UP Board Solutions Class 9 English Chapter 10 The Parts of Speech

Solved Exercises Based On Text Book

Exercise 1: UP Board Solution Class 9 English Grammar

Question 1. Change 'man' into an Abstract Noun.
Answer: Manhood
In simple words: An Abstract Noun represents an intangible concept like a quality or state, rather than a physical object. Manhood signifies the state or quality of being a man.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on understanding the core characteristic or state represented by the given word to form its corresponding Abstract Noun correctly.

Question 2. Change 'friend' into an Abstract Noun.
Answer: Friendship
In simple words: Friendship denotes the state of being a friend or the relationship between friends, which is an abstract concept.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to common suffixes like '-ship', '-hood', '-ness', '-ty' that often form abstract nouns.

Question 3. Change 'boy' into an Abstract Noun.
Answer: Boyhood
In simple words: Boyhood refers to the state or period of being a boy, a phase of life rather than a physical entity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'hood' is a common suffix used to form abstract nouns related to a state or period of life.

Question 4. Change 'brother' into an Abstract Noun.
Answer: Brotherhood
In simple words: Brotherhood describes the state of being a brother or a bond of unity and understanding among people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice identifying the underlying concept (e.g., relationship, quality) that the abstract noun should represent.

Question 5. Change 'teacher' into an Abstract Noun.
Answer: Teachership
In simple words: Teachership refers to the profession or position of being a teacher, an abstract concept related to a role.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware that some abstract nouns are formed from professions by adding suffixes like '-ship'.

Question 6. Change 'white' into an Abstract Noun.
Answer: Whiteness
In simple words: Whiteness is the quality or state of being white, an abstract characteristic rather than a concrete object.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adjectives often form abstract nouns by adding '-ness' to denote the quality itself.

Question 7. Change 'child' into an Abstract Noun.
Answer: Childhood
In simple words: Childhood signifies the period of life when one is a child, representing a stage rather than a person.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that '-hood' is a common suffix for abstract nouns indicating a state, condition, or period of time.

Exercise 2: Class 9 English Grammar UP Board

Question 1. Write the kind of Noun for: man, child, furniture, teeth.
Answer: Man, Child, Furniture, Teeth - (Common Noun)
In simple words: Common Nouns are general names for people, places, things, or ideas, not specific ones. These words refer to categories rather than unique entities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Common nouns are non-capitalized unless they begin a sentence; they name a general class of items.

Question 2. Write the kind of Noun for: Ganga, Nainital.
Answer: Ganga, Nainital - (Proper Noun)
In simple words: Proper Nouns are specific names for particular people, places, or things and are always capitalized. 'Ganga' and 'Nainital' are unique names of a river and a place, respectively.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always capitalize proper nouns, as they identify specific entities, unlike common nouns.

Question 3. Write the kind of Noun for: army, class, family.
Answer: Army, Class, Family - (Collective Noun)
In simple words: Collective Nouns refer to a group of people, animals, or things as a single unit. 'Army', 'class', and 'family' all denote collections.

🎯 Exam Tip: Collective nouns, though singular in form, represent multiple members working together as one entity.

Question 4. Write the kind of Noun for: gold, milk, oil.
Answer: Gold, Milk, Oil - (Uncountable Noun)
In simple words: Uncountable Nouns, also known as mass nouns, refer to things that cannot be counted individually and do not typically have a plural form. 'Gold', 'milk', and 'oil' are substances without distinct units.

🎯 Exam Tip: Uncountable nouns usually take a singular verb and are not preceded by 'a' or 'an'.

Question 5. Write the kind of Noun for: honesty, wisdom, kindness, leadership.
Answer: Wisdom, Honesty, Kindness, Leadership - (Abstract Noun)
In simple words: Abstract Nouns represent ideas, qualities, or states that cannot be physically perceived (touched, seen, heard, smelled, or tasted). These words denote concepts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Abstract nouns often refer to virtues, emotions, qualities, or concepts, distinguishing them from concrete nouns.

Exercise 3: UP Board Solution Class 9 English

Question 1. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: Honesty is the best policy.
Answer: Honesty
In simple words: A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. In this sentence, 'Honesty' is an abstract noun representing a quality.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify nouns, look for words that name something, whether concrete or abstract.

Question 2. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: The crowd was big.
Answer: Crowd
In simple words: 'Crowd' is a collective noun, referring to a group of people, and functions as the subject of the sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Collective nouns name a collection of individuals and are often treated as singular units.

Question 3. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: The elephant has great strength.
Answer: Elephant
In simple words: 'Elephant' is a common noun, naming a specific type of animal, and is the subject of the sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Common nouns are general names for things, while proper nouns are specific names and are capitalized.

Question 4. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: The king is just.
Answer: King
In simple words: 'King' is a common noun, referring to a royal ruler, and serves as the subject of the sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Subjects of sentences are typically nouns or pronouns; identifying the subject helps locate nouns.

Question 5. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: He gave me a bunch of grapes.
Answer: Bunch
In simple words: 'Bunch' is a collective noun, referring to a group of grapes, and acts as the direct object in this sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for words that represent a collection of items as a single unit to find collective nouns.

Question 6. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: Never tell a lie.
Answer: Lie
In simple words: 'Lie' is a common noun here, referring to an untrue statement, and is the object of the verb 'tell'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Nouns can function as objects of verbs, describing what is acted upon.

Question 7. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: Wisdom is better than strength.
Answer: Wisdom
In simple words: 'Wisdom' is an abstract noun, representing the quality of being wise, and acts as the subject of the sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Abstract nouns are often qualities, ideas, or states that cannot be physically perceived.

Question 8. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: We always speak truth.
Answer: Truth
In simple words: 'Truth' is an abstract noun, representing the quality of being true, and is the direct object of 'speak'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand that nouns can name both concrete objects and abstract concepts or qualities.

Question 9. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: The boys are playing.
Answer: Boys
In simple words: 'Boys' is a common noun, referring to multiple male children, and is the subject of the sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Nouns can be singular or plural, and often have plural forms indicated by adding '-s' or '-es'.

Question 10. Point out the Noun in the following sentence: We all love honesty.
Answer: Honesty
In simple words: 'Honesty' is an abstract noun, representing the quality of being honest, and serves as the direct object of the verb 'love'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Abstract nouns are intangible concepts, distinguishing them from concrete nouns that can be experienced with the senses.

Exercise 4: UP Board Class 9th English Grammar

Question 1. Correct the following sentence: India won the match by an inning.
Answer: India won the match.
In simple words: The word "inning" is usually used in its plural form "innings" when referring to a single turn at bat or a division of a game, but often omitted for brevity when the score implies the result. However, the original sentence 'India won the match by an inning' is grammatically incorrect. It should be 'India won the match' or 'India won the match by an innings'. Here the simplest correct form is 'India won the match.'

🎯 Exam Tip: Be mindful of common collocations and usage patterns for sports terms; 'inning' is often 'innings' even for a singular event.

Question 2. Correct the following sentence: The cattle is grazing in the field.
Answer: The cattle are grazing in the field.
In simple words: 'Cattle' is a collective noun that is always treated as plural, even though it doesn't end in -s. Therefore, it requires the plural verb 'are'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that some collective nouns like 'cattle', 'people', 'police' are always plural and take plural verbs.

Question 3. Correct the following sentence: He bought five dozens oranges.
Answer: He bought five dozen oranges.
In simple words: When a number (like 'five') precedes a quantity word like 'dozen', 'hundred', or 'thousand', the quantity word itself remains singular. So, it's 'five dozen' not 'five dozens'.

🎯 Exam Tip: For specific quantities, use the singular form of quantity words (dozen, hundred) when they are preceded by a numeral.

Question 4. Correct the following sentence: I saw lovely sceneries in Kashmir.
Answer: I saw lovely scenery in Kashmir.
In simple words: 'Scenery' is an uncountable noun and therefore does not have a plural form. We use 'scenery' to refer to the collective natural features of a landscape.

🎯 Exam Tip: Recognize common uncountable nouns like 'scenery', 'information', 'advice', 'furniture', which do not take plural forms.

Question 5. Correct the following sentence: I am fond of a music.
Answer: I am fond of music.
In simple words: 'Music' is an uncountable noun, referring to the art form in general, and does not require an article ('a') before it when used in a general sense.

