1In the sentence "Swimming is my favorite sport," the word 'Swimming' is a:
simple infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.Gerund
B.Adjective
C.Adverb
D.Infinitive
Correct Answer: Gerund
Explanation:
A gerund is the '-ing' form of a verb that functions as a noun. Here, 'Swimming' is the subject of the sentence.
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2Identify the simple infinitive in the sentence: "She wants to learn Spanish."
simple infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.to learn
B.learn Spanish
C.She wants
D.wants
Correct Answer: to learn
Explanation:
A simple infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word 'to'. 'To learn' fits this definition.
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3Which quantifier should be used to complete the sentence: "How ___ apples did you buy?"
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Easy
A.any
B.many
C.much
D.a little
Correct Answer: many
Explanation:
'Many' is a quantifier used with plural countable nouns like 'apples'.
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4Which quantifier best fits the sentence: "I don't have ___ money with me."
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Easy
A.a few
B.much
C.many
D.several
Correct Answer: much
Explanation:
'Much' is a quantifier used with uncountable nouns like 'money'.
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5Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence: "I enjoy ___ to music."
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.listened
B.listening
C.listen
D.to listen
Correct Answer: listening
Explanation:
The verb 'enjoy' is always followed by a gerund (-ing form).
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6Complete the sentence with the correct form: "He decided ___ a new book."
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.reads
B.to read
C.reading
D.read
Correct Answer: to read
Explanation:
The verb 'decide' is typically followed by an infinitive ('to' + verb).
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7Which of the following words is a multiplier?
multipliers
Easy
A.Twice
B.Many
C.Some
D.Often
Correct Answer: Twice
Explanation:
A multiplier is a word that specifies how many times something is done or increased. 'Twice' means 'two times'.
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8What is the function of the gerund in the sentence: "My main job is managing the team."
simple infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.Adjective
B.Subject
C.Object
D.Subject Complement
Correct Answer: Subject Complement
Explanation:
The gerund 'managing' comes after the verb 'is' and renames or describes the subject 'job'. This makes it a subject complement.
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9The word 'advice' is an example of a(n) ___ noun.
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Easy
A.uncountable
B.countable
C.proper
D.collective
Correct Answer: uncountable
Explanation:
Uncountable nouns, like 'advice', 'water', and 'information', cannot be counted individually and do not have a plural form.
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10Which sentence is grammatically correct?
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.He is good for solving puzzles.
B.He is good at to solve puzzles.
C.He is good at solving puzzles.
D.He is good to solving puzzles.
Correct Answer: He is good at solving puzzles.
Explanation:
The expression 'good at' is followed by a gerund ('solving').
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11Which quantifier is used for a small quantity of a countable noun?
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Easy
A.a few
B.much
C.some
D.a little
Correct Answer: a few
Explanation:
'A few' is used with countable nouns (e.g., 'a few chairs'), while 'a little' is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., 'a little sugar').
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12Complete the sentence: "My new apartment is ___ the size of my old one."
multipliers
Easy
A.double
B.much
C.many
D.few
Correct Answer: double
Explanation:
The multiplier 'double' means 'twice as large' or 'two times the size'.
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13In the sentence, "To forgive is divine," the phrase 'To forgive' functions as the:
simple infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.Object
B.Verb
C.Subject
D.Adjective
Correct Answer: Subject
Explanation:
Here, the infinitive phrase 'To forgive' is the subject of the verb 'is'.
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14The verb 'avoid' should be followed by a(n):
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.Infinitive
B.Gerund
C.Past participle
D.Base verb
Correct Answer: Gerund
Explanation:
The verb 'avoid' is one of the verbs that is always followed by a gerund. For example: "You should avoid eating junk food."
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15Which quantifier is most commonly used in questions and negative statements?
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Easy
A.a lot of
B.any
C.much
D.some
Correct Answer: any
Explanation:
'Any' is typically used in questions (e.g., "Do you have any questions?") and negative sentences (e.g., "I don't have any money.").
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16The structure 'to have + past participle' (e.g., 'to have finished') is known as a:
complex infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.Present Participle
B.Simple Gerund
C.Perfect Infinitive
D.Passive Infinitive
Correct Answer: Perfect Infinitive
Explanation:
This complex infinitive form is called a perfect infinitive. It is used to show that an action occurred before the action of the main verb.
