Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Only after the announcement ___ the reason for the delay.
A. we learned
B. did we learn
C. we did learned
D. learned we
Correct Answer: B
A fronted 'Only after...' phrase triggers inversion.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Rarely ___ such cooperation between the departments.
A. we see
B. do we see
C. we do sees
D. see we
Correct Answer: B
Fronted 'Rarely' triggers subject-auxiliary inversion.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Never ___ such a difficult puzzle.
A. I solved
B. have I solved
C. I have solved
D. did I solved
Correct Answer: B
Fronted negative 'Never' requires inversion.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
He talks as though he ___ everything about the case.
A. knows in a clearly factual meaning
B. knew
C. will know
D. has know
Correct Answer: B
For an unreal comparison, a past form is commonly used.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
I would rather you ___ the matter confidential.
A. keep
B. kept
C. will keep
D. to keep
Correct Answer: B
With a different subject, 'would rather' uses a past form for present/future preference.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
It is crucial that every page ___ numbered.
A. is
B. be
C. was
D. has been
Correct Answer: B
Formal subjunctive uses the base form after expressions of necessity.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
The judge ordered that the document ___ produced immediately.
A. is
B. be
C. was
D. has been
Correct Answer: B
The mandative subjunctive uses the base form 'be'.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
If only we ___ more time now.
A. have
B. had
C. will have
D. had had yesterday
Correct Answer: B
'If only' for a present unreal situation uses a past form.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
I wish I ___ that email last night.
A. did not send
B. had not sent
C. would not send
D. do not send
Correct Answer: B
Past regret after 'wish' uses the past perfect.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
I wish I ___ more confident in interviews.
A. am
B. were
C. will be
D. have been tomorrow
Correct Answer: B
A present unreal wish takes a past form; 'were' is formal.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Should the system fail, please ___ technical support.
A. contact
B. contacted
C. would contact
D. contacting
Correct Answer: A
The main clause may be an imperative after formal 'Should...'.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Were I responsible for the decision, I ___ it.
A. will reconsider
B. would reconsider
C. would have reconsidered yesterday
D. reconsidered tomorrow
Correct Answer: B
This is an inverted second conditional.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Had we known about the closure, we ___ another route.
A. would take
B. would have taken
C. will take
D. took tomorrow
Correct Answer: B
This is an inverted third conditional.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
If she ___ before noon, ask her to wait.
A. will arrive
B. arrives
C. arrived
D. would arrive
Correct Answer: B
Future conditions use present simple after 'if'.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
If you press this button, the machine ___.
A. starts
B. will start always in zero conditional only
C. would start
D. started yesterday
Correct Answer: A
For a general operating fact, zero conditional can use present simple in both clauses.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
If they had booked earlier, they ___ cheaper tickets.
A. would get
B. would have got
C. will get
D. got tomorrow
Correct Answer: B
Third conditional uses 'would have + past participle'.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
If I ___ the answer, I would tell you.
A. know
B. knew
C. will know
D. had known yesterday
Correct Answer: B
Second conditional uses a past form for a present unreal situation.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Choose the sentence with correct modifier placement.
A. She nearly attended all the sessions.
B. She attended nearly all the sessions.
C. Nearly she attended all the sessions.
D. She attended all nearly the sessions.
Correct Answer: B
'Nearly' directly modifies 'all the sessions'.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Choose the clearest sentence.
A. The officer told the clerk after lunch he would sign the file.
B. After lunch, the officer told the clerk that he would sign the file.
C. The officer after lunch told clerk would sign he file.
D. The officer told after lunch the clerk he sign file.
Correct Answer: B
The placement of the time phrase and 'that'-clause improves clarity.
Precis & Composition
Sentence Structure and Correction
Choose the correct sentence.
A. This explanation is more clearer than the first.
B. This explanation is clearer than the first.
C. This explanation is clearest than the first.
D. This explanation more clear than first.
Correct Answer: B
Avoid the double comparative 'more clearer'.