Here are some English exercises to help you review for your approaching test or exam. There are sections on various parts of grammar with more coming in the future. Most of the sections include an easy level and a medium level. In our centre we have 3 to 4 levels to suit every student. Give these English exercises a try. Good luck!
Each question has one mistake. Change, replace, add, or remove only one word to correct each sentence. You may need to change the form of a word to correct the sentence. Many of the mistakes are common grammar mistakes while others are Chinglish. Good luck!
Easy Level
Hong Kong has many people.
We put the books into the cardboard box.
I always have soup for lunch on Tuesdays.
Please show me your new pencil case.
I am going to make a sandwich for you.
Sam is in big trouble for stealing the money.
Please open the door for your mother.
I broke my arm when I was only nine years old.
This is the largest dog I have ever seen!
I watched a great show on television last night.
Ashley was born on the first day of the year.
Amanda hurt her leg when she fell off her bike.
I need to go to the toilet right now!
Eating junk food is not a healthy diet.
The family got into their car and drove to the park
Medium Level
We should go home before it gets too dark.
I hope we can catch a fish for dinner today.
I really enjoy going to the beach in the summer.
My best friend moved to France last week.
We will stay at a hotel for four days next week.
Some mistakes are easier to spot than others.
My dad saw a U.F.O. flying in the sky last night.
I love eating pineapple, cherries, and watermelon.
I don’t believe that she has stolen the money.
I have already graduated from university.
We have been working hard on this project.
Have you ever been to Ocean Park before?
Do you know what it will look like when it is done?
You are always playing on your mobile phone.
We are exited about our holiday next week!
Preposition Practice
Mastering prepositions is a real challenge for students learning English as a second language as there is often no logic to prepositional usage. This is why we put a lot of effort into helping students improve their prepositional usage accuracy. Reading is one of the best ways to improve your accuracy. For each question, choose the correct preposition out of the four choices. Good luck!
Easy Level
We need to get onto the bus.
I will make a cake for my dad.
I’m looking for something to eat.
There are many books in the bag.
Please open your book to page ten
We are talking to a little boy.
This pen was made in India.
You must get ready for school.
I have many friends in my class.
We are at the bus stop.
Don’t fall down the hill.
I am at a party with my friend.
The glass fell off the table.
The kids are sitting at the table.
There is a nice song on the radio.
You can sit on the sofa.
Medium Level
I feel very sorry for your loss.
He slapped Chris in the face.
I cheer on my favourite team.
You should sit up straight.
You cannot see well in the dark.
Jess and I live on the same street.
She is in so much pain.
Students are under a lot of stress.
Ted died of cancer.
I am now in a meeting.
Don’t fall out of the tree.
Kill the germs on your hands.
We finished ahead of time.
We are just in time for lunch.
Smoking is bad for your health.
A wolf got caught in the trap.
Passive Voice Practice
In passive voice the subject always appears after the verb, while in active voice the subject appears before the verb. Passive voice can only be used with 8 of the 12 main verb tenses. It is used when the focus is on the action, it is not important to know who or what did the action, or it is unknown who or what did the action. In active voice the focus is on who or what did the action. Try to change these active voice sentences into passive voice. Good luck!
Easy Level
The chocolate cake was baked by Sarah.
The floor is cleaned by Justin regularly.
The cars are smashed by the monster at night.
The sausages were eaten by the dog this morning.
Alec’s oven was fixed by him yesterday.
Katy’s house was painted by Dion last week.
The bike was stolen last night (by someone).
My sandwich was eaten by someone!
Bob’s robot was secretly broken by Patrick last night.
The picture will be drawn by James tomorrow.
My cookies are always eaten by Cindy.
The viola is being played by Frank.
The poster will be made by Zack tomorrow.
The broccoli will be eaten by the zombie at night.
These books were made by those girls last week.
Medium Level
Tim’s kite is being flown by Grace in the park.
The pigs were being raised by Jill until she sold them.
All of these games have been created by Alan.
Kelly’s vase had just been finished by her when it cracked.
The logo will be designed by Paul next week.
Many people have been saved by Ivan in his lifetime.
Many biscuits have been baked by Josie before.
The car will have been fixed (by Jim) by that time.
Betty’s project is being finished by her now.
The truck was being used by Calvin until he sold it.
The cat was being fed (by her) when it escaped.
The table had been cleaned by Jed, but it is dirty again.
All of the lessons have been prepared by Bonnie.
The pie will have been eaten by Pat by the time we get home.
