COMPETITIVE ENGLISH
Lesson 1 : Usage of Articles
Basics of Articles (Part 1 - A and An)
Articles are of TWO types. They are
Indefinite article A / An
Definite article The
What's the difference?
If you want to say about ANY item, you should use the articles A / An. If you want to say about a SPECIFIC item, you should use the article THE.
Confused? Lets see an example. Assume that you've selected for a Bank Exam. You have a stupid friend like me. So obviously She will ask you a party.
Suppose if She says
Lets go to a Restaurant, that means She doesn't have any specific restaurant in Her mind. So you can give her party in ANY cheap restaurant. But,
If she says Lets go to THE restaurant, that means She has some SPECIFICATIONS. I mean she have a specific restaurant in her mind. So you cant escape ;)
Well, this is the basic difference between A/An and The. There are so many differences and usages of these articles. We shall discuss them later.
Ok, lets discuss about the Indefinite articles first.
Indefinite Articles :
A : The indefinite article 'a' is used before singular countable nouns that start with a Consonant sound.
An : The indefinite article 'an" is used before singular countable nouns that start with a Vowel sound. Wow, Nice definitions. No?
Have a look at some examples,
A :
A Bat
A Cat
A Rat
A Jug
An :
An Apple
An Egg
AN Ink-Bottle
An Orange
An Umbrella Great,
Now tell me, what should I use before the words European, One-Eyed Beggar, University, Useful Website?
Can I say, Guide4BankExams is an Useful site to know about Banking Exams?
NO
why ?
Please Re-Read the definitions. Here we are talking about Vowel and Consonant SOUNDS. Not the Letters. People often confuse with this. They blindly put A before a word, if it starts with a Vowel letter (A, E, I, O, U) and put An before the word which starts with the consonant letter.
Consider the SOUND, not the LETTER. Confusing? Lets see a short cut for this.
If a word starts with a SWAR (Any of the Indian Language) sound, then we should use An before it.
If a word starts with a Vyanjan (An of the Indian Language) sound, then we should use A before it.
Have a look at this picture,
so, now see these examples, A :
A European
A One-Eyed beggar
A University
A Useful Website
An:
An hour
An Honest Man
An honourable person Thats it.
Now lets see some more TRICKY examples in English.
Suppose , if you want to say about the Member of Parliament, you can say a Member of Parliament, But if you use shorter form as M.P, Then you should say, He is an M.P
Lets see another example, He is an NRI but He is a Non Resident Indian
Articles - The
The Usage of the "THE"
Ok, first of all sorry for the confusing title. In this blog we shall discuss where we should use the article "The". Some of these statements are really make you confuse and seems they are opposing each other. Please try to read this for two or three times. so that you can understand THE concept easily.
Before superlative forms
Ex :
The Tallest
The Best
The most beautiful
Before double comparatives
Ex:
✔ The higher you go, the colder you gets
✔ The harder you work, the better rank you get in Bank Exams
✔The more you earn, the more you want
When the comparison is between the two and either of the subjects is Highlighted
Before positive form in apposition
Before musical instruments
The Guitar
The Tabla
The voilin etc
Before a Proper noun when used as a Common noun
Before some adjectives to make them nouns
Ex:
The Blind
The Dead
The Rich
The Poor
Usage :
The doctor restored sight to the blind (Here there is no need to mention "The Blind Person" because, the term Blind itself represents the Blind person, so its the adjective which is used as the noun.)
The rich should not mock at the poor
✔ Jesus rose from the Dead
☓ Jesus rose from Dead
Before some Languages, to make them PEOPLE.
☓ English ruled over India for many Years
✔ The English Ruled over India for Many Years
☓ French are good at heart
✔ The French are good at heart
When a noun's quality is STRESSED
☓ We cannot remove warrior in him
✔ We cannot remove the warrior in him
☓ Mother in her aroused when she saw a Crying Baby
✔ The mother in her aroused when she saw a Crying Baby
Before Ordinal numbers
The First
The Third
The Tenth, etc
Ex:
Before the names of Oceans, Seas, Rivers, Canals, Deserts, Groups of Mountains and Groups of Islands
Before Holy Books
The Ramayana
The Quran
The Bible
Before the names of the Things, which are unique in nature
Before the names of Planets and Satellites
In apposition, when name precedes the position (Important)
Manmohan singh, the prime minister is on a two day tour to srilanka
In correction of sentences, they've given this model for a number of times. The above sentence means, Manmohan singh, who is the prime minister is on a two day tour to srilanka.
Some time they will give like this
Before the names of News Papers
The Indian Express
The Hindu etc
Before the names of some countries
Before the common nouns man, woman, god, heaven, hell, when used in general sence
Man is mortal but God is immortal
Man proposes but god disposes
Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die
Note : But when particularized 'the' definite article is used.
When it means one, the indefinite article is used.
Before abstract nouns, when generalized
Honesty is the best policy
Beauty should lie in one's heart
Bravery is the sign of man
Note : But when these are particularized, THE is used
Before material nouns when Generalized
Water is essential for all
Sugar is sweet
Wood is used for making furniture
Gold is a precious metal
But when particularized, THE definite article is used
Before places like Church, Temple, Mosque, School, College, University, Hostel, Library, Class, Hospital, Jail (Prison) etc. When they are visited for their primary purpose
☓ He was an atheist, but now a days he is going to the church
✔ He was an atheist, but now a days he is going to church
☓ You should go to the school regularly in-order to get good marks
✔ You should go to school regularly in-order to get good marks
✔ I went to the church to meet my friend (here i dint go for the primary purpose(prayer))
✔ The man was put in jail for killing a woman
✔ The injured were taken to hospital
☓ The injured were taken to the hospital
But when these places are visited for their secondary purpose the definite article should be used.
He went to the temple to meet the priest
My father came to the school to talk to my class teacher
I went to the hospital to see and console a patient
But when it means one, the indefinite article is used
Before Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner etc, when used in general sense
But when these are particularized, by an adjective, the indefinite article is used.
We had a delicious lunch yesterday (here the lunch is particularized, so we used an indefinite article "a")
We are going to have a healthy breakfast
Before plural nouns, when generalized
Tigers are ferocious animals
Cows are domestic animals
Children like chocolates
Note : Here if we represent singular instead of plural, then we should use articles
The tiger is a ferocious animal
A tiger is a ferocious animal
Tigers are ferocious animals
In expressions like Go to bed, Take heart, Lose heart, Send word, Set fire
Please switch off all the lights before going to bed (not going to the bed)
Dont lose heart when you are on the verge of danger (not lose the heart)
The house was set on fire (not on the fire)
Lesson 2 : Usage of Nouns
Noun and Number
All of us know what is noun and what is number. But there are some issues in Noun and Number which makes us confused often. Lets discuss them
Some nouns always singular in number, so they take the singular verb
Scenery, Luggage, Information, Advice, Machinery, Stationary, Poetry, Issue (Children), Rice, Soap, Bread, Brick etc
Some nouns are always plural in number. So, they take a plural verb.
Alms, Thanks, Goods, Regards, Wishes, Proceeds, Premises, Credentials, Riches, Pants, Pantaloons, Jeans, Tights, Shorts, Pajamas, Scissors, Forceps, Spectacles, Binaculars ets
☓ Convey my regard and wishes to your parents
✔ Convey my regards and wishes to your parents
☓ I have never used such a scissors in my life
✔ I have never used such scissors in my life
✔ I have never used such a pair of scissors in my life
Some nouns appear plural. But they are singular in number. So we should take a singular verb
Wages, Summons, Gallows, News, Politics, Electronics, Billboards, Measles, Mathematics etc
☓ The court has issued two summons to the minister, but he hasn't turned up yet
✔ The court has issued two summonses to the minister, but he hasn't turned up yet
☓ I have a good news to tell you
✔ I have good news to tell you
✔ Measles is a disease (not are)
Some nouns appear singular but they are plural in number. So, they take a plural verb.
Cattle, Infantry, Police, Poultry, Swine, Artillery, Peasantry, Gentry etc
☓ This cattle is mine
✔ These cattle are mine
Some nouns can be used either as singulars or as plurals without changing their form
Sheep, Deer, Offspring, Species, Aircraft, Space Craft, Salmon, Yoke etc
Boy Boys
Man Men
Tooth Teeth
Dog Dogs
Ox Oxen
Child Children
Belief Beliefs
Sheaf Sheaves
Leaf Leaves
Datum Data
Stratum Strata
Matrix Matrices
Brother Brothers
Brother - In - Law ------------- Brother - in - Laws ☓
Brothers - in - Law ✔
Man - Servant Men - Servants
Noun and Case
The Case is of 3 types,
Nominative Case (Subjective Case)
Accusative Case (Objective Case)
Possessive Case
Now have a look at an example for proper understanding,
Sachin is a Cricket player (Nominative)
We like Sachin (Accusative)
This is Sachin's Bat (Possesive)
Possessive Case :
'S (apostrophe) --- This is used for Human-beings / Living Things
Of Non Living / Living Things
Note : Usually we don't use 'S(apostrophe S) for Non Living Things.
✔ This is Ravi's Book
☓ The building's roof needs to be repaired
✔ The roof of the building needs to be repaired
Exceptions :
There are some exceptions for the above mentioned case. We can use 'S(apostrophe S) for Time, Distance, Weight etc
Kamal's Pen
Karthik's Watch
Ramu's Dress
Note : When a singular noun, ends in S(Hissing Sound), the possessive case takes only apostrophe ( ' ) at the end (no need to add S)
Keats' Poetry
Lotus' Petals
When a plural noun doesn't end in S, the possessive case takes apostrophe S ('S)
Children's specialist
Women's college
Men's single
When a plural noun ends in 'S', the possessive case takes only apostrophe at the end.
