Fill in the Blanks with Shortcut tricks

Introduction

Fill in the Blanks is a crucial section in competitive exams like SSC, Bank, UPSC, CAT, and other government and aptitude-based tests. These questions assess your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. With the right shortcut tricks, you can solve them quickly and accurately.
This guide covers all 20 types of Fill in the Blanks questions, along with shortcut techniques and examples to help you master this section.

Shortcut Tricks to Solve Fill in the Blanks

1. Read the entire sentence carefully to understand its context before selecting an answer.
2. Identify the missing word’s role (verb, noun, adjective, etc.).
3. Use elimination method to remove incorrect choices.
4. Look for grammatical clues (prepositions, conjunctions, verb tenses, etc.).
5. Check for contextual hints (positive/negative tone, logical connectors, etc.).
6. Use common collocations (phrases that naturally occur together).
7. Memorize common idioms, phrasal verbs, and prepositions.
8. Apply logical reasoning when multiple options seem correct.
9. Improve vocabulary to recognize words easily in context.
10. Practice regularly with past-year papers and mock tests.

Types of Fill in the Blanks with Examples

1. Grammar-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Use correct subject-verb agreement, tenses, and sentence structure.
- Example: She ____ to the store yesterday. (went)

2. Vocabulary-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Choose a word that fits the meaning of the sentence.
- Example: The scientist made an ____ discovery. (important)

3. Context-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Understand the context before selecting an answer.
- Example: He is very ____ about his future. (serious)

4. Collocation-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Use words that naturally go together (e.g., ‘strong tea’).
- Example: She made a ____ decision to move abroad. (firm)

5. Preposition-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Learn common word-preposition pairs.
- Example: She is interested ____ learning music. (in)

6. Conjunction-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Identify whether the missing word is linking similar or contrasting ideas.
- Example: I wanted to go out, ____ it was raining. (but)

7. Phrasal Verb-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Memorize common phrasal verbs.
- Example: She ____ up the phone after the conversation. (hung)

8. Tense-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Maintain tense consistency in the sentence.
- Example: By the time we arrived, the show ____. (had started)

9. Synonym and Antonym-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Choose a word that matches or contrasts with the given word.
- Example: His kindness is in contrast to her ____ nature. (rude)

10. Idiom-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Learn common idioms and their meanings.
- Example: He turned a ____ ear to my request. (deaf)

11. Articles-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Use correct articles (a, an, the) based on pronunciation and specificity.
- Example: She bought ____ apple. (an )

12. Pronoun-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Choose the correct pronoun based on subject-verb agreement.
- Example: ____ went to the store. (He)

13. Adjective-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Ensure the adjective correctly modifies the noun.
- Example: This is the ____ book I have ever read. (best)

14. Adverb-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Use adverbs to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
- Example: She spoke very ____. (softly)

15. Conditional Sentences Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Ensure correct verb form in ‘if’ clauses.
- Example: If you study hard, you ____ succeed. (will)

16. Word Formation-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Choose the correct word form (noun, verb, adjective, adverb
- Example: His ____ helped the team win. (dedication)

17. Quantifier-Based Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Use correct quantifiers (some, many, few, etc.
- Example: There are ____ books on the table. (many)

18. Negative Sentences Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Ensure proper negation.
- Example: She ____ like ice cream. (does not)

19. Cause and Effect Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Identify cause-effect relationships.
- Example: He was late ____ he missed the bus. (because)

20. Logical Connectors Fill in the Blanks
- Shortcut: Use logical connectors correctly (therefore, however, in contrast, etc.
- Example: She was tired; ____ she continued working. (however)

Pro Tips for Mastering Fill in the Blanks

Improve vocabulary through daily reading.
- Learn common idioms, phrasal verbs, and collocations.
- Use grammar rules to eliminate incorrect options.
- Look for context clues to determine the correct word.
- Practice mock tests and previous exam papers.
- Avoid guessing blindly; use logical reasoning.

Conclusion

Fill in the Blanks questions can be tackled easily with the right shortcut techniques. By focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and logical reasoning, you can increase your accuracy and speed in competitive exams.

What’s Next?
- Practice daily to enhance your skills.
- Follow a structured study plan for vocabulary improvement.
- Drop your queries in the comments, and we’ll help you solve them!
Keep practicing, and success will follow! 

