Rules library / Reading
Rules for blanks
Four checks, always in the same order: form, partner, meaning, sense.
The rule
- 1Check the FORM first. Look at the word right before the blank. After 'the', 'a', 'this' you need a thing (noun). After 'is', 'are', 'was' you usually need a describing word or an -ing/-ed word. After 'to' you need the base verb.
- 2Check the WORD PARTNER. English pairs certain words together: make a decision, take responsibility, heavy rain, strong evidence. If two options both fit the grammar, choose the usual pairing.
- 3Check the MEANING. Two words can be near-synonyms and still be wrong. Ask what the sentence is really saying: is it a cause, a result, a contrast or an addition?
- 4Check the SENSE. Read the whole sentence back with your word inside. If it sounds odd out loud, it is odd.
Worked example
The council will ___ a decision about the new library next month.
- Form: after 'will' we need the base form of a verb.
- Partner: with 'a decision' English uses 'make', not 'do' or 'take'.
- Meaning: nothing in the sentence suggests cancelling or delaying.
- Sense: 'will make a decision' reads naturally.
Answer: make
Three drills
Drill 1. Researchers must ___ responsibility for the accuracy of their data.
Drill 2. The results were ___ different from what the team expected.
Drill 3. Attendance dropped sharply; ___, the organisers cut the budget.