Spotting the Errors

How to Spot the Errors in Sentences ?

In most of the competitive examinations a sentence is usually given, divided into four or five parts marked A to E. ‘E’ refers to
‘No error’. The candidate is required to find out the part having an error. The error may be pertaining to the use of ; article,
preposition, tense to verb, noun, pronoun, adverb, adjective, conjunction, subject-verb agreement, etc. Sometimes the error may
also be that of un-English expressions or superfluous use of some word.
Please note that there is no ‘shortcut’ to answering these questions. You should have good command over grammar rules and
their usage. First go through the rules, their usage and then attempt these questions, and find the error. The more you practise, the
more confident you get. Just cramming the rules will not solve your problem. Do solve the exercises again and again, you will surely
find improvement in your scoring.

Good knowledge of Grammatical rules and their correct usage in proper perspective is the
only way of scoring good marks in all types of questions relating to errors.

Practice Exercises
Error Related to Articles
Directions : Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it . The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The
alphabet number of that part is the answer. If there is no error, then the answer is E.
Exercise 1
1. We (a)/ saw (b)/ a elephant (c)/ in the zoo (d)/ No 6. He (a)/ always speaks(b)/ truth/(c)/No error (e).
error (e). 7. Kashmiri(a)/shawls(b)/ are made of(c)/ the hair of
2. It is (a)/ a most (b)/ beautiful (c)/ painting of the gallery sheep/(d)/No error (e).
(d)/No error (e). 8. The Taj mahal(a)/is (b)/ situated(c)/ at the Agra(d)/ No
3. Mr Gaurav Sharma (a)/ is (b)/ coming to (c)/ dinner(d)/ error (e).
No error (e).
9. Bible(a)/ said that(b)/ the sun(c)/ goes round the
4. I (a)/ go (b)/ to cinema(c)/ every Sunday(d)/ No earth(d)/ No error (e) .
error (e).
10. An horse(a)/ is (b)/ running(c)/ in the ground(d)/ No
5. He (a)/ went there (b)/ a hour (c)/ ago (d)/ No error (e). error (e).

Exercise 2
1. An European(a)/ dish(b)/ is(c)/ very famous(d)/ No 6. The boy(a)/is(b)/ swimming(c)/ on the pool(d)/ No
error(e). error(e).
2. Rome(a)/ was(b)/ not built(c)/ in a day(d)/ No error(e). 7. Here is a red(a)/ shirt(b)/ which Sapna gave
3. Ritika(a)/ helps(b)/ poor and(c)/ the sick people(d)/ No me(c)/yesterday(d)/ No error(e).
error (e). 8. Shatabdi Express(a)/ runs(b)/ very(c)/ fast(d)/ No
4. The Sapna(a)/ is a very(b)/ beautiful(c)/ girl(d)/ No error(e).
error (e). 9. Parul(a)/ was also invited(b)/ to the lunch hosted by the
5. I(a)/ saw(b)/ an one rupee note(c)/ on the road(d)/ No queen (c)/ at her cottage yesterday(d)/No error(e).
error (e).
10. My uncle (a)/is(b)/ a(c)/ SP(d)/ No error(e).

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 Exercise 3
1. Gold(a)/ is(b)/ an useful(c)/ metal(d)/ No error(e). 6. The sun(a)/ rises(b)/ in(c)/ east(d)/ No error(e).
2. This is(a)/ a good dress(b)/ but (c)/ that’s a better 7. The teaching(a)/ profession(b)/ is(c)/ good for women
one(d)/ No error (e). (d)/ No error(e).
3. Rupam(a)/ presented me(b)/ a ring(c)/. The ring is 8. The milk(a)/ is(b)/ good(c)/for health(d)/ No error(e).
lost(d)/ No error(e).
4. The Punjabi(a)/ is(b)/a sweet language(c)/ of 9. I(a)/ think(b)/ a baby(c)/ is crying(d)/ No error(e).
Punjab(d)/ No error(e). 10. Kunal(a)/ was(b)/ sent to(c)/ a prison(d)/ No
5. Adnan Sami(a)/ is the(b)/ most popular(c)/ singer in error(e).
Indian film industry(d)/ No error(e).

Exercise 4
1. I(a)/ will go(b)/ there(c)/ by train or bus(d)/ No 6. The dog(a)/ is(b)/ a(c)/ faithful animal(d)/ No error(e).
error(e). 7. Chief Minister(a)/ will (b)/ decide (c)/ the matter (d)/
2. My parents(a)/ sometimes(b)/ comes to school(c)/ to see No error(e).
the principal (d)/ No error(e).
8. Kshitiz(a)/ is(b)/ a(c)/ honest boy(d)/ No error(e).
3. Riya(a)/ went home(b)/ very late(c)/ last Monday(d)/
No error(e). 9. The sun(a)/ rises in(b)/ the east(c)/, is an universal
4. The winters(a)/ are(b)/ generally very(c)/ cold here (d)/ truth(d)/ No error(e).
No error (e). 10. Times of India(a)/ is a most popular(b)/newspaper (c)/,
5. The monkeys(a)/ jump(b)/ on(c)/ the trees(d)/ No these days(d)/No error(e).
error(e).

Exercise 5
1. Three children(a)/ died(b)/ in a(c)/ bus accident 7. The teacher(a)/ called a(b)/ last boy(c)/ standing in the
yesterday (d)/No error(e). queue(d)/ No error(e).
2. The Mahatma Gandhi(a)/ was(b)/ also called(c)/ 8. The apple(a)/ a day(b)/ keeps(c)/ the doctors away(d)/
‘Bapu’(d)/ No error(e). No error(e).
3. Chinese(a)/ are(b)/ fond of(c)/ chowmin(d)/ No
9. The more(a)/ I learn history(b)/, the more(c)/ I get
error(e).
bored(d)/ No error(e).
4. Taj Mahal (a)/ is a(b)/ beautiful (c)/ building in Agra
(d)/ No error(e). 10. The intelligent(a)/ should(b)/ help(c)/ the duffer(d)/ No
5. The capital(a)/ of(b)/ UK is(c)/ London(d)/ No error(e). error(e).
6. My mother(a)/ is cooking (b)/ in a(c)/ kitchen(d)/ No 11. Shreya(a)/ gave(b)/ me(c)/ the watch(d)/ No
error(e). error(e).

Exercise 6
1. In the conclusion it (a)/ may be said (b)/ that the writer 6. One should be true (a)/ to one’s words in(b)/ order to earn
has surpassed (c)/ the ethical norms (d)/No error(e). good name (c)/ and fame in the life (d)/No error(e).
2. It is the most (a)/important point that (b)/you have to 7. I have been waiting(a)/ for her (b)/ for more than (c)/
(c)/understand well(d)/ No error (e). half a hour (d)/No error(e).
3. He said to me,(a)/ “I think you (b)/ will never (c)/ turn a 8. You should not spend (a)/ good part of the day (b)/ in
traitor” (d)/No error(e). gossiping and wandering (c) here and there (d)/No
error(e).
4. Ramesh told me(a)/ that he first went (b)/ to the Mexico
9. Will you please (a)/ give me (b)/ little milk (c)/ for my
and (c)/ then to the Netherlands (d)/No error (e). cat ? (d)/No error(e).
5. My mother forbade my (a)/ sister to (b)/ go to theatre 10. He informed me (a)/ that he had gone (b)/ to the church
(c)/ at night (d)/No error(e). (c)/ to offer prayers (d)/No error(e).

Answers with Explanations

➤ Exercise 1 5. (c) Replace ‘a’ by ‘an’. Here ‘an’ will be used instead of ‘a’
because ‘h’ is silent in ‘hour’.
1. (c) Here ‘a’ is used with ‘elephant’ instead of ‘an’. ‘An
elephant’ is correct. 6. (c) He always speaks ‘the’ truth.
2. (b) It is ‘a’ most beautiful painting. Use ‘the’ before ‘most’, 7. (a) ‘The’ Kashmiri shawls. ‘The’ is used before nouns which
being superlative. name the inhabitants of a country or city collectively.
3. (e) No error. 8. (d) Delete ‘The’ before Agra, being proper noun.
4. (c) I go to ‘the’ cinema every Sunday.

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 9. (a) ‘The’ Bible said. ‘The’ is used before the names of 3. (e) No error, ‘The’ is not used before name.
renowned books of religion or literature. 4. (a) Remove ‘The’ before ‘winters’. Do not use article before
10. (a) ‘A’ horse is running in the ground. ‘A’ is used with the names of the seasons.
singular countable noun which is pronounced with the 5. (a) Monkeys jump on the trees. The article is omitted before
consonant sound. plural countable nouns when they tell about class or cast
etc.
➤ Exercise 2 6. (e) ‘The’ is used before a singular countable noun meant to
represent a whole class or kind.
1. (a) ‘A’ European dish is very famous. Though ‘European’
begins with vowel ‘E’, yet it sounds ‘yoo’ or ‘u’. (See 7. (a) Insert ‘The’ before Chief Minister. Use ‘the’ before a
question 9 of Exercise No. 4) designation.
2. (e) No error. 8. (c) Kshitiz is ‘an’ honest boy. Here, ‘an’ is used before ‘honest’,
a word beginning with silent ‘h’.
3. (c) Ritika helps ‘the’ poor and the sick people.
9. (d) The sun rises in the east, is ‘a’ universal truth. ‘A’ is used
4. (a) Sapna is a very beautiful girl. ‘The’ is not used before before a word beginning with the sound ‘u’ (pronounced
proper noun. as ‘yoo’or ‘u’).
5. (c) I saw a one rupee note on the road. ‘A’ is used with 10. (a) ‘The’ Times of India; ‘The’ is used before the names of the
singular countable nouns pronounced with consonant newspapers and magazines.
sound.
6. (a) A boy is swimming on the pool. ‘A’ is used with the
singular countable nouns. ➤ Exercise 5
7. (a) Here is ‘the’ red shirt which Sapna gave me yesterday. Red 1. (e) No Error.
shirt has become particularised.
2. (a) Delete ‘The’ before Mahatma Gandhi. Article is not used
8. (a) The Shatabdi Express. ‘The’ is used before the names of before the name (proper noun).
well-known trains.
3. (a) ‘The’ Chinese; ‘The’ is used before nationality.
9. (e) No error. ‘The’ is used before particular meals.
4. (a) ‘The’ Taj Mahal; ‘The’ is used before such names of
10. (c) My uncle is an SP. Here, ‘an’ is used before a consonant monuments.
which sounds like a vowel.
5. (c) ‘The’ is used before such names of countries; UK , USA etc.
6. (c) My mothor is cooking in the kitchen. Here ‘the’ is used
➤ Exercise 3 before the noun which can be undersdtood easily.
1. (c) Gold is ‘a’ useful metal. Before ‘useful’ we should put ‘a’ 7. (b) The teacher called ‘the’ last boy; ‘The’ is used before the
instead of ‘an’. ordinals.
2. (e) ‘a’ is used with positive and comparatives but not with 8. (a) ‘An’ apple; ‘An’ is used before a word beginning with a
superlatives. vowel (a,e,i,o,u,) sound.
3. (e) ‘The’ is used before a noun which is repeated after it has 9. (e) ‘The’ will be used with comparative degree to show that
been introduced once. two things increase or decrease in the same proportion.
4. (a) ‘Punjabi’, ‘The’ is not used before name of the language. 10. (e) Here, ‘the intelligent’, means intelligent person and ‘the
5. (e) No error. ‘The’ is used with the superlative degree of duffer’ means duffer person.
adjective. 11. (d) Shreya gave me a watch. ‘A’, not ‘the’ is used for
6. (d) ‘in the east’. ‘The’ is used with the name of directions like unspecified objects.
east, west, north, south.
7. (e) ‘The’ is used with the professions like; the nursing ,the ➤ Exercise 6
medical profession.
8. (a) Milk is good for health. Article ‘The’ is omitted before 1. (a) Delete ‘the’ before conclusion. The correct phrase is ‘in
proper nouns, material nouns, uncountables etc. in conclusion’.
general. 2. (a) Replace ‘the’ by ‘a’. ‘Most’ is not used here as superlative.
9. (c) ‘the baby’. ‘Baby’ is known or particular. See the difference : (a) Sarla is the most beautiful girl in the
10. (d) ‘Kunal was sent to prison’. The article is omitted before college.
church, prison, hospital, college, school and bed, when (b) Sarla is a most beautiful girl.
the visit to these places is for the purpose for which they
3. (d) ‘turn traitor’; delete ‘a’ before ‘traitor’.
are primarily built.
4. (c) Delete ‘the’ before ‘Mexico’.
➤ Exercise 4 5. (c) Write ‘the’ before ‘theatre’. The correct phrase is ‘go to the
theatre, go to the cinema’.
1. (e) The article is omitted before modes of transportation or 6. (d) Delete ‘the’ before ‘life’.
travel. Always use, ‘by bus’, ‘by car’, ‘by train’, etc.
7. (d) Replace ‘a’ by ‘an’.
2. (c) Insert ‘the’ before ‘school’. When the visit to places;
school, church, hospital, prison is for the purpose other 8. (b) Write ‘a’ before ‘good part’.
than for which they are primarily built, always use ‘the’ 9. (c) Write ‘a’ before ‘little’.
before these nouns. 10. (c) Delete ‘the’ before ‘church’.

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Error Related to Tenses
Exercise 1
1. I have come to(a)/ know that (b)/ his father has died (c)/ 6. Nowadays, (a)/ he teaches English (b)/because the
three days ago (d)/No error(e). teacher of English (c)/ has gone on a month’s leave
2. When you will find (a)/ out a solution (b)/ to this (d)/No error(e).
problem, (c)/ you will be awarded a prize (d)/No 7. “It is high time (a)/ you are starting (b)/ this business”,
error(e). (c)/ said Ram to Mahesh (d)/No error(e).
8. I will let you know (a)/ as soon as I (b)/ will get (c)/ any
3. Before the alarm had stopped (a)/ ringing (b)/ Nisha had news in this regard (d)/No error(e).
telephoned (c)/the police (d)/No error(e).
9. When I will (a)/ cross fifty, my (b)/ wife will cross (c)/
4. This is (a)/ the first time (b)/ that I see such (c)/an fortyfive (d)/No error(e).
interesting movie (d)/No error(e). 10. The secret of his good health (a)/ lies in the fact (b)/ that
5. Whenever he is coming (a)/ here, he brings (b)/ many he is getting up early (c)/ and goes to bed early (d)/No
(c)/ gifts for me (d)/No error(e). error(e).

