TOEIC : Grammar-based sentence completions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for TOEIC

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Sentence Completion

In spite of the company's repeated requests, Paul absolutely ______________ to retract his statements to the grand jury.

Possible Answers:

acquiesced

refused

agreed

wept

Correct answer:

refused

Explanation:

In this case, we're looking for a verb that accurately conveys the idea that Paul would not go along with the company's requests. The only verb that fits here is "refused."

Example Question #1 : Verbs

Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

Everybody ______________ dancing and having a great time at the party. 

Possible Answers:

are

be

was

were

Correct answer:

was

Explanation:

The correct answer is "was." The word "everybody" is a singular subject, so we need a singular verb form as well. "Are" and "were" are both plural verbs, and "be" would also be an incorrect construction. 

Example Question #2 : Verbs

Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence.

I had two cats, but now I _____________ one.

Possible Answers:

have

got

has

am having 

had

Correct answer:

have

Explanation:

The correct answer is "have." This is the present tense, first-person form of the verb "to have." Since the sentence shifts to present tense using the words "but now" we know we need this verb. The verbs "got" and "had" are past tense, and "am having" is a present progressive form, which is not appropriate in this case. 

Example Question #1 : Grammar Based Sentence Completions

Please choose the correct tense of the verb walk to complete the sentence

At the party, my aunt asked me how I get to school. I told her that I ______________ to school everyday.

Possible Answers:

have walked

None of these

will walk

walk

Correct answer:

walk

Explanation:

Present tense is used when speaking about habitual activities. Here the sentence states that it is the subjects habit to walk to school. Will walk is future tense and talks about actions that will happen. Have walk is present perfect tense and is used when speaking about an action that started in the past and continues into the present.

Example Question #1 : Grammar Based Sentence Completions

Please choose the correct tense for the verb walk.

I am ______________ the dog right now.

Possible Answers:

walked

will walk

have walked

None of these

Correct answer:

None of these

Explanation:

This sentence is referring to an action that is being completed at right that moment; therefore, the present progressive form of walk is walking. The adverb now is your clue that the action is being complete at that second. Have walk is present perfect tense which is used to show that an action started in the past and continues into the present. Will walk is future tense which is used for actions that will happen in the future. Walked is past tense and used when speaking about actions that took place and were completed in the past.

Example Question #2 : Sentence Completion

Choose the word that best completes the following sentence.

They _________ a record of high achievement. 

Possible Answers:

have

are 

has

got 

Correct answer:

have

Explanation:

Singular subjects require singular verbs and plural subjects require plural verbs. Has is a singular verb and have is a plural verb. Since the subject (they) is plural, the verb has to be plural as well, which is why "have" is the best choice. Neither "are" nor "got" are grammatically correct in this sentence. 

Example Question #2 : Sentence Completion

The car _____________ in order to avoid hitting the child in the road. 

Possible Answers:

stop

drove

went

stopped

Correct answer:

stopped

Explanation:

The correct answer is "stopped." This word means to come to a halt, which is what the driver would do if he or she was trying to avoid a collision. The words "went," and "drove" are the opposite in meaning as stopped, so they are incorrect. The word "stop" is in the incorrect verb tense. We need a past-tense verb in this sentence, which is why "stopped" is the best choice. 

Example Question #5 : Verbs

Choose the word that best completes this sentence.

She __________ to the seaside in Mexico for vacation last summer.

Possible Answers:

was

is

go

went

Correct answer:

went

Explanation:

The correct answer is "went." Since she went on the vacation last year, we need a past-tense form of the verb "to go," and "went" fulfills this need. "Was" is a past-tense form of the verb "to be," so the only correct choice is "went."

Example Question #3 : Sentence Completion

The whole group __________ in agreement about the hike: they should start out early and come back down the mountain before nightfall. 

Possible Answers:

were 

should be 

had been 

be 

was 

Correct answer:

was 

Explanation:

Though a group is made up of multiple people, the subject "group" is is itself a singular noun. The action of the sentence takes place in the past. Therefore, the third person singular past tense of of the verb "to be" is the correct answer. Though you might say "The individuals in the group were in agreement," (third person plural), it's correct to say "the group was." 

Example Question #1 : Adjectives/Adverbs

When he finally did arrive, over seven hours late, Paul's _________________ appearance was extremely disturbing to all of us. He was wearing tattered sheets for pants.

Possible Answers:

roiling

neat

disheveled

clean

Correct answer:

disheveled

Explanation:

In this sentence, we're looking for an adjective to describe "Paul's appearance." Since we are specifically told that "he was wearing tattered sheets for pants," it is only reasonable to describe his appearance as "disheveled," which means messy or not in proper order.

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