🎯 Exam Tip: Avoid using indefinite articles (a/an) before uncountable nouns when speaking generally about the noun.

Question 6. Correct the following sentence: He gave me severals informations.
Answer: He gave me many informations.
In simple words: 'Information' is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form, so 'informations' is incorrect. 'Many' is correctly used with a countable noun, but the intent here is to signify a large quantity of "information", for which 'many' is a reasonable substitute for the corrected sentence. To be more precise, it should be 'much information' or 'many pieces of information'. Given the prompt's answer, we will follow that 'many informations' is the intended correction while acknowledging 'many pieces of information' is more grammatically standard.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'information' is uncountable; use quantifiers like 'much' or 'pieces of' rather than pluralizing it or using 'many' directly with it.

Question 7. Correct the following sentence: He has several furnitures.
Answer: He has many furnitures.
In simple words: 'Furniture' is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form. 'Several' is used with countable nouns, while 'many' can be used to indicate a large quantity, although 'many pieces of furniture' would be more grammatically correct. Given the prompt's answer, we follow 'many furnitures' but note 'many pieces of furniture' is standard.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Furniture' is an uncountable noun; to express quantity, use phrases like 'pieces of furniture' or 'items of furniture'.

Question 8. Correct the following sentence: Thanks is due to him.
Answer: Thanks are due to him.
In simple words: The word 'thanks' (meaning gratitude) is always treated as a plural noun, therefore requiring the plural verb 'are'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Treat 'thanks' as a plural noun, similar to 'greetings' or 'riches', and ensure subject-verb agreement.

Question 9. Correct the following sentence: Where is your spectacles?
Answer: Where are your spectacles?
In simple words: 'Spectacles' is a plural noun (referring to a pair of lenses), always requiring a plural verb 'are', even if it refers to a single item.

🎯 Exam Tip: Nouns like 'spectacles', 'trousers', 'scissors' are plural in form and always take plural verbs.

Question 10. Correct the following sentence: Riches has wings.
Answer: Riches have wings.
In simple words: 'Riches' is a plural noun, referring to wealth or valuable possessions, and thus requires the plural verb 'have'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware that nouns ending in '-s' are not always plural (e.g., 'news'), but 'riches' is indeed plural and demands a plural verb.

Exercise 5: UP Board Class 9 English Grammar

Question 1. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: I wash my clothes myself.
Answer: I, Myself
In simple words: A pronoun replaces a noun. 'I' is a personal pronoun, and 'myself' is a reflexive pronoun emphasizing the subject performing the action.

🎯 Exam Tip: Personal pronouns refer to specific people or things, while reflexive pronouns end in -self or -selves and refer back to the subject.

Question 2. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: The little boy was weeping because he had lost his school bag.
Answer: He, His
In simple words: 'He' is a personal pronoun replacing 'the little boy', and 'his' is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership of the school bag.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify pronouns by looking for words that stand in for nouns, often avoiding repetition of names.

Question 3. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: Bring me the letters which the postman left.
Answer: Me
In simple words: 'Me' is an object pronoun, serving as the indirect object of the verb 'bring'. 'Which' is a relative pronoun. The answer only lists 'Me'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Object pronouns (me, him, her, us, them) receive the action of a verb or preposition.

Question 4. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: I saw the old man who had been hurt.
Answer: I
In simple words: 'I' is a personal pronoun, serving as the subject of the sentence. 'Who' is a relative pronoun. The answer only lists 'I'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Subject pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) perform the action of the verb.

Question 5. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: Each of the men received a reward.
Answer: Each
In simple words: 'Each' is a distributive pronoun, referring to every single person or thing in a group individually.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distributive pronouns like 'each', 'either', 'neither' refer to members of a group one at a time and are usually singular.

Question 6. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: I bought these mangoes for ten paise each.
Answer: I, These
In simple words: 'I' is a personal pronoun, and 'these' is a demonstrative pronoun, pointing out specific mangoes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Demonstrative pronouns (this, that, these, those) point to specific items and can act as adjectives if they modify a noun immediately after them.

Question 7. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: Either of you can go.
Answer: You
In simple words: 'You' is a personal pronoun, referring to the person being addressed. 'Either' is a distributive pronoun. The answer only lists 'You'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Personal pronouns are used to refer to the speaker, the listener, or someone/something else.

Question 8. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: The prisoner hanged himself.
Answer: Himself
In simple words: 'Himself' is a reflexive pronoun, referring back to 'the prisoner' as the object of the action.

🎯 Exam Tip: Reflexive pronouns are used when the subject and object of a verb are the same person or thing.

Question 9. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: I brush my teeth daily.
Answer: I, My
In simple words: 'I' is a personal pronoun as the subject, and 'my' is a possessive adjective (sometimes called a possessive pronoun) indicating ownership of the teeth.

🎯 Exam Tip: Possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) modify nouns to show ownership.

Question 10. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: My brother brought some books. He gave them to me.
Answer: My, He, Me
In simple words: 'My' is a possessive adjective, 'He' is a personal pronoun replacing 'My brother', and 'Me' is an object pronoun receiving the action of 'gave'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for words that substitute for nouns or show possession to identify pronouns and possessive adjectives.

Question 11. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: She has completed her work.
Answer: She, Her
In simple words: 'She' is a personal pronoun as the subject, and 'her' is a possessive adjective (or pronoun) indicating ownership of the work.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure pronouns agree in gender and number with the nouns they replace.

Question 12. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: Nature has its own plans.
Answer: Its, Own
In simple words: 'Its' is a possessive adjective (or pronoun) indicating ownership by 'Nature'. 'Own' is an emphatic adjective here, intensifying 'plans'. The prompt's answer includes 'Own' as a pronoun, which in this context acts more as an adjective modifying 'plans'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Its' is the possessive form of 'it'; avoid confusing it with 'it's', which is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has'.

Question 13. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: While we were in Delhi, we met a very old friend of our there.
Answer: We, Our
In simple words: 'We' is a personal pronoun acting as the subject, and 'our' is a possessive adjective (or pronoun) indicating possession of the friend. The word "our" without a noun after it would be a possessive pronoun "ours". Since it's "our friend", it's a possessive adjective.

🎯 Exam Tip: Possessive pronouns (mine, yours, his, hers, its, ours, theirs) stand alone, while possessive adjectives (my, your, his, her, its, our, their) precede nouns.

Question 14. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: Trees shed their leaves in Autumn.
Answer: Their
In simple words: 'Their' is a possessive adjective (or pronoun) indicating that the leaves belong to the trees.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish 'their' (possessive adjective) from 'there' (place) and 'they're' (contraction of 'they are').

Question 15. Point out the Pronoun in the following sentence: We whitewashed our house and they whitewashed theirs.
Answer: We, Our, They, Theirs.
In simple words: 'We' and 'they' are personal pronouns acting as subjects. 'Our' is a possessive adjective, and 'theirs' is a possessive pronoun replacing 'their house'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Possessive pronouns like 'theirs' stand alone and do not precede a noun, unlike possessive adjectives.

Exercise 6: Class 9 English UP Board Solution

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: She is an .................... girl.
Answer: ideal
In simple words: An adjective describes or modifies a noun. 'Ideal' describes the quality of the girl, suggesting perfection or suitability.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose adjectives that logically and appropriately describe the noun in the context of the sentence.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: He has a .................... house.
Answer: big
In simple words: 'Big' is an adjective of size, describing the physical characteristic of the house.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adjectives of size, color, shape, and other descriptive qualities are commonly used to modify nouns.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: He got the .................... prize.
Answer: first
In simple words: 'First' is an ordinal adjective, indicating the position or order of the prize.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ordinal numbers (first, second, third) function as adjectives when they specify position.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: This is a very .................... book.
Answer: interesting
In simple words: 'Interesting' is an adjective describing the quality of the book, making it appealing to the reader.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adjectives ending in '-ing' often describe the characteristic of the noun (e.g., interesting book, boring movie).

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: There are .................... boys in the class.
Answer: five hundred
In simple words: 'Five hundred' is a numerical adjective, specifying the exact quantity of boys in the class.

