Grade 9 English Grammar Quiz: Test Your Language Skills

1. ______________________ in magic?

Are you believing

Do you believe

Have you believed

Would you believe

Will you believed

The given correct answer is "Do you believe." This is because the question is asking about the person's belief in magic, and the correct way to phrase this question is by using the present simple tense, which is "Do you believe." This form is used to ask about general beliefs or opinions.

Explanation

The given correct answer is "Do you believe." This is because the question is asking about the person's belief in magic, and the correct way to phrase this question is by using the present simple tense, which is "Do you believe." This form is used to ask about general beliefs or opinions.

2. This soup isn't ___________________ to eat yet.

Warm enough

Very warm

Too warm

Much warmer

The warmest

The correct answer is "warm enough." This option accurately conveys that the soup's temperature is insufficient for eating. It implies that the soup needs to be heated further to reach a desirable temperature. The other options don't fit the context. "Very warm," "too warm," "much warmer," and "the warmest" all suggest that the soup is already warm or even excessively hot, which contradicts the sentence's intended meaning that it's not yet ready to eat.

Explanation

The correct answer is "warm enough." This option accurately conveys that the soup's temperature is insufficient for eating. It implies that the soup needs to be heated further to reach a desirable temperature. The other options don't fit the context. "Very warm," "too warm," "much warmer," and "the warmest" all suggest that the soup is already warm or even excessively hot, which contradicts the sentence's intended meaning that it's not yet ready to eat.

3. Traveling to a foreign country has _____________ positive and negative aspects.

Both

Neither

Also

Either

Not only but also

Traveling to a foreign country has both positive and negative aspects. This means that there are advantages and disadvantages to traveling to a foreign country. It implies that there are positive aspects such as experiencing new cultures, trying different cuisines, and exploring new places, but there are also negative aspects such as language barriers, cultural differences, and potential safety concerns.

Explanation

Traveling to a foreign country has both positive and negative aspects. This means that there are advantages and disadvantages to traveling to a foreign country. It implies that there are positive aspects such as experiencing new cultures, trying different cuisines, and exploring new places, but there are also negative aspects such as language barriers, cultural differences, and potential safety concerns.

4. Certain gas emissions negatively affect the ozone ________________.

Cape

Sheet

Film

Layer

Deposit

Certain gas emissions negatively affect the ozone layer. The ozone layer is a protective layer in the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. When certain gasses, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are released into the atmosphere, they can break down ozone molecules, leading to a thinning of the ozone layer. This thinning allows more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Explanation

Certain gas emissions negatively affect the ozone layer. The ozone layer is a protective layer in the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. When certain gasses, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), are released into the atmosphere, they can break down ozone molecules, leading to a thinning of the ozone layer. This thinning allows more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

5. Let's ask Nicolas __________________ for his birthday.

He wants

Does he want

What he wants

What does he want

He doesn`t want

The correct answer is "what he wants." This option forms a grammatically correct and meaningful question, inquiring about Nicolas's desires or preferences for his birthday. The other options are incorrect because they either create incomplete sentences or grammatically incorrect questions. "He wants" and "he doesn't want" are statements, not questions. "Does he want" is an incomplete question, and "what does he want" has an incorrect word order for an embedded question.

Explanation

The correct answer is "what he wants." This option forms a grammatically correct and meaningful question, inquiring about Nicolas's desires or preferences for his birthday. The other options are incorrect because they either create incomplete sentences or grammatically incorrect questions. "He wants" and "he doesn't want" are statements, not questions. "Does he want" is an incomplete question, and "what does he want" has an incorrect word order for an embedded question.

6. I regret that I __________ those shoes; they hurt my feet.

Bought

Didn’t buy

Tried on

Have worn

The regret expressed about buying shoes is best conveyed with "bought" because the action of buying caused immediate discomfort. The past simple tense indicates a completed action, and the regret shows that the speaker wishes they had made a different choice at the moment of purchase. "Didn’t buy" and "tried on" imply an action they didn’t take or something that was temporary. "Have worn" refers to a longer period of time rather than a single instance of regret. "Bought" precisely identifies the key action causing the regret, fitting the context perfectly.

