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 current state or condition mass noun THE
to eat it. am are is were opt3 BREAD IS….
Yesterday, I _____ tardy for class
because my car wouldn't start. was were will be am opt1 yesterday = past tense Yesterday I WAS….
He had to go to the hospital understan
because he had an _____. original accident ding idea opt2 Only "accident" makes sense here.
I want to
I need to go to the bank my car cash a I need to Bank should involve MONEY. CASH a CHECK for
because…. my tooth aches needs gas check. cook lunch. opt3 the MONEY.
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 (adjective) faint = very soft (verb) faint = pass
a child's voice calling for help. loud soft constant terrifying opt2 out = black out = lose consciousness
two-word verb LEAVE = TAKE OFF past
The plane LEFT the airport at 0900. take over took on took off takes across opt3 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 ______ right now = present progressive PLURAL THE
baseball in the park. are play plays are playing playing opt3 children ARE PLAYING.
The police _____ here to arrest
you for having a low ECL. is am are was opt3 police = PLURAL THEY ARE here.
last week = past tense ireegular verb BUY
My mother _____ a used Ferrari BOUGHT BOUGHT Last week SHE BOUGHT
last week. buy bayed buying bought opt4 something.
I was born _____ August. at on of in opt4 A month by itself takes IN.
The students WERE REQUIRED
TO take another ECL test. They were = past tense. The only choice in the past is
______ do it. had to has to have to having to opt1 HAD TO. They HAD TO DO something.
It _____ twenty minutes to drive third perwson singular present tense IT
from here to the airport. takes taking was taken take opt1 TAKES….
Dust is a mass noun. THE DUST IS…. Only the
A lot of dust _____ through the progressive is possible here. The dust is DOING
open window! Close it! come is come is coming does coming opt3 something.
What comes exactly 12 hours after midnight = 12:00 at night Twelve hours later is
midnight? morning noon evening sunrise opt2 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 bus made
an abrupt stop. feel fall felt fell opt4 FALL FELL FALLEN (simple past = FALL)
When snow starts cascading down
the side of a mountain, we call it an an avalanche = snow falling rapidly down the side of a
_____. a flood avalanche a stream earthquake opt2 mountain
How did you get from your country method of transportation BY plane BY ship
to San Antonio? in plane on plane by plane of plane opt3 BY car BY taxi
The most common color for snow
is _____. black red green white opt4 Snow is white. (We hope)
unhappy = not happy = sad = depressed = about to
What is the opposite of unhappy? miserable sad angry happy opt4 cry?

Last night = past tense. Irregular verb SLEEP

Last night, I _____ for nine hours. sleep is sleeping slept is sleep opt3 SLEPT SLEPT Last night, I SLEPT….

The police _____ coming to POLICE = plural The police are. If you want a
investigate the robbery in just a singular, you can say: the policeman is The
few minutes. is were was are opt4 policewoman is…. The police officer is…..
science or nature present tense HUMANS
Humans _____ oxygen to survive. needs needing are need need opt4 (THEY) need something.
Joe bought a new car in Houston.
He paid cash for IT. The word "IT" pronoun reference He bought a car. He paid
refers to ____. Joe car cash he opt2 for IT. IT refers to the car.

No matter where you live, you "Access" is a noun. Modify it with an adjective.
need _____ access to a hospital. quickly quick quickness quickest opt2 What kind of access? QUICK access.
The teacher _____ all day
yesterday preparing new handouts yesterday = past tense third person singular
for you. work worked works working opt2 THE TEACHER WORKED….
The wind is _____ very hard. running passing blowing doing opt3 The wind BLOWS.
If you leave ice cream out in the When frozen stuff starts to warm up, it MELTS
sun, it will _____. melt freeze sneeze pelt opt1 (THAWS).
It's mine It's me possessive adjectives. It's my book. Or It's
Whose book is that? It's my. book. book. It's my book. opt4 mine. (possessive pronoun)
The Empire State Building is
located _____ New York City. in on at to opt1 Something is IN a city IN a country IN a town
If I finish my homework early,I IF clause FUTURE might = possibility
_____ to the gym and work out. will going might go are go should to go opt2 (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….
correct formation of questions action verb (mean)
present tense simple subject. This word means
What _____ this word mean? are is does do opt3 something. WHAT DOES THIS WORD MEAN?
I was unable to go to the movie Last Night = past tense. Only answer B is in the
with my friends last night. I will go. I didn't go. I won't go. I can't go. opt2 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 wade = to walk, usually with the water not higher
because it is_____. deep shallow narrow ankle-deep opt1 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 small minor error = mistake = wrong answer serious = big =
math test. great score big mistake correction problem opt2 major

Why is the baby crying? Because today is the car the food was Of these four answers, the only thing to explain a
_____. he is hungry. Saturday. won't start. good. opt1 baby's crying would be the HUNGER.

It was QUITE hot yesterday. very not a little bit not very opt1 quite = very= extremely = really
It is
The river is not wide. It is deep. It is shallow. narrow. It is frozen. opt3 Opposite of wide is NARROW.
Water freezes and becomes ICE. (Steam and
If the water is frozen, it is _____. ice hot steam boiling opt1 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 spill was in
the _____. rear nose wing cockpit opt1 tail = rea = aft = back part = (ship) stern
Yesterday, the news about the
earthquakes in Iran and Mexico yesterday = past tense THE NEWS = singular
_____ bad. are is was be opt3 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

more bigger more comparison one-syllable adjective ONE

Brazil is _____ Peru. than biggest than big than bigger than opt4 THING IS -er THAN ANOTHER.
The next book quiz will be _____
Wednesday. at on in of opt2 Day by itself takes ON.

Several soldiers _____ being plural subject future (next week) PROGRESSIVE
reassigned to this unit next week. was are am were opt2 PASSIVE THEY ARE BEING REASSIGNED….
My brother and sister _____ older
than I am. are am was is opt1 plural subject THEY ARE….
 "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
I want _____ to a movie tonight. go to go going for going opt2 verbs followed by gerunds.
A dog usually likes to chase cats,
and a cat usually likes to chase
_____. trucks horses buildings mice opt4 Cats would chase mice, not the other 3 objects.
What will you _____ tomorrow modal Put simple form after a modal. You will
night? doing do done to do opt2 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 hanging instructions or orders in the imperative
conversation, _____ the phone. hang up hung up up hanged up opt1 (You) hang up the phone.
Is this CD player very expensive? Opposite of expensive = cheap costly =
No, it is _____. cheap nice costly priceless opt1 expensive

My favorite season of the year is seasons of the year FALL = AUTUMN

AUTUMN. winter spring summer fall opt4 (Sepptember, October, November in the U.S.)

he wants
Why is Joe looking under the entertainme the car the food was hood = the part of the car that you lift up to look at
hood? Because _____. he is hungry. nt. won't start. good. opt3 the engine.
If the water is vaporized, we can vapor = steam Choices A, B, and D all involve
call it _____. ice frozen steam cold opt3 COLD. Only C involves HEAT.
If I ______ you, I would be more IF clause. Unreal present. Subjunctive. If I were
careful with my answers. was am have been were opt4 you….
The train will arrive _____ 0955. on in to at opt4 specific exact time

I have a
my tooth my elbow pain in my My shin is
I need to go to the dentist because aches. hurts ankle very sore. opt1 dentist = person who works on the TEETH.

America ________ by Columbus in was has been

1492. discover discovered discovered discovered opt3 passive voice
I have been AT DLI ________ six combined amount of time. Use "for" in these kinds
months. since during at for opt4 of present perfect sentences.