Boys' Hostel
Girls' College
When two persons and one possession in the sentence, the possessive case should be added to the latter
☓ I went to Raju's and Rani's house but i found the couple absent
✔ I went to Raju and Rani's house, but i found the couple absent (Whats the difference? here Raju and Rani are couple. So obviously they live in the same house :) so two persons and one possession, so we should use 'S to the latter (Rani)
When two different things are referred to, the possessive case should be added to both
☓ India and China's problems are different
✔ India's and China's problems are different (because, here india and china are different countries and cant be same)
The comparison should be made between the same cases
☓ India's problems are the same as Pakistan
✔ India's problems are the same as Pakistan's
In apposition, the possessive case should be added to the latter
☓ This is Prime minister's manmohan singh's speech
✔ This is Prime minister manmohan singh's speech
Both of and apostrophe cannot usually be used i none sentence
☓ This is the house of Gandhi's
✔ This is the house of Gandhi
Note : But the following expression is an exception
Its -----> Of It
It's -----> It is, It Was, It Has
Hers ---> Of Her
☓ Her's --> Her was, Her is (but these are wrong expressions)
yours ---> Of Your
☓ Your's ----> Your Is, Your Was (How horrible it is... so thats the reason why, our teachers tell us dont use apostrophe while writing yours faithfully at the end of letter. But we neglect it ;)
Note : Dont use apostrophe for pronouns
He is my friend
He is a friend of mine
He is her friend
He is a friend of hers
He is a friend of my brother ✔
He is a friend of my brother's ☓
Care should be taken while using a relative pronoun
I have seen many of amitabh's movies who is considered a great actor ☓
I have seen many movies of amitabh, who is considered a great actor ✔
I have read Shakespeare's four great tragedies who is the greatest writer in English ☓
I have read four great tragedies of Shakespeare who is considered the greatest writer in English ✔
I have read the four great tragedies of Shakespeare which are worth reading ☓
I have read Shakespeare's four great tragedies which are worth reading ✔
In compound nouns the possessive case should be added to the last word
He is my brother's-in-law friend ☓
He is my brother-in-lwas's friend ✔
In the sentences with "One of These" the possessive should be used carefully
I met, the minister at one of my friends house (this means, I have number of friends, and i met the minister in one of those friend's house)
I met the minister at one of my friend's house (this means, my friend have number of houses and i met the minister in one of those houses)
Noun and Verb / Pronoun Agreement
Noun and Verb Agreement :
In this Post we shall discuss about the Noun and Verb agreement of the sentences. Have a look at the following points. These points will help you to use correct verbs while writing sentences.
In the sentences, with " One of The" and a relative clause, the verb should be Plural. Confused??? see the example.
In the sentences with the "Only one of The" and a relative clause, the verb should be Singular.
When two nouns joined by "and" have their own articles, it is plural in number.
The lecturer and the Principal is on the leave. ☓
The lecturer and the principal are on the leave. ✔
What is the difference? We are saying THE lecturer and THE principal. So they are TWO people. So we should use ARE instead of IS. Have a look at another Rule. So that you can get the rule in detail.
But, when two nouns joined by "and" with an article before the first are treated as Singular.
The lecturer and principal are on leave. ☓
The lecturer and principal is on leave. ✔
Here, we are joining TWO nouns with and and using a Sing article (THE) before them. Simply, we are using one THE for two nouns. So, we are talking about a single person. So we should use IS instead of ARE.
Check the following examples
I have a black and a white dogs. (Two dogs)
I have a black and white dog. (One dog)
When two nouns are joined by "and" refers to one thing, singular verb can be used.
Bread and butter is a healthy food.
The horse & carriage is at the door.
Noun and Pronoun Agreement :
When a collective noun is unanimous, it takes a singular verb.
But when a collective noun is NOT unanimous, it usually takes a plural verb & plural pronoun (adj)
The expression "many a" takes everything in singular, but it express a plural meaning.
Many students have passed their test ✔
Many a students has passed this test ✔
All of us know English. We can chat with our friends in English, read English books and ofcourse watch English movies and understands them. But we cant get more marks
in English paper of bank exams. Some times we feel disappointed by seeing our English marks lesser than our expectations. Whats the problem ? Well the problem is "we Neglect some basic things!!! we know everything, but we don't mind forgetting them. Lets have a look at some common errors
in English. Just read these point twice or thrice so that you can get 5 marks at least for sure :)
Wrong | Correct |
The Titanic drowned in the sea | The Titanic sank in the sea |
Higher we go, cooler we feel | The higher we go, the cooler we feel |
She quickly did the job. | She did the job quickly. |
He is my older Brother | He is my elder Brother |
Most unique opportunity | Unique opportunity |
It is much hot today | It is very hot today |
Rich should be kind to poor | The rich should be kind to the poor |
S/He is my Cousin brother/sister | S/He is my Cousin |
She quickly did the job | She did the job quickly. |
One must do his duty | One must do one’s duty |
Do you know to Dance? | Do you know how to Dance? |
Have you bought some apples? | Have you bought any apples? |
No less than 50 persons Killed | No fewer than 50 persons Killed |
The climate of Goa is better than Nagpur | The climate of Goa is better than that of Nagpur |
Many a man were here | Many a man was here |
My state of health | The state of my health |
I don’t know the English alphabets | I don’t know the English alphabet |
May I take your leave | May I take leave of you |
Excuse me being late | Excuse my being late |
He rarely goes out, doesn’t he? | He rarely goes out, does he? |
He admitted that he was in wrong | He admitted that he was in the wrong |
The number of people are small | The number of people is small |
My little sister goes to the school by bus | My little sister goes to school by bus |
The series of lectures were boring | The series of lectures was boring |
English teacher | Teacher of English |
He lives in a boarding | He lives in a boarding house |
You are wiser than old | You are more wise than old |
A good play of football | A good game of football |
He behaves as if he was a king | He behaves as if he were a king |
Chennai is further than Delhi | Chennai is farther than Delhi |
They were counting on me helping them | They were counting on my helping them |
This drawing is more perfect than the other one | This drawing is perfect than the other one |
Word by word translation is not necessary | Word for word translation is not necessary |
Two third of the book | Two thirds of the book |
No space in this compartment | No room in this compartment |
Lesson 4 : Important Shortcut rules of English for Competitive Exams
Nouns Shortcut Rules
In this post, we shall discuss some important Shortcut Rules about Nouns which comes in handy for your upcoming competitive exams.
Shortcut Rule 1 : The following words are uncountable and are normally used in the singular form only. The indefinite article "A or An" Should not be used with them. They have no plural forms. 'A/An' not used before them.
Ex : Luggage / Baggage / Breakage / Advice / Furniture / Information / Scenery / Poetry / Work / Soap / Food / Bread / Fish / Paper / Machinery etc.
The Sceneries of Kashmir is very beautiful. ☓
The Scenery of Kashmir is very beautiful. ✔
I know that he has many informations. ☓
I know that he has much information / a lot of information. ✔
They gave me a good advice. ☓
The gave me a piece of good advice. ✔
I want a Soap/Bread. ☓
I want a piece of Soap/Bread. ✔
Shortcut Rule 2 : The words such as "News / Maths / Ethics / Politics / Phonetics / Economics / Statistics / Measles / Mumps / Rickets / Billiards / Innings" look like plural nouns but give singular meaning. So, they take singular form of verbs.
Mathematics is a difficult subject. ✔
But say "His Mathematics are very weak". ✔
Billiards are an interesting game. ☓
Billiards is an interesting game. ✔
The news are not reliable. ☓
The news is not reliable. ✔
Shortcut Rule 3 : Some Nouns have the same form whether singular or plural.
Ex : Sheep / Deer / Service / Series / Series / Species /Fish / Apparatus
He saw two sheeps in the zoo. ☓
He saw two sheep in the zoo ✔
A series of lectures are to be delivered tomorrow. ☓
A series of lectures is to be delivered tomorrow. ✔
Shortcut Rule 4 : The following nouns are always used in the plural form only
Cattle / People / Police / Electorate / Poultry / Trousers / Scissors / Spectacles / Binoculars / Crackers / Swine / Gentry / Clergy. All these are used with plural form of verbs.
The police is coming towards us now. ☓
The police are coming towards us now. ✔
The scissor is very sharp. ☓
The scissors are very sharp. ✔
Shortcut Rule 5 : Add 'S' to the main word in compound noun to make it plural.
Sister-in-Law, the plural form is Sisters-in-Law, not Sister-in-Laws
Brother-in- Law, the plural form is Brothers-in-law, not Brothers-in- Laws
Shortcut Rule 6 : The possessive case of a compound noun is formed by adding 'S' to the last word.
Father-in-Law, Father-in-Law's property.
Sister-in-Law, Sister-in-Law's property.
Shortcut Rule 7 : After the phrases One of / Some of/ Each of / Either of
/Neither of / Any of / None of, a plural form of a noun is used.
One of my best friends (not One of my best friend)
One of the biggest cities (not One of the biggest city)
Each of the boys is (not Each of the boys are)
Either of the teachers is (not Either of the teachers are)
Shortcut Rule 8 : Nouns indicating numerals should be used in singular form "A Dozen eggs / Two Dozen Oranges". But say Hundreds of eggs / Houses / A hundred rupees / Two hundred rupees.
Shortcut Rule 9 : After collective nouns either a singular or plural form of verb is used.
The team is strong (here, we are treating the TEAM as an UNIT) ✔
The team are fighting among themselves (Here, we are saying about the players of the team) ✔
Shortcut Rule 10 : An "Apostrophe" and 'S' should be used with living beings only to show possesion.
The table's legs were broken. ☓
We can say "The legs of the table were broken" ✔
Shortcut Rule 11 : Say, "A five rupee note", " A two mile walk"
Shortcut Rule 12 : Don't say "family members / cousin brother or cousin sister" but say "The members of the family / he or she is my cousin".
Shortcut Rule 13 : When two nouns are connected by "and", and are closely related, add an apostrophe and S to the last noun.
Kareena's and Saif's house ☓ (if you think they are wife and husband then this sentence is wrong)
Kareena and Saif's house (as they live in a SINGLE house) ✔
But you can say "India's and Pakistan's population" ✔
Pronouns - Shortcut Rules
In this post we shall discuss some important shortcut rules about Pronouns which comes in handy while solving Banking and other Competitive exam papers.
Shortcut Rule 1 : We should use the personal pronouns in the order of
231 for good results ( I mean, Second Person, Third Person, First Person). Have a look at the following Examples.
I, He and You are to finish it. ☓
You, He and I are to finish it. ✔
The order 123 (First Person, Second Person and Third Person) is also possible when we admit guilt.
I, You and He have committed the Sin. ✔
Shortcut Rule 2 : A Pronoun in the nominative form should be compared with the same form of the pronoun.
He is better than I (am) (Two Nominatives are compared) ✔
I respect you more than him (Two objectives are compared) ✔
Shortcut Rule 3 : A Pronoun in the objective case is used after "Let / Between / Any Preposition"
Let you and me play (You and me are objects) ✔
There is no dispute between you and me. ✔
Shortcut Rule 4 : When a pronoun stands for a collective noun, it should be used in the singular form.
The army has left its Head Quarters (As a Whole) ✔
The committee were divided in their opinion (Separate Individuals) ✔
Shortcut Rule 5 : When two singular nouns are joined by "and", refer to to the same person, the pronoun used in their place should be singular in form.