Explanation

The regret expressed about buying shoes is best conveyed with "bought" because the action of buying caused immediate discomfort. The past simple tense indicates a completed action, and the regret shows that the speaker wishes they had made a different choice at the moment of purchase. "Didn’t buy" and "tried on" imply an action they didn’t take or something that was temporary. "Have worn" refers to a longer period of time rather than a single instance of regret. "Bought" precisely identifies the key action causing the regret, fitting the context perfectly.

7. Dinner will be ready by the time you _____________ home.

Have come

Will come

Come

Comes

Will have come

The correct answer is "come." This sentence uses a time clause ("by the time you come home") to indicate a future point when the dinner will be ready. In such constructions, the simple present tense ("come") is used in the time clause, even though it refers to a future action. The other options are incorrect because they use future tenses or inappropriate verb forms that don't align with the grammatical rules for time clauses.

Explanation

The correct answer is "come." This sentence uses a time clause ("by the time you come home") to indicate a future point when the dinner will be ready. In such constructions, the simple present tense ("come") is used in the time clause, even though it refers to a future action. The other options are incorrect because they use future tenses or inappropriate verb forms that don't align with the grammatical rules for time clauses.

8. Mike's house was ______________________ last night. Someone spray painted on his front door.

Cheated

Robbed

Vandalized

Burglarized

Stolen

The correct answer is "vandalized." Vandalism specifically refers to the defacing or damaging of property, which aligns with the action of spray painting on Mike's front door. While "robbed" and "burglarized" imply theft, and "stolen" describes the act of theft itself, neither accurately reflects the scenario presented. "Cheated" is unrelated to property damage.

Explanation

The correct answer is "vandalized." Vandalism specifically refers to the defacing or damaging of property, which aligns with the action of spray painting on Mike's front door. While "robbed" and "burglarized" imply theft, and "stolen" describes the act of theft itself, neither accurately reflects the scenario presented. "Cheated" is unrelated to property damage.

9. Who was responsible for closing the shop last night?

Tim

John

They both were

Neither was

Both Tim and John were responsible for closing the shop, as the correct answer is "They both were." This suggests a shared responsibility between them, and it’s logical that the task might require two people depending on the shop’s size or procedures. If only Tim or John were responsible, the other answers ("Tim" or "John") would suffice, but the phrase "both" clarifies that it was a joint effort. "Neither" would imply neglect or no action, which isn’t the case here, making "They both were" the most fitting response.

Explanation

Both Tim and John were responsible for closing the shop, as the correct answer is "They both were." This suggests a shared responsibility between them, and it’s logical that the task might require two people depending on the shop’s size or procedures. If only Tim or John were responsible, the other answers ("Tim" or "John") would suffice, but the phrase "both" clarifies that it was a joint effort. "Neither" would imply neglect or no action, which isn’t the case here, making "They both were" the most fitting response.

10. Who won the tournament? Both teams ______________________ for first place.

Tie

Tied

Will tying

Had tied

Won

The correct answer is "tied." In this context, "tied" is the past tense of the verb "tie," indicating that the two teams finished the tournament with the same score or ranking, resulting in a shared victory. The other options don't fit the grammatical structure or the scenario described. "Tie" is the present tense, "are tying" is the present continuous, "had tied" is the past perfect, and "won" implies a clear victor, which contradicts the context of a shared first place.

Explanation

The correct answer is "tied." In this context, "tied" is the past tense of the verb "tie," indicating that the two teams finished the tournament with the same score or ranking, resulting in a shared victory. The other options don't fit the grammatical structure or the scenario described. "Tie" is the present tense, "are tying" is the present continuous, "had tied" is the past perfect, and "won" implies a clear victor, which contradicts the context of a shared first place.

11. Which sentence uses the word "complement" correctly?

The red scarf is a nice complement to her outfit.

