is time to call my friend.

  5. It is time to go shopping.

Rule 14: …so much/many + … + that + subject + can/cannot + …

• Explanation: This structure shows a cause-and-effect relationship. It emphasizes that there is a large quantity of something, which leads to a particular outcome.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. You have so much __________ that you __________.

  2. There are so many __________ that I __________.

  3. He has so much __________ that he __________.

  4. She received so many __________ that she __________.

  5. They have so much __________ that we __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. You have so much intelligence that you can get a job.

  2. There are so many problems that I cannot solve them.

  3. He has so much money that he can buy a new car.

  4. She received so many gifts that she couldn’t carry them.

  5. They have so much time that we can relax.

Rule 15: …too + adjective + to + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure indicates that something is excessively described by the adjective, which prevents the action from being performed. It suggests a limitation.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. The man is too __________ to __________.

  2. She is too __________ to __________.

  3. The book is too __________ to __________.

  4. The task is too __________ to __________.

  5. The weather is too __________ to __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. The man is too old to work.

  2. She is too tired to study.

  3. The book is too difficult to read.

  4. The task is too hard to complete.

  5. The weather is too cold to play outside.

Rule 16: …too + adjective/adverb + for + personal object + to + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure shows that something is overly described by the adjective or adverb, making it difficult or impossible for a specific person to do the action.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. The load is too __________ for me to __________.

  2. The problem is too __________ for him to __________.

  3. The exam was too __________ for them to __________.

  4. The road is too __________ for us to __________.

  5. The task is too __________ for her to __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. The load is too heavy for me to carry.

  2. The problem is too hard for him to solve.

  3. The exam was too challenging for them to pass.

  4. The road is too narrow for us to drive on.

  5. The task is too complicated for her to understand.

Rule 17: …so + adjective/adverb + that + subject + cannot/could not + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure indicates that something is excessively described by the adjective or adverb, which results in an inability to perform an action.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. The man was so __________ that he __________.

  2. The music was so __________ that we __________.

  3. She was so __________ that she __________.

  4. The movie was so __________ that they __________.

  5. The food was so __________ that I __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. The man was so ill that he could not move.

  2. The music was so loud that we could not hear each other.

  3. She was so busy that she could not answer the phone.

  4. The movie was so boring that they fell asleep.

  5. The food was so spicy that I could not eat it.

Rule 18: …so that + subject + can/could/may/might + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure expresses purpose, indicating that one action is done in order to achieve another action. It highlights the reason for doing something.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. The boy studies hard so that he __________.

  2. We save money so that we __________.

  3. She exercises regularly so that she __________.

  4. He works overtime so that he __________.

  5. They practice daily so that they __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. The boy studies hard so that he can pass his exams.

  2. We save money so that we can go on vacation.

  3. She exercises regularly so that she can stay fit.

  4. He works overtime so that he can pay his bills.

  5. They practice daily so that they can improve their skills.

Rule 19: …in order that + subject + can/could/may/might + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure also expresses purpose, similar to "so that." It shows that an action is taken to allow another action to happen.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. He went to the store in order that he __________.

  2. I saved some money in order that I __________.

  3. They arrived early in order that they __________.

  4. She studies hard in order that she __________.

  5. We work together in order that we __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. He went to the store in order that he could buy groceries.

  2. I saved some money in order that I could buy a new phone.

  3. They arrived early in order that they could get good seats.

  4. She studies hard in order that she may get good grades.

  5. We work together in order that we might complete the project on time.

Rule 20: …lest + subject + should + verb (present form)

• Explanation: This structure expresses a precaution or worry that something undesirable might happen. It is used to indicate a reason to avoid a particular action.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. He ran away lest he __________.

  2. I studied hard lest I __________.

  3. She left early lest she __________.

  4. They saved money lest they __________.

  5. We kept quiet lest we __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. He ran away lest he should be seen.

  2. I studied hard lest I should fail the exam.

  3. She left early lest she should miss the bus.

  4. They saved money lest they should run out of funds.

  5. We kept quiet lest we should disturb the meeting.

Rule 21: …would rather/sooner + verb + than + verb/noun

• Explanation: This structure expresses a preference for one action over another. It indicates that the speaker would prefer to do something instead of something else.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. I would rather __________ than __________.

  2. She would sooner __________ than __________.

  3. He would rather __________ than __________.

  4. They would rather __________ than __________.

  5. We would sooner __________ than __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. I would rather stay home than go out.

  2. She would sooner eat pizza than burgers.

  3. He would rather read a book than watch TV.

  4. They would rather play soccer than basketball.

  5. We would sooner travel by train than by bus.

Rule 22: …had better + verb (present form) + …

• Explanation: This structure suggests a recommendation or advice. It indicates that it is in the best interest of the subject to perform a specific action.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. I had better __________.

  2. You had better __________.

  3. He had better __________.

  4. She had better __________.

  5. They had better __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. I had better finish my homework.

  2. You had better leave the house now.

  3. He had better call his parents.

  4. She had better prepare for the meeting.

  5. They had better check the weather.

Rule 23: …how + to + verb (present form) + …..

