1. Some nouns always take a singular verb.Scenery, advice, information, machinery, stationery, furniture, abuse, fuel, rice, gram, issue, bedding, repair, news, mischief, poetry, business, economics, physics, mathematics, classic, ethics, athletics, innings, gallows.(A) The scenery of Kashmirare enchanting. (Incorrect)(B) The scenery of Kashmir is enchanting. (Correct)(A) He has given advices. (Incorrect)(B) He has given advice. (Correct)(A) The Indian team defeated the English by innings. (Incorrect)(B) The Indian team defeated the English by an innings. (Correct)(A) Mathematics are a difficult subject. (Incorrect)(B) Mathematics is a good / difficult subject. (Correct)Note if you have to indicate that the number of news, advice, information or furniture is more than one, the examples listed below can be followed:(A) I have a lot of news to tell you. (Incorrect)(B) He has sold many pieces of his furniture. (Correct)2. Some nouns are singular in form, but they are used as plural nouns and always take a plural verb.Cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry, artillery, people, clergy, company, police.(A) The cattle is grazing in the ground. (Incorrect)(B) The cattle are grazing in the ground. (Correct)(A) The clergy is in the church. (Incorrect)(B) The clergy are in the church. (Correct)3. Some nouns are always used in a plural form and always take a plural verb.Trousers, scissors, spectacles, stockings, shorts, measles, goods, alms, premises, thanks, tidings, annals, chattels, etc.(A) Where is my trousers? Incorrect(B) Where are my trousers? Correct(A) Spectacles is now a costly item. Incorrect(B) Spectacles are now a costly item. Correct4. There are some nouns that indicate length, measure, money, weight or number. When they are precededby a numeral, they remain unchanged in form.Foot, meter, pair, score, dozen, head, year, hundred, thousand, million.(A) It is a three years degree course. Incorrect(B) It is a three year degree course. Correct(A) I have ten dozens of shoes. Incorrect(B) I have ten dozen of shoes. Correct5. Collective nouns such a jury, public, team, committee, government, audience, orchestra, company, etc. are used both as singular; otherwise the verb will be plural(A) The jury was divided in this case. Incorrect(B) The jury were divided in this case. Correct(A) The team have not come as yet. Incorrect(B) The team has not come as yet. Correct6. Some nouns have one meaning in the singular and another in the plural:Advice = counsel advices = informationAir = atmosphere airs = proudAuthority = command, authorities = persons in powerGood = wise goods = propertyIron = metal irons = fetters, chainsForce = strength forces = armyContent = satisfaction, contents = things containedPhysic = medicine physics = physical sciences,Respect = regards respects = complimentsWork = job works = compositions, factories,.Earning = income earnings = sowingsQuarter = one fourth quarters = housesExamples(A) Air is necessary for human life.(B) It is bad to put on airs.(A) I have eaten one quarter of the cake.(B) I live in the government quarters.7. People are often confused or they commit mistake in the use of certain nouns.(A) Lecturership is wrong: lectureship is correct.(a) There are twenty candidates for lecturership. Incorrect(b) There are twenty candidates for lectureship. Correct(B) Freeship is wrong; free studentship is correct.(a) Ramesh has applied for freeship. Incorrect(b) Ramesh has applied for free studentship. Correct(C) Boarding is wrong; boarding house is correct.(a) Mohan lives in a boarding. Incorrect(b) Mohan lives in a boarding house. Correct(D) Family members is wrong; members of the family is correct.(a) Vivek and Ramesh are my family members. Incorrect(b) Vivek and Ramesh are the members of my family. Correct(E) English teacher is wrong; the teacher of English is correct.(a) Dr. Raina is our English teacher. Incorrect(b) Dr. Raina is our teacher of English. Correct(F) Cousin brother or sister is wrong; only cousin is correct.(a) Geeta is my cousin sister. Incorrect(b) Geeta is my cousin. Correct(G) Room in a compartment or a bench means unoccupied set.(a) There is no room on this bench. Correct(H) Our, yours, hers, theirs are correct.(a) This house is ours. Incorrect(b) This house is ours. CorrectNote: The same principle applies to yours , hers and theirs.(I) Wages means punishments when used in singular.(a) The wages of sin is death.(J) It also means charges for the labour when used in plural sense.(b) The wages of daily workers have been raised.8. Also remember the subtle difference in the usage of these pairs of nouns(A) The noun habit applies only to an individual whereas custom applies to a society or country.(a) Poor children often become a victim of bad habits.(b) Tribal in India have many interesting customs.(B) Cause product a result, while reason explains or justifies a cause.(a) Scientists try to find out the cause of a phenomenon.(b) You have a good reason to be pleased with your students.(C) Man is used in ordinary sense while gentleman is a man of character.(a) Man is mortal.(b) He is a gentleman at large.(D) Men plural of man: people is used for persons.(a) There are five men in the room.(b) The people of Bihar are simple.(E) Shade a place sheltered from the sun; shadow the shade of a distinct form or object.(a) The villagers sat under the shade of trees.(b) He is even afraid of his own shadow.(F) Cost amount paid by the shopkeeper; price amount paid by the customer.(a) The cost of production of automobile items has gone up.(b) Sometimes the buyers have to pay higher price for necessary items.(G) House a building to live in: Home ones native place.(a) Quarters area houses allotted to us for a definite period.(b) My home town is Muzaffapur.(H) House a building to live in; Home ones native place.(a) The shopkeepers welcome customer with smiles.(b) The lawyer discusses the cases of his clients.9. A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in person, number and gender.For example:Every man must bring his luggage.All students must do their home work.Each of the girls must carry her own bag.Each students must bring their books.Each student must bring his books.10. While using everybody everyone, anybody, and each the pronoun of the masculine or the feminine gender is used according to the content.I shall be happy to help each of the boys in this practice.But when the sex is not mentioned, we use the pronoun of the masculine gender.Anyone can do this job if he tries.Each of the six boys in the class has finished their tasks.IncorrectEach of the six boys in the class has finished his task.Correct11. The pronoun one must be followed by ones.One must finish his task in time. IncorrectOne must finish ones task in time. Correct12. Enjoy, apply, resign, acquit, drive, exert, avail, pride, absent, etc., when used as transitive verbs, always take a reflexive pronoun after them. When self is added to