Grammar Question Bank

Direct and Indirect Speech

1. “How glad I am,” said Rob Roy, “to meet my friend here.”
Rob Roy said that he was very glad to meet his friend there.
2. The officer said, “Can you not do it more neatly?”
The officer asked me if / whether I could not do it more neatly.
3. He said, “Yes Sir, that is the way to be happy and rich.”
He exclaimed politely / respectfully that that was the way to be happy and rich.
4. The child said, “Hurrah! Mother has come.”
The child exclaimed joyfully that mother had come.
5. The father said to the son, “Put that book back on the table when you have finished with it.”
The father instructed the son to put that book back on the table when he had finished with it.
6. Mohan said to Shafiq, “Please be quiet.”
Mohan requested Shafiq to be quiet.
7. Ivanhoe said to his servant, “Come early, I shall wait for you at the bridge.”
Ivanhoe commanded his servant to go early and that he would wait for him at the bridge.
8. The doctor said to his patient, “Do not eat too many sweets.”
The doctor advised his patient not to eat too many sweets.
9. The Emperor said, “Alas! Our foes are too strong.”
The Emperor exclaimed sadly that their foes were too strong.
10. The boy said to his father, “Our examination is over.”
The boy told his father that their examination was over.

Degrees of Comparison
1. No other building in the world is as grand as the Taj Mahal. (Positive)
The Taj Mahal is grander than any other building in the world. (Comparative)
The Taj Mahal is the grandest building in the world. (Superlative)
2. No other metal is as useful as Iron. (Positive)
Iron is more useful than any other metal. (Comparative)
Iron is the most useful metal. (Superlative)
3. No other democracy in the world is as large as India. (Positive)
India is larger than any other democracy in the world. (Comparative)
India is the largest democracy in the world. (Superlative)
4. No other boy in the colony is as industrious as Jacob. (Positive)
Jacob is more industrious than any other boy in the colony. (Comparative)
Jacob is the most industrious boy in the colony. (Superlative)
5. No other continent in the world is as small as Australia. (Positive)
Australia is smaller than any other continent in the world. (Comparative)
Australia is the smallest continent in the world. (Superlative)
6. No other story book is as popular as ‘The Arabian Nights’. (Positive)
‘The Arabian Nights’ is more popular than any other story book. (Comparative)
‘The Arabian Nights’ is the most popular story book. (Superlative)
7. The elder sister is not so clever as the younger one. (Positive)
The younger sister is cleverer than the elder one. (Comparative)
8. Ankita is as intelligent as her sister. (Positive)
Ankita’s sister is not more intelligent than Ankita. (Comparative)
9. It is better to starve than to beg. (Comparative)
It is not as good to beg as it is to starve. (Positive)

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 10. Dehradun is not so cool as Shimla. (Positive)
Shimla is cooler than Dehradun. (Comparative)
11. Beans are as nutritious as milk. (Positive)
Milk is not more nutritious than beans. (Comparative)
12. Meera works faster than Sheela. (Comparative)
Sheela does not work as fast as Meera. (Positive)
13. Shipra is not so intelligent as Rashi. (Positive)
Rashi is more intelligent than Shipra. (Comparative)
14. My house is farther from school than yours. (Comparative)
Your house is not as far from school as mine is. (Positive)
15. He is a more faithful friend to me than you are. (Comparative)
You are not as faithful a friend to me as he is. (Positive)
16. A sunset on the seashore is one of the loveliest sights of nature. (Superlative)
Very few sights of nature are as lovely as a sunset on the seashore. (Positive)
A sunset on the seashore is lovelier than any other sight on the seashore
17. Very few games are as popular as Cricket. (Positive)
Cricket is one of the most popular games. (Superlative)
Cricket is more popular than many / most other games. (Comparative)
18. Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful cities in India. (Superlative)
Very few cities in India are as beautiful as Chandigarh. (Positive)
Chandigarh is more beautiful than most other cities in India. (Comparative)
19. Delhi is one of the busiest cities in India. (Superlative)
Very few cities in India are as busy as Delhi. (Positive)
Delhi is busier than most other cities in India. (Comparative)
20. I have never seen so big a diamond as this. (Positive)
This diamond is bigger than any that I have seen before. (Comparative)
This is the biggest diamond that I have ever seen. (Superlative)

Use ‘so….that’ / Add ‘too’

1. He is too proud to admit his fault.
He is so proud that he will not admit his fault.
2. The news is too good to be true.
The news is so good that it cannot be true.
3. He is too young to travel alone.
He is so young that he cannot travel alone.
4. He is too simple minded to be a successful agent.
He is so simple minded that he cannot be a successful agent.
5. This cake is too delicious for me not to eat it.
This cake is so delicious that I must eat it.
6. She is too intelligent not to pass the exam.
She is so intelligent that she will pass the exam.
7. Sunder was too God fearing to leave the fallen man to his fate.
Sunder was so God fearing that he could not leave the fallen man to his fate.
8. My mother is too good a cook to make a mistake.
My mother is such a good cook that she cannot make such a mistake.
9. He is so young that he cannot understand.
He is too young to understand.

