Free TOEFL Grammar Exercises for 2025: Practice for the Test

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TOEFL Grammar Exercises

Welcome to a comprehensive guide filled with TOEFL grammar exercises designed to help you enhance your English language proficiency and achieve a stellar score on the TOEFL exam. This resource provides a wealth of practice opportunities covering various grammar concepts crucial for success. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, these exercises will help you solidify your understanding of English grammar rules and improve your test-taking strategies. We aim to present this information in a formal yet friendly manner, ensuring that the learning process is both effective and enjoyable.

Understanding the TOEFL Grammar Section

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) assesses your ability to understand and use English in an academic setting. While there isn’t a dedicated “grammar section” per se, grammar is integrated into the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections. Strong grammar skills are essential for comprehending texts, understanding spoken language, expressing yourself clearly, and writing coherent essays. Therefore, mastering English grammar is paramount for overall success on the TOEFL.

Your grammar proficiency directly influences your performance in the following ways:

Reading: Correct grammar usage helps you accurately interpret complex sentences and understand the author’s intended meaning.
Listening: Recognizing grammatical structures allows you to follow spoken language more easily and identify key information.
Speaking: Accurate grammar enables you to express your ideas clearly and confidently, making a positive impression on the raters.
Writing: Proper grammar is crucial for constructing well-organized and error-free essays that demonstrate your command of the English language.

Common Grammar Areas Tested on the TOEFL

While the TOEFL doesn’t explicitly test grammar in a separate section, certain grammatical concepts are frequently encountered and assessed indirectly across all sections. These include:

Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensuring that the verb agrees in number with its subject.
Verb Tenses: Using the correct verb tense to indicate the time frame of an action or event.
Pronoun Agreement: Making sure that pronouns agree in number, gender, and person with their antecedents.
Parallel Structure: Using the same grammatical structure for elements that are grammatically equal.
Sentence Structure: Forming grammatically correct and complete sentences.
Modifiers: Using adjectives and adverbs correctly to describe nouns and verbs.
Conjunctions: Using conjunctions to connect words, phrases, and clauses.
Prepositions: Using prepositions correctly to show relationships between words in a sentence.
Articles: Using articles (a, an, the) correctly with nouns.

TOEFL Grammar Exercises: Practice Questions and Explanations

Now, let’s dive into some practice exercises designed to reinforce your understanding of the key grammar concepts mentioned above. Each exercise will be followed by a detailed explanation to help you learn from your mistakes and solidify your knowledge.

Exercise 1: Subject-Verb Agreement

Instructions: Choose the correct verb form to complete each sentence.

The students in my class (is/are) very diligent.
Answer: are

Explanation: The subject “students” is plural, so the verb must also be plural (“are”).
Each of the books (was/were) interesting.
Answer: was

Explanation: “Each” is singular, so the verb must be singular (“was”). Even though “books” is plural, “each” governs the verb.
The dog, along with its puppies, (is/are) playing in the yard.
Answer: is

Explanation: The phrase “along with its puppies” is a parenthetical phrase and does not affect the verb agreement. The subject is “dog,” which is singular, so the verb must be singular (“is”).
Neither the cat nor the dogs (is/are) eating their food.
Answer: are

Explanation: When “neither…nor” connects two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closer to the verb. In this case, “dogs” is closer and is plural, so the verb must be plural (“are”).
Measles (is/are) a contagious disease.
Answer: is

Explanation: Some nouns that end in “-s” are singular in meaning. “Measles” is one of these nouns, so the verb must be singular (“is”).

Exercise 2: Verb Tenses

Instructions: Choose the correct verb tense to complete each sentence.

