Question Option1 Option2 Option3 Option4 Correct Explain

We're going to be late for the ECL. We HAVE TO hurry. must might can should opt1 modals HAVE TO = MUST

That bread _____ stale. Don't try to eat it. am are is were opt3 current state or condition mass noun
THE BREAD IS.
Yesterday, I _____ tardy for class because my car was were will be am opt1 yesterday = past tense Yesterday I WAS.
wouldn't start.
He had to go to the hospital because he had an _____. original accident understa idea opt2 Only "accident" makes sense here.
nding
I need to go to the bank because. my tooth my car I want to I need to opt3 Bank should involve MONEY. CASH a CHECK
aches needs cash a cook for the MONEY.
gas check. lunch.
That bird looks very UNUSUAL. Yes, it looks _____. common strange ordinary nice opt2 unusual = strange = not ordinary = not common

The tallest student in the class _____ Lt. Jones. are were is am opt3 simple subject = student The student is.

We could hear the FAINT sound of a child's voice loud soft constant terrifying opt2 (adjective) faint = very soft (verb) faint =
calling for help. pass out = black out = lose consciousness
The plane LEFT the airport at 0900. take over took on took off takes opt3 two-word verb LEAVE = TAKE OFF
across past tense = IT TOOK OFF
For breakfast this morning, I _____ five boiled eggs. eat was eat eating ate opt4 past tense I ATE
Right now, the children ______ baseball in the park. are play plays are playing opt3 right now = present progressive PLURAL
playing THE children ARE PLAYING.
The police _____ here to arrest you for having a low is am are was opt3 police = PLURAL THEY ARE here.
ECL.
My mother _____ a used Ferrari last week. buy bayed buying bought opt4 last week = past tense ireegular verb BUY
BOUGHT BOUGHT Last week SHE BOUGHT
something.
I was born _____ August. at on of in opt4 A month by itself takes IN.
The students WERE REQUIRED TO take another ECL had to has to have to having to opt1 were = past tense. The only choice in the past
test. They ______ do it. is HAD TO. They HAD TO DO something.

It _____ twenty minutes to drive from here to the airport. takes taking was take opt1 third perwson singular present tense IT
taken TAKES.
A lot of dust _____ through the open window! Close it! come is come is does opt3 Dust is a mass noun. THE DUST IS. Only
coming coming the progressive is possible here. The dust is
DOING something.
What comes exactly 12 hours after midnight? morning noon evening sunrise opt2 midnight = 12:00 at night Twelve hours later
is 12:00 noon.
The last test was not easy. In fact, it was extremely difficult short painless cheap opt1 not easy = difficult = hard
_____.
He is a ROBBER. thief teacher soldier banker opt1 robber = thief= someone who steals = bandit

This handout is not short. It is hard. It is easy. It is long. It is brief. opt3 not short = long

How did she hurt herself? She _____ down when the feel fall felt fell opt4 FALL FELL FALLEN (simple past =
bus made an abrupt stop. FALL)
When snow starts cascading down the side of a a flood an a stream an opt2 avalanche = snow falling rapidly down the side
mountain, we call it _____. avalanch earthqua of a mountain
e ke
How did you get from your country to San Antonio? in plane on plane by plane of plane opt3 method of transportation BY plane BY ship
BY car BY taxi
The most common color for snow is _____. black red green white opt4 Snow is white. (We hope)
What is the opposite of unhappy? miserabl sad angry happy opt4 unhappy = not happy = sad = depressed = about
e to cry.
Last night, I _____ for nine hours. sleep is slept is sleep opt3 Last night = past tense. Irregular verb SLEEP
sleeping SLEPT SLEPT Last night, I SLEPT.

The police _____ coming to investigate the robbery in is were was are opt4 POLICE = plural The police are. If you want a
just a few minutes. singular, you can say: the policeman is The
policewoman is. The police officer is..

Humans _____ oxygen to survive. needs needing are need need opt4 science or nature present tense
HUMANS (THEY) need something.
Joe bought a new car in Houston. He paid cash for IT. Joe car cash he opt2 pronoun reference He bought a car. He
The word "IT" refers to ____. paid for IT. IT refers to the car.
No matter where you live, you need _____ access to a quickly quick quicknes quickest opt2 "Access" is a noun. Modify it with an adjective.
hospital. s What kind of access? QUICK access.

The teacher _____ all day yesterday preparing new work worked works working opt2 yesterday = past tense third person singular
handouts for you. THE TEACHER WORKED.
The wind is _____ very hard. running passing blowing doing opt3 The wind BLOWS.
If you leave ice cream out in the sun, it will _____. melt freeze sneeze pelt opt1 When frozen stuff starts to warm up, it MELTS
(THAWS).
Whose book is that? It's my. It's mine It's me It's my opt4 possessive adjectives. It's my book. Or
book. book. book. It's mine. (possessive pronoun)
The Empire State Building is located _____ New York in on at to opt1 Something is IN a city IN a country IN a
City. town
If I finish my homework early,I _____ to the gym and will going might go are go should to opt2 IF clause FUTURE might = possibility
work out. go (WILL = future certainty)
The price of cars and boasts _____ very high right now. is are am were opt1 The simple subject is "price." THE PRICE IS.

What _____ this word mean? are is does do opt3 correct formation of questions action verb
(mean) present tense simple subject. This
word means something. WHAT DOES THIS
WORD MEAN?
I was unable to go to the movie with my friends last I will go. I didn't I won't I can't go. opt2 Last Night = past tense. Only answer B is in
night. go. go. the past. If I was unable to go, then I didn't go.

I am very hungry. I need _____. rest water food money opt3 hungry for food thirsty for water
We cannot wade across the river because it is_____. deep shallow narrow ankle- opt1 wade = to walk, usually with the water not
deep higher than your knees.
What is the normal color of most grass in the summer? black green red white opt2 grass = vegetation, usually green

It was EXTREMELY cold last night. very not a little bit not very opt1 extremely = very= awfully = terribly

I made a SERIOUS ERROR on the math test. great big small minor opt2 error = mistake = wrong answer serious =
score mistake correctio problem big = major
n
Why is the baby crying? Because _____. he is today is the car the food opt1 Of these four answers, the only thing to explain
hungry. Saturday. won't was a baby's crying would be the HUNGER.
start. good.
It was QUITE hot yesterday. very not a little bit not very opt1 quite = very= extremely = really

The river is not wide. It is deep. It is It is It is opt3 Opposite of wide is NARROW.

shallow. narrow. frozen.
If the water is frozen, it is _____. ice hot steam boiling opt1 Water freezes and becomes ICE. (Steam and
boiling are associated with HOT liquids.)

My father died _____ April 17, 1989. at on in of opt2 specific date Use ON.
I _____ late for class yesterday. am were are was opt4 yesterday = past tense I WAS.
There was a chemical spill in the TAIL of the jet. The rear nose wing cockpit opt1 tail = rea = aft = back part = (ship) stern
spill was in the _____.
Yesterday, the news about the earthquakes in Iran and are is was be opt3 yesterday = past tense THE NEWS = singular
Mexico _____ bad. THE NEWS WAS BAD.
Today's class was _____ than yesterday's. funner as fun more fun funnest opt3 comparison more fun than
The cake is TASTY. It is _____. delicious awful terrible very bad opt1 tasty = tastes good = delicious
Brazil is _____ Peru. more more big than bigger opt4 comparison one-syllable adjective ONE
bigger biggest than THING IS -er THAN ANOTHER.
than than
The next book quiz will be _____ Wednesday. at on in of opt2 Day by itself takes ON.
Several soldiers _____ being reassigned to this unit was are am were opt2 plural subject future (next week)
next week. PROGRESSIVE PASSIVE THEY ARE BEING
REASSIGNED.
My brother and sister _____ older than I am. are am was is opt1 plural subject THEY ARE.
I want _____ to a movie tonight. go to go going for going opt2 "want" is followed by an infinitive. The
student WANTS TO LOOK AT page 4-19 of Book
34 for a good list of verbs followed by infinitives
versus verbs followed by gerunds.
A dog usually likes to chase cats, and a cat usually likes trucks horses buildings mice opt4 Cats would chase mice, not the other 3 objects.
to chase _____.
What will you _____ tomorrow night? doing do done to do opt2 modal Put simple form after a modal. You
will DO what?
What is the SUBJECT of her speech? length purpose topic source opt3 subject = topic = what you are talking about
When you are finished with your conversation, _____ hang up hung up hanging hanged opt1 instructions or orders in the imperative
the phone. up up (You) hang up the phone.
Is this CD player very expensive? No, it is _____. cheap nice costly priceless opt1 Opposite of expensive = cheap costly =
expensive
My favorite season of the year is AUTUMN. winter spring summer fall opt4 seasons of the year FALL = AUTUMN
(Sepptember, October, November in the U.S.)

Why is Joe looking under the hood? Because _____. he is he wants the car the food opt3 hood = the part of the car that you lift up to look
hungry. entertain won't was at the engine.
ment. start. good.

