Grammar Gap-Fill
Grammar Gap-Fill is an 11+ English task where pupils choose or supply the correct word to complete a sentence, testing knowledge of word classes, verb tenses, pronouns, prepositions and connectives. It usually takes a multiple-choice or short-answer format and appears as a SPaG section on GL Assessment and CSSE-style entrance papers.
Method
- Read the whole sentence, or the whole passage if several gaps are linked, before choosing an answer for any single gap.
- Identify what word class is needed in the gap, noun, verb, adjective, preposition or connective, by looking at the words around it.
- For verb tense gaps, check the tense used elsewhere in the sentence or passage and keep it consistent, unless there is a clear reason to shift tense.
- For connective gaps, work out the logical relationship between the two parts of the sentence, contrast, cause, addition or time, before choosing a word.
- For pronoun and preposition gaps, learn the specific rules, such as 'between' for two things and 'among' for three or more, rather than guessing by sound.
- Reread the completed sentence to check it makes full grammatical and logical sense before moving on.
Worked example
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 'Ellie practised every single evening; ___, her performance on the day of the concert was outstanding.' A) however B) consequently C) meanwhile D) although
- Work out the logical relationship between the two parts of the sentence: practising every evening led to an outstanding performance.
- This is a cause-and-effect relationship, since the practice caused the good result, not a contrast.
- Rule out A (however) and D (although), which both signal contrast, and C (meanwhile), which signals two things happening at the same time.
- B (consequently) means 'as a result', which correctly signals the cause-and-effect link between practising and performing well.
- Final answer: B) consequently.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Choose the correct word and explain your choice: 'The library was quieter than ___ the boys had expected.' A) than B) then (2 marks)
Complete this sentence with the grammatically correct option and explain your choice: 'If the weather ___ fine tomorrow, the picnic will go ahead as planned.' A) is B) were C) will be (3 marks)
Rewrite this sentence in reported (indirect) speech, making all necessary tense and pronoun changes: Priya said, 'I am finishing my project tonight.' (4 marks)
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the grammar gap-fill worksheet pack - 21 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
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