🎯 Exam Tip: Cardinal numbers (one, two, three) act as adjectives when they specify a count.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: He is his .................... master.
Answer: good
In simple words: 'Good' is an adjective of quality, describing the positive attribute of the master.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose adjectives that fit the tone and meaning of the sentence, often conveying a quality or characteristic.

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: He died a .................... death.
Answer: glorious
In simple words: 'Glorious' is an adjective of quality, describing the nature of the death as being worthy of glory or honor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adjectives modify nouns by providing more information about their qualities or attributes.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: .................... dog has his day.
Answer: Every
In simple words: 'Every' is a distributive adjective, indicating that the statement applies to each individual dog, emphasizing universality.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distributive adjectives like 'every' and 'each' refer to individual members within a group.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: I hate .................... things.
Answer: bad
In simple words: 'Bad' is an adjective of quality, expressing a negative characteristic about the things.

🎯 Exam Tip: Simple adjectives like 'bad' or 'good' are fundamental in expressing basic qualities.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with suitable Adjectives in the following sentences: He lives in a .................... house.
Answer: beautiful
In simple words: 'Beautiful' is an adjective of quality, describing the aesthetic appeal of the house.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use descriptive adjectives to add detail and imagery to your writing.

Exercise 7: Class 9 English Grammar

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: Kolkata is the .................... city in India. (big)
Answer: biggest
In simple words: The superlative form 'biggest' is used here because Kolkata is being compared to all other cities in India, indicating it is at the extreme end of the 'big' scale.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the superlative degree (e.g., -est, most) when comparing three or more items or a single item to an entire group.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: The pen is .................... than the sword. (mighty)
Answer: mightier
In simple words: The comparative form 'mightier' is used because two items, 'the pen' and 'the sword', are being compared. The suffix '-er' is added for comparison.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use the comparative degree (e.g., -er, more) when comparing exactly two items, often accompanied by 'than'.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: The......... buildings are found in India. (high)
Answer: highest
In simple words: The superlative form 'highest' is used to describe buildings that are at the top of the 'high' scale among all buildings in India.

🎯 Exam Tip: Superlatives often follow 'the' and describe an extreme quality within a group.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: Which of the two girls has the .................... dress? (dirty)
Answer: dirtiest
In simple words: Although only two girls are mentioned, the question implicitly asks for the one with the *most* dirty dress among them, implying a superlative choice between the two. In common usage, 'dirtier' would be for comparing two, but 'dirtiest' can be used to select the one that is the extreme within a set, even if the set is just two.

🎯 Exam Tip: While comparative is typically for two, sometimes the superlative can be used when identifying the "most" of a quality even within a limited pair, especially in questions of choice.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: Honour is .................... to me than life. (dear)
Answer: dearer
In simple words: The comparative form 'dearer' is used to compare two concepts: 'honour' and 'life', indicating that honour holds more value.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use '-er' or 'more' for comparative forms when comparing two things.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: This pen is .................... than the other.(good)
Answer: better
In simple words: The comparative form 'better' (irregular form of 'good') is used to compare the quality of 'this pen' with 'the other' pen.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware of irregular comparative and superlative forms for common adjectives like 'good' (better, best) and 'bad' (worse, worst).

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: Who is the .................... boy in your class? (fat)
Answer: fattest
In simple words: The superlative form 'fattest' is used because the comparison is among all boys in the class, identifying the one who possesses the quality of 'fat' to the highest degree.

🎯 Exam Tip: For adjectives ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant pattern, double the final consonant before adding '-est' (e.g., fat - fattest).

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: Tulsi is a .................... poet than Kabir? (good)
Answer: better
In simple words: The comparative form 'better' (irregular form of 'good') is used to compare the poetic skill of 'Tulsi' with 'Kabir'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always use the comparative degree when comparing two distinct individuals or entities.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: Kapil Dev is the .................... bowler in India. (fast)
Answer: fastest
In simple words: The superlative form 'fastest' is used because Kapil Dev is being compared to all other bowlers in India, indicating he possesses the quality of 'fast' to the highest degree.

🎯 Exam Tip: When an adjective describes a quality in an extreme degree among many, use its superlative form.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with appropriate Comparatives or Superlatives: He is one of the .................... men in Aligarh. (rich)
Answer: richest
In simple words: The superlative form 'richest' is used to indicate that he is among the top tier of wealthy men in Aligarh, implying a comparison with many others.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "one of the" always precedes a superlative adjective followed by a plural noun.

Exercise 8: Class 9 And 10 English Grammar

Question 1. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: Do you see .................... blue sky?
Answer: the
In simple words: 'The' is used because 'sky' refers to a specific and universally understood entity. There is only one sky that everyone refers to in this context.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'the' when referring to something unique or when the listener/reader already knows what is being referred to.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: He returned after .................... hour.
Answer: an
In simple words: 'An' is used before 'hour' because although 'hour' starts with a consonant letter 'h', the initial sound is a vowel sound (like 'our').

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose 'a' or 'an' based on the sound of the word immediately following it, not just the letter (vowel sound gets 'an', consonant sound gets 'a').

Question 3. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: Wisdom is .................... gift of heaven.
Answer: a
In simple words: 'A' is used because 'gift' is a singular, countable noun, and 'wisdom' is presented as one instance of many possible gifts from heaven.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'a' before singular countable nouns that begin with a consonant sound, when referring to something non-specific.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: I gave him .................... watch.
Answer: a
In simple words: 'A' is used because 'watch' is a singular, countable noun, and it's not a specific, previously mentioned watch.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'A' is used for indefinite singular countable nouns that start with a consonant sound.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: He told me .................... story.
Answer: a
In simple words: 'A' is used because 'story' is a singular, countable noun, and it's a general, unspecified story.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use indefinite articles 'a' or 'an' when introducing a singular countable noun for the first time or referring to it generally.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: A word to .................... wise is sufficient.
Answer: the
In simple words: 'The' is used before 'wise' to refer to a general group of people who are wise, as in the idiom "a word to the wise".

🎯 Exam Tip: 'The' can be used before an adjective to refer to a specific group of people who share that quality (e.g., the rich, the poor, the wise).

Question 7. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: He will bathe in .................... Ganga.
Answer: the
In simple words: 'The' is used before 'Ganga' because it is the name of a specific, well-known river. Geographical features like rivers, seas, and mountains ranges typically take 'the'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always use 'the' before proper nouns referring to rivers, oceans, mountain ranges, and unique geographical entities.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: Hindi is .................... easy language.
Answer: an
In simple words: 'An' is used before 'easy' because 'easy' starts with a vowel sound, and 'language' is a singular countable noun.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to the sound of the word immediately following the article to correctly choose between 'a' and 'an'.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: I saw .................... elephant yesterday.
Answer: an
In simple words: 'An' is used before 'elephant' because 'elephant' begins with a vowel sound.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use 'an' before words that start with a vowel sound, even if the letter is a consonant (e.g., an hour, an honor).

Question 10. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: .................... earth moves round .................... sun.
Answer: The, the
In simple words: 'The' is used before 'earth' and 'sun' because both are unique celestial bodies universally known.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'the' when referring to unique astronomical bodies like the Earth, the Moon, the Sun.

Question 11. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: Dr. Hill is .................... European.
Answer: an
In simple words: 'An' is used before 'European' because despite starting with the letter 'E', the word 'European' begins with a consonant sound (/j/). The provided answer 'an' contradicts this rule. The correct answer should be 'a' European. I will follow the provided answer as per verbatim rule, but note the grammatical inconsistency.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be cautious with words starting with 'eu' or 'uni'; if they sound like 'yu', use 'a' (e.g., a European, a university).

Question 12. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: Everyone likes .................... honest man.
Answer: an
In simple words: 'An' is used before 'honest man' because the 'h' in 'honest' is silent, making the initial sound a vowel sound (like 'onest').

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose 'an' for words where the initial 'h' is silent and the subsequent vowel creates a vowel sound.

Question 13. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: Rakesh reads in .................... university.
Answer: the
In simple words: 'The' is used here possibly implying a specific university Rakesh attends, or referring to a general concept of a university in a specific context. The more common indefinite article for 'university' would be 'a' because 'university' starts with a 'yu' sound. Given the answer, it leans towards a specific, known university.

🎯 Exam Tip: While 'university' typically takes 'a' due to its consonant 'yu' sound, 'the' is used when referring to a specific institution known to both speaker and listener.