DRAPES = CURTAINS window coverings made

of cloth (fabric) NOTE: Rugs and carpets are
What color are the DRAPES in basically the same, so answers A and C cancel each
your room? rugs walls carpets curtains opt4 other out.
The boss is very ANGRY. She is
_______. upset happy handsome intelligent opt1 ANGRY = upset, not happy, not pleased
If I _____ ECL-qualified, I would
not have to do these exercises. was were am has been opt2 IF clause UNREAL present If I WERE….

If you check your dictionary, you'll find that these

Dikes, dams, and levees are all are all engineering structures constructed to hold
intended to control _____. speed temperature prices water opt4 back large amounts of water.

After certain VERBS of URGENCY, a "that" clause

The policeman ordered that Joe takes a subjunctive (simple) form. The airline agent
_____ out of the car with his hands insisted that Steve CHECK IN at the counter two
up. gets got get have to get opt3 hours prior to departure.
simple form of a verb after a MODAL WILL BE
The next ECL will _____ easy. being be being be to be opt3 MIGHT BE SHOULD BE
You are not very happy tag question If you have negative in the main
today,________? are you aren't you do you don't you opt1 clause, put affirmative in the tag.
It is not It is not
This car is very expensive. It is not old. costly. cheap. It is fast. opt2 expensive = not cheap = costly

Neither the animals nor their In a "neither--nor" structure, the verb agrees with
keeper _____ killed in the fire. were are have been was opt4 the subject part closer to it. "Keeper was"
We have to take another test on
Friday. We ______ take another
test. might should must can opt3 modals HAVE TO = MUST
You OUGHT TO see the movie
"Saving Private Ryan" as soon as
possible. You ______ see that modals ought to = should (recommendation…
movie. must have to will should opt4 advice)
The homework _____ easy last
night was is are am opt1 past tense (last night)
He stabbed his victim with a You would STAB with a knife, not with the other 3
_____. rope knife gun table opt2 objects.
I see one empty desk. Who _____ subject verb agreement One person IS absent.
absent today? be is am is being opt2 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 was
trying to _____. cheat cheer chime chore opt1 To copy someone else's answer is CHEATING.

American English is _____ British more good comparative forms GOOD BETTER BEST
English. gooder than more better better than than opt3 One thing is better than another.

Joe said that we have to be at Lab tag question Joe said…didn't he? Affirmative in
3 before 0800, _____? hasn't we didn't he did he hasn't he opt2 the main clause needs negative in the tag.
Be careful! You are _____ danger fixed expression to be IN danger. Opposite: out
if you don't leave now. in of for to opt1 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 time means not late. If you are late but you still
_____ time for the doctor to see get to do something because they waited for you,
me. on at in with opt3 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 in the morning in the afternoon in the evening
the neighborhoods _____ night. in during at on opt3 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 _____ the future. of in to on opt2 a period of time IN the past In 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
fixed expression AT once, meaning without delay,
Report to the Colonel _____ once! at on in to opt1 without hesitation
All of these prepositions
questions were written _____ Mr.
Williams. to at of by opt4 passive voice

He blamed me _____ the accident. to of with for opt4 You BLAME someone FOR doing something wrong.
We play ON a name, because our names can be
Lt. Jones wants to play _____ the written ON the team roster, ON the paper that lists
basketball team. in to on at opt3 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 fixed expression Traveling ON the road by bus or
their time _____ the road. on in of for opt1 car or van.
My leg still hurts. I can't walk He walks WITH the aid of a cane. Opposite is
anywhere _____ a cane. for to without through opt3 WITHOUT.
There are only 9 people _____ the ABOARD means to be on a large vehicle like a plane,
bus right now. along among aboard across opt3 bus, train, ship, space shuttle
Turn right _____ the next place TURN AT the sign TURN AT the traffic
intersection. on at to for opt2 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 association noun OF noun The role OF a
sergeant? to with by of opt4 leader
Please write the rough draft of in ink in pencil If you want to use "with," you have
your essay _____ pencil. with in to for opt2 to say "with A pencil."
He hit me _____ his dictionary,
and it was the first time he had The tool or weapon is given. He shot me WITH a
ever used it for anything. with to by at opt1 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 for -ing Something is used to cut Used (in
paper. for at to with opt1 order) to do something
Don't brag _____ your
accomplishments. Let other fixed expression You BRAG ABOUT something.
people do that. to since with about opt4 But you can BOAST OF or BOAST ABOUT it.
fixed expression DISAPPOINTED IN but
I am disappointed _____ you! in of to for opt1 PROUD OF

preposition of manner You do something WITH

a certain attitude WITH GUSTO WITH
I will do it _____ pleasure. to since with at opt3 RELUCTANCE WITH ENTHUSIASM
The robber snuck up _____ me If he sneaks up and touches your back, he has to be
and held a gun to my back. with behind above from opt2 BEHIND you.
It's a place, so you can be AT the place. AT school
My wife is _____ work right now. at in to on opt1 AT home
Who do you think you are---The noun OF noun structure the King OF Fools
Queen _____ England? to for at of opt4 the Governor of Texas
There was a fire _____ the library inside a specific building IN the dorms IN
yesterday. of in to for opt2 the Amigo Inn
fixed expression. Ashamed of. Opposite is proud
I am ashamed _____ myself. of to by for opt1 of.
The train travels _____ the tunnel A tunnel is like a long tube, so something travels
at 90 miles per hour. with across through for opt3 THROUGH it.
There was a body lying _____ the area IN the middle of the room IN the
middle of the road. on at to in opt4 middle of the hall

made of made from made with made out of If

This cake is made _____ eggs, you want to use "made by," it's passive: made by a
butter, milk, chocolate and nuts. of by in to opt1 person…made 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 _____ You can cook things IN or WITH butter, oil,
butter. in to for on opt1 margarine….
This sketch of my mother was
made completely ____ memory. from to of in opt1 FROM memory also - BY MEMORY
I went to Houston _____ the
weekend. by to for with opt3 for a period of time…for two days…for 48 hours
 We do things either with or without hesitation. The
The paratroopers jumped out of paratroopers are not afraid, so they do it WITHOUT
the plane _____ hesitation. for by without under opt3 hesitation.
When I neared home, I could see
that my neighbor's house was
_____ fire. in on to at opt2 fixed expression ON fire
There is no one _____ the world It's a place. IN the world INI the universe IN
who can help you now. in to of with opt1 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 hit by the train. to of onto in opt4 We are IN a car.
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.
When you give the starting point for measuring time,
Mr. Jones has been my teacher we use SINCE, especially with PRESENT PERFECT
_____ Oct 24. during for at since opt4 VERBS.
Please listen carefully _____ the
instructions. to at on with opt1 We LISTEN TO something.
The river runs _____ the old The water will pass UNDER the bridge under normal
bridge. in over above under opt4 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 The pictures are touching the surface of the wall, so
wall of his bedroom. on in at to opt1 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 _____ from family You hear FROM people when you get any kind of
lately. to from over with opt2 letter, phone call, e-mail….

He wants to go _____ school in You GO TO a school. BUT: You ATTEND (no

London. to at with by opt1 preposition) a college or university or school.
All of the passengers are ____ ON BOARD is a phrase meaning inside a larger
board the plane now. in at with on opt4 vehicle like a plane, train, bus, ship.
The teacher divided the candy
______ all the students of the Remember: BETWEEN is for TWO things. AMONG
class. between with to among opt4 is for more than TWO.