my, your, him, her, and it, and selves to our and them they are known as reflexive pronouns.He absented from the class.He absented himself form the class.13. Who denotes the subject and whom is used for the object?Whom do you think won the award? IncorrectWho do you think won the award? CorrectWho area you talking to? IncorrectWhom are your talking to? Correct14. When two or more singular nouns are joined together by either or; neither nor, ; and or, the pronoun is singular.Either Ram or Shyam will give their book. IncorrectEither Ram or shyam will give his book. Correct15. When a singular and a plural noun are joined by or, nor, the pronoun must be plural.Either the engineer or his mechanics failed in his duty. IncorrectEither the engineer or his mechanics failed in their duty. Correct16. Whose is used for living persons and which for lifeless objects.Which book did you select? IncorrectWhose photograph is lying there? CorrectWhat book do you read? IncorrectWhich book do you read? Correct17. Each other is used when there are two subjects or objects and one another when there are more than two.Rameo and Juliet loved each otherThose five friends, who are sitting there, love one another.All the students of the class are friendly; they love each other. IncorrectAll the students of the class are friendly. Correct18. When a pronoun stands for a collective noun, it must be in the singular number and in the neuter gender if the collective noun is viewed as a whole.The jury gave its verdict.Here the jury gives the idea of one whole.If the collective noun conveys the idea of separate individuals comprising the whole, the pronoun standing for it must be plural.The jury were divided in their opinions.Here, the jury gives the idea of several individuals.The team are divided in this opinion about playing on Sunday. IncorrectThe team are divided in their opinion about playing on Sunday. Correct19. If pronouns of different persons are to be used together in a sentence, the serial order of persons should be as follows; second person + third + first person in a good normal sentences. But in fault is to be confessed, the order will be; first person + second person + third person. RULE-231You, he and I have finished the work. Normal sentencesI, you and he are to blame. Confession [memory tool-Put urself first in bad sense/bad works :)] Ram, I and you have finished our studies. IncorrectYou, Ram and I have finished our studies. Correct20. Some is used in affirmative sentences to express quantity or degree. Any is uses in negative or interrogative sentences.I shall buy some apples.I shall not buy any apples.Have you bought any apples?But some may be correctly used in interrogative sentences which are, in fact, requests.Will you please give me some milk?I shall read any book. IncorrectI shall read some book. CorrectHave you bought some apples? IncorrectHave you bought any apples? Correct21.The use of few, a few and the few should be used with care. They denote number.Few means not many. It is the opposite of many. A few is positive and means some at least. It is the opposite of none. The few means whatever there is.A few men are free from fault. IncorrectFew men are free from fault. CorrectHere the sense is negative and thus a few is wrong.Few boys will pass in the examination. IncorrectA few boys will pass in the examination. CorrectHere the sense is positive and thus few is incorrect.I have already read a few books that are on the bookshelf. IncorrectI have already read t he few books that are on the bookshelf. CorrectHere the sense is whatever there is.22. Use of less and fewerLess denote quantity and fewer denote number.No less than fifty persons were killed. IncorrectNo fewer than fifty persons were killed. CorrectThere are no fewer than five litres of water in the jug. IncorrectThere are no less than five litres of water in the jug. Correct23. Use of little, a little, the little.Little means hardly anyThere is a little hope of his recovery. IncorrectThere is a little hope of his recovery correctA little means some, though not much.Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. IncorrectA little knowledge is a dangerous thing. CorrectThe little means not much but all there is.The little milk that is in the pot may be used for the patient. IncorrectThe little milk that is in the pot may be used for the patient. Correct24. Use of elder, older.Older refers to persons as well as things and is followed by than.Ram is elder than all other boys of this area. IncorrectRam is older than all other boys of this area. CorrectElder is used for members of the family.Suresh is my older brother. IncorrectSuresh is my elder brother. Correct25. normally than is used in the comparative degree, but with words like superior, inferior, senior, junior, prior, anterior, posterior and prefer to is used.Shelley is junior than Wordsworth. IncorrectShelley is junior to Wordsworth. CorrectI prefer reading than sleeping. IncorrectI prefer reading to sleeping. Correct26. when a comparison is made by using a comparative followed by than, the word other must be exclude the thing compared form the class of things with which it is compared.He is stronger than any man. IncorrectHe is stronger than any other man. CorrectAny man includes the man himself and thus the sentences will be absurd.27. In some cases, the comparison is subtle and must be given proper attention.The climate of Ranchi is better then Gaya. IncorrectHere the comparison should be between the climate of Ranchi and the climate of Gaya.The climate of Ranchi is better than the climate of Gaya. CorrectOrThe climate of Ranchi is better than that of Gaya. CorrectThat of means the climate ofIf the traits are in plural, it will be those of.The clothes of DCM are better than those of Mafatalal.The scenery of Kashmir is better than Shimla. IncorrectThe scenery of Kashmir is better than that of shimla. Correct28. many a is always followed by the singular verb.Many a man were followed by the singular verb. IncorrectMany a man was drowned in the area. Correct29. If the subject is the number of the singular verb is used.The number of students are very small. IncorrectThe number of students is very small. Correct30. When as well as, along with, together with, no less than, in addition to and not and with join two subjects, the verb will be according to the first subject.Ram, as well as his ten friends, are going. IncorrectRam, as well as his ten friends, is going. CorrectThe teacher, along with the students, were going. IncorrectThe teacher, along with the students, was going. Correct31. A great many is always followed by a plural noun and a plural verb.A great many student has been declared successful. IncorrectA great many students have been declared successful. Correct32. If two subjects are joined by either or, neither nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is near.Either Ramesh or I are to do this work. IncorrectEither Ramesh or