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17Complete the sentence: "I look forward to ___ you soon."
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.seeing
B.have seen
C.see
D.to see
Correct Answer: seeing
Explanation:
The phrasal verb 'look forward to' is followed by a gerund ('seeing'). The 'to' in this case is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
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18A gerund always ends in:
simple infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.-ing
B.-s
C.-en
D.-ed
Correct Answer: -ing
Explanation:
By definition, a gerund is a verb form that ends in '-ing' and functions as a noun in a sentence.
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19Which of these nouns is countable?
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Easy
A.car
B.rice
C.water
D.music
Correct Answer: car
Explanation:
A countable noun is something you can count individually. You can say 'one car, two cars', but you cannot do the same for 'water', 'music', or 'rice'.
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20Complete the sentence: "It is important ___ your homework."
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Easy
A.do
B.to do
C.doing
D.done
Correct Answer: to do
Explanation:
The structure 'It is + adjective' (like 'important') is typically followed by an infinitive.
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21In the sentence, "His greatest ambition, to climb Mount Everest, was finally realized," what is the grammatical function of the infinitive phrase "to climb Mount Everest"?
simple infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.Direct object of the verb "was"
B.Adverb, modifying "was realized"
C.Adjective, describing "his"
D.Appositive, renaming "ambition"
Correct Answer: Appositive, renaming "ambition"
Explanation:
The infinitive phrase acts as an appositive. An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that sits next to another noun to rename it or describe it in another way. Here, "to climb Mount Everest" renames the noun "ambition".
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22Which sentence correctly uses the verb 'stop' to mean that someone paused one activity in order to start another?
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.She stopped working for that company last year.
B.He stopped to check his messages on the way home.
C.I have stopped buying coffee from that expensive cafe.
D.They should stop making so much noise.
Correct Answer: He stopped to check his messages on the way home.
Explanation:
The structure 'stop + to-infinitive' means to cease an activity in order to do something else. The structure 'stop + gerund' means to quit or cease an activity. In the correct option, he stopped his journey (the first activity) to check his messages (the second activity).
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23The manager was disappointed because there was __ interest in the new proposal, leading to the project's cancellation. Which quantifier best completes the sentence to convey an insufficient, negative amount?
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Medium
A.a few
B.few
C.a little
D.little
Correct Answer: little
Explanation:
'Little' is used with uncountable nouns (like 'interest') to mean 'hardly any' or 'not much,' conveying a negative or insufficient amount that explains the project's cancellation. 'A little' implies a small but possibly adequate amount. 'Few' and 'a few' are used with countable nouns.
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24Choose the sentence that correctly uses a perfect infinitive to indicate an action that was completed before the time of the main verb.
complex infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.He is believed to have left the country last week.
B.She seems to be enjoying her new job.
C.They were planning to visit the museum.
D.To be a doctor requires years of study.
Correct Answer: He is believed to have left the country last week.
Explanation:
The perfect infinitive, 'to have + past participle' (to have left), is used to show that the action of leaving happened before the time of the main verb 'is believed'. The belief is in the present, but the leaving happened in the past.
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25The consultant advised __ the new software immediately to avoid security breaches.
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.to installing
B.installing
C.us installing
D.us to install
Correct Answer: us to install
Explanation:
The verb 'advise' follows the grammatical pattern advise + object + to-infinitive. Therefore, 'advised us to install' is the correct structure. Using a gerund here would be incorrect.
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26I can't find __ information on this obscure topic; the library's resources are limited. Which option is the most appropriate choice for this negative sentence?
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Medium
A.a lot of
B.many
C.any
D.some
Correct Answer: any
Explanation:
'Any' is typically used in negative sentences and questions with both countable and uncountable nouns ('information' is uncountable). 'Some' is generally used in affirmative sentences, while 'many' is used for countable nouns.
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27What is the function of the perfect gerund in the sentence: "She was proud of having completed the marathon despite her injury"?
complex infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.It indicates an action happening at the same time as her feeling of pride.
B.It functions as the subject of the verb 'was'.
C.It emphasizes that the action of completing the marathon occurred before she felt pride.
D.It indicates an action that will happen after she feels pride.