Since this is a reference to ONE SPECIFIC DAY, it

It was ____ a cool evening in late requires the preposition ON. This is a poetic-
June that I first met him. on in at with opt1 sounding way of identifying one specific day.
A submarine is designed to "Sub" is a prefix meaning "under," so it follows that
function _____ the water for long a submarine can function UNDER the surface of the
periods of time. under above during between opt1 water.
From one side to the other involves THROUGH.
That window is so dirty that I can't SEE THROUGH the fog. SEE THROUGH the dirty
see _____ it. through over to for opt1 windshield.
Lt. Tdwazjkskwxz comes _____ a
small country called Dramamania. at around from for opt3 You COME FROM a certain place.
This turns out to be a TIME question, so it is AFTER
I always take a short nap _____ class, as opposed to a PLACE preposition, "I take a
class. with after on to opt2 nap IN class."

I have been here at DLI _____ 8 When you have the total amount of time given, use
weeks. since for with during opt2 FOR in these PRESENT PERFECT structures.
He was shot twice in the back We use WITH to indicate what method, tool, or
_____ a Colt .45. with at in for opt1 instrument was used.
Water is composed _____
hydrogen and oxygen. by for in of opt4 fixed expression COMPOSED OF

I think Lt. Arroyo is ______ love fixed expression to be IN LOVE opposite: to

again. of in at from opt2 fall OUT OF LOVE with someone

He got ______ an argument with You can GET INTO certain things: into trouble
his neighbor. into of at on opt1 into an argument get into debt
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
I want another cup _____ coffee. in to from of opt4 milk

I have been here at DLI _____ Present perfect tense. When you have only the
October of last year. since for at in opt1 starting point for your measurement, use SINCE.

I have not seen a movie ____ five When you give the total amount of time, you use
or six months. since before at for opt4 FOR, especially in PRESENT PERFECT sentences.
I like my coffee _____ milk and One thing combined WITH another thing or WITH
sugar. of to for with opt4 other things.
Cities take the preposition "in." I went to school IN
He was born _____ New York City. at of in to opt3 PARIS.

When you have an exact time for something, you

Class starts _____ 0730. in to of at opt4 use "AT." The movie ended AT *:45.
My parents live _____ 253 Oak If you have the NUMBER and the street name, it
Street. on in at to opt3 takes AT.
I graduated from college _____ in on of to opt1 The year by itself takes IN.
1994.
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 nearest
town. at in to on opt2 IN the country In the city In a 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.
It would be IN or INSIDE a wallet. In a drawer. In a
Is your ID card _____ your wallet? at on in to opt3 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 near his car. in over on to opt3 ON the sidewalk. IN the street.
The children are playing _____ the IN the street It's a place with marked borders. An
street again. in on up through opt1 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 during opt4 IN a season of the year
My car is parked ______ the red We use "between" when we are taking about TWO
Toyota and the white Cadillac. under between on around opt2 specific things.
When you have a specific day indicated by
He will graduate _____ July 23. in during of on opt4 NUMBER, you use ON.
The Sears Tower is the tallest In the world In space In your imagination
building _____ Chicago. to in by at opt2 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 to some loan
sharks. at in of to opt2 IN debt opposite OUT OF debt

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:
I don't like to sit _____ Lt. Smith. besides by to at opt2 Besides German and French, she can speak English.

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
He stayed _____ bed all day. on in at along opt2 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 fixed expression You DISPOENSE WITH
exercises for now. with to of for opt1 something.
When will you retire _____ the
military? with from at by opt2 We retire FROM a job.
fixed expression AGAINST THE LAW = illegal
What you did is _____ the law. over for against along opt3 WITHIN THE LAW = legal
You VOTE FOR or you VOTE AGAINST something or
I will not vote _____ him. to for of at opt2 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 _____ us. at with for to opt4 You GIVE something TO somebody.
My neighbor was convicted _____ Fixed expression to be CONVICTED OF
car theft. of by with to opt1 First, he was CHARGED WITH the crime.
I have been in the Army ______ Present perfect. Only the starting point is given.
1993. during for since to opt3 USE SINCE.
Preposition of direction. You STARE AT POINT
Don't stare _____ strangers. It's AT LOOK AT A rhinoceros can CHARGE AT
not polite. of at to about opt2 you.
The President lives _____ 1600 The number is given along with the street name.
Pennsylvania Avenue. on in to at opt4 Use AT.
Parts of the day take IN. IN the morning IN the
My mother likes to take long walks evening IN the afternoon BUT: AT NIGHT or
_____ the evening. of since in with opt3 DURING THE NIGHT
You should not walk alone in this
neighborhood _____ night. at during from since opt1 IN the evening but AT night
That shelf is too high. You need to
stand _____ a chair to reach it. at under off on opt4 You stand ON something for added height.
Sign your name _____ block 21 at The block has a perimeter, so you put your
the bottom of this page. on in for to opt2 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 part of the day IN the morning IN the
_____ the afternoon. in at of with opt1 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 surface of the
water. above in with beneath opt4 BENEATH = UNDER = BELOW = UNDERNEATH
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 the medium, not the tool Write in pencil. Write
contract, so write your name in crayon. Don't write in blood. BUT: write
_____ black ink, not blue. in of to by opt1 WITH a pen Sign WITH a pencil.
We will provide him _____ a new
dictionary if he has lost his old
one. to of with for opt3 You PROVOIDE someone WITH something.
The only one that conveys the idea of HIDING is
The cat is hiding _____ the bed. above with to under opt4 UNDER.
What is the reason _____ his
failure? for to with by opt1 We would have a REASON FOR something.

A number can be BELOW or UNDER another

They will not qualify him because number. He can't buy alcohol; he's still UNDER 21.
his ECL is still _____ 80. to behind with under opt4 I wish I could keep my weight BELOW 165.

TRICK QUESTION? The name of the street is Fifth

Some of the best stores in New Avenue. The actual number of an address is NOT
York City are located _____ Fifth given here. The best store is located AT 645 Fifth
Avenue. at on to besides opt2 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
Booth in 1865. by of to for opt1 passive voice! An action IS DONE BY 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
You BORROW FROM someone. You can LOAN TO.
May I borrow $300 ____ you? of to by from opt4 You can LEND to.
This umbrella will not protect you
_____ heavy rain. of with to from opt4 We PROTECT FROM
Two things linked together coffee WITH cream
salad WITH dressing ice cream WITH chocolate
I ordered chicken _____ rice. of with for to opt2 sauce
noun OF noun structure…for association Queen
OF England chief OF trainees leader OF
She is the supervisor _____ Unit 6. of with around across opt1 Delta Company
fixed expression You are GOOD AT something or
I am very good _____ tennis. of at to for opt2 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 _____ time element BEFORE or AFTER doing
going to bed. at during before under opt3 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.
You GO TO school. GO TO WORK GO TO just
I went _____ high school in Ponce. of to by with opt2 about any place.
Their new business will be located Name of the street by itself. No address number
_____ Lincoln Street. at in on for opt3 given.