The chef received many complements on his delicious meal.

The complement of students in the classroom was 25.

The ship's complement was made up of experienced sailors.

The word "complement" means something that completes or enhances something else. In the context of the sentence, the red scarf enhances the outfit, making it look more complete and stylish. The other options use "complement" incorrectly, highlighting the importance of understanding the subtle differences in meaning between similar-sounding words.

Explanation

The word "complement" means something that completes or enhances something else. In the context of the sentence, the red scarf enhances the outfit, making it look more complete and stylish. The other options use "complement" incorrectly, highlighting the importance of understanding the subtle differences in meaning between similar-sounding words.

12. I wish I _________________ that second piece of cake. I had a stomach ache all night long.

Would not eat

Had not eaten

Did not eat

Wasn't eating

Could not eat

The correct answer is "had not eaten." This is because the phrase "had not eaten" is in the past perfect tense, indicating that the action of not eating the second piece of cake occurred before the stomach ache. This suggests that if the person had not eaten the second piece of cake, they might not have had a stomach ache.

Explanation

The correct answer is "had not eaten." This is because the phrase "had not eaten" is in the past perfect tense, indicating that the action of not eating the second piece of cake occurred before the stomach ache. This suggests that if the person had not eaten the second piece of cake, they might not have had a stomach ache.

13. By the time the sun sets, we __________ the work.

Will have finished

Are finishing

Have finished

Finish

By the time the sun sets, the work "will have finished" is the correct future perfect tense, indicating that the work will be completed before a specified future event (the sunset). This tense is used to show that an action will be completed at some point in the future. "Are finishing" implies the work is currently in progress, while "have finished" and "finish" are incorrect because they imply the action has already happened, not something that will conclude before sunset. The future perfect tense fits best, given the future deadline provided by the sunset.

Explanation

By the time the sun sets, the work "will have finished" is the correct future perfect tense, indicating that the work will be completed before a specified future event (the sunset). This tense is used to show that an action will be completed at some point in the future. "Are finishing" implies the work is currently in progress, while "have finished" and "finish" are incorrect because they imply the action has already happened, not something that will conclude before sunset. The future perfect tense fits best, given the future deadline provided by the sunset.

14. You ________________ have seen Jane at the mall! She is in Canada right now.

Shouldn`t

Must

Needn`t

Couldn`t

Wouldn`t

The correct answer is "couldn't." This modal verb expresses the impossibility of the situation described. Since Jane is currently in Canada, it is logically impossible for someone to have seen her at the mall. The other options don't convey this meaning. "Shouldn't" implies that it was wrong to see Jane, "must" suggests obligation, "needn't" indicates lack of necessity, and "wouldn't" expresses a hypothetical situation.

Explanation

The correct answer is "couldn't." This modal verb expresses the impossibility of the situation described. Since Jane is currently in Canada, it is logically impossible for someone to have seen her at the mall. The other options don't convey this meaning. "Shouldn't" implies that it was wrong to see Jane, "must" suggests obligation, "needn't" indicates lack of necessity, and "wouldn't" expresses a hypothetical situation.

15. ______________ a donation, but she also founded an organization for the homeless.

She only made

She did only make

Not only she made

Not only did she make

She only made not

The correct answer is "not only did she make". This answer is grammatically correct and conveys the meaning that the person not only made a donation but also founded an organization for the homeless. The phrase "not only" is used to emphasize that there was an additional action or accomplishment.

Explanation

The correct answer is "not only did she make". This answer is grammatically correct and conveys the meaning that the person not only made a donation but also founded an organization for the homeless. The phrase "not only" is used to emphasize that there was an additional action or accomplishment.

16. Thanks for calling! I look forward __________________________ you soon.

See

To seeing

To see

Seeing

To seen

"I look forward to seeing you soon" expresses anticipation. The phrase "to seeing" is the correct gerund form, indicating the expectation of a future meeting. It conveys a friendly sentiment, implying eagerness and a positive outlook towards the prospect of seeing the person soon.

