SSC CGL English : Fill in the Blanks

100 English Fill in the Blanks MCQs

1. He is not eligible ___ this post.

A) for

B) to

C) with

D) at

Correct Answer: A) for

Explanation: The adjective ‘eligible’ is followed by the preposition ‘for’ to indicate the thing for which someone is qualified.

2. I have been waiting here ___ two hours.

A) since

B) for

C) from

D) by

Correct Answer: B) for

Explanation: ‘For’ is used to specify a duration of time (a period), while ‘since’ is used to specify a starting point in time.

3. She is very good ___ playing the piano.

A) in

B) on

C) at

D) with

Correct Answer: C) at

Explanation: The phrase ‘good at’ is a fixed collocation used to express skill or proficiency in an activity.

4. If I had known, I ___ have helped you.

A) would

B) will

C) can

D) shall

Correct Answer: A) would

Explanation: This is a third conditional sentence (If + past perfect, …would have + past participle), used for hypothetical situations in the past.

5. He is senior ___ me by five years.

A) than

B) to

C) from

D) of

Correct Answer: B) to

Explanation: Adjectives like ‘senior’, ‘junior’, ‘superior’, ‘inferior’, and ‘prefer’ are followed by the preposition ‘to’, not ‘than’.

6. The train had left before we ___ the station.

A) reach

B) reached

C) had reached

D) were reaching

Correct Answer: B) reached

Explanation: In a sentence with two past actions, the action that happened first is in the past perfect tense (‘had left’), and the action that happened later is in the simple past tense (‘reached’).

7. He deals ___ stationery products.

A) with

B) in

C) on

D) at

Correct Answer: B) in

Explanation: ‘Deal in’ means to buy and sell a particular product (to trade). ‘Deal with’ means to handle or manage a person or situation.

8. Neither of the boys ___ done their homework.

A) have

B) has

C) were

D) are

Correct Answer: B) has

Explanation: ‘Neither’, ‘either’, ‘each’, and ‘every’ are followed by a singular verb. So, ‘has’ is the correct choice.

9. I saw ___ one-eyed man on the street.

A) a

B) an

C) the

D) no article

Correct Answer: A) a

Explanation: The choice between ‘a’ and ‘an’ depends on the sound, not the letter. ‘One’ starts with a consonant ‘w’ sound, so ‘a’ is used.

10. He abstains ___ drinking alcohol.

A) to

B) with

C) from

D) of

Correct Answer: C) from

Explanation: The verb ‘abstain’ is followed by the preposition ‘from’, meaning to refrain from doing something.

11. A lot of work ___ still to be done.

A) are

B) have

C) is

D) were

Correct Answer: C) is

Explanation: ‘Work’ is an uncountable noun, so it takes a singular verb. Even though ‘a lot of’ is used, the subject ‘work’ remains singular.

12. He is accused ___ theft.

A) for

B) with

C) of

D) on

Correct Answer: C) of

Explanation: The fixed prepositional phrase is ‘accused of’, which means to be formally charged with a crime.

13. She prides herself ___ her beautiful handwriting.

A) on

B) in

C) of

D) for

Correct Answer: A) on

Explanation: The reflexive verb ‘pride oneself’ is followed by the preposition ‘on’, meaning to be proud of something.

14. Walk carefully, ___ you should fall.

A) because

B) so that

C) lest

D) otherwise

Correct Answer: C) lest

Explanation: ‘Lest’ is a conjunction that means ‘for fear that’. It is typically followed by ‘should’ + verb. It introduces a negative possibility to be avoided.

15. The jury ___ divided in their opinions.

A) was

B) were

C) has

D) is

Correct Answer: B) were

Explanation: Collective nouns like ‘jury’, ‘team’, or ‘committee’ take a plural verb (‘were’) when the members are acting as individuals (divided opinions). They take a singular verb (‘was’) when acting as a single unit.

16. He is ___ M.A. in English.

A) a

B) the

C) an

D) no article

Correct Answer: C) an

Explanation: The abbreviation ‘M.A.’ starts with a vowel sound (’em’), so the article ‘an’ is used.

17. I prefer coffee ___ tea.

A) than

B) from

C) over

D) to

Correct Answer: D) to

Explanation: The verb ‘prefer’ is followed by the preposition ‘to’ when comparing two nouns.

18. The patient had died ___ the doctor arrived.

A) when

B) before

C) after

D) until

Correct Answer: B) before

Explanation: This sentence structure (past perfect + before + simple past) indicates that the first action (dying) was completed before the second action (doctor’s arrival) happened.

