Fill in the Blanks: grammar and collocation
How to rule out three options in seconds.
15 minutes · A free lesson from Reading
Each gap has four options, and usually grammar eliminates two of them straight away. Meaning — or a fixed collocation — decides between the last two.
"In recent decades, bee populations have ___ in many parts of the world."
declined / declining / decline / to decline — after have, only the past participle works: declined.
Quick check: "___ some governments have restricted these chemicals, their effects are still being studied." Which fits?
- Although
- Despite
- However
- In spite
Show the answer
A: Although — A full clause follows (subject + verb), so a conjunction is needed: although.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: “The results were ___ to the board last week.” Which fits?
- presented
- presenting
- present
Show the answer
A: presented — were + past participle makes the passive: were presented.
Quick check: Which is a fixed collocation?
- make attention
- pay attention
- do attention
Show the answer
B: pay attention — make a decision, pay attention, reach a conclusion.
Quick check: What usually rules out two of the four options straight away?
- The length of the word
- The first letter
- Grammar
Show the answer
C: Grammar — Then meaning, or a collocation, decides between the last two.
Quick check: “___ the rain, the event went ahead.” Which fits?
- Despite
- Although
- However
Show the answer
A: Despite — A noun follows, so despite. although needs a full clause.
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now