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 10. This book is so difficult that I cannot follow it.
This book is too difficult for me to follow.
11. He spoke so low that he could not be heard.
He spoke too low to be heard.
12. He was so greatly shocked that he could not speak.
He was too greatly shocked to speak.
13. He is so capable that he will complete the job today.
He is too capable not to complete the job today.
14. The game was so tempting that the boys had to play it.
The game was too tempting for the boys not to play it.
15. Those villagers are so selfish that they do not deserve any pity.
Those villagers are too selfish to deserve any pity.
16. The playground is so far off that a young boy cannot go there on foot.
The playground is too far off for a young boy to go there on foot.
17. She is so pretty that she will win the beauty pageant.
She is too pretty not to win the beauty pageant.
18. I love poetry so much that I must read this poem.
I love poetry too much to not read this poem.

Exclamatory to Assertive
1. What a horrible night!
It was a horrible night.
2. How well he uses his limbs!
He uses his limbs really well.
3. How lovely the flowers are!
The flowers are very lovely.
4. If only I had followed his advice!
I really wish I had followed his advice.
5. Alas! The king is dead.
It is unfortunate that the king is dead.

Assertive to Exclamatory
1. The train is travelling very fast.
How fast the train is travelling!
2. I wish I could be as tall as that.
O, to be tall as that!
3. It is a great calamity.
What a great calamity it is!
4. You are wearing a very pretty dress.
What a pretty dress you are wearing!
5. It is very sad that our team has lost.
Alas! Our team has lost.

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Assertive to Interrogative.
1. This is really a grand sight.
Isn’t this really a grand sight?
2. No one worships the setting sun.
Does anyone worship the setting sun?
3. It is useless to cry over spilt milk.
Is it of any use to cry over spilt milk?
4. Everybody has heard of Darwin.
Hasn’t everyone heard of Darwin?
5. This is not the time to come home.
Is this the time to come home?

Interrogative to Assertive
1. Does not a dog feel pain when hurt?
A dog feels pain when hurt.
2. How can I ever repay your debt?
I can never repay your debt.
3. Can money buy health?
Money cannot buy health.
4. Was not Sheridan a fine speaker?
Sheridan was a fine speaker.
5. Can you please everybody?
You cannot please everybody.

Affirmative to Negative
1. Everybody will admit he is honest.
No one will deny that he is honest.
2. Dryden was greater than Pope.
Pope was not as great as Dryden.
3. Bombay is the richest city in India.
No other city in India is as rich as Bombay.
4. As soon as the beast felt thirsty, he proceeded to the lake.
No sooner did the beast feel thirsty than he proceeded to the lake.
5. She alone believed him.
None but she believed him.

Negative to Affirmative.
1. There is no rose without a thorn.
Every rose has a thorn.
2. He is not as foolish as his brother.
His brother is more foolish than him.
3. He is not unhappy with the result.
He is quite happy with the result.
4. None but the brave deserve the fair.
Only the brave deserve the fair.
5. I cannot deny that he is right.
I must admit that he is right.

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Use ‘unless’ / use ‘If’ (Remember ‘Unless’ can be used either in the beginning or in the middle of a
sentence but ‘If’ can be used only in the beginning of a sentence)
1. If it rains, I shall put on my raincoat.
I shall not put on my raincoat unless it rains. / Unless it rains, I shall not put on my raincoat.
2. If you do not agree to my proposal, you cannot expect any help from me.
You cannot expect any help from me unless you agree to my proposal. / Unless you agree to my
proposal, you cannot expect any help from me.
3. If you serve me, I shall pay you.
I shall not pay you unless you serve me. / Unless you serve me, I shall not pay you.
4. If the horse is healthy, I will buy it.
I will not buy the horse unless it is healthy. / Unless the horse is healthy, I will not buy it.
5. If you do not study, you will not pass.
You will not pass unless you study. / Unless you study, you will not pass.

Join the following sentences to make one complete sentence without using ‘and’, ‘but’ or ‘so’.
1. She received the message. Immediately she went to the library.
As soon as she received the message, she went to the library.
2. I saw men at work in a new building. It was to be a factory.
I saw men at work on a new factory building.
3. Suresh did not come to school. He did not send in an application.
Neither did Suresh come to school nor did he send in an application.
4. I was reading the book. I found what I was looking for.
While I was reading the book, I found what I was looking for.
5. He will not attend the party. He told this to his friends.
He told his friends that he will not attend the party.
6. The clown amuses us. He shows us funny tricks.
The clown amuses us by showing us funny tricks.
7. I don’t have a cellphone. I will not buy one.
Neither do I have a cellphone nor will I buy one.
8. Reena is very artistic and creative. She is compelled to take up a career in accounting.
Though / Although / Even though Reena is very artistic and creative, she is compelled to take up
a career in accounting.
Reena is very artistic and creative yet she is compelled to take up a career in accounting.
In spite of being very artistic and creative, Reena is compelled to take up a career in accounting.
Despite being very artistic and creative, Reena is compelled to take up a career in accounting.
9. This concept is complex. That concept is equally complex.
This concept is as complex as that.
Both the concepts are equally complex.
10. This is my Chemistry journal. I record experiments conducted in the class in it.
This is my Chemistry journal in which I record experiments conducted in the class.
This is my Chemistry journal where I record experiments conducted in the class.