I am to do this work. CorrectNeither he nor his friends is reading. IncorrectNeither he nor his friends are reading correct33. When two singular nouns joined by and point out the same thing or person, the verb will be singular.Bread and butter make a good breakfast. IncorrectBread and butter makes a good breakfast. CorrectThe collector and the District Magistrate are on leave. IncorrectThe collector and District Magistrate is on leave. Correct34. One of always takes a plural noun after it.It is one of the important day in my life. IncorrectIt is one of the important days in my life. Correct35. Use of not only and but also; examine the sentences given below:He not only comes for swimming but also for coaching thelearners. IncorrectHe comes not only for swimming but also for coaching thelearners. Correct36. Scarcely and hardly are followed by when and not by than.I had scarcely entered the room than the phone rang. IncorrectI had scarcely entered the room when the phone rang. Correct37. Though is followed by yet and not by but.Though he is poor but he is honest. IncorrectThought he is poor, yet he is honest. Correct38. No sooner is followed by than.No sooner had I entered the class when the student stood up. IncorrectNo sooner had I entered the class than the students stood up. Correct39. Lest must be followed by should.Read regularly lest you will fail.Read regularly least you should fail.40. such is followed by as.He is such a writer that everybody should read his books. IncorrectHe is such a wrier as everybody should read his books. Correct41. So is followed by that.Sarita was popular with her classmate that she always had incorrectSome people coming to her for advice.Sarita was so popular with her classmate that she always had correctSome people coming to her for advice.42. Unless express a condition. It is always used in the negative sense. Thus not is never used with unless.Unless you do not labour hard, you will not pass. IncorrectUnless you labour hard, you will not pass. Correct43. until expresses time. It has a negative sense and thus not should never be used with it.Wait here until I do not return. IncorrectWait here until I return. Correct44. Since indicates a point of time and for stands for the length of time.He has been reading the book since two hours. IncorrectHe has been reading the book for two hours. CorrectTwo hours is a length of time and thus for is correct.It has been raining for Monday last. IncorrectIt has been raining since Monday last. Correct45. as if used to convey the sense of pretension. When as if is used in this sense, were is used in all cases,even with third person singular.He behaves as if he was a king. IncorrectHe behaves as if he were a king. CorrectThe sense of time and tense is also very important. Certain important rules are listed below.46. A past tense in the principal clause is followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.He saw that the clock has stopped. IncorrectHe saw that the clock had stopped. CorrectThere are, however, two exceptions to this rule:(1) A past tense in the principal clause may be followed by a present tense in the subordinate clause, when it expresses a universal truth.The teacher observed that the Earth moved round the sun. IncorrectThe teacher observed that the Earth moves round the sun. Correct(2) When the subordinate clause is introduced by than, even if there is past tense in the principal clause, it may be followed by any tense required by the sense in the subordinate clause.He helped him more than he helped his own children. IncorrectHe helped him more than he helps his own children. Correct47. if two actions in a sentence are showing happing in the past, one after the other; the tense of the action happening first should be past perfect and that of the second should be past indefinite.The patient died before the doctor arrived. IncorrectThe patient had died before the doctor arrived. Correct48.Two actions in the past, one depending on the other, should have the sequence as follows:Past perfect + future perfectHad + past participle + would + have + past participleIf you had worked hard, you would have succeeded in the examination.OrHad you worked hard, you would have succeeded in the examination.If you would had practiced regularly, you would won the match. IncorrectIf you had practiced regularly, you would have won the match. Correct49. If, in a sentence, two actions are indicated and both are to take place in future, the sequence of tense will be as follows:The principal clause in present indefinite; and the subordinate clause in future indefinite.If I go the Delhi, I shall attend the seminar.If I go to Delhi is the principal clause and I shall attend the seminar is the subordinate clause.If it will rain, I shall not attend the meeting. IncorrectIf it rains, I shall not attend the meeting. Correct50. When an action has taken place in two clauses of a sentence, it is used in both the clauses according to the requirement.My brother has and is still doing excellent work for hisorganisation. IncorrectM y brother has done and is still doing excellent work for hisOrganisation. Correct51. When there is a sense of continuity, that is, when a thing has taken place in the past and still continue in the present, the prefect continues tense form of t he verb should be used.Indian is independent for the last forty six years. IncorrectIndian has been independent for the last forty six years. CorrectThe use of article is also an important matter and one must be careful about it.52. before a consonant a is used.A boy, a horse, a woman.But a is also used before words like university, useful, unicorn, union, European, and one, etc., because these words began with a consonant sound.Here is an university. IncorrectHere is a university. CorrectAn European lives in my area. IncorrectA European lives in my area. CorrectIt is a one rupees note. IncorrectIt is a one rupee note. Correct52. Similarly, words like hour, honest, heir, etc, take an before them as they begin with a vowel sound.I have been waiting for him for a hour. IncorrectI have been waiting for him for an hour. Correct53. Some important points to remember regarding the omission of a/an/the:1. Before a common noun used in its widest sense, e.g.Man us mortal.2. before names of materials.Bronze is a useful metal.3. Usually before proper names.Patina is the capital of Bihar.4. Before abstract nouns used in general sense.Beauty fascinates people.5. before language.English is a very popular language in the Delhi University.6. Before school college, church, bed, table, hospital, market, and prison, when these place are visited or used for their common purpose.My Christian friends go to church every Sunday.But the is used with these words when we refer to them as a definite place, building or object rather than to the normal activity that goes on there.I met my friend at the church.7. before names of relations, like