He stabbed me _____ a dirty WITH indicates the weapon used. Cut the bread
kitchen knife. at for by with opt4 WITH that clean knife, not WITH that dirty one.
We say ON BASE versus OFF BASE. Another
Do you live _____ base in the example would be ON a reservation versus OFF a
dorms? on at in to opt1 reservation.
The policeman showed his badge
_____ me. to at by in opt1 You show something TO someone.
There was nothing _____ the IN or INSIDE certain objects like envelopes, pockets,
envelope when I opened it. inside of to about opt1 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 IN the shade IN direct sunlight IN a specific
big tree over there. at with to in opt4 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 floor. in on to of opt2 Something is ON a certain floor of a building.
My father disapproves _____ most fixed expression APPROVE OF DISAPPROVE
of my friends. at with to of opt4 OF
May I ride _____ the airport with You GO TO a place, so you can RIDE TO a place.
you? at in of to opt4 HITCHHIKE TO a place WALK or RUN TO a place
Something and the item of measurement used for it.
A cup OF tea a slice OF bread a bouquet
I want another glass _____ milk. for to with of opt4 OF flowers
Why do you always keep your coat two-word verb KEEP (clothing) ON opposite:
_____? at on in over opt2 TAKE (clothing) OFF
The contractors are going to tear
_____ the old road and replace it The road is lying flat ON the ground, so you have to
with a modern 4-lane one. down up over off opt2 tear it UP.
I shudder _____ the thought of
giving a speech at the graduation
dinner. to for at by opt3 fixed expression You shudder AT something.
His broken nose should not have a
negative influence _____ his
ability to swim in the final race. to in on with opt3 One thing can have an influence ON another thing.
When do you think scientists will
find a cure _____ cancer? to for with of opt2 fixed expression a CURE FOR something
noun OF noun structure a champion OF human
He is an outspoken critic _____ his rights a defender OF freedom a critic OF
country's economic policies. at of to for opt2 reforms
Why is he under investigation agent under suspicion BY the police
______ the FBI? by to of in opt1 under surveillance BY the cops
_____ my opinion, we should not
have classes on Fridays. At In Of To opt2 fixed expression IN someone's opinion
He was a bad father, so the social
services agency took _____ his
children. off away up under opt2 two-word verb TAKE AWAY = remove
He has served _____ the You serve IN an organization. Serve IN the Army
government for twenty years. to on in at opt3 serve IN the Peace Corps
Did you have the right to ask that You ask something OF someone. I need to ask a
question _____ him? of through by in opt1 favor OF you.
fixed expression You do something ON purpose. =
I did it _____ purpose. in on at to opt2 deliberately
The contractors are going to tear The building is standing UP, so you have to tear it
_____ the old abandoned house. off up down over opt3 DOWN.
The paramedics arrived at the IN time, not ON time. ON time suggests there was
crash site _____ time to save an appointment. In time means they were not too
dozens of victims. on in by at opt2 late to do something.
If I tell you a secret, will you
promise to keep it _____ strictest
confidence? at of in to opt3 fixed expression to keep IN 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 He is sitting ON top of it. On a horse On a bike
_____ an old motorcycle. on by in at opt1 On a camel On a motorcycle
method of transportation BY BIKE BY
He comes to school every day HORSE but -- ON a bike on a horse (Look
_____ motorcycle. on by in at opt2 for the article "A" or "AN.")
What should I do _____ a sore treatment You do something FOR a headache.
throat? for of by in opt1 Or ABOUT a COLD.
I found a great 3-bedroom
apartment, so I'm going to move You either live ON base or OFF base. So you would
_____ base. away off toward aboard opt2 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 touching the surface ON the moon ON the
earthling to walk _____ the moon. in on to at opt2 floor On the ground
You can give an activity FOR someone give a
She gave a party _____ her class, party FOR me give a baby shower FOR my
all of whom enjoyed themselves. to of for at opt3 sister
Divide these cookies ______ all
twelve students in this class. between to around among opt4 AMONG for more than two
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 this fixed expression You are INVOLVED IN
century. in to at of opt1 something.
The troops have been standing
______ parade rest for 20 minutes. at in for to opt1 stand AT ease AT attention AT parade rest
He comes to class every morning means of transportation ON foot BUT BY
_____ foot. on in at with opt1 CAR BY BICYCLE
I think I'll take a stab _____ idiom You take a stab AT doing something. =
learning French next semester. to at on of opt2 TRY to do something
What I am asking _____ you is that
you be quiet during other people's You ASK something OF someone. What I'm
speeches. by of at with opt2 asking OF you is that you do your homework.

IN a chair (with arms) ON a chair (without arms)

My mother is the lady seated ON a sofa (because it's wide and you might not be
_____ the blue sofa in the corner. in on to of opt2 touching the arms of it).
I give up! You are _______ fixed expression BEYOND HOPE BEYOND
redemption! around across beyond over opt3 SALVATION
She is not supposed to do any
heavy lifting because she is now
"_____ child." with by of near opt1 fixed expression WITH child means pregnant.
He found himself trapped
BETWIXT a rock and a hard place. beneath behind between beyond opt3 an old-fashioned word betwixt=-between
Last night, we dined _____ lobster
and shrimp. on at to in opt1 dine on = to eat formal
I did it ______ the spur of the You do something ON IMPULSE ON the spur of the
moment. at to on with opt3 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 bull. at for from in opt3 phrasal verb to RUN AWAY FROM something

preposition of manner. HOW did he do something?

You can do something BY doing something else.
He makes a living _____ recycling He survived BY drinking melted snow for 4 days.
old newspaper and magazines. to by for against opt2 He excelled by writing a brilliant essay.

We have a certain lack _____ noun OF noun structure EXCESS of STUDENTS

discipline in this unit. for with of at opt3 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.
Here "ought not" in the main clause cannot 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
We ought not to cheat on a test, "oughtn't" in the tag. We ought to go now, oughtn't
_____? ought we should we do we will we opt2 we?

If you don't get a high score on the will have FUTURE "IF" CLAUSE. The word "next" indicates
next ECL, you _____ in trouble. will be will getting gotten are getting opt1 this. Something WILL happen….
REPORTED SPEECH. Main verb "promised" is in
Last week, he promised me that he the past, so the subsequent verb "will" must shift to
_____ attend yesterday's meeting. will was going did would opt4 past "would."

First action can be PAST PROGRESSIVE. One thing

While I ______ for the bus, it WAS HAPPENING when another action HAPPENED
started to rain. waiting wait was wait was waiting opt4 (simple past) to change or alter things.
Certain adjectives of urgency require the
subjunctive (simple form) in a direct object "THAT"
It is mandatory that Lt. Smith ____ clause. The teacher ordered that Joe do extra
in Col. Jones's office at 0730. be have to be must to be is opt1 homework.

The color red on the flag _____ symbolizing is Third person singular THE COLOR (IT) symbolizes
blood. the symbolize symbolize symbolizes opt4 PRESENT TENSE
While I was driving to work this
morning, I ____ to my new Celine was had been Two actions happening simultaneously. Both can
Dion Cassette. listen was listen listening listening opt3 be in the PAST PROGRESSIVE.
Nary a drop of rain fell at the "Nary" is a negative word. Put affirmative in the
airport last night, _____? didn't it did it is there was there opt2 tag.

"Sheep" can be singular or plural, but the word

Those sheep _____ lost. is was has been are opt4 "those" makes this usage PLURAL. THEY ARE….

In a "neither…nor" structure, if the two elements are

Neither the boss nor the workers singular and plural, make the verb agree with the
_____ working tomorrow. is has to be are have opt3 unit closer to it. The workers ARE

I am scheduled for another ECL I am, aren't I? This is a strange structure, but that's
next week, _____? aren't I amn't I will I won't I opt1 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 a baseball
bat. swing swang swung swinged opt3 irregular verb SWING SWUNG SWUNG

TAG question. YOU HAVE done something

You've lost your dictionary again, HAVEN'T YOU? If you have a helping word in the
______? haven't you have you don't you won't you opt1 main clause, repeat the helping word in the tag.
would
If I were you, I ______ call home have
tonight. will call would call called call opt2 PRESENT UNREAL "IF" CLAUSE.

