← English Comprehension

Fill in the Blanks — Questions with Solutions

13 solved Fill in the Blanks questions from English Comprehension, as asked in SSC CGL and other SSC exams. Read the answer and explanation below, then practise the full set in the practice section.

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Q1. Select the correct option: The company expanded so quickly that its systems could _____ keep up.

सही विकल्प चुनें: The company expanded so quickly that its systems could _____ keep up.

  1. A. barely
  2. B. merely
  3. C. scarcely
  4. D. all but

Solution

'Barely' fits perfectly to indicate struggling to keep pace.

Q2. Select the correct option: The analyst found the correlation to be _____ marginal to influence policy.

  1. A. too
  2. B. very
  3. C. so
  4. D. as

Solution

The adverb 'too' perfectly fits the 'too + adjective + to-infinitive' structure indicating negative excess.

Q3. Select the correct option: Her argument was compelling; _____ it was based on outdated data.

  1. A. otherwise
  2. B. conversely
  3. C. nevertheless
  4. D. subsequently

Solution

'Nevertheless' is a concessive connector indicating that despite being compelling, it was outdated.

Q4. Select the correct option: Even though the phenomenon is uncommon, it may still occur _____ prolonged drought conditions.

सही विकल्प चुनें: Even though the phenomenon is uncommon, it may still occur _____ prolonged drought conditions.

  1. A. towards
  2. B. amidst
  3. C. between
  4. D. under

Solution

'Under' is the correct preposition here.

Q5. Select the correct option: Even though the plan looked workable on paper, executing it turned out to be _____ complicated than expected.

सही विकल्प चुनें: Even though the plan looked workable on paper, executing it turned out to be _____ complicated than expected.

  1. A. less
  2. B. more
  3. C. much
  4. D. rather

Solution

The sentence implies contrast (Even though) where execution was harder. 'More complicated' fits perfectly.

Q6. Select the correct option: Neither the project lead _____ the team members were prepared for the audit.

Select the correct option: Neither the project lead _____ the team members were prepared for the audit.

  1. A. or
  2. B. nor
  3. C. either
  4. D. nor did

Solution

The correlative conjunction 'neither' always pairs with 'nor'.

Q7. Select the correct option: Her interpretation was ___ than insightful; it bordered on the revelatory.

Select the correct option: Her interpretation was ___ than insightful; it bordered on the revelatory.

  1. A. less
  2. B. more
  3. C. other
  4. D. rather

Solution

The phrase 'more than insightful' fits correctly as it amplifies the degree of her interpretation.

Q8. Select the correct option: If the firewall ______ disabled, the network notifies the security team immediately.

  1. A. were
  2. B. is
  3. C. has been
  4. D. had been

Solution

This is a Zero/First Conditional sentence expressing a general technical fact. 'If the firewall is disabled, the network notifies...' is grammatically correct.

Q9. Select the correct option: Despite careful planning, last-minute complications ______ the credibility of the final report.

  1. A. eroded
  2. B. enhanced
  3. C. certified
  4. D. alleviated

Solution

'Complications' would negatively impact the report. 'Eroded' (gradually destroyed) fits contextually.

Q10. Select the correct option: The committee insisted that ethical standards must not be compromised ______ the sake of profit.

  1. A. on
  2. B. with
  3. C. for
  4. D. at

Solution

The correct phrase is 'for the sake of', meaning in the interest of or in order to achieve something.

Q11. Select the correct option: The committee meets on Monday, _____ the final decision will be announced.

Select the correct option: The committee meets on Monday, _____ the final decision will be announced.

  1. A. whereupon
  2. B. at then
  3. C. when
  4. D. on which

Solution

'When' functions as a relative adverb referring back to the time (Monday) to introduce the clause.

Q12. Select the correct option: Only a complete paradigm shift can _____ the deeply entrenched bureaucratic inertia.

Select the correct option: Only a complete paradigm shift can _____ the deeply entrenched bureaucratic inertia.

  1. A. discourage
  2. B. dislodge
  3. C. disillusion
  4. D. persuasion

Solution

'Dislodge' means to remove from a firmly fixed position, fitting the metaphorical description of bureaucratic inertia.

Q13. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank. Vinod had a ____ escape in the car accident.

  1. A. comfortable
  2. B. full
  3. C. narrow
  4. D. wide

Solution

'Narrow escape' is a common English idiom meaning to barely avoid harm or danger.