If the water is vaporized, we can call it _____. ice frozen steam cold opt3 vapor = steam Choices A, B, and D all involve
COLD. Only C involves HEAT.
If I ______ you, I would be more careful with my was am have were opt4 IF clause. Unreal present. Subjunctive. If I
answers. been were you.
The train will arrive _____ 0955. on in to at opt4 specific exact time
I need to go to the dentist because my tooth my elbow I have a My shin opt1 dentist = person who works on the TEETH.
aches. hurts pain in is very
my ankle sore.

America ________ by Columbus in 1492. discover discovere was has been opt3 passive voice
d discovere discovere
d d

I have been AT DLI ________ six months. since during at for opt4 combined amount of time. Use "for" in these
kinds of present perfect sentences.
What color are the DRAPES in your room? rugs walls carpets curtains opt4 DRAPES = CURTAINS window coverings
made of cloth (fabric) NOTE: Rugs and
carpets are basically the same, so answers A
and C cancel each other out.

The boss is very ANGRY. She is _______. upset happy handsom intelligen opt1 ANGRY = upset, not happy, not pleased
e t
If I _____ ECL-qualified, I would not have to do these was were am has been opt2 IF clause UNREAL present If I WERE.
exercises.
Dikes, dams, and levees are all intended to control speed temperat prices water opt4 If you check your dictionary, you'll find that
_____. ure these are all engineering structures constructed
to hold back large amounts of water.

The policeman ordered that Joe _____ out of the car gets got get have to opt3 After certain VERBS of URGENCY, a "that"
with his hands up. get clause takes a subjunctive (simple) form. The
airline agent insisted that Steve CHECK IN at
the counter two hours prior to departure.

The next ECL will _____ easy. being be being be to be opt3 simple form of a verb after a MODAL WILL
BE MIGHT BE SHOULD BE
You are not very happy today,________? are you aren't do you don't you opt1 tag question If you have negative in the
you main clause, put affirmative in the tag.
This car is very expensive. It is not It is not It is not It is fast. opt2 expensive = not cheap = costly
old. costly. cheap.
Neither the animals nor their keeper _____ killed in the were are have was opt4 In a "neither--nor" structure, the verb agrees
fire. been with the subject part closer to it. "Keeper was"

We have to take another test on Friday. We ______ take might should must can opt3 modals HAVE TO = MUST
another test.
You OUGHT TO see the movie "Saving Private Ryan" as must have to will should opt4 modals ought to = should
soon as possible. You ______ see that movie. (recommendationadvice)

The homework _____ easy last night was is are am opt1 past tense (last night)
He stabbed his victim with a _____. rope knife gun table opt2 You would STAB with a knife, not with the other
3 objects.
I see one empty desk. Who _____ absent today? be is am is being opt2 subject verb agreement One person IS
absent. Who IS it?
A person who is broke does not have any _____. health time needs money opt4 idiom to be BROKE = no money
The student next to me tried to copy from my paper. He cheat cheer chime chore opt1 To copy someone else's answer is CHEATING.
was trying to _____.
American English is _____ British English. gooder more better more opt3 comparative forms GOOD BETTER BEST
than better than good One thing is better than another.
than
Joe said that we have to be at Lab 3 before 0800, hasn't we didn't he did he hasn't he opt2 tag question Joe saiddidn't he? Affirmative
_____? in the main clause needs negative in the tag.

Be careful! You are _____ danger if you don't leave in of for to opt1 fixed expression to be IN danger. Opposite:
now. out of danger
When will Lt. Smith be able to retire _____ the Army? of with by from opt4 You RETIRE FROM a job.

I was a little late for my appointment, but I still got there on at in with opt3 ON time means not late. If you are late but you
_____ time for the doctor to see me. still get to do something because they waited
for you, you get there IN time for something.

I am sick _____ all the political ads on tv. by with for of opt4 fixed expression to be sick OF something
Cats like to sleep all day and prowl the neighborhoods in during at on opt3 in the morning in the afternoon in the
_____ night. evening BUT at night
I would never run _____ political office. of to with for opt4 fixed expression to run for an office or
position
We might be able to travel quickly to the moon _____ of in to on opt2 a period of time IN the past In the future
the future.
I want you to accompany us. Come _____ with us. over above along through opt3 phrasal verb come along with
He is serving as a cabinet member _____ present. in at on during opt2 at present or at the present time
Report to the Colonel _____ once! at on in to opt1 fixed expression AT once, meaning without
delay, without hesitation
All of these prepositions questions were written _____ to at of by opt4 passive voice
Mr. Williams.
He blamed me _____ the accident. to of with for opt4 You BLAME someone FOR doing something
wrong.
Lt. Jones wants to play _____ the basketball team. in to on at opt3 We play ON a name, because our names can be
written ON the team roster, ON the paper that
lists our names.
We will participate _____ the parade next week. on in at to opt2 You participate IN an activity.
Musicians have to spend most of their time _____ the on in of for opt1 fixed expression Traveling ON the road by bus
road. or car or van.
My leg still hurts. I can't walk anywhere _____ a cane. for to without through opt3 He walks WITH the aid of a cane. Opposite is
WITHOUT.
There are only 9 people _____ the bus right now. along among aboard across opt3 ABOARD means to be on a large vehicle like a
plane, bus, train, ship, space shuttle
Turn right _____ the next intersection. on at to for opt2 place TURN AT the sign TURN AT the
traffic light.
He told some jokes _____ me. at with to in opt3 You TELL something TO someone.
You can't go swimming in the river _____ the winter. to from of in opt4 IN one of the four seasons

You must stay today _____ 3:30. until since before during opt1 STAY UNTIL a certain time is reached.
What is the job _____ a drill sergeant? to with by of opt4 association noun OF noun The role
OF a leader
Please write the rough draft of your essay _____ pencil. with in to for opt2 in ink in pencil If you want to use "with," you
have to say "with A pencil."
He hit me _____ his dictionary, and it was the first time with to by at opt1 The tool or weapon is given. He shot me
he had ever used it for anything. WITH a rifle.
Do you believe _____ ghosts? at in of to opt2 fixed expression You BELIEVE IN something.

We will have another test _____ Friday. on at in with opt1 day of the week by itself
Scissors are used _____ cutting paper. for at to with opt1 for -ing Something is used to cut Used (in
order) to do something
Don't brag _____ your accomplishments. Let other to since with about opt4 fixed expression You BRAG ABOUT
people do that. something. But you can BOAST OF or BOAST
ABOUT it.
I am disappointed _____ you! in of to for opt1 fixed expression DISAPPOINTED IN but
PROUD OF
I will do it _____ pleasure. to since with at opt3 preposition of manner You do something
WITH a certain attitude WITH GUSTO
WITH RELUCTANCE WITH ENTHUSIASM

The robber snuck up _____ me and held a gun to my with behind above from opt2 If he sneaks up and touches your back, he has
back. to be BEHIND you.
My wife is _____ work right now. at in to on opt1 It's a place, so you can be AT the place. AT
school AT home
Who do you think you are---The Queen _____ England? to for at of opt4 noun OF noun structure the King OF Fools
the Governor of Texas
There was a fire _____ the library yesterday. of in to for opt2 inside a specific building IN the dorms
IN the Amigo Inn
I am ashamed _____ myself. of to by for opt1 fixed expression. Ashamed of. Opposite is
proud of.
The train travels _____ the tunnel at 90 miles per hour. with across through for opt3 A tunnel is like a long tube, so something
travels THROUGH it.
There was a body lying _____ the middle of the road. on at to in opt4 area IN the middle of the room IN the
middle of the hall
This cake is made _____ eggs, butter, milk, chocolate of by in to opt1 made of made from made with made out of
and nuts. If you want to use "made by," it's passive: made
by a personmade by using ingredients or
utensils.
The children are playing _____ the backyard. at with in to opt3 It's a place with a perimeter or border.
I can't eat anything fried _____ butter. in to for on opt1 You can cook things IN or WITH butter, oil,
margarine.
This sketch of my mother was made completely ____ from to of in opt1 FROM memory also - BY MEMORY
memory.
I went to Houston _____ the weekend. by to for with opt3 for a period of timefor two daysfor 48 hours

The paratroopers jumped out of the plane _____ for by without under opt3 We do things either with or without hesitation.
hesitation. The paratroopers are not afraid, so they do it
WITHOUT hesitation.
When I neared home, I could see that my neighbor's in on to at opt2 fixed expression ON fire
house was _____ fire.
There is no one _____ the world who can help you now. in to of with opt1 It's a place. IN the world INI the universe
IN the solar system
Hurry up! We will wait _____ you here. from for of to opt2 You WAIT FOR someone or something.
The test will start _____ 0745. in at on since opt2 Exact times take AT.
There were five passengers _____ the car when it got to of onto in opt4 We are IN a car.
hit by the train.
He was born _____ New York City. of in to with opt2 IN a city.
He was born ______ 1982. at since in to opt3 A year by itself takes IN.
Mr. Jones has been my teacher _____ Oct 24. during for at since opt4 When you give the starting point for measuring
time, we use SINCE, especially with PRESENT
PERFECT VERBS.
Please listen carefully _____ the instructions. to at on with opt1 We LISTEN TO something.
The river runs _____ the old bridge. in over above under opt4 The water will pass UNDER the bridge under
normal conditions.
The dog jumped _____ the bed with his muddy paws. under on of with opt2 You can JUMP ON a higher surface.