By the time the firemen arrived, are Two actions in the past. The first action (in time)
the flames ______ by the had been extinguishin were will be can be PAST PERFECT. The subsequent action can
homeowner. extinguished g extinguish extinguishing opt1 be simple past.
PASSIVE VOICE. The word "by" usually indicates a
This exercise ______ by Mr. was has been passive structure. Active voice: Mr. Williams wrote
Williams. is wrote writes written wrote opt3 this exercise."
TAG question. Affirmative "can" in the main clause
takes negative "can't" in the tag. If you have a
modal or helping verb, repeat that modal or helping
He can sing well, _____? doesn't he can he can't he does he opt3 verb in the tag.

FUTURE PERFECT. I have not graduated yet. But

By the time I graduate, I ______ at will have would have by the time I do graduate, something else WILL
least 12 ECL tests. would take taken am taking taken opt2 HAVE already HAPPENED.
POLICE ARE It's plural. If you want singular,
The police _____ waiting for you in say POLICEMAN, POLICEWOMAN, POLICE
the supervisor's office. is was are has been opt3 OFFICER
The man _____ by the door is my This is a reduced clause. The man (who is) sitting
uncle. sit sitted seats sitting opt4 by the door….
You ought to go visit the Alamo. "Ought to" is a modal that means "SHOULD."
You ______ go visit the Alamo. should must have to would opt1 Advice…recommendation.
 WISH clauses work like the "IF" clauses. This is a
present unreal situation. I wish something WERE
I wish today _____ Saturday. is would be were was opt3 another way. It is not, but I WISH IT WERE.

My brother, but not his sons, The subject is "brother." Don't be confused by the
_____ coming to visit me next presence of "sons." That phrase is set off with
week. are were has been is opt4 commas and can be omitted. MY BROTHER IS….
PASSIVE VOICE. Sometimes we use "GET" 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
Because he was driving while was ARRESTED. HE GOT PROMOTED. HE GOT
intoxicated, Joe _____. got arrested was arrest arresting arrested opt1 ROBBED.
If Napoleon _____ more troops, he
might not have lost at Waterloo. had have were had had had were having opt3 IF clause. Past unreal. If he had had something….

______, I would not have gone to Have I to Reduced "if" clause. If I had been you…. Had I
that disco last night. Had I been you Was I you be you If I was you opt1 been you….

If you had been here yesterday, could have

you _______ my wife. could meet met will meet met opt4 "IF" clause. PAST UNREAL because of "yesterday."
A past continuous action interrupted by a simple
We were just sitting down to past tense verb. One thing was happening when
dinner when the phone _____. ring was ringing rings rang opt4 something else happened.
______I to become a supervisor, I If I had A reduced "IF" clause. If I were to become…. Were
would probably not enjoy it. Were If I was been Was opt1 I to become….
If Joe really _____ at the meeting
(and two people said they talked to This is a PAST REAL. It is possible he was at the
him), I didn't see him there. were has been had been was opt4 meeting. This is not an UNREAL situation.
The fire alarm STARTED RINGING
right in the middle of my speech.
The bell _____. went off went out went up went down opt1 To "go off" means to sound, explode, ring….

This is a mixed structure "IF" clause. The time

If I had not eaten so much pizza would not words "last night" and "right now" control it, so that
last night, I ________ so sick right have been I "would not be" a certain way right now if
now. would not be will not be am not being opt1 something HAD NOT HAPPENED last night.
The President can, it is widely
believed, in no way, resolve this The phrase "in no way" makes the main clause
crisis soon, _______? can't he can he is it does he opt2 negative, so the tag must be affirmative.
My mother ______ down the stairs Irregular verb. FALL. Present perfect tense. She
three times this summer. has felt has felled has fallen have fall opt3 has fallen down….
 Make the verb agree with the simple subject "price,"
not with the object of the preposition "cars." THE
The price of cars ____ increasing. is are were have been opt1 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.

"Would study" means this structure is the 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
If I _____ you, I would study more. was were am have been opt2 PRESENT UNREAL.
It is my understanding that the
subject the students in IDS enjoy "The subject" is the simple subject of this sentence.
the most _____ preposition usage. are were is am opt3 IT IS….
stopped stops
I finally got the dog _____. to stop barking barking barking stop the bark opt1 You GET somebody TO DO something. (infinitive)

Past progressive action interrupted by a simple past

tense. If "began" is a primary verb, the secondary
We were putting up our tents when began to begun the begins form can be either an infinitive or a gerund. IT
it _____. began snow snow snow snowing opt2 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)
This is a fixed structure. If need be. IF the NEED
Someone might have to stay in the should BE for something, and we reduce it to IF
office until 1800 if _____. need be need needing needs opt1 NEED BE.
I had the secretary ______ the
letter five times before I was
satisfied. retyping retypes retype retyped opt3 You have a person DO something (simple form).
IF clause present unreal I would do
would something. In this case, there is an extra modal
If I were the boss, I ______ you have to (have to) thrown in. I would have to do
extra work. will give had given give give opt3 something….
The bill ________ to you before the will be
end of the month. will be sent sending is sending sent opt1 future tense passive voice
You MAKE a phone call. Answer four is not
My children ______ too many possible (even though you can GET a phone call),
phone calls. do has make gets opt3 because "gets" would re

committed suicided committed

The captured soldier ______. did a suicide the suicide himself suicide opt4 This is a fixed expression: to commit suicide
 "Species" is either singular or plural depending on
context, and since the sentence starts out "A
A species of rare fish ____ on will be species," that means there is only one. A species
display at the Witte Museum. is are being are to be opt1 is….
A reduced "IF" clause. If it had not been for the
____________ the barking dogs, barking dogs…. We drop the "If" and reverse the
we would not have been alerted If it would Had it not Had there no subject and first auxiliary verb. HAD IT NOT BEEN
about the fire in our house. If there wasn't not be for been for been none of opt3 FOR something….

By this time tomorrow, I ______ at would

DLI for 72 hours. will have been will be have been would be opt1 Future perfect tense
passive voice structure. His mother bore (carried)
He ________ in New York City in him inside her body. He was born (by his mother).
1982. born is born borned was born opt4 Therefore, he WAS BORN.

All of the furniture ______ by the were was will have "Furniture" is a mass noun. Mass nouns take
floodwaters. is damage damage damaged been damage opt3 singular verbs.
"KUDOS" is a mass noun (like the word "news").
Kudos _____ to anyone who can Just because it ends in "s" does not make it a plural
answer all of these questions count noun. The closest synonym would be
correctly. go goes going are go opt2 "praise."

Even though "dislikes" is negative in MEANING, it

does not make the entire clause negative, so the
She likes fish, doesn't she? Yes, clause is still considered affirmative, so the tag has
but she dislikes beef, _____? does she don't she won't she doesn't she opt4 to be negative.
no yet
not start class no start the start the not the class Let's DO something. (simple form) This one is
Let's _______. yet class yet class yet start opt1 negative. Let's NOT DO something.

We can use the present tense to indicate FUTURE,

especially with transportation. Third person
singular. Phrasal verb "take off" means to leave or
The plane _____ at 0900. take off takes off is take off taking off opt2 depart. The plane TAKES OFF
Two actions in the past. One was a PAST
I _____ a shower when the phone PROGRESSIVE, interrupted by the next one in the
rang. had taking was took was taking will be taking opt3 SIMPLE PAST.

General statement about nature. PRESENT TENSE.

Horses _____ grass. eat eats are eat eating opt1 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 Third person plural PRESENT TENSE MY
dorm. lives are live living live opt4 FRIENDS (THEY) LIVE
"Right now" requires the PRESENT TENSE when we
discuss a condition or state of something. Irregular
We _____ happy right now. are was am are been opt1 verb "be" WE ARE

After a MODAL, you use the SIMPLE FORM of the

Tomorrow, I will _____home. calling called call calls opt3 verb. I WILL DO something tomorrow.