Explanation

"I look forward to seeing you soon" expresses anticipation. The phrase "to seeing" is the correct gerund form, indicating the expectation of a future meeting. It conveys a friendly sentiment, implying eagerness and a positive outlook towards the prospect of seeing the person soon.

17. Even though he was tired, he still __________.

Cooked dinner

Called his friend

Went to the gym

Stayed home

Even though he was tired, he still "went to the gym" indicates a strong commitment. The other options, like "cooked dinner" or "called his friend," are plausible actions, but none demonstrate the physical exertion that contrasts with tiredness as clearly as going to the gym does. Staying home wouldn’t align with the idea of doing something despite being tired. The act of going to the gym requires motivation and effort, especially when fatigued, making it a stronger choice for explaining determination against tiredness than the other, less strenuous alternatives.

Explanation

Even though he was tired, he still "went to the gym" indicates a strong commitment. The other options, like "cooked dinner" or "called his friend," are plausible actions, but none demonstrate the physical exertion that contrasts with tiredness as clearly as going to the gym does. Staying home wouldn’t align with the idea of doing something despite being tired. The act of going to the gym requires motivation and effort, especially when fatigued, making it a stronger choice for explaining determination against tiredness than the other, less strenuous alternatives.

18. ______________ it was late, he still called her.

However

Despite

Nevertheless

Although

However

"Although" is the most suitable conjunction because it effectively conveys the contrast between the lateness of the hour and his action of calling. It signifies a concession, acknowledging the late hour as a potential obstacle, yet highlighting that he proceeded to call despite this. "Although" creates a clearer sense of concession than "though" in this context, emphasizing that the call was made despite the time. This nuanced distinction is important for Grade 9 students as they develop a more sophisticated understanding of conjunctions and their subtle differences in meaning.

Explanation

"Although" is the most suitable conjunction because it effectively conveys the contrast between the lateness of the hour and his action of calling. It signifies a concession, acknowledging the late hour as a potential obstacle, yet highlighting that he proceeded to call despite this. "Although" creates a clearer sense of concession than "though" in this context, emphasizing that the call was made despite the time. This nuanced distinction is important for Grade 9 students as they develop a more sophisticated understanding of conjunctions and their subtle differences in meaning.

19. Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb "to lie" (to recline)?

I am going to lay down for a nap.

She lied down on the couch to rest.

The dog has lain in the sun all day.

He laid down his book and went to sleep.

The verb "to lie" (to recline) is often confused with "to lay" (to place). The correct past participle of "to lie" is "lain," as used in option c). The other options incorrectly use "lay" or "laid," which are forms of the verb "to lay."

Explanation

The verb "to lie" (to recline) is often confused with "to lay" (to place). The correct past participle of "to lie" is "lain," as used in option c). The other options incorrectly use "lay" or "laid," which are forms of the verb "to lay."

20. Why didn’t Sarah attend the meeting yesterday?

She forgot

She hadn’t been told

She wasn’t invited

She couldn’t make it

Sarah didn’t attend the meeting because she hadn’t been told about it. The phrase "hadn't been told" uses the past perfect tense, which is appropriate because her not receiving the information happened before the meeting. This is crucial to understanding the timeline: if Sarah had been informed earlier, she might have attended. The other options fail to fit logically. "She forgot" implies she knew about it, while "wasn’t invited" and "couldn’t make it" suggest intentional absence. "Hadn’t been told" pinpoints the lack of awareness, making it the most precise answer based on the context and timing.

Explanation

Sarah didn’t attend the meeting because she hadn’t been told about it. The phrase "hadn't been told" uses the past perfect tense, which is appropriate because her not receiving the information happened before the meeting. This is crucial to understanding the timeline: if Sarah had been informed earlier, she might have attended. The other options fail to fit logically. "She forgot" implies she knew about it, while "wasn’t invited" and "couldn’t make it" suggest intentional absence. "Hadn’t been told" pinpoints the lack of awareness, making it the most precise answer based on the context and timing.