Thanksgiving is always celebrated _____ November. at in on since opt2 A month by itself takes IN.

My son drew pictures _____ the wall of his bedroom. on in at to opt1 The pictures are touching the surface of the
wall, so they are ON the wall.
He is staying _____ the Hilton Hotel. on to at of opt3 You stay AT a place.
I have not heard _____ family lately. to from over with opt2 You hear FROM people when you get any kind
of letter, phone call, e-mail.
He wants to go _____ school in London. to at with by opt1 You GO TO a school. BUT: You ATTEND (no
preposition) a college or university or school.

All of the passengers are ____ board the plane now. in at with on opt4 ON BOARD is a phrase meaning inside a larger
vehicle like a plane, train, bus, ship.
The teacher divided the candy ______ all the students between with to among opt4 Remember: BETWEEN is for TWO things.
of the class. AMONG is for more than TWO.
It was ____ a cool evening in late June that I first met on in at with opt1 Since this is a reference to ONE SPECIFIC DAY,
him. it requires the preposition ON. This is a poetic-
sounding way of identifying one specific day.

A submarine is designed to function _____ the water for under above during between opt1 "Sub" is a prefix meaning "under," so it follows
long periods of time. that a submarine can function UNDER the
surface of the water.
That window is so dirty that I can't see _____ it. through over to for opt1 From one side to the other involves THROUGH.
SEE THROUGH the fog. SEE THROUGH the
dirty windshield.
Lt. Tdwazjkskwxz comes _____ a small country called at around from for opt3 You COME FROM a certain place.
Dramamania.
I always take a short nap _____ class. with in on to opt2 This turns out to be a TIME question, so it is
AFTER class, as opposed to a PLACE
preposition, "I take a nap IN class."
I have been here at DLI _____ 8 weeks. since for with during opt2 When you have the total amount of time given,
use FOR in these PRESENT PERFECT
structures.
He was shot twice in the back _____ a Colt .45. with at in for opt1 We use WITH to indicate what method, tool, or
instrument was used.
Water is composed _____ hydrogen and oxygen. by for in of opt4 fixed expression COMPOSED OF
I think Lt. Arroyo is ______ love again. of in at from opt2 fixed expression to be IN LOVE opposite:
to fall OUT OF LOVE with someone

He got ______ an argument with his neighbor. into of at on opt1 You can GET INTO certain things: into trouble
into an argument get into debt

I want another cup _____ coffee. in to from of opt4 A common pattern is NOUN + PREPOSITION +
NOUN for indicating things and the way they are
measured or counted. A pack OF cigarettes
a bottle OF wine a deck OF cards a
glass OF milk
I have been here at DLI _____ October of last year. since for at in opt1 Present perfect tense. When you have only the
starting point for your measurement, use
SINCE.
I have not seen a movie ____ five or six months. since before at for opt4 When you give the total amount of time, you use
FOR, especially in PRESENT PERFECT
sentences.
I like my coffee _____ milk and sugar. of to for with opt4 One thing combined WITH another thing or
WITH other things.
He was born _____ New York City. at of in to opt3 Cities take the preposition "in." I went to
school IN PARIS.
Class starts _____ 0730. in to of at opt4 When you have an exact time for something,
you use "AT." The movie ended AT *:45.

My parents live _____ 253 Oak Street. on in at to opt3 If you have the NUMBER and the street name, it
takes AT.
I graduated from college _____ 1994. in on of to opt1 The year by itself takes IN.
This exercise was written _____ Mr. Williams. to of at by opt4 Passive voice. The action is done BY someone.

My uncle lives _____ a farm. to for on in opt3 ON a farm. On base. On a reservation.

I would like to live ______ the country miles from the at in to on opt2 IN the country In the city In a town
nearest town.
We will have another ECL ______ Tuesday. in of for on opt4 A day by itself gets ON.
The students are waiting _____ the classroom. on with from in opt4 A room takes IN.
We will leave _____ noon. to at since on opt2 Specific exact time. At noon. At 12:00.
Americans celebrate Memorial Day _____ May. at on to in opt4 A month by itself takes IN.
I am not talking _____ you! I'm talking _____ Lt. Smith. of to on through opt2 You talk TO a person.

Is your ID card _____ your wallet? at on in to opt3 It would be IN or INSIDE a wallet. In a drawer.
In a closet. In a box.
I went there _____ 1996. in at of with opt1 A year by itself takes IN.
Lt. Smith passed out dead drunk _____ the sidewalk in over on to opt3 ON the sidewalk. IN the street.
near his car.
The children are playing _____ the street again. in on up through opt1 IN the street It's a place with marked borders.
An area with defined limits.
Class will start ______ 0730. on in to at opt4 specific time
I always take my big vacation _____ the summer. at with to in opt4 IN a season of the year
My car is parked ______ the red Toyota and the white under between on around opt2 We use "between" when we are taking about
Cadillac. TWO specific things.
He will graduate _____ July 23. in during of on opt4 When you have a specific day indicated by
NUMBER, you use ON.
The Sears Tower is the tallest building _____ Chicago. to in by at opt2 In the world In space In your
imagination In the universe
Don't laugh _____ other people's mistakes. at on to for opt1 We laugh AT things and people.
A cheetah is different _____ a lion. than from to of opt2 One thing is different FROM another thing.
I didn't understand what he said _____ me. of to at with opt2 We say something TO a person.
I am tired _____ studying prepositions. for of with to opt2 We say we are TIRED OF something.
In spite _____ the rain, we practiced for the parade. to with for of opt4 prepositional phrase IN SPITE OF
Please don't talk ______ someone else's speech. during since with at opt1 We TALK DURING an event.
I will meet you in Lab 4 _____ exactly 0736. in for at about opt3 Exact times need AT
I went ____ Egypt for a two-week vacation. at for of to opt4 You go TO a place.
My brother is _____ debt. He owes thousands of dollars at in of to opt2 IN debt opposite OUT OF debt
to some loan sharks.
I don't like to sit _____ Lt. Smith. besides by to at opt2 SIT BY someone. You can sit BESIDE
someone, but the word BESIDES (with the "s"
on the end) does not mean NEXT TO. It means
IN ADDITION TO: Besides German and French,
she can speak English.
He stayed _____ bed all day. on in at along opt2 You are IN BED when you have at least one of
the covers OVER you (a sheet, a blanket, a
quilt). You are ON the bed when you are lying
on the surface with no covering over you.

I lived in California _____ 13 months. since with for by opt3 Total amount of time is given. FOR
We need to dispense _____ these exercises for now. with to of for opt1 fixed expression You DISPOENSE WITH
something.
When will you retire _____ the military? with from at by opt2 We retire FROM a job.
What you did is _____ the law. over for against along opt3 fixed expression AGAINST THE LAW = illegal
WITHIN THE LAW = legal
I will not vote _____ him. to for of at opt2 You VOTE FOR or you VOTE AGAINST
something or somebody.
You can always rely ____ Lt. Smith to help you. on with for to opt1 two-word verb RELY ON = DEPEND ON
I want to ask you some questions _____ your family. of to during about opt4 You can ASK ABOUT a subject.
The teachers always gives too much homework _____ at with for to opt4 You GIVE something TO somebody.
us.
My neighbor was convicted _____ car theft. of by with to opt1 Fixed expression to be CONVICTED OF
First, he was CHARGED WITH the crime.

I have been in the Army ______ 1993. during for since to opt3 Present perfect. Only the starting point is
given. USE SINCE.
Don't stare _____ strangers. It's not polite. of at to about opt2 Preposition of direction. You STARE AT
POINT AT LOOK AT A rhinoceros can
CHARGE AT you.
The President lives _____ 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. on in to at opt4 The number is given along with the street name.
Use AT.
My mother likes to take long walks _____ the evening. of since in with opt3 Parts of the day take IN. IN the morning IN
the evening IN the afternoon BUT: AT
NIGHT or DURING THE NIGHT
You should not walk alone in this neighborhood _____ at during from since opt1 IN the evening but AT night
night.
That shelf is too high. You need to stand _____ a chair at under off on opt4 You stand ON something for added height.
to reach it.
Sign your name _____ block 21 at the bottom of this on in for to opt2 The block has a perimeter, so you put your
page. signature IN the block.
Take these pills _____ a glass of warm milk. at for to with opt4 Two items together.
My father always takes a long nap _____ the afternoon. in at of with opt1 part of the day IN the morning IN the
afternoon IN the evening
Don't sit with your elbows _____ the table. for in on with opt3 touching the surface only ON the table
The Titanic is lying two-and-a-half miles _____ the above in with beneath opt4 BENEATH = UNDER = BELOW = UNDERNEATH
surface of the water.
I want to talk to you _____ a few minutes. for with during since opt1 amount of time is given Use FOR
He blamed the accident _____ me. on to for of opt1 You BLAME something ON someone.
We have to photocopy this contract, so write your name in of to by opt1 the medium, not the tool Write in pencil.
_____ black ink, not blue. Write in crayon. Don't write in blood. BUT:
write WITH a pen Sign WITH a pencil.

