Grammar
C1
Cambridge English C1 Exam
Complete each sentence by choosing the option that best fits the gap. This exercise reviews a mix of grammar topics.
Word Order
Question 1
Choose the option with the correct word order after a negative adverbial: "No sooner .......... the keynote than the live stream crashed."
had the keynote begun
did the keynote began
the keynote had begun
had begun the keynote
Question 2
Choose the grammatically correct embedded question: "I’m trying to work out .........."
why don’t the figures add up
why the figures don’t add up do
why do the figures not add up
why the figures don’t add up
Question 3
Choose the option with the correct placement of the adverb: "She has .......... been particularly receptive to unsolicited advice."
never been
never
been never
particularly never
Question 4
Choose the sentence with the correct order of adverbials (manner + place + time).
The consultant spoke this morning candidly in the briefing.
The consultant spoke candidly in the briefing this morning.
The consultant spoke candidly this morning in the briefing.
The consultant spoke in the briefing candidly this morning.
Question 5
Choose the correct option: "Only after the final review .......... approve the merger."
did the board
the board did
did approve the board
the board
Question 6
Choose the correct option: "Not only .......... the deadline, but they also exceeded the quality benchmarks."
they met
did meet they
did they meet
they did meet
Question 7
Choose the correct option for a separable phrasal verb with a pronoun object: "The editor crossed .......... out before publication."
it
out
out it
it out
Question 8
Choose the option with correct inversion after "Little": "Little .......... that the data had been manipulated."
did we suspect
we did suspect
we suspected
did suspect we
Question 9
Choose the correct option: "So compelling .......... that the jury reached a verdict within an hour."
the evidence
was evidence the
was the evidence
the evidence was
Question 10
Choose the sentence with correct object fronting (topicalisation) without turning it into a question.
The committee did reject that proposal without hesitation.
Rejected that proposal, the committee without hesitation.
That proposal did the committee reject without hesitation.
That proposal, the committee rejected without hesitation.
About Grammar — Cambridge English C1
This Cambridge English C1 Grammar exercise reviews a mix of grammar points. For each sentence, choose the option that best completes the gap.
Regular grammar practice at C1 builds the accuracy you need across every part of the exam — Use of English, Reading, Listening and Writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this C1 Grammar exercise cover?
A mix of grammar topics, with each question focused on a specific point such as tenses, articles, prepositions or pronouns.
Why is grammar important for the Cambridge exam?
Grammatical accuracy is assessed directly in Use of English and Writing, and strong grammar helps you understand Reading and Listening too.
How can I improve my grammar?
Practise little and often, review the specific topic behind each mistake, and read the whole sentence before choosing your answer.
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What to do
This part consists of a series of assessments, each having only one valid answer.
Select the best answer according to what you read.
There's only a correct answer which you will have to select by clicking on it.
Don't spend time in an assessment you don't know. Wasting time on this activity might cost you points later in the exam because you won’t have enough time to do other tasks well. Get used to being quick!
Don't spend time in an assessment you don't know. Wasting time on this activity might cost you points later in the exam because you won’t have enough time to do other tasks well. Get used to being quick!
Although these grammar tests are not part of the official Cambridge exams, they are still important as they touch on language elements that you'll come across in all parts of the official exams, such as Reading and Use of English.
Strategy
- Read the assessment so you understand what it is about.
- Pay attention to the topic on the top-right corner of each assessment.
- Check the words before and after each gap and look for grammatical collocations.
- Remember that you select a choice by clicking on it.