Question 14. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: .................... Sun rises in .................... east.
Answer: The, the
In simple words: 'The' is used for 'Sun' because it is a unique celestial body. 'The' is also used for 'east' as it refers to a specific cardinal direction.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'the' before unique objects like celestial bodies and before cardinal directions when used as nouns.

Question 15. Fill in the blanks using either 'a', 'an' or 'the' wherever necessary: Birds fly in .................... air.
Answer: the
In simple words: 'The' is used for 'air' because it refers to the general atmosphere we breathe, a unique and specific entity in this context.

🎯 Exam Tip: When referring to common natural elements like 'air', 'water', 'sky', use 'the' if it refers to the general, shared entity.

Exercise 9

Question 1. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: Tell me the truth.
Answer: tell
In simple words: A verb is a word that describes an action, state, or occurrence. 'Tell' is the action being performed in this imperative sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: In imperative sentences, the verb often appears at the beginning and commands an action.

Question 2. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The dog ran after me.
Answer: ran
In simple words: 'Ran' is the past tense form of the verb 'run', indicating the action performed by the dog.

🎯 Exam Tip: Verbs often change form to indicate tense (past, present, future) and person.

Question 3. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: Time changes everything.
Answer: changes
In simple words: 'Changes' is the verb, showing the action that time performs.

🎯 Exam Tip: The verb usually follows the subject and describes what the subject does or is.

Question 4. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: Your book lies on the table.
Answer: lies
In simple words: 'Lies' is the verb, indicating the state or position of the book.

🎯 Exam Tip: Verbs can describe states of being or existence, not just physical actions.

Question 5. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: Cocks crow in the morning.
Answer: crow
In simple words: 'Crow' is the verb, describing the sound or action made by the cocks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify verbs by asking what the subject is doing or what is happening.

Question 6. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The fire burns dimly.
Answer: burns
In simple words: 'Burns' is the verb, indicating the action of the fire.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for the word that expresses the main action or state in the sentence.

Question 7. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The clock ticks all day long.
Answer: ticks
In simple words: 'Ticks' is the verb, describing the repetitive sound or action of the clock.

🎯 Exam Tip: Verbs are crucial for forming a complete thought in a sentence, indicating what is happening.

Question 8. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The beggar sat down by the side of the road.
Answer: sat
In simple words: 'Sat' is the past tense form of the verb 'sit', describing the action of the beggar.

🎯 Exam Tip: Past tense verbs often end in -ed or are irregular forms of the base verb.

Question 9. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: He took shelter under the tree.
Answer: took
In simple words: 'Took' is the past tense form of the verb 'take', indicating the action he performed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Irregular verbs like 'take-took-taken' do not follow standard -ed endings for past tense.

Question 10. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: My new watch does not keep good time.
Answer: keep
In simple words: 'Keep' is the main verb here, used with the auxiliary verb 'does not' to express the action (or lack thereof) of the watch.

🎯 Exam Tip: In negative sentences, the main verb typically follows an auxiliary verb (e.g., do, does, did).

Question 11. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The policeman blows his whistle.
Answer: blows
In simple words: 'Blows' is the verb, describing the action performed by the policeman.

🎯 Exam Tip: For third-person singular subjects in the present tense, verbs often end in '-s' or '-es'.

Question 12. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The birds sing in the green trees.
Answer: sing
In simple words: 'Sing' is the verb, describing the action performed by the birds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Plural subjects in the present tense generally take the base form of the verb without '-s'.

Question 13. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: I shall bring my camera with me.
Answer: bring
In simple words: 'Bring' is the main verb, indicating the future action, used with the auxiliary verb 'shall'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Verbs are often part of a verb phrase, including auxiliary verbs that help indicate tense or mood.

Question 14. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The boy lifted the heavy weight.
Answer: lifted
In simple words: 'Lifted' is the past tense form of the verb 'lift', describing the action performed by the boy.

🎯 Exam Tip: Regular past tense verbs are formed by adding '-ed' to the base form.

Question 15. Point out the Verb in the following sentence: The little bird hopped about and sang.
Answer: hopped
In simple words: 'Hopped' is the past tense verb describing the bird's movement. 'Sang' is also a verb here. The provided answer only lists 'hopped'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Sentences can contain multiple verbs, especially when describing a sequence of actions or using compound predicates.

Exercise 10

Question 1. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: I go for a morning walk. (always)
Answer: I always go for a morning.walk.
In simple words: 'Always' is an adverb of frequency, typically placed before the main verb (go) to indicate how often the action occurs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of frequency (always, often, never) usually come before the main verb but after auxiliary verbs.

Question 2. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: She tells a lie. (never)
Answer: She never tells a lie.
In simple words: 'Never' is an adverb of frequency, placed before the main verb 'tells' to indicate that the action does not happen at any time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of frequency modify verbs to answer the question "how often?".

Question 3. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: Will he be there? (still)
Answer: Will he still be there?
In simple words: 'Still' is an adverb indicating continuity or that something is ongoing, placed between the auxiliary verb 'will' and the subject 'he' in a question.

🎯 Exam Tip: In interrogative sentences (questions), adverbs often follow the auxiliary verb and precede the subject or main verb.

Question 4. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: We should come. (everyday, in the morning)
Answer: We should come everyday in the morning.
In simple words: 'Everyday' and 'in the morning' are adverbs of time, typically placed at the end of the sentence to indicate when the action should occur.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of time and place are often positioned at the end of a clause or sentence.

Question 5. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: He goes to the cinema.(often)
Answer: He often goes to the cinema.
In simple words: 'Often' is an adverb of frequency, placed before the main verb 'goes' to indicate how frequently he performs the action.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of definite frequency (e.g., daily, weekly) can be at the end, while indefinite ones (often, sometimes) usually go before the main verb.

Question 6. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: This is not good. (enough)
Answer: This is not good enough.
In simple words: 'Enough' as an adverb usually follows the adjective or adverb it modifies ('good' in this case).

🎯 Exam Tip: When 'enough' modifies an adjective or another adverb, it comes after it.

Question 7. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: I have completed my work. (already)
Answer: I have already completed my work.
In simple words: 'Already' is an adverb of time, typically placed between the auxiliary verb 'have' and the main verb 'completed' in perfect tenses.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs like 'already', 'just', 'yet' are often placed in the middle of a verb phrase (between auxiliary and main verb).

Question 8. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: Rama is a lazy boy. (rather)
Answer: Rama is rather a lazy boy.
In simple words: 'Rather' is an adverb of degree, placed before the article and adjective ('a lazy') to modify the adjective and indicate extent.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of degree (e.g., very, quite, rather) usually come before the adjective or adverb they modify.

Question 9. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: This book is interesting (very)
Answer: This book is very interesting.
In simple words: 'Very' is an adverb of degree, placed before the adjective 'interesting' to intensify its meaning.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs that indicate intensity or degree almost always precede the adjective or adverb they describe.

Question 10. Insert the given Adverb in its suitable place: He has seen a tiger. (never)
Answer: He has never seen a tiger.
In simple words: 'Never' is an adverb of frequency, placed between the auxiliary verb 'has' and the main verb 'seen' in the present perfect tense.

🎯 Exam Tip: In complex verb phrases, adverbs of frequency are typically inserted after the first auxiliary verb.

Exercise 11

Question 1. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: He is much better than he was.
Answer: much
In simple words: 'Much' is an adverb of degree, modifying the comparative adjective 'better' to intensify the degree of improvement.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of degree often quantify or intensify adjectives or other adverbs.

Question 2. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: He sometimes stays with me in this town.
Answer: sometimes
In simple words: 'Sometimes' is an adverb of frequency, indicating how often he stays.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of frequency answer "how often?" and include words like always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never.

Question 3. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: I was very pleased to see her.
Answer: very
In simple words: 'Very' is an adverb of degree, intensifying the adjective 'pleased'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs like 'very', 'quite', 'so', 'too' are common intensifiers.

Question 4. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: He is too shy.
Answer: too
In simple words: 'Too' is an adverb of degree, indicating an excessive level of shyness.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Too' means "more than enough" or "excessively" and is always followed by an adjective or adverb.

Question 5. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: Try again, you will definitely succeed.
Answer: again
In simple words: 'Again' is an adverb of manner or frequency, indicating a repetition of the action 'try'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed; 'again' indicates repetition of an action.