Correct Answer: It emphasizes that the action of completing the marathon occurred before she felt pride.
Explanation:
The perfect gerund, having + past participle (having completed), is used as the object of the preposition 'of'. It emphasizes that the action it describes (completing the marathon) happened before the action or state of the main clause ('was proud').
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28The new server processes data __ the old one.
multipliers
Medium
A.twice faster than
B.two times more fast than
C.twice as fast as
D.double fast as
Correct Answer: twice as fast as
Explanation:
The correct structure for making a comparison with a multiplier like 'twice' is multiplier + as + adjective/adverb + as. The structure 'twice faster than' is a common grammatical error.
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29Identify the sentence where the gerund is functioning as the subject.
simple infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.He is tired of waiting in long queues.
B.Learning a new language requires dedication.
C.I enjoy reading classic novels.
D.Her favorite hobby is painting landscapes.
Correct Answer: Learning a new language requires dedication.
Explanation:
In this sentence, the entire gerund phrase "Learning a new language" acts as the subject of the verb "requires". In the other options, the gerund is a direct object (A), a subject complement (B), or the object of a preposition (D).
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30Which sentence correctly illustrates the different meanings of 'try + gerund' and 'try + infinitive'?
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A."Try adding more salt" means to make an effort to add salt; "Try to add more salt" means to experiment by adding salt.
B."Try to be on time" is a suggestion; "Try being on time" is a command.
C."Try to open the jar" means to make an effort; "Try turning the key the other way" means to experiment with a different method.
D.Both phrases mean the same thing and are interchangeable.
Correct Answer: "Try to open the jar" means to make an effort; "Try turning the key the other way" means to experiment with a different method.
Explanation:
'Try + to-infinitive' means to attempt something difficult, to make an effort. 'Try + gerund' means to do something as an experiment to see if it solves a problem. Option C correctly demonstrates this distinction.
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31The project failed due to lack of support; __ people attended the final presentation, so the board was not convinced.
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Medium
A.several
B.a few
C.many
D.few
Correct Answer: few
Explanation:
'Few' is used with countable nouns ('people') and has a strong negative connotation, meaning 'hardly any' or 'not enough'. This aligns perfectly with the context that the project failed due to a lack of support. 'A few' would imply a small but potentially adequate number, which contradicts the negative outcome.
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32Which sentence correctly uses a passive infinitive?
complex infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.He denied to have stolen the documents.
B.They seem to be working on a new solution.
C.She wants to have finished her report by Friday.
D.The new policies are expected to be announced next week.
Correct Answer: The new policies are expected to be announced next week.
Explanation:
A passive infinitive has the structure to be + past participle. In sentence A, "to be announced" is a passive infinitive because its subject ('the new policies') is the receiver of the action ('announce').
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33The company's revenue this year is almost __ what it was five years ago.
multipliers
Medium
A.twice of
B.double of
C.double
D.the double of
Correct Answer: double
Explanation:
When 'double' is used as a pre-determiner before a noun phrase (like 'what it was'), it is used directly without 'of'. The correct structures are double + the + noun (double the amount) or double + pronoun/determiner (double my salary, double what it was).
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34It was very considerate __ her to offer her seat to the elderly passenger.
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.of
B.for
C.with
D.to
Correct Answer: of
Explanation:
The structure It + be + adjective + of + person + to-infinitive is used when the adjective (e.g., considerate, kind, rude, clever) describes the character or quality of the person performing the action. The structure with 'for' is used when the adjective describes the action itself (e.g., "It was difficult for me to solve").
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35Which of the following sentences uses an infinitive as an adverb of purpose?
simple infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.She traveled to Paris to improve her French.
B.I don't have anything suitable to wear.
C.To forgive is a sign of strength.
D.His decision to resign surprised everyone.
Correct Answer: She traveled to Paris to improve her French.
Explanation:
The infinitive phrase "to improve her French" explains the reason or purpose why she traveled to Paris. It modifies the verb "traveled" and therefore functions as an adverb. In A and B, the infinitive is an adjective modifying a noun. In D, it's the subject of the sentence.
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36"Would you like __ more tea? And I've baked __ scones if you're still hungry."