Fill in the Blanks Multiple choice questions

1. Vocabulary-Based Questions

Question: The manager's decision to _______ the project was met with strong opposition from the team members.
a) abandon
b) accomplish
c) appreciate
d) accelerate
Answer: A

Question: The scientist was known for his _______ approach, always questioning established theories.
a) orthodox
b) inquisitive
c) complacent
d) passive
Answer: B

2. Grammar-Based Questions

Question: She insisted that he _______ present at the meeting.
a) is
b) be
c) was
d) being
Answer: B

Question: Had he worked harder, he _______ the exam.
a) will pass
b) would pass
c) would have passed
d) had passed
Answer: C

3. Preposition-Based Questions

Question: The company provides financial assistance _______ employees facing difficulties.
a) to
b) for
c) with
d) of
Answer: A

Question: She was accused _______ stealing confidential documents.
a) on
b) for
c) of
d) with
Answer: C

4. Collocations-Based Questions

Question: The actor's speech was met with _______ applause from the audience.
a) roaring
b) extreme
c) loud
d) thunderous
Answer: D

Question: The government must take _______ measures to tackle inflation.
a) drastic
b) high
c) big
d) massive
Answer: A

5. Context-Based Questions

Question: The teacher gave us a _______ explanation, making it easier to understand the concept.
a) confusing
b) trivial
c) lucid
d) obscure
Answer: C

Question: Despite his efforts, the plan was _______ due to a lack of funds.
a) abandoned
b) encouraged
c) developed
d) promoted
Answer: A

6. Idiomatic Expressions-Based Questions

Question: The new law has opened up a _______ of opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
a) floodgate
b) window
c) door
d) gateway
Answer: C

Question: His argument was full of holes; it didn't hold _______.
a) water
b) fire
c) air
d) strength
Answer: A

7. Conjunction-Based Questions

Question: She spoke so softly _______ nobody could hear her properly.
a) so
b) since
c) that
d) because
Answer: C

Question: He will not attend the party _______ he is invited.
a) unless
b) until
c) even though
d) despite
Answer: A

8. Phrasal Verb-Based Questions

Question: He finally _______ his fear of heights and went skydiving.
a) got over
b) gave up
c) broke down
d) looked after
Answer: A

Question: The firemen managed to _______ the fire before it spread further.
a) put up
b) put out
c) put in
d) put off
Answer: B

9. Logical Sentence Completion

Question: He was so exhausted that he could hardly _______.
a) run faster
b) keep his eyes open
c) enjoy the movie
d) eat a lot
Answer: B

Question: The judge dismissed the case because there was no _______ evidence.
a) substantial
b) minor
c) vague
d) hypothetical
Answer: A

10. Error-Based Questions

Question: If he _______ more carefully, he wouldn't have made so many mistakes.
a) writes
b) wrote
c) had written
d) was writing
Answer: C

Question: The boy denied _______ the window.
a) breaking
b) to break
c) break
d) broke
Answer: A

11. Advanced Vocabulary-Based Questions

Question: The novel’s protagonist is a deeply _______ character, constantly torn between duty and desire.
a) superficial
b) ambiguous
c) contradictory
d) consistent
Answer: C

Question: The government issued a _______ warning about the approaching storm, urging residents to evacuate immediately.
a) tentative
b) stern
c) mild
d) reluctant
Answer: B

12. Grammar-Based Questions

Question: I wish I _______ more time to prepare for the exam.
a) have
b) had
c) will have
d) has
Answer: B

Question: By the time the guests arrived, the food _______ already.
a) was preparing
b) had been prepared
c) is prepared
d) has been prepared
Answer: B

13. Preposition-Based Questions

Question: The team is highly dependent _______ its captain for motivation.
a) on
b) in
c) for
d) with
Answer: A

Question: She is very enthusiastic _______ learning new languages.
a) about
b) in
c) on
d) with
Answer: A

14. Collocations-Based Questions

Question: The movie received _______ reviews from critics worldwide.
a) dazzling
b) glowing
c) huge
d) fantastic
Answer: B

Question: The team faced a _______ defeat in the final match.
a) crushing
b) high
c) mild
d) simple
Answer: A

15. Context-Based Questions

Question: The company's profits have been _______ since the economic downturn.
a) soaring
b) plummeting
c) thriving
d) stabilizing
Answer: B

Question: The scientist’s research was _______ by a lack of funding.
a) hindered
b) promoted
c) expanded
d) enhanced
Answer: A

16. Idiomatic Expressions-Based Questions

Question: The politician was caught red-_______ while accepting bribes.
a) faced
b) handed
c) skinned
d) eyed
Answer: B

Question: After years of hard work, she finally got her dream job, proving that every cloud has a _______ lining.
a) golden
b) silver
c) shiny
d) bright
Answer: B

17. Conjunction-Based Questions

Question: You cannot succeed in life _______ you put in hard work and effort.
a) unless
b) since
c) although
d) despite
Answer: A

Question: She left early _______ she was feeling unwell.
a) so
b) because
c) unless
d) if
Answer: B

18. Phrasal Verb-Based Questions

Question: He was forced to _______ his resignation due to the scandal.
a) hand in
b) put up
c) take over
d) turn up
Answer: A