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Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions given after each. Make other changes
that may be necessary, but do not change the meaning of the sentence.
1. If they are not willing to defend to the last, they will not conquer. (Begin: Unless….)
Unless they are willing to defend to the last, they will not conquer.
2. A patriot is a man who loves his country. (Remove ‘who’)
A patriot loves his country.
3. This river has given Egypt the fertile area. (Begin: The fertile area…)
The fertile area has been given to Egypt by this river.
4. As soon as he does his work, he starts playing. (Begin: No sooner….)
No sooner does he do his work than he starts playing.
5. As soon as she saw the cat, she tried to pet it. (Begin: No sooner…)
No sooner did she see the cat than she tried to pet it.
No sooner had the seen the cat than she tried to pet it.
6. As soon as Mr. Roger had seated himself, the play began. (Begin: No sooner…)
No sooner had Mr. Roger seated himself than the play began.
7. I liked the dress. (Add a question tag)
I liked the dress, didn’t I?
8. He is too honest to accept a bribe. (Remove ‘too’)
He is so honest that he will not accept a bribe.
9. I said to Hari, “What is the nature of your business?” (Begin: I asked Hari…..)
I asked Hari what the nature of his business was.
10. We did not have a good time at the picnic because it was too hot. (Begin: If)
If it had not been so hot, we would have had a good time at the picnic.
11. All the girls were wearing beautiful dresses. (Begin: Each of….)
Each of the girls was wearing a beautiful dress.
12. Although he was poor, he helped the old man. (Begin: In spite….)
In spite of being poor, he helped the old man.
13. Her attitude often annoys me. (Use ‘annoyance’)
Her attitude often causes me annoyance.
14. He neither returned the goods nor paid the bill. (Begin: Besides….)
Besides not returning the goods, he did not pay the bill.
15. He refused to allow the late-comers in and this annoyed them. (Begin: His…)
His refusal to allow the late-comers in annoyed them.
16. No sooner had Ram narrated the story than he was praised. (Begin: Hardly…)
Hardly had Ram narrated the story when he was praised.
17. No sooner did the sun rise than the stars disappeared. (Begin: Scarcely…)
Scarcely had the sun risen, when the stars disappeared.
18. They had to put off the garden party because of the heavy rain. (Begin: The heavy…)
The heavy rain caused them to put off the garden party.
19. It is probable that Rajesh has forgotten to do his project. (Begin: In…)
In all probability, Rajesh has forgotten to do his project.

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 20. He sang the song and played the guitar. (Begin: Not only…)
Not only did he sing the song but he also played the guitar.
21. The children and the teacher have not gone on a field trip. (Begin: Neither…)
Neither the children nor the teacher has gone on a field trip.
22. He stole my purse. He stole my books. (Use: not only)
He stole not only my purse but also my books.
Not only did he steal my purse but he also stole my books.
23. We could watch the movie on the video. We could watch the movie in the hall. (Use: either...or)
We could watch the movie either on the video or in the hall.
24. They do not pay the rent. They do not vacate the room. (Use: neither…nor)
They neither pay the rent nor vacate the room.
Neither do they pay the rent nor do they vacate the room.
25. Only a traitor could have done such a deed. (Begin: None…)
None but a traitor could have done such a deed.
26. If he had not helped me, I would not have passed. (Begin: But…)
But for his help, I would not have passed.
27. This chapter consists of four units. (Use: comprises)
This chapter comprises four units.
28. Tanuja is a very friendly girl and is always cheerful. (Begin: Besides…)
Besides being a very friendly girl, Tanuja is always cheerful.
29. In spite of getting up early, Meena got late for school. (Begin: Despite)
Despite getting up early, Meena got late for school.
30. He sold him not only his office but also his equipment. (Use: as well as)
He sold his office as well as his equipment to him.
He sold him his office as well as his equipment.

Add a Question Tag.

1. Our Prime Minister is a man of great learning. (isn’t he?)

Our Prime Minister is a man of great learning, isn’t he?
2. Anupam was present in the class yesterday. (wasn’t he?)
3. India has progressed a lot after independence. (hasn’t she?)
4. He will make an excellent speech. (won’t he?)
5. You usually attend all the classes. (don’t you?)
6. Mrs. Gupta teaches both English and History. (doesn’t she?)
7. Yesterday the Principal left the office early. (didn’t she?)
8. We must abide by all the rules. (mustn’t we?)
9. These children aren’t naughty. (are they?)
10. This job is not suitable for me. (is it?)
11. She was not telling a lie. (was she?)
12. She has not paid her dues yet. (has she?)
13. We cannot park our car here. (can we?)
14. You did not submit the assignment on time. (did you?)

