Adjectives are words used to modify nouns. Test your understanding of adjectives with this grammar exercise.

Complete the following sentences using the best possible alternatives.Each question is followed by three suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.

Question 1

He held the book in ………………………………………….. hands.

a) the both

b) both

c) both his

d) Either b or c

Question 2

I have ……………………………………. friends.

a) no

b) not

c) no any

d) either a or b

Question 3

An idle man should do …………………………………………..

a) some or other work

b) some work or other

c) some other work

d) none of these

Question 4

Shakespeare is greater than …………………………………..

a) any poet

b) any other poet

c) any poets

d) any other poets

Question 5

He is in ……………………………………..

a) class ninth

b) class nine

c) the ninth class

d) either b or c

Answers

1. He held the book in both hands. OR He held the book in both his hands. (We do not put ‘the’ before both.)

2. I have no friends.

3. An idle man should do some work or other.

4. Shakespeare is greater than any other poet.

5. He is in class nine. OR He is in the ninth class.

Notes

Put ordinal numbers (e.g. first, second, third etc.) before nouns. Put cardinal numbers (e.g. one, two, three etc.) after nouns.

Compare:

Open the book at page six. (NOT Open the book at six page.)

Open the sixth page.