The Collector and Magistrate has done his best. ✔
But the collector and the Magistrate have done their best. ✔
Shortcut Rule 6 : A singular pronoun should be used when two singular nouns are joined by either or / neither nor
Either Ravi or Gopal should do his duty ✔
Shortcut Rule 7 : A pronoun in the plural form should be used when two nouns of different members are joined by "or" or "nor".
Either the Principal or his teachers have attended their duty. ✔
Shortcut Rule 8 : The distributive pronouns "Either / Neither / None / Any / No one" are used with singular verbs.
Either / Neigher Used for two Person / Things
None / No one / Any Used for more than two person / things.
Any ............................Used for more than two persons / things. Have a look at some examples.
Either of the two girls is diligent. ✔
Neither of the brothers is quarrelsome. ✔
None of the four sisters is intelligent. ✔
Any of the four men can do it. ✔
Shortcut Rule 9 : The Reciprocal pronouns "Each other / One another"
Each other - For two persons
One another - For more than two persons.
The two sister hate each other.
The five brother love one another.
Shortcut Rule 10 : The indefinite pronoun "One" should be used as "One's" for its possessive case.
One should love one's country. ✔
Shortcut Rule 11 : The verbs such as "Hurt / Cheat / Prostrate / Introduce / Present / Absent / Satisfy / Prepare / Enjoy / Avail of" are followed by either "an" object or "a" reflexive pronoun. (Myself / Ourselves / Yourself / Yourselves) (Himself / Herself / Itself / Themselves)
I introduced her to the Principal (Her object) ✔
I introduced myself to the Principal (Myself. Reflexive pronoun) ✔
He enjoyed the party (Party. Object) ✔
He enjoyed himself at the Party (Himself. Reflexive Pronoun) ✔
Shortcut Rule 12 : The use of Relative Pronouns :
Who for Persons
Which for Things.
That is used both for persons and things.
One boy who stole my purse was a student ✔
The boy that stole my purse was a student. ✔
As a relative pronoun "That" is used with superlative Adjective / Only / Any / Nothing / Some / All / None"
All that glitters is not gold
This is the best thing that I can do.
Shortcut Rule 13 : The word "Who" as a relative pronoun is used in the nominative case, takes a verb.
The Principal who came here was Raju's Brother.
The word "Whom"as a relative pronoun is used in the objective case (takes no verb)
I who is your brother must trust you ☓
I who am your brother must trust you. ✔
You who is my friend ☓
You who are my friend ✔
Shortcut Rule 15 : If a pronoun is to be placed after "to be", the pronoun in the subjective case is used.
It is Him ☓
It is He ✔
Verbs - Shortcut Rules
Verbs - Shortcut Rules - Part 1
In this post we shall discuss some important shortcuts Rules about Nouns which comes in handy while solving Banking and Other Competitive Exams papers.
Shortcut Rule 1 : If the subject is of the third person, singular number (He, She, It) add 'S' or 'es / ies' to the first form of the verb to make it singular number.
She plays the violin every day.
He loves his parents
The dog barks at the people.
The bird flies in the Sky.
He does his duty.
Shortcut Rule 2 : The following verbs are not usually used in the continuous form. See / Smell / Feel / Hear / Notice / Recognize / See / Think / Agree / Believe / Consider / Remember / Hope / Understand / Mind / Suppose / Hate / Love / Know / Have / Want / Forgive / Keep / Prevent etc. But they may be used in continuous forms in a particular cases.
He is having a telephone connection. ☓
He has a telephone connection ✔
The flower is smelling sweet ☓
The flower smells sweet (you can say I am smelling this flower) ✔
The manager is seeing your application (Seeing - Examining) ✔ (in particular situation)
Shortcut Rule 3 : The present perfect tense should not be used with adverbs indicating past time. Instead the simple past tense should be used.
I have seen a film last night ☓
I saw a film last night. ✔
He has left for Hyderabad last week. ☓
He left for Hyderabad last week. ✔
Shortcut Rule 4 : The present perfect tense with "For or Since" is used to express an action began at some time in the past and is still continuing upto the time of speaking or just finished.
For period of time (for 2 days / for 10 days / for a long time)
Since point of time. (Since 1996, Since morning, since yesterday, since last
week)
I know him since 1986 ☓
I have know him since 1986 ✔
Our teacher is sick for the last two days ☓
Our teacher has been sick for the last two days. ✔
Shortcut Rule 5 : :The present perfect continuous Tense" is also used for actions began in the past and are still continuing.
I am reading this novel since morning. ☓
I have been reading this novel since morning. ✔
They are going to English classes for the last one month. ☓
They have been going to English classes for the last one month. ✔
Shortcut Rule 6 : When the first action led to the second action immediately The simple Past Tense + Simple Past Tense are used.
When he opened the gate, they came in. ✔
Shortcut Rule 7 : When the first action completed before the second one started, the Past Perfect Tense for the first finished action and the Simple Past Tense for the Second are used.
The patient had died before the doctor arrived. ✔
Shortcut Rule 8 : After negative sentences, the question tag used should be in an ordinary interrogative form.
She didn't like that book, didn't she? ☓
She did not like that book, did she? ✔
They have not told him the news, Haven't they? ☓
They have not told him the news, Have they? ✔
Shortcut Rule 9 : After Positive Statements, we use the negative interrogative.
I am a student, Am I? ☓
I am a student, Aren't I? ✔
Let's play for some Time, Shall We? ✔
He works hard, Does He? ☓
Shortcut Rule 10 : When the verb in the principal clause is in a past tense, the verbs in the subordinate clauses are normally in the Past Tense.
He said that He will pass the examination. ☓
He said that he would pass the examination. ✔
They told me that they have paid the fees. ☓
They told me that they had paid the fees. ✔
Verbs - Shortcut Rules - Part 2
Shortcut Rule 11 : When the subordinate clause expresses a universal truth the past tense in the main clause may be followed by a Present Tense.
He said that the sun rose in the East. ☓
He said that the sun rises in the East. ✔
Shortcut Rule 12 : The Past Tense in the main clause may be followed by any tense after the conjunction "Than" in the subordinate clause.
He worked faster than we do / did. ✔
Shortcut Rule 13 : In Conditional Sentences, to express improbability in the Present, the Simple Past Tense in the if clause and the Present Conditional Tense in the main clause are used.
If I am the Principal, I would Punish Him. ☓
If I were the Principal, I would Punish Him. ✔
If he is rich, he would buy a car. ☓
If he were rich, He would buy a car. ✔
Shortcut Rule 14 : To express unfulfilled condition in the Past, we should express with "Past Perfect Tense" in the if clause and Perfect Conditional Tense in the Main Clause.
If you worked hard, you would have passed in the examination. ☓
If you had worked hard, you would have passed in the examination. ✔
Shortcut Rule 15 : For the interrogative sentences that begin with auxiliary verbs, "if or whether as a connective word in indirect speech.
He said to me, "Are you going there?" ☓
He asked me if I was going there. ✔
He asked me that I was going there ✔
"Are they ready or not?" she said to me. ☓
She asked me whether they were ready. ✔
She asked me that they were ready or not. ✔
Shortcut Rule 16 : No other conjunction should be used as a connective word, in indirect speech when the question indirect speech begins with "Why (or) How" question words.
He asked me that who my best friend was. ☓
He asked me who my best friend was. ✔
He asked me that How I got time to write all posts in my Blog. ☓
He asked me how I got time to write all posts in my Blog. ✔
Shortcut Rule 17 : No preposition is used after the verb "told"
He told me that he passed the examination. ☓
He told me that he had passed the examination. ✔
Shortcut Rule 18 : The question forms in direct speech should be changed to affirmative sentences in indirect speech.
The receptionist asked me who do I want to meet in the office. ☓
The receptionist asked me whom I wanted to meet in the office. ✔
Shortcut Rule 19 : The verb "Suggest" purpose in indirect speech should be followed by "that clause" with the auxiliary verb "should"
He suggested me to go for a walk every morning. ☓
He suggested to me that I should go for a walk every morning. ✔
Shortcut Rule 20 : In the absence of an indirect object after "suggest" a gerund form is used.
He suggested going for a walk every morning. ✔
Shortcut Rule 21 : The verb "Tell" should be used with an object.
He told that he had passed in the test. ☓
He said that he had passed in the test (OR) ✔
He told me that he had passed in the Test. ✔
Adjectives - Shortcut Rules
Adjectives - Shortcut Rules - Part 1
Friends, in our English Grammar Shortcut rules series today we shall discuss the Rules of Adjectives. Before going into details lets start with the basic definition of Adjectives followed by some examples.
Basic Definition of Adjective : Simply we can say that Adjectives are describing words. Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns.
Examples :
Sizes : big, small, large, thin, thick
Shapes : triangular, round, square, circular
Colors : black, blue, white, green, red
Personality : happy, sad, angry, depressed
Time : Yearly , monthly, annually
Ages : new, young, old, brand-new, second-hand
Sounds : Loud, noisy, quiet, silent
Tastes : juicy, sweet
Qualities : good, bad, mediocre
now lets have a look at the Rules on Adjectives :
Shortcut Rule 1 : In a comparision, the conjunction 'than' should be followed by 'any other' If a person / thing is compared with any other person / thing among some / many.
Mumbai is greater than any city in India. ☓
Mumbai is greater than any other city in India. ✔
Shortcut Rule 2 : In comparisons, the monosyllable words like "hot / easy / tall / small" should not be used with more / most.
This question is more easier than that. ✔
This question is easier than that. ✔
He is more taller than Kumar. ☓
He is taller than Kumar. ✔
Shortcut Rule 3 :
Elder / Eldest should be used with the members of the same family.
Older/ Oldest these comparative adjective denote the age of person / thing.
Ex :
He is elder to me. (He and me belong to one family).
Ronald Reagan was the oldest person elected to the Presidency in US history (Not specifying a family)
This is the eldest tree in the garden ☓
This is the oldest tree in the garden. ✔
Shortcut Rule 4 : While comparing the objects, we should see that a noun is compared with another but not with some other word.
The population of Hyderabad is greater than Nagpur ☓
The population of Hyderabad is greater than that of Nagpur (OR) ✔
The population of Hyderabad is greater than the population of Nagpur. ✔
The climate of Ooty is better than Chennai. ☓
The climate of Ooty is better than that of Chennai. ✔
Adjectives - Shortcut Rules - Part 2
Shortcut Rule 5 :
One, Two, Three etc. are caled Cardinal Numbers.
First, Second, Third etc are called Ordinal Numbers.
In usage the Ordinal number is used in the First Place.