At this moment, you _______ are have do the AT THIS MOMENT requires present progressive.
questions. answer answering answer answer of opt2 You ARE DOING something.
"Last night" requires the past tense. Irregular verb
I ______ my homework last night. does do did done opt3 "do" I DID something

Current state or condition. PRESENT TENSE.

My left leg ______. hurts hurted were hurt is hurted opt1 Third person singular. MY LEG (IT) HURTS
PRESENT TENSE. Third person plural THE
The students _____ homework. are liking like likes does like opt2 STUDENTS (THEY) LIKE something
will "Next week" requires FUTURE TENSE. HE WILL
Pvt. Jones _____ next week. graduate graduated graduate is graduate opt3 GRADUATE
"Now" needs the PRESENT TENSE here. First
I _____ to go home now! wants wanting am want want opt4 person singular. I WANT
Plural subject. Present tense. THESE BOOKS
These books _____ heavy. was is am are opt4 (THEY) ARE….\
We _____ a lot of songs at last "Last night" requires the PAST TENSE. Irregular
night's party. sing was sing sang were sung opt3 verb "to sing" WE SANG
"Last night" requires PAST TENSE. Irregular verb
I _____ a good movie last night. see will see saw was seen opt3 "see" I SAW something

A general truth about science, nature, or geography

is stated in the PRESENT TENSE. Third person
Paris _____ the capital of France. is are is being were opt1 singular of the "be" verb. PARIS IS
Lt. Smith _____ his homework last "Last night" requires PAST TENSE. HE DID
night. do has did did done opt3 something. Irregular verb "do"
Third person singular present tense. HE WORKS
My brother _____ in a bank. work working is work works opt4 there at this time.

Time words "last week" require PAST TENSE.

I _____ a new car last week. buy bought buyed was buy opt2 IRREGULAR VERB "to buy" I BOUGHT
are Time words "right now" require PRESENT
We ______ right now. studies are study studying studying opt3 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 gone opt1 The time word "tomorrow" needs FUTURE TENSE.

You see and hear people "do" or "doing" something,

but in this case we can't put the verb "shoot" in the
I saw the old man fatally _____ "-ing" form because it was not a continuous act; it
himself once through the heart. shooting shot shoot shooted opt3 was instantaneous.
Steve and Joe ______ students. is was are been are opt4 Present tense. Plural subject. THEY ARE
The number of students Stancovia "the number" = singular The number of students
_____ decreasing. have is are were opt2 from Puerto Rico IS increasing.
A number of students _____ "a number" = plural A number of cars ARE
waiting to see the supervisor. are is has been was opt1 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 would will have Reduced "if" clause. Present unreal. If I were he =
night. will study studies study studied opt3 Were I he.
It _____ too hot to play soccer "Right now" with weather and time takes simple
right now. is am are were opt1 PRESENT TENSE. IT IS

There ______ a series of bad would have "A series" is singular. There was a series…. There
accidents on Loop 410 yesterday. is was has been been opt2 were several series….
When I was a child, I _____ watch To have done something in the past but not now, we
tv eight hours per day. was used to used to am used to was used to opt2 can use the modal "used to."

PAST PERFECT. Two actions are in the past, 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
I _____ English before I came to had not did no the first helping verb. I HAD NOT DONE something
DLI. studied do not study study was not study opt1 bef
Because of the rain, the would
Commandant _____ the parade. cancel is cancel cancel will cancel opt4 FUTURE. He hasn't done it yet. HE WILL DO it.
When you finally get back home, IMPERATIVE. A request. "You" is omitted from the
please _____ me a postcard. to send send sent be sent opt2 main clause.

Plural subject. Even if you don't know what

"siblings" are, you can pick the verb "like." THEY
Siblings _____ to quarrel with LIKE something. Siblings are brothers and sisters.
each other. likes are like like are liking opt3 "Joe doesn't have any siblings."
First, I ate breakfast; then, I _____ Two simple actions in the past, one after the other.
my family. call do call was call called opt4 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….
 Sometimes we can use PAST PROGRESSIVE to
indicate a continuous action in the past that was
Before I came to DLI, I _______ changed or altered in some way by a subsequent
English for 5 months. study was study studied am studying opt3 action in the simple past.
Advice. "Should" is a common modal when giving
should would have advice. If these questions are too easy, you
If you are tired, you ______. would rest must to rest rest rest opt3 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
"News" = singular, although it ends with an "s."
The news about the storms _____ Make the verb agree with "news," not with "storms."
bad. is were are have been opt1 THE NEWS IS….

That car _____ better than this You are talking about something in the present.
one. look looks is look will looking opt2 Third person singular. THAT CAR (IT) LOOKS….

The mumps _____ a strange Although ending in "s," the word "mumps" is treated
disease. were am are is opt4 as a singular, especially when called "a disease."
I ______ my homework later "Later tonight" requires FUTURE TENSE. I WILL
tonight. does will doing have did will do opt4 DO something
The police _____ here to arrest "Police" = PLURAL THEY ARE THE POLICE
you. is was are has been opt3 ARE

be will should "Right now" requires PRESENT PERFECT. Subject

I _____ right now. studying am studying study studied opt2 "I" requires AM. I AM DOING something

If it rains tomorrow, I ______ would have must "IF" clause. FUTURE. Simple present in the "IF"
home. will stay stay staying stayed opt1 clause…FUTURE in the main clause.
We can express the FUTURE TENSE with the
is PRESENT PROGRESSIVE. Something IS
My friend _____ tomorrow. graduate graduating graduated graduation opt2 HAPPENING tomorrow.

Here, the "already" requires PRESENT PERFECT. I

I _____ that movie already. see seen seed have seen opt4 HAVE DONE something already.
Tag question. Affirmative in the main clause
He likes Texas, _____? don't he doesn't he do he does he opt2 requires negative in the tag.

"Right now" requires PRESENT PROGRESSIVE.

Right now, the baby _____. sleep is sleep is sleeping have slept opt3 The baby IS DOING something.
"IF" clause. Present unreal. I do not have the
money, but IF I HAD IT…. A modal like "would"
If I had a million dollars, I _____ a would requires SIMPLE FORM after it. I WOULD BUY
new car. will buy bought bought would buy opt4 something.
 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 _____ my favorite Rice and beans is my favorite meal. Chicken and
dish. is are will been am opt1 rice is wha
Two simultaneous actions in the past. They are
While I was reading the paper, the were occurring at the same time. PAST PROGRESSIVE
children ______ outside. play have played playing was play opt3 for both.

GOGGLES = protective eye coverings, used when

Why did Lt. Smith wear to protect to hold his to appear swimming, working with certain machinery, part of a
GOGGLES? to stay warm his eyes pants up taller opt2 safety uniform in dangerous jobs
MAIMED = seriously wounded, perhaps the loss of
After the accident, he was severely an arm or leg, perhaps with severe disfigurement
MAIMED. killed injured dead okay opt2 (damage to the face)
An octopus is so-named because The eight "arms" of the octopus are called
it has eight _____. tentacles eyes ribs mouths opt1 TENTACLES.
If he broke his THUMB, where THUMB = one of the five fingers on the hand. One of
does he feel the most pain? his foot his head his toe his hand opt4 the "digits" on your hand.
on the
The gym is located BEYOND the farther side
post office. on this side of of beneath too far from opt2 BEYOND = past, on the far side of

SPRING CHICKEN = young (as young as a chicken

My aunt is no spring chicken. born during the most recent spring) Always in the
She is not ______. smart young popular rich opt2 negative. NO spring chicken = NOT young

There was a big CROWD at the group of

restaurant last night. fire riot people meal opt3 CROWD = large group of people,
TIGHTWAD = stingy, miserly, doesn't want to spend
his money. (Wants to keep all of his paper money
He is a TIGHTWAD. He is argumenta rolled in a tight wad, without ever having to spend
_______. ugly stingy tive silly opt2 any of it.)