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 15. We should not violate the rules. (should we?)
16. He will not deceive you. (will he?)
17. You don’t take sugar in your tea. (do you?)
18. The army has an important role to play. (hasn’t it?)
19. These fans are of a very superior quality. (aren’t they?)
20. This road doesn’t lead to the railway station. (does it?)
21. I am a bit early. (aren’t I?)
22. Have a cup of tea. (will you? / won’t you?)
23. She won the first prize. (didn’t she?)
24. Let us request the teacher to explain the poem again. (shall we?)
25. Let us sit in the sun. (shall we?)
26. Let us wait for the rain to stop. (shall we?)
27. Please come in. (For positive commands, we can use both ‘will you?’ and ‘won’t you?’)
28. Post this letter on your way to the post office. (will you? / won’t you?)
29. Don’t forget to wake me up. (For negative commands, we use ‘will you?’)
30. You will help me. (won’t you?)

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

1. The polo players astride their thoroughbreds walked into the racecourse.
2. The subordinate followed through on the idea put forth by the boss.
3. The municipal workers were asked to tear down the unauthorized structure.
4. He knew that the minister was too powerful to go up against.
5. Jane was beside herself with grief.
6. TV influences all of our lives.
7. A bridge was built at the behest of the Conservative Government.
8. The book is so badly written that it may turn off many readers.
9. Anger, if not controlled, can turn out to be a destructive force.
10.He did not turn up for the meeting.
11.He worked round the clock to turn around the fortunes of the club.
12. We spent a week away from home.
13.Mud squished beneath Ann’s feet as she walked through the forest.
14. Please do not loiter about the street after school.
15. He rules over a vast Empire.
16. The police ran through the city in pursuit of the murderer.
17. The children ate their lunch sitting by the brook that ran through the orchard.
18. The fragrant flowers that bloomed around the ivied porch set the mood for the
evening party.
19. He swore by his mother never to cheat again.
20. I tried to reason with him on the grounds of morality.
21. I tried to reason him out of his fears.
22. They rise with the morning sun and labour through the day.
23. As the funeral procession passed by, I felt a lump in my throat.
24. Work done in haste will fetch no result.
25. This matter is of great importance and needs to be scrutinized thoroughly.
26. Any rule needs to be committed to memory.
27. Chanakya hints at the value of diplomacy.

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28. Please abstain from junk food in order to stay fit.
29. As per the Vedas, man’s life is divided into four stages.
30. Rahim insisted on going to the market.
31. He was let off with a fine.
32. People always crave for worldly possessions.
33. Hitler always adhered to his plans.
34. Dipti declared to dispose of her old house.
35. The teacher called for a written explanation.
36. His conduct is above suspicion.
37. He flew into a rage when he was challenged.
38. Among / Besides other things, they found an old sword near the ruins of the temple.
39. I have no desire for wealth.
40. He is gifted with a sharp memory.
41. We were amazed at Mohan’s strange behavior.
42. Carry out the orders of your parents.
43. Carry on with your work.
44. He is blind in one eye.
45. This play has been adapted to television.
46. We hung his portrait in the living room.
47. We need Oxygen to breathe.
48. Smith ran into his cousin in the corridor.
49. It is not wise to run down your opponents.
50. The new branch was set up in 1996.
51. The aircraft was flying towards Berlin when the engine developed a snag.
52. The Supreme Court set aside the judgement of the High Court.
53. When Spring sets in, the flowers bloom.
54. We had to speed up to the grocery store since we ran out of sugar.
55. The lady broke down in the middle of her speech.
56. My friend called on me yesterday.
57. Put something aside for your old age.
58. The winner put up a brave fight.
59. The plan fell through for want of funds.
60. The waves struck against the shore.
61. The clerk ran away with the documents.
62. The epidemic broke out after the floods.
63. Some birds live on insects.
64. Never jump into conclusions.
65. He was standing beside / near the pillar.
66. He must abstain from evil and do good.
67. One should live within one’s means.
68. He congratulated me on my success.
69. The master dispensed with the service of his servant.
70. Do not indulge in gossip.