The five first chapters of this book are very interesting.☓
The first five chapters of this book are very interesting. ✔
Shortcut Rule 6 : The following comparative adjectives should be used 'to' in comparison but not 'than'. (More / Most should not be used).
Interior / Superior / Junior / Senior / Anterior / Posterior etc.
They are senior than me ☓
They are senior to me. ✔
She is more senior to me ☓
She is senior to me ✔
Shortcut Rule 7 : After 'comparatively / relatively' an adjective under positive degree should be used.
The weather is comparatively hotter today ☓
The weather is comparatively hot today. ✔
Shortcut Rule 8 : After 'prefer / preferable' instead of than, 'to' should be used.
She prefers milk than coffee ☓
She prefers milk to coffee ✔
Winter is preferable than summer ☓
Winter is preferable to summer ✔
Shortcut Rule 9 : More / Most should not be used with 'excellent / unique / perfect / major / complete / round / golden etc.
It is more excellent ☓
It is excellent ✔
Shortcut Rule 10 : When we compare two qualities in the same person, we should say 'Shivani is more wise than strong'
Shortcut Rule 11 : When two adjectives in different degrees of comparision are used in the same sentence, each should be complete in itself.
He is as good if not better than his brother ☓
He is as good as if not better than his brother ✔
Articles - Shortcut Rules
Friends, today we shall discuss some important rules of Articles.
Rule 1 : The indefinite article 'A' should be used before the word 'Half' when it follows a whole number.
I stayed in Madras for one and half years. ☓
I stayed in Madras for one and a half years. ✔
He spent one and half a half rupee. ☓
He spent one and a half rupees. ✔
Rule 2 : The definite article 'THE' should be used with a comparative adjective if the phrase 'of the two' is used.
She is better of the two sisters. ☓
She is the better of the two sisters. ✔
This is the best of the two books. ☓
This is the better of the two books. ✔
Rule 3 : With the names of meals such as Break fast / Lunch / Dinner / Supper, no article should be used in a general way except in particular causes.
I have the breakfast at 8 hrs in the morning ☓
I have breakfast at 8 hrs in the morning ✔
Rule 4 : The + Positive Adjective represent the whole class, and take a plural verb.
The rich is responsible for the lawlessness in the country.☓
The rich are responsible for the lawlessness in the country. ✔
Say 'The poor are / The young are / The old are' etc....
Rule 5 : After Di- Transitive Verbs like Elect / Make / Appoint, articles should not be used except when they are used as Mono transitive verbs.
We appointed him a chairman.☓
We appointed him chairman ✔
We made him a leader ☓
We made him leader. ✔
The Govt. has appointed a Committee (mono transitive) (As a mono transitive verb)
Rule 6 : After type of / kind of / sort of / post of / title of / rank of / articles are not used.
He is not that sort of a man. ☓
He is not that soft of man. ✔
He was promoted to the rank of a General manager. ☓
He was promoted to the rank of General manager. ✔
Adverbs in English - Shortcut Rules
Friends, in today's post we shall discuss about the rules on Adverbs along with some Adverb Examples.
What are Adverbs?
An adverb is a word that tells us more about a verb. It "qualifies" or "modifies" a verb. Lets try to understand this with a small example.
Adverb Example:
Sunaina walks gracefully (The word 'gracefully' is an adverb. It modifies the verb 'to walk'.) Now lets have a look at some important rules of Adverbs.
Rule 1 : The adverbs 'too much' is used with nouns and 'much too' is used with adjectives.
Too much pain / Too much insincerity (Nouns)
Much too painful / much too careless (Adjectives)
Examples :
His failure is too much painful for me ☓
His failure is much too painful for me ✔
His wife's rude behavior gives him much too pain ☓
His wife's rude behavior gives him too much pain ✔
Rule 2 : Before the word 'Enough' an adjective under positive form should be used.
He is more intelligent enough to follow you. ☓
He is intelligent enough to follow you. ✔
She is enough lucky to get the job. ☓
She lucky enough to get the job. ✔
Rule 3 : The adverb quite ('quite means perfectly/ completely) should not be used with the adjective 'Handsome'.
He is quite handsome. ☓
He is very handsome. ✔
Rule 4 : Late / Lately. The adverb 'late' indicates time and lately means recently.
He was punished for coming lately. ☓
He was punished for coming late. ✔
Rule 5 : When we begin a sentence with 'seldom / never / hardly / rarely / scarcely / barely / neither / never, the rule of inversion should be applied (i.e.,) an auxiliary verb is used before the subject.
Hardly he goes to school. ☓
Hardly does he go to school. ✔
Seldom I got to films. ☓
Seldom do I got to films. ✔
No sooner the school bell rings than all the boys go to their class rooms. ☓
No sooner does the school bell ring, than all the boys go to their class rooms.
After Only + adverbial expression.
Only by working hard, he got success. ☓
Only by working hard, did he get success. ✔
Not only but also
Not only she reads but also she writes. ☓
Not only does she read but also writes. ✔
Rule 6 : The adverbial phrase 'No less than' should be used with uncountable nouns whereas 'No fewer than' is used with countable nouns.
There were no less than forty people who were killed in the accident. ☓
No fewer than forty people were killed in accident. ✔
Rule 7 : The adverb (As) is not used after call and consider.
He called me as a fool ☓
He called me a fool. ✔
I always consider him as my brother. ☓
I always consider him my brother. ✔
Rule 8 : The derived adjectives such as interested / pleased / satisfied / delighted are used with 'much' but not 'very'.
I am very interested to play cricket. ☓
I am much interested to play cricket. ✔
Rule 9 : The adverb 'very' is used with positive adjectives and 'much' with comparative adjective forms.
He is very clever to understand it. ✔
He is much clever to understand it. ☓
Rule 10 : 'Very much' should be used with comparative forms.
It is very much better to stay here tonight. ✔
Conjunctions in English - Shortcut Rules
Friends, in this post we shall discuss some important Rules of Conjunctions.
Rule 1 : The co-relative conjunctions are used in pairs.
Not only - but also
Either - or
Neither - nor
Both - and
Though - yet
Whether - or Please see that the pair is properly used.
They will either do the work else return the money. ☓
They will either do the work or return the money.✔
Both kumar as well as Ravi must finish it. ☓
Both kumar and Ravi must finish it.✔
Not only does he read but also writes.✔
Though he is rich but he is economical. ☓
Though he is rich yet he is economical.✔
Rule 2 : After the adverbs "Hardly / Scarcely", the conjunction 'when or before' should be used.
Hardly had he left the place than the Bomb exploded. ☓
Hardly had he left the place when the Bomb exploded.✔
Rule 3 : After 'Rather / Other, the subordinating conjunction 'Than should be used.
He has no other object but to get a handsome job. ☓
He has no other object than to get a handsome job.✔
I would rather buy a scooter but not a cycle. ☓
I would rather buy a scooter than a cycle.✔
Rule 4 : After the subordinating conjunction 'lest' the auxiliary 'should' is used.
Lest - for fear that / If it is not so.
Work hard lest you fail. ☓
Work hard lest you should fail.✔
Rule 5 : The connecting word 'that' is used with the adjective phrase 'the same/the only/superlative adjectives/all
This is the same book which I wanted. ☓
This is the same book that I wanted.✔
Rule 6 : The conjunction 'or' is used with not / never.
I have never spoken to him nor written to him. ☓
I have never spoken to him or written to him.✔
Rule 7 : With the word 'such' the connective 'that' may be used.
There was such a noise what we could not hear ourselves. ☓
There was such a noise that we could not hear ourselves.✔
Rule 8 :
He has been waiting for you for two hours.
I have been staying here since 1985.
Past Simple : A Past simple tense is used,
to show an action completed in the past
to show a discontinued past habitual action.
A past continuous tense is used to show an action which was going on at a particular time in the past.
A Past Perfect tense is used to show an action which was over at a past time.
Eg :
The train had left before we reached the station.
I had finished my work before the guests arrived.
Past Perfect Continuous :
A past perfect continuous tense is used to show an action started earlier and was going on up-to a particular time in the past.
A Future Simple tense is used to show an action which is yet to happen.
A Future Continuous tense is used to show an action which will be over at a particular time in the future.
Eg :
When I reach home,. my friends will be waiting for me.
When you come tomorrow I shall be writing the notes.
Future Perfect :
A Future Perfect tense is used to show an action which will be over at a particular time in the future.
Eg :
By the time we reach there, the classes will have started.
Your uncle will have left for office before you reach there.
Future Perfect Continuous :
A Future Perfect Continuous is used to show an already started action which will be going on for a particular time in the future.
Eg:
By the end of this year, we will have been studying here for five years.
Tips for Sentence Rearrangement / Reordering in English
Sentence Reordering / Rearrangement is one of the Important and easiest section of English Language. Now a days in almost all competitive exams they are asking questions from this area. With basic knowledge of English and little concentration you can easily get full marks in this section. In sentence Rearrangement / Reordering problems they will give you four or five sentences which lack of coherence, connection and development. There will be only one way of rearranging them to acquire coherence, connection and development. You should choose the correct arrangement from the given answers. Before going into details, lets have a look at some important tips.
Important tips for Sentence Rearrangement in English
Sentences that have full names mentioned are either the starting or come in the first few sentences of the paragraphs.
Similarly, the sentences that have 'they', 'him' or 'her' or the short names would only come after the proper introduction of the person.
If there are pronouns like (it, this, that etc) in the sentence , then it simply means that they have already discussed about the subject. So in maximum cases it won't be the first sentence (I and You are exceptions for this rule).
Sentences that begin with 'And', 'But' etc usually follow the central theme with an explanation to the same or give additional information.
A central Theme around which the passage is framed. Identify the central theme, which is usually the first sentence.
A logical sequence is present which usually describes the central theme.
In maximum cases Last sentence ends with some conclusion / statement.
Now lets have a look at an example with detailed explanation :
Miss Sullivan arrived at the Keller home when Helen was seven.
The deaf and blind Helen learned to communicate verbally.
But, eventually, Miss Sullivan's effort was rewarded.
Before Helen Keller was two years old, she lost her sight and her hearing.
Miss Sullivan worked closely with Helen, her new student.
At times the teacher became frustrated.
DEFACB
DAEFCB
ACFDEB
CFDABE
FDACEB
Explanation:
Upon reading the above paragraph, we come to see that in A, B, E, F, the names mentioned are short while in D, the full name is mentioned. Hence D is the first sentence.
Next we see that Ms. Sullivan comes into the picture when Helen is seven years old and hence
A is the second sentence.
The paragraph revolves around Helen's learning and hence E states what joins Helen and Ms. Sullivan.