father, mother, aunt, uncle, cook and nurse.Father is very happy today.8. before predicative nouns denoting a unique position that is normally held at one time by one person only.He was elected chairman of the Board.54. Uses of the1. W hen the object is unique.The earth, the sky, the equator.2. before superlativesThe best, the finest, the most3. with proper nouns like seas, rivers, group of island, chains of mountains, deserts, newspaper, buildings, religious books, gulfs,.The Arabian sea, The Ganges, The Taj Mahal,4. before a proper noun, when it is qualified by an adjective.The immortal Kalidas.5. before an adjective, when the noun is hidden.The rich should be kind and helping.6. before musical instruments.I know how to play the harmonium.7. with a class of things.The crow is a clever bird.8. The should be used before both comparative degrees when they are used in a sentence for proportion.Higher we go, cooler we feel. IncorrectThe higher we go, the cooler we feel. Correct55. What to speak of is incorrect; the correct expression is not to speak of.What to speak of running, he cannot even walk. IncorrectNot to speak of running, he cannot even walk. Correct56. When there is the sense of dislike, hesitation, risk, etc., in a sentence, we should use a gerund instead of a verb. A gerund is that form of the verb which ends in ing and can be used in the place of a noun.I dislike to see a film late in the night.I dislike to seeing a film late in the night.Young girls hesitate to talk to strangers.Young girls hesitate talking to strangers.`57. Cent per cent and word by word are wrong. Hundred per cent and word for word are correct expressions.You are never cent per cent sure of your success in a incorrectcompetitive examinations.You are never hundred per cent sure of your success in correctA competitive examination.I can reproduce this lesson word by word. IncorrectI can reproduce this lesson word for word. Correct58. Since, because, as, for, all means because, but there is a different in their degree. Since and because are used for stronger cases and as and for for weak cases.I respect him as he is my teacher. IncorrectI respect him because he is my teacher. Correct59. Use of when and while: Proper attention must be paid to these words. when indicates a general sense and while implies a time during the process of doing a work.When learning to swim, one of the most important things is to incorrectrelax.While learning to swim, one of the most important things is to correctrelax.60. Sometimes the error lies in the use of words. Proper attention must therefore, be given to appropriateness of words.Prakash was leading a happy and leisurely life after his retirementform his service. IncorrectPrakash was living a happy and leisurely life after his retirementform his service. Correct61. If in a sentence an apposition has been used, the verb will follow not the apposition but the noun or pronoun preceding it.You, my son, is a good boy. IncorrectYou, my son, are a good boy. Correct62. Proper, abstract and material nouns have no plural except when they are used as common nouns.The house is built of bricks. IncorrectThe house is built of brick.Correct63. Clauses in sentences beginning with a relative pronoun (who, which, that) take a verb according to the noun or pronoun preceding the relative pronoun.It is I who has done it. IncorrectIt is I who have done it. Correct64. The relative pronoun should be near as possible to its antecedent so that no ambiguity arises.The boy is my cousin who stood first in the mile race.The boy, who stood first in the mile race, is my cousin.65. When two singular nouns joined by and are preceded by each or every the pronoun used for them is singular.Each man and each boy is responsible for their action. IncorrectEach man and each boy is responsible for his action. Correct66. Sometimes a pronoun is used w here it is not required at all.He being an M.A., he is qualified for the post. IncorrectHe, being an M.A., is qualified for the post. Correct67. If a pronoun comes after a preposition it should be used in the objective case.Between you and I neither of us is correct. IncorrectBetween you and me neither of us is correct. Correct68. When a pronoun come after like and unlike it takes objective case.A man like I will not do it. IncorrectA man like me will not do it. Correct69. A pronoun takes an objective case after let.Let I do it. IncorrectLet me do it. Correct70. Pronoun joined by and remain in the same case.He had her brother and sister. IncorrectHe and she are brother and sister. CorrectHe and me are friends. IncorrectHe and I are friends. Correct71. When pronouns of second person and third person are used as subjects, the pronoun following them willbe according to the second person pronoun.You and he must bring his books. IncorrectYou and he must bring your books. Correct72. When pronouns of second person and first person are used as subjects, the pronoun following them will be first person plural form.You and I must finish your work in time. IncorrectYou and I must finish our work in time. Correct73. But is also used as a relative pronoun. When a sentence has a negative noun or pronoun, but can be used with it. In this case but means: who not; that not.Here was none but laughed to see the joker.Here the meaning of but laughed is who did not laugh.There is no bird but flies.But files means that does not fly.74. The relative pronoun that is used in preference to who or which after adjectives in the superlative degree.The wisest man who ever lived made mistakes. IncorrectThe wisest man that ever lived made mistakes. CorrectThis is the best which we can do. IncorrectThis is the best that we can do. Correct75. The relative pronoun that is also used in preference to who and which after the words all, same, none, nothing and (the) only.He is the same man who he has seen. IncorrectHe is the same man that he has seen. CorrectMan is the only animal who can talk. IncorrectMan is the only animal that can talk. Correct76. The same rule applies after the interrogative pronoun who and what.What is there which I do not know? IncorrectWhat is there that I do not know? Correct77. When there are two antecedents, a man and an animal or two things before the relative pronoun, we should use that.The man and his dog which passed through this road were incorrectkilled.The man and his dog passed through this road were killed. Correct78. The case of the noun or pronoun preceding or succeeding the verb to be should be the same.It is him who came to see us. IncorrectIt is he who came to see us. CorrectIt is me who caught the thief. IncorrectIt is I who caught the thief. Correct79. when two qualities of a person or thing compared more or less is used before the adjective and the adjective following them take positive degree.Suman is better than brave. IncorrectSuman is more good than brave. Correct80. When two or more adjectives are used to show the qualities of the same