Question: The project was delayed because of funding issues, but we finally _______ it.
a) carried on
b) pulled through
c) called off
d) went out
Answer: B

19. Logical Sentence Completion

Question: The criminal tried to escape but was _______ by the police.
a) captured
b) ignored
c) promoted
d) hired
Answer: A

Question: The medicine was so effective that he recovered _______.
a) gradually
b) suddenly
c) instantly
d) never
Answer: C

20. Error-Based Questions

Question: If I _______ you, I would take the offer immediately.
a) am
b) were
c) was
d) be
Answer: B

Question: I don't know when she _______ back.
a) will come
b) comes
c) would come
d) is coming
Answer: A

21. Advanced Context-Based Questions

Question: The new employee quickly adapted to the _______ work environment.
a) dynamic
b) stagnant
c) lethargic
d) inactive
Answer: A

Question: The young artist’s work was _______ by many critics.
a) praised
b) ignored
c) rejected
d) overlooked
Answer: A

22. Exam-Oriented Practice

Question: The patient was _______ to leave the hospital after his recovery.
a) permitted
b) forced
c) denied
d) forbidden
Answer: A

Question: The teacher asked the students to _______ their assignments before the deadline.
a) submit
b) abandon
c) postpone
d) withdraw
Answer: A

23. Vocabulary-Based Questions

Question: The journalist was known for his _______ reporting, never hesitating to expose corruption.
a) timid
b) fearless
c) biased
d) reckless
Answer: B

Question: His speech was so _______ that the audience listened with rapt attention.
a) monotonous
b) charismatic
c) dull
d) predictable
Answer: B

24. Grammar-Based Questions

Question: If she _______ harder, she would have secured the first position.
a) studies
b) studied
c) had studied
d) was studying
Answer: C

Question: We need to hurry; the train _______ in ten minutes.
a) leaves
b) left
c) is leaving
d) has left
Answer: A

25. Preposition-Based Questions

Question: She has been waiting _______ an answer from the university.
a) on
b) for
c) at
d) to
Answer: B

Question: His success is attributed _______ his hard work and determination.
a) from
b) to
c) by
d) with
Answer: B

26. Collocations-Based Questions

Question: The company suffered a _______ loss due to the market crash.
a) heavy
b) big
c) enormous
d) severe
Answer: A

Question: The court ruled that the company had to pay a _______ fine for violating regulations.
a) huge
b) hefty
c) large
d) expensive
Answer: B

27. Context-Based Questions

Question: The witness’s statement was full of contradictions, making it _______.
a) reliable
b) credible
c) questionable
Answer: C

Question: The new policy aims to _______ economic growth in underdeveloped regions.
a) hinder
b) facilitate
c) suppress
d) weaken
Answer: B

28. Idiomatic Expressions-Based Questions

Question: He was advised to keep his business plans under wraps until the deal was finalized.
a) secret
b) in trouble
c) public
d) in writing
Answer: A

Question: She was feeling under the weather, so she took a day off.
a) unwell
b) cold
c) relaxed
d) exhausted
Answer: A

29. Conjunction-Based Questions

Question: The movie was so boring _______ many people left before it ended.
a) that
b) because
c) but
d) and
Answer: A

Question: He is not only hardworking _______ also extremely intelligent.
a) but
b) and
c) nor
d) so
Answer: A

30. Phrasal Verb-Based Questions

Question: After a long delay, the flight finally _______.
a) took off
b) took up
c) took in
d) took down
Answer: A

Question: He _______ the offer because it wasn’t financially rewarding.
a) turned down
b) turned up
c) turned off
d) turned out
Answer: A

31. Logical Sentence Completion

Question: She was so exhausted that she could hardly _______.
a) keep her eyes open
b) run a marathon
c) jump in excitement
d) enjoy the party
Answer: A

Question: The investigation was closed due to a _______ of evidence.
a) lack
b) load
c) presence
d) abundance
Answer: A

32. Error-Based Questions

Question: If she _______ the truth, she wouldn’t have made that mistake.
a) knew
b) knows
c) had known
d) was knowing
Answer: C

Question: I don’t know when she _______ back from her trip.
a) will come
b) comes
c) would come
d) is coming
Answer: A

33. Advanced Context-Based Questions

Question: The manager was _______ by the employee’s rude behavior.
a) astonished
b) expected
c) delighted
d) indifferent
Answer: A

34. Advanced Vocabulary-Based Questions

Question: The judge was known for his _______ decisions, always ensuring justice was served.
a) biased
b) impartial
c) erratic
d) careless
Answer: b

Question: The scientist’s discovery was so _______ that it changed the way people understood genetics.
a) insignificant
b) groundbreaking
c) outdated
d) conventional
Answer: b

