20  Fill in the Blanks

20.1 Introduction

“Fill in the blanks” questions test grammar, vocabulary, prepositions, verb tense, and collocations. The missing word(s) must make the sentence grammatically correct, meaningful, and contextually appropriate. This is a high-frequency question type in competitive exams.

20.2 1) Types of Blanks

20.2.1 1.1 Vocabulary-based

Choose the correct synonym/antonym or word that fits the meaning.
Example:
The speech was so ___ that everyone applauded.
(a) boring (b) inspiring (c) dull (d) weak → inspiring

20.2.2 1.2 Grammar-based

Test subject–verb agreement, tense, prepositions, articles.
Example:
She ___ to school every day.
(a) go (b) goes (c) gone (d) going → goes

20.2.3 1.3 Idiomatic/Collocation

Use common phrases and fixed expressions.
Example:
He takes ___ his father in looks.
(a) after (b) off (c) over (d) up → after

20.2.4 1.4 Logical/Contextual

The blank must fit the logic or tone.
Example:
The thief ran ___ the police caught him.
(a) because (b) before (c) after (d) when → before

20.3 2) Strategy to Solve

  1. Read the full sentence and guess the missing word before looking at options.
  2. Check grammar: number (singular/plural), tense, preposition.
  3. Eliminate wrong options (nonsense meaning, wrong grammar).
  4. Look for connectors: words like although, however, because, despite fix the logic.
  5. Watch collocations: e.g., keen on, interested in, afraid of.

20.4 3) Solved Examples

  1. The soldiers were ___ duty throughout the night.
  1. in (b) of (c) at (d) on → on
  1. The principal congratulated the students ___ their success.
  1. for (b) on (c) at (d) upon → on
  1. No one can prevent him ___ doing his duty.
  1. against (b) from (c) of (d) off → from
  1. He has been absent ___ Monday.
  1. since (b) for (c) from (d) on → since
  1. The judge ordered the prisoner to be kept ___ bars.
  1. between (b) among (c) under (d) behind → behind

20.5 4) Practice Set – Level 1

  1. I am fond ___ music.
  1. of (b) in (c) with (d) at
  1. The teacher insisted ___ silence in the class.
  1. on (b) for (c) at (d) with
  1. Ramesh is married ___ a doctor.
  1. with (b) in (c) to (d) by
  1. He was accused ___ theft.
  1. for (b) to (c) of (d) with
  1. I prefer coffee ___ tea.
  1. to (b) over (c) than (d) for

20.6 5) Practice Set – Level 2

  1. The old man was suffering ___ fever.
  1. of (b) from (c) with (d) by
  1. He congratulated me ___ my success.
  1. in (b) on (c) for (d) to
  1. The child was afraid ___ the dark.
  1. at (b) of (c) with (d) for
  1. We have been waiting ___ two hours.
  1. since (b) for (c) from (d) during
  1. He has been absent ___ last week.
  1. from (b) since (c) for (d) on

20.7 6) Tips for Mastery

  • Build a strong list of preposition usage (common exam trap).
  • Revise phrasal verbs (e.g., look after, look into, look for).
  • Always check tense consistency with other words in the sentence.
  • Trust elimination: two options are usually distractors.
  • Reading English newspapers and novels improves natural flow.

20.8 Summary

  • Fill in the blanks questions test grammar + vocabulary + logic.
  • Pay attention to prepositions, collocations, and verb tense.
  • Use elimination and contextual sense to arrive at the answer quickly.
  • Regular reading and practice builds automatic accuracy.