The English language section of exams often poses a challenge for many students, especially when it comes to error-spotting questions. These questions require a strong command of English grammar and an eye for detail.
However, with the right tips and tricks, you can improve your ability to spot errors and boost your performance in the English language section.
Rule 1: When comparing two nominative cases, use the pronoun in the nominative case after ‘than.’
Example:
Incorrect: She is taller than him.
Correct: She is taller than he.
Rule 2: When a pronoun is used as the complement of the verb ‘to be,’ it should be in the nominative case.
Example:
Incorrect: If I were her, I’d sign up for that class.
Correct: If I were she, I’d sign up for that class.
Rule 3: Use a singular noun and verb after “Many a/an.”
Example:
Incorrect: Many a politicians have promised to make changes.
Correct: Many a politician has promised to make changes.
Rule 4: Invert the sentence if it is introduced by an adverb.
Example:
Incorrect: Hardly I had reached the station when the train arrived.
Correct: Hardly had I reached the station when the train arrived.
Rule 5: Use a plural verb after ‘A large number of’/’A number of.’
Example:
Incorrect: A large number of students was absent.
Correct: A large number of students were absent.
Rule 6: Use a singular verb after ‘The large number of’/’The number of.’
Example:
Incorrect: The number of aspirants have not appeared in the examination.
Correct: The number of aspirants has not appeared in the examination.
Rule 7: When ‘it’s high time/it’s about time/it’s time’ is used in a sentence, the verb should be in the V2 form.
Example:
Incorrect: It’s high time you start preparing for exams.
Correct: It’s high time you started preparing for exams.
Rule 8: Certain verbs take reflexive pronouns when the subject becomes the receiver of an action.
Example:
Incorrect: I enjoyed at the party.
Correct: I enjoyed myself at the party.
Rule 9: Every participle must have a suitable subject of reference.
Example:
Incorrect: Being a rainy day, Vijay decided to stay at home.
Correct: It being a rainy day, Vijay decided to stay at home.
Rule 10: Two auxiliaries can be used with one principal verb only when the form of the principal verb is appropriate for both auxiliaries.
Example:
Incorrect: Rahul never has, and never will opt for a job over business.
Correct: Rahul never has opted, and never will opt for a job over business.
Rule 11: A past tense in the main clause should be followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
Example:
Incorrect: He succeeded because he studies regularly.
Correct: He succeeded because he studied regularly.
Rule 12: When the subordinate clause comes after ‘lest,’ use the auxiliary verb ‘should,’ regardless of the tense in the main clause.
Example:
Incorrect: We start early lest we shall miss the bus.
Correct: We start early lest we should miss the bus.
Rule 13: Exclude the thing compared when using a comparative by using ‘other’ or a similar word.
Example:
Incorrect: Akhil is stronger than any boy in the class.
Correct: Akhil is stronger than any other boy in the class.
Rule 14: When comparing two qualities of the same person or thing, use ‘more + positive degree + than + positive degree.’
Example:
Incorrect: Sheetal is wiser than beautiful.
Correct: Sheetal is more wise than beautiful.
Rule 15: If three pronouns are written as the subject of the sentence, use a plural verb and the order 123 (in contexts of guilt, sin, crime).
Example:
Incorrect: You, he, and I have committed the sin.
Correct: I, you, and he have committed the sin.
Mastering the art of error spotting in the English language section is crucial for achieving success in exams. By familiarizing yourself with common error types, understanding the rules of grammar, and practising regularly, you can significantly improve your error-spotting skills. Remember to pay attention to details, read the sentences carefully, and trust your knowledge of grammar rules.
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