19. He suffers ___ a severe headache.

A) of

B) with

C) from

D) by

Correct Answer: C) from

Explanation: The verb ‘suffer’ is followed by the preposition ‘from’ when talking about an illness or ailment.

20. Many a man ___ tried to climb Mount Everest.

A) has

B) have

C) were

D) are

Correct Answer: A) has

Explanation: The phrase ‘Many a’ is always followed by a singular noun (‘man’) and a singular verb (‘has’), despite its plural meaning.

21. She is averse ___ taking risks.

A) for

B) to

C) of

D) with

Correct Answer: B) to

Explanation: The adjective ‘averse’ is followed by the preposition ‘to’, meaning having a strong dislike or opposition to something.

22. He was born ___ a rich family.

A) in

B) of

C) from

D) by

Correct Answer: B) of

Explanation: The phrase ‘born of’ is used to describe parentage or origin. ‘Born in’ is used for places or years.

23. I am confident ___ winning the match.

A) for

B) in

C) of

D) about

Correct Answer: C) of

Explanation: The adjective ‘confident’ is followed by the preposition ‘of’ when referring to the thing you are confident about.

24. The cat jumped ___ the wall.

A) on

B) upon

C) over

D) at

Correct Answer: C) over

Explanation: ‘Over’ is used to indicate movement from one side of something to the other, usually passing above it. ‘Upon’ or ‘on’ would mean it landed on top of the wall.

25. You should abide ___ the rules.

A) with

B) to

C) on

D) by

Correct Answer: D) by

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘abide by’ means to accept and act according to a rule, decision, or law.

26. He is known ___ his generosity.

A) for

B) to

C) with

D) by

Correct Answer: A) for

Explanation: ‘Known for’ is used to state the reason for someone’s fame or reputation. ‘Known to’ is used to refer to the people who know someone.

27. He is blind ___ one eye.

A) of

B) in

C) with

D) from

Correct Answer: B) in

Explanation: The correct idiom is ‘blind in one eye’. ‘Blind of’ is less common. For being blind to someone’s faults, ‘blind to’ is used.

28. The book consists ___ five chapters.

A) with

B) of

C) in

D) on

Correct Answer: B) of

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘consist of’ means to be composed or made up of something.

29. It is ten o’clock ___ my watch.

A) in

B) on

C) at

D) by

Correct Answer: D) by

Explanation: To tell the time according to a specific timepiece, the preposition ‘by’ is used.

30. He is fond ___ classical music.

A) of

B) for

C) with

D) in

Correct Answer: A) of

Explanation: The phrase ‘fond of’ is a fixed expression that means having a liking or affection for something.

31. Distribute the sweets ___ the two brothers.

A) among

B) between

C) within

D) in

Correct Answer: B) between

Explanation: ‘Between’ is used when referring to two people or things. ‘Among’ is used for more than two.

32. This is ___ university of great repute.

A) an

B) a

C) the

D) some

Correct Answer: B) a

Explanation: Although ‘university’ starts with the vowel ‘u’, its sound is like ‘you’ (a ‘y’ consonant sound). Therefore, the article ‘a’ is used.

33. He is indifferent ___ praise and blame.

A) for

B) of

C) to

D) with

Correct Answer: C) to

Explanation: The adjective ‘indifferent’ is followed by the preposition ‘to’, meaning having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.

34. He prevented me ___ going there.

A) from

B) to

C) against

D) for

Correct Answer: A) from

Explanation: The structure is ‘prevent someone from doing something’.

35. The bread and butter ___ his only food.

A) are

B) were

C) is

D) have

Correct Answer: C) is

Explanation: When two nouns joined by ‘and’ refer to a single idea or object (here, a single meal item), they take a singular verb.

36. He has a great aptitude ___ mathematics.

A) in

B) for

C) at

D) towards

Correct Answer: B) for

Explanation: ‘Aptitude for’ is the correct collocation, meaning a natural ability to do something.

37. I can’t agree ___ your proposal.

A) with

B) to

C) on

D) at

Correct Answer: B) to

Explanation: We ‘agree to’ a proposal, a plan, or a suggestion. We ‘agree with’ a person. We ‘agree on’ a matter for discussion.

38. Hard work is the key ___ success.

A) of

B) for

C) to

D) in

Correct Answer: C) to

Explanation: The correct idiom is ‘key to’, meaning the best or only way to achieve something.

