Struggling with tricky grammar MCQs in the PSLE? You’re not alone. Many students freeze when faced with four plausible-sounding options. In this ongoing blog series, we help you decode actual grammar MCQ questions from the PSLE 2024 Paper 2 exam.
In each post, you’ll gain clear explanations of the grammar concepts being tested and smart techniques to select the correct answer confidently.
Let’s dive into Question 4, which tests your understanding of verb patterns.
PSLE 2024 Grammar MCQ – Question 4
My grandparents had trouble ________ how to use the computer until I taught them.
(1) to learn
(2) learning
(3) having learnt
(4) to have learnt
Looks simple? Not quite. All options use verb forms that look acceptable. But only one is correct.
Understanding the Question
This question tests your knowledge of verb + noun phrase + gerund structures. The phrase “had trouble” is a common collocation, and what follows must match it grammatically.
The phrase “had trouble” is typically followed by a gerund (verb + -ing).
So what’s a gerund? It’s a verb form that acts like a noun.
Example: She enjoys swimming. (not “enjoys to swim”)
Option-by-Option Analysis
Option (1): to learn
🔍 Meaning: Infinitive form of the verb.
❌ Not correct. We don’t say “had trouble to learn”. This structure does not work in English.
Example: ❌ He had trouble to understand the lesson.
✅ He had trouble understanding the lesson.
Option (2): learning ✅
🔍 Meaning: Gerund form, used correctly after “had trouble”
✅ Correct! The sentence “My grandparents had trouble learning how to use the computer…” sounds natural and is grammatically correct.
Example: ✅ I had trouble remembering her name.
Option (3): having learnt
🔍 Meaning: Perfect participle. Implies the action is completed.
❌ Incorrect. This changes the meaning. It sounds like the trouble came after they had already learnt it—which doesn’t make sense.
Option (4): to have learnt
🔍 Meaning: Perfect infinitive, also implying a completed action.
❌ Incorrect. Like option (3), it refers to a past completed action, but doesn’t fit with “had trouble”.
Grammar Focus: Verb + Gerund Patterns
Certain verbs and phrases are followed by gerunds, not infinitives. “Have trouble” is one of them.
Here are some more examples:
Have trouble / difficulty / fun / a hard time + verb-ing
✅ He had difficulty understanding the question.
✅ She has fun playing the piano.
These are common in PSLE grammar MCQs and are easily confused, especially when all options seem grammatical at first glance.
Strategy: How to Handle Similar Grammar MCQs
1. Look for Collocations
Is the verb or phrase usually followed by a gerund or infinitive? “Have trouble” → gerund.
2. Plug in the Options
Mentally insert each option into the sentence. Which one sounds right? Which one feels awkward?
3. Eliminate Based on Logic
Options 3 and 4 talk about completed actions. But the sentence clearly shows the action hadn’t been done yet—the speaker had to teach them.
From the Team at WRITERS AT WORK
At WRITERS AT WORK, we go beyond drills. Our students learn how to decode grammar MCQs with conceptual understanding and strategic thinking. Our PSLE English Programmes are designed to help your child:
• Master confusing grammar patterns like verb + gerund
• Learn collocations that frequently appear in exams
• Practise with real PSLE-style questions
• Build confidence in Paper 2 with structured techniques
Want to dive deeper into PSLE grammar mastery? Explore our Comprehensive English Programmes today.
FAQs – PSLE Grammar Practice Questions
Q1: What grammar concept is tested in Question 3?
It tests verb patterns—specifically, the use of gerunds after phrases like “had trouble”.
Q2: Why is “learning” the correct answer?
Because “had trouble” is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive. This is a fixed grammatical pattern in English.
Q3: Where can I find more practice for PSLE grammar MCQs?
Follow our ongoing blog series, join our regular classes, or get access to exclusive grammar worksheets through our PSLE English Programmes.
About the Author: Jemmies Siew
This article was authored by Jemmies Siew, Managing Director and Co-Founder of WRITERS AT WORK Enrichment Centre. With over 15 years of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Jemmies has helped shape Singapore’s English enrichment landscape through her vision for transformative learning.
She is passionate about connecting real-world issues with language learning, helping students think critically and express themselves clearly. Connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her insights on education, content marketing, and thought leadership.
Want to help your child develop critical writing and comprehension skills? Explore our programs at www.writersatwork.com.sg