We will provide him _____ a new dictionary if he has to of with for opt3 You PROVIDE someone WITH something.
lost his old one.
The cat is hiding _____ the bed. above with to under opt4 The only one that conveys the idea of HIDING is
UNDER.
What is the reason _____ his failure? for to with by opt1 We would have a REASON FOR something.
They will not qualify him because his ECL is still _____ to behind with under opt4 A number can be BELOW or UNDER another
80. number. He can't buy alcohol; he's still
UNDER 21. I wish I could keep my weight
BELOW 165.
Some of the best stores in New York City are located at on to besides opt2 TRICK QUESTION? The name of the street is
_____ Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue. The actual number of an address
is NOT given here. The best store is located
AT 645 Fifth Avenue. The stores are on Fifth
Avenue.
He is currently enrolled _____ a two-year college. in to for with opt1 You enroll IN a school.
We will talk to you _____ the supervisor's office. in to for with opt1 When you talk about a specific room, you use
IN.
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated _____ John Wilkes by of to for opt1 passive voice! An action IS DONE BY
Booth in 1865. someone.
Last night, I slept _____ 9 hours. at during to for opt4 total amount of time
I think he has a knife _____ his pocket. in to of for opt1 IN a pocket IN a purse IN a drawer
May I borrow $300 ____ you? of to by from opt4 You BORROW FROM someone. You can LOAN
TO. You can LEND to.
This umbrella will not protect you _____ heavy rain. of with to from opt4 We PROTECT FROM
I ordered chicken _____ rice. of with for to opt2 Two things linked together coffee WITH
cream salad WITH dressing ice
cream WITH chocolate sauce
She is the supervisor _____ Unit 6. of with around across opt1 noun OF noun structurefor association
Queen OF England chief OF trainees
leader OF Delta Company
I am very good _____ tennis. of at to for opt2 fixed expression You are GOOD AT
something or BAD AT something.
I am not afraid _____ snakes. of to by with opt1 fixed expression to be AFRIAD OF
something
I always brush my teeth _____ going to bed. at during before under opt3 time element BEFORE or AFTER doing
something
His party will be _____ Sunday. of to for on opt4 Day of the week by itself
I fell _____ the stairs. of down to for opt2 You FALL DOWN. You CLIMB UP something.

I went _____ high school in Ponce. of to by with opt2 You GO TO school. GO TO WORK GO TO
just about any place.
Their new business will be located _____ Lincoln at in on for opt3 Name of the street by itself. No address
Street. number given.
He stabbed me _____ a dirty kitchen knife. at for by with opt4 WITH indicates the weapon used. Cut the
bread WITH that clean knife, not WITH that dirty
one.
Do you live _____ base in the dorms? on at in to opt1 We say ON BASE versus OFF BASE. Another
example would be ON a reservation versus OFF
a reservation.
The policeman showed his badge _____ me. to at by in opt1 You show something TO someone.
There was nothing _____ the envelope when I opened it. inside of to about opt1 IN or INSIDE certain objects like envelopes,
pockets, purses, wallets, drawers, boxes.
Children should walk _____ the sidewalks. in at above on opt4 ON the sidewalk
Children should not walk _____ the streets. at during in for opt3 IN the street
Let's sit _____ the shade of that big tree over there. at with to in opt4 IN the shade IN direct sunlight IN a
specific area
They honeymooned _____ Paris. in at of for opt1 Cities take IN. So do countries, counties,
towns.
I live _____ the third floor of the dorm, the smoking in on to of opt2 Something is ON a certain floor of a building.
floor.
My father disapproves _____ most of my friends. at with to of opt4 fixed expression APPROVE OF
DISAPPROVE OF
May I ride _____ the airport with you? at in of to opt4 You GO TO a place, so you can RIDE TO a place.
HITCHHIKE TO a place WALK or RUN TO a
place
I want another glass _____ milk. for to with of opt4 Something and the item of measurement used
for it. A cup OF tea a slice OF bread
a bouquet OF flowers
Why do you always keep your coat _____? at on in over opt2 two-word verb KEEP (clothing) ON
opposite: TAKE (clothing) OFF
The contractors are going to tear _____ the old road down up over off opt2 The road is lying flat ON the ground, so you
and replace it with a modern 4-lane one. have to tear it UP.
I shudder _____ the thought of giving a speech at the to for at by opt3 fixed expression You shudder AT something.
graduation dinner.
His broken nose should not have a negative influence to in on with opt3 One thing can have an influence ON another
_____ his ability to swim in the final race. thing.
When do you think scientists will find a cure _____ to for with of opt2 fixed expression a CURE FOR something
cancer?
He is an outspoken critic _____ his country's economic at of to for opt2 noun OF noun structure a champion OF
policies. human rights a defender OF freedom
a critic OF reforms
Why is he under investigation ______ the FBI? by to of in opt1 agent under suspicion BY the police
under surveillance BY the cops
_____ my opinion, we should not have classes on At In Of To opt2 fixed expression IN someone's opinion
Fridays.
He was a bad father, so the social services agency took off away up under opt2 two-word verb TAKE AWAY = remove
_____ his children.
He has served _____ the government for twenty years. to on in at opt3 You serve IN an organization. Serve IN the
Army serve IN the Peace Corps
Did you have the right to ask that question _____ him? of through by in opt1 You ask something OF someone. I need to ask
a favor OF you.
I did it _____ purpose. in on at to opt2 fixed expression You do something ON
purpose. = deliberately
The contractors are going to tear _____ the old off up down over opt3 The building is standing UP, so you have to tear
abandoned house. it DOWN.
The paramedics arrived at the crash site _____ time to on in by at opt2 IN time, not ON time. ON time suggests there
save dozens of victims. was an appointment. In time means they were
not too late to do something.
If I tell you a secret, will you promise to keep it _____ at of in to opt3 fixed expression to keep IN confidence
strictest confidence?
Lt. Smith got a 98 _____ his last test. on in of at opt1 You achieve a score or get a grade ON a test.

He comes to school every day _____ an old motorcycle. on by in at opt1 He is sitting ON top of it. On a horse On a
bike On a camel On a motorcycle

He comes to school every day _____ motorcycle. on by in at opt2 method of transportation BY BIKE BY
HORSE but -- ON a bike on a horse
(Look for the article "A" or "AN.")
What should I do _____ a sore throat? for of by in opt1 treatment You do something FOR a
headache. Or ABOUT a COLD.
I found a great 3-bedroom apartment, so I'm going to away off toward aboard opt2 You either live ON base or OFF base. So you
move _____ base. would move OFF base.
Who is serving _____ the CO of that unit now? like with to as opt4 AS means "in the capacity of."
Neil Armstrong was the first earthling to walk _____ the in on to at opt2 touching the surface ON the moon ON
moon. the floor On the ground
She gave a party _____ her class, all of whom enjoyed to of for at opt3 You can give an activity FOR someone
themselves. give a party FOR me give a baby shower
FOR my sister
Divide these cookies ______ all twelve students in this between to around among opt4 AMONG for more than two
class.
I am feeling down _____ the dumps today. by to in with opt3 idiom IN the dumps, because it's a place

My unit will not be _____ the parade tomorrow. on in to of opt2 You are IN a parade.
My country has been involved _____ wars for most of in to at of opt1 fixed expression You are INVOLVED IN
this century. something.
The troops have been standing ______ parade rest for at in for to opt1 stand AT ease AT attention AT parade rest
20 minutes.
He comes to class every morning _____ foot. on in at with opt1 means of transportation ON foot BUT
BY CAR BY BICYCLE
I think I'll take a stab _____ learning French next to at on of opt2 idiom You take a stab AT doing something. =
semester. TRY to do something
What I am asking _____ you is that you be quiet during by of at with opt2 You ASK something OF someone. What I'm
other people's speeches. asking OF you is that you do your homework.

My mother is the lady seated _____ the blue sofa in the in on to of opt2 IN a chair (with arms) ON a chair (without
corner. arms) ON a sofa (because it's wide and you
might not be touching the arms of it).

I give up! You are _______ redemption! around across beyond over opt3 fixed expression BEYOND HOPE BEYOND
SALVATION
She is not supposed to do any heavy lifting because with by of near opt1 fixed expression WITH child means
she is now "_____ child." pregnant.
He found himself trapped BETWIXT a rock and a hard beneath behind between beyond opt3 an old-fashioned word betwixt=-between
place.
Last night, we dined _____ lobster and shrimp. on at to in opt1 dine on = to eat formal
I did it ______ the spur of the moment. at to on with opt3 You do something ON IMPULSE ON the spur
of the moment
I did it _____ accident. by to at on opt1 You do something BY accident.
It is difficult ______ me to speak in front of the class. to of at for opt4 Something is DIFFICULT or EASY FOR you.

I fell down when I was trying to run away _____ the pit at for from in opt3 phrasal verb to RUN AWAY FROM something
bull.
He makes a living _____ recycling old newspaper and to by for against opt2 preposition of manner. HOW did he do
magazines. something? You can do something BY doing
something else. He survived BY drinking
melted snow for 4 days. He excelled by
writing a brilliant essay.
We have a certain lack _____ discipline in this unit. for with of at opt3 noun OF noun structure EXCESS of
STUDENTS opposite LACK of STUDENTS

I was raised _____ the island of Santa Catalina. in on of to opt2 ON an island The island is IN the water.
We ought not to cheat on a test, _____? ought we should do we will we opt2 Here "ought not" in the main clause cannot
we become "ought we" in the tag. You must
substitute the closest MODAL equivalent
("should"). However, if we had "ought" in the
main clause, we could put "oughtn't" in the tag.
We ought to go now, oughtn't we?
If you don't get a high score on the next ECL, you _____ will be will will have are opt1 FUTURE "IF" CLAUSE. The word "next"
in trouble. getting gotten getting indicates this. Something WILL happen.