The letter had been written by Kevin, but it went missing.
Sentence Inversion Practice
Sentence inversion is used to add emphasis to our sentences and variety to our writing. Using sentence inversion can help you bring your writing to the next level which can positively impact your exam scores. Try rewriting these statements using sentence inversion. Good luck!
Easy Level
Were I you, I wouldn’t do it.
Seldom do I leave my house so early.
Seldom does Peter speak French in public.
Only now do I realize the stress he was under.
Never had Jenn stayed at such a fabulous hotel.
Seldom do I meet a person who impresses me.
Rarely have I failed to finish my homework on time.
Seldom have I seen anything more incredible!
Barely can I tolerate a liar and a thief.
Never have I been to such a wild party.
Had I been told, I would have helped.
Never before have I seen such a messy kitchen!
Only then can you regain your health.
Both my sister and I have cars.
Neither my friends nor I like sushi.
Medium Level
Nowhere before had they met such rude people.
In no way have I ever betrayed my friends.
Rarely do people appreciate this artist’s paintings.
No sooner had he eaten lunch than the fire started.
On no account should children go there at night.
It’s not a glass I need, it’s a tea cup.
Only after her death was I able to truly love her.
It’s not Katie who is a hockey player, Melody is.
Neither my sister nor I were hungry.
Hardly had she arrived, when the problems started.
Not until the fat lady sings have they won.
Not only did they give money, but also volunteered their time.
Seldom do I encounter a problem that I cannot solve.
It is Jack who thinks the question is challenging.
It wasn’t Mandy, but Sandy who broke the pan.
Reported Speech Practice
Convert these spoken sentences into indirect speech. Only one answer is given for each question, but there are often several correct answers. The suggested answers are Hong Kong secondary school model answers which often vary from what native English speakers use in daily life. These differences are explained in our education centre.
Easy Level
Mark said that he had a dog at home.
Kelly told me/said that she didn’t know how to do that homework.
Alice told Tom that her brother was older than his.
Vince told Jake that he didn’t want to go on the hike.
David said that he had never seen a better movie.
Gary told Tracy that he would be going to Kenya the following week.
Tony told me that he thought Ted would be returning the coming/that Friday
Amy told me that she would move to Egypt the/this coming February.
The dentist told me to brush my teeth twice per day.
The magician told the audience to watch his rabbit disappear.
The librarian informed me that I needed to be quiet in the library.
Kate said/told me that there had been a serious fire there the previous Friday/the Friday before.
Medium Level
Cindy told me that she needed to find out who had taken her chinchilla.
The doctor informed Bill that he would need to examine his head again.
Kelvin told Kent that they could make money by the following/coming month.
The farmer asked me if I would like to buy some fresh carrots.
The vet asked me if/whether any of my friends had a pet hamster.
Tammy asked Pam if/whether she knew how to read maps.
The barber told me that she/he could cut my hair a few minutes from now.
The painter said that he/she would finish painting my car by the following/coming Friday.
The stylist asked me how I would like her/him to cut my hair.
Alisa said that she needed to finish that dress for her mom by that night.
Ed told me that Tim had told him that Ed and I had been fighting the day before/the previous day.
Mac told me that Dan had told him that Mac and I had gone fishing the day before/the previous day.
Infinitives and Gerunds Practice
Using bare infinitives, to infinitives, and gerunds correctly can be challenging. There are some basic rules to using them, but you mostly have to memorize their usage through practice and reading. Your school text book should provide you with lists that you should memorize if you want to do well in/on your exam or test. (In British English ‘in’ a test/exam is used, and ‘on’ a test/exam is used in the U.S.A. and Canada.) Give these practice questions a try.
Easy Level
He may ( eat ) as much as he likes..
I do not ( need ) a new pencil.
It is impossible ( to tell ) if he is lying.
We like ( to go ) swimming on Sunday.
Steve hates ( going ) to parties.
I am ready (to start ) my homework.
( Fighting ) is not allowed in school.
We may ( go ) shopping today.
Henry expects ( to find ) his wallet.
It is hard ( to do ) so much work.
She had ( to go ) to the library.
It took me an hour ( to buy ) the tickets.
I should stop (eating ) so much candy.
( Seeing ) he was hurt, I called for help.
( Washing ) dishes can be fun!
It is so hard ( to use ) this machine.
Medium Level
Having ( talked ) with Tim I now understand.
Needing ( to talk ) with Fred I was looking for him.
