Grammar questions in USAT and HAT are free marks if you know the rules. Most questions test the same 6 or 7 topics over and over. Here they are with examples.
Topic 1: Subject-verb agreement
The verb must match the subject in number (singular or plural).
- Singular subject → singular verb: The student is studying.
- Plural subject → plural verb: The students are studying.
- Watch out for phrases between subject and verb: The quality of the apples is good. (Subject is "quality", not "apples")
MCQ example: Each of the students _____ required to submit a form.
A) are B) is C) were D) have been
Answer: B — "each" is singular.
Topic 2: Tense consistency
If a sentence starts in one tense, it should stay in that tense unless there is a clear reason to change.
- Wrong: He opened the door and shouts.
- Right: He opened the door and shouted.
MCQ example: She finished her work and _____ home.
A) goes B) went C) has gone D) will go
Answer: B
Topic 3: Pronoun agreement
A pronoun must agree with the noun it replaces in number and gender.
- Wrong: Everyone must bring their book. (Acceptable in informal use, but in MCQs: "Everyone" is singular)
- Right: Everyone must bring his or her book.
MCQ example: Neither of the boys forgot _____ homework.
A) their B) his C) its D) our
Answer: B
Topic 4: Articles (a, an, the)
- Use a before a consonant sound: a university, a book
- Use an before a vowel sound: an hour, an apple (Note: "hour" starts with a vowel sound)
- Use the for specific or previously mentioned things: I saw a dog. The dog was big.
MCQ example: She is _____ honest woman.
A) a B) an C) the D) no article
Answer: B — "honest" starts with a vowel sound.
Topic 5: Prepositions
Prepositions are small but tested a lot. The most common ones in MCQs:
- in: inside something, months, years — in the box, in January, in 2026
- at: specific times or places — at 8am, at the door
- on: surfaces, days, dates — on the table, on Monday, on 25 October
- by: deadline or method — by tomorrow, by car
MCQ example: He arrived _____ the airport _____ time.
A) in / at B) at / in C) at / on D) on / at
Answer: B
Topic 6: Active and passive voice
- Active: The teacher teaches the students.
- Passive: The students are taught by the teacher.
MCQs often ask you to change from active to passive or find the correct passive form.
MCQ example: The letter _____ yesterday.
A) was written B) is written C) wrote D) writes
Answer: A
Topic 7: Conditional sentences
- Real condition (possible): If you study, you will pass.
- Unreal condition (unlikely): If I were rich, I would travel.
- Past unreal: If she had studied, she would have passed.
MCQ example: If it rains tomorrow, we _____ stay home.
A) would B) will C) had D) were
Answer: B
Quick revision plan
Spend 30 minutes per day on grammar for 2 weeks. Do 10 grammar MCQs each day and review every wrong answer. After grammar, move to vocabulary. See our USAT and HAT vocabulary list for high-frequency words. For the full verbal section strategy, see our USAT verbal reasoning tips.
Common questions
What grammar topics are tested in USAT and HAT?
Subject-verb agreement, tense, pronoun usage, sentence correction, prepositions, and articles are the most common. Both tests also include reading comprehension and vocabulary.
How much of the verbal section is grammar vs vocabulary?
In both USAT and HAT, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, analogies) and reading comprehension together make up a larger share than pure grammar. But grammar questions are easy marks if you know the rules.
Do I need to study grammar books?
A basic grammar book like English for Competitive Exams or any FSc English grammar guide is enough. You do not need advanced grammar. Focus on the rules that appear most in MCQs.
How can I improve my verbal score quickly?
Grammar rules are learnable in 1 to 2 weeks. Vocabulary takes longer. Start with grammar for quick wins, then build vocabulary with 10 new words per day.