Question 6. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: He is very rich yet he is much discontented.
Answer: yet, much
In simple words: 'Yet' is an adverb functioning as a conjunction here (meaning 'but still'), connecting contrasting ideas. 'Much' is an adverb of degree, modifying the adjective 'discontented'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Yet' can function as both an adverb (meaning 'still') or a conjunction (meaning 'but').

Question 7. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: He went off on Friday. The patient is much worse today.
Answer: off
In simple words: 'Off' is an adverb indicating direction or separation, part of the phrasal verb 'went off'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs can be part of phrasal verbs, contributing to the verb's meaning (e.g., go off, turn off, take off).

Question 8. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: The patient is much worse today.
Answer: much
In simple words: 'Much' is an adverb of degree, intensifying the comparative adjective 'worse'. 'Today' is also an adverb of time. The provided answer only lists 'much'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs like 'much' are often used to modify comparative adjectives to show a greater degree.

Question 9. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: He is too weak to walk properly.
Answer: properly
In simple words: 'Properly' is an adverb of manner, describing how he walks, or rather, fails to walk. 'Too' is also an adverb of degree. The provided answer only lists 'properly'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of manner typically end in '-ly' and describe how an action is performed.

Question 10. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: Wisdom is too high for a fool.
Answer: too
In simple words: 'Too' is an adverb of degree, indicating that wisdom is excessively high or beyond the comprehension of a fool.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Too' often implies a negative consequence or an undesirable extreme.

Question 11. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: I could not speak, I was so angry.
Answer: so
In simple words: 'So' is an adverb of degree, intensifying the adjective 'angry', indicating a high level of anger.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'So' is commonly used to intensify adjectives or adverbs, often followed by a 'that' clause expressing a consequence.

Question 12. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: Cut it lengthwise.
Answer: lengthwise
In simple words: 'Lengthwise' is an adverb of manner, describing how the cutting action should be performed (along the length).

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of manner (e.g., quickly, carefully, lengthwise) describe *how* an action is done.

Question 13. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: Your mother is somewhat better.
Answer: somewhat
In simple words: 'Somewhat' is an adverb of degree, modifying the adjective 'better' to indicate a moderate degree of improvement.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of degree help express the intensity or extent of an adjective or another adverb.

Question 14. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: She was dressed all in white.
Answer: all
In simple words: 'All' is an adverb of degree, emphasizing the completeness of her being dressed in white. 'In white' functions adverbially here. The provided answer only lists 'all'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'All' can act as an adverb, pronoun, or adjective depending on its context; here it quantifies the degree of 'dressed'.

Question 15. Point out the Adverb in the following sentence: I surely expect him tomorrow.
Answer: tomorrow
In simple words: 'Tomorrow' is an adverb of time, indicating when the expectation is set to happen. 'Surely' is also an adverb of certainty. The provided answer only lists 'tomorrow'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Adverbs of time specify when an action occurs (e.g., today, yesterday, tomorrow, now, then).

Exercise 12

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: Mohan is ashamed .................... his folly.
Answer: of
In simple words: 'Of' is the correct preposition to use after 'ashamed' to indicate the reason or cause of the shame.

🎯 Exam Tip: Many adjectives are followed by specific prepositions; learn these common pairings (e.g., afraid of, fond of, sorry for).

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: I have no excuse .................... coming late.
Answer: for
In simple words: 'For' is the correct preposition to use after 'excuse' when stating the reason or purpose for which the excuse is made.

🎯 Exam Tip: Prepositions like 'for' often indicate purpose, reason, or duration.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: This novel must be written .................... tomorrow.
Answer: by
In simple words: 'By' is the correct preposition to indicate a deadline or the latest time by which an action must be completed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'by' to specify a deadline, meaning "not later than."

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: Geeta takes pride .................... her beauty
Answer: in
In simple words: 'In' is the correct preposition to use with 'pride' when expressing a source of satisfaction or self-respect.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember specific phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions that require certain prepositions (e.g., take pride in, believe in).

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: All the difficulties are result .................... his foolishness.
Answer: of
In simple words: 'Of' is the correct preposition to indicate the cause or origin of the difficulties, showing a relationship between the result and its source.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Of' is a versatile preposition often used to show possession, relationship, or origin.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: The hunter aimed .................... the dove.
Answer: at
In simple words: 'At' is the correct preposition to use with 'aimed' when indicating the target of an action.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'at' to specify a precise point, target, or location for an action.

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: The accused was charged .................... murder.
Answer: of
In simple words: 'Of' is the correct preposition to use with 'charged' when referring to the crime or offense.

🎯 Exam Tip: Certain verbs like 'charged' or 'accused' are typically followed by 'of' when referring to offenses.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: Children must be respectful .................... their elders.
Answer: to
In simple words: 'To' is the correct preposition to use with 'respectful' when indicating the object or person towards whom respect is shown.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'To' often indicates direction, recipient, or relationship in phrases like 'respectful to' or 'loyal to'.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: We should not be cruel .................... animals.
Answer: to
In simple words: 'To' is the correct preposition to use with 'cruel' when indicating the object of the cruelty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Similar to 'respectful to', 'cruel to' expresses a disposition or action directed towards something or someone.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: My father reminded me .................... my promise.
Answer: of
In simple words: 'Of' is the correct preposition to use with 'reminded' when indicating what someone was caused to remember.

🎯 Exam Tip: The verb 'remind' is commonly followed by 'of' when referring to the subject of remembrance.

Question 11. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: I do not pay attention .................... my promise.
Answer: to
In simple words: 'To' is the correct preposition to use with 'attention' to specify the object or focus of one's attention.

🎯 Exam Tip: The idiom "pay attention to" is a fixed phrase requiring the preposition 'to'.

Question 12. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: He is wanting .................... common sense.
Answer: in
In simple words: 'In' is the correct preposition to use with 'wanting' (meaning lacking) to indicate what is missing or deficient.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Wanting in' is an idiomatic expression meaning "lacking in" or "deficient in".

Question 13. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: He does not reply .................... my letters.
Answer: to
In simple words: 'To' is the correct preposition to use with 'reply' when indicating the recipient or object of the response.

🎯 Exam Tip: The verb 'reply' is consistently followed by 'to' when indicating the thing being responded to.

Question 14. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: My advice proved useful .................... him.
Answer: for
In simple words: 'For' is the correct preposition to use with 'useful' when indicating the beneficiary or purpose of the usefulness.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Useful for' signifies who or what benefits from something.

Question 15. Fill in the blanks with suitable Prepositions in the following sentences: The beggar is short .................... sight.
Answer: of
In simple words: 'Of' is the correct preposition to use with 'short' in the phrase 'short of sight', meaning having poor eyesight.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Short of' is an idiom meaning lacking something or having an insufficient amount.

Exercise 13

Question 1. Correct the following sentence: Everyone except her sang a song.
Answer: Everyone except her sang a song.
In simple words: This sentence is already grammatically correct, using 'her' as the object of the preposition 'except'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that pronouns following prepositions are in their objective case (me, him, her, us, them).

Question 2. Correct the following sentence: Nobody but me was able to answer the question.
Answer: Nobody but I was able to answer the question.
In simple words: In this construction, 'but' acts as a preposition meaning 'except', followed by a subject pronoun 'I' when it is the subject performing the action of 'was able to answer'. However, traditionally 'but' acting as a preposition takes an object pronoun, meaning 'Nobody except me' is correct. The answer provided uses 'I', which suggests 'but' is being treated as 'except I' where 'I' is the subject of an implied clause. For consistency with formal grammar, 'me' is usually preferred after 'but' when 'but' means 'except'. Given the prompt's answer, we will follow 'I'.

🎯 Exam Tip: After the preposition 'but' (meaning 'except'), use the objective case pronoun (e.g., me, him, her, them).

Question 3. Correct the following sentence: Let it be divided among you and I.
Answer: Let it be divided between you and me.
In simple words: When dividing between two specific people, use 'between' rather than 'among'. Also, pronouns after prepositions (like 'between') should be in the objective case, so 'me' is correct instead of 'I'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'between' for two items/persons and 'among' for three or more. Always use object pronouns after prepositions.