Last week, he promised me that he _____ attend will was did would opt4 REPORTED SPEECH. Main verb "promised" is
yesterday's meeting. going in the past, so the subsequent verb "will" must
shift to past "would."
While I ______ for the bus, it started to rain. waiting wait was wait was opt4 First action can be PAST PROGRESSIVE. One
waiting thing WAS HAPPENING when another action
HAPPENED (simple past) to change or alter
things.
It is mandatory that Lt. Smith ____ in Col. Jones's office be have to must to is opt1 Certain adjectives of urgency require the
at 0730. be be subjunctive (simple form) in a direct object
"THAT" clause. The teacher ordered that Joe
do extra homework.
The color red on the flag _____ blood. symbolizi symboliz is symboliz opt4 Third person singular THE COLOR (IT)
ng the e symboliz es symbolizes PRESENT TENSE
e
While I was driving to work this morning, I ____ to my listen was was had been opt3 Two actions happening simultaneously. Both
new Celine Dion Cassette. listen listening listening can be in the PAST PROGRESSIVE.

Nary a drop of rain fell at the airport last night, _____? didn't it did it is there was there opt2 "Nary" is a negative word. Put affirmative in
the tag.
Those sheep _____ lost. is was has been are opt4 "Sheep" can be singular or plural, but the word
"those" makes this usage PLURAL. THEY
ARE.
Neither the boss nor the workers _____ working is has to be are have opt3 In a "neithernor" structure, if the two
tomorrow. elements are singular and plural, make the verb
agree with the unit closer to it. The workers
ARE
I am scheduled for another ECL next week, _____? aren't I amn't I will I won't I opt1 I am, aren't I? This is a strange structure, but
that's the way it is. You could also say "I am,
am I not?"
He didn't actually hit me, but he _____ at me twice with swing swang swung swinged opt3 irregular verb SWING SWUNG SWUNG
a baseball bat.
You've lost your dictionary again, ______? haven't have you don't you won't you opt1 TAG question. YOU HAVE done something
you HAVEN'T YOU? If you have a helping word in
the main clause, repeat the helping word in the
tag.
If I were you, I ______ call home tonight. will call would would call opt2 PRESENT UNREAL "IF" CLAUSE.
call have
called
By the time the firemen arrived, the flames ______ by had been are were will be opt1 Two actions in the past. The first action (in
the homeowner. extinguis extinguis extinguis extinguis time) can be PAST PERFECT. The subsequent
hed hing h hing action can be simple past.

This exercise ______ by Mr. Williams. is wrote writes was has been opt3 PASSIVE VOICE. The word "by" usually
written wrote indicates a passive structure. Active voice: Mr.
Williams wrote this exercise."
He can sing well, _____? doesn't can he can't he does he opt3 TAG question. Affirmative "can" in the main
he clause takes negative "can't" in the tag. If you
have a modal or helping verb, repeat that modal
or helping verb in the tag.

By the time I graduate, I ______ at least 12 ECL tests. would will have am would opt2 FUTURE PERFECT. I have not graduated yet.
take taken taking have But by the time I do graduate, something else
taken WILL HAVE already HAPPENED.

The police _____ waiting for you in the supervisor's is was are has been opt3 POLICE ARE It's plural. If you want
office. singular, say POLICEMAN, POLICEWOMAN,
POLICE OFFICER
The man _____ by the door is my uncle. sit sitted seats sitting opt4 This is a reduced clause. The man (who is)
sitting by the door.
You ought to go visit the Alamo. You ______ go visit the should must have to would opt1 "Ought to" is a modal that means "SHOULD."
Alamo. Advicerecommendation.
I wish today _____ Saturday. is would be were was opt3 WISH clauses work like the "IF" clauses. This
is a present unreal situation. I wish something
WERE another way. It is not, but I WISH IT
WERE.
My brother, but not his sons, _____ coming to visit me are were has been is opt4 The subject is "brother." Don't be confused by
next week. the presence of "sons." That phrase is set off
with commas and can be omitted. MY
BROTHER IS.
Because he was driving while intoxicated, Joe _____. got was was arrested opt1 PASSIVE VOICE. Sometimes we use "GET"
arrested arrest arresting instead of "BE" in our passive structures. The
first clause is in the past progressive, so the
main clause should be simple past. HE GOT.
(passive) HE GOT ARRESTED. HE GOT
PROMOTED. HE GOT ROBBED.

If Napoleon _____ more troops, he might not have lost had have were had had had were opt3 IF clause. Past unreal. If he had had
at Waterloo. having something.
______, I would not have gone to that disco last night. Had I Was I you Have I to If I was opt1 Reduced "if" clause. If I had been you. Had I
been you be you you been you.
If you had been here yesterday, you _______ my wife. could met will meet could opt4 "IF" clause. PAST UNREAL because of
meet have met "yesterday."

We were just sitting down to dinner when the phone ring was rings rang opt4 A past continuous action interrupted by a
_____. ringing simple past tense verb. One thing was
happening when something else happened.
______I to become a supervisor, I would probably not Were If I was If I had Was opt1 A reduced "IF" clause. If I were to become.
enjoy it. been Were I to become.
If Joe really _____ at the meeting (and two people said were has been had been was opt4 This is a PAST REAL. It is possible he was at
they talked to him), I didn't see him there. the meeting. This is not an UNREAL situation.

The fire alarm STARTED RINGING right in the middle of went off went out went up went opt1 To "go off" means to sound, explode, ring.
my speech. The bell _____. down
If I had not eaten so much pizza last night, I ________ would will not am not would opt1 This is a mixed structure "IF" clause. The time
so sick right now. not be be not have words "last night" and "right now" control it, so
been that I "would not be" a certain way right now if
being something HAD NOT HAPPENED last night.

The President can, it is widely believed, in no way, can't he can he is it does he opt2 The phrase "in no way" makes the main clause
resolve this crisis soon, _______? negative, so the tag must be affirmative.

My mother ______ down the stairs three times this has felt has felled has fallen have fall opt3 Irregular verb. FALL. Present perfect tense.
summer. She has fallen down.
The price of cars ____ increasing. is are were have opt1 Make the verb agree with the simple subject
been "price," not with the object of the preposition
"cars." THE PRICE IS INCREASING.

When I was a child, I used to _____ cats. torturing tortured be torture torture opt4 Here "used to" is followed by simple form.

If I _____ you, I would study more. was were am have opt2 "Would study" means this structure is the
been PRESENT UNREAL among the "IF" clauses.
SUBJUNCTIVE!!! Use "were" even when the
subject is I, HE, SHE, IT IF I WERE YOU. I
am not you, so this is the PRESENT UNREAL.

It is my understanding that the subject the students in are were is am opt3 "The subject" is the simple subject of this
IDS enjoy the most _____ preposition usage. sentence. IT IS.
I finally got the dog _____. to stop stopped stops stop the opt1 You GET somebody TO DO something.
barking barking barking bark (infinitive)
We were putting up our tents when it _____. began began to begun begins opt2 Past progressive action interrupted by a simple
snow snow the snow snowing past tense. If "began" is a primary verb, the
secondary form can be either an infinitive or a
gerund. IT BEGAN TO SNOW or IT BEGAN
SNOWING.
I made the children ______ outside. play to play played playing opt1 You MAKE someone DO something. (simple
form)
Someone might have to stay in the office until 1800 if need be need needing needs opt1 This is a fixed structure. If need be. IF the
_____. NEED should BE for something, and we reduce
it to IF NEED BE.
I had the secretary ______ the letter five times before I retyping retypes retype retyped opt3 You have a person DO something (simple form).
was satisfied.
If I were the boss, I ______ you extra work. will give had given would give opt3 IF clause present unreal I would do
have to something. In this case, there is an extra
give modal (have to) thrown in. I would have to do
something.
The bill ________ to you before the end of the month. will be will be is sent opt1 future tense passive voice
sent sending sending
My children ______ too many phone calls. do has make gets opt3 You MAKE a phone call. Answer four is not
possible (even though you can GET a phone
call), because "gets" would re
The captured soldier ______. did a committe suicided committe opt4 This is a fixed expression: to commit suicide
suicide d the himself d suicide
suicide
A species of rare fish ____ on display at the Witte is are will be are to be opt1 "Species" is either singular or plural depending
Museum. being on context, and since the sentence starts out "A
species," that means there is only one. A
species is.
____________ the barking dogs, we would not have If there If it Had it not Had there opt3 A reduced "IF" clause. If it had not been for the
been alerted about the fire in our house. wasn't would been for no been barking dogs. We drop the "If" and reverse
not be for none of the subject and first auxiliary verb. HAD IT NOT
BEEN FOR something.
By this time tomorrow, I ______ at DLI for 72 hours. will have will be would would be opt1 Future perfect tense
been have
been
He ________ in New York City in 1982. born is born borned was born opt4 passive voice structure. His mother bore
(carried) him inside her body. He was born (by
his mother). Therefore, he WAS BORN.

