Sentence Improvement


Direction: In the following questions, a part of the sentence is in bold. Below are given alternatives to the bold part at 1, 2 and 3 which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alter native. In case no improvement is needed, your answer is (4).

  1. How long are you working here ?









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    As the action has started in the Past and is still continuing, Present Perfect Continuous Tense will be used.
    The sentence structure will be as follows :
    ... have + Subject (you) + been + Verb + ing (working) ..... ?
    Hence, have you been working here ? is the right usage.

    Correct Option: A

    As the action has started in the Past and is still continuing, Present Perfect Continuous Tense will be used.
    The sentence structure will be as follows :
    ... have + Subject (you) + been + Verb + ing (working) ..... ?
    Hence, have you been working here ? is the right usage.


  1. I have returned the library books yesterday.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Simple Past Tense-returned is the right usage.

    Correct Option: C

    Simple Past Tense-returned is the right usage.



  1. After the letter reached me, I shall know the result.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Simple Present Tense-reaches will be used.
    The clause has started with after. In such cases, Simple Present Tense is used.
    Hence, After the letter reaches is the right usage.

    Correct Option: A

    Simple Present Tense-reaches will be used.
    The clause has started with after. In such cases, Simple Present Tense is used.
    Hence, After the letter reaches is the right usage.


  1. We spent an hour discussing about his character.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    Use of about (Prep.) is super– fluous (unnecessary)
    Hence, his character is the right usage.

    Correct Option: A

    Use of about (Prep.) is super– fluous (unnecessary)
    Hence, his character is the right usage.



  1. It is time we leave.









  1. View Hint View Answer Discuss in Forum

    The sentence structure will be as follows :
    It is time + Subject (we) + Past Verb (left) → Refers to the present moment
    Hence, left is the right usage.

    Correct Option: A

    The sentence structure will be as follows :
    It is time + Subject (we) + Past Verb (left) → Refers to the present moment
    Hence, left is the right usage.