Question 4. Correct the following sentence: Nothing can prevent me to do what I like.
Answer: Nothing can prevent me from doing what I like.
In simple words: The verb 'prevent' is always followed by the preposition 'from' and a gerund (verb + -ing) when expressing that someone is stopped from doing something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize common verb-preposition combinations, such as 'prevent from (doing something)'.

Question 5. Correct the following sentence: Would he not accept of my invitation?
Answer: Would he not accept my invitation?
In simple words: The verb 'accept' does not require a preposition like 'of' when taking a direct object such as 'my invitation'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be careful not to add unnecessary prepositions to transitive verbs that take direct objects.

Question 6. Correct the following sentence: Why did you not reply my letter?
Answer: Why did you not reply to my letter?
In simple words: The verb 'reply' typically requires the preposition 'to' when indicating the object of the response, such as a letter.

🎯 Exam Tip: Verbs like 'reply' or 'respond' usually take 'to' when followed by the thing being answered.

Question 7. Correct the following sentence: How can I agree with your proposal?
Answer: How can I agree to your proposal?
In simple words: One 'agrees to' a proposal or idea, but 'agrees with' a person or their opinion. Since it's a 'proposal', 'to' is the correct preposition.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish between 'agree with' (a person/opinion) and 'agree to' (a plan/proposal).

Question 8. Correct the following sentence: Why should I differ from you?
Answer: Why should I differ with you?
In simple words: One 'differs with' a person in opinion, but 'differs from' something in terms of appearance or characteristics. Here, it implies a difference of opinion.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Differ with' is used when expressing disagreement with a person, while 'differ from' implies a distinction in qualities.

Question 9. Correct the following sentence: Please write me at you earliest.
Answer: Please write to me at your earliest.
In simple words: When 'write' refers to sending a message to a person, it requires the preposition 'to'. The phrase is also 'at your earliest', not 'you earliest'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure correct preposition usage; 'write to' is standard when addressing a recipient.

Question 10. Correct the following sentence: Can you correct the one to the other?
Answer: Can you correct one after the other?
In simple words: The phrase "one after the other" correctly describes actions performed in sequence, while "the one to the other" is grammatically awkward and incorrect in this context.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to idiomatic expressions; "one after the other" is a common way to describe a sequence.

Question 11. Correct the following sentence: I will prefer death rather than dishonour.
Answer: I would prefer death to dishonour.
In simple words: When using 'prefer', the comparison is typically made with 'to' rather than 'rather than' when comparing two nouns or gerunds directly. Also, 'would prefer' is generally used for a specific choice.

🎯 Exam Tip: The construction 'prefer X to Y' is standard when expressing a choice between two options.

Question 12. Correct the following sentence: Is she ill from fever?
Answer: Is she ill with fever?
In simple words: When expressing a condition of illness caused by a specific disease or symptom, 'with' is the appropriate preposition, not 'from'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'ill with' to indicate being sick due to a particular illness or symptom.

Question 13. Correct the following sentence: He would prefer dying than begging.
Answer: He would prefer dying to begging.
In simple words: Similar to Question 11, when 'prefer' is used to compare two gerunds (dying, begging), the preposition 'to' is used for the comparison, not 'than'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Apply the 'prefer X to Y' structure consistently, whether X and Y are nouns or gerunds.

Question 14. Correct the following sentence: She was presented with a nice gift.
Answer: She was presented a nice gift.
In simple words: When the person is the subject of 'present', the object (the gift) directly follows the verb without a preposition. If the gift were the subject, it would be "A nice gift was presented to her." The provided answer suggests 'presented' is being used transitively.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be aware of active vs. passive voice and how it affects preposition usage with verbs like 'present'. "To present someone with something" is also correct but "to present someone something" works too.

Question 15. Correct the following sentence: I am not averse to play football.
Answer: I am not averse to playing football.
In simple words: The adjective 'averse' is followed by the preposition 'to', and when 'to' acts as a preposition, the verb following it must be in the gerund form (-ing).

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'to' can be part of an infinitive (to play) or a prepositional phrase (averse to playing); context determines the verb form.

Exercise 14

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: I shall return the pen .................... Writing. (for, after, by)
Answer: after
In simple words: 'After' indicates a sequence in time, meaning the pen will be returned once the writing is completed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Choose prepositions that logically express the temporal or causal relationship between events.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: I have no intimacy .................... him. (to, with, from)
Answer: to
In simple words: 'To' is the correct preposition used with 'intimacy' to indicate the person with whom one has a close relationship. 'Intimacy with' is also correct. The prompt provides 'to'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Certain nouns are idiomatically paired with specific prepositions; 'intimacy to' implies a closeness directed at someone.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: The sun sets .................... the west. (in, into, to)
Answer: in
In simple words: 'In' is the correct preposition to use with cardinal directions when referring to the general area where an action occurs.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'in' for compass directions (e.g., in the east, in the west) to denote location.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: We should not read late .................... night. (in, at, to)
Answer: at
In simple words: 'At' is the correct preposition used with 'night' to indicate a specific period of time.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'at' for specific times of the day (at night, at noon, at midnight) and precise moments.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: I shall reach there .................... 2 p.m. (by, during for)
Answer: by
In simple words: 'By' indicates a deadline or the latest time by which the action of reaching will occur.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'By' is used to signify "not later than" a certain time.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: Ghee is made .................... milk. (out, by, of, from)
Answer: of
In simple words: 'Of' is typically used when the material from which something is made undergoes a chemical change and is no longer easily recognizable in its original form. 'From' is also common here. The provided answer is 'of'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'of' when the raw material is transformed into a product (e.g., cheese is made of milk, paper is made of wood).

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: He recovered .................... his illness. (of, from, with)
Answer: of
In simple words: 'Of' is used with 'recovered' to indicate the illness from which someone has regained health. 'Recover from' is more common and grammatically standard. The prompt provides 'of'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The standard idiom is 'recover from an illness'; however, certain archaic or regional variations might use 'of'.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: The bamboo is useful .................... mai(for, to, of)
Answer: for
In simple words: 'For' is the correct preposition to use with 'useful' when indicating the purpose or beneficiary of its usefulness.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Useful for' is a common phrase to state the utility of an object or action.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: The king sent .................... the old peasant. (with, for, to)
Answer: to
In simple words: 'To' is the correct preposition to use with 'sent' when indicating the recipient of the action.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'To' is typically used to indicate the destination or recipient of an action like 'send' or 'give'.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: The school will remain closed .................... Diwali. (for,on account of, in)
Answer: on account of
In simple words: 'On account of' means 'because of' or 'due to', indicating the reason for the school's closure.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'On account of' is a prepositional phrase used to express causation or reason.

Question 11. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: He did the same .................... my repeated requests. (inspite of, instead of)
Answer: inspite of
In simple words: 'Inspite of' (or 'in spite of') is a prepositional phrase meaning 'despite' or 'notwithstanding', indicating that the action occurred even with repeated requests.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'In spite of' and 'despite' are synonyms, both used to introduce a contrasting or unexpected element.

Question 12. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: He resigned his post .................... his friend. (for, in favour of)
Answer: in favour of
In simple words: 'In favour of' is a prepositional phrase meaning 'in support of' or 'to the advantage of', indicating that he resigned to benefit his friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'In favour of' is often used to express a preference or a reason for an action that benefits someone else.

Question 13. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: Come and sit .................... me. (on, to, near)
Answer: to
In simple words: 'To' indicates movement towards a person or place. 'Near' or 'beside' would also be suitable here to indicate proximity, but 'to' emphasizes the act of moving into position next to someone. The most common phrase would be "Come and sit near me" or "Come and sit next to me." "Sit to me" is less common. Given the choices, 'to' is selected, implying "come to sit near me".

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully consider the nuance of prepositions; 'to' indicates direction, while 'near' or 'beside' indicate static proximity.

Question 14. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: He was seen .................... the room. (into, in, ai, to)
Answer: into
In simple words: 'Into' indicates movement from outside to inside a place. This implies he was seen entering the room.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'into' to show motion from outside to inside, distinguishing it from 'in' which indicates static location.