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71. There is no cause for anxiety.
72. The four sisters quarrelled among themselves.
73. The reason for his conduct is obvious.
74. The supervisor was pleased with her work.
75. Some strange object flew past my face. Fortunately, it did not hit me.
76. Distribute the mangoes among the students.
77. The function concluded with the national anthem.
78. Do not hinder him in his work.
79. Sooner or later, one has to account for his deeds.
80. My uncle deals in sugar.
81. The birds are singing on the tree.
82. She looked resplendent in her finery.
83. He could not attend the function because of a headache.
84. This plan is definitely inferior to that one.
85. The Mexican dish will be excluded from the menu as it is too spicy.
86. The most exotic roses abound in the beautiful public gardens of Bangalore.
87. Jenny was asked to withdraw from the contest as she flouted the rules.
88. I prefer a book of poems to one of adventure.
89. It is better that they talk out the matter before their final decision.
90. We hope our cricket team will inflict a crushing defeat on the Australians.
91. This will take time as there’s a long-drawn out procedure for getting a passport.
92. All the artists who participated in the various cultural programmes on the Republic Day were
felicitated by the President.
93. Ghana has been an independent country since 1957.
94. Surely, we can come to some agreement about the price.
95. The car battery has run down and needs replacing.
96. James is burning the candle at both ends for the exams.
97. The prince has lost his right to accession to the throne.
98. The enemy turned the tables on the warriors.
99. Alan was apprehended for rash driving.
100. Tom is a great hand at organizing public meetings.
101. He acted on my advice.
102. The thick foliage over our heads protected us from rain.
103. Hard work is the key to success.
104. This road leads to Bombay.
105. We should not look down on anybody.
106. The boy laughed at the beggar.
107. Think of the Devil and the Devil is there.
108. The child was run over by a car.
109. The book is lying on / under the table.
110. The cat jumped over the table.
111. The sky is overcast with clouds.

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112. He is like a frog in the well.
113. She died of Cholera.
114. They died for their country.
115. I have no taste for music.
116. The child is afraid of dogs.
117. She is fond of painting.
118. This road was built by the labourers.
119. The foolish lion jumped into the well.
120. The dog jumped over the wall of the garden.
121. He took offence to my remarks.
122. She objected to your words.
123. I went to the Railway Station to see off my brother.
124. Tomorrow he will come of age.
125. He hails from Uttar Pradesh.
126. They belong to a noble family.
127. I shall return in a week.
128. Please listen to me.
129. You are requested to heed to what I say.
130. We must be loyal to our country.
131. An ideal citizen abides by the laws of his country.
132. This tank is teeming with fishes.
133. The book is replete with printing errors.
134. He was charged with murder.
135. Hard work told on his health.
136. For how many days, has he been ill?
137. He has been suffering from fever since Sunday last.
138. This story was told to me by my father.
139. She takes after her mother.
140. Do not boast of your achievements.
141. The mother looks after her children.
142. We should not run after wealth.
143. There was hanging a spider-web in a corner of the room.
144. I will visit the Aurobindo Ashram during my stay at Puducherry.
145. She is proud of her beauty.
146. They never die who die for a noble cause.
147. The Judge has acquitted him of murder.
148. Did he prevent you from coming here?
149. These seats are reserved for the candidates belonging to the OBC.
150. All kinds of articles are available in this market.
151. She takes pride in her beauty.
152. Do not cry over spilt milk.
153. He is well-versed in English.

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154. He is a past-master in the art of copying.
155. It is 5 o’clock by my watch.
156. At this speed, we will be able to reach Gwalior by 4:00 p.m.
157. I come to school on foot.
158. He is notorious for his evil deeds.
159. The leader is popular among his countrymen.
160. Cholera has broken out in the village.
161. There is stills scope for new writers to break through.
162. The chair gave way under the weight of the fat lady.
163. I will wait for you at the theatre.
164. Please send for the doctor.
165. A gust of wind knocked him off balance and he fell face down in the mud.
166. I shall wait for you until you return.
167. Children are fond of illustrated books.
168. I am tired of his company.
169. Has she recovered from illness?
170. I am at your disposal.
171. Have you got any money on you?
172. The boy took no interest in studies.
173. She is not interested in needle work.
174. Oranges are sold by the dozen.
175. The poor fellow died by inches.
176. He is over head and ears in debt.
177. I can make neither head nor tail of what you say.
178. The area was colonized by scrub.
179. I have made up my mind to become a doctor.
180. I have made up for my deficiency in English.
181. Walk along this road till the next crossing and then turn right.
182. The hunter killed the deer with a gun.
183. I have travelled all about Europe.
184. I could easily see through his game.
185. Sammy is well qualified to dish out advice.
186. We are all destined to die.
187. They are slaves who fear to speak for the fallen and the weak.
188. Six passengers had already disembarked from the ship.
189. He is embarking on a new career as a writer.
190. Distribute these sweets between these two boys.
191. We climbed up the hill with great difficulty.
192. Never work beyond your capacity.
193. It is beyond my powers to grant you leave.
194. Riches are a source of great distress.
195. In the history of man, there has hardly been an era of total peace.