Exercise 2
1. The students sitting on the dais, (a)/ studied here (b)/ for 10. The chairman had not taken (a)/ any decision until (b)/
three years, but (c)/ they have never created any problem he had studied (c)/the case thoroughly (d)/No error(e).
(d)/No error(e). 11. They got everything (a)/ ready for the visitors (b)/ long
2. A philogynist is a person (a)/ who loves woman (b)/ but a before (c)/ they reached there (d)/No error(e).
mysogynist is a person (c)/ who is hating woman (d)/No
error(e). 12. He switched on (a)/ the light before (b)/ he entered (c)/
3. It is appearing to me (a)/ that you are (b)/ trying to the room (d)/No error(e).
destabilise (c)/ the present committee (d)/No error(e). 13. I have been admiring (a)/ her for the (b)/ voice with
4. I have been knowing her (a)/ for many years (b)/ but which (c)/ she is gifted (d)/No error(e).
I don’t know (c)/ where she works (d)/No error(e). 14. He was with me (a)/ uptil now, (b)/ so don’t (c)/ punish
5. If he would have done this, (a)/ he would have done him for the delay (d)/No error(e).
wrong (b)/ and would have deceived (c)/ many of his 15. Several survey reports (a)/ indicate that (b)/the number
relatives (d)/No error(e). of (c)/ drug addicts is grown gradually (d)/No error(e).
6. The victim tried to tell us (a)/ what has happened (b)/ but
16. “Here is coming up Bachchan!”, (a)/ said he (b)/ when he
his words (c)/ were not audible (d)/No error (e).
was (c)/ waiting for him (d)/No error(e).
7. I want you to (a)/ pick up the box of eggs gently (b)/and
kept it in (c)/ the corner carefully (d)/No error(e). 17. I could not recall (a)/ when she has told me (b)/ about her
(Bank of Baroda PO) (c)/ affair with Gopal (d)/No error(e).
8. She came to (a)/ the party much (b)/ later than (c) I 18. Four and four (a)/ always made eight (b)/, cannot (c)/ be
expect. (d)/No error (e). questioned by anyone (d)/No error(e).
9. I lived here (a)/ for five years, (b)/ so I know about the 19. She hopes to (a)/ become an engineer (b)/ after she will
(c)/ problems of this colony (d)/No error(e). complete (c)/ her education(d)/No error (e).

Exercise 3
1. When you will find (a)/ a solution to this problem, (b)/ 6. A recent survey (a)/ indicates (b)/ that the number of
you will be able (c)/ to get this project (d)/ No error (e). drug addicts (c)/ grew day by day (d)/ No error (e).
2. The teacher told us (a)/ that we should remain (b)/ in the 7. Before the alarm (a)/ had stopped ringing, (b)/ Reena
hostel (c)/ if it rains (d)/ No error (e). had/(c) pulled up the shade (d)/ No error (e).
3. I could not recall (a)/ what she has (b)/advised me (c)/ in 8. If I was you (a)/ I would have told (b)/ the principal (c)/
this matter (d)/No error (e) to keep his mouth shut (d)/ No error (e).
4. By this time tomorrow (a)/ she has had/(b) reached (c)/ 9. I want you (a)/ to pick up the box (b)/ of glasses gently
there positively (d)/ No error (e). (c)/ and kept it on the table carefully (d)/ No error (e).
5. I will inform (a)/ you as soon as (b)/ I will get any news 10. The victim tried (a)/ to tell us what has happened (b)/ but
(c)/ about his health (d)/ No error (e). his words (c)/ were not audible (D/ No error (e)).

Answers with Explanations

➤ Exercise 1 3. (a) Delete ‘had’. In past perfect tense, simple past is used for
the work completed later.
1. (c) Delete ‘has’.
4. (c) Write, ‘I have seen’.
2. (a) Delete ‘will’ after ‘when’. In such constructions, don’t use
‘will’ after ‘when /as well as /until /after /as’. 5. (a) Write, ‘whenever he comes’. For habitual action, present
indefinite tense is used.

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 6. (b) Write, ‘he is teaching’. 14. (a) Write, ‘He has been’.
7. (b) Write, ‘you started’. 15. (d) Write, ‘is growing’.
8. (c) Delete ‘will’; see explanation of question No 2. 16. (a) Write, ‘Here comes’. This is an exclamatory construction.
9. (a) Write, ‘I cross’; delete ‘will’. 17. (b) Write, ‘She had told’. The sentence is in past.
10. (c) Write, ‘he gets up’. 18. (b) Write, ‘makes’.
19. (c) Write, ‘she has completed’.
➤ Exercise 2
1. (b) Write, ‘have studied’. The sentence is in present tense. ➤ Exercise 3
2. (d) Write, ‘hates’. 1. (a) Delete ‘will’.
3. (a) Write, ‘it appears’. 2. (d) Write, ‘if it rained’. When reporting verb is in past, the
4. (a) Write, ‘I have known’. Do not use progressive form with reported speech will also be in past.
‘know’.
3. (b) Write, ‘she had’.
5. (a) Write, ‘If he had done this’. It is a conditional structure.
4. (b) Write, ‘will have reached’. This is a sentence in future
6. (b) Write, ‘had happened’. The sentence is in past. perfect.
7. (c) Write ‘keep it’.
5. (c) Delete ‘will’.
8. (d) Write, ‘I had expected’.
6. (d) Write, ‘is growing’. The sentence is in present
9. (a) Write, ‘I have lived’. The sentence is in present tense. progressive.
10. (a) Write, The chairman, did not take.
7. (b) Write, ‘stopped’, (delete had).
11. (a) Write, ‘They had got’.
8. (a) Write, ‘if I were’.
12. (e) No error.
9. (d) Write, ‘keep’. The sentence is in present tense.
13. (a) Write, ‘I admire’. In general, know, admire, adore, trust,
hope, rely are not used in progressive form. 10. (b) Write, ‘what had happened’.The sentence is in past.

Error Related to Nouns

Exercise
1. He acted not(a)/ as per my advice(b)/ but/(c) somebody 9. She could not complete(a)/ even the two third(b)/ of the
else(d)/ No error (e). book(c)/ owing to her busy schedule(d)/ No error (e).
2. Pakistan’s problems(a)/ are also as(b)/ serious as(c)/ 10. All the woman teachers(a)/ are agitating(b)/ against the
India(d)/ No error (e). haughty attitude(c)/ of the Principal(d)/ No error (e).
3. When I reached(a)/ at the gate of his(b)/ house, I found 11. He informed that(a)/ he had lost a packet(b)/ of the
his(c)/ locking up the gate(d)/ No error (e). hundred(c)/ rupees notes(d)/ No error (e).
4. Many of the question(a)/ appeared in this question 12. He has ordered(a)/ bricks for the (b)/ proposed shopping
paper(b)/ were too difficult(c)/ to solve(d)/ No error (e). (c)/complex(d)/ No error (e).
13. She has ordered(a)/ two dozens of copies(b)/ of English
5. I visited(a)/ Ram’s and Sita’s house(b)/ and found (c)/
Book(c)/by Mr Gupta (d)/ No error (e).
the couple missing(d)/ No error (e).
14. She uses a good(a)/ quality shampoo(b)/so her hairs
6. All the girls students (a)/ are advised to (b)/ attend are(c)/ black (d)/ No error (e).
the(c)/ meeting positively/(d)/No error (e). 15. I know nothing(a)/ about (b)/ her (c)/ whereabout (d)/
7. She gave me(a)/ two important informations(b)/ I had No error (e).
been waiting for(c)/ the last two months(d)/ No error (e).
8. The teacher of English(a)/ gave him a home work (b)/ to
complete that (c)/ by night positively(d)/ No error (e).

Answers with Explanations

1. (d) Write, ‘else’s’. Use of apostrophe is necessary here. 8. (b) delete ‘a’ before home work. Home work is an
2. (d) Write, ‘India’s’, to make the comparison logical. uncountable noun.
3. (c) Write, ‘him’ for ‘his’. Use objective form pronoun before 9. (b) Replace ‘two third’ by ‘two thirds’.
participle (locking). 10. (a) Replace ‘woman teachers’ by ‘women teachers’.
4. (a) Write, ‘questions’ for ‘question’ remember to use plural 11. (d) Write, ‘rupee’ for ‘rupees’.
noun after one of / one of the / many of the. 12. (b) Replace ‘bricks’ by ‘pieces of brick’.
5. (b) Write, ‘Ram and Sita’s’. Only one apostrophe will be used 13. (b) Write, ‘two dozen copies’.
in such case.
14. (c) Write, ‘hair’ for ‘hairs’; hair can’t be usually pluralised by
6. (a) Write, ‘girl students’ instead of ‘girls student’. adding ‘s’.
7. (b) Replace ‘two important informations’ by ‘two important 15. (d) Replace ‘whereabout’ by ‘whereabouts’. ‘Whereabouts’
pieces of information’. means ‘address’.

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Error Related to Pronouns
Exercise 1
1. The board of directors (a)/ want the facilities (b)/ of car 6. Any of the (a)/ two photos that reflect (b)/ the natural
and accommodation (c)/ for itself (d)/ No error (e). beauty of Kashmir (c)/ is worth seeing (d)/ No error (e).
2. Every teacher (a)/ and every student (b)/ of this school is 7. The guests (a)/ whom we were talking (b)/ about have
determined to do their best (c)/ for the benefit of all (d)/ arrived (c)/ are my relatives (d)/ No error (e).
No error (e).
8. He introduced (a)/ to the chairman as (b)/ the president
3. The officer(a)/ as well as the (b)/clerks absented of the (c)/ workers’ association (d)/ No error (e).
themselves(c)/ from the office (d)/ No error (e).
4. There were (a)/ five active workers (b)/ and three lazy 9. As a student(a)/of arts, (b)/you are much better(c)/ than
one (c)/ in the factory (d)/ No error (e). him(d)/ No error (e).
5. There is none (a)/ who can support you (b)/ in this (c)/ 10. He hates everybody (a)/ and everything who(b)/ reminds
crucial period (d)/ No error (e). him(c)/of his blunder (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 2
1. Whomever(a)/does not come in time, (b)/will not be 6. The candidate (a)/, being a commerce graduate, (b)/ she is
allowed (c)/ to mark his presence (d)/ No error (e). eligible (c)/ for the post of accountant (d)/ No error (e).
2. The six partners(a)/are at daggers drawn(b)/so they do 7. In all circumstances, (a)/I have helped him(b)/and he
not talk(c)to each other (d)/ No error (e). (c)/ knows (d)/ No error (e).
3. If someone has(a)/completed the work, (b)/ he may(c)/ 8. I don’t appreciate(a)/him who laugh (b)/at others
leave (d)/ No error (e). without (c)/ any reason (d)/ No error (e).
4. She lent me (a)/ some money with the condition (b)/ 9. You and myself (a)/ will enjoy the function(b)/being
that I should return (c)/ the same within a month (d)/ arranged in honour of (c)/ the new Principal (d)/ No error
No error (e). (e).
5. The teacher instructed (a)/ the peon to let (b)/ the 10. He asked for (a)/ permission to go to the cinema (b)/ but
students and I (c)/ go into the office of Principal (d)/ No his mother (c)/ did not give (d)/ No error (e).
error (e).

Answers with Explanations

➤ Exercise 1 10. (b) Replace ‘who’ by ‘that’.
1. (d) Replace ‘itself’ by ‘themselves’. Here, Board of Director is ➤ Exercise 2
not used as a collective noun, that is why plural verb
‘want’ (not ‘wants’) is used. 1. (a) Replace ‘whomever’ by ‘whoever’.
2. (c) Replace ‘their’ by ‘his’. Singular pronoun is used when two 2. (d) Replace ‘each other’ by ‘one another’. ‘Each other’ is used
singular nouns are preceded by each/every. for two.
3. (b) Replace ‘themselves’ by ‘him’. When two nouns are joined 3. (e) No error.
together with as well as/ besides/ in addition to, the 4. (d) Replace ‘the same‘ by ‘it’. ‘The same’ is used as an
pronoun is governed by the noun that comes first. adjective, it should not be used as a pronoun.
4. (c) Replace ‘ lazy one’ by ‘lazy ones’. 5. (c) Replace ‘I’ by ‘me’. Remember to use objective form
5. (b) Replace ‘who’ by ‘that’. Remember to use ‘that’ after, pronoun after ‘let’.
all/none/ some/only/other. 6. (c) Delete ‘she’. The use of ‘she’ is unwarranted.
6. (a) Replace ‘any’ by ‘either’. ‘Either’ is used for two. 7. (d) Place ‘it’ after ’knows’.
7. (b) Replace ‘whom’ by ‘who’. 8. (d) Replace ‘laugh’ by ‘ laughs’ or ‘him’ by ‘those’.
8. (a) Write ‘himself’ after ‘introduced’. 9. (a) Replace ‘myself’ by ‘I’.
9. (d) Replace ‘him’ by ‘he’. When two subjects are being 10. (d) Write ‘it’ after ‘give’. ‘give’ is a transitive verb, so it must
have an object.
compared, use pronoun in subjective case.

Error Related to Infinitives-Participles

Exercise
1. Being often ill (a)/ and frequently absent, (b)/ she had no 3. Without taking proper care, (a)/ the doctors could (b)/
opportunity to complete his work (c)/ or do much of it in not have been saved (c)/ the life of this patient (d)/ No
toto. (d)/ No error (e). error (e).
2. Taking breakfast, (a)/ he went to the office (b)/ and 4. Going towards the gate (a)/ with a cup of tea in hand,
ordered the staff (c)/ to complete the work without any (b)/ somebody switched off (c)/ the light (d)/ No
further delay (d)/ No error (e). error (e).

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 5. He does nothing (a)/ but to find faults (b)/ with others 8. Having had reached (a)/ the station, you (b)/ may make a
(c)/ and laugh at them (d)/ No error (e). telephone (c)/ to your boss (d)/ No error (e).
6. The Chief Minister (a) should not let (b)/ the terrorist 9. It is better to stay (a)/ at home than (b)/ go to market (c)/
activities (c)/ to grow in our State (d)/ No error (e). when it is raining (c)/(d) No error (e).
7. Many persons are coming (a)/ to his concert (b)/ to hear 10. He asked me to (a)/ completely forget her (b)/ but only I
him to sing (c)/ the religious songs (d)/ No error (e). know it is not possible(d)/ No error (e).

Answers with Explanations

1. (d) Replace ‘his’ with ‘her’. 6. (d) Delete ‘to’. Use of ‘to’ after ‘let’ is incorrect.
2. (a) Say, ‘After taking breakfast’ or ‘Having taken breakfast’. 7. (c) Delete ‘to’ before ‘sing’. In such sentences never use ‘to’
This is a question of dangling participle. after ; hear, see, make, know, feel.
3. (c) Delete ‘been’. Use of ‘been’ here, is unwarranted. 8. (a) Use of ‘had’ is wrong. Delete ‘had’.
4. (a) Say, ‘While he was going towards the gate’. This is a 9. (b) Delete ‘to’. Use of ‘to’ after ‘than’ is incorrect.
question of dangling participle.
5. (b) Delete ‘to’ after ‘nothing but’. Use of ‘to’ after ‘nothing but’ 10. (b) Say, ‘forget her completely’. Splitting the infinitive (to
is incorrect. forget) here, is not correct.