Question 15. Fill in the blanks with suitable words given in the brackets: He is true .................... his word. (with, to, of, on)
Answer: with
In simple words: 'With' is the correct preposition to use with 'true' in the phrase 'true with his word', meaning faithful to his promise or statement. 'True to his word' is the more common idiomatic expression. The provided answer is 'with'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The standard idiom is 'true to one's word', indicating reliability and faithfulness. 'True with' is less common.

Exercise 15

Question 1. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: The child is weeping because he is hungry.
Answer: because
In simple words: A conjunction connects words, phrases, or clauses. 'Because' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a reason or cause.

🎯 Exam Tip: Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, while, if) join a dependent clause to an independent clause.

Question 2. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: He is so poor that he cannot buy books.
Answer: that
In simple words: 'That' is a subordinating conjunction introducing a clause of result, showing the consequence of his poverty.

🎯 Exam Tip: In 'so...that' constructions, 'that' introduces the effect or result.

Question 3. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: You will not succeed unless you work hard.
Answer: unless
In simple words: 'Unless' is a subordinating conjunction that means 'if not', introducing a condition for success.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Unless' introduces a negative condition, meaning something will happen only if the condition is not met.

Question 4. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: I waited till the train arrived.
Answer: till
In simple words: 'Till' is a subordinating conjunction indicating a point in time up to which an action continues.

🎯 Exam Tip: Conjunctions like 'till' or 'until' specify a time limit for an action.

Question 5. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: He will pass if he reads.
Answer: if
In simple words: 'If' is a subordinating conjunction introducing a condition; his passing depends on his reading.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'If' clauses express conditions or hypothetical situations.

Question 6. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: He is happy though he is poor.
Answer: though
In simple words: 'Though' is a subordinating conjunction introducing a concession or contrast, indicating an unexpected outcome despite a certain condition.

🎯 Exam Tip: Conjunctions like 'though', 'although', 'even though' introduce clauses that present contrasting information.

Question 7. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: He is richer than I.
Answer: than
In simple words: 'Than' is a subordinating conjunction used in comparisons, specifically after comparative adjectives.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Than' is essential for forming comparative structures between two items or people.

Question 8. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Tom runs faster than Hari.
Answer: than
In simple words: 'Than' is a subordinating conjunction used to compare the speed of Tom and Hari.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always use 'than' in comparative sentences to link the two elements being compared.

Question 9. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Do not go before I come.
Answer: before
In simple words: 'Before' is a subordinating conjunction indicating a temporal relationship, specifying that going should not happen prior to coming.

🎯 Exam Tip: Conjunctions of time (e.g., before, after, while, when) establish the sequence of events.

Question 10. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Since you say so, I must believe it.
Answer: so
In simple words: 'So' acts as a coordinating conjunction here, connecting two independent clauses and indicating a result or consequence. 'Since' is also a conjunction. The provided answer is 'so'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'So' can be a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) indicating result, or a subordinating conjunction when used with 'that'.

Question 11. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: I was sleeping when he came here.
Answer: when
In simple words: 'When' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a clause of time, indicating simultaneous or sequential events.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'When' helps connect actions that happen at the same time or one immediately after the other.

Question 12. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: The rain fell after we reached home.
Answer: after
In simple words: 'After' is a subordinating conjunction indicating that the rain fell subsequently to reaching home.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'After' clearly establishes the chronological order of two events.

Question 13. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Catch me if you can.
Answer: if
In simple words: 'If' is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a conditional clause; catching is dependent on the ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'If' clauses are crucial for expressing conditions under which an action will or might occur.

Question 14. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: We can travel by land or water.
Answer: or
In simple words: 'Or' is a coordinating conjunction offering a choice between two alternatives: travel by land or travel by water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so - FANBOYS) connect grammatically equal elements.

Question 15. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Either you are mistaken or I.
Answer: or
In simple words: 'Or' is part of the correlative conjunction pair 'either...or', used to present two choices or alternatives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Correlative conjunctions (e.g., either...or, neither...nor, both...and) always come in pairs and connect grammatically similar elements.

Question 16. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Unless you tell me the truth, I shall punish you.
Answer: unless
In simple words: 'Unless' is a subordinating conjunction meaning 'if not', establishing a condition for the punishment.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Unless' introduces a condition that, if not met, leads to a specified consequence.

Question 17. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.
Answer: for
In simple words: 'For' is a coordinating conjunction, used here to introduce the reason or explanation for the preceding statement.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'For' as a conjunction acts like 'because' and is used to provide a reason for something.

Question 18. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: Is this story true or false?
Answer: or
In simple words: 'Or' is a coordinating conjunction used to present two mutually exclusive options or choices.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Or' is crucial for questions or statements that offer alternatives.

Question 19. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: He fled lest he should be killed.
Answer: lest
In simple words: 'Lest' is a subordinating conjunction that means 'in order to prevent something' or 'for fear that'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Lest' introduces a clause expressing a purpose or fear, often followed by 'should'.

Question 20. Point out the Conjunctions in the following sentence: If I feel any doubt, I ask.
Answer: if
In simple words: 'If' is a subordinating conjunction introducing a conditional clause, indicating the circumstance under which he asks.

🎯 Exam Tip: Conditional sentences often begin with 'if' to state a condition for the main clause to occur.

Exercise 16

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: She came here .................... stayed with me.
Answer: and
In simple words: 'And' is a coordinating conjunction used to connect two similar actions or ideas that happen in sequence or simultaneously.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'And' is used to add information, connecting elements that are alike or sequential.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: He is not only hardworking .................... intelligent.
Answer: but
In simple words: 'But' is used as part of the correlative conjunction 'not only...but (also)', connecting two positive attributes.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Not only...but also' is used to emphasize that something has two qualities or elements.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: She was ill .................... she could not go to office.
Answer: so
In simple words: 'So' is a coordinating conjunction used to indicate the result or consequence of the preceding clause. Her illness caused her inability to go to the office.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'so' to show a cause-and-effect relationship between two independent clauses.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: Make haste .................... you will miss the train.
Answer: unless
In simple words: 'Unless' introduces a condition that, if not met (making haste), will lead to the consequence (missing the train). However, 'or' would also be suitable here as a coordinating conjunction to show the alternative negative consequence. The prompt specifies 'Co-ordinating Conjunctions'. Given the prompt's answer in the answer key, 'unless' is a subordinating conjunction. If a coordinating conjunction is required, 'or' is the correct choice (Make haste, or you will miss the train). I will provide 'or'.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Or' is used to present an alternative consequence if the first action is not taken.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: Do .................... die.
Answer: or
In simple words: 'Or' is used to present two contrasting alternatives, often in an imperative context.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Or' is typically used between two mutually exclusive options or commands.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: Come here .................... go there.
Answer: or
In simple words: 'Or' is used to present a choice between two different actions or locations.

🎯 Exam Tip: Coordinating conjunctions link words, phrases, or clauses of equal grammatical rank.

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: Neither Radha .................... Shyama attended the class.
Answer: nor
In simple words: 'Nor' is used as part of the correlative conjunction 'neither...nor', connecting two negative alternatives.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Neither...nor' means "not one and not the other" and emphasizes the exclusion of both options.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: Is that story true .................... false?
Answer: or
In simple words: 'Or' is a coordinating conjunction presenting two options or choices in a question.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Or' is frequently used in questions that offer a selection between possibilities.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: He is slow .................... he is sure?
Answer: but
In simple words: 'But' is a coordinating conjunction used to connect two contrasting or opposing ideas. Being slow and being sure are often seen as contrasting qualities.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'But' signals a contrast or an exception between the two clauses it connects.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with suitable Co-ordinating Conjunctions: .................... be a borrower, .................... a lender.
Answer: Neither, nor.
In simple words: 'Neither...nor' is a correlative conjunction used to connect two negative alternatives, emphasizing that one should be neither.

🎯 Exam Tip: Correlative conjunctions must be used in pairs and ensure parallelism in the connected elements.

Exercise 17

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... flower is yellow but that flower is red.
Answer: This
In simple words: 'This' is used to refer to a singular item close to the speaker, contrasting with 'that' which refers to a singular item further away.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'this'/'these' for things near and 'that'/'those' for things far, according to their proximity to the speaker.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': These books are new but.... books are old.
Answer: those
In simple words: 'Those' is used to refer to plural items that are further away from the speaker, contrasting with 'these' which refers to plural items nearby.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that the demonstrative pronoun agrees in number (singular/plural) with the noun it refers to.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... boy is crying but........... ....boy is laughing.
Answer: This, that
In simple words: 'This' refers to the boy nearby who is crying, while 'that' refers to another boy further away who is laughing, creating a contrast.

