Trinity ISE English Usage Practice — All Questions
4 questions
___ he had studied hard, he found the exam surprisingly difficult. Which connector fits best?
- a.Unless
- b.Because
- c.Even though✓
- d.So that
There is a contrast between studying hard and finding the exam difficult, so 'Even though' is correct. 'Because' shows cause, which would not fit this contrast.
We saved money ___ making our own repairs instead of hiring someone. Which phrase fits?
- a.although
- b.so that
- c.by✓
- d.in order to
'By + -ing' explains the method used to achieve something: 'by making our own repairs'. The other options express purpose or contrast rather than method.
She apologized ___ arriving late to the interview. Which preposition fits?
- a.for✓
- b.to
- c.about
- d.of
The verb 'apologize' is followed by 'for' plus the reason. 'Apologize for arriving late' is the correct pattern; the other prepositions do not fit here.
The museum is open every day ___ Mondays, when it is closed for cleaning. Which word fits?
- a.except✓
- b.besides
- c.instead
- d.beside
'Except' introduces the one thing left out of a general statement: open every day 'except' Mondays. 'Besides' means 'in addition to', which gives the opposite meaning.