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Writer's pictureFakhruddin Babar

With Clues / Without Clues Rules (Fill in the Blanks)- all Rules for SSC , HSC and All Competitive Exams

Updated: May 13

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 Rules for Solving Cloze Test (With/Without Clues)

 

Communicative System - Cloze Test with Clues

1.     Cloze test with clues: In this type of cloze test, you will be given a passage with 10 gaps. The passage will contain clues, and in each gap, there will be a box containing 14 words to choose from. You need to select the appropriate word from the box (based on tense, number, and person) to fill in the blank.

 

Additional Examples:

1.     The professor is giving a lecture, and he has provided some hints to help you understand the topic.

2.     The article provides suggestions on how to improve your writing skills.

3.     She left some clues to help us solve the mystery.

4.     The manual includes tips for troubleshooting common problems.

5.     The book offers pointers for effective time management.

6.     The teacher gave us some guidelines for the project.

 

Cloze Test without Clues:

1.     Cloze test without clues: In this type of cloze test, you will be given a passage with 10 gaps, but there will be no clues provided. You need to fill in the blanks with the appropriate words based on your understanding of grammar, tense, and vocabulary.

 

Additional Examples:

1.     The candidate was asked to complete a challenging cloze test as part of the job interview.

2.     The cloze test in the exam was quite difficult, and many students found it challenging.

3.     She struggled to complete the cloze test without any assistance.

4.     The cloze test is designed to assess your comprehension of the text.

5.     He found the cloze test to be a good indicator of his language skills.

6.     The cloze test helped identify areas where she needed to improve her vocabulary.


Rules of using Verb

Rule 1: Insert the appropriate adverb or adverb phrase into the blank to complete the sentence correctly.

Examples:

·         Some people are (currently) working in the field.

·         She sings (very beautifully).

·         They played the game (quite well).

Rule 2: Fill in the blank with the correct present tense form of the verb.

Examples:

·         He (guides) the students properly.

·         She (teaches) English to the children.

·         They (study) hard for their exams.

Rule 3: Convert the verb to its present form or base form.

Examples:

·         Help the poor.

·         He often (eat) fruits.

·         She (write) poems in her free time.

Rule 4: Adjust the verb tense according to the adverb or noun phrase provided.

Examples:

·         A balanced applicant always (qualifies) for the post.

·         The dedicated students consistently (achieve) high scores.

·         He (runs) marathons regularly.

Rule 5: Change the verb into its passive form and modify the sentence as needed.

Examples:

·         The poor countries are (exploited) by the advanced countries.

·         International meetings are (held) in English.

·         The report will be (submitted) by tomorrow.

Rule 6: Transform the verb into its passive form and add "to" before the verb that follows.

Examples:

·         They aren't (permitted) to go out of home.

·         Visitors are not (allowed) to take photographs inside the museum.

·         Students are (encouraged) to ask questions during the lecture.

 

Rules of using Adverb

Rule 1: Insert the appropriate adverb into the blank to modify the sentence correctly.

Examples:

·         Gradually Shakhina changed her lot.

·         She silently observed the situation.

·         He always speaks the truth.

Rule 2: Add the adverb that matches the adjective provided in the blank.

Examples:

·         She speaks (frankly).

·         He behaves (kindly) towards animals.

·         The team played (exceptionally) well.

Rule 3: Include the adverb in the blank to modify the auxiliary verb or principal verb correctly.

Examples:

·         He has (always) been my best friend.

·         They have (never) visited that place.

·         She will (probably) join us later.

Rule 4: Insert the adverb that appropriately modifies the adjective provided.

Examples:

·         He is (completely) gentle.

·         She looks (extremely) happy.

·         The meal was (deliciously) prepared.

Rule 5: Fill in the blank with the adverb that complements the adjective.

Examples:

·         She is (very) active girl.

·         He is (quite) intelligent.

·         The painting is (incredibly) beautiful.

Rule 6: Add the adverb that correctly modifies the entire prepositional phrase.

Examples:

·         She talks (loudly) in any matter.

·         They walked (slowly) down the narrow path.

·         The music played (softly) in the background.

 

Rules of using Adjective

                           Rule 1: Complete the sentence with the appropriate adjective that complements the noun.

Examples:

·         He is doing (complicated) works.

·         She enjoys (simple) pleasures.

·         They faced (challenging) situations.

Rule 2: Fill in the blank with the adjective that properly modifies the subject mentioned in the sentence.

Examples:

·         The students (good) in Maths can get better marks.

·         He is (interested) in art.

·         She is (proficient) in programming.

Rule 3: Add the adjective that matches the noun provided and maintain the proper article (if applicable).

Examples:

·         An (honest) man can never tell a lie.

·         Qualified candidates become successful.

·         The (skilled) workers completed the project.

Rule 4: Insert the appropriate adjective to describe the subject linked by the "Be" verb.

Examples:

·         She is (expert) in any handicrafts.