39. He died ___ overeating.

A) by

B) of

C) from

D) with

Correct Answer: C) from

Explanation: One ‘dies of’ a disease (e.g., cancer, malaria). One ‘dies from’ an external cause or effect (e.g., a wound, overeating, an accident).

40. The meeting was put ___ until next week.

A) up

B) on

C) off

D) out

Correct Answer: C) off

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘put off’ means to postpone or delay.

41. He is addicted ___ gambling.

A) with

B) to

C) of

D) in

Correct Answer: B) to

Explanation: The phrase ‘addicted to’ is used to describe a dependency on a particular substance or activity.

42. He complied ___ my request.

A) to

B) with

C) on

D) at

Correct Answer: B) with

Explanation: The verb ‘comply’ is always followed by the preposition ‘with’, meaning to act in accordance with a wish or command.

43. The two sisters differ ___ each other in their habits.

A) from

B) with

C) to

D) about

Correct Answer: A) from

Explanation: ‘Differ from’ is used to show a dissimilarity between things or people. ‘Differ with’ is used to express disagreement with a person.

44. ___ he is poor, he is honest.

A) Because

B) As

C) Though

D) Since

Correct Answer: C) Though

Explanation: ‘Though’ (or ‘Although’) is a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict the main clause.

45. She has no taste ___ music.

A) in

B) for

C) of

D) with

Correct Answer: B) for

Explanation: The phrase ‘taste for’ means a liking for or an interest in something. ‘Taste in’ refers to one’s judgment in aesthetic matters (e.g., taste in clothes).

46. Ten kilometers ___ a long distance to walk.

A) are

B) were

C) is

D) have been

Correct Answer: C) is

Explanation: When a plural noun denotes a specific quantity or amount considered as a single unit (like distance, time, or money), it takes a singular verb.

47. I am tired ___ waiting for him.

A) of

B) with

C) from

D) by

Correct Answer: A) of

Explanation: The expression ‘tired of’ means to be bored or annoyed with an activity or person. ‘Tired from’ refers to physical exhaustion from an activity.

48. Do not meddle ___ my personal affairs.

A) with

B) in

C) into

D) on

Correct Answer: B) in

Explanation: ‘Meddle in’ means to interfere in something that is not one’s concern. ‘Meddle with’ means to touch or handle something without permission.

49. He is not worthy ___ this honor.

A) for

B) with

C) of

D) to

Correct Answer: C) of

Explanation: The adjective ‘worthy’ is followed by the preposition ‘of’, meaning deserving of something.

50. Let’s go for a walk, ___ we?

A) do

B) will

C) don’t

D) shall

Correct Answer: D) shall

Explanation: The question tag for sentences beginning with ‘Let’s’ (Let us) is always ‘shall we?’.

51. The dog ran ___ the road.

A) across

B) through

C) over

D) in

Correct Answer: A) across

Explanation: ‘Across’ is used to indicate movement from one side of a surface (like a road or river) to the other.

52. He is a man ___ principles.

A) with

B) of

C) for

D) in

Correct Answer: B) of

Explanation: The phrase ‘a man of principles’ is a standard idiom meaning a person who has strong moral beliefs.

53. I have no objection ___ your going there.

A) for

B) with

C) on

D) to

Correct Answer: D) to

Explanation: The noun ‘objection’ is followed by the preposition ‘to’. Note that ‘to’ here is a preposition, so it is followed by a gerund (-ing form).

54. We must not look down ___ the poor.

A) at

B) to

C) upon

D) for

Correct Answer: C) upon

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘look down upon’ (or ‘look down on’) means to regard someone with a feeling of superiority or contempt.

55. He is quite popular ___ his students.

A) with

B) among

C) for

D) to

Correct Answer: A) with

Explanation: Someone is ‘popular with’ a group of people. ‘Among’ is also possible but ‘with’ is more common and idiomatic in this context.

56. One of my friends ___ gone to Paris.

A) have

B) has

C) are

D) were

Correct Answer: B) has

Explanation: The subject of the sentence is ‘One’, which is singular. The phrase ‘of my friends’ is a prepositional phrase modifying ‘One’. Therefore, a singular verb (‘has’) is required.

57. He is related ___ me.

A) with

B) of

C) to

D) by

Correct Answer: C) to

Explanation: The adjective ‘related’ is followed by ‘to’ when indicating a family or other connection.