All of the furniture ______ by the floodwaters. is were was will have opt3 "Furniture" is a mass noun. Mass nouns take
damage damage damaged been singular verbs.
damage

Kudos _____ to anyone who can answer all of these go goes going are go opt2 "KUDOS" is a mass noun (like the word
questions correctly. "news"). Just because it ends in "s" does not
make it a plural count noun. The closest
synonym would be "praise."
She likes fish, doesn't she? Yes, but she dislikes beef, does she don't she won't she doesn't opt4 Even though "dislikes" is negative in MEANING,
_____? she it does not make the entire clause negative, so
the clause is still considered affirmative, so the
tag has to be negative.

Let's _______. not start no start no yet not the opt1 Let's DO something. (simple form) This one is
class yet the class start the class yet negative. Let's NOT DO something.
yet class start
The plane _____ at 0900. take off takes off is take taking off opt2 We can use the present tense to indicate
off FUTURE, especially with transportation. Third
person singular. Phrasal verb "take off" means
to leave or depart. The plane TAKES OFF

I _____ a shower when the phone rang. had was took was will be opt3 Two actions in the past. One was a PAST
taking taking taking PROGRESSIVE, interrupted by the next one in
the SIMPLE PAST.
Horses _____ grass. eat eats are eat eating opt1 General statement about nature. PRESENT
TENSE. PLURAL SUBJECT. HORSES (THEY)
EAT.
I have to give a speech tomorrow. I ____ give a speech. should must ought to might opt2 "HAVE TO" = "MUST." Modals

Mr friends ______ in a different dorm. lives are live living live opt4 Third person plural PRESENT TENSE
MY FRIENDS (THEY) LIVE
We _____ happy right now. are was am are been opt1 "Right now" requires the PRESENT TENSE
when we discuss a condition or state of
something. Irregular verb "be" WE ARE
Tomorrow, I will _____home. calling called call calls opt3 After a MODAL, you use the SIMPLE FORM of
the verb. I WILL DO something tomorrow.

At this moment, you _______ questions. answer are have do the opt2 AT THIS MOMENT requires present progressive.
answerin answer answer You ARE DOING something.
g of
I ______ my homework last night. does do did done opt3 "Last night" requires the past tense. Irregular
verb "do" I DID something
My left leg ______. hurts hurted were hurt is hurted opt1 Current state or condition. PRESENT TENSE.
Third person singular. MY LEG (IT) HURTS

The students _____ homework. are liking like likes does like opt2 PRESENT TENSE. Third person plural THE
STUDENTS (THEY) LIKE something
Pvt. Jones _____ next week. graduate graduate will is opt3 "Next week" requires FUTURE TENSE. HE
d graduate graduate WILL GRADUATE
I _____ to go home now! wants wanting am want want opt4 "Now" needs the PRESENT TENSE here. First
person singular. I WANT
These books _____ heavy. was is am are opt4 Plural subject. Present tense. THESE BOOKS
(THEY) ARE.\
We _____ a lot of songs at last night's party. sing was sing sang were opt3 "Last night" requires the PAST TENSE.
sung Irregular verb "to sing" WE SANG
I _____ a good movie last night. see will see saw was seen opt3 "Last night" requires PAST TENSE. Irregular
verb "see" I SAW something
Paris _____ the capital of France. is are is being were opt1 A general truth about science, nature, or
geography is stated in the PRESENT TENSE.
Third person singular of the "be" verb. PARIS
IS
Lt. Smith _____ his homework last night. do has did did done opt3 "Last night" requires PAST TENSE. HE DID
something. Irregular verb "do"
My brother _____ in a bank. work working is work works opt4 Third person singular present tense. HE
WORKS there at this time.
I _____ a new car last week. buy bought buyed was buy opt2 Time words "last week" require PAST TENSE.
IRREGULAR VERB "to buy" I BOUGHT

We ______ right now. studies are study are studying opt3 Time words "right now" require PRESENT
studying PERFECT. WE ARE DOING something.
Dogs ______ to chase cats. likes are liking like liking opt3 Present tense. Plural subject. DOGS LIKE

We _____ to my brother's house tomorrow. will go are go went have opt1 The time word "tomorrow" needs FUTURE
gone TENSE.
I saw the old man fatally _____ himself once through shooting shot shoot shooted opt3 You see and hear people "do" or "doing"
the heart. something, but in this case we can't put the
verb "shoot" in the "-ing" form because it was
not a continuous act; it was instantaneous.

Steve and Joe ______ students. is was are been are opt4 Present tense. Plural subject. THEY ARE
The number of students Stancovia _____ decreasing. have is are were opt2 "the number" = singular The number of
students from Puerto Rico IS increasing.
A number of students _____ waiting to see the are is has been was opt1 "a number" = plural A number of cars ARE
supervisor. parked illegally near that fire hydrant.
John _____ to the store yesterday. goed going is go went opt4 Past tense. Third person singular. HE
WENT.
Were I he, I ___________ more at night. will study studies would will have opt3 Reduced "if" clause. Present unreal. If I were
study studied he = Were I he.

It _____ too hot to play soccer right now. is am are were opt1 "Right now" with weather and time takes simple
PRESENT TENSE. IT IS
There ______ a series of bad accidents on Loop 410 is was has been would opt2 "A series" is singular. There was a series.
yesterday. have There were several series.
been
When I was a child, I _____ watch tv eight hours per was used used to am used was used opt2 To have done something in the past but not
day. to to to now, we can use the modal "used to."
I _____ English before I came to DLI. had not do not did no was not opt1 PAST PERFECT. Two actions are in the past,
studied study study study one clearly BEFORE the other. The earlier
action can be in the PAST PERFECT; the
subsequent action can be in the simple past.
Put the ADVERB "not" after the first helping
verb. I HAD NOT DONE something bef

Because of the rain, the Commandant _____ the cancel is cancel would will opt4 FUTURE. He hasn't done it yet. HE WILL DO it.
parade. cancel cancel
When you finally get back home, please _____ me a to send send sent be sent opt2 IMPERATIVE. A request. "You" is omitted from
postcard. the main clause.
Siblings _____ to quarrel with each other. likes are like like are liking opt3 Plural subject. Even if you don't know what
"siblings" are, you can pick the verb "like."
THEY LIKE something. Siblings are brothers
and sisters. "Joe doesn't have any siblings."

First, I ate breakfast; then, I _____ my family. call do call was call called opt4 Two simple actions in the past, one after the
other. Both are in the SIMPLE PAST.
I went to bed because I ____ tired. would be are were was opt4 "Went" shows that it is PAST TENSE. I WAS.

Before I came to DLI, I _______ English for 5 months. study was studied am opt3 Sometimes we can use PAST PROGRESSIVE to
study studying indicate a continuous action in the past that
was changed or altered in some way by a
subsequent action in the simple past.

If you are tired, you ______. would must to should would opt3 Advice. "Should" is a common modal when
rest rest rest have rest giving advice. If these questions are too easy,
you SHOULD GO to a higher level.
After I graduate next week, I _____ to Alabama. am go will go going will going opt2 "Next week" requires FUTURE. I WILL GO

The news about the storms _____ bad. is were are have opt1 "News" = singular, although it ends with an "s."
been Make the verb agree with "news," not with
"storms." THE NEWS IS.
That car _____ better than this one. look looks is look will opt2 You are talking about something in the present.
looking Third person singular. THAT CAR (IT)
LOOKS.
The mumps _____ a strange disease. were am are is opt4 Although ending in "s," the word "mumps" is
treated as a singular, especially when called "a
disease."
I ______ my homework later tonight. does will doing have did will do opt4 "Later tonight" requires FUTURE TENSE. I
WILL DO something
The police _____ here to arrest you. is was are has been opt3 "Police" = PLURAL THEY ARE THE
POLICE ARE
I _____ right now. studying am be will should opt2 "Right now" requires PRESENT PERFECT.
studying study studied Subject "I" requires AM. I AM DOING
something
If it rains tomorrow, I ______ home. will stay would must stayed opt1 "IF" clause. FUTURE. Simple present in the
have stay staying "IF" clauseFUTURE in the main clause.

My friend _____ tomorrow. graduate is graduate graduatio opt2 We can express the FUTURE TENSE with the
graduatin d n PRESENT PROGRESSIVE. Something IS
g HAPPENING tomorrow.
I _____ that movie already. see seen seed have opt4 Here, the "already" requires PRESENT
seen PERFECT. I HAVE DONE something already.

He likes Texas, _____? don't he doesn't do he does he opt2 Tag question. Affirmative in the main clause
he requires negative in the tag.
Right now, the baby _____. sleep is sleep is have opt3 "Right now" requires PRESENT PROGRESSIVE.
sleeping slept The baby IS DOING something.

