Sentence Completion and Structure: JAMB English Language Questions, Answers & Notes

What Sentence Completion and Structure covers in the JAMB English Language syllabus

Sentence completion tests core grammar. Watch subject–verb agreement (a singular subject takes a singular verb — note tricky subjects like 'each', 'one of', 'news', 'a number of' vs 'the number of'). Match tenses to time markers ('since' + point in time, 'for' + period; future perfect 'will have + past participle' for completion before a future point). Learn fixed prepositions ('good at', 'because of' + noun) and correlatives ('neither...nor', 'hardly...when'). In unreal conditions use the subjunctive 'were'. Read the whole sentence, then test each option for grammar and sense.

For Sentence Completion and Structure, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Apply subject–verb agreement, tenses and conditionals correctly
• Choose correct prepositions, articles, pronouns and conjunctions
• Complete sentences with grammatically correct options

Key facts & revision notes: Sentence Completion and Structure

These are the recurring points our Sentence Completion and Structure questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• The subject 'She' (third person singular) takes 'goes' in the present simple tense.
• With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject 'students' (plural), so 'were'.
• An object resting on a surface takes the preposition 'on'.
• 'Since' is used with a point in time (2010); 'for' is used with a period of time.
• The subject is 'One' (singular), so the verb is 'has', despite 'of the boys'.
• In the second conditional (unreal present), the subjunctive 'were' is used with all subjects.
• Comparing two people uses the comparative 'sweeter'.
• 'All' correctly quantifies the uncountable/whole 'the food'.
• 'Look forward to' is followed by a gerund (-ing form): 'hearing'.
• The plural subject 'many students' takes 'are'.
• 'Whose' shows possession (the man's car), so it is correct here.
• 'Because of' (a preposition) is followed by a noun ('the rain'); 'because' needs a clause.
• The future perfect 'will have finished' expresses completion before a future point.
• The fixed expression is 'good at' a subject or skill.
• 'Each' is singular, so it takes the singular verb 'receives'.
• 'Would rather' + subject uses the past form 'went' to express preference about the present.
• 'News' is an uncountable noun taking a singular verb: 'is'.
• 'But' shows contrast: despite running quickly, he still missed the bus.
• 'Hardly...when' is the correct correlative pair for events in quick succession.
• 'A number of' takes a plural verb ('are'); 'the number of' would take a singular verb.
• The subject is singular ('teacher'); 'together with…' does not change the verb, so 'is'.
• Third conditional (past unreal): 'if + had + past participle' takes 'would have won'.
• 'Deny' is followed by the gerund: 'denied taking'.
• 'Neither (of…)' takes a singular verb: 'is'.

Worked examples

Three Sentence Completion and Structure questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Sentence Completion and Structure is tested in JAMB English Language

Our Sentence Completion and Structure bank holds 40 questions (6 easy, 18 medium, 16 hard). JAMB English Language typically returns to Sentence Completion and Structure year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Sentence Completion and Structure questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Sentence Completion and Structure. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one English Language item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Sentence Completion and Structure is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Sentence Completion and Structure

The errors that cost marks on Sentence Completion and Structure are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Sentence Completion and Structure actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sentence Completion and Structure part of the JAMB English Language syllabus?

Yes. Sentence Completion and Structure is a recognised topic in the JAMB English Language syllabus, covering apply subject–verb agreement, tenses and conditionals correctly. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Sentence Completion and Structure questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 40 original, JAMB-standard Sentence Completion and Structure questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Sentence Completion and Structure?

Sentence completion tests core grammar. Watch subject–verb agreement (a singular subject takes a singular verb — note tricky subjects like 'each', 'one of', 'news', 'a number of' vs 'the number of'). Match tenses to time markers ('since' + point in time, 'for' + period; future perfect 'will have + p…

How do I answer Sentence Completion and Structure questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Sentence Completion and Structure. Practising timed Sentence Completion and Structure questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB English Language Sentence Completion and Structure questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Sentence Completion and Structure questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Sentence Completion and Structure practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME English Language syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.