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Medium
A.much / a lot of
B.any / few
C.some / a few
D.a little / some
Correct Answer: some / a few
Explanation:
'Some' is used for uncountable nouns ('tea') in offers and requests. 'A few' is used for a small number of countable nouns ('scones'). This combination fits the context of a polite offer perfectly. 'Any' is for questions expecting a no, 'few' is negative, and 'much' is less common in offers.
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37The politician denied __ any secret donations before the election.
complex infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.to receive
B.having received
C.being received
D.to have been receiving
Correct Answer: having received
Explanation:
The verb 'deny' must be followed by a gerund. Since the action of receiving donations happened before the act of denying, the perfect gerundhaving received is the most grammatically precise choice to emphasize this past-before-past time sequence.
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38The new safety protocol makes it mandatory __ all visitors to sign in at the front desk.
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.of
B.that
C.about
D.for
Correct Answer: for
Explanation:
The structure it + be + adjective + for + object + to-infinitive is used here. The adjective 'mandatory' describes the situation or the action itself, not the character of the visitors. Therefore, 'for' is the correct preposition to introduce the noun phrase 'all visitors,' which is the subject of the infinitive 'to sign in'.
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39Choose the sentence that is grammatically correct and uses quantifiers naturally.
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Medium
A.We don't have many furnitures in our house yet.
B.A large amount of research is still needed in this field.
C.How much luggages are you bringing?
D.He gave me too many advices before my trip.
Correct Answer: A large amount of research is still needed in this field.
Explanation:
'Advice', 'luggage', and 'furniture' are all uncountable nouns. They cannot be pluralized (advices, luggages, furnitures) and should not be used with quantifiers for countable nouns like 'many'. 'Research' is also uncountable, so the phrase "a large amount of research" followed by the singular verb 'is' is correct.
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40She is considering __ her current role and __ for a master's degree. Which pair of verb forms correctly completes the sentence?
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Medium
A.leaving / to study
B.to leave / studying
C.to leave / to study
D.leaving / studying
Correct Answer: leaving / studying
Explanation:
The verb 'consider' is followed by a gerund (-ing form). When two or more actions are listed after such a verb, they should maintain a parallel structure. Therefore, both verbs should be in the gerund form: 'leaving' and 'studying'.
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41The suspect is alleged __ the country using a counterfeit passport several days before the official investigation began. Which form correctly indicates the action's priority in time?
complex infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.to leave
B.having left
C.to have left
D.to be leaving
Correct Answer: to have left
Explanation:
The perfect infinitive to have left is required here. The main verb is is alleged (present tense), but the action of leaving happened in the past, before the time of the allegation. The perfect infinitive correctly establishes this sequence of events.
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42I vaguely recall __ about the policy change in a memo, but I can't remember __ the specific details. Which combination correctly reflects the change in verb pattern and meaning?
verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.to read / to have seen
B.reading / seeing
C.to have read / to see
D.reading / to see
Correct Answer: reading / seeing
Explanation:
The verb recall is followed by a gerund (reading) to refer to a memory of a past event. The verb remember, when followed by a gerund (seeing), also refers to a past memory. Using an infinitive (to see) with remember would change the meaning to 'remember to perform an action', which is incorrect in this context.
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43Select the sentence that correctly distinguishes between the negative and positive connotations of quantifiers: 'There is __ hope of finding survivors, as __ rescue teams have already searched the area.'
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Hard
A.little / few
B.a little / a few
C.little / a few
D.a little / few
Correct Answer: little / a few
Explanation:
little (without 'a') has a negative connotation, meaning 'almost no,' which fits the pessimistic tone for 'hope' (uncountable). In contrast, a few has a neutral or slightly positive connotation, meaning 'a small number of.' The sentence implies that despite the presence of some rescue teams ('a few'), the hope is minimal ('little').
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44The new quantum computer can solve the problem __ the most powerful supercomputer currently in operation. Which phrasing is the most precise and grammatically standard?
multipliers
Hard
A.one hundred times as fast as
B.as fast one hundred times as
C.one hundred times faster
D.faster one hundred times than
Correct Answer: one hundred times as fast as
Explanation:
The standard structure for multipliers in comparisons is multiplier + as + adjective/adverb + as. While one hundred times faster than is also common, one hundred times as fast as is a complete and unambiguous comparative construction. The other options have incorrect word order.
