100 rules of grammar

Spotting error is a common test and forms a part of almost all t he important examinations that have
objective English test on their syllabi, it requires an awareness of the basis rules of grammar parts
of speech, noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, genders, infinitives,
participles, subject verb accord, form of tense, use of articles and certain except ional usages.
Hence, it is necessary that all candidates taking up these examinations brush up their essentials of
grammar with the help of the grammar books that they have read at their intermediate level. After this
initial exercise they should learn or revise the following rules that are given below in the form of
practical tips with illustrative examples. The practice test must be done carefully and repeatedly to
ensure full competence confidence.
RULES AND EXAMPLES
1. Some nouns always take a singular verb.
Scenery, advice, information, machinery, stationery, furniture, abuse, fuel, rice, gram, issue, bedding,
repair, news, mischief, poetry, business, economics, physics, mathematics, classic, ethics, athletics,
innings, gallows.
(A) The scenery of Kashmir
are enchanting. (Incorrect)
(B) The scenery of Kashmir is enchanting. (Correct)
(A) He has given advices. (Incorrect)
(B) He has given advice. (Correct)
(A) The Indian team defeated the English by innings. (Incorrect)
(B) The Indian team defeated the English by an innings. (Correct)
(A) Mathematics are a difficult subject. (Incorrect)
(B) Mathematics is a good / difficult subject. (Correct)
Note if you have to indicate that the number of news, advice, information or furniture is more than
one, the examples listed below can be followed:
(A) I have a lot of news to tell you. (Incorrect)

(B) He has sold many pieces of his furniture. (Correct)

2. Some nouns are singular in form, but they are used as plural nouns and always take a plural verb.
Cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry, artillery, people, clergy, company, police.
(A) The cattle is grazing in the ground. (Incorrect)
(B) The cattle are grazing in the ground. (Correct)
(A) The clergy is in the church. (Incorrect)
(B) The clergy are in the church. (Correct)
3. Some nouns are always used in a plural form and always take a plural verb.
Trousers, scissors, spectacles, stockings, shorts, measles, goods, alms, premises, thanks, tidings,
annals, chattels, etc.
(A) Where is my trousers? Incorrect
(B) Where are my trousers? Correct
(A) Spectacles is now a costly item. Incorrect
(B) Spectacles are now a costly item. Correct
4. There are some nouns that indicate length, measure, money, weight or number. When they are
preceded by a numeral, they remain unchanged in form.
Foot, meter, pair, score, dozen, head, year, hundred, thousand, million.
(A) It is a three years degree course. Incorrect
(B) It is a three year degree course. Correct
(A) I have ten dozens of shoes. Incorrect
(B) I have ten dozen of shoes. Correct
5. Collective nouns such a jury, public, team, committee, government, audience, orchestra, company,
etc. are used both as singular; otherwise the verb will be plural
(A) The jury was divided in this case. Incorrect

(B) The jury were divided in this case. Correct

(A) The team have not come as yet. Incorrect
(B) The team has not come as yet. Correct
6. Some nouns have one meaning in the singular and another in the plural:
Advice = counsel advices = information
Air = atmosphere airs = proud
Authority = command, authorities = persons in power
Good = wise goods = property
Iron = metal irons = fetters, chains
Force = strength forces = army
Content = satisfaction, contents = things contained
Physic = medicine physics = physical sciences,
Respect = regards respects = compliments
Work = job works = compositions, factories,.
Earning = income earnings = sowings
Quarter = one fourth quarters = houses
Examples
(A) Air is necessary for human life.
(B) It is bad to put on airs.
(A) I have eaten one quarter of the cake.
(B) I live in the government quarters.
7. People are often confused or they commit mistake in the use of certain nouns.

(A) Lecturership is wrong: lectureship is correct.