35. Grammar-Based Questions

Question: She _______ by the time we reached the hospital.
a) recovers
b) had recovered
c) will recover
d) is recovering
Answer: b

Question: If he _______ harder, he would have won the race.
a) trains
b) trained
c) had trained
d) is training
Answer: c

36. Preposition-Based Questions

Question: She is extremely talented _______ playing the violin.
a) on
b) in
c) at
d) with
Answer: c

Question: The manager is responsible _______ overseeing all operations.
a) for
b) to
c) on
d) of
Answer: a

37. Collocations-Based Questions

Question: The CEO made a _______ decision to expand the company overseas.
a) bold
b) weak
c) unsure
d) thoughtless
Answer: a

Question: The book received _______ praise from critics.
a) high
b) loud
c) glowing
d) warm
Answer: c

38. Context-Based Questions

Question: The soldier was honored for his _______ service to the country.
a) dedicated
b) reluctant
c) hesitant
d) questionable
Answer: a

Question: The scientist’s experiment was a _______ failure due to a miscalculation.
a) remarkable
b) complete
c) partial
d) unexpected
Answer: b

39. Idiomatic Expressions-Based Questions

Question: After working for 12 hours straight, I am running on _______.
a) electricity
b) fumes
c) water
d) speed
Answer: b

Question: He paid through the _______ for the luxury apartment.
a) nose
b) eyes
c) ears
d) hand
Answer: a

40. Conjunction-Based Questions

Question: The project was delayed _______ unforeseen circumstances.
a) due to
b) although
c) unless
d) despite
Answer: a

Question: She is neither interested in music _______ in sports.
a) nor
b) or
c) but
d) and
Answer: a

41. Phrasal Verb-Based Questions

Question: The company had to _______ its expansion plans due to financial constraints.
a) call off
b) put on
c) take out
d) bring in
Answer: a

Question: The teacher asked the students to _______ their assignments before the deadline.
a) hand in
b) turn off
c) take out
d) put on
Answer: a

42. Logical Sentence Completion

Question: The company’s profits have _______ since the introduction of the new product.
a) increased
b) declined
c) stabilized
d) fluctuated
Answer: a

Question: Despite his injury, he managed to _______ the entire race.
a) complete
b) cancel
c) delay
d) postpone
Answer: a

43. Error-Based Questions

Question: If I was in your place, I would not take that risk.
a) If I am
b) If I were
c) If I be
d) No error
Answer: b

Question: She insisted to go to the party despite being sick.
a) insisted in going
b) insisted to going
c) insisted on going
d) No error
Answer: c

44. Exam-Oriented Questions

Question: The lawyer presented strong evidence to _______ his client’s innocence.
a) prove
b) disprove
c) doubt
d) question
Answer: a

Question: The old man was too weak to _______ the stairs.
a) climb
b) jump
c) descend
d) crawl
Answer: a

45. Miscellaneous Advanced Questions

Question: The manager was deeply _______ with the performance of his team.
a) satisfied
b) disappointed
c) confused
d) thrilled
Answer: b

Question: The new law aims to _______ environmental damage.
a) reduce
b) increase
c) cause
d) ignore
Answer: a

46. Context-Based Questions

Question: He was so nervous that he could hardly _______ a word.
a) write
b) utter
c) read
d) pronounce
Answer: b

Question: The company needs to _______ its policies to stay competitive in the changing market.
a) ignore
b) delay
c) revise
d) reject
Answer: c

47. Collocations-Based Questions

Question: His explanation was so _______ that nobody believed him.
a) compelling
b) convincing
c) unconvincing
d) persuasive
Answer: c

Question: The team needs to _______ all possible solutions before making a final decision.
a) explore
b) ignore
c) neglect
d) eliminate
Answer: a

48. Idiomatic Expressions-Based Questions

Question: She was caught red-handed while trying to _______ the confidential files.
a) steal
b) borrow
c) edit
d) arrange
Answer: a

Question: The athlete’s career is hanging by a _______ after the serious injury.
a) rope
b) thread
c) needle
d) wire
Answer: b

49. Preposition-Based Questions

Question: She was deeply grateful _______ the support she received.
a) at
b) to
c) for
d) with
Answer: c

Question: The new law will come into effect _______ January 1st.
a) in
b) on
c) at
d) from
Answer: b

50. Logical Sentence Completion

Question: The firefighters arrived just in time to _______ the fire.
a) set
b) extinguish
c) burn
d) spread
Answer: b

Question: He was promoted because of his _______ contribution to the company.
a) minimal
b) insignificant
c) outstanding
d) ordinary
Answer: c

51. Exam-Oriented Question

Question: The doctor advised him to abstain _______ smoking.
a) for
b) on
c) from
d) with
Answer: c