Sentence F states that the teacher became frustrated at times which is followed by C (starts with 'But' which indicates that in spite of something Ms. Sullivan's efforts were rewarded).
Sentence B follows stating how the teacher's efforts were rewarded and is the conclusion to a set of events.
Now lets do some practice exercises : Example 1 :
This hill is called the Acro-polis
In the city of Athens stands a rocky hill with a flat top
Round the acropolis was the city itself
On the top of the acropolis Percles built a beautiful temple
D, A, B, C
A, B, C, D
C, A, B, D
B, A, C, D
None of the above
Example 2 :
She has to be the complement of man
I believe in the proper education of women
She can run the race
But she will not rise to the great heights she is capable of by mimicking man
C, A, B, D
B, D, A, C
B, C, D, A
D, B, C, A
None of these
Example 3 :
But each one gets down when the train stops at his station
We speak to them, share our food with them, share our joys and sorrows with them
Life is like a journey by train
During the journey we come across varieties of people
C, B, D, A
C, D, B, A
D, B, C, A
D, A, C, B
None of these
Example 4 :
The most important of all man’s inventions must be the invention of language
Writing makes it possible for people to keep in touch with one another even if they are far away from one another
The invention of writing should come next only to that
And libraries which contain written records of the great minds are storehouses of knowledge
A, B, D, C
A, C, B, D
D, B, A, C
B, A, C, D
None of these
Example 5 :
In every direction space is strewn with whole galaxies
These galaxies are too faint to be seen with the naked eye
Vast number can be seen with a powerful telescope
Most of these galaxies are like our won
A, D, B, C
B, A, C, D
C, D, B, A
A, B, C, D
None of these
Correction of Sentences in English
Friends, today we shall discuss one of the very important topics of SBI PO and other competitive exams' English Section Correction of Sentences or Correct usage of words in English. In this type of questions, each sentence is divided into four parts and each part is marked below as A, B, C, and D. There is a mistake in any one part of the sentence. The students are required to detect which part contains the mistake. If there is no mistake in any part of the sentence, it should be marked as No Error (Option E).
As a number of our friends have been saying that they are unable to perform well in this area we have decided to update detailed lessons on Correction of Sentences in English. This is the introductory lesson and this lesson followed by exercises on Correction of Sentences with detailed explanations. We hope these lessons and exercises will help you perform well in upcoming exams. All the best :)
Examples :
The mistake lies in part (A) 'not only' should be placed before 'educated' which it qualifies and not after it. Hence students should mark cross (X) against A.
As there is no mistake in any part of the sentence, students should mark cross (X) against E. The mistake may be of any one of the following types :
Mistake in the use of article -- a, an, the.
The subject in the sentence may not be agreeing with the verb in number.
Pronoun may not be agreeing with its antecedent in person, number of gender.
There may be a mistake in the use of preposition.
There may be a wrong use of a conjunction in the sentence.
There may be mistakes in the use of participles, gerunds, infinitives and verbal nouns.
Some word in a sentence may have been wrongly used.
There may be a mistake in the use of an adverb or adjective. Degree of adjective may have been wrongly used.
Rules regarding verbs, their tenses, number, or moods may not have been correctly followed.
There may be miscellaneous mistakes which may not fit in the above categories.
English Correction of Sentences Excercises with Explanations
Friends, we've already updated short notes on Correction of Sentences which is very important topic of English Section for Upcoming competitive exams. you can read that post here. Here are some practice problems on Sentence Corrections with Explanations. Just Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical/idiomatic/spelling mistake/error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the s.entence. Mark the number of that part with error as your answer. If there is no error, mark (5). And you can check the answer below the questions with explnations. You can read more english related stuff and more practice papers for SBI POs Here. All The Best
I have citicize (1)/ the remarkable book (2)/ because I benefited (3)/ from reading it. (4)/ No error (5)
When he had been (1)/ walked along the road (2)/ a wild and ferocious dog (3)/ hit him hard and knocked him down (4)/ No error (5).
I am grateful to you (1)/ and all your friends (2)/ for showing sym-pathy (3)/ and kindness with me (4)/ No error (5).
It was clear from the way (1)/ they were behaving (2)/ that they had been (3)/ lost their senses
(4)/ No er¬ror (5).
As Arundhati Roy (1)/ in her foreword write (2)/ John offers (3)/un-told stories of people. (4) No error (5)
Responsibilities includes (1)/ working with the editors (2)/ on all. aspects (3)/ of the editorial process. (4)/ No error (5)
While grouping the words (1)/ care have been taken (2)/ to in-clude th'e role (3)/ grammar plays in a language. (4)/ No error (5)
Distrust seems (1)/ to be a factor (2)/ borne out of (3)/ prevail¬ing circumstances. (4)/ No error (5)
(3) The phrase 'borne out of,' should be replaced with 'born of' which means coining from the speci¬fied type of parents, background, ori¬gin etc. For example,
That boy possess (1)/ three beautiful pens (2)/ but he would not (3)/ show them to anyone (4)/ No error (5)
Though I had been (1)/ his friend for quite a long time, (2)/ I re¬fused to help him (3)/ because his ill nature (4)/ No error (5).
Bank Exam English - Spotting Errors - Practice Excercises
Here are some Practice Exercises of Spotting Errors Section of the Bank Exams English Paper. Happy Reading.
Read Each Sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical mistake / error / in it. The error if any, will be in one part of the sentence. Mark the number of the part with error as your answer. If there is No Error, Mark (5).
We are yet starting (1) / offering this facility to (2) / our customers as we are (3) / awaiting approval from the Board. (4) / No error (5).
The Chairmen of all large (1) / public sector banks met with (2) / senior RBI officials to give its
(3) / suggestions about implementing the new policy. (4) / No error (5).
They have not fully considered (1) / the impact that relaxing (2) / these guidelines is likely (3)/ to have with the economy (4) / No error (5)
Had this notification (1) / been amended earlier, (2) / we could have stopped (3) / the transfer of funds. (4) / No error (5)
There are many insurance (1) / disputes nowadays because of (2) / most people do not fully (3) / understand the terms and conditions of their policies (4) / No error (5)
India demonstrates its supremacy (1) / in space when it successfully (2) / launched its third satellite (3) / into orbit yesterday. (4) / No error (5)
India needs a value education system (1) / who will inculcate values (2) / among the students and (3) / enrich their personalities. (4) / No error (5)
Driven by the desire to save trees (1) / residents of locality (2) / has started using solar appliances (3) / for their everyday needs. (4) / No error (5)
A large number of unmanned aircrafts (1) / being used by the military (2) / are suspected of having (3) / unsafe radio links. (4) / no error (5)
Recent survey shows that (1) / 35 million children in the age group of (2) / 6 to 10 years have never (3) / attended no primary school. (4) / No error (5)
Coal mines constitute (1) / a major percentage of the (2) / sources which cause damage (3) / on the environment. (4) / No error (5)
A man who has been (1) / accused of fraud in (2) / an earlier job he will never be (3)/ welcome in any other organization. (4) / No error (5)
Worried about the continuing violence in the city (1)/ much students are set to migrate (2) / to other cities (3) / for higher education (4)/ No error (5)
Many organizations have been offering (1) / attractive incentives to (2)/ their employees in an attempt (3)/ to boosting employee retention. (4) / No error (5)
Some genuine issues exist (1) / with the newly adopted (2) / system and needs to (3) / be examined seriously. (4) / No error (5)
ANSWERS:
Error is in (1). Replace we are yet starting by we are yet to start.
Error is in (3). Replace its by their.
Error is in (4). Replace to have with the economy by to have on the economy.
No error
Error is in (2). Replace disputes now a days because of by disputes now a days because. It is superfluous to use preposition of as subordinate clause follows.
Error is in (1). The sentence shows past event. So simple past should be used. India demonstrated its supremacy is correct.
Error is in (2). Replace relative pronoun who by which because non-living thing has been used.
Error is in (1). Replace Driven by the desire to save trees by Being driven by the desire to save trees.
No error
Error is in (4). Here never is in negative. So, attended any primary school is correct.
Error is in (4). Damage takes preposition to. So, replace on the environment by to environment.
Error is in (3). Here he (pronoun) is superfluous. So remove he.
Error is in (2). The word students is a countable noun. So much students are set by many students are set.
Error is in (4). Replace to boosting employee retention by to boost employee retention.
Error is in (3). Plural subject takes plural verb. So system and need to should be used.
Passive Voice for Competitive English
In today's article, we shall discuss about Voice. There are two special forms for verbs called voice. Those are
Active voice
Passive voice
The active voice is the "normal" voice. This is the voice that we use most of the time. You are probably already familiar with the active voice. In the active voice, the object receives the action of the verb. The passive voice is less usual. In the passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb. Have a look at the following table of examples for better understand of the voices.
The Active Voice | The Passive Voice |
Cats Eat Fish. | Fish are Eaten by Cats. |
Now Lets see Where and When we should use Passive Voice :
Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action.
Example: "A letter was written." The focus, here, is on the fact that a letter was written. We don't know, however, who wrote it.
Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice. Have a look at the following example.ExampleA vase was broken.
Focus, here, is on the fact that a vase was broken, but we don't blame anyone. Compare this to: "You broke the vase."
Form of the passive voice:
Subject + the appropriate form of to be + Past Participle
Note : The appropriate form of to be = To be is put in the the tense of the active voice main verb. When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following :
The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
The form of the verb is the appropriate form of to be (the tense of the active voice main verb) + the past participle.
The subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence (or is dropped.)
Example:
Active | Shivani | makes | tea |
subject | verb | object |
Passive | Tea | is made | (by Shivani ) |
object becoming subject | verb | subject becoming object or is dropped |
Examples of the passive voice:
Tense | Subject | Verb | Object |
Simple Present | Active: | Shivani | makes | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | is made | by Shivani . |
Present Progressive | Active: | Shivani | is making | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | is being made | by Shivani . |
Simple Past | Active: | Shivani | made | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | was made | by Shivani . |
Past Progressive | Active: | Shivani | was making | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | was being made | by Shivani . |
Present Perfect | Active: | NShivaniancy | has made | Tea. |
Passive: | Tea | has been made | by Shivani . |
Past Perfect | Active: | Shivani | had made | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | had been made | by Shivani . |
Future simple | Active: | Shivani | will make | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | will be made | by Shivani . |
Future perfect | Active: | Shivani | will have made | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | will have been made | by Shivani . |
Conditional | Active: | Shivani | would make | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | would be made | by Shivani . |
Modals | Active: | Shivani | can make | tea. |
Passive: | Tea | can be made | by Shivani . |
Passive voice sentences with two Objects:
Rewriting an active sentence with two objects in passive voice means that one of the two objects becomes the subject, the other one remains an object. Which object to transform into a subject depends on what you want to put the focus on. Have a look at the following Examples.