Nelly regretted ( telling ) Vivian the news, yesterday.
I need ( to inform ) you that the exam has been moved to Friday.
He isn’t accustomed (to living ) in Paris.
Being hungry, they stopped ( to eat ) some pizza.
The project will involve ( working ) long hours.
Bill suggests ( postponing ) the game until tomorrow.
I prefer ( to go ) to the store at nine o’clock tonight.
I used ( to get ) up early, but now I get up late.
Jack and Jill stopped ( eating ) when they were full.
We are used ( to getting ) up early as we have been doing so for years.
Verb Tense Practice
Using verb tenses can be challenging. Give these questions a try to verify how well you understand the English verb tenses. In our centre we have designed several materials to help you master verb tenses.
Medium Level
I have seen the movie three times.
She has gone to Paris three times.
They were eating when the power went out.
He saw the concert last night.
I left my keys on the table earlier.
We will watch a movie tomorrow night.
The dog always lies in the yard.
She rode her bike to school last week.
They went to the museum last Saturday.
I am reading a great book right now.
He ate his lunch before the meeting started.
We play in the park every Sunday.
She met her friends yesterday.
I did my homework before dinner last night.
He plays soccer every Saturday.
She cut her hair yesterday.
They go to the beach every summer.
He is watching his favourite show right now.
Jenny baked a cake this afternoon.
Hard Level
Jamie has gone shopping four times this week.
You’re out of breath, have you been running?
I have seen that movie already.
We have prepared for our trip next month.
I am hoping to finish my project by Friday.
Next month, Tim will have been baking cakes for ten years.
She has been getting up late for months.
She has been working at her job for most of her life.
She will be flying her kite for at least two more hours.
He will be going to school for nine more years.
They have been hiking for over six hours already.
I was crossing the street when a car hit me.
I have been studying English since age three.
We will be studying in the library during lunch tomorrow.
I had been playing tennis up until I lost my arm.
We have eaten sushi many times before.
She has been singing for over two hours already.
I was walking to school when I saw the tiger.
Right now, he is working on his homework.
Next week, I will have been married for ten years!
I have owned my bicycle since I was six years old.
I will be going out to watch a film with a friend later.
Next week, I will have been teaching English for ten years!
Synonyms Practice
Synonyms are words that have the same meaning. The English language is full of synonyms, and it is important to know them as they are used a lot in both speaking and writing. Give these questions a try to see if you know these synonyms. Remember to use synonyms in your writing to vary your vocabulary.
Easy Level
Hard Level
Grammar Practice
As you know, learning English grammar is a big part of your school education. The questions in this exercise test a wide range of the grammar that you have learnt in school. Give them a try and good luck!
Easy Level
I don’t know what to do.
What time does school finish today?
I want to talk to you.
We need to call for help.
What time is it?
Ted has been working here since 2012.
Bonnie likes to make cupcakes.
I have seen that movie already.
I don’t know where he is.
The book on the table is mine.
We have a one-hour lesson.
Kim gave Tim, Jenn and me money.
I don’t know what to do.
I designed this poster for you.
To whom are you speaking?
Can we go (x) there next week?
I saw a movie the other day.
I have seen the movie three times.
I was in so much pain last night.
Shouldn’t she be doing her project?
I think she will be late today.
There are five pieces left.
I fell down while walking to the library.
I would have cried if I had failed the test.
Hard Level
I think you should know what to do.
She might be offered a job in New York?
I was watching a movie when the fire started.
I will go to (x) university next year.
The tired boy sleepily walked to the kitchen.
Bombing the building was an act of terrorism.
I disapprove of extreme violence in films.
Her school attendance is not very good.
Her hatred of homework will be her undoing.
She gave the police a description of the thief.
Do you have permission to film here?
You can only prosper if you work hard.
Do not be neglectful of your health.
Ronald persistently asked his mother for sweets.
Jake’s boss was willing to give him a raise.
Does your dog obey you?
It takes a quarter of an hour by bus.
In an ideal world poverty would not exist.
He falsely accused Jim of taking the pen.
Shouldn’t she be going to school?
Adjectives are used in a specific order in English. Developing the skill to place adjectives in the correct order is an important skill needed to become fluent in English. Unfortunately, knowing their order isn’t enough. You have to practice using adjectives in the correct order until you instinctively know what order they should appear. An activity we have developed in our centre will help you master adjectives.
Adjectives should be used in the following order:
(opinion or judgement / size / age / shape / colour / origin / material / purpose or qualifier)
Easy Level
I have a cuddly, large, white dog.