By the time I arrived, the movie (had already started/already started).
Answer: had already started

Explanation: The past perfect tense (“had already started”) is used to indicate that an action was completed before another action in the past.
I (will visit/am going to visit) my family next week.
Answer: am going to visit

Explanation: “Am going to visit” expresses a planned future action. While “will visit” is also grammatically correct, “am going to visit” implies a more definite plan.
She (has lived/lived) in Paris for five years before moving to Rome.
Answer: had lived

Explanation: Since she moved to Rome, and the living in Paris happened before, we must use the past perfect: “had lived.”
If I (had known/knew) you were coming, I would have baked a cake.
Answer: had known

Explanation: This is a conditional sentence (type 3), which uses the past perfect tense in the “if” clause (“had known”) and “would have” + past participle in the main clause.
They (are building/build) a new bridge across the river.
Answer: are building

Explanation: The present continuous tense (“are building”) is used to describe an action that is in progress at the time of speaking.

Exercise 3: Pronoun Agreement

Instructions: Choose the correct pronoun to complete each sentence.

Everyone should bring (his/her/their) own lunch.
Answer: their

Explanation: “Everyone” is singular, but to avoid gender bias, it’s now more common to use the plural pronoun “their” in formal writing.
The company announced (its/their) new policy.
Answer: its

Explanation: “Company” is a singular collective noun, so the possessive pronoun “its” is used.
Neither John nor Mary finished (his/her/their) assignment.
Answer: her

Explanation: When “neither…nor” connects two subjects, the pronoun agrees with the subject closer to the pronoun. In this case, “Mary” is closer and is feminine, so the pronoun “her” is used.
Each student is responsible for (his/her/their) own work.
Answer: his or her

Explanation: Since “Each student” is singular, we use “his or her” to be grammatically correct and avoid gender bias. It’s also acceptable to use “their” in less formal contexts.
The team celebrated (its/their) victory.
Answer: its

Explanation: “Team” is a collective noun. If the team is acting as a unit, we use “its.” If emphasizing the individual members, “their” is more appropriate, but in this case, celebrating victory as a team implies using “its.”

Exercise 4: Parallel Structure

Instructions: Choose the option that maintains parallel structure.

She enjoys reading, hiking, and (to swim/swimming/swim).
Answer: swimming

Explanation: The sentence lists activities she enjoys. The first two activities are gerunds (“reading,” “hiking”), so the third activity should also be a gerund (“swimming”) to maintain parallel structure.
He is not only intelligent but also (hardworking/he works hard/to work hard).
Answer: hardworking

Explanation: The phrase “not only…but also” requires parallel structure. Since “intelligent” is an adjective, “hardworking” should also be an adjective.
The report was well-written, accurate, and (comprehensive/it was comprehensive/comprehensively).
Answer: comprehensive

Explanation: The sentence lists qualities of the report. The first two qualities are adjectives (“well-written,” “accurate”), so the third quality should also be an adjective (“comprehensive”).
To succeed, you need talent, dedication, and (hard work/working hard/to work hard).
Answer: hard work

Explanation: The sentence lists nouns. “talent”, “dedication”, therefore “hard work” is required to maintain parallel structure.
They like to sing, to dance, and (playing/to play/play).
Answer: to play

Explanation: The sentence lists infinitives: to sing, to dance, to play.

Exercise 5: Sentence Structure

Instructions: Identify whether the following sentences are grammatically correct or incorrect. If incorrect, explain why.

Because it was raining, I took my umbrella.
Answer: Correct

Explanation: This is a grammatically correct complex sentence. “Because it was raining” is a dependent clause, and “I took my umbrella” is an independent clause.
Although he was tired, but he kept working.
Answer: Incorrect

Explanation: The conjunction “but” is redundant after “although.” The sentence should be: “Although he was tired, he kept working.”
Running is a good exercise, it keeps you healthy.
Answer: Incorrect

Explanation: This is a run-on sentence. It can be corrected by adding a conjunction: “Running is a good exercise, and it keeps you healthy.” Or by separating the clauses with a semicolon: “Running is a good exercise; it keeps you healthy.” Or by making it two separate sentences.
Having finished the exam, I went home.
Answer: Correct

Explanation: This is a grammatically correct sentence with a participial phrase (“Having finished the exam”).
Despite of the rain, we went for a walk.
Answer: Incorrect

Explanation: The correct phrase is “Despite the rain.” The preposition “of” should not be used after “despite.”