Active/Passive | Subject | Verb | Object 1 | Object 2 |
Active: | Shivani | offered | a flower | to me. |
Passive: | A flower | was offered | to me | by Shivani . |
Passive: | I | was offered | a flower | by Shivani . |
Impersonal Passive:
Have a look at the following Examples :
This type of passive is called impersonal because we use the impersonal form "it is..." This is only possible with verbs of perception (e. g. say, think, know ...)
Ex :
It is said that...
It is thought that...
It is believed that...
It is known that...
It is also common that we start the passive form of these sentences with the subject of the that-clause:
Ex :
Irregular Verbs
Friends, in today's post we shall discuss about Irregular Verbs.
What are these Irregular Verbs ?
Before going into the details, first lets discuss What are the Regular Verbs ?
Well, we can call the verbs which contain the ed at the end of the Simple Past and Past Participle forms as the Regular Verbs. So the format of the regular verbs is Base Verb + ed
Now lets have a look at some Examples of the regular verbs :
Infinitive | Simple past | Past participle |
play | played | played |
visit | visited | visited |
work | worked | worked |
Ok, you can take plenty of examples like this for Regular verbs. Now lets have a look at the Irregular Verbs. In contrast to the Regular verbs, irregular verbs are those verbs for which the above pattern of conjugation don't apply.
So, you cant predict the forms of the Iregular verbs, so you should learn them by heart. Here are some techniques to make them remember.
Use them in appropriate contexts (in your writing or in your conversation)
Just write down examples in your exercise book.
Always keep a list of irregular verbs at your disposal. (Keep in mind, that most language books include a section at the end for irregular verbs.)
Why to put this much stress on Irregular words? because these are very important in the sentence correction part of the competitive exams (especially Bank Exams ofcourse).
Now Lets have a look at some Irregular Verbs : |
| Infinitive | Simple Past Tense | Past Participle |
|
awake | awoke | awoken |
be | was, were | been |
bear | bore | born |
beat | beat | beat |
become | became | become |
begin | began | begun |
bend | bent | bent |
beset | beset | beset |
bet bid | bet bid/bade | bet bid/bidden |
bind bite bleed | bound bit bled | bound bitten bled |
blow break | blew broke | blown broken |
breed bring | bred | bred |
brought | brought |
broadcast build burn | broadcast built burned/burnt | broadcast built burned/burnt |
burst buy cast | burst bought cast | burst bought cast |
catch | caught | caught |
choose cling | chose clung | chosen clung |
come | came | come |
cost creep | cost crept | cost crept |
cut | cut | cut |
deal dig | dealt | dealt |
dug | dug |
dive | dived/dove | dived |
do draw | did | done |
drew | drawn |
dream | dreamed/dreamt | dreamed/dreamt |
drive drink | drove drank | driven drunk |
eat | ate | eaten |
fall | fell | fallen |
feed | fed | fed |
feel | felt | felt |
fight find | fought found | fought found |
fit flee fling | fit fled flung | fit fled flung |
fly forbid | flew forbade | flown forbidden |
forget forego (forgo) | forgot | forgotten |
forewent | foregone |
forgive forsake freeze | forgave forsook froze | forgiven forsaken frozen |
get give go | got gave went | gotten given gone |
grind | ground | ground |
grow hang | grew hung | grown hung |
hear | heard | heard |
hide hit | hid hit | hidden hit |
hold | held | held |
hurt keep | hurt | hurt |
kept | kept |
kneel | knelt | knelt |
knit know | knit | knit |
knew | know |
lay | laid | laid |
lead leap | led leaped/leapt | led leaped/leapt |
learn
meet misspell mistake mow
overcome
paid
paid
pay
overdone overtaken
overthrown
overdid overtook
overthrew
overdo overtake
overthrow
mistaken mowed/mown
overcome
mistook mowed
overcame
met
misspelled/misspelt
met
misspelled/misspelt
lost made
meant
lost made
meant
lose make
mean
lain
lighted
lay
lighted/lit
lie
light
let
let
let
lent
lent
lend
left
left
leave
learned/learnt
learned/learnt
Some more Irregular Verbs
pay | paid | paid |
plead | pled | pled |
prove put | proved put | proved/proven put |
quit | quit | quit |
read rid | read rid | read rid |
ride ring | rode rang | ridden rung |
rise | rose | risen |
run saw | ran | run |
sawed | sawed/sawn |
say | said | said |
see | saw | seen |
seek | sought | sought |
sell | sold | sold |
send | sent | sent |
set sew | set sewed | set sewed/sewn |
shake shave shear | shook shaved shore | shaken shaved/shaven shorn |
shed shine | shed shone | shed shone |
shoe shoot | shoed | shoed/shod |
shot | shot |
show shrink shut | showed shrank shut | showed/shown shrunk shut |
sing sink sit | sang sank sat | sung sunk sat |
sleep | slept | slept |
slay slide | slew slid | slain slid |
sling | slung | slung |
slit smite | slit smote | slit smitten |
sow | sowed | sowed/sown |
speak speed | spoke | spoken |
sped | sped |
spend | spent | spent |
spill spin | spilled/spilt spun | spilled/spilt spun |
spit | spit/spat | spit |
split spread | split spread | split spread |
spring | sprang/sprung | sprung |
stand | stood | stood |
steal | stole | stolen |
stick | stuck | stuck |
sting stink | stung stank | stung stunk |
stride strike string | strod struck strung | stridden struck strung |
strive swear | strove swore | striven sworn |
sweep swell | swept | swept |
swelled | swelled/swollen |
swim swing take | swam swung took | swum swung taken |
teach tear tell | taught tore told | taught torn told |
think | thought | thought |
thrive throw | thrived/throve threw | thrived thrown |
thrust | thrust | thrust |
tread understand | trod understood | trodden understood |
uphold | upheld | upheld |
upset wake | upset | upset |
woke | woken |
wear | wore | worn |
weave wed | weaved/wove | weaved/woven |
wed | wed |
weep | wept | wept |
wind win | wound won | wound won |
withhold | withheld | withheld |
withstand | withstood | withstood |
wring | wrung | wrung |
write | wrote | written |
Parallelism - English for Competitive Exams
In this post, we shall discuss about PARALLELISM. An important topic, which is helpful to you in solving English Language section in Competitive Exams especially Bank Exams. Now have a look at the following Points.
Item in a series must be parallel : I mean, they must have the same Grammatical form.
Nouns :
Gerunds :
Adjectives :
He is tall, cool, and handsome. (Adj)
They wanted to paint, the living room, to lay a new carpet, and to buy a new sofa. (Infin)
Past Tense :
Past Perfect Tense :
He had finished the game, had taken a shower, and had eaten lunch by the time I went to his house.
Note : The auxiliary "had" may be omitted in the second and the third verb phrases.
The structure joined by and, but, as, or then, or although must have the same grammatical form.
And :
But :
As :
Or :
Than :
Although :
Although he liked to eat good food, he did not like to pay high prices for it. (Infin)
Now lets see some Examples :
☓ Her husband had bought a car, found a job, and choose a school for the children before she arrived.
✔ Her husband had bought a car, found a job, and chosen a school for the children before she arrived.
☓ That soup should not be served hot, but at a cold temperature.
✔ That soup should not be served hot, but cold.
☓ Renting and apartment can be as expensive as to buy a house.
✔ Renting an apartment can be as expensive as buying a house.
☓ He is young, intelligent, and has charm.
✔ He is young, intelligent, and charming.
☓ She likes to read, to travel and blogging.
✔ She likes to read, to travel, and to blog.
Conditionals - English for Competitive Exams
In this post we shall discuss about Conditionals. Another important topic which is useful in writing Competitive Exams. Especially Bank Exams.
There are two kinds of conditionals
Real
Unreal
Real conditions are used for possible situations. The present tense is used in the if - clause (or conditional clause), and the future tense is used in the result clause.
If he comes to the library, I will give him these books.
Pres Fut
(it is possible that he will come)
This is an Open Condition.
Unreal conditions are used for impossible or unreal situations.
The past tense is used in the "If-clause" and would, could, or migh, + the simple verb is used in the main clause.
If she practiced well, she could win the game
That means She doesn't practice well (check the difference between this example and the above mentioned example)
If she came to my house, I would give her your message.
That means, She doesn't come to my house.
This is an unlikely condition.
When the past perfect is used in the "If-clause", and would, could, or might + have + the past participle are used in the main clause.
If she had come to my house, I would have given her your message. past perf. would + have + Past part
(she dint come to my house)
This is a closed condition.
We can summarize the usage of the conditionals discussed above as given below :
If Clause |
| Main Clause |
If + Present | ………… | Future (result) |
If + Past | ………… | Would + Verb (result) |
If + Past Perfect | ………… | Would + Have + Past Participle (result) |
Some points to Remember :
In general, avoid using would in the if-clause
In present time unreal if - clauses, the correct form of the verb to be for all persons is were
Have a look at some Examples :
If he were rich, he would go the U.S.A for higher studies.
If i were a bird, I would fly to England without VISA.
Conditionals in Sentence Correction in Competitive Exams :
The following examples will make clear some of the common mistakes committed in the usage of conditionals.
☓ If I will win the contest, I will buy a new house.
✔ If I win the contest, I will buy a new house.
☓ If I had been there, I would make a speech
✔ If I were there, I would make a speech.
✔ If I had been there, I would have made a speech.
☓ If I would have a degree from that University, I would have a degree from that University, I would get a good job.
✔ If I had a degree from that University, I would get a good Job.
Comparatives and Superlatives
In this post we shall discuss about Comparatives and Superlatives. First lets see what are these comparatives and superlatives and how to use them.
Comparatives :
We use comparatives to compare two things or two people. (e.g He is shorter than his wife.).
Superlatives :
Superlatives are used to compare more than two things or more than two people. (e.g . Mumbai is the biggest city in India).
Note : To form comparatives and superlatives you need to know the number of syllables in the adjective.Syllables are like "sound beats".
Example :
"find" contains one syllable,
but "finding" contains two — find and ing.
Hope you have got the basic idea on Comparatives, Superlatives and Sillables. Now lets have a look at some rules to form Comparatives and superlatives.