Error Related to Prepositions

Exercise 1
1. He was sleeping (a)/ in his room when a thief (b)/ 6. The team (a)/ complained to the manager (b)/ against the
entered into his house (c)/ and took away a lot of things captain (c)/ and the poor facilities provided in the hotel
(d). No error (e). (d)/No error(e).
2. In her concluding speech, (a)/ she said almost nothing 7. Yesterday, I met (a)/ a man (b)/ who was blind (c)/ with
(b)/ worth (c)/ listening to (d)/ No error (e). the right eye (d)/ No error (e).
3. It was apparent for (a)/ everyone present (b)/ that if the 8. The principal distributed (a)/ the sweets among our
patient did not receive (c)/ immediate medical aid (d)/ he friends (b)/ who bade (c) him farewell (d)/ No error (e).
would die/No error (e). 9. As per the invitation card (a)/, Rahim marries with Sayra
4. He proposed me (a)/ that we should go to the Disco (b) (b)/ on 13th December (c) Monday (d)/ No error (e).
and then have (c)/ dinner at a restra (D /No error (e). 10. The debacle of the congress party (a)/ admit no other
5. There appears (a)/ to be a little liaison (b)/ among the explanation (b)/ than its (c)/poor performance during the
(c)/ two groups of the society (d)/No error (e). last five years (d)/No error(e).

Exercise 2
1. The society does not (a)/ hold itself responsible (b)/ for 6. He took me to a restra (a)/ and ordered for two cups (b)/
the loss or damage to (c)/ any item (d)/ No error (e). of cold coffee (c)/ which the waiter brought in an hour
2. In spite of being (a)/ very busy at project site, (b)/ he (d)/ No error (e).
saves time (c)/ to the relatives (d)/ No error (e). 7. There are some animals (a)/ that can(b)/ live both in water
and land (c)/ without any difficulty (d)/ No error (e).
3. Some persons (a)/ get promotions (b)/ even when they
8. During his tour (a)/ to the south (b)/, he visited not only
are not (c)/ worthy for them (d)/ No error (e). to Chennai (c)/ but also Bangaluru (d)/ No error (e).
4. While he was returning (a)/ from the office, (b)/ a man 9. The President Mr. Kalam (a)/ is much sought after (b)/ by
attacked on (c)/ him with a dagger (d)/ No error (e). school students and (c)/ is invited for many functions (d)/
5. The decline of her moral (a)/ was caused by a lot of (b)/ No error (e).
factors that were once (c)/ fascinating to her (d)/ No 10. His mother is not well (a)/ but he (b)/ does not look for
error (e). her (c) properly (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 3
1. We may have to await for (a)/ a new political revival (b)/ 4. The militant yielded for (a)/ the temptation and fell (b)/
to eradicate the (c)/ corruption from our economy (d)/ into the trap (c)/ of police (d)/ No error (e).
No error (e). 5. Many people in India (a)/ are dying from hunger (b)/ but
2. When she was (a)/ in jail, (b)/ she was debarred to send government seems (c)/ to be ignorant of such crude fact
(c)/ a letter even to her son (d)/ No error (e). (d)/ No error (e).
3. Despite of the best efforts (a)/ put by the doctors, (b)/ the 6. In difficult time, (a)/ she prefers keeping her counsel (b)/
condition of the patient (c)/ is detereorating from bad to rather than wandering (c)/ here and there for relief (d)/
worse (d)/ No error (e). No error (e).

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 7. The persons who are (a)/ suffering from diabetes are (b)/ 9. Hardly had we settled down (a)/ for the rest (b)/ when
advised to substitute (c)/ saccharine by sugar (d)/ No we were startled by the (c)/ strange sound of trumpets
error (e). (d)/ No error (e).
8. He always says (a)/ that he prefers to go (b)/ home to stay 10. He was able to (a)/ free himself with (b)/ the debts by
in (c)/ a hotel at night (d)/ No error (e). (c)/ working day and night. (d)/ No error (e).

Answers with Explanations

➤ Exercise 1 5. (a) Say, ‘decline in’.
1. (c) Delete ‘into’ after ‘entered’. 6. (b) Delete ‘for’. ‘Order’ is a transitive verb, so it takes object
without any preposition.
2. (d) Delete ‘to’ after ‘listening’. If there is no object after
‘listen’, we should not use ‘to’. 7. (c) Say, ‘on land’.
8. (c) Delete ‘to’.
3. (a) Say, ‘apparent to’.
9. (d) Use ‘to’ instead of ‘for’ after ‘invited’.
4. (a) Say, ‘proposed to’.
10. (c) Say, ‘look after’.
5. (c) Replace ‘among’ by ‘between’. ‘Between’ is used for two.
6. (d) Say, ‘and about the poor’.
➤ Exercise 3
7. (c) Say, ‘blind in’;
blind in left or right eye, 1. (a) Delete ‘for’ after await. Wait for is correct, but await for is
blind of an eye, incorrect.
blind with both eyes. 2. (c) Say, ‘debarred from sending’. Use preposition ‘from’ after
debar/ abstain/ refrain.
8. (b) Say, ‘amongst’.
3. (a) Delete ‘of’ after ‘despite’. Either say, ‘inspite of’ or ‘despite’.
9. (b) Use of ‘with’ is unnecessary.
4. (a) Say, ‘yielded to’.
10. (b) Say, ‘admits of’.
5. (b) Say, ‘dying of hunger’.
➤ Exercise 2 6. (c) Replace ‘rather than’ by ‘to’. After prefer/
senior/junior, use preposition ‘to’.
1. (c) Say, ‘loss of’. 7. (d) Replace ‘by’ by ‘for’.
2. (d) Replace ‘to’ by ‘for’. 8. (c) Replace ‘to stay in’ by ‘rather than stay in’.
3. (d) Say, ‘worthy of ’. 9. (c) Say, ‘startled at’.
4. (c) Delete ‘on’. 10. (b) Say, ‘free himself from’.

Error Related to Conjunctions

Exercise 1
1. She was not (a)/ so well versed in English (b)/ that they 7. Both the rich (a)/ along with the poor (b)/ are responsible
(c)/ had expected (d)/ No error (e). for a great many vices (c)/ with which our country is
2. He not only comes here (a)/ for having lunch (b)/ but also inflicted (d)/ No error (e).
for having a glimpse of (c)/ the beautiful sales girls (d)/
No error (e). 8. Since the festival of Diwali is approaching, (a)/ my son
has bought (b)/ many fireworks (c)/ as rockets, crackers
3. I cannot permit you (a)/ to leave the class (b)/ unless the
teacher comes (c)/ and instructs me in the matter (d)/ No etc. (d)/ No error (e).
error (e). 9. The thief had (a)/ hardly put the cash (b)/ in his pocket
4. The patient would (a)/ have died (b)/ when the doctor (c)/ then the owner woke up (d)/ No error (e).
had not (c)/ come in time (d)/ No error (e). 10. No sooner did we (a)/ find out a solution (b)/ to the
5. Three years have passed (a)/ that I returned from (b)/ problem (c)/ when another problem cropped up (d)/ No
USA and (c)/ settled here (d)/ No error (e). error (e).
6. The captain asked (a)/ the players to go (b)/ to market
and buy some fruits (c)/ as apples, oranges, bananas etc.
(d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 2
1. She has lots of money (a)/ and she dare not (b)/ purchase 5. The inspector was doubtful (a)/ that the man who had
(c)/ a new car (d)/ No error (e). been run over (b)/ by the truck had (c)/ lain there for
2. She is not only sympathetic (a)/ to the rich patients (b)/ more than a day (d)/ No error (e).
but also (c) to the poor ones (d)/ No error (e).
6. He instructed me (a)/ that I should do (b)/ all the work as
3. Because she is intelligent, (a)/ therefore she secures (b)/ quickly (c)/ like him (d)/ No error (e).
highest marks (c)/ in her class (d)/ No error (e).
4. It is almost five months ago (a)/ since she wrote a letter (b)/ 7. Seldom or (a)/ ever have I sent (b)/ a beggar away
to me (c)/ to remind me of my promise (d)/ No error (e). without (c)/ giving him something (d)/ No error (e).

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 8. Seldom or ever (a)/ have I tried my (b)/ best to help my 12. I don’t know (a)/ if any of the members (b)/ of the society
friends (c)/ who are in need (d)/ No error (e). is conspiring (c)/ against the chairman or not (d)/ No
9. The teacher advised (a)/ the students to (b)/ go through error (e).
the notes as many times as possible (c)/ lest they would 13. This is the same dog (a)/ which bit her (b)/ while she was
fail (d)/ No error (e). going (c)/ to the hospital (d)/ No error (e).
10. He asked me (a)/ that why (b)/I was not (c)/ appearing in
14. This is not (a)/ such a big problem (b)/ which cannot be
the examination (d)/ No error (e).
solved (c)/ with some efforts (d)/ No error (e).
11. Most of the founding fathers (a)/ of our constitution are
(b)/ so revered as Ambedkar (c)/ if not more (d)/ No 15. As he is (a)/ a perfectionist (b)/, so he always insists (c)/
error (e). on regular practice (d)/ No error (e).

Answers with Explanations

➤ Exercise 1 2. (a) Write, ‘She is sympathetic not only’.
1. (c) Replace ‘that’ by ‘as’. The structure of the sentence is 3. (b) Use of ‘therefore’ is superfluous.
based on ‘so ....as’. 4. (b) Replace ‘since’ by ‘that’. Since/for is usually used with,
2. (a) Say, ‘He comes here not only’. perfect tense.
3. (c) Replace ‘unless’ by ‘until’; ‘until ’ is used in reference to 5. (b) Replace ‘that’ by ‘whether’.
time while ‘unless’ is used in reference to condition. 6. (d) Replace ‘like him’ by ‘as he’.
4. (c) Replace ‘when’ by if. This is a conditional structure. 7. (b) Replace ‘ever’ by ‘never’.
5. (b) Replace ‘that’ by ‘since’. 8. (a) Replace ‘or’ by ‘ if’. ‘Seldom if ever’ or ‘seldom or never’ is
6. (d) Replace ‘as’ by ‘like’. ‘As’ is used with nominative and ‘like’ possible.
with objective pronoun. 9. (d) Replace ‘would’ by ‘should’. After ‘lest’, use ‘should’.
7. (b) Replace ‘along with the’ by ‘and’. The construction is 10. (b) Delete ‘that’.
Both.... and. 11. (c) Replace ‘so’ by ‘as’. The construction, ‘so ... as’ is usually
8. (d) Replace ‘as’ by ‘like’. used in negative sentence and ‘as ...... as’ in affirmative
9. (d) Replace ‘then’ by ‘when’. Use ‘when’ with ‘hardly’. sentences.
10. (d) Replace ‘when’ by ‘than’. Use ‘than’ with ‘No sooner’. 12. (b) Replace ‘if’ by ‘whether’.The structure is based on
‘whether ........ or’ format.
➤ Exercise 2 13. (b) Replace ‘which’ by ‘that’. Use ‘that’ with ‘same’.
14. (c) Replace ‘which’ by ‘as’.
1. (b) Replace ‘and’ by ‘but’.There is a contrast in the
sentence. 15. (c) Delete ‘so’. It is superfluous.

Error Related to Adjectives / Determiners

Exercise
1. Kolkata is further (a)/from Alwar (b)/than Jaipur, (c)/the 10. All the books (a)/were indeed interesting (b)/but that one
capital of Rajasthan (d)/ No error (e). was (c)/the more interesting (d)/ No error (e).
2. Ramesh is smarter (a)/enough to get (b)/selected for this 11. There were only two (a)/warriors but each and every
(c)/post, without any recommendations (d)/ No error (e). (b)/warrior was equal (c)/to six persons (d)/ No
3. He said, ‘‘Priyanka (a)/is the most unique (b)/singer of error (e).
(c)/our college’’ (d)/ No error (e). 12. Whole the chapter (a)/of this grammar book is full of
4. This shirt is (a)/comparatively better (b)/than the other errors, (b)/that shows the (c)/carelessness of the proof
one (c)/we saw in corner shop yesterday (d)/ No reader (d)/ No error (e).
error (e).
13. Can we rely (a)/on this agency (b)/for the last news
5. Everyone was surprised to note (a)/that Rahim married a (c)/of the day (d)/ No error (e) ?
girl (b)/who was more beautiful and more tall (c)/than he
(d)/ No error (e). 14. Ram is junior than (a)/Shyam and (b) older (c)/than
6. A lots of books (a)/on English grammar are (b)/available Ganesh (d)/ No error (e).
with me but (c)/this one is the best (d)/ No error (e). 15. The militants (a)/entered the palace (b)/from the utmost
7. I told her (a)/that it would be all (b)/the more better gate (c)/with guns hidden in their clothes (d)/ No
(c)/if she herself talked to the groom (d)/ No error (e). error (e).
8. She does not have (a)/some money to buy (b)/a new 16. ‘She can’t sing (a)/much than (b)/four songs at (c)/a
refrigerator (c)/so she is worried (d)/ No error (e). stretch’, he informed (d)/ No error (e).
9. Now a days (a)/the weather (b)/is getting more cold 17. It is well known (a)/that Mrs Indira Gandhi (b)/was the
(c)/and (d)/ No error (e). first statesman (c)/of her time (d)/No error(e).

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 Answers with Explanations
1. (a) Change ‘ further’ to ‘farther’. 9. (c) Replace ‘more cold’ by ‘colder’.
2. (a) Change ‘smarter’ to ‘smart’. Use positive degree ajective 10. (d) Replace ‘more’ by ‘most’. When comparing more than two
before ‘enough’. things, use superlative.
3. (b) Delete ‘the most’, before ‘unique’. Unique, square, whole, 11. (b) Change ‘each and every’ to ‘ each’. For ‘two’, use ‘each’.
full etc., are used as superlative. Avoid using two 12. (a) Rewrite ‘whole the’ as ‘the whole’.
superlatives in sequence. 13. (c) Replace ‘last’ by ‘latest’.
4. (b) Either write ‘better’ or ‘comparatively good’. 14. (a) Replace ‘than’ by ‘to’. After’ junior/senior/ prior, use
5. (c) Replace ‘more tall’ by ‘taller’. preposition ‘to’.
15. (c) Replace ‘ utmost’ by ‘outermost’.
6. (a) Replace ‘A lots of’ by ‘lots of’ or ‘A lot of’.
16. (b) Replace ‘much’ by ‘more’. The comparative form of ‘much’
7. (c) Write ‘better’. Avoid using two comparatives. is ‘more’.
8. (b) Replace ‘some’ by ‘any’. 17. (c) Replace ‘first’ by ‘ foremost’.