Pvt. Jones has to report to the whenever as late as he PROMPTLY = right away, immediately, no delay, as
Captain PROMPTLY. right away he wants to eventually wants to opt1 soon as possible

The torso is the trunk of your body, the main part

Which of the following is not an excluding the legs, arms, neck and head. The brain
organ located in the torso of the is in the head; the other three are in the trunk or
human body? the liver the kidner the brain the heart opt3 torso of the body.
 prohibit
His parents FORBID him to smoke encourage him from PROHIBIT = forbid, not allow, refuse to give
or drive yet. They _____ it. allow him to do him to do doing let him do opt3 permission to do something

The KNEE is to the LEG as the The knee is the joint in the middle of the leg, just as
______ is to the ARM. wrist elbow ankle hip opt2 the ELBOW is the joint in the middle of the arm.

not STINGY = miserly = not generous = doesn't want to

My brother is very STINGY. tall smart generous handsome opt3 help others

means of
What is the main CROP of your agricultural transportatio
country? tourist site product city n opt2 CROP = something grown for harvesting
DUCT = a tube, channel, or pipe for the passage of
Hot and cold air is conveyed liquids or air. What did the ancient Romans use an
through a _____. hook duct crank tablet opt2 AQUEDUCT for?

We need to get our FURNACE heating FURNACE = a large device designed to heat a
repaired. air-conditioner vehicle window device opt4 building.
That kind of problem really
ANNOYS me. bothers pleases interests entertains opt1 ANNOY = bother = irritate = vex = make unhappy
STARE = to look at something or someone for a long
Don't STARE AT him like that. talk to play with look at touch opt3 period of time
POWDER = fine dust It can be legal medicine
(headache powders, foot powder, talcum powder,
The police found a white POWDER baby powder)…makeup (face powder) or DRUGS
in his suitcase. fine dust animal thick liquid shoe polish opt1 (cocaine, heroin)
The villagers had to FLEE their FLEE = run away from = escape from FLEE
homes. clean repair protect escape from opt4 FLED FLED

buy things…
Don't GRIPE so much. eat complain drink spend money opt2 GRIPE = complain = say negative things = kvetch

much too extremely

The road is STEEP. greatly inclined narrow very wide bumpy opt1 STEEP = greatly inclined…far from level
sour = bad = not good = gone bad (for milk) SOUR
(for lemon or lime) means TART, TANGY, "attacks"
The milk tastes SOUR. unpleasant delicious sweet good opt1 the tongue

young and
I'm not DEAF. unable to hear immature helpless ignorant opt1 DEAF = cannot hear
 only a an
We have AMPLE supplies for the more than small insufficient
next few months. enough no amount amount opt1 ample = quite sufficient = a lot = enough = abundant

His jeans are FADED. They have lost are are loose and FADE = losing the color, colorsa are not bright like
___________. are tight some color worthless baggy opt2 they used to be

INFLAMMABLE = will burn. IN- is not a negative

This liquid is INFLAMMABLE. It prefix here. It means the liquid is capable of going
_______. will not burn. is potable. is costly. will burn. opt4 up IN FLAMES. The negative is NONFLAMMABLE.
We SPOTTED the enemy sniper at
a sixteenth-floor window. detected drew shot sent opt1 TO SPOT = to see, to detect, to discern at a 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 FIB = to tell a lie, not tell the truth, a "little lie," not a
done his homework. laughed stuttered cried lied opt4 serious untruth
What would you use to SWEEP the
floor? a faucet a brake a broom opt4 BROOM = a device used when you SWEEP an area
If one car bumps into another one, DENT = slight damage, especially to metal, when it is
it will leave _____. a dent a lap a shield a tray opt1 hit by something
My brother is not very TRUSTWORTHY = deserves to be trusted,
TRUSTWORTHY. wealthy happy intelligent dependable opt4 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 soup small pieces CRUMBS = small loose pieces of dry food like bread,
and tie. little pictures fallen hairs stains of bread opt4 cookies, pizza crust, crackers….

forgets
Joe CATCHES ON really fast, receives the disagrees learns important two-word verb TO CATCH ON = to learn, to
doesn't he? ball with you things details opt3 understand, to comprehend
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 = yell…in a very loud voice
rust = the reddish-brown (almost orange) oxidation
What is the most common color of reddish- that can form on metal when it's exposed to
RUST? black brown purple pinkish-white opt2 moisture.

The ECL will START at 0745. end conclude begin wind up opt3 start = begin = commence

heavy raging
There was a BLIZZARD last night. light shower snowstorm flood mild breeze opt2 blizzard = a lot of snow driven by strong winds
 An AISLE is a long narrow space between chairs,
You must keep the AISLE clear. surface walkway sofa fence opt2 usually in a theater, in a church, in an auditorium….
We had to dig a TRENCH to drain
off the standing water. long ditch deep hole steep hill wide pond opt1 A TRENCH is a long narrow ditch
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, The SKULL is the round protective BONE area
where is the heaviest damage? the head the foot thewrist the knee opt1 covering and protecting your BRAIN.
STARVING means very hungry, to the point of
I am STARVING. hungry bored lonely angry opt1 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 time for

of CLOUT. power duties money socializing opt1 CLOUT = power, influence
I brought you a BUNDLE of BUNDLE = package, stack (usually tied neatly with a
newspapers. package lane tub dent opt1 rope or string)
What are the TRAITS of a good characteristi backgroun potential
leader? requirements cs ds rewards opt2 TRAITS = distinguishing characteristics

fell off a died in the was stabbed

He DROWNED. He _______ died in water. mountain. dry desert. with a knife. opt1 DROWN = to die by suffocation in liquid
How can you ACCOUNT FOR his compete to account for = explain = give reasons for why
low test scores? endure with stand explain opt4 something is the way it is
The entire meal, including drinks got on
and tip, AMOUNTED TO $512. chipped in came to with took after opt2 AMOUNT TO =COME TO numerical totals

The SHIN is part of the leg, the front part between

near the among the the knee and the foot. Do not confuse it with CHIN,
Where is your SHIN? near the mouth on the leg backbone ribs opt2 which is part of your face.
There was a SURGE in student quick slight
enrollment. rapid increase decrease change steady falling opt1 surge = a sudden, strong increase

He SHATTERED the mirror. sold borrowed hid broke opt4 to shatter is to break something, especially glass
The CORE is the centerof something. The core of
Don't eat the apple CORE. peel stem leaf center opt4 the earth is very hot.
I got DRENCHED last night as I
was walking home from the
movies. soaked lost dizzy lonely opt1 DRENCHED means very very wet…saturated.

The KNUCKLES are joints in your fingers. Have you

Where are your KNOCKLES in your ever been socked in the jaw by someone who was
located? in your fingers in your ears eyes in your lungs opt1 wearing BRASS KNUCKLES?
 chipped
injured his poked out his front hurt his LAME means walking with difficulty because of
Why is Joe LAME? He________ ankle. his eye. teeth. fingers. opt1 problems with a leg, a foot, an ankle, the toes.

LOOT is something valuable--money, treasure,

The pirates buried their LOOT. dead comrades weapons treasure food supply opt3 jewels, gold, etc.
The bow is the front end of a ship. Rear and aft refer
The Captain is standing at the to the back part of a ship. The galley is the kitchen
BOW of the ship. rear aft galley front end opt4 of a ship.