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196. He complained to the Principal about me.
197. Cut your coat according to your cloth.
198. We live in deeds, not in years.
199. A man is known by the company he keeps.
200. Great wits are sure to madness near allied.
201. Nothing will come of nothing.
202. He is no match for you.
203. She was a perfectionist who was not ready to settle for anything mediocre.
204. She lives in Delhi which is the capital of India.
205. She was born of noble parents.
206. The lion pounced on the jackal.
207. In this way, you can kill two birds with one stone.
208. He was killed by the robber with a sword.
209. Our vacation will commence on Monday next.
210. He is caught between the devil and the deep sea.
211. His house is situated by the lake.
212. Besides me, four other travellers were there at the inn.
213. He is a patriot to the backbone.
214. He has written a letter to The Times setting out his views.
215. He was rewarded for his honesty.
216. We reached our houses at sunset.
217. The train departed from / for Ambala at 5.30 a.m.
218. We entered the town at night.
219. For all his qualifications, he could not do well.
220. Divide this apple into four parts.
221. Benares is famous for its streets.
222. The cow feeds or subsists on grass.
223. He longed for wealth.
224. Gandhiji was endowed with many gifts.
225. Many a blessing has been bestowed by God on / upon mankind.
226. The title of ‘Padma Shri’ was conferred on him.
227. Now the Prime Minister is accessible even to the common people.
228. We penetrated deep into the forest.
229. We should not encroach on other’s solitude.
230. The climate of Shimla is conducive to health.
231. The house was reduced to ashes.
232. I shall cut him down to size.
233. First, we should try to know the art of buying.
234. Lust for money is a bane with most of the people.
235. We should be courteous to all.
236. Riches I hold in light esteem.
237. Is there any alternative to this?

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238. She has been confined to bed since Monday last.
239. There is peril of life in doing this.
240. You will have to adapt yourselves to circumstances.
241. The poor fellow was deprived of all his property.
242. Is coal tar derived from coal?
243. We should sing of God who has created us all.
244. How far is man different from other animals?
245. I beg to differ with you a bit there.
246. We shall discuss this over a cup of tea.
247. Long parleys between India and Pakistan were held.
248. Birds of a feather flock together.
249. Ramesh is averse to hard work.
250. The custom of purdah originated in the Western Asia.
251. The poor fellow was afflicted with epilepsy.
252. You are advised to commit your new lesson to memory.
253. We should not only abstain from animal food but also refrain from telling lies.
254. On hearing the old man’s tidbits, we were convulsed with laughter.
255. What you say is contrary to the hard facts of life.
256. I will see you at 8’o clock.
257. They began their work at/before/after sunrise.
258. The train reached the station before/in/on time.
259. Vidhi lives in Mumbai in India.
260. Snow fell over the houses.
261. They are in the theatre.
262. The security guard was standing near/at the gate.
263. He has been ploughing the fields for three hours.
264. I have been waiting for the doctor since 4 o’clock.
265. I distributed mangoes among five children.
266. Please return my money by/before Sunday.
267. She sat in the office at/till closing time.
268. The airplane flew over the city.
269. It is our duty to protest against injustice.
270. He refused to put up with their interference in his affairs.
271. She has been going through the script for days.
272. He persists in teasing other children in the class.
273. He was able to put forth his ideas very cleverly.
274. I have been waiting for your reply since Wednesday.
275. I will wait for you from 5 p.m.to 6 p.m.
276. Turn left at the next crossing.
277. I will need reference books besides the notes.
278. We will meet at my house in New Delhi.
279. The child has taken after his mother.
280. The cat hid behind the curtain.
281. None other than you knows the truth.
282. She stared at me in anger.
283. I want to be active till the last breath of my life.

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284.The thief disappeared in the forest beyond the fields.
285.You should be patient with the child.
286.He spent the whole life in poverty.
287.This song was written by me with the pen gifted by you.
289.One of the legs of that chair is broken.
290.None other than a well-qualified person is suitable for this job.
300.I get up at 7 in the morning on weekdays.
301.I look after my son. He is similar to me. He is quite different from my wife.
302.She is not accustomed to this environment.
303.He spends a lot of money on cars.
304.The movie was inspired by a movie.
305.The product was still under warranty.
306. Kindergarten contributes to the child’s development.
307.We haven’t come up with a suitable plan.
308.I should warn you for keeping a gun.
309.He often talks about you.
310. The college will break up for the summer vacation in about a week’s time.
311.The annual function will be held on Friday, the 23rd March at 4p.m.
312.The dog sprang upon the table.
313.By the time the fire brigade arrived, the shop had been reduced to ashes.
314.She put the keys under her pillow.
315.The hair sat hiding among the bushes.
316.This is beyond my understanding.
317.Let me sit by the fireplace.
318.Cautiously we climbed down the hill.
319.He borrowed some money from his friend.
320.He sat at the table to write a letter.
321.It is very rude to point at the people.
3227.They have troubled us from the beginning.
323.Throw the ball to your little brother.
324.These articles are free from sales tax.
325.Please wait for me at the Regal Park near Regal restaurant in Mumbai.
326.My father put the blanket over me.
327.There was a beautiful lake below us in the valley.
328.The examination will begin from the first week of May and end on the thirteenth.
329.He married for money.
330.Come and sit by/near me.
331.He died of heart attack.
332.She was dressed in white from head to toe.
333.The chances are two to one.
334.Bore a hole through this table.
335.After all that has happened, I wash my hands off you.
336.The school is far from the house and it is difficult for the child to go there daily on foot.
337.He has passed through many difficulties.
338.The elder brother is more intelligent between the two.
339.It is hotter in Delhi than in Srinagar.
340.No guests are allowed in the night.
341.When I go to my hometown, I always look for my childhood friends.

