Fill in the blanks.
1. ………………………. he wasn’t schooled, his common sense guided him through life.
We use though to connect two contrasting ideas.
2. If he were more communicative, we ……………………………… know his true feelings.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + first form of the verb in the main clause.
3. ………………………… he got a raise, he has been too complacent to work hard.
4. The tenants complained that there ……………………….. not enough hot water.
When the verb in the main clause is in the past tense, the verb in the subordinate clause too will be in the past tense.
5. The boy remained in concealment ……………………………. the bully went away.
Until refers to time; up to refers to distance.
6. Diplomas were conferred ……………………… members of the graduating class.
7. He would be a good pianist if he ………………………….. more confidence.
In the second conditional, we use a simple past tense in the if-clause and would + first form of the verb in the main clause.
8. If a pregnant woman ………………………………. not take care of herself, she can give her baby congenital defects.
In the first conditional, we use a simple present tense in the if-clause and will / can + first form of the verb in the main clause.
9. A conscientious worker arrives on time and ……………………… no mess behind him.
Parallel structure
10. The world will run out of oil ………………………… it practices conservation.
Unless is similar to if.
11. Those ………………………….. planned the rebellion were indicted for conspiracy against the king.
We use who to refer to people. Whom is used when the relative pronoun is the object of the relative clause.
12. Is that container ……………………………. to hold all the books?
Answers
1. Though he wasn’t schooled, his common sense guided him through life.
2. If he were more communicative, we would know his true feelings.
3. Ever since he got a raise, he has been too complacent to work hard.
4. The tenants complained that there was not enough hot water.
5. The boy remained in concealment until the bully went away.
6. Diplomas were conferred on members of the graduating class.
7. He would be a good pianist if he had more confidence.
8. If a pregnant woman does not take care of herself, she can give her baby congenital defects.
9. A conscientious worker arrives on time and leaves no mess behind him.
10. The world will run out of oil unless it practices conservation.
11. Those who planned the rebellion were indicted for conspiracy against the king.
12. Is that container large enough to hold all the books?