(a) There are twenty candidates for lecturership. Incorrect
(b) There are twenty candidates for lectureship. Correct
(B) Freeship is wrong; free studentship is correct.
(a) Ramesh has applied for freeship. Incorrect
(b) Ramesh has applied for free studentship. Correct
(C) Boarding is wrong; boarding house is correct.
(a) Mohan lives in a boarding. Incorrect
(b) Mohan lives in a boarding house. Correct
(D) Family members is wrong; members of the family is correct.
(a) Vivek and Ramesh are my family members. Incorrect
(b) Vivek and Ramesh are the members of my family. Correct
(E) English teacher is wrong; the teacher of English is correct.
(a) Dr. Raina is our English teacher. Incorrect
(b) Dr. Raina is our teacher of English. Correct
(F) Cousin brother or sister is wrong; only cousin is correct.
(a) Geeta is my cousin sister. Incorrect
(b) Geeta is my cousin. Correct
(G) Room in a compartment or a bench means unoccupied set.
(a) There is no room on this bench. Correct
(H) Our, yours, hers, theirs are correct.
(a) This house is ours. Incorrect

(b) This house is ours. Correct

Note: The same principle applies to yours , hers and theirs.
(I) Wages means punishments when used in singular.
(a) The wages of sin is death.
(J) It also means charges for the labour when used in plural sense.
(b) The wages of daily workers have been raised.
8. Also remember the subtle difference in the usage of these pairs of nouns
(A) The noun habit applies only to an individual whereas custom applies to a society or country.
(a) Poor children often become a victim of bad habits.
(b) Tribal in India have many interesting customs.
(B) Cause product a result, while reason explains or justifies a cause.
(a) Scientists try to find out the cause of a phenomenon.
(b) You have a good reason to be pleased with your students.
(C) Man is used in ordinary sense while gentleman is a man of character.
(a) Man is mortal.
(b) He is a gentleman at large.
(D) Men - plural of man: people is used for persons.
(a) There are five men in the room.
(b) The people of Bihar are simple.
(E) Shade a place sheltered from the sun; shadow the shade of a distinct form or object.
(a) The villagers sat under the shade of trees.
(b) He is even afraid of his own shadow.

(F) Cost amount paid by the shopkeeper; price amount paid by the customer.
(a) The cost of production of automobile items has gone up.
(b) Sometimes the buyers have to pay higher price for necessary items.
(G) House a building to live in: Home ones native place.
(a) Quarters area houses allotted to us for a definite period.
(b) My home town is Muzaffapur.
(H) House a building to live in; Home - ones native place.
(a) The shopkeepers welcome customer with smiles.
(b) The lawyer discusses the cases of his clients.
9. A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in person, number and gender.
For example:
Every man must bring his luggage.
All students must do their home work.
Each of the girls must carry her own bag.
Each students must bring their books.
Each student must bring his books.
10. White using everybody everyone, anybody, and each the pronoun of the masculine or the
feminine gender is used according to the content.
I shall be happy to help each of the boys in this practice.
But when the sex is not mentioned, we use the pronoun of the masculine gender.
Anyone can do this job if he tries.
Each of the six boys in the class has finished their tasks.
Incorrect

Each of the six boys in the class has finished his task.
Correct
11. The pronoun one must be followed by ones.
One must finish his task in time. Incorrect
One must finish ones task in time. Correct
12. Enjoy, apply, resign, acquit, drive, exert, avail, pride, absent, etc., when used as transitive verbs,
always take a reflexive pronoun after them. When self is added to my, your, him, her, and it,
and selves to our and them they are known as reflexive pronouns.
He absented from the class.
He absented himself form the class.
13. Who denotes the subject and whom is used for the object?
Whom do you think won the award? Incorrect
Who do you think won the award? Correct
Who area you talking to? Incorrect
Whom are your talking to? Correct
14. When two or more singular nouns are joined together by either or; neither nor, ; and or, the
pronoun is singular.
Either Ram or Shyam will give their book. Incorrect
Either Ram or shyam will give his book. Correct
15. When a singular and a plural noun are joined by or, nor, the pronoun must be plural.
Either the engineer or his mechanics failed in his duty. Incorrect
Either the engineer or his mechanics failed in their duty. Correct
16. Whose is used for living persons and which for lifeless objects.
Which book did you select? Incorrect