Error Related to Adverbs

Exercise 1
1. ‘Under no circumstances (a)/ we can help you (b)/ in this 6. By discussing only with (a)/ the officer concerned, (b)/
immoral project’ (c)/, said the Chairman (d)/ No they found out (c)/ the person behind the fraud (d)/ No
error (e). error (e).
2. Somebody informed (a)/ the contractor that his (b)/ 7. The house is very good (a)/ but too much small (b)/ to
brother had only died (c)/ five days before (d)/ No error accommodate (c)/ the full family (d)/ No error (e).
(e).
3. She is very senior(a)/ to me, so I (b)/cannot defy (c)/ her 8. He does not (a)/ know to make (b)/ friends so he is
orders (d)/ No error (e). leading (c)/ a lonely life (d)/ No error (e).
4. Who can believe (a)/ that she was not (b)/ hardly hit (c)/ 9. Every member of the family (a)/ is addicted (b)/ to
by the death of her son (d)/ No error (e) ? drinking (c) and so Asha is (d)/No error (e).
5. Hardly she likes (a)/ to hear my name (b)/ after the 10. He was very tired (a)/ of work so he said (b)/ that he
dispute which occurred (c)/ between us last year (d)/ No would (c)/ not accompany us (d)/ No error (e).
error (e).

Exercise 2
1. Shakshi was exorbitantly paid (a)/ for how skilful she (b)/ 6. The amount which the company (a)/ paid to the
welcomed (c)/ the visitors (d)/ No error (e). dependents of (b)/ the deceased was (c)/ fairly
2. She is almost quite competent(a)/for the post of unjustified (d)/ No error (e).
Marketing Executive(b)/so if given a chance, (c)/ she can 7. Although he only earns (a)/ sixteen hundred rupees per
show the results (d)/ No error (e). month, (b)/ yet he manages his (c)/ family well (d)/ No
error (e).
3. The student requested (a)/ the principal to be enough 8. I liked that opportune moment (a)/ where the workers
kind (b)/ to grant him (c)/seven days leave (d)/ No error (b)/ proved themselves (c)/ and came out victorious (d)/
(e). No error (e).
4. He has been trying (a)/ to persuade her for several 9. Where else (a)/ did you(b)/ go besides (c)/ the bank ?
months (b)/ but he has (c)/ not still succeeded (d)/ No (d)/ No error (e).
error (e). 10. I hardly ever (a)/ see him (b)/ because in my
5. Before the game he felt surely (a)/ of wining, but within opinion(c)/he is not a reliable man(d)/ No error (e).
five minutes (b)/ he realised that (c)/ he was wrong (d)/ 11. He is a linguist (a)/ and always tries to(b)/ make his students
No error (e). (c)/ pronounce the words correctly (d)/No error (e).

Answers with Explanations

➤ Exercise 1 5. (a) Write, ‘Hardly does she like’. Inversion will be used here.
1. (b) Replace ‘we can’ by ‘can we’. This is a question of Inversion. 6. (c) ‘Did they find out’; a case of inversion.
7. (b) Replace ‘too much’ by ‘much too’. ‘much too’ is used
2. (c) Use ‘only’ after ‘died’ to make the meaning logical. before an adjective and ‘too much’ is used before a noun.
3. (a) Replace ‘very senior’ by ‘much senior’. ‘Very’ is used with 8. (b) Replace ‘know to make’ by ‘know how to make’.
positive degree adjectives while ‘much’ is used with 9. (c) Replace ‘so Asha is ’ by ‘so is Asha’. Inversion is applied
comparative degree adjectives. here.
4. (c) Replace ‘hardly hit’ by ‘hit hard’. 10. (e) No error.

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➤ Exercise 2 5. (a) Replace ‘surely’ by ‘sure’.
6. (d) Replace ‘fairly’ by ‘rather’; fairly is used in positive sense.
1. (b) Write, ‘skilfully’. ‘Skilful’ is an adjective, can’t qualify a
verb. 7. (a) Write, ‘He earns only’. ‘Only’ should be used before the
word it qualifies.
2. (a) Delete ‘almost’. Use of adverb before ‘quite’ is incorrect.
3. (b) Write ‘to be kind enough’. Adverb ‘enough’ is used after 8. (b) Replace ‘where ‘ by ‘when’.
the word it qualifies. 9. (a) Delete ‘else’, it is superfluous here.
4. (d) Replace ‘still’ by ‘yet’. ‘yet’ is generally used in negative 10. (e) No error.
sentence while ‘still’ is used in affirmative sentence. 11. (b) Write, ‘and so he always tries to’.

Error Related to Verbs

Exercise 1
1. He ordered(a)/ as if he(b)/ was my (c)/ master (d)/ No 7. The condolence messages(a)/ received on the (b)/ death
error (e). of Mrs Gandhi(c)/ speaks highly of her greatness (d)/No
2. God saves(a)/ the (b)/ queen of (c)/ Vicitoria error (d)/ error (e).
No error (e)
8. Economic cooperation (a)/ between the two countries
3. If it was so (a)/ poetry(b)/would cease (c)/ to matter (d)/ (b)/ have increased (c)/ substantially (d)/ No error (e).
No error (e).
4. The merit (a)/ of these books (b)/ are known (c)/ to 9. A band of musicians (a)/ have been engaged(b)/ for the
everyone (d)/ No error (e). (c)/ inauguration function (d)/ No error (e).
5. The condition of (a)/ people living in(b)/ rural area(c)/ 10. The number(a)/of persons interested(b)/in psychology
are very bad (d)/No error(e). are (c)/generally small(D/ No error (e).
6. The smell (a)/of these rose(b)/ flowers are(c)/ very sweet
(d)/ No error (e)
Exercise 2
1. The manager’s comments(a)/ on the preparation of the 5. A part of (a)/ the mango (b)/ are (c)/ rotten (d)/ No error
test matches(b)/ for this tour(c)/ has been generally (e).
praised(d)/No error (e). 6. The governing body at (a)/ its first meeting(b)/ have
2. The details(a)/of the incident(b)/was not known(c)/to decided (c)/ to conduct the test again (d)/No error(e).
me (d)/No error(e). 7. The bankers’ association (a)/ has submitted a
memorandum(b)/ for the fulfilment of(c)/ their
3. The majority of (a)/ writers never(b)/ passes (c)/ this demands(d)/No errror (e).
stage (d)/ No error (e). 8. Five quintals of wooden coal (a)/ are (b)/ his annual
4. A large part of(a)/ the distinctive features(b)/ of the mind requirement(c) for the unit(d)/No error (e).
is due to its being (c)/ an instrument of 9. Dickens have (a)/ criticised the (b)/ philosophy in (c)/
communication(d). ‘Hard Times’ (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 3
1. All his money(a)/ is spent(b)/ and all his(c)/ hopes 6. He and I(a)/ is partners in(b)/ this (c)/ firm (d)/ No error
ruined(d)/No error (e). (e).
2. This rule may(a)/ and ought to be(b)/disregarded (c)/ for 7. He is one of the(a)/ great man (b)/ that have (c)/ ever
the time being (d)/ No error (e). lived (d)/ No error (e).
3. He is one of the(a)/ richest man(b)/ if not the richest 8. The magistrate and collector(a)/ were (b)/ present
man(c)/ in the world (d)/No error (e). there(c)/on the spot (d)/No error(e).
4. We can almost get(a)/ everything in(b)/ this (c)/ market 9. Horse and carriage (a)/ are (b)/waiting there (c)/ for the
(d)/ No error (e). couple (d).
5. Every (a)/ Tom, Dick and Harry(b)/ drink wine (c)/ these 10. Rice and fish(a)/ are (b)/ my favourite (c)/ dish (d)/ No
days (d)/ No error (e). error (e).

Exercise 4
1. He is one of the (a)/ tallest man (b)/ if not the tallest man 5. Every day (a)/ and every night (b)/ bring its (c)/ own
(c) in the city (d)/ No error (e). pleasures for every one (d)/No error (e).
2. He made a blunder (a)/ and worse than (b)/ that (c)/ a 6. He, more than(a)/ his parents (b)/ are responsible (c)/
crime (d)/ No error (e). for his bad habits(d)/No error (e).
3. The wheat (a)/ on this farm (b)/ is finer than(c)/ last 7. Bread and butter (a)/ are (b)/ a rich and (c)/ nourishing
year(d)/ No error (e). food (d)/ No error (e).
4. I scarcely have (a)/ enough silk (b)/ for my (c)/ saree (d)/ 8. Not only she (a)/ but all her sisters (b)/ has been
No error (e). married(c)/ since long (d)/No error (e).

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 9. There are(a)/ nothing but(b)/ miseries (c)/ in her life 10. Either he(a)/ or I is(b)/ responsible (c)/ for the loss (d)/
(d)/ No error (e). No error (e).

Answers with Explanations

➤ Exercise 1 ➤ Exercise 3
1. (c) Replace ‘was’ by ‘were’. 1. (d) Write ‘are’ after ‘hopes’. If two different verbs are needed
2. (a) Replace ‘saves’ by ‘save’. with two nouns, use separate verb with each noun.
2. (a) Write ‘be’ after ‘may’.
3. (a) Replace ‘was’ by ‘were’.
3. (b) Say, ‘richest men’. Remember to use plural noun after
4. (c) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. Subject, ‘merit’ is singular. ‘one of’.
5. (d) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. The subject ‘condition’ is singular. 4. (a) Say, ‘we can get almost’ to make the meaning logical.
6. (c) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. The subject ‘smell’ is singular. 5. (c) Replace ‘drink’ by ‘drinks’; singular verb is used in such
7. (d) Replace ‘speaks’ by ‘speak’. The subject is ‘condolence sentences.
messages’ which is plural. 6. (b) Replace ‘is’ by ‘are’. When two nouns are joined with and
8. (c) Replace ‘have’ by ‘has’. Subject ‘economic cooperation’ is use plural verb.
singular. 7. (b) Say ‘men’. See the explanation of question (3).
9. (b) Replace ‘have’ by ‘has’. ‘band’ is a collective noun so 8. (b) Replace ‘were’ by ‘was’. Magistrate and collector is one
singular verb is used. person so singular verb should be used.
10. (c) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. Singular verb is used with ‘the 9. (b) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. ‘Horse and carriage’ represent one
unit.
number’.
10. (b) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. ‘Rice and fish’ is used as a unit.
➤ Exercise 2 ➤ Exercise 4
1. (d) Replace ‘has been’ by ‘have been’. Subject, ‘manager’s
1. (b) Say, ‘tallest men’.
comments’ is plural.
2. (d) Replace ‘a crime’ by ‘committed a crime’.
2. (c) Replace ‘was’ by ‘were’. Subject, ‘details’ is plural.
3. (d) Write, ‘it was last year’ to make the comparison logical.
3. (c) Replace ‘passes’ by ‘pass’. Noun, ‘writers’ is plural.
4. (a) Say, ‘I have scarcely’. This is a question of misplacement of
4. (c) Replace ‘is’ by ‘are’. Noun ‘features’ is plural. an adverb.
5. (c) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. 5. (c) Write ‘brings’.
6. (c) Replace ‘have’ by ‘has’. ‘governing body’ is a collective
6. (c) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. The verb should agree with the noun
noun, so singular verb will be used.
that comes first in such constructions.
7. (d) Replace ‘their’ by ‘its’.
7. (b) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. ‘Bread and butter’ is used as a unit.
8. (b) Replace ‘are’ by ‘is’. ‘five quintals’ represents a definite
weight and used as collective noun so singular verb will 8. (c) Replace ‘has’ by ‘have’. The verb should agree with the
be used. nearest noun in such constructions.
9. (a) Replace ‘have’ by ‘has’.Dickens is a name, a singular 9. (a) Say ‘There is’. Use singular verb with ‘nothing but’.
person. 10. (b) Replace ‘is’ by ‘am’.

Miscellaneous Errors
Exercise 1
1. Myself and Ganesh (a)/ will take care of (b)/ the function 6. Swati has such a fine (a)/ memory that she can (b)/
(c)/ on Sunday (d)/No error(e). recollect anything what (c)/ happened many years ago
2. The SP has declared that those who are found (a)/ guilty (d)/ No error (e).
of breach of law (b)/ or taking the law into their hands 7. In the meeting, Mr Mehta’s (a)/ suggestions with regard
(c)/ they will be taken to task (d)/No error(e). for (b)/ certain administrative reforms were (c)/ hailed by
all the members (d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO)
3. In spite of a thoroughly search (a)/ of the business
premises, the (b)/ tax authorities could not find (c)/ any 8. Children who have had (a)/ good pre school education
incriminating documents (d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO) (b)/ are most likely to out- do (c)/ other children at school
(d)/ No error (e).
4. The last of the Mughal (a)/ emperors of India was
9. If I knew (a)/ that my friend had planned (b)/ to visit the
imprisoned (b)/ and later sent into (c)/ exile by the
town today (c)/, I would have made his stay comfortable
British (d)/ No error (e).
(d)/No error(e). (SCRA)
5. Hardly as I stepped (a)/ out of my house when (b) I saw
10. When the dentist came in (a)/ my tooth was stopped
some policemen (c)/ coming towards my house (d)/ No aching (b)/ out of fear (c)/ that I might lose my tooth
error (e). (Bank PO) (d)/No error(e).

12 Spotting the Errors

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 Exercise 2
1. From Mumbai, (a)/ the Rajdhani Express (b)/ do not go 6. He asked what the weather (a)/had been like (b)/during
straight (c)/ to New Delhi (d)/ No error (e). my holidays (c)/and I replied that it had been awful
(BSRB Kolkata) (d)/No error (e).
2. It couldn’t have been (a)/ written by Kalidas because (b)/ 7. You are lucky (a)/ to get (b)/ such a (c)/ well paid job
that kind of dress was not worn (c)/ till after his death (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB Kolkata)
(d)/ No error (e). 8. If I would have (a)/ spoken to my father (b)/ as you speak
3. Harish is (a)/ very much (b)/ willing to (c)/ come with to me, (c)/ he would have beaten me (d)/ No error (e).
you (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB Kolkata)
(BSRB Kolkata)
4. The lady said that (a)/ she should be away (b)/ from
home tomorrow as Malti’s (c)/ friend had come to visit 9. We are quite fond (a)/ of this house (b)/ because we are
Mumbai (d)/ No error (e). living in it (c)/ for the last five years (d)/ No error (e).
5. Journey by car is (a)/ as quick or perhaps quicker (b)/ 10. Not for nothing (a)/ did he prosper (b)/ as a business
than by train (c)/ in this particular case (d)/ No error (e). consultant (c) since his arrival in America 20 years ago (d)
(BSRB Kolkata) No error (e).