58. The more you read, ___ you learn.

A) the more

B) more

C) much

D) the most

Correct Answer: A) the more

Explanation: This is a parallel comparative structure: ‘The + comparative…, the + comparative…’ It is used to show a cause-and-effect relationship between two things.

59. I am not satisfied ___ your performance.

A) by

B) from

C) on

D) with

Correct Answer: D) with

Explanation: The adjective ‘satisfied’ is followed by the preposition ‘with’.

60. She takes ___ her mother.

A) after

B) off

C) up

D) in

Correct Answer: A) after

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘take after’ means to resemble a parent or ancestor in appearance or character.

61. This material is inferior ___ that one.

A) than

B) from

C) to

D) of

Correct Answer: C) to

Explanation: Latin comparative adjectives like ‘inferior’, ‘superior’, ‘senior’, ‘junior’ are followed by ‘to’ instead of ‘than’.

62. He parted ___ his friends in sorrow.

A) with

B) from

C) off

D) by

Correct Answer: B) from

Explanation: ‘Part from’ is used for people (to separate from people). ‘Part with’ is used for possessions (to give away something).

63. It’s no use ___ over spilt milk.

A) to cry

B) crying

C) cry

D) for crying

Correct Answer: B) crying

Explanation: The expression ‘It’s no use’ is followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb).

64. The manager is not available, he has gone ___ for a meeting.

A) up

B) away

C) out

D) off

Correct Answer: C) out

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘go out’ means to leave one’s home or workplace to go to a social event or for a specific purpose.

65. He is endowed ___ great talents.

A) of

B) by

C) with

D) in

Correct Answer: C) with

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘endowed with’ means to be naturally provided with a quality, ability, or asset.

66. I am looking forward ___ you soon.

A) to see

B) seeing

C) to seeing

D) see

Correct Answer: C) to seeing

Explanation: In the phrasal verb ‘look forward to’, the ‘to’ is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Therefore, it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

67. The police are looking ___ the matter.

A) at

B) for

C) into

D) after

Correct Answer: C) into

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘look into’ means to investigate or examine.

68. He had hardly reached the station ___ the train started.

A) than

B) when

C) then

D) as

Correct Answer: B) when

Explanation: The correlative conjunction pair is ‘Hardly/Scarcely… when’. The pair ‘No sooner… than’ is also used for similar meanings.

69. He has been ill ___ last Monday.

A) for

B) from

C) since

D) by

Correct Answer: C) since

Explanation: ‘Since’ is used with the present perfect tense to indicate a starting point in the past that continues to the present.

70. This is the house ___ I was born.

A) which

B) that

C) where

D) when

Correct Answer: C) where

Explanation: The relative adverb ‘where’ is used to refer to a place.

71. She is married ___ a doctor.

A) with

B) to

C) by

D) for

Correct Answer: B) to

Explanation: In the active voice, you marry someone (no preposition). In the passive voice or with the adjective ‘married’, the preposition ‘to’ is used. e.g., ‘She is married to a doctor.’

72. You must compensate ___ the loss.

A) for

B) with

C) to

D) against

Correct Answer: A) for

Explanation: The verb ‘compensate’ is followed by ‘for’ when referring to the thing that needs to be paid for or made up for.

73. The teacher was angry ___ the students’ behavior.

A) with

B) on

C) at

D) for

Correct Answer: C) at

Explanation: You are ‘angry with’ a person, but ‘angry at’ a thing, an action, or a situation.

74. I have been acquainted ___ her for a long time.

A) to

B) of

C) with

D) by

Correct Answer: C) with

Explanation: The phrase ‘acquainted with’ means to be familiar with someone or something.

75. He did not listen ___ my advice.

A) at

B) to

C) for

D) on

Correct Answer: B) to

Explanation: The verb ‘listen’ is always followed by the preposition ‘to’ when an object (the thing being listened to) is mentioned.

76. The case was put ___ the judge.

A) on

B) before

C) to

D) in front of

Correct Answer: B) before

Explanation: ‘Before’ is used in a formal or official context to mean ‘in front of’ or ‘in the presence of’ a person of authority.

77. He is prohibited ___ entering the premises.

A) to

B) from

C) for

D) by

Correct Answer: B) from

Explanation: The structure is ‘prohibit someone from doing something’.

78. The house is infested ___ rats.

A) by

B) of

C) with

D) from

Correct Answer: C) with

Explanation: The verb ‘infest’ is followed by ‘with’ to indicate that a place is full of unwanted pests.