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45The board of directors was deeply concerned about __ the new CEO so much authority without more oversight.
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.his being given
B.his to be given
C.him to be given
D.him being given
Correct Answer: his being given
Explanation:
In formal English, a possessive pronoun (his, my, their) is used before a gerund (being given) that functions as the object of a verb or preposition (about). The gerund phrase being given is passive because the CEO is the recipient of the action. him being given is common in informal speech but is considered less grammatically formal.
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46Her greatest professional regret was not __ more forcefully for her team's project, an inaction she felt led to its eventual cancellation.
complex infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.to have advocated
B.having advocated
C.advocating
D.to advocate
Correct Answer: having advocated
Explanation:
The regret is about a past event. The perfect gerund having advocated correctly places the action of advocating (or in this case, not advocating) in the past, prior to the present feeling of regret. A simple gerund (advocating) doesn't emphasize the past nature of the completed action as strongly.
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47Which sentence correctly applies subject-verb agreement with quantifiers for both uncountable and countable nouns?
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Hard
A.A great deal of the evidence were inadmissible, and a large number of the witnesses was deemed unreliable.
B.A great deal of the evidence was inadmissible, and a large number of the witnesses was deemed unreliable.
C.A great deal of the evidence was inadmissible, and a large number of the witnesses were deemed unreliable.
D.A great deal of the evidence were inadmissible, and a large number of the witnesses were deemed unreliable.
Correct Answer: A great deal of the evidence was inadmissible, and a large number of the witnesses were deemed unreliable.
Explanation:
A great deal of is used with an uncountable noun (evidence) and takes a singular verb (was). A large number of is used with a plural countable noun (witnesses) and takes a plural verb (were). This question tests both quantifier usage and the corresponding complex subject-verb agreement.
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48He stopped __ the leaking faucet himself and decided it was time __ a professional plumber.
verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.to try fixing / calling
B.to try to fix / calling
C.trying to fix / to call
D.trying fixing / to call
Correct Answer: trying to fix / to call
Explanation:
Stop + gerund means to cease an activity. The activity he stopped was 'trying to fix'. try + infinitive (to fix) means to make an effort. So, he stopped the activity of making an effort to fix it. The verb decided is followed by a to-infinitive (to call). This question combines two different verb patterns in one sentence.
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49In the sentence, 'His objective, to secure a majority stake in the company, required meticulous planning,' what is the grammatical function of the phrase 'to secure a majority stake in the company'?
simple infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.Subject complement
B.Appositive
C.Direct object
D.Adverbial phrase of purpose
Correct Answer: Appositive
Explanation:
An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides more information about another noun right beside it. Here, the infinitive phrase to secure a majority stake in the company acts as a noun phrase that renames and clarifies the noun objective.
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50The ancient manuscript, thought __ in the fire of Alexandria, was discovered intact, __ historians to reconsider long-held theories.
complex infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.to be destroyed / forcing
B.being destroyed / forced
C.having been destroyed / to force
D.to have been destroyed / forcing
Correct Answer: to have been destroyed / forcing
Explanation:
The first blank requires a perfect passive infinitive (to have been destroyed) because the action of destruction would have happened long before the present time of 'thinking'. The second part of the sentence describes the result of the discovery; a present participle phrase (forcing...) is used to modify the main clause and show a direct, simultaneous consequence.
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51The company's valuation is now __ what it was just two years ago, following the successful launch of its new product.
multipliers
Hard
A.as double as
B.double more than
C.the double of
D.more than double
Correct Answer: more than double
Explanation:
When using double, triple, etc. as multipliers, the structure more than double/triple is idiomatic and correct for indicating a value has increased to over two times its original amount. The phrase can also be more than double what it was. The other options are grammatically incorrect or awkward.
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52Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct and most stylistically sound in a formal context?
nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.We would appreciate it for you to forward the report at your earliest convenience.
B.We would appreciate you forwarding the report at your earliest convenience.
C.We would appreciate for you to forward the report at your earliest convenience.
D.We would appreciate your forwarding the report at your earliest convenience.
Correct Answer: We would appreciate your forwarding the report at your earliest convenience.