If I had a million dollars, I _____ a new car. will buy bought would would opt4 "IF" clause. Present unreal. I do not have the
bought buy money, but IF I HAD IT. A modal like
"would" requires SIMPLE FORM after it. I
WOULD BUY something.
Rice and beans _____ my favorite dish. is are will been am opt1 Sometimes a compound subject is treated as a
SINGULAR subject. BREAD AND WATER
HAM AND EGGS Notice "my favorite meal"
is singular. My favorite meal is rice and
beans. Rice and beans is my favorite meal.
Chicken and rice is wha

While I was reading the paper, the children ______ play have were was play opt3 Two simultaneous actions in the past. They are
outside. played playing occurring at the same time. PAST
PROGRESSIVE for both.
Why did Lt. Smith wear GOGGLES? to stay to protect to hold to appear opt2 GOGGLES = protective eye coverings, used
warm his eyes his pants taller when swimming, working with certain
up machinery, part of a safety uniform in
dangerous jobs
After the accident, he was MAIMED. killed severely dead okay opt2 MAIMED = seriously wounded, perhaps the loss
injured of an arm or leg, perhaps with severe
disfigurement (damage to the face)
An octopus is so-named because it has eight _____. tentacles eyes ribs mouths opt1 The eight "arms" of the octopus are called
TENTACLES.
If he broke his THUMB, where does he feel the most his foot his head his toe his hand opt4 THUMB = one of the five fingers on the hand.
pain? One of the "digits" on your hand.
The gym is located BEYOND the post office. on this on the beneath too far opt2 BEYOND = past, on the far side of
side of farther from
side of
My aunt is no spring chicken. She is not ______. smart young popular rich opt2 SPRING CHICKEN = young (as young as a
chicken born during the most recent spring)
Always in the negative. NO spring chicken =
NOT young
There was a big CROWD at the restaurant last night. fire riot group of meal opt3 CROWD = large group of people,
people
He is a TIGHTWAD. He is _______. ugly stingy argument silly opt2 TIGHTWAD = stingy, miserly, doesn't want to
ative spend his money. (Wants to keep all of his
paper money rolled in a tight wad, without ever
having to spend any of it.)
Pvt. Jones has to report to the Captain PROMPTLY. right whenever eventuall as late as opt1 PROMPTLY = right away, immediately, no delay,
away he wants y he wants as soon as possible
to to
Which of the following is not an organ located in the the liver the the brain the heart opt3 The torso is the trunk of your body, the main
torso of the human body? kidner part excluding the legs, arms, neck and head.
The brain is in the head; the other three are in
the trunk or torso of the body.

His parents FORBID him to smoke or drive yet. They allow him encourag prohibit let him opt3 PROHIBIT = forbid, not allow, refuse to give
_____ it. to do e him to him from do permission to do something
do doing

The KNEE is to the LEG as the ______ is to the ARM. wrist elbow ankle hip opt2 The knee is the joint in the middle of the leg,
just as the ELBOW is the joint in the middle of
the arm.
My brother is very STINGY. tall smart not handsom opt3 STINGY = miserly = not generous = doesn't
generous e want to help others

What is the main CROP of your country? tourist agricultur city means of opt2 CROP = something grown for harvesting
site al transport
product ation

Hot and cold air is conveyed through a _____. hook duct crank tablet opt2 DUCT = a tube, channel, or pipe for the passage
of liquids or air. What did the ancient Romans
use an AQUEDUCT for?
We need to get our FURNACE repaired. air- vehicle window heating opt4 FURNACE = a large device designed to heat a
condition device building.
er
That kind of problem really ANNOYS me. bothers pleases interests entertain opt1 ANNOY = bother = irritate = vex = make unhappy
s
Don't STARE AT him like that. talk to play with look at touch opt3 STARE = to look at something or someone for a
long period of time
The police found a white POWDER in his suitcase. fine dust animal thick shoe opt1 POWDER = fine dust It can be legal medicine
liquid polish (headache powders, foot powder, talcum
powder, baby powder)makeup (face powder)
or DRUGS (cocaine, heroin)

The villagers had to FLEE their homes. clean repair protect escape opt4 FLEE = run away from = escape from FLEE
from FLED FLED
Don't GRIPE so much. eat complain drink buy opt2 GRIPE = complain = say negative things =
things kvetch
spend
money
The road is STEEP. greatly much too very wide extremely opt1 STEEP = greatly inclinedfar from level
inclined narrow bumpy

The milk tastes SOUR. unpleasa delicious sweet good opt1 sour = bad = not good = gone bad (for milk)
nt SOUR (for lemon or lime) means TART, TANGY,
"attacks" the tongue
I'm not DEAF. unable to young helpless ignorant opt1 DEAF = cannot hear
hear and
immature

We have AMPLE supplies for the next few months. more no only a an opt1 ample = quite sufficient = a lot = enough =
than small insufficie abundant
enough amount nt
amount
His jeans are FADED. They ___________. are tight have lost are are loose opt2 FADE = losing the color, colorsa are not bright
some worthles and like they used to be
color s baggy

This liquid is INFLAMMABLE. It _______. will not is is costly. will burn. opt4 INFLAMMABLE = will burn. IN- is not a
burn. potable. negative prefix here. It means the liquid is
capable of going up IN FLAMES. The negative
is NONFLAMMABLE.
We SPOTTED the enemy sniper at a sixteenth-floor detected drew shot sent opt1 TO SPOT = to see, to detect, to discern at a
window. distance
His WAGES are not very high right now. hopes expenses salary duties opt3 WAGES = salary = the money you earn from
working
He FIBBED when he said he had done his homework. laughed stuttered cried lied opt4 FIB = to tell a lie, not tell the truth, a "little lie,"
not a serious untruth
What would you use to SWEEP the floor? a faucet a brake a coil a broom opt4 BROOM = a device used when you SWEEP an
area
If one car bumps into another one, it will leave _____. a dent a lap a shield a tray opt1 DENT = slight damage, especially to metal,
when it is hit by something
My brother is not very TRUSTWORTHY. wealthy happy intelligen dependa opt4 TRUSTWORTHY = deserves to be trusted,
t ble dependable, reliable, you can TRUST him.
I need to buy some new SLACKS. socks trousers shirts glasses opt2 SLACKS = TROUSERS, good pants
He had CRUMBS all over his shirt and tie. little fallen soup small opt4 CRUMBS = small loose pieces of dry food like
pictures hairs stains pieces of bread, cookies, pizza crust, crackers.
bread
Joe CATCHES ON really fast, doesn't he? receives disagree learns forgets opt3 two-word verb TO CATCH ON = to learn, to
the ball s with things important understand, to comprehend
you details
Your TASK is to alphabetize all of these files. desire method reason job opt4 TASK = job, chore, duty, assignment
Don't SHOUT. run yell whisper shoot opt2 SHOUT = yellin a very loud voice
What is the most common color of RUST? black reddish- purple pinkish- opt2 rust = the reddish-brown (almost orange)
brown white oxidation that can form on metal when it's
exposed to moisture.
The ECL will START at 0745. end conclude begin wind up opt3 start = begin = commence

There was a BLIZZARD last night. light heavy raging mild opt2 blizzard = a lot of snow driven by strong winds
shower snowstor flood breeze
m
You must keep the AISLE clear. surface walkway sofa fence opt2 An AISLE is a long narrow space between
chairs, usually in a theater, in a church, in an
auditorium.
We had to dig a TRENCH to drain off the standing water. long deep steep hill wide opt1 A TRENCH is a long narrow ditch
ditch hole pond
We found a FLAW in the structural design. insect error tool change opt2 A FLAW is a mistake, error, something wrong.

If he suffered a SKULL injury, where is the heaviest the head the foot thewrist the knee opt1 The SKULL is the round protective BONE area
damage? covering and protecting your BRAIN.
I am STARVING. hungry bored lonely angry opt1 STARVING means very hungry, to the point of
weakness and collapse.
Congress is going to TRIM the budget. cut increase authorize approve opt1 TRIM is CUT. (The barber TRIMMED my hair.)

A General's wife always has a lot of CLOUT. power duties money time for opt1 CLOUT = power, influence
socializin
g
I brought you a BUNDLE of newspapers. package lane tub dent opt1 BUNDLE = package, stack (usually tied neatly
with a rope or string)
What are the TRAITS of a good leader? requirem character backgrou potential opt2 TRAITS = distinguishing characteristics
ents istics nds rewards
He DROWNED. He _______ died in fell off a died in was opt1 DROWN = to die by suffocation in liquid
water. mountain the dry stabbed
. desert. with a
knife.
How can you ACCOUNT FOR his low test scores? endure compete stand explain opt4 to account for = explain = give reasons for why
with something is the way it is
The entire meal, including drinks and tip, AMOUNTED chipped came to got on took after opt2 AMOUNT TO =COME TO numerical totals
TO $512. in with
Where is your SHIN? near the on the near the among opt2 The SHIN is part of the leg, the front part
mouth leg backbon the ribs between the knee and the foot. Do not confuse
e it with CHIN, which is part of your face.

There was a SURGE in student enrollment. rapid quick slight steady opt1 surge = a sudden, strong increase
increase decrease change falling

He SHATTERED the mirror. sold borrowed hid broke opt4 to shatter is to break something, especially
glass
Don't eat the apple CORE. peel stem leaf center opt4 The CORE is the centerof something. The core
of the earth is very hot.
I got DRENCHED last night as I was walking home from soaked lost dizzy lonely opt1 DRENCHED means very very wetsaturated.
the movies.
Where are your KNOCKLES located? in your in your in your in your opt1 The KNUCKLES are joints in your fingers. Have
fingers ears eyes lungs you ever been socked in the jaw by someone
who was wearing BRASS KNUCKLES?

