Grammar
C2
Cambridge English C2 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. .......... had the board begun to debate the merger when the leaked figures derailed the meeting.
Hardly was
Hardly
Hardly had
Hardly has
Question 2
Choose the option with the correct word order. Only after the auditor’s final report .......... the extent of the embezzlement.
the shareholders did grasp
grasped did the shareholders
did grasp the shareholders
did the shareholders grasp
Question 3
Choose the option with the correct word order. Rarely .......... such a meticulously sourced rebuttal in a public inquiry.
have seen we
we saw have
we have seen
have we seen
Question 4
Choose the option with the correct word order. It was the interim chair .......... insisted on reopening negotiations.
who
whose
whom
that
Question 5
Choose the option with the correct word order. The committee has .......... endorsed the proposal, despite earlier reservations.
unequivocally
has unequivocally
unequivocally has
unequivocal
Question 6
Choose the option with the correct word order. Not once .......... to substantiate the allegation with primary evidence.
did manage she
managed did she
did she manage
she did manage
Question 7
Choose the option with the correct word order. No sooner .......... the injunction than the company issued a revised statement.
had lifted the judge
the judge had lifted
did the judge lifted
had the judge lifted
Question 8
Choose the option with the correct word order. Such .......... that even seasoned analysts hesitated to comment.
was the volatility
the volatility was
the volatility
volatility was
Question 9
Choose the option with the correct word order. The spokesperson promised to address the matter .......... at the briefing.
tomorrow in detail
in detail tomorrow
tomorrow detailedly
in tomorrow detail
Question 10
Choose the option with the correct word order. Under no circumstances .......... confidential drafts outside the secure repository.
should you circulate
you should circulate
should circulate you
you circulate should
About Grammar — Cambridge English C2
This Cambridge English C2 Grammar exercise reviews a mix of grammar points. For each sentence, choose the option that best completes the gap.
Regular grammar practice at C2 builds the accuracy you need across every part of the exam — Use of English, Reading, Listening and Writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this C2 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.