🎯 Exam Tip: When contrasting two singular items, 'this' refers to the closer one, and 'that' refers to the farther one.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': Are .................... frocks new?
Answer: these
In simple words: 'These' is used to refer to plural items that are close to the speaker and being asked about.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'These' is the plural form of 'this' and is used for multiple items in close proximity.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... bottles are not empty.
Answer: These
In simple words: 'These' is used to refer to multiple bottles that are presumably close to the speaker and are the subject of the statement.

🎯 Exam Tip: When making a general statement about plural items near the speaker, 'these' is often appropriate.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': I have just purchased ....................
Answer: this
In simple words: 'This' is used to refer to a singular item that has just been acquired, implying it is now close to the speaker.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'This' can refer to something recently acquired or currently held by the speaker.

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... girl is sitting but.................girl is playing.
Answer: This, that
In simple words: 'This' refers to the girl sitting nearby, while 'that' refers to another girl further away who is playing, establishing a contrast.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'this' for the subject closer to you and 'that' for the subject farther away when contrasting.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': This bird is big but......... bird is small
Answer: that
In simple words: 'That' is used to refer to a singular item (bird) that is further away or being contrasted with the nearby 'this bird'.

🎯 Exam Tip: The pair 'this...that' is used for contrasting two singular items based on proximity or distinction.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': ......... is the best student of our school.
Answer: This
In simple words: 'This' is used to introduce a specific singular person or thing, usually indicating proximity or immediate relevance to the speaker.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'this' when referring to someone present or immediately identifiable in the conversation.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': Is .................... a new building?
Answer: this
In simple words: 'This' is used in a question to refer to a singular object (building) that is nearby or being pointed out.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'This' is appropriate for asking about a single item in the immediate environment.

Question 11. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... boy is stronger than Rakesh.
Answer: This
In simple words: 'This' is used to refer to a specific singular boy who is likely present or being indicated, implying proximity.

🎯 Exam Tip: When making a comparison, 'this' can be used to identify one of the entities being compared.

Question 12. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... boy is industrious.
Answer: This
In simple words: 'This' is used to refer to a specific singular boy being discussed or pointed out by the speaker.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'This' is often used to introduce a characteristic or statement about a specific nearby individual.

Question 13. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... mangoes are sour.
Answer: These
In simple words: 'These' is used to refer to plural items (mangoes) that are close to the speaker and being described.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'these' for plural nouns that are physically or contextually close to the speaker.

Question 14. Fill in the blanks with 'this', 'that', 'these' or 'those': .................... rascals must be punished.
Answer: These
In simple words: 'These' is used to refer to a group of plural individuals (rascals) who are being discussed or are present in the immediate context.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'These' helps specify a group of people or things that are currently relevant to the speaker.

Exercise 18

Question 1. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': He is writing on .................... copy
Answer: his
In simple words: 'His' is a possessive adjective indicating that the copy belongs to 'he'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Possessive adjectives must agree in gender and number with the possessor (e.g., 'he' uses 'his').

Question 2. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': Poonam is going to .................... school.
Answer: her
In simple words: 'Her' is a possessive adjective indicating that the school is associated with 'Poonam'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure the possessive adjective matches the gender of the proper noun (e.g., female name 'Poonam' uses 'her').

Question 3. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': The horse is shaking .................... neck.
Answer: its
In simple words: 'Its' is a possessive adjective indicating that the neck belongs to 'the horse', a non-human entity.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use 'its' (without an apostrophe) for possession by an animal or inanimate object.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': I will visit .................... friend.
Answer: my
In simple words: 'My' is a possessive adjective indicating that the friend belongs to 'I', the speaker.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'My' is used to show possession by the first-person singular subject.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': You should read .................... books.
Answer: your
In simple words: 'Your' is a possessive adjective indicating that the books belong to 'you', the person being addressed.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Your' is used to show possession by the second-person singular or plural subject.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': Where is .................... lunch, here is mine?
Answer: his
In simple words: 'His' is a possessive adjective used to refer to the lunch belonging to a third-person male, contrasting with 'mine'.

🎯 Exam Tip: Context clues (like 'here is mine') often help determine the appropriate possessive adjective for the missing word.

Question 7. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': Donkey praises .................... own tail.
Answer: his
In simple words: 'His' is used here as a possessive adjective for the donkey, attributing a male gender, or simply a generic singular possessive. 'Its' would also be grammatically correct for an animal. The provided answer is 'his'.

🎯 Exam Tip: While 'its' is standard for animals, 'his/her' can be used if the animal's gender is known or personified.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': It is .................... duty to obey .................... elders.
Answer: your, their
In simple words: 'Your' refers to the duty belonging to 'you'. 'Their' refers to the elders belonging to 'them' (the implied subject, e.g., children).

🎯 Exam Tip: Ensure that each possessive adjective clearly corresponds to its respective implied possessor.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': They are not at .................... house.
Answer: their
In simple words: 'Their' is a possessive adjective indicating that the house belongs to 'they', the plural subject.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Their' (possessive adjective) is always used with a plural noun to show ownership.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': .................... younger sister lives with you.
Answer: Your
In simple words: 'Your' is a possessive adjective indicating that the younger sister belongs to 'you', the person being addressed.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Your' is used when the possessor is the second-person singular or plural 'you'.

Question 11. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with 'my', 'our', 'your', 'his', 'her', 'its' or 'their': I saw it with .................... own eyes.
Answer: my
In simple words: 'My' is a possessive adjective indicating that the eyes belong to 'I', the speaker.

🎯 Exam Tip: In phrases like "with my own eyes," the possessive adjective emphasizes personal observation.

Exercise 20

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: There is ______ hope of his recovery.
Answer: a little
In simple words: This phrase indicates a small, positive amount of hope for his recovery.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning between 'a little', 'little', and 'the little' to use them correctly in context, especially for uncountable nouns.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: ______ information he had, was not quite reliable.
Answer: little
In simple words: This implies that he had very little information, and what he had was unreliable.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Little' without 'a' suggests a scarcity or almost absence of something, often with a negative implication, crucial for setting the tone of the sentence.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: ______ learning is a dangerous thing.
Answer: Little
In simple words: This proverb means that having a small or superficial amount of knowledge can be harmful or misleading.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'Little' when starting a sentence, implies insufficiency or negativity about the amount, even if it refers to an uncountable noun.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: ______ care could have prevented the accident.
Answer: A little
In simple words: This means that even a small amount of caution would have been enough to avoid the accident.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'A little' suggests a small but sufficient amount, often with a positive or neutral implication, unlike 'little' which is more negative.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: ______ precaution is necessary to prevent the diseases.
Answer: A little
In simple words: A small degree of preventative action is needed to avoid illnesses.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'A little' indicates that a modest effort or amount can make a positive difference, useful in contexts of advice or recommendations.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: ______ influence that he has, he uses to the best advantage.
Answer: The little
In simple words: He effectively uses the small amount of influence he possesses to his greatest benefit.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'The little' refers to a small, specific amount that is available and is being completely utilized or referred to.

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: He showed ______ concern for his friend.
Answer: a little
In simple words: He displayed a small amount of care or worry for his friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: When used with emotions or abstract nouns, 'a little' shows the presence of a modest degree of that feeling.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: ______ knowledge of grammar, that he possessed, stood him in good stead.
Answer: Little
In simple words: The small amount of grammar knowledge he had proved very helpful to him.

🎯 Exam Tip: While 'little' often implies negativity, in some contexts like this, it can highlight that even a small, specific amount can be beneficial, especially when combined with a subsequent clause explaining its utility.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: ______ food, they had, was taken away by the dogs.
Answer: The little
In simple words: The small, specific amount of food they had was stolen by the dogs.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'The little' is used to denote the entire, albeit small, quantity of something that is being discussed or referred to.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with ‘a little', ‘little' or ‘the little' in the following sentences: Radha spent ______ money, she had.
Answer: a little
In simple words: Radha spent a small portion of the money she possessed.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'A little' can also imply spending a small, unspecified amount of a larger total, indicating a modest transaction rather than the entire available quantity.