I saw a cute, young, brown fox today.
That is a scary, tall, green monster!
Paul’s stylish, new, green wallet.
Mary’s orange, school, text book.
Carla’s beautiful, new, racing bike.
Perry’s old, red, racing car.
David’s large, chocolate, birthday cake.
We saw a scary, long, black snake.
Amanda’s cute, red, sticker book.
Tom’s expensive, old, oil painting.
Amy’s new, blue, pencil case.
Stacey’s beautiful, new, purple bicycle.
Jack’s large, blue, French dictionary.
Tammy’s crazy, brown, pet donkey.
Tracy’s old, blue, farm house.
Shane’s noisy, fat, brown goat.
Hard Level
Jane’s expensive, grey, French, plastic stapler.
Brett’s reliable, little, old, blue tractor.
Lori’s cute, brown, Italian, leather shoes.
Linda’s precious, ancient, Chinese, jade Buddha.
Martin’s beautiful, small, lakeside, stone cottage.
John’s stylish, blue, metal, picture frame.
Aaron’s reliable, 1997, white, family car.
Abraham’s brown, French, cotton, dress shirt.
Alexis’s large, oval, oak, dining table.
Angela’s ancient, round, Greek, silver coin.
Derek’s state-of-the-art, new silver, toy robot.
Dion’s pricey, new, black, work truck.
Dora’s large, square, strawberry, ice-cream cake.
Samantha’s tasty, round, British, tea biscuits.
A, An, The, (X) Practice
The words ‘A’, ‘An’ and ‘The’ are called articles in English.
‘A’, ‘An’, ‘The’, and ‘(X) = no article needed)’ is a common exercise that students practice in school and are tested on. It takes considerable practice to understand which of the three articles should be used and when no article is needed, which is usually represented by (x). Give these practices a try to verify your understanding of English articles.
Medium Level
This is [ a ] one-time opportunity.
I have [ an ] X-ray of my arm.
I saw a movie [ the ] other day.
Do you have [ an ] umbrella I can borrow?
He has [ an ] orange in his lunchbox.
Mandy has also seen [ the ] unicorn I saw!
[ The ] book on the table is mine.
I found [ an ] old coin in the garden.
There is [ a ] UFO flying in the sky!
She is reading [ an ] interesting novel.
We have [ a ] one-hour lesson.
[ The ] girl over there is my sister.
They live in [ a ] large house near a park.
I will go to [ (x) ] Europe in summer.
[ The ] apple on the table is red.
I saw [ an ] alligator at the zoo yesterday.
He is [ the ] best player on the team.
He bought [ a ] new car last week.
They watched [ a ] film last night.
Can you recommend [ a ] good restaurant?
She took [ an ] hour to finish the exam.
Can you pass me [ the ] salt, please?
Where is [ the ] Atlantic Ocean?
I believe [ a ] giraffe is taller than an ostrich.
[ The ] boy over there is my brother.
[ The ] pie you bought us was delicious.
Hard Level
[ (x) ] society needs to address these issues.
Who owns [ the ] red car over there?
Jessie is [ an ] honest girl.
I will go to [ (x) ] university next year.
I am planning to buy [ a ] unicycle.
I have [ a ] euro in my wallet.
The angles of [ a ] unilateral triangle are equal.
I had [ a ] eureka moment last night.
They are [ the ] Americans we met in France.
I visited [ the ] Eiffel Tower last summer.
This is [ a ] unique opportunity for you.
Where have you put [ the ] phone charger?
We went to [ a ] beach in Florida.
I enjoy [ (x) ] classical music in my free time.
Is there [ a ] chance of rain tomorrow?
There are all types of people in [ (x) ] society.
I have never seen [ (x) ] such beautiful sunset.
Fred, I am in [ the ] living room.
Can you give me [ (x) ] advice on this matter?
Of [ the ] many colours to choose from, I pick red.
I need to find [ a ] way to solve this problem.
He is [ the ] only one who can help us.
He gave me [ (x) ] advice that I will never forget.
English Riddles
Riddles can be fun to solve. The following riddles will test both your riddle solving skills and English proficiency. Good luck and have fun.
Medium Level
A clock.
A needle.
A towel.
Tables and chairs.
A book.
A piano or a musical keyboard.
Your left hand.
Tomorrow.
A bottle.
A comb.
Hard Level
A postage stamp.
An artichoke.
A staircase.