man or thing, al the adjectives must be in the same degree.Sita is more intelligent and wise than Rita. IncorrectSita is more intelligent and wiser than Rita. Correct81. Very is used with adjectives in the positive degree and with present participles.He is much stronger man. IncorrectHe is a very strong man. CorrectIt is a much interesting book. IncorrectIt is very interesting book. CorrectMuch is used with adjectives in the comparative degree and with past participles.He is very stronger than I am. IncorrectHe is much stronger than I am. CorrectI am very obliged to my friend. IncorrectI am much obliged to my friend. Correct82. To show equality as is used before and after the adjective.I can run as fast, if not faster, than you. IncorrectI can run as fast as, if not faster, than you. Correct83. Certain adjectives do not admit of comparison and thus they always remain in the positive degree.Absolute, annual, chief, circular, complete, entire, extreme, excellent, full, impossible perfect, right, round, unique, universal, whole, etc.84. More than one indicates a plural sense, but it is treated as a sort of compound of one. Thus it agrees with a singular noun and takes a singular verb.More than one employees were killed in the accident. IncorrectMore than one employees was killed in the accident. Correct85. A verb must agree with its subject and not with the complement.Our only guide at night were the stars. IncorrectOur only guide at night w as the s tars. Correct

1. Certain nouns possess a singular form but still represent plurality and thus, take a plural verb when used in a sentence.E.g. Cattle, peasantry, people, clergy, police.Thus, The Police has come (Incorrect) The Police have come (Correct)2. Certain nouns always take the plural verb because their form is always plural.E.g. Scissors, trousers, spectacles, thanks, premises.Thus, The scissors is kept on the table. (Incorrect) The scissors are kept on the table. (Correct)3. When a number is followed by a noun denoting measure, length, money, number or weight, the form of the nouns does not change so long as they are followed by another noun or pronoun.E.g. Million, pair, metre, year, dozen, foot, head.Thus, This is a nine-metres cloth. (Incorrect) This is a nine-metre cloth. (Correct)4. When a number is followed by a noun denoting measure, length, money, number or weight, but these are not followed by another noun or pronoun, then they take the plural form.E.g. Million, pair, metre, year, dozen, foot, head.Thus, This sari is nine yard long. (Incorrect) This sari is nine yards long. (Correct)5. Certain nouns, especially of the collective category,are used as singular when they specify a unit.E.g. Public, team, committee, government, audience, orchestra, company, jury.Thus, The public wereunanimousin theiropinion. (Incorrect) The public was unanimous in itsopinion. (Correct)6. Certain nouns, especially of the collective category, are used in plural when they specify a difference of opinion or class.E.g. Public, team, committee, government, audience, orchestra, company, jury.Thus, The jury was divided in its opinion. (Incorrect) The jury were divided in their opinion. (Correct)7. If the pronoun one is used, it must be maintained throughout the sentence.Thus, One must respect his elders. (Incorrect) One must respect ones elders.(Correct)8. The word whoseis used for living people andwhichis used for non-living things or ideas.Thus, Which box is kept on the table?(Incorrect) Whose box is kept on the table? (Correct)9. Less is used to denote quantity while fewer is used to denote number.Thus, No less than twenty peoplewere(Incorrect) No fewer than twenty peoplewere(Correct)10. One ofis always followed by noun in the plural form.Thus, She is one of the least important person in the office. (Incorrect) She is one of the least important people in the office. (Correct)11. Only than should be used afterno otherThus, I like no other movie but Titanic.(Incorrect) I like no other movie than Titanic. (Correct)12. After the word Know, how, what or when should be used before using the infinitive.Thus, I know to speak English. (Incorrect) I know how to speak English. (Correct)13. If the verb indicates a purpose, an infinitive must be used and if the verb indicates a cause, agerundmust be used.Thus, He went to the mall for watching a movie. (Incorrect) He went to the mall to watch a movie. (Correct) He was suspended to show indiscipline. (Incorrect) He was suspended for showing indiscipline.(Correct)14.As is not used with verbs like appointed, elected , considered, called but it is used with the word regard.Thus, He waselected asSecretary of the organisation. (Incorrect) He waselectedSecretary of the organisation. (Correct) IregardSahil my best friend. (Incorrect) IregardSahilasmy best friend. (Correct)15. Adverbs should not be confused for adjectives. An adjective describes the characteristic of the subject while an adverb describes the action of the verb.Thus, The horse looked beautifully. (Incorrect) The horse looked beautiful. (Correct)16. Question tags are always the opposite of the sentence which means that if the sentence is positive, the question tag is negative and vice versa.Thus, You were dancing, were you? (Incorrect) You were dancing, werent you? (Correct)17. An infinitive verb should never be split.Thus, I request youtokindly tell me.(Incorrect) I request you kindlytotell me.(Correct)18. A pronoun after like, unlike and let takes anobjective case.Thus, You will never find a woman like she. (Incorrect) You will never find a woman like her. (Correct) Let I do it. (Incorrect) Let me do it. (Correct)19. The relative pronoun thatis used instead of whoor which after adjectives in the superlative degree.Thus, This is the best which she could do. (Incorrect) This is the best that she could do. (Correct)20. To show equality asis used both before and after the adjective.Thus, I can runas fast, if not faster than you. (Incorrect) I can runas fastas, if not faster than you. (Correct)21. Even thoughMore than oneindicates a plural sense, it agrees with a singular noun and takes asingular verb.Thus, More than one students completed their project. (Incorrect) More than one student completed his project. (Correct)22. Scarcelyand hardlyare followed by whenand not by than.Thus, Hardly had the teacher left the room than the pupils started enjoying. (Incorrect) Hardly had the teacher left the room when the pupils started enjoying. (Correct)23. Though is followed by yetand not by but.Thus, Though he is poorbuthe is honest. (Incorrect) Though he is poor,yethe is honest. (Correct)24. Lestmust be followed by should or by nothing at all and Such must be followed by as.Thus, Work hard lest you will fail. (Incorrect) Work hard lest you should fail. (Correct) Work hard lest you fail. (Correct) He issuch a writerthateverybody should read his books. (Incorrect) He issuch a writeraseverybody should read his books. (Correct)25. Unless expresses a condition and is always used in the negative sense. Thus notis never used with unless.Thus, Unless you do not work hard, you will not excel in the examination. (Incorrect) Unless you work hard, you will not excel in the examination. (Correct)26. Whendenotes a general sense and whileimplies a time duration of doing something.Thus, When learning how to sing, technique is of utmost importance. (Incorrect) While learning how to sing, technique is of utmost importance. (Correct)