·         He seems (confident) in his abilities.

·         They are (knowledgeable) about the topic.

Rule 5: Complete the sentence by adding the adverb that complements the adjective.

Examples:

·         This man is very (strong) now.

·         She danced (gracefully) on stage.

·         He works (efficiently) under pressure.

Rule 6: Add the adjective that fits the sentence especially after linking verbs.

Examples:

·         He is (honest).

·         She seems (happy).

·         They appear (anxious).

Rule 7: Complete the sentence with the appropriate words to make it grammatically correct.

Examples:

·         Some people dream of a good future.

·         Many students struggle with mathematics.

·         Several candidates applied for the job.

 


Rules of using Parts of Speech

Rule 1: To form a noun from an adjective, replace the adjective in parentheses with the corresponding noun form.

Examples:

·         (Honest) is the best policy. → Honesty is the best policy.

·         (walk) is good exercise. → Walking is a good exercise.

Rule 2: Add an article or a preposition as needed before a noun to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Examples:

·         He has done –(duty) for him. → He has done a duty for him.

Rule 3: Insert an adjective before a noun if it is required to provide context or make the sentence meaningful.

Examples:

·         They have bought a beautiful—(gift) for their friends. → They have bought a beautiful gift for their friends.

Rule 4: Include an article, adjective, or preposition as necessary before a noun to complete the sentence.

Examples:

·         He believes in – (work) for the development of the country. → He believes in working for the development of the country.

·         You cannot prosper in life without -- (work) hard. → You cannot prosper in life without working hard.

·         The purpose of --- (read) history is different. → The purpose of reading history is different.

Rule 5: Combine some common words (some, any, few, a few, little, many, more, much, only, every, each, no) with a noun as needed to convey the intended meaning.

Examples:

·         He has done many – (job). → He has done many jobs.

Rule 6: Utilize an article followed by an adjective if the context requires it before a noun.

Examples:

·         A good--- (decide) is the pre-condition of success. → A good decision is the pre-condition of success.

Rule 7: Add a verb or preposition as necessary to form a complete sentence with a noun.

Examples:

·         He has--- (believe) God always. → He has belief in God always.

·         Or. He has believed God always. → He has believed in God always.

Rule 8: Replace the verb in parentheses with the appropriate verb form or tense to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Examples:

·         She (go) to school every day. → She goes to school every day.

·         They (study) for their exams all night. → They studied for their exams all night.

Rule 9: Adjust the verb tense or form to match the subject and context of the sentence.

Examples:

·         He (run) faster than his friend. → He runs faster than his friend.

·         She (read) the book yesterday. → She read the book yesterday.

Rule 10: Ensure that the verb agrees in tense and form with the subject and the rest of the sentence.

Examples:

·         The cat (chase) the mouse. → The cat chases the mouse.

·         The students (be) excited about the field trip. → The students are excited about the field trip.

Rule 11: Change the verb form to match the intended meaning and tense of the sentence.

Examples:

·         I (have) a dog when I was a child. → I had a dog when I was a child.

·         He (play) the piano very well. → He plays the piano very well.

Rule 12: Correctly conjugate the verb based on the subject and tense required in the sentence.

Examples:

·         We (be) late for the meeting. → We are late for the meeting.

·         She (sing) beautifully. → She sings beautifully.

Rule 13: Adjust the verb tense to reflect the time frame and context of the sentence.

Examples:

·         He (eat) breakfast every morning. → He eats breakfast every morning.

·         They (visit) the museum last weekend. → They visited the museum last weekend.

Rule 14: Modify the verb form to match the subject and complete the sentence accurately.

Examples:

·         The team (win) the championship last year. → The team won the championship last year.

·         She (dance) gracefully on the stage. → She dances gracefully on the stage.

 


Tense, Sentence, and Grammar Rules:

Rule 1: In the present indefinite tense, if the subject is the third person and singular, the verb takes the form of the base verb plus "s" or "es."

Example: Mili plays chess.

Additional Examples:

1.     He reads books.

2.     She listens to music.

3.     The cat sleeps on the couch.

4.     John works in the office.

5.     It rains heavily in the monsoon.

6.     The sun sets in the evening.

Rule 2: When expressing universal truths or habitual facts, use the present indefinite tense.

Example: The earth moves round the sun.

Additional Examples:

1.     Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

2.     The sun rises in the east.

3.     Plants need sunlight to grow.

4.     Fish swim in water.

5.     The moon shines at night.

6.     Birds fly in the sky.

Rule 3: Use the present indefinite tense when describing actions that generally, normally, or always happen.

Example: Sabiha learns her lessons regularly.

Additional Examples:

1.     He often visits his grandmother.

2.     They always arrive on time.

3.     The clock ticks loudly.

4.     She daily practices the piano.

5.     We sometimes go for a walk.

6.     The dog barks at strangers.

Rule 4: When forming negative or interrogative sentences in the present tense, use the auxiliary verb "do" (do, does, did) along with the base form of the main verb.