Exercise 3
1. This type of product (a)/ is not available in (b)/ any of the 6. The minister alongwith his (a)/ party colleagues have
shop (c)/ in the market around plaza (d)/ No error (e). (b)/ been given a warm (c)/ reception at the function (d)/
(Bank PO) No error (e). (Bank PO)
2. Hardly had I (a)/ reached the airport, where (b)/ I 7. You should not be (a)/ so quick in giving (b)/ advice lest
learned about (c)/ the powerful bomb explosion (d)/ No you will be (c)/ perceived as interfering in others affairs
error (e). (d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO)
8. Because of his (a)/ innocence, he cannot (b)/ distinguish
3. As a practice, (a)/ the last batch of (b) the tins undergoes
a cheat (c)/ for an honest person (d)/ No error (e).
(c)/ through check up (d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO)
9. Every day when he (a)/ passes through this side (b)/, all
4. One of my brother (a)/ told me about (b)/ the sad demise the employee gather (c)/ around to have a glimpse. (d)/
(c)/ of your uncle (d)/ No error (e). No error (e). (Bank PO)
5. He is not only (a)/ sincere towards his responsibilities 10. He said that (a)/ if I found the front door locked (b)/ I was
(b)/ but also very competent (c)/ to handle the job (d)/ to go round (c)/ to the back (d)/ No error (e).
No error (e). (Bank PO) (BSRB Kolkata)

Exercise 4
1. These Acts were (a)/ pushed through Parliament (b)/ in 6. Being a well known (a)/ cartoonist, he was (b)/ invited to
spite of opposition (c)/ but for little modification (d)/ No deliver (c)/ a lecture on Modern art (d)/ No error (e).
error (e). (SBI PO) (SBI PO)
2. The man who is (a)/ perpetually hesitating (b)/ about 7. The chief idea of every common type of traveller (a)/ is to
which of the two things (c)/ to do first, will ultimately do see(b)/ as many objects (c)/ of interest as he possibly
could (d) No error (e). (SBI PO)
either (d)/ No error (e). (SBI PO)
8. Atul’s habit of (a)/ delaying his work (b)/ puts his
3. No hill station (a)/ is as beautiful (b)/ as Darjeeling (c)/ colleagues (c)/ to a lot of trouble (d)/ No error (e).
with its scenic beauty (d)/ No error (e). (SBI PO)
(SBI PO) 9. My brother has been (a)/ living in America (b)/ with his
4. On my request, (a)/ Jatin introduced me (b)/ to his friend family (c)/ for the past ten years (d)/ No error (e).
(c)/ who is singer and scientist (d)/ No error (e). (SBI PO)
(SBI PO) 10. I did not like (a)/ going to night school (b)/ but I had no
5. One of the most (a)/ widely spread (b)/ bad habit (c)/ is alternative (c)/ as I have to work in day time (d)/ No error
the use of tobacco (d)/ No error (e). (e). (BSRB Kolkata)

Exercise 5
1. All the people living (a)/ in the house (b)/ including the 4. Nobody believed him (a)/ when he said that (b)/ his son
servant (c)/ was invited there (d)/ No error (e). was gone (c)/ out of the country (d) No error (e).
(BSRB Lucknow) 5. As soon as he (a)/ opened the old (b)/ wooden box, than a
2. Mahesh thought that he (a)/ would pass the examination rat (c)/ jumped out of it (d)/ No error (e).
(b)/ although he did not answer (c)/ most of the 6. Hardly did she went (a)/ out of her house (b)/ when the
questions correct (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB Lucknow) postman came (c)/ with the telegram (d)/ No error (e).
3. The robbers were (a)/ caught just as they (b)/ were about 7. The faster he completes (a)/ the work given to (b)/ him,
to (c)/ escape from the jail (d)/ No error (e). the largest (c)/ will be his profit (d)/ No error (e).

Spotting the Errors 13

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8. There has not been (a)/ any rain fall in this (b)/ part of the 10. Kunal’s father advised (a)/ him not to (b)/ ride the
country (c)/ since the last two years (d)/ No error (e). motorcycle (c)/ lately at night (d)/ No error (e).
(BSRB) (BSRB)
9. He has not only built (a)/ this big theatre but also(b)/ a
few (c)/ bungalows in this city (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 6
1. He says that (a)/ he has (b)/ a car (c)/ beside a scooter 6. The applicant, (a)/ being a householder, (b)/ he is (c)/
(d)/No error(e). entitled to vote (d)/ No error (e).
2. If I was you (a)/ I would not have (b)/ committed (c)/ this 7. He walked (a)/ quick so that (b)/ he would not (c)/ be
blunder (d)/No error(e). late (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB Rajasthan)
3. Not one of the hundreds (a)/ of striking workers (b)/ 8. The teacher said (a)/ that Ajay was (b)/ capable of doing
(c)/ more better work (d)/ No error (e).
were allowed to go (c)/ near the factory (d)/No error(e).
(BSRB Rajasthan)
4. Did you see (a)/ any of the child (b)/ when you were (c)/
9. Dinesh exercise (a)/ every day so (b)/ that he may (c)/
in the garden? (d) No error (e). (BSRB Rajasthan)
keep himself healthy (d)/ No error (e).
5. The boy asked (a)/ his father, why (b)/ he cutting (c)/ 10. The thirsty (a)/ children drank (b)/ up all (c)/ the water
down the tree (d)/ No error (e). (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 7
1. One of his many (a)/ good traits that (b)/ come to my 6. I am sure that (a)/ neither the house (b)/ nor its contents
mind (c)/ was his modesty (d)/ No error (e). (c)/ is for sale (d)/No error(e). (Asstt Grade)
(BSRB Rajasthan) 7. The Hindi and the Marathi are (a)/ different forms of
2. He has a scheme (a)/ of his own which (b)/ he thinks Sanskrit language (b)/ which were once spoken (c)/ in
preferable (c)/ than that of any other person’s (d)/ No almost every part of India (d)/No error(e). (Bank PO)
error (e). (BSRB Rajasthan) 8. The Committee Chief warned the party members (a)/ that
3. Ten new members (a)/ have been enrolled (b)/ and seven if they persist (b)/ in their obstructionist attitude (c)/ they
have (c)/ resigned (d)/ No error (e). would be suspended (d)/No error(e). (CDS)
(BSRB Rajasthan)
9. The agitating students had taken (a)/ a vow not to return
4. Children visiting the (a)/ park are amused (b)/ by the to their (b) classes until their demands were not (c)/
monkeys (c)/ play in their cages.(d)/No error(e).
accepted by the Principal (d) No error (e). (Bank PO)
(SBIPO)
10. To day, the cost of living (a)/ is such higher that many
5. The man told to her (a)/ that he had not brought his dog (b)/ people find it difficult to (c)/ keep their hearths
(b)/ out for a walk (c)/ as he was afraid that it would rain
(d)/No error(e). burning (d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO)

Exercise 8
1. When Charles was (a)/ in the hospital (b)/ his sister sent 6. I am not (a)/ wealthy so I (b)/ cannot afford to buy (c)/ a
(c)/ much fruit than his uncle (d)/ No error (e). expensive car (d)/ No error (e). (RRB)
2. Mr Sharma has (a)/ driven almost twice (b)/ so far as (c)/ 7. Kamala worked very (a)/ hard so that she (b)/ might not
Mr Khanna has (d)/ No error (e). (RRB) keep the others (c)/ wait too long (d)/ No error (e).
3. All the players (a)/ except Samuel (b)/ were present (c)/ 8. The teacher was (a)/ busy and asked (b)/ three of we to
on the field (d)/ No error (e). (RRB) divide the (c)/ work and do it (d)/ No error (e). (RRB)
4. The teacher drew (a)/ an attention of the (b)/ boys to the 9. The ruling party stood (a)/ for implementation of the Bill
importance (c)/ of regular practice (d)/ No error (e). (b)/ and was ready to stake (c)/ their political existence
5. The doctor advised (a)/ Suresh and Ramesh for going (d)/No error(e).
swimming (b)/ because it was (c)/ good for them (d)/ No 10. The interviewer asked (a)/ the candidate (b)/ to what
error (e). (RRB) district (c)/ he came from (d)/No error(e). (SSC)

Exercise 9
1. Two people, the (a)/ clerk and the (b)/ typist, helps me 4. Never set a bad (a)/ example; always remember that (b)/
(c)/ in my office (d)/ No error (e). (RRB) good and bad (c)/ behavior is inculcated by example (d)/
2. The short boy (a)/ has seven rupees (b)/ and the fat boy No error (e).
(c)/ has only a rupee (d)/ No error (e). (RRB) 5. For young Minu (a)/, peace in Kashmir (b)/ is almost
terrible (c)/ as war (d)/No error(e).
3. Inspite of the doctor’s (a)/ stern warning, (b)/ he
continued taking (c)/ sugar in his tea (d)/No error(e). 6. Being a very hot day (a)/ all of us remained at home (b)/
(Stenographer)
and watched television and (c)/ enjoyed ourselves the
whole day (d)/ No error(e).

14 Spotting the Errors

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7. Had the function (a)/ not been postponed (b)/ because of 9. Neelima has such a fine, (a)/ memory that she can (b)/
the strike, (c)/ she may have been able to participate recollect any thing (c)/ what happened even many years
(d)/No error(e). ago (d)/No error (e).
8. The teacher was (a)/very busy and asked three (b)/ of we 10. In a fit of temper, (a)/ he tore up a sweet letter (b)/, his
to divide (c)/ the work and complete it. (d)/No error(e). wife had (c)/ written to him (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB)

Exercise 10
1. Every leaf (a)/ and every flower proclaim (b) the glory of 6. Is there any other reasons (a)/ that you can give us for
God (c)/ No error (d)/No error (e). (Income Tax) your failure (b)/ to take action as (c)/ you promised (d)/
No error (e). (MBA)
2. My (a)/ house (b)/ is better (c)/ than John (d)/ No
7. The future is (a)/ yet to come (b)/ but you have (c)/ right
error (e). (Hotel Management) to shape it (d)/ No error(e). (BSRB)
3. To perform (a)/ this experiment, (b)/ drop little sugar 8. He won’t (a)/ return the money (b)/ that he borrowed (c),
(c)/ into a glass of water (d)/No error (e). won’t he? (d)/No error (e).
4. As he had taken (a)/ only a few sips, (b)/ there was still 9. Money not only satisfies (a)/ the basic psychological
needs (b)/ but also the (c)/ higher order psychological
little water (c)/ left in the glass (d)/ No error (e). needs (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB Kolkata)
5. For her sake as well as for John (a)/, I hoped fervently (b)/ 10. All I know is that (a)/ I won’t be at peace (b)/ with myself
that she might (c)/ still be found (d)/ No error(e). (MBA) (c)/ unless I do not go there (d)/ No error (e).
(BSRB Kolkata)
Exercise 11
1. A nationwide survey (a)/ has brought up an (b)/ 6. A person I met (a)/ in the theatre (b)/ was the playwright
interesting finding (c)/ regarding infant mortality rate in (c)/ himself (d)/No error(e).
India (d)/No error(e). 7. Dr Chandra (a)/ is only dentist (b)/ in (c)/ our village
2. Troy was taken (a)/ by Greeks; (b)/ this formed the basis of (d)/No error(e).
the story (c)/ which has become famous(d)/No error(e). 8. The majority of the (a)/ computer professionals
3. Whatever his intentions may be (a)/, he should consider recommends (b)/ that effective measures (c)/ should be
them carefully (b)/ before he comes to a decision (c)/ No taken against software piracy (d)/No error(e).
error (d)/No error(e). (MBA) 9. The accelerating pace of life (a)/ in our city (b)/ has had
4. These kind of shoes (a)/ seem to be expensive (b)/ but are tremendous effect (c)/ on the culture and life-style of the
relatively (c)/ easy to care for (d)/ No error (e). people (d)/No error(e).
5. The reason we have not been (a)/ able to pay income tax 10. You are never practical (a)/ and your suggestions (b)/
(b)/ is due to the fact (c)/ that we did not receive pay on hold no water (c)/ because they are not convincing
time (d)/No error (e). (d)/No error (e).

Exercise 12
1. I am (a)/ better acquainted (b)/ with Ramesh (c)/ than 6. He was not promoted (a)/ to the rank of colonel (b)/ till
you. (d)/ No error (e). (SBI PO) for a few (c)/ months of his retirement. (d)/ No error (e).
2. It is said (a)/ by some persons (b)/ that one of the (SBI PO)
nationalised bank (c)/ has started a new scheme of 7. Our soldiers (a)/ were better trained (b)/ than that (c)/ of
lending (d)/ No error (e). the enemy (d)/ No error (e).
3. The boy who (a)/ you see there (b)/ made the top score 8. If it were possible (a)/ to get near when (b)/ one of the
(c)/ in the last match (d)/ No error (e). volcanic eruptions take place, (c)/ we could see a grand
4. Having been occupied (a)/ with some important matters, sight (d)/ No error (e).
(b)/ he had no time (c)/ to attend the meetings. (d)/ No 9. Had I come (a)/ to know about(b)/ his difficulties, (c)/ I
error (e). would have certainly helped him(d)/No error (e).
5. The sun, whose (a)/ ray give life to the (b)/ earth, was 10. Being a very (a)/ hot day, (b)/ I (c)/ remained indoors
venerated as (c)/ God by our ancestors (d)/ No error (e). (d)/No error(e).

Exercise 13
1. The demand of the citizen’s (a)/ forum that the prices of 4. As it was Ranjan’s (a)/ first interview, he dressed himself
essential (b)/ commodities to lower down will (c)/ soon be (b)/ in his most (c)/ formal suit (d)/No error (e).
considered by the Government (d)/ No error (e). (RRB)
(Bank PO)
2. Despite of a good monsoon (a)/ this year, the production
(b)/ of foodgrains in the (c)/ country did not go up (d)/ 5. The ruling party chief made it a point to state that (a)/ the
No error (e). (Bank PO) Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister (b)/ should
3. Whatever work (a)/ that which you undertake (b)/ put also come (c)/ and see what his party men had seen
your best efforts (c)/ to achieve success in it (d)/No error(e).
(d)/No error (e).