• Explanation: This structure is used to inquire about the method or technique of performing an action. It expresses a lack of knowledge or curiosity about how to do something.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. He doesn’t know how to __________.

  2. They knew how to __________.

  3. Do you know how to __________?

  4. I wonder how to __________.

  5. She asked how to __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. He doesn’t know how to play cricket.

  2. They knew how to speak French.

  3. Do you know how to cook pasta?

  4. I wonder how to solve this problem.

  5. She asked how to get to the station.

Rule 24: Without + verb(ing) + (meaningful negative sentence).

• Explanation: This structure indicates that something is not possible or cannot happen if a certain action is not taken. It shows a dependence on the action mentioned.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Without __________, you cannot __________.

  2. Without __________, we cannot __________.

  3. Without __________, he cannot __________.

  4. Without __________, they will not __________.

  5. Without __________, she cannot __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Without reading more, you cannot pass.

  2. Without taking physical exercise, we cannot keep our body fit.

  3. Without practicing daily, he cannot improve.

  4. Without planning ahead, they will not succeed.

  5. Without eating healthy food, she cannot stay fit.

Rule 25: By + verb(ing) + (meaningful affirmative sentence).

• Explanation: This structure indicates the means or method by which something is achieved. It shows that one action leads to another positive result.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. By __________, we can __________.

  2. By __________, you can __________.

  3. By __________, they will __________.

  4. By __________, she can __________.

  5. By __________, he will __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. By reading more, we can learn more.

  2. By drinking clean water, you can keep your body fit.

  3. By practicing regularly, they will improve their skills.

  4. By working hard, she can achieve her goals.

  5. By exercising daily, he will stay healthy.

Rule 26: …provided/provided that/providing that/if + (meaningful sentence).

• Explanation: This structure indicates a condition that must be met for something to happen. It is similar to saying "if" but often emphasizes a specific condition.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. I will agree to go provided that __________.

  2. He will succeed provided that __________.

  3. We will leave if __________.

  4. She will help you provided that __________.

  5. They will attend the meeting if __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. I will agree to go provided that my expenses are paid.

  2. He will succeed provided that he works hard.

  3. We will leave if the rain stops.

  4. She will help you provided that you ask nicely.

  5. They will attend the meeting if they are available.

Rule 27: …since/as/because + (meaningful sentence).

• Explanation: This structure provides a reason or explanation for an action or situation. It indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. As he __________, he was __________.

  2. Everybody loves him because __________.

  3. Crops did not grow well since __________.

  4. She was late because __________.

  5. He is happy as __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. As he behaved roughly, he was punished.

  2. Everybody loves him because he is honest.

  3. Crops did not grow well since there was drought.

  4. She was late because she missed the bus.

  5. He is happy as he passed the exam.

Rule 28: …though/although/in spite of/despite of + (alternative meaningful sentence).

• Explanation: This structure is used to express contrast between two ideas. It indicates that one situation exists despite another situation that could prevent it.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Though he __________, he __________.

  2. In spite of __________, she __________.

  3. Although it __________, they __________.

  4. Despite his __________, he __________.

  5. Though they __________, we __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Though he is poor, he is honest.

  2. In spite of his poverty, she helps the poor.

  3. Although it was raining, they went for a walk.

  4. Despite his illness, he went to work.

  5. Though they were tired, we continued the journey.

Rule 29: …unless/if…not + (meaningful affirmative sentence).

• Explanation: This structure expresses a negative condition that must be avoided for something else to happen. It indicates that an action is necessary for a positive outcome.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Unless you __________, you will __________.

  2. If he does not __________, they will __________.

  3. Unless she __________, we cannot __________.

  4. If they do not __________, he will __________.

  5. Unless I __________, you will not __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Unless you read attentively, you will fail.

  2. If he does not study hard, they will not pass.

  3. Unless she practices, we cannot win.

  4. If they do not arrive on time, he will leave.

  5. Unless I ask for help, you will not know.

Rule 30: …instead of/in lieu of + (meaningful word or sentence).

• Explanation: This structure indicates a substitution, where one thing is replaced with another. It emphasizes the choice made to take an alternative action.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Instead of __________, he __________.

  2. She bought __________ instead of __________.

  3. They chose __________ in lieu of __________.

  4. He did __________ instead of __________.

  5. We opted for __________ instead of __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Instead of going out, he stayed home.

  2. She bought a dress instead of a shirt.

  3. They chose to walk in lieu of taking a taxi.

  4. He did the dishes instead of watching TV.

  5. We opted for coffee instead of tea.

Rule 31: …because of/on account of/owing to/due to + (meaningful word or sentence)

• Explanation: These phrases are used to indicate the reason for something. They explain why a particular situation exists or an action occurs.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Everybody loves him because of __________.

  2. On account of __________, he could not attend.

  3. The writer dared not drive due to __________.

  4. They canceled the event owing to __________.

  5. She was late because of __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Everybody loves him because of his honesty.

  2. On account of his illness, he could not go to college.

  3. The writer dared not drive due to the fog.

  4. They canceled the event owing to the heavy rain.

  5. She was late because of traffic jams.

Rule 32: …no sooner…than/scarcely had…when/hardly had…when + past indefinite tense

• Explanation: This structure expresses that one event happened immediately after another. It highlights the quick succession of events.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. No sooner had __________ than __________.