Example: Sumita does not go to school.

Additional Examples:

1.     He doesn't like spicy food.

2.     Did they complete their homework?

3.     She does her exercises every morning.

4.     Why do you always complain?

5.     The cat doesn't drink milk.

6.     Did you see that movie last night?

Rule 5: When forming questions using WH-words (what, when, where, who, which, whose, why, how), use the auxiliary verb "do" (do, does, did) along with the base form of the main verb.

Example: Why does Samira look so gloomy?

Additional Examples:

1.     Where do they live?

2.     Who did you meet at the party?

3.     How does he always find his way home?

4.     What do you want for dinner?

5.     When did the event take place?

6.     Why does she always wear a hat?

Rule 6: In sentences describing actions happening at the moment or in the present, use the present continuous tense, which consists of the base verb with "-ing" added to it.

Example: Now the students are singing the national anthem.

Additional Examples:

1.     They are watching a movie right now.

2.     The children are playing in the park.

3.     She is reading a book at the moment.

4.     The chef is preparing a delicious meal.

5.     We are waiting for the bus.

6.     The birds are chirping in the trees.

Rule 7: In sentences where the subject has "have" or "has" as the auxiliary verb, use the past participle form of the main verb to create the present perfect tense.

Example: They have gone to Dhaka.

Additional Examples:

1.     She has finished her work.

2.     We have visited that museum before.

3.     Have you seen this movie?

4.     He has eaten breakfast already.

5.     They have won several awards.

6.     I have never been to Paris.

Rule 8: Use the present perfect tense when describing actions that occurred just, just now, already, recently, lately, ever, or yet.

Example: Rabeya has taken her dinner just now.

Additional Examples:

1.     I have already finished my homework.

2.     She has recently visited her grandparents.

3.     Have you ever traveled to Europe?

4.     They have just arrived at the airport.

5.     He has yet to receive the report.

6.     We have recently redecorated our living room.

Rule 9: Use the past indefinite tense when expressing actions that happened in the past and are associated with a specific time or event.

Example: My father came home yesterday.

Additional Examples:

1.     She visited the museum last week.

2.     They completed the project last month.

3.     He traveled to London two years ago.

4.     We watched a movie yesterday evening.

5.     She bought a new car last year.

6.     They graduated from college in 2010.

Rule 10: Use the past indefinite tense when expressing actions that occurred since a specific time or event in the past.

Example: Many years have passed since I visited India.

Additional Examples:

1.     It's been a long time since I met her.

2.     She hasn't called me since last Friday.

3.     He hasn't eaten since breakfast.

4.     It's been ages since I saw that movie.

5.     It's been years since I visited my hometown.

6.     I haven't heard from him since our last meeting.

Rule 11: Use the past perfect tense when describing actions that happened before a specific time or event in the past.

Example: It was twenty years since the author first met his lady guest.

Additional Examples:

1.     She had already left when I arrived.

2.     By the time they reached the station, the train had left.

3.     He had finished his homework before going out.

4.     I had never seen such a beautiful sunset before.

5.     They had already eaten dinner when we arrived.

6.     She had received the letter before leaving for vacation.

Rule 12: Use the past perfect tense with "No sooner... than," "Scarcely... when," or "Hardly... when" to indicate that one action happened immediately after another action in the past.

Example: No sooner had the rain stopped than they left the shelter.

Additional Examples:

1.     Scarcely had he reached the stadium when it rained.

2.     Hardly had he arrived when the meeting started.

3.     No sooner had she finished her speech than they applauded.

4.     Scarcely had they started the game when it began to rain.

5.     Hardly had I left the house when I realized I forgot my keys.

6.     No sooner had the sun set than the stars appeared in the sky.

Rule 13: Use the past perfect tense after "after" and "before" to indicate the sequence of two past actions.

Example: The doctor had come before the patient died.

Additional Examples:

1.     They had already eaten before I arrived.

2.     He had completed the project after she had left.

3.     She had gone to bed before her parents came home.

4.     They had met each other after they had moved to the city.

5.     The train had left before they reached the station.

6.     She had finished her work after he had gone to lunch.

 

Rule 14: Use the past perfect tense when one action in the past had already occurred before another action in the past.

Example: The doctor had come before the patient died.

Additional Examples:

1.     She had already left before I arrived at the party.

2.     They had finished their meal before the waiter brought the bill.

3.     He had taken a shower before going to bed.

4.     I had already paid the bills before the electricity was restored.

5.     She had prepared breakfast before her family woke up.

6.     They had completed the project before the deadline.

Rule 15: Use the present participle (verb + -ing) form of the verb or the bare infinitive (base form) after certain verbs in a sentence.

Example: I saw him going.