Exercise 6: Modifiers

Instructions: Choose the correct modifier to complete each sentence.

The (broken/breaking) window needs to be repaired.
Answer: broken

Explanation: “Broken” is a past participle acting as an adjective, describing the state of the window.
She is a (highly/high) motivated student.
Answer: highly

Explanation: “Highly” is an adverb that modifies the adjective “motivated.”
The (interesting/interested) book kept me up all night.
Answer: interesting

Explanation: “Interesting” describes the quality of the book. “Interested” describes someone who has interest.
He gave a (convincing/convinced) argument.
Answer: convincing

Explanation: “Convincing” describes the quality of the argument; it persuaded others.
The (excited/exciting) children waited for the parade.
Answer: excited

Explanation: The children *feel* excitement, so excited is the correct choice.

Exercise 7: Conjunctions

Instructions: Choose the correct conjunction to complete each sentence.

I wanted to go to the party, (but/so) I was too tired.
Answer: but

Explanation: “But” introduces a contrasting idea.
She studied hard, (so/because) she passed the exam.
Answer: so

Explanation: “So” indicates a result or consequence.
(Although/Because) it was raining, we decided to stay home.
Answer: Because

Explanation: “Because” introduces a reason or cause.
He is both intelligent (and/but) hardworking.
Answer: and

Explanation: “Both…and” is a correlative conjunction used to connect two similar ideas.
I will call you (when/if) I arrive.
Answer: when

Explanation: “When” implies certainty, “if” suggests uncertainty. Calling when arriving sounds more certain.

Exercise 8: Prepositions

Instructions: Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.

She is interested (in/on/at) learning new languages.
Answer: in

Explanation: The correct preposition to use with “interested” is “in.”
The book is (on/in/at) the table.
Answer: on

Explanation: “On” is used to indicate that something is resting on a surface.
He arrived (at/in/to) the airport early.
Answer: at

Explanation: “At” is used to indicate a specific location.
They are going (to/at/in) the beach for vacation.
Answer: to

Explanation: “To” is used to indicate direction or destination.
She is good (at/in/on) playing the piano.
Answer: at

Explanation: “At” is used to indicate skill or proficiency.

Exercise 9: Articles

Instructions: Choose the correct article (a, an, the, or no article) to complete each sentence.

I saw (a/an/the) elephant at the zoo.
Answer: an

Explanation: “Elephant” begins with a vowel sound, so “an” is used.
(A/An/The) sun is shining brightly.
Answer: The

Explanation: “The” is used to refer to something specific and unique.
She is (a/an/the) honest person.
Answer: an

Explanation: Even though “honest” begins with the consonant “h,” it has a vowel sound, so “an” is used.
I need (a/an/the) glass of water.
Answer: a

Explanation: “A” is used to refer to a non-specific glass of water.
He is (a/an/the) doctor.
Answer: a

Explanation:“A” is used when mentioning a profession for the first time.

Advanced Grammar Concepts for the TOEFL

Beyond the fundamental grammar rules, understanding more advanced concepts can further enhance your performance on the TOEFL. Here are some of these concepts:

The Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, commands, or hypothetical situations. It often uses the base form of the verb (without any inflections). Examples include:

It is essential that he be on time. (Suggestion)
I wish I were taller. (Wish)
The doctor recommended that she stop smoking. (Recommendation)

Inversion

Inversion involves changing the usual word order in a sentence, typically by placing the verb before the subject. This is often done for emphasis or in conditional sentences without “if.” Examples include:

Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset. (Emphasis)
Had I known, I would have come earlier. (Conditional without “if”)
Only later did I realize the truth. (Emphasis)

Reduced Clauses

Reduced clauses are shortened versions of relative or adverbial clauses. They can make sentences more concise and fluent. Examples include:

The book written by Jane Austen is a classic. (Reduced relative clause: which was written)
Walking down the street, I saw a friend. (Reduced adverbial clause: While I was walking)

Gerunds and Infinitives

Understanding when to use gerunds (verb + -ing) and infinitives (to + verb) is crucial for correct grammar. Some verbs are followed by gerunds, while others are followed by infinitives. Examples include:

I enjoy swimming. (Gerund after “enjoy”)
I want to swim. (Infinitive after “want”)

Tips for Improving Your TOEFL Grammar Skills

Improving your grammar skills requires consistent effort and a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Study Grammar Rules: Dedicate time to reviewing grammar rules and understanding their application.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to solidifying your understanding. Work through various exercises and quizzes.
Read Extensively: Reading exposes you to correct grammar usage in context. Choose a variety of materials, such as books, articles, and newspapers.
Listen Actively: Pay attention to how grammar is used in spoken English. Listen to podcasts, lectures, and conversations.
Write Frequently: Practice writing regularly to apply your grammar knowledge and identify areas for improvement.
Seek Feedback: Ask a teacher, tutor, or native speaker to review your writing and provide feedback on your grammar.
Use Online Resources: Utilize online grammar resources, such as websites, apps, and interactive exercises.
Focus on Your Weaknesses: Identify your specific grammar weaknesses and focus on improving those areas.
Review Your Mistakes: Carefully review your mistakes and learn from them. Understand why you made the error and how to avoid it in the future.
Be Patient and Persistent: Improving your grammar skills takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and persist in your efforts.

More Practice Exercises

To further enhance your grammar skills, here are some additional practice exercises covering a range of grammar concepts.

Exercise 10: Mixed Grammar Review

Instructions: Choose the best answer to complete each sentence.

(A/An/The) Eiffel Tower is in Paris.
Answer: The

Explanation: The Eiffel Tower is a specific landmark.
She is (taller/more tall) than her brother.
Answer: taller

Explanation: “Taller” is the correct comparative form of “tall.”
If I (were/was) you, I would study harder.
Answer: were

Explanation: “Were” is used in hypothetical situations with “I.”
He has been working here (since/for) five years.
Answer: for

Explanation: “For” is used to indicate a duration of time.
The movie was (boring/bored), so I left early.
Answer: boring

Explanation: “Boring” describes the quality of the movie that causes boredom in others.

Exercise 11: Error Identification

Instructions: Identify the error in each sentence and correct it.

Each students has to submit their assignment by Friday.
Error: students, their

Correction: Each student has to submit his or her assignment by Friday.
Despite of the fact that it was raining, they went for a hike.
Error: Despite of

Correction: Despite the fact that it was raining, they went for a hike.
She enjoys to read books and to listen to music.
Error: to read, to listen

Correction: She enjoys reading books and listening to music.
The reason he was late is because he missed the bus.
Error: is because

Correction: The reason he was late is that he missed the bus.
He don’t know how to swim.
Error: don’t

Correction: He doesn’t know how to swim.

Exercise 12: Sentence Completion

Instructions: Complete each sentence with the most appropriate word or phrase.

_______ I had known about the traffic, I would have left earlier.
Answer: Had

Explanation: This is an inverted conditional sentence.
The more you practice, _______ you will become.
Answer: the better

Explanation: This is a comparative construction: “the more…the…”
Not only is he intelligent, _______ he is also very kind.
Answer: but

Explanation: “Not only…but also” is a correlative conjunction.
I am looking forward _______ you soon.
Answer: to seeing

Explanation: “Looking forward to” is followed by a gerund.
He asked me _______ I had seen the movie.
Answer: if/whether

Explanation: “If” or “whether” are used to introduce an indirect question.

Final Thoughts

Mastering English grammar is an ongoing process that requires dedication and consistent effort. By diligently studying grammar rules, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback, you can significantly improve your grammar skills and achieve a high score on the TOEFL exam. Remember to focus on your weaknesses, review your mistakes, and utilize available resources to enhance your learning experience. Good luck with your TOEFL preparation!