1. Some nouns always use a singular verb.Eg: Advice, scenery, stationery, mathematics, news Mathematics are a difficult subject. (Incorrect) Mathematics is a difficult subject. (Correct)2. Who denotes the subject and whom denotes the object. Whom do you think won the competition? (Incorrect) Who do you think won the competition? (Correct) Who did you talk to? ( Incorrect) Whom did you talk to? ( Correct)3. The verb and pronoun in case of two nouns joined by eitheror or neither nor or by or take the form of the latter noun. Either my father or my sister will use their credit card. (Incorrect) Either my father or my sister will use her credit card. (Correct)4. The verb and pronoun are plural when there is one singular noun and one plural noun and is joined by the conjunction and. The teacher and her students donated her money. (Incorrect) The teacher and her students donated their money. (Correct)5. When there are two nouns joined by a preposition like with or along with, the verb and pronoun take the form of the main (first) noun. Mansi, along with her students, were on their way to the movies. (Incorrect) Mansi, along with her students, was on her way to the movies. (Correct)6. If the plural subject indicates a definite amount or quantity taken as awhole, it takes the verb in the singular form. Eighty kilometres are a good distance.( Incorrect) Eighty kilometres is a good distance. (Correct)7. When two or more adjectives show the qualities of the same person or thing, all the adjectives must be in the same degree. Bhanu is more intelligent and wise than Manu. (Incorrect) Bhanu is more intelligent and wiser than Manu. (Correct)8. When two singular nouns are joined by and are preceded by each or every the pronoun used is singular. Each man and each boy must be rewarded for their good deeds. ( Incorrect) Each man and each boy must be rewarded for his good deeds. (Correct)9. No sooner is always followed by than. No sooner had the bell rung when the students started leaving the classroom. (Incorrect) No sooner had the bell rung than the students started leaving the room.( Correct)10. No sooner is always followed by does/do or has/have in the present tense and by did or had in the past tense. No sooner are the boys marching than the whistle blows. (Incorrect) No sooner do the boys march than the whistle blows.( Correct)11. A great many is always followed by a plural noun and a plural verb. A great many invention has been declared successful. (Incorrect) A great many inventions have been declared successful. (Correct)12. Some is used in affirmative sentences to express quantity or degree. Any is to be used in negative or interrogative sentences. I shall buy some books. (Correct) I shall not buy any books. (Correct) Have you bought any books? (Correct)But some might be used in interrogative sentences which are requests. Will you please give me some water? (Correct)13. Since indicates a point of time and for stands for the length of time. He has been reading the book since three hours. (Incorrect) He has been reading the book for three hours. (Correct) It has been raining heavily for Monday. (Incorrect) It has been raining heavily since Monday. (Correct)14. When we use everybody everyone, anybody, and each the pronoun of the masculine or the feminine gender is used with respect to the content. I shall be willing to help each of the girls in her practice. (Incorrect)But when the gender is not mentioned, we use the pronoun of the masculine gender. Anyone can do this job if he tries. (Correct) Each of the boys in the class has finished their tasks. (Incorrect) Each of the boys in the class has finished his task. (Correct)15. A singular pronoun is used for a collective nouns, and should be in the neuter gender if the collective noun is viewed as a whole. The pride gave away their location by roaring loudly. (Incorrect) The pride gave away its location by roaring loudly. (Correct)16. When pronouns of different persons are to be used together in a sentence, the sequence of persons should be as follows: second person + third + first person in a normal sentence. Raju, I and you have finished the work. (Incorrect) You, Raju and I have finished our studies. (Correct)17. Older refers to persons as well as things and is usually followed by than. Raju is elder than all other boys of this class. (Incorrect) Raju is older than all other boys of this class. (Correct)Elder is used for members of the family. Suyash is my older brother. (Incorrect) Suyash is my elder brother. (Correct)18. Than is used in the comparative degree usually , but with words like superior, inferior, senior, junior, prior, anterior, posterior and prefer to is used. Gandhi is preferred than Nehru. (Incorrect) Gandhi is preferred to Nehru. (Correct)19. Many a is always followed by the singular verb. Many a man were influenced by the speech. (Incorrect) Many a man was influenced by the speech. (Correct)20. The singular verb is used when the subject is the number of. The number of buildings are very low. (Incorrect) The number of buildings is very low. (Correct)21. Since, because, as, for are often used alternatively, however there is a difference in their degree. Stronger cases use since and because and as and for are used in weak cases. I respect him as he is the best teacher. (Incorrect) I respect him because he is the best teacher. (Correct)22. A pronoun is sometimes incorrectly used where it is not required at all. Eliminate the redundant ones. He, being an M.A., he is over qualified for the position. (Incorrect) He, being an M.A., is over qualified for the position. (Correct)23. The relative pronoun that is used instead of who or which after adjectives in the superlative degree. This is the best which the doctors could do. (Incorrect) This is the best that the doctors could do. (Correct)24. When as if is used in the sense of pretension, were is used in all cases, even with third person singular. She behaves as if she was a queen. (Incorrect) She behaves as if she were a queen. (Correct)25. A pronoun takes an objective case after let. Let I show it. (Incorrect) Let me show it. (Correct)26. Pronouns joined by and are in the same case. He and me are friends. (Incorrect) He and I are friends. (Correct)