Whose photograph is lying there? Correct

What book do you read? Incorrect
Which book do you read? Correct
17. Each other is used when there are two subjects or objects and one another when there are
more than two.
Rameo and Juliet loved each other
Those five friends, who are sitting there, love one another.
All the students of the class are friendly; they love each other. Incorrect
All the students of the class are friendly. Correct
18. When a pronoun stands for a collective noun, it must be in the singular number and in the neuter
gender if the collective noun is viewed as a whole.
The jury gave its verdict.
Here the jury gives the idea of one whole.
If the collective noun conveys the idea of separate individuals comprising the whole, the pronoun
standing for it must be plural.
The jury were divided in their opinions.
Here, the jury gives the idea of several individuals.
The team are divided in this opinion about playing on Sunday. Incorrect
The team are divided in their opinion about playing on Sunday. Correct
19. If pronouns of different persons are to be used together in a sentence, the serial order of persons
should be as follows; second person + third + first person in a good normal sentences. But in fault is
to be confessed, the order will be; first person + second person + third person.
You, he and I have finished the work. Normal sentences
I, you and he are to blame. Confession
Ram, I and you have finished our studies. Incorrect

You, Ram and I have finished our studies. Correct

20. Some is used in affirmative sentences to express quantity or degree. Any is uses in negative or
interrogative sentences.
I shall buy some apples.
I shall not buy any apples.
Have you bought any apples?
But some may be correctly used in interrogative sentences which are, in fact, requests.
Will you please give me some milk?
I shall read any book. Incorrect
I shall read some book. Correct
Have you bought some apples? Incorrect
Have you bought any apples? Correct
21. The use of few, a few and the few should be used with care. They denote number.
Few means not many. It is the opposite of many. A few is positive and means some at least. It is
the opposite of none. The few means whatever there is.
A few men are free from fault. Incorrect
Few men are free from fault. Correct
Here the sense is negative and thus a few is wrong.
Few boys will pass in the examination. Incorrect
A few boys will pass in the examination. Correct
Here the sense is positive and thus few is incorrect.
I have already read a few books that are on the bookshelf. Incorrect
I have already read t he few books that are on the bookshelf. Correct

Here the sense is whatever there is.

22. Use of less and fewer
Less denote quantity and fewer denote number.
No less than fifty persons were killed. Incorrect
No fewer than fifty persons were killed. Correct
There are no fewer than five litres of water in the jug. Incorrect
There are no less than five litres of water in the jug. Correct
23. Use of little, a little, the little.
Little means hardly any
There is a little hope of his recovery. Incorrect
There is a little hope of his recovery correct
A little means some, though not much.
Little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Incorrect
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Correct
The little means not much but all there is.
The little milk that is in the pot may be used for the patient. Incorrect
The little milk that is in the pot may be used for the patient. Correct
24. Use of elder, older.
Older refers to persons as well as things and is followed by than.
Ram is elder than all other boys of this area. Incorrect
Ram is older than all other boys of this area. Correct
Elder is used for members of the family.

Suresh is my older brother. Incorrect

Suresh is my elder brother. Correct
25. normally than is used in the comparative degree, but with words like superior, inferior, senior,
junior, prior, anterior, posterior and prefer to is used.
Shelley is junior than Wordsworth. Incorrect
Shelley is junior to Wordsworth. Correct
I prefer reading than sleeping. Incorrect
I prefer reading to sleeping. Correct
26. when a comparison is made by using a comparative followed by than, the word other must be
exclude the thing compared form the class of things with which it is compared.
He is stronger than any man. Incorrect
He is stronger than any other man. Correct
Any man includes the man himself and thus the sentences will be absurd.
27. In some cases, the comparison is subtle and must be given proper attention.
The climate of Ranchi is better then Gaya. Incorrect
Here the comparison should be between the climate of Ranchi and the climate of Gaya.
The climate of Ranchi is better than the climate of Gaya. Correct
Or
The climate of Ranchi is better than that of Gaya. Correct
That of means the climate of
If the traits are in plural, it will be those of.
The clothes of DCM are better than those of Mafatalal.
The scenery of Kashmir is better than Shimla. Incorrect

The scenery of Kashmir is better than that of shimla. Correct

28. many a is always followed by the singular verb.
Many a man were followed by the singular verb. Incorrect
Many a man was drowned in the area. Correct
29. If the subject is the number of the singular verb is used.
The number of students are very small. Incorrect
The number of students is very small. Correct
30. When as well as, along with, together with, no less than, in addition to and not and with join
two subjects, the verb will be according to the first subject.
Ram, as well as his ten friends, are going. Incorrect
Ram, as well as his ten friends, is going. Correct
The teacher, along with the students, were going. Incorrect
The teacher, along with the students, was going. Correct
31. A great many is always followed by a plural noun and a plural verb.
A great many student has been declared successful. Incorrect
A great many students have been declared successful. Correct
32. If two subjects are joined by either or, neither nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is near.
Either Ramesh or I are to do this work. Incorrect
Either Ramesh or I am to do this work. Correct
Neither he nor his friends is reading. Incorrect
Neither he nor his friends are reading correct
33. When two singular nouns joined by and point out the same thing or person, the verb will be
singular.