  2. Scarcely had __________ when __________.

  3. Hardly had __________ when __________.

  4. No sooner had __________ than __________.

  5. Scarcely had __________ when __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. No sooner had I gone out than he came.

  2. Scarcely had we reached the station when the train left.

  3. Hardly had he reached the college when the examination began.

  4. No sooner had they arrived than the show started.

  5. Scarcely had she finished her meal when the phone rang.

Rule 33: …let alone + (meaningful word or phrase)

• Explanation: This phrase is used to indicate that if something is not true or possible, then something else is even less likely to be true or possible. It emphasizes a greater degree of difficulty.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. He cannot pass in __________, let alone __________.

  2. I cannot swim __________, let alone __________.

  3. The old farmer cannot visit __________, let alone __________.

  4. She cannot afford __________, let alone __________.

  5. They cannot understand __________, let alone __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. He cannot pass in the third division, let alone the first division.

  2. I cannot swim a kilometer, let alone ten kilometers.

  3. The old farmer cannot visit a small town, let alone a big town.

  4. She cannot afford a new car, let alone a house.

  5. They cannot understand the basic concepts, let alone advanced theories.

Rule 34: …the place + where + (meaningful affirmative sentence)

• Explanation: This structure is used to specify a location associated with a particular event or fact. It highlights the significance of a place in relation to the subject.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Jessore is the place where __________.

  2. A railway station is the place where __________.

  3. Paris is the city where __________.

  4. This is the park where __________.

  5. The library is the place where __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Jessore is the place where he was born.

  2. A railway station is the place where trains stop.

  3. Paris is the city where the UNESCO headquarters is located.

  4. This is the park where we often play football.

  5. The library is the place where students study.

Rule 35: …the time/year/day + when + (meaningful affirmative sentence)

• Explanation: This structure specifies a particular time, day, or year associated with an event. It emphasizes the importance of the temporal context.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Saturday is the day when __________.

  2. 1971 is the year when __________.

  3. 10 P.M. is the time when __________.

  4. Friday is the day when __________.

  5. 2020 is the year when __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Saturday is the day when the week begins.

  2. 1971 is the year when Bangladesh became independent.

  3. 10 P.M. is the time when we go to bed.

  4. Friday is the day when we have our family gatherings.

  5. 2020 is the year when the pandemic began.

Rule 36: …that + (meaningful sentence)

• Explanation: This structure is used to introduce a clause that provides additional information or a statement. It connects two related ideas.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. I know that __________.

  2. He said that __________.

  3. She believes that __________.

  4. They hope that __________.

  5. We understand that __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. I know that he is a doctor.

  2. He said that my address is Jessore.

  3. She believes that honesty is the best policy.

  4. They hope that the weather will improve.

  5. We understand that hard work pays off.

Rule 37: …feel, suppose, imagine, discover, know, judge, assume + to be + adjective

• Explanation: This structure is used to express a belief or assumption about a subject. It indicates how the speaker perceives the subject.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. We assumed him to be __________.

  2. He was judged to be __________.

  3. I know him to be __________.

  4. They imagine her to be __________.

  5. She feels him to be __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. We assumed him to be innocent.

  2. He was judged to be guilty.

  3. I know him to be honest.

  4. They imagine her to be a great leader.

  5. She feels him to be a trustworthy friend.

Rule 38: …as long as + (meaningful sentence)

• Explanation: This structure indicates a condition that must be met for something else to happen. It suggests that one situation will continue as long as another condition remains true.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Wait here as long as __________.

  2. We can play as long as __________.

  3. He will stay as long as __________.

  4. You can go out as long as __________.

  5. She will help you as long as __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Wait here as long as it rains.

  2. We can play as long as there is daylight.

  3. He will stay as long as you need him.

  4. You can go out as long as you finish your homework.

  5. She will help you as long as you ask politely.

Rule 39: …till/until + (meaningful affirmative sentence)

• Explanation: This structure indicates a time frame that must be met for something to happen. It emphasizes the point at which an action will stop or change.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. Wait until __________.

  2. She will stay till __________.

  3. We cannot leave until __________.

  4. He will study till __________.

  5. They will work until __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. Wait until I come back.

  2. She will stay till the meeting ends.

  3. We cannot leave until the rain stops.

  4. He will study till midnight.

  5. They will work until the project is finished.

Rule 40: …in case + (meaningful sentence)

• Explanation: This structure indicates a precaution taken to prepare for a possible event or situation. It emphasizes readiness for a specific circumstance.

• Incomplete Sentences:

  1. I will come tomorrow in case __________.

  2. He will carry an umbrella in case __________.

  3. We should prepare in case __________.

  4. She will call in case __________.

  5. They will wait in case __________.

• Complete Sentences:

  1. I will come tomorrow in case he wants me.

  2. He will carry an umbrella in case it rains.

  3. We should prepare in case the weather changes.

  4. She will call in case there are any updates.

  5. They will wait in case the bus is delayed.