1. One syllable adjective ending in a silent 'e' — nice
Comparative — add 'r' — nicer
Superlative — add 'st' — nicest
One syllable adjective ending in one vowel and one consonnant — big
Comparative — the consonant is doubled and 'er' is added —bigger
Superlative — the consonant is doubled and 'est' is added—biggest
One syllable adjective ending in more than one consonant or more than a vowel —high, cheap
Comparative — 'er' is added — higher, cheaper
Superlative — 'est is added — highest, cheapest
A two syllable adjective ending in 'y' — happy
Comparative — 'y' becomes 'i' and 'er' is added — happier
Superlative — 'y' becomes 'i' and 'est' is added — happiest
Tow syllable or more adjectives without 'y' at the end — exciting
Comparative — more + the adjective + than — more exciting than
Superlative — more + the adjective + than — the most exciting
Examples:
The Nile River is longer and more famous than the Thames.
Egypt is much hotter than Sweden.
Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
This is one of the most exciting films I have ever seen.
Here is a table of Irregular comparatives and superlatives
Adjectives | Comparatives | Superlatives |
bad | worse | worst |
far(distance) | farther | farthest |
far(extent) | further | furthest |
good | better | best |
little | less | least |
many | more | most |
much | more | most |
How to use comparatives and superlatives ?
Comparatives | Superlatives |
Comparatives are used to compare two things or two | Superlatives are used to compare more than two things or two people. Superlative sentences usually |
people:
Alan is taller than John.
use
Alan is the most intelligent.
'the':
Similarities
To express similarities use the following structure:
... as + adjective + as ...
Examples:
Either / or - Neither / nor
Today we shall discuss about the Usage of Either / Or and Neither / Nor. Usage of Either / or :
We can use either / or in a sentence in the affirmative sense when referring to a choice between two possibilities
Ex : We can either study now or after the dinner - it's up to you.
Usage of Neither / Nor :
We can use Neither / Nor in a sentence in the negative sense when you want to say that two or more things are not true.
Ex : Neither my mother nor my father went to university.
Rules you should keep in mind while using Either / Or (or) Neither / Nor :
If both elements are singular, then the verb should also be singular. Have a look at an example,
However, if one of the elements is plural, then use a plural verb.
"I have got a little money" = I have got some money. It's enough for me to do what I want.
"I have got a few friends" = I have got some or enough friends. We meet every day.
(very) little and (very) few :
The expressions (very) little and (very) few mean hardly any or not enough. Ex :
I have got (very) little money = I have got hardly any. I haven't got enough. I'll borrow some from my friend.
I have got (very) few friends = I have got hardly any. I haven't got enough. I need to make new friends.
Have a look at the following example table for a clear understanding of a little / a few and very little and very few.
Example | Meaning |
I've got a little money. I'm going to pay the exam fee. |
some/enough |
I've got a |
few friends. We meet everyday. |
|
I've got (very) little money. I need to borrow some to pay the exam fee. |
hardly any / not enough |
I've got (very) few friends. I need to make new friends. |
Now we shall discuss some rules :
Affirmative sentences :
A little, a few, (very) little and (very) few are generally used in affirmative statements, not negatives or questions.
Countable and uncountable nouns :
A little and (very) little are used with uncountable nouns (money, bread, water...)
A few and (very) few are used with countable nouns (friends, tables, teachers..)
Too and Enough
In Today’s post we shall discuss about the usage of Too and enough.
These two indicate degree.
They are used with adjectives.
Too : The meaning of Too is “more than what is needed”.
Enough : The meaning of Enough is “sufficient”.
Have a look at some examples so that you can understand the usage of Too and Enough.
He is too old to dance with those students.
She is intelligent enough to get a good score in IBPS.
You're not writing fast enough.
I don't have enough money.
He has too many girl friends.
Uma has got too much patience
Now lets see some important points you should keep in mind while using Too
Too comes before adjectives and adverbs :
Too may also come before nouns when it is used with the expressions too much and too many.
Enough precedes adjectives and adverbs :
Enough may also precedes nouns :
We have enough money .
I have not got enough money to pay the exam fees.
Much, Many and A Lot
In today's post we shall discuss about the usage of Much, Many and A Lot. These three indicate a large quantity of something, for example "I have a lot of friends " means I have a large quantity of friends. These three are (much, many and a lot) are quantifiers. Now lets see some examples to demonstrate the usage of Much, Many and A Lot.
How much money have you got?
How many students are in the classroom?
Much with uncountable nouns. (money, bread, water...)
Many with countable nouns. (students, desks, windows...)
Much with uncountable nouns. (money, bread, water...)
Many with countable nouns. (students, desks, windows...)
A lot, A lot of, lots of with countable and uncountable nouns.
Ex :
"How many students are there in the classroom?"
"There are a lot."
"How many students are there in the classroom?"
"There are a lot of / lots of students"..
In formal written English :
It is also possible (and preferable) to use many and much rather than a lot of, lots of and a lot in formal written English.
Ex :
There are many students.
Much time was spent on studying.
Remember friends, if you're speaking or writing to friends (informal), use a lot, a lot of, lots of. But if you want to be more formal, perhaps it is preferable to use much and many.
Some more points to Remember :
In affirmative sentences with so, as or too, we also use much / many.
Ex :
"Ramani has so many friends."
"She has as many friends as Mohana."
"Mohan has too much money."
Now lets see the detailed view of the points mentioned above :
Interrogative | Negative | Affirmative |
How many books are there? | There aren'tmany. | There are a lot. |
There are a lot of books. |
There are lots of books. |
There are many books (formal) |
How much money have you got? | I haven't gotmuch. | I've got a lot. |
I've got a lot of money. |
I've got lots of money. |
I have got much money (formal) |
I wish / if Only
In this post we shall discuss about the usage of I wish / If Only in sentences. There are three types of I wish / if only sentences:
Wish, wanting change for the present or future with the simple past.
Regret with the past perfect.
Complaints with would + verb.
To express a wish :
The form of the sentence :
If only / I wish + simple past
Ex :
If only I knew how to speak Spanish. (I don’t know how to speak Spanish and I would like to learn how to speak)
Usage :
To express a wish in the present or in the future.
The simple past here is an unreal past.
When you use the verb to be the form is “were”. Example:
I wish I were a millionaire!
To express regret :
The form of the sentence :
If only / I wish + past perfect
Ex :
If only I had woken up early. (I didn’t wake up early and I missed the train.)
Usage :
To express a regret.
The action is past.
Complaining :
The form of the sentence :
I wish / if only + would + verb
Ex :
I wish you wouldn't arrive so late all the time (I'm annoyed because you always come late and I want you to arrive on time)
Usage :
To complain about a behavior that you disapprove.
Expressing impatience, annoyance or dissatisfaction with a present action
Used to, be Used to, get Used to
Today we shall discuss about the usage of Used to, be Used to and Get Used to.
By using Used to you can express :
A particular thing always happened or was true in the past.
But it no longer happens or is no longer true now:
Have a look at some examples of the usage of Used to :
Shivani used to live in Bangalore.
She used to dance every evening, but since she had that terrible lung disorder she doesn't dance anymore.
Why don't you come and see me like you used to?
Now lets see the forms of used to :
There are three forms for Used to. They are
Interrogative form :
Affirmative form :
Negative form :
No, I didn't use to exercise on a regular basis.
The usage of Used to, be used to, get used to :
Used to tells us that a particular thing always happened or was true in the past (see the above examples)
Be used to is used to say that something is normal, not unusual.
Examples :
I'm used to living alone.
Don't worry, Mohan is used to driving for long hours. He has worked as a professional driver for 20 years.
Get used tells us that something is in the process of becoming normal.
Examples :
He doesn't like that small town, but he'll get used to it.
She found the heels too high, but she got used to them.
Since the divorce, she has become very sad. But I think she'll get used to her new life.
I got used to living in Canada in spite of the cold weather.
Get used to and be used to are followed by either a noun or a gerund. Have a look at the following table.
Get used to + noun |
| Get used to + gerund (verb+ing) |
|
I got used to the noise
I'm used to the hot weather |
| I got used to waking up early
I'm used to working late at night |
|
Lesson 6 : Tips for Correct Spellings
Rules / Tips for Correct Spellings – Lesson
The one word which most students dread in any competitive exam is "English", and more so "grammar!". Grammar is an integral and indispensable part of English (or any language, for that matter) and words / vocabulary are an integral part of grammar. And, when we talk of words, can spellings be far behind ? Identifying the wrong spellings is a part of the evaluation process, in the English section, in most competitive exams - bank PO and clerical exams, SSC, IB and other exams.
The 'beauty' of English is that words are not spelled the same way they are pronounced and vice-versa. As Ambrose Bierce, American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, and one of America's greatest satirist, once said, "Orthography is the science of spelling by the eye instead of the ear." This implies that words that are written are not necessarily pronounced the same way! Under such circumstances, mastering spellings becomes critical to your success, not only in competitive examinations - where both your oral and written communications is tested - but also in your career and life.
Here are some Tips / Rules for Correct Spellings
There are certain rules / tips for correct spellings, and it will do you a 'world of good' if you can remember these rules / tips, and apply them accordingly while practicing the spellings of words.
'ie' and 'ei' : When 'ie' is pronounced 'i:' as in 'bee', the 'i' comes before the 'e'.
Believe Belief Brief Achieve Aggrieved Fierce Field Grieve Relief Relieve Chief Hygiene
when 'ei' is pronounced 'i:' as in 'bee', 'ei' comes after the 'c'.
Deceive Deceit Conceive Conceit Misconceive Perceive
Preconceived Receive
However, some exceptions to this rule are :
Counterfeit, Plebeian, Weird, Seize, where the 'ei' spelling doesn't follow a 'c'. YOu need to learn the spellings for these.
The consonant 'l' is usually doubled, even when the stress does not fall on the last syllable. This rule is applicable for UK English spellings. However, the US spellings have also been shown below for your benefit and understanding.
Word | Change in the word after Applying the rule (UK Spelling) | US Spelling |
Travel | Traveller | Traveler |
Signal | Signalling | Signaling |
Distil | Distiller | Distiller |
Quarrel | Quarrelled | Quarreled |
Note : An Exception is 'paralleled'.
Doubling Consonants : When adding 'ed' and 'ing' endings to verbs that end with a single vowel plus a consonant, do not double the final consonant if the stress doesn't fall at the end of the word.
Word | ‘ing’ form | ‘ed’ form |
Budget | Budgeting | Budgeted |
Inherit | Inheriting | Inherited |
when adding 'ed' and 'ing' endings to verbs that end with a single vowel plus a consonant, double the final consonant if the stress falls at the end of the word.