Bread and butter make a good breakfast. Incorrect

Bread and butter makes a good breakfast. Correct
The collector and the District Magistrate are on leave. Incorrect
The collector and District Magistrate is on leave. Correct
34. One of always takes a plural noun after it.
It is one of the important day in my life. Incorrect
It is one of the important days in my life. Correct
35. Use of not only and but also; examine the sentences given below:
He not only comes for swimming but also for coaching the
learners. Incorrect
He comes not only for swimming but also for coaching the
learners. Correct
36. Scarcely and hardly are followed by when and not by than.
I had scarcely entered the room than the phone rang. Incorrect
I had scarcely entered the room when the phone rang. Correct
37. Though is followed by yet and not by but.
Though he is poor but he is honest. Incorrect
Thought he is poor, yet he is honest. Correct
38. No sooner is followed by than.
No sooner had I entered the class when the student stood up. Incorrect
No sooner had I entered the class than the students stood up. Correct
39. Lest must be followed by should.

Read regularly lest you will fail.

Read regularly least you should fail.
40. such is followed by as.
He is such a writer that everybody should read his books. Incorrect
He is such a wrier as everybody should read his books. Correct
41. So is followed by that.
Sarita was popular with her classmate that she always had incorrect
Some people coming to her for advice.
Sarita was so popular with her classmate that she always had correct
Some people coming to her for advice.
42. Unless express a condition. It is always used in the negative sense. Thus not is never used
with unless.
Unless you do not labour hard, you will not pass. Incorrect
Unless you labour hard, you will not pass. Correct
43. until expresses time. It has a negative sense and thus not should never be used with it.
Wait here until I do not return. Incorrect
Wait here until I return. Correct
44. Since indicates a point of time and for stands for the length of time.
He has been reading the book since two hours. Incorrect
He has been reading the book for two hours. Correct
Two hours is a length of time and thus for is correct.
It has been raining for Monday last. Incorrect
It has been raining since Monday last. Correct

45. as if used to convey the sense of pretension. When as if is used in this sense, were is used in
all cases, even with third person singular.
He behaves as if he was a king. Incorrect
He behaves as if he were a king. Correct
The sense of time and tense is also very important. Certain important rules are listed below.
46. A past tense in the principal clause is followed by a past tense in the subordinate clause.
He saw that the clock has stopped. Incorrect
He saw that the clock had stopped. Correct
There are, however, two exceptions to this rule:
(1) A past tense in the principal clause may be followed by a present tense in the subordinate clause,
when it expresses a universal truth.
The teacher observed that the Earth moved round the sun. Incorrect
The teacher observed that the Earth moves round the sun. Correct
(2) When the subordinate clause is introduced by than, even if there is past tense in the principal
clause, it may be followed by any tense required by the sense in the subordinate clause.
He helped him more than he helped his own children. Incorrect
He helped him more than he helps his own children. Correct
47. if two actions in a sentence are showing happing in the past, one after the other; the tense of the
action happening first should be past perfect and that of the second should be past indefinite.
The patient died before the doctor arrived. Incorrect
The patient had died before the doctor arrived. Correct
48. Two actions in the past, one depending on the other, should have the sequence as follows:
Past perfect + future perfect
Had + past participle + would + have + past participle

If you had worked hard, you would have succeeded in the examination.
Or
Had you worked hard, you would have succeeded in the examination.
If you would had practiced regularly, you would won the match. Incorrect
If you had practiced regularly, you would have won the match. Correct
49. If, in a sentence, two actions are indicated and both are to take place in future, the sequence of
tense will be as follows:
The principal clause in present indefinite; and the subordinate clause in future indefinite.
If I go the Delhi, I shall attend the seminar.
If I go to Delhi is the principal clause and I shall attend the seminar is the subordinate clause.
If it will rain, I shall not attend the meeting. Incorrect
If it rains, I shall not attend the meeting. Correct
50. When an action has taken place in two clauses of a sentence, it is used in both the clauses
according to the requirement.
My brother has and is still doing excellent work for his
organisation. Incorrect
M y brother has done and is still doing excellent work for his
Organisation. Correct
51. When there is a sense of continuity, that is, when a thing has taken place in the past and still
continue in the present, the prefect continues tense form of t he verb should be used.
Indian is independent for the last forty six years. Incorrect
Indian has been independent for the last forty six years. Correct
The use of article is also an important matter and one must be careful about it.
52. before a consonant a is used.