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342.This question is really difficult for his age.
343.It has been a long time since I saw her.
3449.Can you cure me of this ailment?
345.Human sacrifices were practised by the Nagas.
346. Some men are very sensitive to criticism.
347.The wild boar abounds in some parts of Europe
348.He quarrelled with me over a petty issue.
349.He dispensed with the services of his dishonest servant.
350.The Director presided over the meeting.
351.How did you come across this letter?
352.This man is blind in one eye.
353.My watch is different from that one.
354.This environment is conducive to learning.
355.Do not boast of your wealth.
1. He walked beside the lake.
2. He is beside himself with grief.
3. Besides these books, I have a full collection of ‘The Adventures of Harry Potter movies’.
4. This is against the law.
5. No one can escape the arm of justice.
6. The guard was off duty.
7. He gave it to me of his own free will.
8. My house is between a book-shop and a bakery.
9. We walked by the haunted house.
10. This is by far the best performance he’s given.
11. I am going out of town this weekend.
12. It is difficult to get in touch with him.
13. My brother is in the air force.
14. The ships were anchored along the shore.
15. I wish to consult you about the job.
16. He takes after his father.
17. He travelled around the world in eighty days.
18. I laughed till I cried.
19. I have been studying since morning.
20. He climbed onto the wall to see the parade.
21. She fell into the well, while drawing up the water.
22. The dog jumped over the fence.
23. He came out of the house when he heard the noise.
24. We will be passing through a number of tunnels on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
25. He will soon get over the difficulties.
26. He got through the examination.
27. All his plans fell through.
28. We should do away with our bad habits.
29. I cannot do without the help of my assistant.
30. Will you draw out a scheme?
31. The army is now drawing back.
32. He deals in rice.
33. He deals with me very well.

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1. The teacher spoke up for Raju when he was wrongly accused of stealing money.
2. We can visit her in the hostel between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
3. Little children are often afraid of the dark.
4. Suhas has applied for a scholarship.
5. We were asked to take off our footwear as we were entering a place of worship.
6. She turned down the generous offer made by the manager.
7. Our English friends have taken to Indian food quickly.
8. He got an A+ in Mathematics.
9. Always be prepared for a surprise test.
10. She is fond of pets.
11. He was touched with pity when he heard the tale.
12. She is smarter of the two.
13. She is blind to the faults of her husband.
14. The boss had many complaints against Shyam.
15. The poor man is afflicted with arthritis.
16. The leader counted on the cooperation of his colleagues.
17. I laboured through the whole winter to complete the project.
18. The road is named after Subhash Chandra Bose.
19. They could not get any information on / about the prisoner.
20. The five players quarrelled among / amongst themselves.
21. He fell out with his best friend and refused to talk to him.
22. The students must commit this to memory.
23. Young people should be guarded against the use of drugs.
24. Beggars are prohibited from entering places of worship.
25. Nothing deters him from doing the right thing.
26. They are revelling in luxury.
27. The convict was found guilty of murder.
28. A special commando unit was assigned to provide protection for him.
29. This ointment is very effective in providing protection against mosquitoes.
30. The Constitution is very clear about the protection of human rights.
31. This school provides a wide range of choice in subjects.
32. The motive behind his generous offer was very clear.
33. Besides all this, the corn must be cut.
34. He has an advantage over me.
35. I prefer ice cream to cold coffee.
36. Keep your expenses within your income.
37. I forgot to turn in my application in time.
38. I fell out with my friend and was rude to him.
39. These garments fall in with the current fashion trends.
40. Both the children take after their mother.
41. Priya was knocked down by a speeding car.
42. Pursued by his enemies, he swam across the river to safety.
43. They drove him into the city in their new car.
44. He flew into a rage when he was challenged.
45. They took over the company with all its liabilities.
46. Her request for transfer was turned down.
47. He may turn up when we least expect.
48. He was able to put across his idea so cleverly that he impressed everyone.