Word | ‘ing’ form | ‘ed’ form |
Commit | Committing | Committed |
Admit | Admitting | Admitted |
Refer | Referring | Referred |
Defer | Deferring | Deferred |
Adding endings to words that end with a double "l" : Drop the final "l" from words that end with a double "l" before adding endings which begin with a consonant. (Such as 'ment', 'ful' and 'li')
Word | ‘ly’, ‘ful’ & ‘ment’ endings |
Dull | Dully |
Chill | Chilly |
Will | Wilful (willful in US English) |
Skill | Skilful (Skillful in US English) |
Note : The ending 'ness' is an exception to this rule :
Small- Smallness;
Ill - illness
You must have come across the expression" "When two vowels go walking, the first one does not talking". This means that when there are two vowels in a row, the first one usually has a long sound, and the second is silent. "That's why it's 'lean', not 'laen'; 'team', not 'taem'; 'coat', not 'caot', 'boat' not 'baot'; and 'wait' not 'wiat'
Tips and Tricks to Improve English Spellings - Lesson 2
Friends, in our last post we have discussed some Rules / Tips for correct spellings. Read that post here before reading this post. Today we shall discuss some more tips and tricks for correct spellings.
You will be at your best at learning words when you make an effort to understand them. A good way to understand a word is to break it into syllables. Look for prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Practice each short part, and then the whole word.
disappearing ---> dis-ap-pear-ing
traditional > tra-di-tion-al
After you break apart a word, ask yourself: How is this world like other words I know ?
Spelling the word "traditional" may make you think of the spellings, 'functional' and 'national'. Finding patterns among words is one of the best ways to learn spelling.
It's also helpful when you try making up funny memory aids. For instance, do you have trouble remembering which has two s's - desert (dry land) or dessert (a sweet course) ? Remember that with 'desert' you'd like a second one ;)
Similarly, do you have trouble remembering how to spell separate ? Remember that there is a 'rat' in the middle.
Compile a list of words that you find difficult to spell. Go over a few previous papers and spelling exams to track down the trouble makers. Once you've got your list in hand, see if some of the above mentioned tips can help you.
Another kind of memory aid is to make up a sentence in which the first letter of each word can be used to make the spelling word. The sillier, the better - goofy sentences may be easier to remember!
Chili - Cats have interesting little ideas
Physical - please have your strawberry ice cream and lollypops
Weird - We entered India running directly Seize - She entered into zoo everyday
Make sure that you are pronouncing the words correctly. This can help you avoid some common spelling errors. Remember, that there are many words (and phrases) in English that are not spelled the way they are pronounced, and vice-versa. For example: imborglio, colonet, plumber, encore, melee, double entendre, Coup d'état, corps, coxcomb, ricochet, rapprochement, communiqué, laissez, faire, lagniappe, gaol etc.
How to master correct spellings ?
One way of mastering correct spellings is to be aware of various kinds of words that are frequently used in written form, such as in news papers, magazines, journals, novels, biographies, autobiographies, websites / internet, etc. Practice correct spelling through reading, by paying attention to the way words are written, and jot down those you didn't know. Whenever you have any doubt about the spelling of any word, look up a dictionary immediately, and try to remember the spellings of such words.
Every day, at least for about half an hour, you should play vocabulary games such as anagrams, word games, cross word puzzles, scrabble, boggle etc.
That's all for now friends. Hope this article helped you improving your English spelling skills. Now lets have a look at some useful books for improving spellings.
Here are some reference books for improving Spellings
Webster's Reference Library - Concise Edition Spelling, Grammar & Usage.
Basic English Usage - Michael Swan (Oxford University Press).
High School English Grammar and Composition - Wren & Martin.
Spellings often Misspelled
Friends, thanks for the overwhelming response to our Tips for correct spellings. Some of our friends have asked us to include some tips to remember the spellings that are often misspelled / confuse. Most spelling errors are unintentional. The main problem with the spellings is, people remember the sound of the word in their mother tongue and try to write the spelling to that sound using their own English language skills. But as English is a tricky language, this technique leads to some typing errors. Some common typos are :
Omitting letters from a word
Adding extra letters
Transposing two letters in a word
Spacing words improperly
We can avoid these errors with some careful observation and practice. Here is the list of some misspelled / confused words. Just observe the common errors carefully, and learn the correct spellings prudently. We hope this observation helps you improving your spellings. All the Best :)
Correct Spelling : Referred
Correct Spelling : Occurred
Correct Spelling : Committed
Correct Spelling : Compelled
Correct Spelling : Occasion
Correct Spelling : Accommodation
Correct Spelling : Committee
Common Spelling Errors : Commitee / Comittee
To be observed Carefully : Double 'm', Double 't' & Double 'e'
Correct Spelling : Unparalleled
Correct Spelling : Manoeuvre / Maneuver (US)
Correct Spelling : Consummation
Correct Spelling : Languor
Correct Spelling : Bungalow
Correct Spelling : Conscience
Common Spelling Errors : Consience / Consience / Consceince
To be observed Carefully :'i' comes before 'e'. So, it is 'ie' and not 'ei'
Correct Spelling : Definitely
Correct Spelling : Bureau
Correct Spelling : Reclamation
Correct Spelling : Indispensable
Lesson 7 : Reading Comprehension :
How to Get Good Marks in Reading Comprehension ?
Friends, Now a days, almost every competitive exam asking reading comprehension questions. In these type of questions, they will give you a passage / comprehension and will ask you to read that and answer the questions followed by that passage. Actually this Reading Comprehension section is designed to test the ability of the student to read a passage and understand its contents and his ability to draw inferences on the basis of what is read. In simple words, the student's ability to grasp the contents of the passage in a relatively short span of time is what is being tested.
The Student is expected to read the given passage, understand its contents well and answer the questions given at the end of the passage. All this to be completed in the limited time that is given.
There are two important skills you should develop to do well in reading comprehension. Those are,
Reading Rate
Understanding of the Passage
Lets have a look at each of them individually to get a clear understanding, before we get into the techniques of attempting Reading Comprehension.
The reading skill cant be evaluated on a number of words per minute scale, but reading rate can definitely be measured. A person who can read faster can answer more number of questions in the given time than a person with slower reading speed, Other things remaining the same. It is this reading rate or your speed of reading that you have to aim at improving. There is no overnight solution to this. Constant and extensive reading will improve your reading rate. Check your reading speed today (take any passage, count the number of words, clock the time taken by you to read it and calculate the speed in words per minute) and keep a record of it. Then, keep checking your speed regularly and tabulate the same. Check whether your speed has increased over time with practice. However, do not become complacent if your speed has increased.
This brings us to the second point.. i.e., understanding of the passage. A person may be able to read the passage much faster than others but if he is not able to answer the questions pertaining to the passage, then the speed is of no use at all. it is very essential to grasp the meaning of the passage while reading. While you are reading, you should constantly think, evaluate, reason out, judge and co relate with what has already been read. A good vocabulary would enable you understand the nuances and grasp the meaning of various issues discussed in the passage. While an attempt can be made at pointing out various categories of quesiotns that may be asked and give a variety of tips, you will basically have to draw on the resources buitl by wide and extensive reading and rely on your own vocabulary. No training will possible regarding understanding and analysing the problem. However, we are going to take you through an extensive set of tests followed by this article to ensure that you get thorough practice in Comprehension Reading.
In addition to good vocabulary, also needed is the ability to zero in on the central theme of the passage. This can be developed with extensive reading practice as well as proper concentration at the time of reading the passage. You should also consciously develop the habit of correlating each new sentence read with the part of the passage already read and mentally form a linkage of all ideas expressed in the passage while simultaneously weeding out redundant statements.
The passage given in competitive exams (especially for bank exams) do not conform to any standards as regards the subject matter or the length of the passge. While the subjects covered can be as wide ranging as Economy, Sciences (like Botony, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Astornomy), Social Sciences (like Pshycology, History, Politics, Sociology), Humanities (like Literature, Art, Music) or Current Topics (Social, Political, Economical), the student is not expected to have any prior knowledge of the topics given.
The passages will sometimes be very complex in nature while others will be simple in nature and easy to understand.
The questions themselves can pertain either to parts directly contained in the passage or related to implications and inferences. Sometimes you may be asked to comment on the tone of the passage or to choose a title for the passage or to identify the main idea in the passage but you are hardly ever asked for your opinion on the passage.
Important Tips for Reading Comprehension
Friends, in our last post we've discussed some basic techniques on how to get good marks in Reading Comprehension section of bank and other competitive exams. (you can read that post here). In this post we shall discuss some important points you should keep in mind while dealing with Reading Comprehension problems.
What to read first? The given Passage or Questions?
There are people belonging to both schools of thought. But it is preferable to read the passage first to get a grasp of the broad ideas the author is trying to communicate and then take up the questions one by one. In the process of going through the passage initially, underline key words and phrases as well as some important points in the passage (for online exam you can’t mark anything so better keep important words in your mind instead of writing anywhere). Then, when you go through each question, get back to the relevant portion of the passage, read it more thoroughly this time and then answer the question.
As mentioned in our previous post, the following are the major categories of questions that are asked :
Main idea of the passage / title for the passage
Specific details basically reproducing what is given in the passage
Drawing inferences / implications
Determining the meaning of words / phrases as used in the passage or by the author
Application of the ideas expressed in the passage to other situations
Where you have to choose a title for the passage or identify the main them of the passage, check the opening and closing sentences of each paragraph particularly the opening sentence of the first paragraph and the last sentence of the last paragraph. At the same time, be wary about too specific or too broad choices in the multiple choices given.
We are planning to give you a number of practice tests on Reading Comprehension as this is one of the crucial area of Competitive Exams. We hope these tests may enable you to get sufficient practice in this important area. Please remember that in this area, unlike in other areas like Maths or Reasoning where you will be able to assess for yourself how much of new knowledge you have added on and how much of improvement in speed you have achieved, there will not be such clear indicators. However, performance in reading comprehension will improve only with practice and that requires a lot of effort and determination on your part.
In addition to the online tests you take from this blog, you will have to put in at least 45 minutes of reading practice per day to improve your reading speed and comprehension. You need to take up serious reading material for practice - News Papers Editorials, editorials in general magazines like India Today or Business Magazines like Business India or other articles in such magazines, general books on a wide variety of subjects like Psychology, Sociology, Technology, etc. For each article or part of a book that you are reading , go through the process of reading, writing down from memory a few important points from what you have just read and then checking back with the text whether any important points got left out. This exercise done regularly over a period of time will certainly help you improve your reading speed as well as your ability to understand and retain what you read. But, as already mentioned, only regular practice can help you in this regard.
All The Best...