A boy, a horse, a woman.

But a is also used before words like university, useful, unicorn, union, European, and one, etc.,
because these words began with a consonant sound.
Here is an university. Incorrect
Here is a university. Correct
An European lives in my area. Incorrect
A European lives in my area. Correct
It is a one - rupees note. Incorrect
It is a one rupee note. Correct
52. Similarly, words like hour, honest, heir, etc, take an before them as they begin with a vowel
sound.
I have been waiting for him for a hour. Incorrect
I have been waiting for him for an hour. Correct
53. Some important points to remember regarding the omission of a/an/the:
1. Before a common noun used in its widest sense, e.g.
Man us mortal.
2. before names of materials.
Bronze is a useful metal.
3. Usually before proper names.
Patina is the capital of Bihar.
4. Before abstract nouns used in general sense.
Beauty fascinates people.
5. before language.

English is a very popular language in the Delhi University.

6. Before school college, church, bed, table, hospital, market, and prison, when these place
are visited or used for their common purpose.
My Christian friends go to church every Sunday.
But the is used with these words when we refer to them as a definite place, building or object rather
than to the normal activity that goes on there.
I met my friend at the church.
7. before names of relations, like father, mother, aunt, uncle, cook and nurse.
Father is very happy today.
8. before predicative nouns denoting a unique position that is normally held at one time by one
person only.
He was elected chairman of the Board.
54. Uses of the
1. W hen the object is unique.
The earth, the sky, the equator.
2. before superlatives
The best, the finest, the most
3. with proper nouns like seas, rivers, group of island, chains of mountains, deserts, newspaper,
buildings, religious books, gulfs,.
The Arabian sea, The Ganges, The Taj Mahal,
4. before a proper noun, when it is qualified by an adjective.
The immortal Kalidas.
5. before an adjective, when the noun is hidden.
The rich should be kind and helping.

6. before musical instruments.

I know how to play the harmonium.
7. with a class of things.
The crow is a clever bird.
8. The should be used before both comparative degrees when they are used in a sentence for
proportion.
Higher we go, cooler we feel. Incorrect
The higher we go, the cooler we feel. Correct
55. What to speak of is incorrect; the correct expression is not to speak of.
What to speak of running, he cannot even walk. Incorrect
Not to speak of running, he cannot even walk. Correct
56. When there is the sense of dislike, hesitation, risk, etc., in a sentence, we should use a gerund
instead of a verb. A gerund is that form of the verb which ends in ing and can be used in the place
of a noun.
I dislike to see a film late in the night.
I dislike to seeing a film late in the night.
Young girls hesitate to talk to strangers.
Young girls hesitate talking to strangers.
`57. Cent per cent and word by word are wrong. Hundred per cent and word for word are correct
expressions.
You are never cent per cent sure of your success in a incorrect
competitive examinations.
You are never hundred per cent sure of your success in correct
A competitive examination.

I can reproduce this lesson word by word. Incorrect

I can reproduce this lesson word for word. Correct
58. Since, because, as, for, - all means because, but there is a different in their degree. Since
and because are used for stronger cases and as and for for weak cases.
I respect him as he is my teacher. Incorrect
I respect him because he is my teacher. Correct
59. Use of when and while: Proper attention must be paid to these words. when indicates a
general sense and while implies a time during the process of doing a work.
When learning to swim, one of the most important things is to incorrect
relax.
While learning to swim, one of the most important things is to correct
relax.
60. Sometimes the error lies in the use of words. Proper attention must therefore, be given to
appropriateness of words.
Prakash was leading a happy and leisurely life after his retirement
form his service. Incorrect
Prakash was living a happy and leisurely life after his retirement
form his service. Correct
61. If in a sentence an apposition has been used, the verb will follow not the apposition but the noun
or pronoun preceding it.
You, my son, is a good boy. Incorrect
You, my son, are a good boy. Correct
62. Proper, abstract and material nouns have no plural except when they are used as common
nouns.
The house is built of bricks. Incorrect

The house is built of bricks.