Additional Examples:

1.     He heard her singing in the garden.

2.     She noticed him walking down the street.

3.     They felt the rain falling on their faces.

4.     I watched them playing soccer in the park.

5.     She observed him reading a book in the library.

6.     We saw the plane flying overhead.

Rule 16: Use "had rather," "had sooner," "had better," "would rather," "would better," "must," "let," and "need" followed by the base form of the verb (bare infinitive).

  1. She had rather finish her work before leaving.

  2. We would rather not disturb him while he's sleeping.

  3. You had better call the doctor about your symptoms.

  4. He had sooner start his assignment than procrastinate further.

  5. They must arrive on time for the meeting.

  6. Let him deal with the situation on his own.

  7. We need to decide on the plan before it's too late.

Rule 17: Use "Would that" followed by a subject and the present form of the verb when expressing a wish or desire.

  1. Would that he were here to celebrate with us!

  2. Would that she could play the piano like a professional.

  3. Would that the rain would stop for our outdoor event.

  4. Would that they could understand the importance of conservation.

  5. Would that we could turn back time and undo our mistakes.

Rule 18: Use "to be" or "having" followed by the past participle of the verb.

  1. The committee decided against having the proposal approved.

  2. It's important for the document to be signed by the end of the day.

  3. The team is preparing for the project to be completed within the deadline.

  4. He wishes for the issue to be resolved peacefully.

  5. The teacher requested for the assignment to be submitted by Friday.

Rule 19: Use verbs like "wish," "fancy," "it is time," and "it is high time" followed by the past tense of the verb.

  1. I wish I had studied harder for the exam.

  2. She fancies she had traveled the world before settling down.

  3. It is high time that the company invested in renewable energy.

  4. It is time for him to apologize for his behavior.

  5. I wish it were possible to undo the damage caused by pollution.

Rule 20: Use certain verbs and phrases like "cannot help," "could not help," "with a view to," "look forward to," "would you mind," "used to," "past," "mind," and "worth" followed by the verb in its -ing form.

  1. He cannot help laughing at her jokes.

  2. She looks forward to visiting her grandparents next weekend.

  3. Would you mind helping me move this furniture?

  4. I used to love swimming in the ocean during summer.

  5. The book is worth reading multiple times for its depth of wisdom.

Rule 21: Use "each," "every," "one of," "either," and "neither" followed by a singular form of the verb.

  1. Each student is responsible for their own homework.

  2. Every flower in the garden blooms beautifully in spring.

  3. One of the keys is missing from the keychain.

  4. Neither of the options seems suitable for our needs.

  5. Either way, someone has to take charge of the situation.

Rule 22: Use "as if" or "as though" followed by "were" when describing a situation that is contrary to reality.

  1. She speaks as though she were the expert on the subject.

  2. He acts as if he were the captain of the team.

  3. They behave as though they were celebrities at the party.

  4. It looks as if it were going to rain soon.

  5. The child plays as if they were a professional musician.

Rule 23: Modal auxiliary verbs like "can," "could," "may," "might," "shall," "should," "will," and "would" are followed by the base form of the verb.

  1. She can swim very well.

  2. He could speak multiple languages fluently.

  3. You may leave the room now.

  4. They might arrive late due to traffic.

  5. We should study for the exam tomorrow.

Rule 24: In indirect speech, the reporting verb in the past tense is followed by the past tense of the verb in the reported speech.

  1. He said that he went to Dhaka yesterday.

  2. She told me that she had finished her homework.

  3. They mentioned that they were going on vacation next month.

  4. The teacher explained that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

  5. He informed us that the meeting had been rescheduled.

Rule 25: When forming the passive voice, use the appropriate form of the auxiliary verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were, shall be, will be) followed by the past participle of the verb.

  1. The boy is sent to school.

  2. The cake was baked by my sister.

  3. The report will be submitted by the end of the week.

  4. The problem has been solved by the technical team.

  5. The movie was watched by millions of people worldwide.

Rule 26: Use the structure "If + Subject + were" in the if-clause and "might/would/could + verb" in the principal clause when expressing a hypothetical situation.

  1. If I were a bird, I would fly to you soon.

  2. If she were rich, she might travel the world.

  3. If they were in trouble, I would help them.

  4. If it were sunny tomorrow, we could have a picnic.

  5. If he were taller, he would be a basketball player.

Rule 27: Use the structure "If + Present Indefinite Tense" in the if-clause and "will + base form of the verb" in the principal clause to express a future consequence.

  1. If you walk slowly, you will miss the train.

  2. If it rains tomorrow, the match will be canceled.

  3. If she doesn't hurry, she will be late for class.

  4. If you don't water the plants, they will die.

  5. If they don't study harder, they will fail the exam.

Rule 28: Use the if-clause with "If + Past Indefinite Tense" and "could, would, might" in the principal clause when expressing a past possibility.

  1. If she requested, I would go.

  2. If he called me, I might have answered.

  3. If they invited us, we could have attended the party.

  4. If it snowed last night, the roads would be icy this morning.

  5. If I saw him earlier, I would have helped him.

Rule 29: Use the if-clause with "If + Past Perfect Tense" and "would have/could have/might have" in the principal clause to express a past hypothetical situation.