The floor is covered with dead spilled small pieces SPINTERS are very small pieces of wood, created
SPLINTERS. water flowers food of wood opt4 when you are whittling, sawing, chopping….

HOIST is to raise something up in the air. You

It's time to HOIST the flag. lower replace raise repair opt3 HOIST a flag. A crane can HOIST cargo.

It is RISKY to do that. safe wise proper dangerous opt4 risky = dangerous = hazardous = unsafe
His behavior has been rather ERRATIC = not consistent, changing wildly and
ERRATIC lately. polite interesting irregular frightening opt3 quickly
He INJURED his left ankle. cured hurt repaired x-rayed opt2 INJURE = to hurt
I SENT FOR Mariah Carey's new ordered by SEND FOR = to order something through the mail
CD. loaned out borrowed mail threw out opt3 system

What is the usual color of most MUSTARD = a yellow "sauce" that we sometimes put
MUSTARD? white red blue yellow opt4 on our hamburgers and hot dogs
Some children openly DEFY their DEFY = oppose, refuse to obey, go against the
parents. support resemble oppose love opt3 orders of

That's the way the cookie falls into rises as it has a good increases in
CRUMBLES. pieces bakes flavor price opt1 CRUMBLE = to fall into little pieces
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 TAKE IN = understand, absorb in the brain,
information at once. say understand translate transmit opt2 comprehend
I cannot STRESS how important
vocabulary is on the ECL test. understand explain emphasize agree opt3 STRESS = emphasize, highlight

My brother is going to RUN FOR campaign for do exercise loan

mayor next year. office with money to argue about opt1 RUN FOR = to try to win a political office or position

He REJECTED my offer. accepted refused repeated approved of opt2 REJECT = REFUSE, turn down, say "no" to
I'm very PERPLEXED about PERPLEXED = confused, not understanding, baffled,
tomorrow's assignments. confident certain happy confused opt4 needing an explanation
 I disliked the I loathed the I thought it TERRIBLY = AWFULLY, extremely, quite, very (The
The movie was TERRIBLY GOOD. movie. movie. was awful. I liked it a lot. opt4 key word here is "good," not "terrible.")

SCENERY = scenes of natural, expecially the

The SCENERY in Northern sporting shopping mountains and trees, hills and vast skies, rocks, all
California is beautiful. natural views theaters arenas centers opt1 the colors grouped like a picture.
I'm very FOND OF chocolate ice can't
cream. I ______. don't like it love it afford it can't stand it opt2 FOND OF = love something like it a lot

sudden, long, ABRUPT =very quick, fast, unexpected,

The taxi made an ABRUPT stop. unexpected slow, steady calm, easy comfortable opt1 discomforting

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 breakfast? orange juice milk coffee gasoline opt4 GASOLINE is fuel. Beverages are liquids you drink.
TIED = to be even, to be the same. The score was
The score was TIED at the end of undetermine inconsequent TIED at 2-2. His home run in the eleventh inning
regulation time. lopsided d even ial opt3 finally broke the 3-3 tie.

What does water do a 212 degrees

Fahrenheit? It thaws. It freezes. It boils. It condenses. opt3 Water boils at 212 degrees F (100 degrees C.).

He FLUNKED the test. wrote passed corrected failed opt4 FLUNK = fail…not pass
The Green Team DEFEATED the surrendered DEFEAT = BEAT. The Green Team WON the game.
Orange Team. won lost beat to opt3 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 HILARIOUS = funny, amusing, makes you laugh out
HILAARIOUS. too long boring funny sad opt3 loud

to make things and people because he

He is leaving here FOR GOOD. better forever are happy did well opt2 FOR GOOD = forever, for always
I hope you have the transportatio
OPPORTUNITY to visit the Alamo. time chance money n opt2 OPPORTUNITY = chance, occasion
I am PLEASED with the results of
the test. happy uninformed unhappy angry opt1 PLEASED = happy, not angry, very satisfied
The policeman CAUTIONED him
about speeding. ticketed warned arrested handcuffed opt2 CAUTION = WARN, verbal admonition

I look forward I anticipate I can't wait to DREAD = mixture of fear and hatred, strong
I DREAD going to the dentist. to it. I hate going. going. go. opt2 reluctance based on fear
 land and stocks and
My uncle deals in REAL ESTATE. minerals property bonds farm animals opt2 REAL ESTATE = land and property, buildings

Which of the following can HOVER = to stay in the air in one stationary place
HOVER? a train a taxi a missile a helicopter opt4 (for a while)

RAW = uncooked, not cooked at all rare = cooked

I do not like RAW turnips. rare big uncooked stale opt3 a little bit

I RAN INTO an old friend of mine took a met by ignored

at Ingram Mall. hit with my car picture of chance completely opt3 TO RUN INTO = MEET BY CHANCE

I RARELY go to movies during the from time RARELY = SELDOM, not very often, only once in a
weekend. seldom usually to time often opt1 blue moon
let
I DROPPED OFF during the history fell out of a something DROP OFF = to fall asleep (while sitting up in a
lecture. chair died fall fell asleep opt4 chair)
If you DOUBLE THE RADIUS of a
circle, you get the _______. circumference curve tangent diameter opt4 RADIUS = half of the diameter
I want you to THINK OVER that job THINK OVER = consider, think about it seriously,
offer before you say "no." refuse forget accept consider opt4 don't refuse it yet

listen to sleep too eat harmful EAVESDROP = secretly listening in on someone

Don't EAVESDROP. shoplift private talk much foods opt2 else's supposedly-private conversation
He will TRANSFER OWNERSHIP TRANSFER OWNSERSHIP = turn over, pass the
OF his business to his oldest son legal ownership to, pass the responsibility to
next month. turn down turn into turn over turn on opt3 someone else

Let's TALK this OVER tomorrow. rewrite it veto it discuss it think about it opt3 TALK something OVER = discuss it

arguing with exploring studying in QUARREL = argue, verbal fighting, disagreeing

My kids are always QUARRELING. playing politely each other the yard their rooms opt2 loudly
WRECK = destroy, ruin completely, can't be used
My brother WRECKED his car. destroyed sold repainted loaned opt1 any more
He was REARED in Ponce by his REAR = raise a child, bring a child up, help a child
grandparents. looked over brought up called up carried out opt2 develop
We reached the SUMMIT of the base peak side foothills opt2 SUMMIT = peak, highest point, the top point, apex
mountain after 9 hours of
climbing.
The Captain REPRIMANDED Lt.
Jones during the company REPRIMAND = call down, scold, chew out, say very
formation. called up called off called on called down opt4 negative things to
COARSE = rough, not smooth, very grainy to the
This sandpaper is very COARSE. smooth expensive common rough opt4 touch
I cannot ACCEPT any additional
duties at this time. take on get across bring back stand by opt1 TAKE ON = accept, agree to perform extra work
What color should a RIPE RIPE = mature, ready to be picked and eaten
STRAWBERRY be? white light green red black opt3 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 play. thought up tried on called for loooked up opt1 THINK UP = create, invent, make 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 THEREFORE = THUS, so, as a result, because of
couldn't compete in the race. yet however since thus opt4 this, consequently
We always STORE our sweaters STORE = put away, put in storage, put out-of-sight,
and coats during the summer. take off put away throw out keep on opt2 maybe in the closet or in a trunk
There was a TRACE of gunpowder a tiny
on his finger. a huge amount smell amoount a lot opt3 TRACE = a very small amount of somethikng
The police found a corpse behind military
the Rialto Theater. killer dead person person vehicle opt2 CORPSE = dead person, body (dead body)
Where did you PICK UP those bad learn at PICK UP = learn randomly, acquire, gain by being
words? select raise random spell opt3 exposed to