English Grammar Exercises: Common Mistakes and Corrections
English Grammar Exercises
U1: Correcting Common Errors
- How about getting rid of that old blouse?
- I still haven’t gotten used to wearing glasses.
- He is always borrowing my things without asking!
It is unusual for Simon to drink coffee. It is not like Helen to be so pessimistic.
I’m really looking forward to seeing you again. We’ve been back at school for 2 weeks and I’m still not used to getting up early. I’m really looking forward to going on holiday. I’m sorry it has taken so long to write to you. It is rare to get less than 70 per cent in her English exam.
U2: Fixing Grammatical Mistakes
I can’t help laughing when he starts singing. I really don’t feel like going out this evening. Amy did not deserve to lose the match, because she played much better. Rock stars often wear dark glasses to prevent people from recognizing them. He obviously did not mean to shoot himself in the foot. I can’t stand being ill.
U3: Improving Sentence Structure
The film was far worse than I thought it would be. This is the least enjoyable holiday I’ve ever had. There are not as many teachers in my school. The harder you work now, the less you’ll have to do. Lucy is the same height as her mother. The others don’t have quite as much experience as Kate. There is not a lot of difference between Jamie’s mobile phone and mine.
There are not as many girls as boys in our class. Hilary is the most clever person I’ve ever known.
U4: Correcting Tense and Usage
I had such a good time I didn’t want to come home. I was so interested in the book that I stayed up all night to finish it. How long does it take to drive by car from London to Manchester? Eleanor clearly takes pride in her achievements. We will phone you as soon as we arrive at the hotel. I finished my library book and took it back at the end of the lesson. As the meeting had finished, they went out for a drink. By the time we got to the party, all the food had been eaten. He did not leave until he put everything back in its place.
U5: Modal Verbs and Auxiliary Verbs
According to the sign you will have to put out your cigarette.
What time are they supposed to arrive?
You had better not drink any more coffee.
You ought to have more patience.
My parents didn’t let me go out later than 10 o’clock.
I was made to clean all the test tubes by the science teacher.
When I was younger my parents wouldn’t let me watch much TV.
Paula was made to wash up before she could go out.
Why aren’t we allowed to go to the party?
You don’t need to hand in the homework until next week.
I think you had better see a doctor.
Do you know what we are supposed to do for homework?
U6: Relative Clauses and Passive Voice
We were broken into last night.
I want to have my hair dyed red at the hairdresser.
I asked Susie, to whom I have a great deal of respect.
Naomi is the girl whose ruler I borrowed during the exam.
The person I most look up to is my grandfather.
His parents said he had let them down and they expected his behaviour to improve.
I refuse to put up with your bad behaviour any longer.
Petra is not a person you should follow.
We are having the roof repaired by a friend.
He had his tonsils taken out when he was 11.
We don’t want to have it done by a complete stranger.
U7: Time Expressions and Preferences
It has been a month since I had my hair cut.
The last time we saw each other was ten years ago.
I’d rather not leave yet if you don’t mind.
I’d prefer to walk rather than catch a bus.
The government is not to blame for the economic crisis.
Lucy did not break into a sweat until after the race had finished.
U8: Phrasal Verbs and Future Plans
I am not going to put up with your rudeness anymore.
I am looking forward to going on holiday.
They are likely to employ him for two months in the summer.
I think he’s about to set up his own company.
It looks as if they get on very well with each other.
Have you come up with a name for your dog yet?
Sue and Alan split up a long time ago.
Where are you planning to spend your summer holiday this year?
The employment situation is likely to get better in the next few months.
I might not be able to stay awake during the film.
The plants will have died by the time we get home.