  1. If the thief had seen the policeman, he would have run away.

  2. If she had known about the surprise party, she would have come.

  3. If they had studied harder, they might have passed the exam.

  4. If I had listened to your advice, I would have avoided this mistake.

  5. If it had rained, we would have stayed indoors.

Rule 30: Use the perfect conditional structure "Had + Subject + Past Participle" in the if-clause and "would have/could have/might have + past participle" in the principal clause to express a past unreal condition.

  1. Had I the wings of a dove, how soon I would have met you again.

  2. Had he known about the danger, he would have taken precautions.

  3. Had they arrived earlier, they could have caught the train.

  4. Had she asked for help, we might have solved the problem together.

  5. Had it been warmer, we would have gone for a swim.

Rule 31: Use "since" and "for" followed by a specific time duration to form sentences in the Present Perfect Continuous Tense.

  1. It has been raining for two hours.

  2. She has been studying since morning.

  3. They have been waiting for you for ages.

  4. We have been working on this project since last month.

  5. He has been living in this city for five years.

Rule 32: Use plural verbs after adjectives that start with "The."

  1. The rich are not always happy.

  2. The elderly need special care.

  3. The brave deserve respect.

  4. The poor struggle to make ends meet.

  5. The wise learn from their mistakes.

Rule 33: Use the Future Indefinite Tense after time expressions like "tomorrow," "next day," "latter," etc.

  1. The next day will be a holiday.

  2. Tomorrow will be sunny.

  3. The latter part of the week will be busy.

  4. Next month will bring new opportunities.

  5. In the future, things will be different.

Rule 34: Use the past participle form of the verb after verbs like "have," "get," "want," etc., when followed by an objective (noun/pronoun).

  1. I get my hair dressed.

  2. She wants her car washed.

  3. They had their house painted.

  4. He got his computer repaired.

  5. We had our dinner delivered.

Rule 35: In a compound sentence, use the past tense in both clauses.

  1. He came and visited me.

  2. She laughed and hugged her friend.

  3. They ate dinner and watched a movie.

  4. I read a book and went to bed.

  5. He called but didn't leave a message.

Rule 36: In a complex sentence, use the past tense in both the main and subordinate clauses.

  1. I knew it was expensive.

  2. She understood why he left.

  3. They believed what she said.

  4. He realized he made a mistake.

  5. We knew where they were going.

Rule 37: Use a plural verb when the subject of a sentence with "there" is plural.

  1. There are ten boys.

  2. There were many books on the shelf.

  3. There have been several complaints.

  4. There seem to be some misunderstandings.

  5. There will be many guests at the party.

Rule 38: Use a singular verb when a collective noun (like "twenty miles") refers to a single unit.

  1. Twenty miles is not a long distance.

  2. A dozen eggs costs too much.

  3. Three hundred dollars is a fair price.

  4. Fifty percent of the population is affected.

  5. Ten thousand dollars was stolen from the bank.

Rule 39: "Beside" means "at the side of" or "next to," while "besides" means "as well as" or "in addition to."

  1. There is a tree beside the river.

  2. He has none to help him besides you.

  3. I sat beside him during the meeting.

  4. Besides studying, she enjoys painting.

  5. They have no other option besides quitting.

Rule 40: Use "between" when referring to two items or people and "among" when referring to more than two items or people.

  1. He divided his money between his wife and his daughter.

  2. Divide the mangoes among the boys.

  3. Share the candies between the two of you.

  4. The secret stayed between us.

  5. Let's split the tasks among the team members.


Rule 31: Use "since" and "for" followed by a specific time duration to form sentences in the Present Perfect Continuous Tense.

  1. It has been raining for two hours.

  2. She has been studying since morning.

  3. They have been waiting for you for ages.

  4. We have been working on this project since last month.

  5. He has been living in this city for five years.

Rule 32: Use plural verbs after adjectives that start with "The."

  1. The rich are not always happy.

  2. The elderly need special care.

  3. The brave deserve respect.

  4. The poor struggle to make ends meet.

  5. The wise learn from their mistakes.

Rule 33: Use the Future Indefinite Tense after time expressions like "tomorrow," "next day," "latter," etc.

  1. The next day will be a holiday.

  2. Tomorrow will be sunny.

  3. The latter part of the week will be busy.

  4. Next month will bring new opportunities.

  5. In the future, things will be different.

Rule 34: Use the past participle form of the verb after verbs like "have," "get," "want," etc., when followed by an objective (noun/pronoun).

  1. I get my hair dressed.

  2. She wants her car washed.

  3. They had their house painted.

  4. He got his computer repaired.

  5. We had our dinner delivered.

Rule 35: In a compound sentence, use the past tense in both clauses.