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49. The Principal approved of the student’s plan to conduct a survey.
50. I usually arrive at the school at 8.45.a.m
51. After a protracted discussion, they arrived at an amicable solution.
52. The doctor cured my aunt of her bronchitis.
53. The imported drug he gave cured her of the illness.
[When cure is a remedy, use cure for.]
54. There is no known cure for common cold.
55. The cow lives on grass.
56. His wages are sufficient for his family to live on.
(When ‘live’ means ‘to earn a living’, use ‘by’.)
57. Raj lives by farming.
58. He was accused of robbing the bank.
59. My mother is afraid of cats.
60. A man is known by the company he keeps.
61. I prefer tea to coffee.
62. The Principal called for a written application.
63. My father was angry with my prodigal brother.
64. My father was angry at my refusal.
[We are angry with a person; angry at something the person does or says.]
65. The teacher was pleased with the student's progress.
66. We are pleased to know of your success.
(use of an infinitive entails the use of ‘of’ here)
sit: sit at a desk, on a chair, , in a bus, in a room.
67. Flour is made of wheat. (the substance is not actually changed but only changed into another
object)
68. His jackets are made from the finest leather.( a substance changed into another and a new
substance is formed)
69. We all feel sorry for the injured soldiers. ( sorry for someone)
70. We all feel sorry about the unfortunate accident. ( sorry about something)
71. The essay is useful to me.
72. The essay is useful for the exams.
[useful to a person, useful for something.]
Write in, write with:
73. The article was written in pencil / in ink. (the appearance on the paper)
74. Write the points in pencil.
75. Draw the margin with a pencil. (as an instrument used)
76. Sign the document with a pen.
Yield to, yield up
77. The Ministers had to yield to the pressure of the protesters. (surrender)
78. They were compelled to yield up some of their valuables to the treasury. (give up)
79. The corrupt official was relieved of his duties.
80. I count on your timely help.
81. The salesman did not come up to her expectations.
82. Even though they were tired, they carried on their journey.
83. In spite of the heavy rain, the meeting was not put off.
84. Contrary to their expectation, it snowed heavily.
85. The mob burned down the building.
86. You can look up the word in the dictionary.

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 87. We must live by honest work.
88. This shop deals in imported pens.
89. I have reconciled myself to my fate.
90. Lana is too miserly to part with her money.
91. The government is worried of the consequences of the meeting with the rebels.
92. The vacuum locks in the flavour of its content.
93. A true leader is not overwhelmed by criticism.
94. We should translate our dreams into / to reality.
95. The Captain is entrusted with unlimited powers.
96. The child was entrusted to the care of the matrons.
97. There is no meaning in quarrelling over trifles.
98. The workers are entitled to yearly bonus.
99. The judge set aside the judgment of the lower court.
100. We should stand by our friends in an hour of crisis.
101. It is advantageous to study regularly.
102. There is always a demand for good books.
101. Let us begin with the first poem.
102. They do not approve of your action in the matter.
103. He is rarely attentive to his lessons.
104. Marsha deals in handloom saris.
105. Martin’s friends stood by him during his lean days.
106. The teacher sent her a letter of appreciation by mistake.
107. The noisy old car often goes out of order.
108. Hardy’s outlook on life is quite optimistic.
109. He agreed with his partners on the idea of launching a new project.
110. She has been suffering from Pneumonia since last week.
111. The old lady prepared herself for a life of loneliness.
112. The police are looking into the matter.
113. He is not entitled to rent and profit.
114. The leader of the gang was accustomed to flattery.
115. Do not deal with rogues; they will cheat you.
116. Child marriage prevails among certain tribes in India.
117. None could persuade him from withdrawing from the competition.
118. The young tree was bent under the weight of the snow
119. The compromise was agreed upon by the two warring factions.
120. We should sympathize with the poor.
121. A complaint was lodged against the corrupt official.
1. Though he was not well he calmly went on with his business.
2. While he was cleaning his gun, it went out killing his friend.
3. This plan will remain a secret between you and me.
4. No guests are allowed in the night.
5. He was by himself with anger when his sister teased him.
6. When I go to my hometown I always look for my childhood friends.
7. Under the rules, you are not entitled to any leave.
8. Her plan differs from mine in many ways.
9. She differs from me in every matter that comes up for discussion.
10. He promised to look after his uncle when he went to England.
11. He promised to look after his old parents when he went to stay with them.

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12. If you look through the telescope distant stars appear very near.
13. The manager promised to look into their complaint.
14. The minister agreed with the proposal of ensuring strict enforcement of law.
15. The neighbours complained against his unruly behaviour.
16. He felt sad on parting with his friend.
17. He began to listen for sounds indicating the presence of some animal.
18. The cottage industry is threatened into ruin because of the rapid industrialization.
19. His enemy threatened to ruin him.
20. We looked forward to the pleasure of his company soon.
21. To the astonishment of all those present, hers proved to be the best performance of the evening.
The hall resounded with applause when she finished.
22. It was a difficult task getting permission to go on an excursion, but Ram finally won over his
parents.
23. My parents’ frown on / upon the type of music I usually hear.
24. He is fearful when the teacher frowns at him.
25. An artist often finds it difficult to live with ideas and nothing else.
26. His mischief attracted such attention that he will find it difficult to live to his reputation.
27. She is on the bus to Chandigarh.
28. I fell out with my friend and was rude to him.
29. It was such a dull speech that I dropped off in the middle.
30. My mother told me to go easy on the sugar.

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