Correct
63. Clauses in sentences beginning with a relative pronoun (who, which, that) take a verb according
to the noun or pronoun preceding the relative pronoun.
It is I who has done it. Incorrect
It is I who have done it. Correct
64. The relative pronoun should be near as possible to its antecedent so that no ambiguity arises.
The boy is my cousin who stood first in the mile race.
The boy, who stood first in the mile race, is my cousin.
65. When two singular nouns joined by and are preceded by each or every the pronoun used for
them is singular.
Each man and each boy is responsible for their action. Incorrect
Each man and each boy is responsible for his action. Correct
66. Sometimes a pronoun is used w here it is not required at all.
He being an M.A., he is qualified for the post. Incorrect
He, being an M.A., is qualified for the post. Correct
67. If a pronoun comes after a preposition it should be used in the objective case.
Between you and I neither of us is correct. Incorrect
Between you and me neither of us is correct. Correct
68. When a pronoun come after like and unlike it takes objective case.
A man like I will not do it. Incorrect
A man like me will not do it. Correct
69. A pronoun takes an objective case after let.

Let I do it. Incorrect

Let me do it. Correct
70. Pronoun joined by and remain in the same case.
He had her brother and sister. Incorrect
He and she are brother and sister. Correct
He and me are friends. Incorrect
He and I are friends. Correct
71. When pronouns of second person and third person are used as subjects, the pronoun following
them will be according to the second person pronoun.
You and he must bring his books. Incorrect
You and he must bring your books. Correct
72. When pronouns of second person and first person are used as subjects, the pronoun following
them will be first person plural form.
You and I must finish your work in time. Incorrect
You and I must finish our work in time. Correct
73. But is also used as a relative pronoun. When a sentence has a negative noun or pronoun, but
can be used with it. In this case but means: who not; that not.
Here was none but laughed to see the joker.
Here the meaning of but laughed is who did not laugh.
There is no bird but flies.
But files means that does not fly.
74. The relative pronoun that is used in preference to who or which after adjectives in the
superlative degree.
The wisest man who ever lived made mistakes. Incorrect

The wisest man that ever lived made mistakes. Correct

This is the best which we can do. Incorrect
This is the best that we can do. Correct
75. The relative pronoun that is also used in preference to who and which after the words all,
same, none, nothing and (the) only.
He is the same man who he has seen. Incorrect
He is the same man that he has seen. Correct
Man is the only animal who can talk. Incorrect
Man is the only animal that can talk. Correct
76. The same rule applies after the interrogative pronoun who and what.
What is there which I do not know? Incorrect
What is there that I do not know? Correct
77. When there are two antecedents, a man and an animal or two things before the r elative
pronoun, we should use that.
The man and his dog which passed through this road were incorrect
killed.
The man and his dog passed through this road were killed. Correct
78. The case of the noun or pronoun preceding or succeeding the verb to be should be the same.
It is him who came to see us. Incorrect
It is he who came to see us. Correct
It is me who caught the thief. Incorrect
It is I who caught the thief. Correct
79. when two qualities of a person or thing compared more or less is used before the adjective
and the adjective following them take positive degree.

Suman is better than brave. Incorrect

Suman is more good than brave. Correct
80. When two or more adjectives are used to show the qualities of the same man or thing, al the
adjectives must be in the same degree.
Sita is more intelligent and wise than Rita. Incorrect
Sita is more intelligent and wiser than Rita. Correct
81. Very is used with adjectives in the positive degree and with present participles.
He is much stronger man. Incorrect
He is a very strong man. Correct
It is a man interesting book. Incorrect
It is very interesting book. Correct
Much is used with adjectives in the comparative degree and with past participles.
He is very stronger than I am. Incorrect
He is much stronger than I am. Correct
I am very obliged to my friend. Incorrect
I am much obliged to my friend. Correct
82. To show equality as is used before and after the adjective.
I can run as fast, if not faster, than you. Incorrect
I can run as fast as, if not faster, than you. Correct
83. Certain adjectives do not admit of comparison and thus they always remain in the positive
degree.
Absolute, annual, chief, circular, complete, entire, extreme, excellent, full, impossible
perfect, right, round, unique, universal, whole, etc.