  1. He came and visited me.

  2. She laughed and hugged her friend.

  3. They ate dinner and watched a movie.

  4. I read a book and went to bed.

  5. He called but didn't leave a message.

Rule 36: In a complex sentence, use the past tense in both the main and subordinate clauses.

  1. I knew it was expensive.

  2. She understood why he left.

  3. They believed what she said.

  4. He realized he made a mistake.

  5. We knew where they were going.

Rule 37: Use a plural verb when the subject of a sentence with "there" is plural.

  1. There are ten boys.

  2. There were many books on the shelf.

  3. There have been several complaints.

  4. There seem to be some misunderstandings.

  5. There will be many guests at the party.

Rule 38: Use a singular verb when a collective noun (like "twenty miles") refers to a single unit.

  1. Twenty miles is not a long distance.

  2. A dozen eggs costs too much.

  3. Three hundred dollars is a fair price.

  4. Fifty percent of the population is affected.

  5. Ten thousand dollars was stolen from the bank.

Rule 39: "Beside" means "at the side of" or "next to," while "besides" means "as well as" or "in addition to."

  1. There is a tree beside the river.

  2. He has none to help him besides you.

  3. I sat beside him during the meeting.

  4. Besides studying, she enjoys painting.

  5. They have no other option besides quitting.

Rule 40: Use "between" when referring to two items or people and "among" when referring to more than two items or people.

  1. He divided his money between his wife and his daughter.

  2. Divide the mangoes among the boys.

  3. Share the candies between the two of you.

  4. The secret stayed between us.

  5. Let's split the tasks among the team members.

Rule 48: When the subject contains different persons (e.g., first person, second person) connected by "or," "nor," "either...or," or "neither...nor," use the verb form that matches the first person mentioned.

Examples:

·         Either he or I have done this.

·         Neither you nor he is to blame.

·         Either you or he or I shall go to the market.

 

Rule 49: When subjects consist of a combination of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person (e.g., you, he, and I), use a plural verb form. The formula "231 (2nd 3rd 1st)" indicates the order of persons in the subject. In cases where the formula is "123 (1st 2nd 3rd)," use the verb in its plural form.

Examples:

·         You, he, and I are close friends.

·         I, you, and he are guilty.

Rule 50: When dealing with collective nouns, use singular verbs. However, when referring to groups within a collective noun, use plural verbs. Collective nouns refer to groups as a single entity, while plural verbs emphasize the individual members within the group.

Examples:

·         The jury consists of five persons.

·         The jury were divided in their opinions.

·         The committee has agreed to take a unanimous decision.

·         The committee are divided in respect of details.

Rule 51: Some nouns remain the same in both singular and plural forms, such as "deer," "sheep," "piece," "public," "dozen," "score," "thousand," etc.

Examples:

·         I have five deer (not deers).

·         I have five thousand (not thousands) taka.

Rule 52: Collective and group nouns can take both singular and plural verbs. If the emphasis is on the group acting as one entity, use a singular verb. If the focus is on the individual members within the group, use a plural verb.

Examples:

·         The police are watching the house.

·         The cattle are grazing in the field.

Rule 53: Some nouns like "wages," "news," "physics," "politics," "gallows," etc., always take singular verbs.

Examples:

·         Physics is my favorite subject.

·         Ill-news runs apace.

·         The wages of sin is true.

Rule 54: When you have a subject that is a noun followed by "but" and then another noun, use a singular verb. However, if you have "more than one" followed by a singular noun, use a singular verb. If you have "more than two" or "more than three" followed by a plural noun, use a plural verb.

Examples:

·         More than one boy is guilty.

·         More than five scholars have participated in the writing ceremony.

 

Rule 55: When using phrases like "as well as," "with," and "together with," the verb should agree with the subject that comes before them, which is typically the singular noun. If the subject before these phrases is singular, the verb should also be singular. If the subject before these phrases is plural, the verb should be plural.

Examples:

·         The Chairman with all the members of his council was present in the meeting.

·         Rahim, together with some of his bosom friends, has come here.

·         Sapon, as well as Ripon, deserves praise.

Rule 56: When using correlative conjunctions like "Not only... but also," the verb should agree with the subject that follows "not only." If that subject is singular, the verb should be singular; if it's plural, the verb should be plural.

Examples:

·         Not only Rahim but also his friends are watching the television.

·         The objective is not only to identify the problem but also to solve it.

Rule 57: When using relative pronouns, the verb should agree with the antecedent (the noun to which the relative pronoun refers) in terms of number and person.

Examples:

·         It is I who am to blame.

·         You who are my friend should stand by me.

·         This is the boy who is my friend.

Rule 58: When using pronouns like "anybody," "everybody," "anyone," "everyone," and "each," they are considered singular and should take singular pronouns like "his" or "her."

Examples:

·         Anybody can do this if he likes.

·         Everyone likes to have his way.

·         Each of the boys will do his duty.

·         One should do one's duty.