Why is Joe LAME? He________ injured poked chipped hurt his opt1 LAME means walking with difficulty because of
his ankle. out his his front fingers. problems with a leg, a foot, an ankle, the toes.
eye. teeth.
The pirates buried their LOOT. dead weapons treasure food opt3 LOOT is something valuable--money, treasure,
comrade supply jewels, gold, etc.
s
The Captain is standing at the BOW of the ship. rear aft galley front end opt4 The bow is the front end of a ship. Rear and aft
refer to the back part of a ship. The galley is the
kitchen of a ship.
The floor is covered with SPLINTERS. water dead spilled small opt4 SPINTERS are very small pieces of wood,
flowers food pieces of created when you are whittling, sawing,
wood chopping.
It's time to HOIST the flag. lower replace raise repair opt3 HOIST is to raise something up in the air. You
HOIST a flag. A crane can HOIST cargo.

It is RISKY to do that. safe wise proper dangerou opt4 risky = dangerous = hazardous = unsafe
s
His behavior has been rather ERRATIC lately. polite interestin irregular frightenin opt3 ERRATIC = not consistent, changing wildly and
g g quickly
He INJURED his left ankle. cured hurt repaired x-rayed opt2 INJURE = to hurt
I SENT FOR Mariah Carey's new CD. loaned borrowed ordered threw out opt3 SEND FOR = to order something through the
out by mail mail system
What is the usual color of most MUSTARD? white red blue yellow opt4 MUSTARD = a yellow "sauce" that we
sometimes put on our hamburgers and hot
dogs
Some children openly DEFY their parents. support resemble oppose love opt3 DEFY = oppose, refuse to obey, go against the
orders of
That's the way the cookie CRUMBLES. falls into rises as it has a increases opt1 CRUMBLE = to fall into little pieces
pieces bakes good in price
flavor
He is old, YET he is healthy. but and so for opt1 YET = but, however, still, on the other hand
I cannot TAKE IN all this information at once. say understa translate transmit opt2 TAKE IN = understand, absorb in the brain,
nd comprehend
I cannot STRESS how important vocabulary is on the understa explain emphasiz agree opt3 STRESS = emphasize, highlight
ECL test. nd e
My brother is going to RUN FOR mayor next year. campaig do loan argue opt1 RUN FOR = to try to win a political office or
n for exercise money to about position
office with
He REJECTED my offer. accepted refused repeated approved opt2 REJECT = REFUSE, turn down, say "no" to
of
I'm very PERPLEXED about tomorrow's assignments. confident certain happy confused opt4 PERPLEXED = confused, not understanding,
baffled, needing an explanation
The movie was TERRIBLY GOOD. I disliked I loathed I thought I liked it a opt4 TERRIBLY = AWFULLY, extremely, quite, very
the the it was lot. (The key word here is "good," not "terrible.")
movie. movie. awful.

The SCENERY in Northern California is beautiful. natural theaters sporting shopping opt1 SCENERY = scenes of natural, expecially the
views arenas centers mountains and trees, hills and vast skies, rocks,
all the colors grouped like a picture.

I'm very FOND OF chocolate ice cream. I ______. don't like love it can't can't opt2 FOND OF = love something like it a lot
it afford it stand it
The taxi made an ABRUPT stop. sudden, slow, calm, long, opt1 ABRUPT =very quick, fast, unexpected,
unexpect steady easy comforta discomforting
ed ble
Which of these is not an animal? a deer a rabbit a wrench a bear opt3 A WRENCH is a tool for tightening and
loosening.
Which of these would not be a good beverage for orange milk coffee gasoline opt4 GASOLINE is fuel. Beverages are liquids you
breakfast? juice drink.
The score was TIED at the end of regulation time. lopsided undeterm even inconseq opt3 TIED = to be even, to be the same. The score
ined uential was TIED at 2-2. His home run in the eleventh
inning finally broke the 3-3 tie.
What does water do a 212 degrees Fahrenheit? It thaws. It freezes. It boils. It opt3 Water boils at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C.).
condens
es.
He FLUNKED the test. wrote passed corrected failed opt4 FLUNK = failnot pass

The Green Team DEFEATED the Orange Team. won lost beat surrende opt3 DEFEAT = BEAT. The Green Team WON the
red to game. They DEFEATED the other team.
He as ACNE all over his face. pimples hair freckles wrinkles opt1 ACNE = pimple, a skin condition, zits
I thought the movie was HILAARIOUS. too long boring funny sad opt3 HILARIOUS = funny, amusing, makes you laugh
out loud
He is leaving here FOR GOOD. to make forever and because opt2 FOR GOOD = forever, for always
things people he did
better are well
happy
I hope you have the OPPORTUNITY to visit the Alamo. time chance money transport opt2 OPPORTUNITY = chance, occasion
ation
I am PLEASED with the results of the test. happy uninform unhappy angry opt1 PLEASED = happy, not angry, very satisfied
ed
The policeman CAUTIONED him about speeding. ticketed warned arrested handcuff opt2 CAUTION = WARN, verbal admonition
ed
I DREAD going to the dentist. I look I hate I I can't opt2 DREAD = mixture of fear and hatred, strong
forward going. anticipat wait to reluctance based on fear
to it. e going. go.
My uncle deals in REAL ESTATE. minerals land and stocks farm opt2 REAL ESTATE = land and property, buildings
property and animals
bonds
Which of the following can HOVER? a train a taxi a missile a opt4 HOVER = to stay in the air in one stationary
helicopte place (for a while)
r
I do not like RAW turnips. rare big uncooke stale opt3 RAW = uncooked, not cooked at all rare =
d cooked a little bit
I RAN INTO an old friend of mine at Ingram Mall. hit with took a met by ignored opt3 TO RUN INTO = MEET BY CHANCE
my car picture of chance complete
ly
I RARELY go to movies during the weekend. seldom usually from time often opt1 RARELY = SELDOM, not very often, only once in
to time a blue moon

I DROPPED OFF during the history lecture. fell out of died let fell opt4 DROP OFF = to fall asleep (while sitting up in a
a chair somethin asleep chair)
g fall
If you DOUBLE THE RADIUS of a circle, you get the circumfer curve tangent diameter opt4 RADIUS = half of the diameter
_______. ence
I want you to THINK OVER that job offer before you say refuse forget accept consider opt4 THINK OVER = consider, think about it
"no." seriously, don't refuse it yet
Don't EAVESDROP. shoplift listen to sleep too eat opt2 EAVESDROP = secretly listening in on someone
private much harmful else's supposedly-private conversation
talk foods
He will TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF his business to his turn turn into turn over turn on opt3 TRANSFER OWNSERSHIP = turn over, pass the
oldest son next month. down legal ownership to, pass the responsibility to
someone else
Let's TALK this OVER tomorrow. rewrite it veto it discuss it think opt3 TALK something OVER = discuss it
about it
My kids are always QUARRELING. playing arguing exploring studying opt2 QUARREL = argue, verbal fighting, disagreeing
politely with each the yard in their loudly
other rooms

My brother WRECKED his car. destroye sold repainted loaned opt1 WRECK = destroy, ruin completely, can't be
d used any more
He was REARED in Ponce by his grandparents. looked brought called up carried opt2 REAR = raise a child, bring a child up, help a
over up out child develop
We reached the SUMMIT of the mountain after 9 hours base peak side foothills opt2 SUMMIT = peak, highest point, the top point,
of climbing. apex
The Captain REPRIMANDED Lt. Jones during the called up called off called on called opt4 REPRIMAND = call down, scold, chew out, say
company formation. down very negative things to
This sandpaper is very COARSE. smooth expensiv common rough opt4 COARSE = rough, not smooth, very grainy to the
e touch
I cannot ACCEPT any additional duties at this time. take on get bring stand by opt1 TAKE ON = accept, agree to perform extra work
across back
What color should a RIPE STRAWBERRY be? white light red black opt3 RIPE = mature, ready to be picked and eaten
green STRAWBERRY = a red berry
Which of these best describes TIN? tasy useless metallic gaseous opt3 TIN = a light METAL
He TUMBLED down the stairs. walked ran fell hiked opt3 TUMBLE = to fall, sometimes rolling head over
heels
He CREATED an interesting game for his students to thought tried on called for loooked opt1 THINK UP = create, invent, make up
play. up up
What is the opposite of TIGHT? young cheap long loose opt4 TIGHT = not loose, too restricting, hard to move

He was very sick; THEREFORE, he couldn't compete in yet however since thus opt4 THEREFORE = THUS, so, as a result, because
the race. of this, consequently
We always STORE our sweaters and coats during the take off put away throw out keep on opt2 STORE = put away, put in storage, put out-of-
summer. sight, maybe in the closet or in a trunk
There was a TRACE of gunpowder on his finger. a huge smell a tiny a lot opt3 TRACE = a very small amount of somethikng
amount amoount
The police found a corpse behind the Rialto Theater. killer dead military vehicle opt2 CORPSE = dead person, body (dead body)
person person
Where did you PICK UP those bad words? select raise learn at spell opt3 PICK UP = learn randomly, acquire, gain by
random being exposed to