84. More than one indicates a plural sense, but it is treated as a sort of compound of one. Thus it
agrees with a singular noun and takes a singular verb.
More than one employees were killed in the accident. Incorrect
More than one employees was killed in the accident. Correct
85. A verb must agree with its subject and not with the complement.
Our only guide at night were the stars. Incorrect
Our only guide at night w as the s tars. Correct
86. If the plural subject denotes a definite amount or quantity taken as a whole, the verb is singular.
Forty miles are a good distance. Incorrect
Forty miles is a good distance. Correct
Two thirds of the book were rubbish. Incorrect
Two third of the book was rubbish. Correct
87. The plural heaps and lots used colloquially for a great amount take a singular verb unless a
plural noun with of is added.
There are lots of book. Incorrect
There is lots of book. Correct
There is lots of books to read. Incorrect
There are lots of books to read. Correct
88. When qualified by each or every two singular subjects, if even connected by and, take a
singular, if even connected by and, take a singular verb.
Each boy and every girl were given rewards. Incorrect
Each boy and every girl was given rewards correct
89. The following Vern are always followed by an infinitive:

decide, plans, expect, fail, hope, intend, learn, promise, refuse, want, agree, consent, try,
love, etc.
I refuse meeting him. Incorrect
I refuse to meet him. Correct
90. the following verbs and phrases should be followed by gerund which is a verbal noun: enjoy,
admit, deny, appreciate, regret, avoid, consider, stop, looking forward to, accustomed to, is
used to, do not mind, object to, etc.
I am looking forward to receive your replay. Incorrect
I am looking forward to receiving your replay. Correct
He is used to work hard. Incorrect
He is used to working hard. Correct
91. The word to is frequently used with the infinitive, but is not an essential part of it. For example,
after certain verb (bid let, make, need, dare, see, hear,) we use the infinitive without to.
Bid him to go there. Incorrect
Bid him go t here. Correct
Make him to stand. Incorrect
Make him stand. Correct
I saw him to cry. Incorrect
I saw him cry. Correct
92. The infinitive is used without to after had better, had rather, would rather, sooner than, and
rather than,
You had better to ask permission form him. Incorrect
You had better ask permission from him. Correct
93. Than should be used after no other.
I met on other man but Mr. Roy. Incorrect

I met no other than Mr., Roy. Correct

Ram has no other claim except his degrees. Incorrect
Ram has other claim than his degrees. Correct
94. After the word know, how or when should be used before using an infinitive.
I know to write French. Incorrect
I know to write French. Correct
95. A verb may take an infinitive or a gerund according to its implication. If the verb indicates a
purpose, an infinitive should be used and if the verb indicates a cause, a gerund should be used.
He went to school for seeing the principal. Incorrect
He went to school for see the principal. Correct
He was turned out to copy answers. Incorrect
He was turned out for copying answers. Correct
96. adverb as is not used with verbs like appointed, elected, considered, called, but it is used
with regard,
He was elected as President of our society. Incorrect
He was elected President of our society. Correct
I regard Ramesh my friend. Incorrect
I regard Ramesh as my friend. Correct
97. After the verb doubt that should not be used. if or whether should be used in its place.
I doubt that Ravi will come. Incorrect
I doubt if Ravi will come. Correct
98. Often a mistake is committed in the use of adjectives and adverbs. An adjective is correctly used
with the verb when some quality of the subject, rather than of the action of the verb, is to be
expressed.

The flowers smelt sweetly. Incorrect

The flowers smelt sweet. Correct
99. It is a common practice is conversation to make a statement and ask for confirmation; as, Its
very hot, isnt it? Two points are to be kept in mind. If the statement positive, the pattern will be
Auxiliary + nt + subject.
Examples:
It is raining, is it? Incorrect
It is raining, isnt it? Correct
Your are not busy, arent you? Incorrect
You are not busy, are you? Correct
The point to note here is that the question tag will always have the same verb from which we have in
the main statement:
I have finished my work, didnt I? Incorrect
I have finished my work, have nt? Correct
100. There are certain common errors which should be avoided.
(a) The two first is a meaningless expression for it implies that two things may be first. We should
say the first two.
The two first chapters of the novel are dull.
The first two chapters of the novel are dull.
(b) Only should be placed immediately before the word it qualifies.
He only lost his ticket in the stampede. Incorrect
Only he lost his ticket in the stampede. Correct
(c) An infinitive verb should not be spit.
I request you to kindly to help me. Incorrect