Spotting the Errors 15

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6. It is not difficult to believe that a man (a)/ who has lived 8. Mr Sharma , our representative, (a)/ will (b)/ attend the
in this city (b)/ for a long time (c)/ he will never feel at meeting (c)/ on our behalf (d)/No error(e).
home anywhere else in the world (d)/No error(e). 9. One must use (a)/ his best efforts (b) if one (c)/ wishes to
(NDA) succeed (d)/ No error (e).
7. If the teacher is good (a)/ the students (b)/ will respond 10. It is suggested that (a)/ a ring road (b)/ should be built (c)/
(c)/ positively to them (d)/No error(e). (BSRB) to relieve the congestion (d)/ No error (e). (SBI PO)

Exercise 14
1. Even though he found the subject (a)/ rather interesting, 6. Now that she is living in her own flat, (a)/ she cleans the
Raghu could not (b)/ manage good marks (c)/ in the windows (b)/ twice a week in the summer (c)/ and once a
examination (d)/ No error (e). ( BSRB) week in the winter (d)/No error(e).
2. The enmity between the (a)/ two groups had reached a 7. After looking through many (a)/ advertisements, Sudhir
decide (b)/ to buy the cheapest (c)/ brand in the market
level (b)/ where reconciliation has (c)/ become (d)/ No error (e). ( BSRB)
impossible (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB) 8. The interviewer asked me (a)/ if I knew that (b)/ Kaildas
3. My father was (a)/ in (b)/ bad mood (c)/ yesterday was the greater (c)/ than any other poet (d)/ No error (e).
morning (d)/No error(e). (BSRB)
4. Sunita opened a almirah (a)/ full of books (b)/ and took 9. Mr Smith was accused for murder (a)/ but the court found
him (b)/ not guilty (c)/ and acquitted him (d)/No error
one book (c)/ for reading (d)/No error(e). (e).
5. According to the Bible, (a)/ it is meek and humble (b)/ 10. It is not possible (a)/ for me (b)/ to exchange the goods
who shall (c)/ inherit the earth (d)/No error(e). (c)/ once the sale has been completed (d)/No error (e).
(Stenographer’s)
Exercise 15
1. This town isn’t very (a)/ well known (b)/ and there isn’t 6. The need to set up (a)/ a good library in the locality (b)/
much to see (c), so a few tourists come here (d)/No has been in the minds of people (c)/ for some time (d)/
error(e). No error (e). (BSRB)
2. On my request (a)/ Sarita introduced me (b)/ to her 7. The road (a)/ to famous monument (b)/ passes through
friend (c)/ who is singer and a scientist (d)/No error(e). (c)/ a forest (d)/No error(e). (Stenographer’s)
3. Aruna was (a)/ unhappy about the results (b)/ of the 8. Several prominent figures (a)/ involved in the scandal
discussion she (c)/ has with Rashmi (d)/ No error (e). (b)/ are required to appear (c)/ to the investigation
(BSRB) committee (d)/No error(e).
4. He was driving slowly (a)/ down the highway (b)/ when a 9. To make him succeed, (a)/ the correct thing to do (b)/ is
cat ran (c)/ across and he had to brake all of a sudden (d)/ to punish him (c)/ until he does not try (d)/ No error (e).
No error (e). (BSRB) (BSRB)
5. It being rainy day, (a)/ most of the people (b)/ out on the 10. CV Raman was one of those great sons of India (a)/ who
street were (c)/ carrying umbrellas (d)/ No error (e). has earned everlasting fame (b)/ for scientific (c)
(BSRB) researches (d)/ No error (e). (NDA 1993)

Exercise 16
1. Whenever they passes (a)/ through this city, (b)/ they 6. The girls were playing (a)/ outside the house whereas
never forget to (c)/come to our house (d)/ No error (e). (b)/ the boys were sitting (c)/ inside and played cards
(BSRB Patna) (d)/ No error (e).
2. Children often (a)/ quarrel on (b)/ petty (c)/ issues 7. The policemen started (a)/ firing the crowd (b)/ when the
(d)/No error(e). striking (c)/ students turned violent (d)/ No error (e).
(BSRB Patna)
3. When the teachers are on strike (a)/ and a notice to this
effect (b)/ is pasted on the college gate, (c) there is no 8. He was about to telling (a)/ the investigators the truth
(b)/ when his companion (c)/ suddenly interrupted him
sense to go there (d)/No error(e). (d)/ No error (e).
4. Young children should not sit close (a)/ to the T.V. set 9. Mohini washes all her (a)/ clothes and cooks food (b)/ for
(b)/ as it affects (c)/ on their eyes (d)/No error(e). the family before (c)/ she going to the office (d)/ No
5. I am vexed (a)/ at him (b)/ about what (c)/ he has done error (e).
(d)/No error(e). 10. Praveen is so good (a)/ a batsman that (b)/ he would be
certainly (c)/ included in the team (d)/ No error (e).
(BSRB Patna)
Exercise 17
1. Our Mathematics teacher (a)/ often emphasises on (b)/ 3. Although the patient (a)/ was rudely with the (b)/nurses,
the need for (c)/ a lot of practice (d)/No error(e). he behaved (c)/ nicely with the doctor (d)/ No error (e).
2. We could not see (a)/ the places clear (b)/ as the train was 4. Although the driver applied (b)/ the brakes, he could (b)/
not prevent the bus (c)/ from hit the tree (d)/ No
(c)/ moving very fast (d)/ No error (e).
error (e). (BSRB Patna)

16 Spotting the Errors

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5. Dileep’s performance in the (a)/ film was worst than (b)/ 8. As the party was going (a)/, we noticed Mr. Roy fall back
Amit’s but was not (c)/ as bad as Vipul’s (d)/ No error (e). (b)/ in his chair (c), gasping for breath (d)/No error(e).
(BSRB Patna) (Assistant Grade)
6. This kind of behaviour (a)/ has not been (b)/ seen here 9. Of all the men (a)/ known to me, none is (b)/ inclined
(c)/ since the last four years (d)/No error(e). (c)/ to think ill to others (d)/No error(e).
7. Rekha was trying for admission (a)/ in the Engineering 10. In a report issued by Indian Statistical Institute (a)/, the
College (b)/ even though her parents wanted (c)/ her to Iron and Steel industry (b)/ is investing more than any
other (c)/ Indian Industry, in fighting pollution (d)/No
take up medicine (d)/No error(e). error(e). (Central Excise)

Exercise 18
1. Monisha was the about (a)/ tell her teacher the (b)/ truth 6. Although he is usually (a)/ rude will everyone, (b)/ he
when her (c)/ friend interrupted her (d)/ No error (e). behaved nice with (c)/ all of us today (d)/ No error (e).
(BSRB) 7. Anjali’s performance in the (a)/ drama was best than (b)/
2. Prayag and Parag used (a)/ to work for almost twelve (b)/ Deepali’s but not (c)/ as good as Vaishali’s (d)/ No error
hours in the factory (c)/ they are working earlier (d)/ No (e).
error (e). 8. The fire men could not (a)/ succeed in rescue the (b)/
3. After toiling very hard (a)/ over a long period of time child although they (c)/ could put out the fire (d)/ No
(b)/, he found that people recognised him (c)/ as a error (e).
successful person (d)/ No error (e).
9. Whenever they go out (a)/ for swimming, they (b)/ take
4. The angry man walked hurriedly (a)/ into the crowded their (c)/ blue bag with them (d)/ No error (e).
room (b)/ and shouted loud (c)/ at the guests(d)/No
error (e). 10. He was fascinated by insects (a)/ and the more he studied
(b)/ their habits, (c)/ greater was his fascination (d)/No
5. He ran so fastly (a)/ that he reached (b)/ the destination
in (c)/ just two minutes (d)/ No error (e). (BSRB) error(e). (RRB)

Exercise 19
1. Everyone felt that (a)/ the big glittering (b)/ diamond 6. He ultimately decided (a)/ to willingly and cheerfully
(c)/ was most unique (d)/No error(e). accept(b)/ the responsibility (c)/ entrusted to him (d)/No
2. I advised my son (a)/ to engage two coolies instead of one error(e).
(b)/ because the luggage was too much (c)/ heavy for a 7. Being the only (a)/ people present there, (b)/ their
single coolie (d)/No error(e). presence was (c)/ most important (d)/No error(e).
3. The children were (a)/ playing with a ball (b)/ and run 8. Firstly, you should (a)/ think over the meaning (b)/ of the
around when (c)/ the accident occurred (d)/ No error (e). words (c)/ and then use them (d)/No error(e).
4. Avinash is not so (a)/ good a batsman to be(b)/ selected 9. By all standards, (a)/ he is a best soldier (b)/ our military
for the (c)/ national cricket team (d)/ No error (e). school (c)/ has produced so far (d)/No error(e).
(BSRB) 10. My friends insisted (a)/ that I should (b)/ see the movie
5. I tried on (a)/ both the dresses (b)/ and finally decided (c)/ from beginning to the end (d)/No error(e).
(c)/ to buy the least expensive one (d)/No error(e). (UDC) (BSRB)

Exercise 20
1. The car flew off the road (a)/ and fell into the valley (b)/ 6. The Prime Minister has said that India would not have
because Anish (c)/ was driving faster (d)/No error(e). spent so much on defence (a)/ if some of the neighbouring
(SBI PO) countries (b)/ adopted the policy of restricting (c)/
defence expenditure (d)/No error (e).
2. Watch how careful (a)/ the sparrow knits the (b)/ straws
into one another (c)/ to form a nest (d)/No error(e). 7. With little patience, (a)/ you will (b)/ be able to (c)/ cross
this hurdle (d)/No error (e).
(Bank PO)
8. My brother in laws (a)/ who live in Bombay (b)/ have
3. Of all the friends (a)/ I have (b)/ he is the most helpful come (c)/ to stay with us (d)/No error(e).
(c)/ and less arrogant (d)/No error(e). 9. Sheila Chandra began her concert by chanting Om (a)/
4. The audience (a)/ are requested to be (b)/ in its (c)/ seats turning it finally into an experience (b)/ close with (c)/
(d)/ No error(e). (SSC) prayer (d)/No error (e). (NDA 1993)
5. The reason, we have not been able to pay income tax (a)/ 10. I advised my son (a)/ to engage two coolies instead of one
is due to fact (b)/ that we did not (c)/ receive pay on time (b)/ because the luggage was too much (c)/ heavy for a
(d)/ No error(e). (SSC) single coolie (d)/No error(e). (NDA)

Spotting the Errors 17

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 Exercise 21
1. As there was only one taxi available, (a)/ I had no other 6. My observation (a)/ is that (b)/ between Vivek and Shashi
alternative but (b)/ to pay the fare (c)/ demanded by the (c)/, Vivek is the most intelligent (d)/ No Error (e).
driver (d)/No error(e). (SSC ) (Bank PO)
2. Good night (a)/ I am glad (b)/ to see (c)/ you (d)/ No 7. She saw that there was nothing else (a)/ she could do (b)/
error (e). because the room was so clean as (c)/ it has never been
before (d)/No error(e).
3. We all (a)/ take vegetable (b)/ and (c)/ fruit (d)/No
8. It is the duty of every citizen (a)/ to do his utmost (b)/ to
error(e). defend the hardly won (c)/ freedom of the country
4. Geometry and Drawing (a)/ are more easier (b)/ than (d)/No error(e).
(c)/ Geography and Social Studies (d)/No error(e). 9. Even though it was (a)/ raining heavy, (b)/ I went out
(NDA) (c)/ to get some medicines (d)/No error(e). (Bank PO)
5. He is (a)/ too intelligent (b)/ to make (c)/ a mistake 10. Inspite of working (a)/ very neat and careful (b)/, he
(d)/No error (e). could not win (c)/ even the third prize (d)/No error(e).

Exercise 22
1. On his attitude, (a)/ it seems that he wants (b)/ that the 6. It is wrong (a)/ on your part to call into (b)/ question the
decision making power (c)/ should rest with him (d)/No integrity (c)/ of your younger brother (d)/No error(e).
error(e). (Bank PO) 7. Globalization is not likely (a)/ to usher (b)/ economic
2. A large scale exchange of nuclear weapons (a)/ will progress of (c)/ the country as we are expecting (d)/No
produce unprecedented amounts of radiation (b)/ that error(e).
can penetrate (c)/ into the environment. (d)/No error(e).
(Assistant Grade)
8. The situation is so tense (a)/ in the city that (b)/ even a
small incident can spark (c)/ communal riots in the city
3. I have advised my brother (a)/ to dispose of (b)/ his old
(d)/No error(e).
car and (c)/ buy new one (d)/No error (e).
4. My uncle frequently (a)/ goes to abroad (b)/ on business 9. The world (a)/ comprises of (b)/ good and (c)/ bad
(c)/ by air (d)/No error(e). (NDA) people (d)/No error(e).
5. Our laxity in duty (a)/ increases (b)/ with our (c)/ 10. Two thirds (a)/ of the book (b)/ were (c)/ rubbish (d)/No
aversion for work (d)/No error(e). (I Tax) error(e). (CDS 1993)

Exercise 23
1. He will certainly help (a)/ if you will ask him (b)/ in a 6. The school is (a)/ within hundred yards (b)/ from the (c)/
(c)/ pleasant manner (d)/No error(e). (CDS) church (d)/No error(e).
2. The warden (a)/ forbade the student (b)/ from leaving 7. It is easy to see that (a)/ a lawyer’s demeanor in court (b)/
(c)/ the hostel (d)/No error (e). may be prejudicial against (c)/ the interests of his client
3. You must either tell me (a)/ the whole story or (b) at least (d)/No error(e). (CDS)
(c)/ the first half of it (d)/No error (e). 8. I am hearing (a)/ a lot about (b)/ the problem (c)/ of
AIDS these (d)/No error(e).
4. Twice (a)/ twelve, (b)/ makes (c)/ twenty four (d)/ No
9. You can get (a)/ all the informations (b), you want (c)/ in
error (e). (CDS)
this book (d)/No error(e). (CDS)
5. It is necessary (a)/ that everybody (b)/ must have (c)/ a 10. He persisted (a)/ to do it (b)/ in spite of my (c) sincere
house (d)/ No error (e). (CDS) advice (d)/ No error (e). (CDS)

Exercise 24
1. That house (a)/ costs me (b)/ ten (c)/lacs rupees (d)/No 6. What will happen (a)/ suppose if we (b)/ don’t meet him
error(e). (CDS) (c)/ in the banquet hall (d)/No error(e).
2. I wonder, (a)/ how am I (b)/ to (c)/do it (d)/ No error 7. When asked (a)/ about his children, (b)/ the veteran
(e). (CDS) sportsman said (c)/ that his youngest son’s health was too
3. A recent study has (a)/ indicated that there (b)/ is good (d)/No error (e).
perceptible change in (c)/ the attitudes of the people 8. Regardless of (a)/ what people (b)/ say, I must repeat that
(d)/No error (e). these are the facts concerning (c)/ the requirements for
the position (d)/No error(e).
4. If a man diligently seeks to come into contact (a)/ with the 9. There is (a)/ no objection to us (b)/ joining the feast if he
best that has been thought (b)/ and said in this world, (c)/ is willing (c)/ to share the expenses (d)/No error(e).
he will become simple and selfish (d)/No error(e). 10. It is duty (a)/ to take off our shoes (b)/ before entering the
5. I go to (a)/ the bed (b)/ at eight (c)/ every night (d)/No sanctum sanctorum (c)/ of any temple or mosque (d)/No
error(e). error(e). (NDA)

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 Exercise 25
1. Vishu was trying to pass (a)/ through the gap on (b)/ the 6. Simplest solution (a)/ than this expensive (b)/ method that
fence when he (c)/ tore his shirt (d)/ No error (e). you are suggesting (c)/ should be found out (d)/ No error (e).
2. Foolishly, Madhu threw (a)/ some water on the electric 7. The book was so (a)/ advanced that even (b)/ the
heater (b)/ when it catches fire (c)/ and she got a shock graduates in the discipline (c)/ found it difficult (d)/ No
(d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO) error (e). (Bank PO)
3. Rajesh was expecting (a)/ a telegram from his uncle (b)/ 8. The only good thing (a)/ about these pens (b)/ are their
which would inform (c)/ him whether he should go or not (c)/ colour.(d)/No error (e). (NDA)
(d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO)
9. She’s always (a)/ lamenting the lack (b) of sports facilities
4. Neither of the plans (a)/ suits him, therefore, (b)/ he (c)/ in town(d)/ No error (e).
decided not to (c)/ go out yesterday (d)/ No error (e).
10. As we’ve not (a)/ got the proper materials, (b)/ we’ll have
5. In spite of the rumours (a)/ of an impending takeover
(b)/ by government, (c)/ Ram Lal bought more shares of just to(c)/improvise (d)/ No error (e). (NDA 2005-I)
that company (d)/ No error (e). (Bank PO)