1. Infinitives: It can be regarded as the most basic or rudimentary form of the given verb. It may be a noun, an adverb or an adjective. There are two kinds of infinitives-the bare infinitive and the full infinitive.The bare infinitive does not use the word to but uses the base form of the verb.For example,1. Help mecatchthis fish.2. You had betterfinishyour work by then.The way to identify the full infinitive is that the base form of the verb is preceded by the word to.For example,1. I am determinedto loseweight before Sheilas wedding.2. One must take examinations seriouslyto excelin the academic field.Infinitives used as nouns:1. To swimin the Olympics is my dream. (used as a subject)2. I wantto writea novel. (used as an object)Infinitives used as adjectives/adverbs:1. She is the designerto watch. (used as an adjective, modifying the noun designer)2. Alia went to the UKto study. (used as an adverb)2. Gerunds: Gerunds are those non-finite verbs which are actually modifications of the verb as a noun.The trick to identifying a gerund is that the verb form generally ends with an ing.For example,1. Smokingis injurious to health and causes cancer.2. Playinga sport is essential for all-round development.3. Participles: Participles are those non-finite verbs which are modifications of the verb in such a way that they become adjectives, that is, they describe another word in the given sentence.The tip to identify a participle is that the verb usually ends in ing or ed. The ing form is usually the present participle form (e.g.blowing, singing, weavingetc.).The ed form is usually the past participle form (e.g.written, disbanded, codedetc.). The first is used when the describing word is an action that is still taking place whereas the latter is used when the describing word is an action that took place in the past but its effects are still present.For example,1. Themangledpair of sunglasses were kept on the table. (past participle used as an adjective to describe a pair of sunglasses)2. Thegallopingponies came to a halt in front of the stables. (present participle used as an adjective to describe the ponies)Difference between the use of an infinitive and gerund:There is often some confusion between the usage of an infinitive and a gerund. It is very difficult to determine when to use which type of verb and to indicate what. The following pointers reveal the difference between the respective usage of both: A gerund is used to indicate an action that has happened in the past or one that is happening at the present.For example,I likeridingthe bicycle.I deniedacceptingthe proposal.A gerund is also used after prepositions.For example,I aimatbecomingthe Prime Minister of the country.I always go for a walkaftereatingdinner.Certain expressions too are mostly followed by a gerund.For example,There isno point incomplainingabout the state of affairs.I canthelpexpressingmy sorrow and remorse. An infinitive is used to indicate an action that is bound to or expected to happen in the future.For example,I wantto eatice-cream after dinner.I haveto visitmy uncle in Canada.An infinitive is also used after participles like:I waspleasedto hearabout Reemas appraisal.I amdisappointedto learnabout your undisciplined behaviour.Infinitives are also used in conjunction in sentences containing the word tooFor example,The lake is too deepto swim.The boy is too youngto participatein the competition. In certain cases both gerunds and infinitives can be used interchangeably.For example,When followed by like/dislike:Infinitive: I liketo danceon Bollywood songs.Gerund: I likedancingon Bollywood songs.

1. Tenses:Types:Taking a sentence as an example: Yash eats food. Past:1. Simple: Yash ate food.2. Continuous: Yash was eating food.3. Perfect: Yash had eaten food.4. Perfect Continuous: Yash had been eating his food. Present1. Simple: Yash eats food.2. Continuous: Yash is eating food.3. Perfect: Yash has eaten food.4. Perfect Continuous: Yash has been eating food Future1. Simple: Yash will eat food.2. Continuous: Yash will be eating food.3. Perfect: Yash will have eaten food.4. Perfect Continuous: Yash will have been eating food.NOTE:Many of the above-mentioned sentences are not used commonly in the English language but have been used here as a reference.2. Active and Passive Voice: Active: It is the verb that expresses the action done by the subject.E.g.Ram helps me. Passive: It is the verb that expresses what is done to the subject.E.g.I am helped by RamConversion examples: The man shot the woman- The woman was shot by the man. The child will be taught- He will teach the child.3. Direct and Indirect Speech:In direct speech, we quote the actual words of the speaker like:The Earth revolves around the Sun, said the teacher.In indirect speech, we give the exact meaning of a remark or speech, without quoting the speaker.Rules for changing the speech from direct to indirect: If the Reporting verb is in the present tense, the tense of the verb in the reported speech is changed to the corresponding past tense (eg. Simple present becomes simple past, present continuous becomes past continuous). If the reporting verb is in the future tense, the tense of the verb is changed as follows: Simple future tense becomes future conditional and future conditional becomes conditional continuous tense. (eg.I will become a doctor, said Reena becomes Reena said she would become a doctor.) If the reporting verb is in the past tense, the tense of the verb in the reported speech is changed into an earlier form of the past tense. (eg. I went to Disneyland, said Ben becomes Ben said he had gone to Disneyland.) Pronouns and possessive adjectives of the First and Second Persons in Direct Speech are changed into Third Person in Indirect Speech. In the Reported Speech, the words expressing nearness of time or place are changed into words showing distance. (for eg. here becomes there and now becomes then.)4. Articles:There are three articles in the English language: A: It is used to describe any one indefinite thing and is used before words beginning with consonants(eg.atable) or with sounds like yu, wu or h (aeulogy,aone-eyed man,ahorse ) An: It is used in the same context as a but before words beginning with vowels (anapple), or where a word/letter is pronounced like a vowel even though it may start with a consonant (anhonour,anA.) The: It is used to denote a definite, particular thing likethebook,theroad,theArticles are omitted in certain cases like when describing some nouns (London), meal-time (dinner, supper) or phrases that use kind of (What kind of flower)You can also go through Part I of the same here:a.Noun: It is a word used as a name of a person, place or thing.E.g.Sheila, Delhi, toyTypes: Proper: Denotes a particular person, thing or place likeDelhi, Mohan. Common: Denotes a class of objects likedesk, girl, chair. Collective: Denotes several things regarded as a group likearmy, class, jury. Abstract: Denotes something that cannot be seen, touched, etc. and denotes a quality likehonesty, laughter, truth. Material: Denotes a substance of which things are made likecotton, wheat, paper. They can also be Masculine (Rohan, horse), Feminine(Tanya, cow) or Neuter (House, chair) They can be Countable(Books, chairs) or Uncountable(Milk, noise)b.Pronoun: It is a word used in place of a noun.E.g.She, he, me, ITypes: Personal:I, he, they, etc. Reflexive and emphatic:Myself, himself, themselves, etc. Demonstrative:This, that, those, etc. Indefinite:One, any, somebody, none, etc. Distributive:Each, every, neither, etc. Reciprocal:Each other, one another, etc. Relative:Who, which, what, etc. Interrogative:Who, whose, whom, which, what, etc.c.Adjective: It is a word used to describe a noun or a pronoun, i.e., it adds to the meaning of a noun or pronoun.E.g.Beautiful, ugly, large, empty.Types: Adjectives of Quality: They describe the kind, quality or characteristic likebeautiful, clever. Adjectives of Quantity: They indicate how much of a thing is meant in indefinite terms likesome, half, little. Adjectives of Number: hey indicate how many people or things are meant. They can be definite (an exact number liketwo, three), indefinite(few, some, all, many) or distributive(referring to each noun likeevery, neither, each) Demonstrative: They indicate which person or thing is meant likethese, that, those, etc. Interrogative: They are used to ask questions likewhich, what, who. Exclamatory: They express a feeling like What a story!Here, where, what are used as adjectives. Possessive: They indicate possession likeours, my.Degrees: Positive: It is the basic form likesmall. Comparative: It compares to things which are different likesmaller. Superlative: It denotes the extreme likesmallest.Examples:Bad, worse, worst/ Beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful/ Far, further, furthest.d.Verb: It is a word which is used to describe an action or to say something about the noun or pronoun.E.g.Is, lives, prays, dances.Types: Transitive: They pass on the action from the subject to the object.E.g.Laila saw a man. Intransitive: They do not pass on the action from the subject to the object.E.g.Laila runs.e.Adverb: It is a word used to modify a verb, an adjective or another adverb.E.g.Quickly, very, sweetly.Types: Simple: These maybe further subdivided into:1. Adverb of Time:Soon, early, late, before, tomorrow.(Answers when)2. Adverb of Place:Here, there, anywhere. (Answers where)3. Adverb of Manner:Bravely, smartly, beautifully. (Answers how or in what manner)4. Adverb of Degree or Quantity:Very, quite, almost. (Answers how far)5. Adverb of Frequency (or Number):Twice, always, firstly. (Answers How often)6. Adverb of Reason:Therefore, thus, hence. (Answers Why)7. Adverb of Comparison:More quickly, as fast as, such as.8. Adverb of Affirmation or Negation:Certainly, not. Interrogative:1. Adverb of Time:How long, when.2. Adverb of Place:Where.3. Adverb of Manner:How.4. Adverb of Degree or Quantity:How high, how much, how far.5. Adverb of Number:How many.6. Adverb of Reason:Why. Relative: It joins two clauses by relating itself to a noun and indicates time, place, reason or manner like I know the housewherehe lives or I dont know the timewhenthe function beginsf.Preposition: It is a word placed before a noun or a pronoun to indicate some relation between the noun or pronoun and some other word.E.g.On, in, around, across.Types: Simple:In, of, an , of, to. Compound:Without, within, outside, inside. Double:From behind, out of, from beneath. Participle:Notwithstanding, concerning, pending, considering. Phrase:By means of, because of, on account of. They indicate relations of place (in, out, up, above), time (at, on, in , from), instrument(by, with, by means of), manner (withcourage, withhope, withbravery), cause/reason/purpose (for, through, withshame), possession (BookofRam, Boywitha dog), measure/rate (bymetre) and contrast/concession (with, for)g.Conjunction: It is used to join words or phrases.E.g.And, but, so, although.Correlative conjunctions are most widely used in pairs. These include: ..and ..or ..nor ..yet ..or Not onlybut also No soonerthan Scarcely/HardlyWhen/Before than ..as ..that The sameas The samethat As/Soas ..so ..thath.Interjection: It is a word used to express some sudden feeling.E.g.Hurrah!, Wow!, Bravo!They express a variety of emotions: Joy:Hurrah! Ha-ha! Sorrow:Alas! Ah! Oh! Surprise:Oh! What! Ha! Appreciation:Bravo! Hear-hear! Contempt:Fie! Pooh! Calling:Hello! Ho! Drawing attention:Look! Listen! Behold! Making or becoming silent:Hush!2. Types of Sentences:There are four different kinds of sentences: Assertive: Those which simply affirm or deny something. They end with a full stop. (.)E.g.Shreya swims very fast. Imperative: Those which contain some command, request, advice or prohibition. They too end with a full stop. (.)E.g.Please close the door.: Those which ask questions and end with a question mark (?)E.g.Where do you live? Exclamatory: Those which express some strong or sudden feelings. They end with an exclamation mark. (!)E.g.What a wonderful place!3. Agreement of Subject and Verb:There are various rules for the agreement of subject with the verb since most people make grave grammatical errors in this aspect. The rules are: Two or more singular subjects (connected by and) take a plural verb.E.g. Karishma and her sisterweredancing. If two subjects joined by and represent one idea, they take the singular verb.E.g. Slow and steadywinsthe race. If two singular subjects joined by and are preceded by each or every, the verb is Singular.E.g. Every boy and every girlwassatisfied. If two singular nouns refer to the same person or thing, the verb must be singular. Also, the second article is dropped.E.g. The poet and teacherhascome. Two or more singular subjects connected by eitheror, neithernor, or, nor take a Singular verb.E.g. Either Tina or Shaina is going to come.Note:When the subjects thus connected are of different numbers, the verb should be plural and the plural subject should be placed near the verb. E.g. Neither Rohan nor his brotherswerepresent.Note:Also, when the subjects thus connected are of different persons, the verb agrees in person with the one nearest to it. E.g. Either you or sheiswrong. A collective noun takes a Singular Verb if the idea of oneness is expressed by it but if it connotes the individuals of the collection, the verb must be plural.E.g. Thereisa large number of pupils in the class.A number of studentswererewarded. If two nouns are joined by with or as well as, the verb agrees with the first noun.E.g. The king, with all his sons,wasarrested. Either, neither, each, everyone, many a, must be followed by a singular verb.E.g. Many a boy is tempted to do mischief. When none of is used with a plural noun or pronoun, or a singular noun that refers to a group of people or things, both singular and plural verbs can be used. But it is best to remain on the side of caution and use it as singular where possible.E.g. None of them is/are coming tonight.While you go through theseEasy tips for English Grammar for SBI PO, we are preparing more tips for you.