Rule 59: When using comparative structures with "than" or "as," the case of the pronoun should match the case of the pronoun in the other part of the comparison, and the verb should agree accordingly.

Examples:

·         She is smaller than I (am).

·         I like you better than he (likes you).

Rule 60: When dealing with nouns preceded by "many a" or "many an," use a singular noun form, and the verb should also be in the singular form. When using "a great many," "a good many," or "too many," use the plural form of the noun and the verb in its plural form.

Examples:

·         Many a boy is dull of hearing.

·         Many an orphan was begging from door to door.

·         A great many boys were absent from the class.

·         Too many cooks spoil the broth.

 

Rule 61: Some nouns are always plural in form but may refer to a single object or concept. For these nouns, use a plural verb form.

Examples:

·         The shirts need (not needs) cleaning.

·         Smallpox has (not have) broken out there.

·         Your new glasses are (not is) very nice.

Here are some examples of always plural nouns:

·         Pair nouns: bellows, scissors, glasses, spectacles

·         Articles of dress: trousers, drawers, breeches, shorts

·         Names of diseases: mumps (but not smallpox, measles)

·         Names of games: billiards

·         Other nouns: ashes, alms, assets, annals, fetters, proceeds, aborigines, thanks, tidings, vegetables, belongings, goods, clothes, congratulations, earnings, particulars, premises, riches, surroundings, etc.

Rule 62: Some nouns are always singular in form, even though they may refer to multiple objects or concepts. For these nouns, use a singular verb form.

Examples:

·         He gave me much abuse (not abuses) for no fault.

·         My house is full of new furniture (not furniture’s).

·         He gave me all the information (not information’s).

Here are some examples of always singular in form nouns:

·         abuse, alphabet, furniture, information, issue, offspring, poetry, scenery

Rule 63: When using "before," "after," and "when" in sentences, "before" and "when" are used with past perfect tense, while "after" is used with simple past tense.

Examples:

·         The patient died after the doctor had come.

·         The patient had died before the doctor came.

·         I had done the job when the manager came.

Rule 64: When using "hardly" and "scarcely," these words are followed by "had" and indicate that an event occurred immediately after another event.

Examples:

·         Hardly had we reached the station when the train left.

·         Scarcely had we started when it began to rain.

Rule 65: The definite article "the" is used before nation and race (RvwZ). Additionally, "the" is used with road, street, and avenue. However, "the" is not used with English (as a language).

Examples:

·         The English are intelligent and industrious.

·         English is an international language.

·         I have a fine piano.

·         The shirt is bought from KDA Avenue.

·         He was born on Larkana Road.

 

Rule 66: "Across" and "through" have different meanings:

·         "Across" typically suggests movement from one side to another, often implying a surface or boundary that is crossed.

Example:

·         He walked across (not through) the ice.

·         "Through" suggests movement within or along a medium or space, often indicating penetration or passage from one end to another.

Example:

·         He drove through (not across) several towns.

Rule 67: Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns. Ensure proper use of adverbs and adjectives to maintain correct sentence structure.

Examples:

·         We will have to think quickly (not quick).

·         I don’t remember him very well (not good).

·         It is terribly (not terrible) cold today.

·         The curry is very badly (not bad) cooked.

·         They are playing unusually (not usual) fast.

Rule 68: "Affect" is a verb that means to influence or produce a change in something, typically an action or feeling. "Effect" is a noun that refers to the result or outcome of an action.

Examples:

·         The war seriously affected petrol prices.

·         The war had a serious effect on petrol prices.

Rule 69: "Ago" is used to indicate a specific time in the past, counting back from the present. "Before" is used with past perfect tense to indicate a time before another past event.

Examples:

·         I met that woman in Dhaka three years ago (not before).

·         When I was talking, I found out that I had been at school with her husband ten years before (not ago).

Rule 70: "Along" is used as a preposition to describe movement alongside something, such as a road, river, corridor, or line. "Through" indicates movement within or penetration through something.

Examples:

·         I saw her running along the road (not through).

·         This train goes straight through (not along) Dhaka.

Rule 71: "Appear" and "seem" are used to describe subjective impressions or feelings about something. Use "appear" or "seem" based on whether the speaker is describing an objective fact or their own perception or feeling.

Examples:

·         The baby seems/appears hungry.

·         She does not want to go on with studying: It seems (not appear) a pity.

 

Rule 72: Use "at," "in," and "on" to indicate different time expressions:

·         "At" is used for specific clock times:

o    I usually get up at six o'clock.

·         "At" is also used for weekends:

o    What did you do at the weekend?

·         "In" is used for parts of the day:

o    I work best in the morning.

·         "In" is used for longer periods:

o    I was born in March in 1990.

·         "On" is used for specific days:

o    I will ring you on Tuesday.

·         "On" is used for public holidays:

o    Come and see on Friday.

·         "At" is used for specifying exact times within the hour:

o    I was born in 1971 in January on Sunday at 2:00.