Exercise 26
1. He could not plan his strategy(a)/ until he knew(b)/ 6. The father told his son (a)/ that he was a lazy boy (b)/ and
whom(c)/his opponents could be (d)/No error(e). that he had done (c)/ his work very bad (d)/ No(BSRB
error (e).
PO)
(Railways) 7. If I would have realised (a)/ what a bad driver you were,
2. If I were (a)/ he, I would have taught (b)/ those cheats (b)/ I would not have (c)/ come with you (d)/ No error
(e). (BSRB PO)
(c)/ a lesson just now (d)/No error(e).
8. He confidently asked the crowd (a)/ if they thought that
3. Last summer, (a)/ he went (b)/ to his uncle’s village, (c)/ (b)/ he was right (c)/ and the crowd shouted that they do
and enjoyed very much (d)/No error(e). (CDS) (d)/ No error (e).
4. As I kept a strict watch (a)/ with my way of living, (b)/ I 9. I saw the accident (a)/ but fortunately, I did not have to
could see that (c)/ it was necessary to economize (d)/ No (b)/ give evidence as there were (c)/ a large number of
error (e). (BSRB PO) other evidences (d)/ No error (e).
5. His father has left him a fortune (a)/ but he is so 10. Arun is not only eminent (a)/ for his writings in English
(b)/ but also for his (c)/ paintings on spiritual themes
extravagant (b)/ that he will spent (c)/ it all before he is
(d)/ No error (e). (BSRB PO)
30 (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 27
1. I can hear (a)/ the bell ringing (b)/ but nobody seems to 6. There is (a)/ no question (b)/ of my failing (c)/ in the
be coming (c)/ to opening the door (d)/ No error (e). examination (d)/No error(e).
(BSRB PO) 7. The scientist must follow (a)/ his hunches and (b)/ his
2. I have been teaching in this school (a)/ since several years data (c)/ wherever it may lead (d)/No error(e)
(b)/ but have never met (c)/ such a hopeless class as this (Asstt. Grade)
(d)/ No error (e).
8. Due to me (a)/ being a newcomer, (b)/ I was unable to get
3. When he went out (a)/ he left the radio on (b)/ so that his a house (c)/ suitable for my family (d)/No error(e).
parents shall think (c)/ that he was still in the house (d)/
No error (e). (BSRB PO) 9. I suppose (a)/ that you have heard (b)/ the latest news
4. May I (a)/ know, who (b)/ you want (c)/ to see, please ? (c)/ Jack has married that girl (d)/No error(e).
(d)/No error(e). (Hotel Management) 10. Wherever they go ,(a)/ Indians easily (b)/ adapt to (c)/
5. Being a destitute, (a)/ I admitted him (b)/ to an old (c)/ the local circumstances (d)/No error(e).
people’s home(d)/No error (e).

Exercise 28
1. There are a number of reasons, (a)/ I do not like him, (b)/ 5. During the final minutes of his speech, (a)/ the speaker
but his (c)/ selfishness is intolerable (d)/ No error (e). requested to (b)/ the audience to have (c)/ patience (d)/
(CDS 2000) No error (e).
2. I have read an interesting book yesterday (a)/ and 6. He is running temperature since last Friday (a)/ and
underlined the new words (b)/ which were simple (c)/ doctors suspect (b)/ that he is (c)/ down with typhoid
but effective (d)/ No error (e). (d)/ No error (e).
3. He cannot be trusted (a)/ with important secret 7. Travel agents around the world have to rely on computers
informations (b)/ otherwise I would have made him (c)/ (a)/ to book seats in air flights or rooms in hotels, (b)/
my assistant (d)/ No error (e) (CDS 2000) either now (c)/ or a year from now (d)/ No error (e).
4. Is there further reasons (a)/ you can give me for your 8. She expressed her gratitudes (a)/ to all those (b)/ who
failure (b)/ as you (c)/ promised?(d)/ No error (e) had supported (c)/ her in election. (d)/ No error (e).
(CDS 2000) (CDS 2000)

Spotting the Errors 19

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9. When the meeting was over, (a)/ he was very tired (b)/ 10. Modern man must pull himself off together (a)/ and act
so that he went (c)/ home immediately (d)/ No his part in life (b)/ as God’s own most (c)/ favourite
error (e). creature (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2000)

Exercise 29
1. The teacher was happy (a)/ when he entere the class (b)/ jumping in the most, unsafe (c)/ and funny manner
which comprised of (c) a hundred students (d)/ No towards the sea (d)/No error (e). (CDS 2001)
error (e). 6. I asked (a)/ if she has looked everywhere (b)/ and she
2. In China, scholars have discovered in a language (a)/ that (c)/ said, ‘yes’ (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2001)
women involved among themselves (b)/ with a script that 7. Had I realised (a)/ that it was such a long way, (b)/ I
was less (c)/ complex than the official (d)/ No error (e). would take (c)/ a taxi (d)/ No error (e).
(CDS 2001) 8. Thank you for your invitation for lunch (a)/ which I am (b)/
3. In most of the States, (a)/ forty percent of people under very pleased (c)/ to accept (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2001)
(b)/thirty (c)/is undernourished(d)/ No error (e). 9. As people keep more animals as pets, (a)/ more and more
4. Yet, firms and other concerns are spending large sums of animal related law suits (b)/ reaching (c)/ the courts (d)/
money all time (a)/ and somehow we take this for granted No error (e).
(b)/ and never stop to wonder (c),where it comes from 10. The Brahmins, in the period of their decline, took stock of
(d)/No error (e). the situation (a)/ and realised where the deficiencies of
5. Scarcely we had finished observing this, (a)/ when we the ancient creed lied (b)/ and how they (c)/ should be
were surprised by about a dozen of the old birds (b)/ met (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 30
1. Don’t think you can say unpleasant things (a)/ about 7. There were so much cattle (a)/ on the road that (b)/ it
someone (b)/ behind his back and (c)/ not found out (d)/ was difficult (c)/to drive safely (d)/ No error (e).
No error (e). (CDS 2001-II) (CDS 2001-II)
2. The Americans speak (a)/ different from us (b)/ though 8. What could have provoked him to behave (a)/ in such a
our grammar (c)/ is the same (d)/ No error (e). manner (b)/ at dinner (c)/ last night ?(d)/ No error (e).
3. This is an instance (a)/ of blind (b)/ leading (c)/ the blind (CDS 2001-II)
(d)/ No error (e). 9. They were rich zamindars in the thirties (a)/ but now they
4. He took to drink (a)/ to lessen (b)/ his mental (c)/ tension have fallen on the evil days (b)/ and have lost (c)/ much
(d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2001-II) of their property (d)/ No error (e).
5. My father could lead (a)/ full and happy life (b)/ without 10. The foreign ambassador was (a)/ noted for both his
spending (c)/ a lot of money (d)/ No error (e). charming manners (b)/ as well as his wide (c)/
(CDS 2001-II)
knowledge of language (d)/No error (e).
6. All Indian Radio broadcasted (a)/ a very good programme
(b)/ this (c)/morning (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 31
1. Oil has and (a)/ still is (b)/ in great (c)/ demand (d)/ No 6. The little show was organised (a)/ not only for him (b)/
error (e). (CDS 2002) but for you (c)/ and I as well (d)/ No error (e).
2. He worked hard (a)/ so he might top the list (b)/ and win 7. They seem to enjoy (a)/ being rung up (b)/ in all hours of
(c)/ a medal (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2002) (c)/ the day and night (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2002)
3. Thanks to the efforts of the last batsman (a)/ in the 8. The right to make war, like the right to strike (a)/ but in a
moment of crisis (b)/ the defeat (c)/ was averted (d)/ No far high degree (b)/ is very dangerous in a world governed
error (e). (c)/ be scientific technique (d)/ No error (e).
4. Dread of hydrogen bomb promotes fanaticism (a)/ and 9. I admit that some newspapers in their bid (a)/ to sell more
fanaticism, is more likely than anything else, will lead to have jettisoned the high standard (b)/ that the press in
(b)/ actual use of (c)/ the hydrogen bomb (d)/ No India (c)/ has followed since years (d)/ No error (e).
error (e). (CDS 2002) (CDS 2002)
5. Because of the high prices, (a)/ they first discontinued 10. As the crow put the frog aside in order to sharpen its beak,
jam on toasts (b)/ and then substituted margarine (c)/ for (a)/ the frog leapt in the well (b)/ and began to croak (c)/
butter (d)/ No error (e). in derision (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 32
1. We had to cancel our trip to Delhi (a)/ because when we 3. The General with over 1000 officers and soldiers (a)/ have
reached the railway station (b)/ the (c)/ train left (d)/ No surrendered to the Indian troops (b)/ who are patrolling
error (e). (c)/ the valley (d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2002 II))
4. If he had wrote the examination faster (a)/ and answered
2. Many a student (a)/ has failed in the Mathematics (b)/
one more question, (b)/ he would have (c)/ scored better
but Dilip has scored (c)/100 per cent (d)/ No error (e). (d)/ No error (e).

20 Spotting the Errors

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5. For decades, (a)/ there have been (b)/ a debate on 8. We know where it begins (a)/ but we don’t know (b)/ that
whether schizophrenia is a psychological (c)/ condition (c)/ where it ends (d)/ No error (e).
(d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2002-II)) [CDS (2002-II)]
6. Mohan is the one (a)/ who always finds fault (b)/ with 9. The simplest method (a)/ of welding two pieces of metal
whatever (c)/ Ram does (d)/ No error (e). together (b)/ is known as (c)/ pressure welding (d)/ No
(CDS (2002-II)) error (e). [CDS (2002-II)]
7. There is a need (a)/ to revising government policies (b)/ 10. One of the important benefits (a)/ of machine age (b)/ is
on controlling (c)/ unauthorised constructions (d)/ No that our standard of living (c)/ has improved (d)/ No
error (e). error (e).

Exercise 33
1. This is the second communication we have sent (a)/ and 6. Rather than go (a)/ with Amit, he (b)/ decided to (c)/
we are much surprised (b)/ at having received (c)/ no stay at home (d) / No error (e)
answer (d)/ No error (e). 7. He always practices (a)/ the justice and (b)/ cares for (c)/
2. Several guests noticed Mr. Sharma (a)/ falling back in his moral principles(d)/No error (e).
chair (b)/ and gasping (c)/ for breath (d)/ No error (e).
8. The whole block of flats (a)/ including two shops were
[CDS (2003-I)]
(b)/ destroyed (c)/ in fire (d)/ No error (e).
3. Long life is good (a)/ if one be happy (b)/ and has (c) [CDS (2003- I)]
friends (d)/ No error (e) [CDS (2003-I)]
9. He feels his troubles (a)/ as much as or (b)/ even more
4. His assistants have and are still doing (a)/ excellent work (c)/ than they (d)/ No error (e).
(b)/ for the (c)/ organisation (d)/ No error (e).
10. Such rules (a)/ do not apply to (b)/ you (c)/ and I (d)/ No
[CDS (2003-I)]
error (e).
5. None of the diplomats at (a) the conference (b)/ was able
either (c)/ to comprehend or to solve the problem (d)/ No
error (e).

Exercise 34
1. Teacher repeatedly warned the students (a)/ not make a 6. He went on committing crime after crime (a)/ but in spite
noise (b)/ but the students (c)/ did not obey (d)/ No error of my best efforts (b)/ I could not prevent (c)/ him to do
(e). so (d)/ No error (e).
[CDS (2003- II)] 7. The population of Kolkata (a)/ is greater than Delhi (b)/
2. My left leg has just been operated by (a)/ a surgeon (b)/ although Delhi (c)/ is the capital of India (d)/ No error.
in (c)/ Lohia hospital (d)/ No error (e) [CDS (2003- II)]
3. Teaching in this school would certainly improve (a)/ if it 8. Though he denied his involvement in the case (a)/, the
had less boys (b)/ in all the (c)/ higher classes (d)/ No facts made it clear (b)/ that he had hand in the (c)/ cruel
error (e). [CDS (2003- II)]
murder of his friends (d)/ No error (e). [CDS (2003- II)]
4. In some ways, the Diwali festival corresponds with
9. The police (a)/ has arrested (b)/ four smugglers (c)/ in
Christmas (a)/ which is celebrated (b)/ with enthusiasm
by the Christians (c)/ all over the world (d)/ No error (e). Mumbai and Delhi (d)/ No error (e).
5. The expert mason reported to the contractor (a)/ that 10. Scarcely we had left the hotel (a)/ when the (b)/
there was no question (b)/ of the (c)/ wall’s falling down thunderstorm burst (c)/ over our heads (d)/ No error (e).
(d)/ No error (e). [CDS (2003- II)]

Exercise 35
1. Her clothes (a)/ were spattered (b)/ by (c)/ mud (d)/ No 6. She’s a bit (a)/ of a doubting Thomas (b)/ she won’t
error (e). (CDS (2004- I)) believe you’re back (c)/ till she sees you (d)/ No error (e).
(CDS (2004- I))
2. He was beside(a)/ himself with rage (b)/ when he saw
(c)/ the mess (d)/ No error (e). 7. There were gasps of horror from (a)/ the spectators as he
(b)/ fell from (c)/ the tight rope (d)/ No error (e).
3. We have benefited from (a)/ the discoveries bequeathed (CDS (2004- I))
at us (b)/ by the scientists of (c)/ the last century (d)/ No
8. This drug should (a)/ be taken only (b)/ with the
error (e). [CDS (2004- I)] supervision (c)/ of a doctor (d)/ No error (e).
4. Although she didn’t mention me by name, (a)/ I know her 9. Different words with the (a)/ same spelling are
remarks (b)/ were intended (c)/ for my benefit (d)/ No distinguished (b)/ in this dictionary by (c)/ a superscript
error (e). number (d)/ No error (e).
5. He wasn’t (a)/ just unconsiderate, (b)/ he was (c)/ 10. I won’t go into all the depressing details (a)/ let it suffice it
downright rude (d)/ No error (e). to say that the (b)/ whole affair was (c)/ an utter disaster
(d)/ No error (e).

Spotting the Errors 21

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 Exercise 36
1. Despite of a good monsoon this year (a)/ the production 6. Yavanika is one of the latest (a)/ additions to good drama
of foodgrains in the country (b)/ did not (c)/ go up (d)/ (b)/ which appeared (c)/ in recent times (d)/ No
No error (e). error (e).
2. The last of the Mughal Emperors of India was first 7. Children visiting the park (a)/ are amused by the monkeys
imprisoned and (b)/ was later sent into (c)/ exile by the (b)/ play in (c)/ the cages (d)/ No error (d).
British (d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2004- II))
3. Hardly as I stepped out of my house (a)/ when I saw some 8. I am better acquainted (a)/ with the country (b)/ than (c)
policemen (b)/ coming towards (c)/ my house (d)/ No you (d)/ No error (e).
error (e). (CDS (2004- II)) 9. Being occupied with important matters (a)/ he had no
4. Today, the cost of living (a)/ is such higher that many leisure (b)/ to see (c)/ us (d)/ No error (e).
people (b)/ find it difficult to keep (c)/ their hearths
burning (d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2004- II)) (CDS (2004- II)
5. Rina was trying for admission in the Engineering College 10. He was not promoted to the (a)/ rank of a Colonel (b)/ till
(a)/ even though her parents (b)/ wanted her to (c)/ take before a few months of (c)/ his resignation (d)/ No error
up medicine (d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2004- II)) (e).