Explanation:
The verb appreciate is followed by a gerund (forwarding). In formal writing, the noun or pronoun preceding the gerund should be in the possessive case (your) to modify the gerund. appreciate you forwarding is common in speech but is stylistically inferior in formal writing.
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53The curriculum change has been met with __ resistance from the faculty; however, __ students have expressed their support.
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Hard
A.a great deal of / a few of
B.a large number of / much
C.many / a great deal of
D.a great deal of / a number of
Correct Answer: a great deal of / a number of
Explanation:
Resistance is an uncountable noun, so a great deal of is an appropriate quantifier. Students is a countable plural noun, and a number of (meaning 'some' or 'several') fits correctly. The other options incorrectly pair quantifiers with noun types (e.g., a large number of resistance or much students).
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54The diplomat was adept __ the conversation away from contentious topics without anyone __ it.
verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.at steering / to notice
B.at steering / noticing
C.in steering / noticing
D.to steer / to notice
Correct Answer: at steering / noticing
Explanation:
The adjective adept is followed by the preposition at and a gerund (steering). The preposition without is also followed by a gerund (noticing). This question tests knowledge of specific preposition-gerund collocations.
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55Which sentence contains an infinitive that does NOT express purpose?
simple infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.You need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
B.He saved his money to buy a new car.
C.She traveled to the Himalayas to find inner peace.
D.His refusal to compromise was the main cause of the breakdown.
Correct Answer: His refusal to compromise was the main cause of the breakdown.
Explanation:
In this sentence, the infinitive to compromise functions as part of a noun phrase. It specifies what kind of 'refusal' it was. It is adjectival, modifying 'refusal'. In the other options, the infinitive phrase (e.g., to find inner peace) explains the reason or purpose for the action in the main clause.
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56I would have preferred __ about the changes beforehand rather than __ them during the meeting.
complex infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.to be told / discovering
B.having been told / to discover
C.being told / to have discovered
D.to have been told / discovering
Correct Answer: to have been told / discovering
Explanation:
The structure would have preferred refers to a past, unrealized preference. It is followed by a perfect infinitive to indicate an action that would have happened even further in the past. Since the subject would be the recipient of the information, the passive voice is needed: to have been told. The phrase rather than is followed by a gerund (discovering) that is parallel in meaning to the action of being told.
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57The new legislation provides nearly __ the previous bill, targeting a wider range of small businesses.
multipliers
Hard
A.twice as much funding than
B.the funding twice as
C.twice the funding of
D.funding of twice
Correct Answer: twice the funding of
Explanation:
One correct structure for using a multiplier with a noun is multiplier + the + noun + of. Here, twice the funding of correctly compares the amount of funding in the new legislation to that of the previous bill. twice as much funding as would also be correct, but ...than is not. The other options are grammatically incorrect.
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58The defendant's lawyer went on __ that her client was not even in the city at the time, a detail she had previously neglected __.
verbs and adjectives with infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.to argue / mentioning
B.to argue / to mention
C.arguing / mentioning
D.arguing / to mention
Correct Answer: to argue / to mention
Explanation:
Go on + to-infinitive means to move to the next, different action. Go on + gerund means to continue the same action. Here, the lawyer is introducing a new point, so to argue is correct. Neglect is a verb that is followed by a to-infinitive (to mention). This question tests the subtle meaning change of 'go on'.
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59It seems that __ of the equipment is obsolete and __ of the technicians are properly trained to use the new system.
quantifiers used with countable and uncountable
Hard
A.much / little
B.most / a few
C.most / few
D.many / little
Correct Answer: most / few
Explanation:
Equipment is uncountable, so most or much can be used; most is more natural here. Technicians is countable. The sentence implies a negative situation (obsolete equipment, lack of training), making the negative quantifier few (meaning 'hardly any') the most logical choice over the more neutral a few or most.
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60His failing the final exam was a direct consequence of not __ the professor's advice to start studying earlier.
complex infinitives and gerunds
Hard
A.following
B.to have followed
C.being followed
D.having followed
Correct Answer: having followed
Explanation:
The event of failing the exam is in the past. The action of not following advice happened before the exam was failed. Therefore, the perfect gerund (having followed) is the most precise form to use after the preposition of to indicate this prior action. The negative not is placed before the gerund phrase.