Rule 73: Use "at," "in," and "on" with places:

·         "In" is used for countries, states, provinces, cities, and rooms:

o    We live in the United States in North Carolina in Jacksonville on the east coast on New River at 2600 River Road.

·         "On" is used for streets, addresses, coasts, buildings, rivers, parks, ships, cars, trains, boats, and places:

o    We live on River Road.

Rule 74: "Due to" and "owing to" are used interchangeably to mean "because of" or "caused by." Use them when followed by a verb "to be."

Examples:

·         Due to/owing to the bad weather, the match was canceled.

·         His success was due to (not owing to) his mother.

Rule 75: "Lay" is a regular verb used to mean putting something down carefully or flat. Its forms are "lay," "laid," "lain."

Examples:

·         I laid the papers on the table.

"Lie" is an irregular verb used to mean saying things that are not true. Its forms are "lie," "lied," "lied."

Examples:

·         You lied to me when you said you loved me.

Rule 76: "Like" is a preposition used with nouns or pronouns. "As" is a conjunction used to introduce clauses.

Examples:

·         You look like (not as) your sister.

·         Nobody knows her as (not like) I do.

Rule 77: "Neither...nor" is used to express a negative idea. Both parts should agree in number with a singular verb when applicable.

Examples:

·         I neither smoke nor drink.

·         The film was neither well made nor well acted.

Rule 78: "Either...or" is used for making a choice between two options.

Examples:

·         You can either have tea or coffee.

·         I don’t speak either French or German.

·         Either you will leave this house, or I will call the police.

Rule 79: "Both...and" is used for parallel structures. Ensure balance in parallel structures.

Examples:

·         She's both pretty and clever (adjectives).

·         I spoke to both her director and her secretary (nouns).

·         She both dances and sings (verbs).

 

Rule 80: Some verbs and phrases have specific prepositions that should be used. Here are some examples:

·         Don’t believe (not in) her.

·         We had better discuss (not about) your fraud plan.

·         When I entered (not into) the room, everybody stopped talking.

·         Your brother lacks (not of) wit.

·         She married (not with) her friend.

·         The child does not resemble (not to) either of its parents.

·         The train is now approaching (not to) London Paddington.

Rule 81: Use "whether" or "if" for indirect yes/no questions. Both can be used, but "whether" is more formal.

Examples:

·         I am not sure whether/if I will have time.

·         We discussed whether/if we should close the shop (after a verb).

·         I have not settled the question of whether/if I will go back home (after a preposition).

·         They cannot decide whether/if to get married now or wait (before "to" + infinitive).

Rule 82: Use the present form of verbs with time expressions such as "everyday, always, never, every, something, often, regularly, usually, now and then."

Examples:

·         Rahim goes (not went / has gone) to school every day.

·         He never tells (not tell) a lie.

·         It very often rains (not rain) here in April.

·         He regularly appears (not appear) on television.

Rule 83: "Used to" is followed by the base form of a verb, while "be used to" is followed by a gerund form.

Examples:

·         She used to get up early.

·         She was used to getting up early.

Rule 84: Some verbs are followed by the infinitive "to." Examples include "agree, decide, need, intend, seem, tend, ask, refuse, promise."

Examples:

·         They didn’t plan to buy (not buying) a car.

·         We demand to know (not knowing) our status.

Rule 85: Use the "-ing" form of verbs with certain verbs like "admit, complete, deny, delay, enjoy, discuss, consider, avoid."

Examples:

·         She is considering not going (not to go).

·         I miss watching (not to watch) the news when I am traveling.

Rule 86: Some phrasal verbs are followed by the "-ing" form, including "approve of, don’t mind, look forward to, get through, keep on, insist on, forget about."

Examples:

·         I have been looking forward to meeting (not to meet) you.

Rule 87: Use the future indefinite tense with time expressions such as "tomorrow, the next day, next week, in the future, in the long run, in the course of time, next year."

Examples:

·         He will come to his village next year.

·         The boy will be a great poet in the course of time.

Rule 88: When or while introducing a past continuous action, use past continuous for the action in progress and past simple for the interrupting action.

Examples:

·         I was reading a book when he came in.

·         The boy fell down while he was running.

Rule 89: "Each other" is used for two people, while "one another" is used for more than two.

Examples:

·         The two boys quarreled with each other.

·         The three women quarreled with one another.

Rule 90: "A number of," "a large number of," and "a lot of" take plural verbs.

Examples:

·         A number of boys have seen the principal.

·         A lot of books have been damaged.

Rule 91: Words like "half," "part," "rest of," "three-fourths," and "two-thirds" are followed by a singular noun when referring to one thing but a plural noun when referring to multiple things.

Examples:

·         Half of the egg is rotten.

·         The rest of the book is dull.

·         Half of the milk was spilled by the child.

·         Three-fourths of the students have taken the examination.

 

 


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