Exercise 37
1. No student is (a)/ as intelligent (b)/ as (c)/ my son (d)/ 6. He said a number of lies (a)/ and then went without (b)/
No error (e). (CDS (2005- I) saying me (c)/ good bye (d)/ No error (e).
2. The most important feature (a)/ of our products are that 7. Not only we saw (a)/ the Education Minister but (b)/ also
(b)/ they are (c)/ developed in-house (d)/ No error (e). the (c)/ Chief Minister (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2005- I)
3. When he was tired (a)/ he took rest under (b)/ the shade 8. I came directly (a)/ to my residence (b)/ from the (c)/
(c)/ of a tree (d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2005- I) airport (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2005- I]
4. The principal along (a)/ with the students (b)/ have gone 9. I signed on the receipt (a)/ in the morning but the pay (b)/
(c)/ to Shimla. (d)/ No error (e). has not been (c)/ disbursed to me so far (d)/ No error (d).
5. When you have gone (a)/ through my book (b)/ give (c)/ 10. This is the same story (a)/ which I heard (b)/ from him
the same to me (d)/ No error (d). (CDS 2005- I) (c)/ yesterday (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2005- I)

Exercise 38
1. There would be fewer follies (a)/ and happiness and good 6. There is no definite rule (a)/ regarding the length of a
feeling all around (b)/ if we applied the scientific attitude precis (b)/ with relation to (c)/ that of the original
(c)/ for all our affairs (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2000) passage (d)/ No error (e).
2. Meera told to the teacher (a)/ that she couldn’t come for 7. You had better hurry up (a)/ if want to (b)/ get home (c)/
the rehearsals (b)/ the (c)/ next day (d)/ No error (e). before dark (d)/ No error (e).
3. I am told that Anjali has been (a)/ suffering from fever
(b)/ since (c)/ ten days (d)/ No error (e). 8. When I shall get back (a)/ I shall pay off the money (b)/
that I borrowed (c)/ from you last month (d)/ No
4. The armed forces have been working around the clock
(a)/ to bring a semblance of normality (b)/ in the (c)/ error (e).
flood-affected was (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2000) 9. A music and dance show have been organised (a)/ to raise
5. Just when Alfred Nobel’s discoveries were beginning to funds for the orphanage (b)/ on the first Saturday (c)/ of
get him rewards (a)/ which were to make him one of the next month (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2001)
richest man of his days (b)/ an anti-Noble campaign (c)/ 10. Both the boys (a)/ came late in the hall (b)/ and sat (c)/
was started in France (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2000) besides me (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 39
1. Education helps us understand and tolerate differences 5. The famous poet and the scholar (a)/ Dr Suman has been
(a)/ and so holds out the promise (b)/ that we can live ailing for (b)/ the last (c)/ one month (d)/ No error (e).
(c)/ together harmoniously (d)/ No error (e). 6. All the animals (a)/ including the zebras and the stags in
(CDS 2001-II) the zoo (b)/ are sent to more colder (c)/ places in the
2. He refused to disclose to his friends (a)/ whether he will summer (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2002)
leave for England (b)/ immediately after finishing (c)/ his 7. All the patients (a)/ have been admitted (b)/ and received
studies (d)/ No error (e). (c)/ careful attention (d)/ No error (e).
3. Despite of her protests, (a)/ I decided to buy (b)/ the 8. I cannot understand (a)/ why does he not do the work
(b)/ as (c)/ instructed (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2002)
saree (c)/ which she did not like (d)/ No error (e).
(CDS 2001-II) 9. There are several different attitudes (a)/ that may be
adopted (b)/ for the spectacle of (c)/ intolerable suffering
4. The government warned the shop- keepers (a)/ that if (d)/ No error (e).
they persist in charging unfair prices (b)/ their licences 10. Both of them (a)/ help one another (b)/ in the time of (c)/
(c)/ would be cancelled (d)/ No error (e). need (d)/ No error (e).

22 Spotting the Errors

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 Exercise 40
1. There is sense of urgency (a)/ in locating alternative 5. All the furnitures have been (a)/ replaced by the owner of
source of water (b)/ to augment the (c)/ dwindling supply the house (b)/ before (c)/ shifting (d)/ No error (e).
(d)/ No error (e). 6. It is a (a)/ quarter to ten (b)/ by my (c)/ watch (d)/ No
2. Although there is virtually no production in India, (a)/ the error (e). (CDS 2003- I)
‘Encyclopedia Britannica’ estimate (b)/ that India has 7. I like reading (a)/ more (b)/ than (c)/ to play games (d)/
perhaps the largest accumulated (c)/ stock of silver in the No error (e).
world (d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2002- II))
8. The sum and substance (a)/ of this poem (b)/ is (c)/ as
3. Neither the severe earthquake (a)/ or the subsequent follows (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2003- I)
famine (b)/ could demoralise the (c)/ people of the
country (d)/ No error (e). 9. The team was (a)/ now in the field and (b)/ about to take
(c)/ their place (d)/ No error (e).
4. As soon as I shall reach New Delhi (a)/ I shall send you the
file (b)/ you have (c)/ asked for (d)/ No error (e). 10. Perhaps you know (a)/ that I have passed (b)/ the (c)/
examination in 1990 (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2003- I)
(CDS (2002- II)

Exercise 41
1. After a stay of several years abroad, (a)/ he has returned 5. It is incumbent (a)/ with all the students (b)/ to abide by
back (b)/ to (c)/ Delhi (d)/ No error (e). (c)/ the college rules (d)/ No error (e).
2. How can we break upon (a)/ the barriers of fear and 6. I would not sullen (a)/ my hands (b)/ by accepting a (c)/
hostility (b)/ which divide the (c)/ two communities? bribe (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2004- I)
(d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2003- II) 7. He gave her (a)/ a suggestible glance (b)/ and she (c)/
3. Road accidents are so common now-a-days (a)/ that many blushed (d)/ No error (e). (CDS (2004- I)
people (b)/ lose their (c)/ lives everyday (d)/ No error 8. He unleashed (a)/ a torrential of abuse (b)/ against the
(e). (c)/ unfortunate shop assistant (d)/ No error (e).
4. The cricket match had called up (a)/ at the last moment as 9. There is (a)/ unlikely (b)/ to (c)/ be rain (d)/ No error (e).
the pitch had been dug up (b)/ and oil had been (c) 10. The hotel room (a)/ was bare (b)/ and (c)/ uninviting
poured on it (d)/ No error (e). (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2004- I)

Exercise 42
1. The man who is perpetually (a)/ hesitating which of the 6. She’s got (a)/ a down at me (b)/ I don’t (c)/ know why?
two things (b)/ he will do first, (c)/ will ultimately do (d)/ No error (e).
either (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2004- II) 7. What to speak of (a)/ food when even water (b)/ was not
2. No hill station is as (a)/ beautiful as Darjeeling (b)/ with (c)/ available (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2005- I)
(c)/ its scenic beauties (d)/ No error (e). (CDS 2004- II) 8. It was difficult to get out (a)/ because the street was full of
3. Being a well known Physicist, (a)/ he was invited to deliver people (b)/ from one end (c)/ to the another (d)/ No
(b)/ a lecture on (c)/ laser technology (d)/ No error (e). error (e).
4. The chief idea of every common type (a)/ of traveller is to 9. It has been our custom (a)/ from time immemorial to be
see as (b)/ many objects of interest as he (c)/ possibly (b)/ hospitable to those (c)/ who come to our doors (d)/
could (d)/ No error (e). No error (e). (CDS 2005- I)
5. He was hard down (a)/ for money and was (b)/ being (c)/
10. She does not hardly (a)/ know what (b)/ happened (c)/
harassed by his creditor (d)/ No error (e).
yesterday (d)/ No error (e).
(CDS 2004- II)

Exercise 43
1. I began to suspect trouble(a)/ as soon as one of the among them (c)/ are considerably pronounced (d)/ No
boys(b)/ threw stone at (c)/ the policeman (d)/ No error (e). (NDA 2001-I)
error(e). (NDA 2001-I) 6. The king did not mind(a)/ for putting the old people to
2. It is all the more better(a)/ for you to take the death(b)/ because he was (c)/ young himself (d)/ No
examination(b)/ than to withdraw (c)/ your form(d)/ No error(e) (NDA 2001-I)
error(e).
7. In my opinion, (a)/ a pencil is always (b)/ more
3. When a group of teenagers visited the entertainment
preferable (c)/ to a pen (d)/ No error (e).
centre, (a)/ little did they know(b)/ that their outing will
(c) lead them to a hospital(d)/ No error(e). 8. It is harmful to sit close(a)/ to the television set (b)/ as it
(NDA 2001-I) (c)/ affects on the eyes(d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2001-II)
4. If you had not been so secretive (a)/ you had told me all 9. She soon lost her heart(a)/ to her classmate(b)/ and
the facts earlier(b)/ I could have (c)/ helped you (d)/ No decided to (c)/ be his life partner (d)/ No error (e).
error (e). 10. One of our subscriber (a)/ reads four or five detective
5. Although there are some similarities(a)/ in the stories every week(b)/ besides others which he gets from
qualifications of both the candidates, (b)/ the differences (c)/ another library (d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2001-II)

Spotting the Errors 23

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 Exercise 44
1. The elderly manager of the bank(a)/ together with his 6. Now that my children are grown up and gone out into the
staff(b)/ have (c)/ resigned(d)/ No error(e). world, (a)/ I would like to spend my old age (b)/ in the
(NDA 2001-II) (c)/ village where I was born(d)/ No error (e).
2. He served in this factory(a)/ since it started(b)/ after a 7. When he persisted in making the same mistake(a)/
(c)/ long closure in 1960 (d)/ No error (e). despite constant reminders (b)/, I explained him where
3. The hall was already packed (a)/ and there was less room he (c)/ had gone wrong(d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2002-I)
for the group of reporters (b)/ who came to cover the (c)/ 8. The teacher asked me (a)/ if I had done my
event (d)/ No error(e). homework(b)/ and I replied in (c)/ the negative (d)/ No
4. We went to the zoo (a)/ and had spent an enjoyable day error (e). (NDA 2002-I)
(b)/ looking at the various (c)/ creatures there (d)/ No 9. Every group of birds(a)/ that fly to the breeding
error (e). (NDA 2002-I) ground(b)/ will have an equal number (c)/ of males and
5. It is nothing else than(a)/ his stupidity which stands(b)/ females (d)/ No error (e).
in the (c)/ way of his progress(d)/ No error(e). 10. Beware of(a)/ a fair- weather friend(b)/ who is neither a
(NDA 2002-I) friend in need (c)/ nor a friend indeed(d)/ No error (e).
(NDA 2002-II)

Exercise 45
1. Copernicus proved(a)/ that Earth(b)/ moves round (c)/ 6. The aircraft was overloaded (a)/, there was something
the Sun (d)/ No error (e). (NDA 2002 II) wrong of the battery(b)/ but the engine was making a (c)/
queer noise (d)/ No error (e). (NDA 2003 I)
2. Seldom we have been treated(a)/ in such a rude
manner(b)/ by the police (c)/ personnel(d)/ No error(e). 7. A thorough inquiry of the misappropriation of funds (a)/
(NDA 2002 II) is now imperative (b)/ to bring the (c)/ guilty to book (d)/
No error(e).
3. Some men are born great (a)/ some achieve greatness(b)/
and some had greatness (c)/ thrust on them (d)/ No 8. His brilliant success in the examination (a)/ as well as his
(b)/ record in sports (c)/ deserves high praise (d)/ No
error(e). error(e). (NDA 2003 I)
4. The property (a)/ was divided (b)/ among the two (c)/ 9. While travelling by a train(a)/ on a cold winter night, (b)/
brothers (d)/ No error (e). an argument rose between two passengers in our (c)/
5. I am quite certain (a)/ that the lady is not only greedy(b)/ compartment (d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2003 I)
but (c)/ miserly (d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2002 II) 10. I cannot find (a)/ where has he gone(b)/ though I have
(c)/ tried my best (d)/ No error (e).

Exercise 46
1. The severe bout of flu(a)/ debilitated Amit so much(b)/ 6. The celebrated singer was(a)/ surrounded by the usual
that he was too tired (c)/ to go for work for a week(d)/ No (b)/ crowd (c)/ of lackeys and hanger-ons(d)/ No
error(e). (NDA 2003 II) error (e).
2. This is the crux of the entire problem (a)/ everything 7. If it weren’t(a)/ for you(b)/ I wouldn’t be (c)/ alive today
centres on (b)/ it being (c)/ resolved (d)/ No error (e). (d)/ No error (e). (NDA 2004 I)
3. One of the major aims of the Air Force(a)/ was complete
8. He looked like a lion(a)/ balked from(b)/ its (c)/
demolition of all means of transportation(b)/ by the
bombing of rail lines (c)/ and terminals (d)/ No error (e). prey(d)/ No error (e).
(NDA 2003 II) 9. Widespread flooding (a)/ is effecting (b)/ a large area of
4. His strong voice cut over (a)/ the hum of conversation (c)/ the village (d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2004 I)
(b)/ like a knife (c)/ through butter (d)/ No error (e). 10. She regards(a)/ negotiating prices with customers(b)/ as
5. Even though they weren’t expecting us(a)/ they managed her (c)/ special preserve (d)/ No error (e). (NDA 2004 I)
to knock-up(b)/ a marvellous (c)/ meal(d)/ No error (e).
(NDA 2003 II)

Exercise 47
1. Often, in political campaigns, a point is reached at which (a)/ 5. I will try to be on time(a)/ but do not worry (b)/ when I
the candidates take out their gloves(b)/ and start slugging (c)/ am late(d)/ No error (e). (NDA 2004 II)
(c)/ with bare fists (d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2004 I) 6. The teacher remarked that(a)/ they all had(b)/ done it
2. If I was (a)/ the Prime Minister of India (b)/ I would have (c)/ very badly(d)/ No error(e) (NDA 2004 II)
(c)/ worked wonders (d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2003 I) 7. The train is supposed (a)/ to arrive at 10 am
3. I pretended as if(a)/ interested in the conversation(b)/ yesterday(b)/ but it was (c)/ an hour late (d)/ No
but really (c)/ it was very boring (d)/ No error (e). error (e).
4. I don’t usually like staying at hotels(a)/ but last summer 8. Ritu will be surprised(a)/ as she hears(b)/ the (c)/
we spent a few days (b)/ at a very nice (c)/ hotel by sea news(d)/ No error(e). (NDA 2004 II)
(d)/ No error (e).

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