Transformation Exercises with Answers (Grammar Practice for ESL Students)

Transformation Exercises with Answers

Sentence transformation exercises are a common and effective way to practise English grammar. They require students to rewrite a sentence without changing its meaning, usually by using a different grammatical structure or a given key word.

On this page, you’ll find a clear overview of the most common types of transformation exercises, along with links to focused practice pages that include full answers. This hub is designed for ESL / EFL students, teachers, and exam candidates who want structured grammar practice in one place.

What Are Sentence Transformation Exercises?

Transformation exercises ask learners to change the form of a sentence while keeping the meaning the same. Unlike simple gap-fill activities, these exercises test a student’s ability to recognise grammar patterns and apply them accurately.

They are widely used:

  • in ESL and EFL classrooms
  • in grammar revision lessons
  • in exams that test language accuracy (B1–B2 and above)

Because students often work independently, having answers is essential, which is why all the linked exercises below include answer keys.

Types of Transformation Exercises in English Grammar

Below are the most common types of transformation exercises used in English learning. Each section links to a dedicated page with targeted exercises and answers.

1. Active to Passive Voice Transformation

In these exercises, students rewrite sentences by changing the focus from the subject (doer of the action) to the object (receiver of the action).

What students practise:

  • verb tense changes
  • subject–object shifts
  • use of by + agent (when needed)

→ Practise here:

2. Direct to Indirect (Reported) Speech Transformation

These exercises require students to rewrite direct speech as reported speech while keeping the original meaning.

What students practise:

  • tense backshifting
  • pronoun changes
  • time and place expressions

→ Practise here:

3. Wish and If Only Sentence Transformation

These transformations focus on expressing regret, wishes, or unreal situations using wish and if only.

What students practise:

  • past simple vs past perfect
  • unreal present and past meanings
  • expressing regret and desire

→ Practise here:

4. Conditional Sentence Transformation

Conditional transformation exercises ask students to rewrite sentences using zero, first, second, or third conditionals—or to change one conditional form into another with the same meaning.

What students practise:

  • real vs unreal conditions
  • verb tense accuracy
  • logical cause-and-effect relationships

→ Practise here:

5. Key word Sentence Transformation (Exam Style)

In key word transformation exercises, students must rewrite a sentence using a given word, without changing that word in any way.

What students practise:

  • advanced grammar control
  • paraphrasing skills
  • exam-style accuracy

⚠️ These exercises are especially common in B1–C1 exams.

→ Practise here:

Mixed Transformation Exercises (Sample)

Try rewriting the following sentences. More focused practice is available in the linked sections above.

  1. They built the bridge in 2010.
    → The bridge _____.
  2. “I am tired,” she said.
    → She said that _____.
  3. I regret not studying harder.
    → I wish _____.
  4. If you don’t study, you won’t pass the exam.
    → Unless _____.
  5. People believe that he is very rich.
    → He _____.
  6. “We will finish the work tomorrow,” they said.
    → They said that _____.
  7. I didn’t save enough money, so I can’t buy a car.
    → If _____.
  8. It’s a pity I don’t know her phone number.
    → I wish _____.
  9. Someone stole my bike last night.
    → My bike _____.
  10. He started working here five years ago.
    → He has _____.
1. → The bridge was built in 2010.
2. → She said that she was tired.
3. → I wish I had studied harder.
4. → Unless you study, you won’t pass the exam.
5. → He is believed to be very rich.
6. → They said that they would finish the work the next day.
7. → If I had saved enough money, I could buy a car.
8. → I wish I knew her phone number.
9. → My bike was stolen last night.
10. → He has worked here for five years.

Who Are These Transformation Exercises For?

These grammar exercises are suitable for:

  • ESL / EFL students at A2–B2 level
  • Teachers looking for ready-made classroom practice
  • Learners preparing for grammar-based exams
  • Students who want self-study exercises with answers

Each linked page focuses on one grammar area, making it easier to practise systematically.

How to Use This Page

  • Use this page as a starting point for transformation practice
  • Choose a grammar topic based on your level or learning goal
  • Practise with exercises that include clear answers
  • Return here to explore other types of transformation exercises
More Exercises and Quizzes

👉 Start practising now

Select a grammar topic above to work on transformation exercises with answers, organised clearly for effective learning and revision.

Tags: Exercises on Advanced Grammar
Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top