TOEICreading

TOEIC Incomplete Sentences

Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence from four options.

10-15 minutes (recommended)
TOEIC Listening & Reading (Score 5-495)

What is this question type?

Incomplete Sentences tests your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary in a business and everyday context. Each question presents a sentence with one blank, and you choose the correct answer from four options. Questions cover parts of speech, verb forms, prepositions, conjunctions, and vocabulary usage.

Winning Strategy

  1. 1

    Read the entire sentence first to understand the context and what type of word is needed

  2. 2

    Look at the answer choices — if they are different forms of the same word, it's a grammar question

  3. 3

    If choices are different words, focus on meaning and collocations

  4. 4

    Check what comes before and after the blank to determine the required part of speech

  5. 5

    Eliminate clearly wrong answers first, then choose between the remaining options

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Choosing based on the meaning alone without checking the grammar fits

  • Not recognising that the question tests a specific grammar point (e.g. gerund vs infinitive)

  • Spending too long on difficult questions — flag them and move on

  • Ignoring the context clues in the sentence that point to the correct answer

  • Confusing similar-looking words: "adapt" vs "adopt", "ensure" vs "insure"

Tips for Success

  • Study common business English vocabulary and collocations

  • Review grammar points frequently tested: verb tenses, conditionals, relative clauses, prepositions

  • Practice identifying what part of speech is needed from the sentence structure

  • Learn common prefixes and suffixes to quickly identify word forms

  • Aim to spend no more than 30 seconds per question to stay on track

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are in this section?
Part 5 of TOEIC has 30 incomplete sentence questions.
What topics do the sentences cover?
Sentences cover business contexts: office communications, meetings, travel, finance, marketing, and general workplace situations.
Is it more grammar or vocabulary?
It's a mix — roughly 60% grammar and 40% vocabulary, though both skills are needed for every question.

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TOEIC Incomplete Sentences - Complete Study Guide for Test of English for International Communication

Incomplete Sentences tests your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary in a business and everyday context. Each question presents a sentence with one blank, and you choose the correct answer from four options. Questions cover parts of speech, verb forms, prepositions, conjunctions, and vocabulary usage.

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read the entire sentence first to understand the context and what type of word is needed
  2. Look at the answer choices — if they are different forms of the same word, it's a grammar question
  3. If choices are different words, focus on meaning and collocations
  4. Check what comes before and after the blank to determine the required part of speech
  5. Eliminate clearly wrong answers first, then choose between the remaining options

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Choosing based on the meaning alone without checking the grammar fits
  • Not recognising that the question tests a specific grammar point (e.g. gerund vs infinitive)
  • Spending too long on difficult questions — flag them and move on
  • Ignoring the context clues in the sentence that point to the correct answer
  • Confusing similar-looking words: "adapt" vs "adopt", "ensure" vs "insure"

Expert Tips

  • Study common business English vocabulary and collocations
  • Review grammar points frequently tested: verb tenses, conditionals, relative clauses, prepositions
  • Practice identifying what part of speech is needed from the sentence structure
  • Learn common prefixes and suffixes to quickly identify word forms
  • Aim to spend no more than 30 seconds per question to stay on track

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are in this section?

Part 5 of TOEIC has 30 incomplete sentence questions.

What topics do the sentences cover?

Sentences cover business contexts: office communications, meetings, travel, finance, marketing, and general workplace situations.

Is it more grammar or vocabulary?

It's a mix — roughly 60% grammar and 40% vocabulary, though both skills are needed for every question.

Available in: TOEIC Listening & Reading (Score 5-495)

Time allowed: 10-15 minutes (recommended)