79. You had better ___ a doctor.

A) to consult

B) consult

C) consulting

D) consulted

Correct Answer: B) consult

Explanation: The modal phrase ‘had better’ is followed by the bare infinitive (the base form of the verb without ‘to’).

80. He is not ashamed ___ his conduct.

A) for

B) of

C) with

D) at

Correct Answer: B) of

Explanation: The adjective ‘ashamed’ is followed by the preposition ‘of’.

81. I cannot part ___ this book; it’s very special to me.

A) from

B) with

C) of

D) off

Correct Answer: B) with

Explanation: ‘Part with’ means to give away or get rid of a possession. ‘Part from’ is used for people.

82. The committee has arrived ___ a decision.

A) to

B) in

C) on

D) at

Correct Answer: D) at

Explanation: The phrase ‘arrive at a decision’ is an idiom meaning to finally make a decision after discussion or thought.

83. There is no exception ___ this rule.

A) for

B) of

C) to

D) against

Correct Answer: C) to

Explanation: The noun ‘exception’ is followed by the preposition ‘to’.

84. He is working ___ the new project.

A) at

B) for

C) on

D) in

Correct Answer: C) on

Explanation: ‘Work on’ is used to mean spending time and effort to produce or improve something, like a project or task.

85. This is ___ historic occasion.

A) a

B) an

C) the

D) some

Correct Answer: A) a

Explanation: The word ‘historic’ begins with a pronounced ‘h’ sound. Therefore, ‘a’ is used. In some older or British English variants, ‘an’ might be heard if the ‘h’ is dropped, but ‘a’ is standard.

86. I am sure ___ his success.

A) for

B) with

C) of

D) at

Correct Answer: C) of

Explanation: The adjective ‘sure’ is followed by the preposition ‘of’.

87. The thief broke ___ the house at midnight.

A) in

B) into

C) through

D) down

Correct Answer: B) into

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘break into’ means to enter a building by force.

88. I am indebted ___ you for your help.

A) to

B) with

C) for

D) by

Correct Answer: A) to

Explanation: The phrase is ‘indebted to someone for something’, meaning grateful to someone for their help.

89. The river flows ___ the bridge.

A) below

B) under

C) over

D) down

Correct Answer: B) under

Explanation: ‘Under’ is used to describe something that is directly below something else. ‘Below’ can also be used, but ‘under’ is more common for physical objects like a bridge.

90. He is devoid ___ common sense.

A) from

B) with

C) of

D) in

Correct Answer: C) of

Explanation: The adjective ‘devoid’ is followed by ‘of’, meaning entirely lacking or free from.

91. The news ___ not true.

A) are

B) were

C) have

D) is

Correct Answer: D) is

Explanation: ‘News’ is an uncountable noun and always takes a singular verb, despite ending in ‘s’.

92. He is jealous ___ my success.

A) of

B) for

C) with

D) at

Correct Answer: A) of

Explanation: The adjective ‘jealous’ is followed by the preposition ‘of’.

93. I am grateful ___ you for your kindness.

A) with

B) for

C) to

D) towards

Correct Answer: C) to

Explanation: The correct structure is ‘grateful to a person for something’.

94. The company has to do ___ with old machinery.

A) up

B) away

C) off

D) out

Correct Answer: B) away

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘do away with’ means to get rid of or abolish something.

95. He fell ___ the ladder and broke his leg.

A) of

B) from

C) off

D) down

Correct Answer: C) off

Explanation: ‘Fall off’ is used to describe falling from something you were on top of, like a ladder, chair, or horse.

96. I am not envious ___ his position.

A) for

B) with

C) to

D) of

Correct Answer: D) of

Explanation: The adjective ‘envious’ is followed by the preposition ‘of’.

97. He has a passion ___ music.

A) for

B) of

C) in

D) with

Correct Answer: A) for

Explanation: ‘Passion for’ is the correct collocation, meaning a very strong feeling or enthusiasm for something.

98. Scarcely had he gone ___ it started to rain.

A) than

B) then

C) when

D) that

Correct Answer: C) when

Explanation: The correlative conjunction pair is ‘Scarcely/Hardly… when’.

99. We should rely ___ our own efforts.

A) at

B) on

C) with

D) for

Correct Answer: B) on

Explanation: The phrasal verb ‘rely on’ means to depend on someone or something.

100. He is an authority ___ modern European history.

A) of

B) in

C) on

D) about

Correct Answer: C) on

Explanation: When ‘authority’ means an expert on a subject, it is followed by the preposition ‘on’.