I request you kindly to help me. Correct

(d) Care should be taken in the use of verbs.
The doctor saw the pulse of the patient. Incorrect
The doctor felt the pulse of the patient. Correct
He told the truth. Incorrect
He spoke the truth. Correct
Do not speak a lie. Incorrect
Do not tell a lie. Correct
Our team made a goal. Incorrect
Our team scored a goal. Correct
He is taking a bath. Incorrect
He is having a bath. Correct
I tell my prayers in the morning. Incorrect
I say my prayers in the morning. Correct

A. SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

1 . Two or more Singular Subjects connected by and usually take a Verb in the Plural.
For example,
Incorrect- Hari and Ram is here.
Correct- Hari and Ram are here.
2. If two Singular Nouns refer to the same person or thing, the Verb must be Singular.
Incorrect- The Secretary and Principal are coming.

Correct- The Secretary and Principal is coming.

(Here the same person is .Secretary as well as Principal)
3. If the Singular Subjects are preceded by each or every, the Verb is usually Singular.
For example,
Incorrect- Every boy and girl were ready.
Correct- Every boy and girl was ready.
4. Two or more Singular Subjects connected by or, nor, either .. or, neither . nor take a Verb in
the Singular.
For example,
Incorrect- Neither he nor I were there.
Correct- Neither he nor I was there.
5. When the Subjects joined by or/nor are of different numbers, the Verb must be Plural, and the
Plural Subject must be placed next to the Verb.
For example,
lncorrect- Neither the Assistant Masters nor the Headmaster was present.
Correct- Neither the Headmaster nor the Assistant Masters were
present.
6. When the Subjects joined by or, nor are of different persons, the Verb agrees in person with the
one nearest to it.
For example,
Incorrect- Either he or I is mistaken.
Correct- Either he or I, am mistaken.
7. A Collective Noun takes a Singular Verb when the collection is thought of as a whole, a Plural
Verb when the individuals of which it is composed are thought of.
For example,

Correct- The Council has chosen the President.

Correct- The military were called out.
8. Some Nouns which are singular in form but plural in meaning, take a Plural Verb.
For example,
Incorrect- Mathematics are a branch of study in every school.
Correct- Mathematics is a branch of study in every school.
9. Words joined to a Singular Subject by with, together with, in addition to, or, as well as, etc. are
parenthetical, and therefore do not affect the number of the Verb.
For example,
Incorrect- The Chief, with all his men, were massacred . Correct-The chief, with all his men, was
massacred.
10. When the Subject of the Verb is a Relative Pronoun care should be taken to see that the Verb
agrees in Number and Person with the Antecedent of the relative.
For example,
Incorrect- I, who is your friend, . will guard you,r interests.
Correct- I, who am your friend will guard your interests.
B. USES OF PARTICIPLES AND INFINITIVES
11. Ask, advise, allow, command, force, forbid, invite, encourage, compel, beg, order, imagine,
instruct, permit, persuade, tell, require, remind, teach, etc. are followed by Object + To +V2
For example,
Incorrect- He advised to do it by me.
Correct- He advised me to do it. But if these are used in Passive Voice, then they are followed by To
+V,.
For example,
Correct- She was permitted to go with him.

12. Know is followed by how/ where/when/why and Infinitive.

For example,
Incorrect- I know to write a letter.
Correct- I know how to write a letter.
13. After let, bid, behold, watch, see, feel, make etc. we use Bare-Infinitive and not To-infinitive.
For example,
Incorrect- I heard him to speak on several subjects.
Correct- I heard him speak on several subjects.
14. Bare Infinitive is used after Modal Auxiliaries (can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would,
must, dare not, need not).
For example,
Incorrect- You need not to work hard.
Correct- You need not work hard.
15. Had better, had rather,had as soon as , had sooner etc. are fol-lowed by Bare Infinitive.
For example,
Incorrect- He had better to go now.
Correct- He had better go now. 16. Conjunction than is also followed by Bare Infinitive.
For example,
Incorrect- He had better read than to write.
Correct- He had better read than write.
17. When but is used as a Preposition and preceded by any form of the Verb do, then but is followed
with Bare Infinitive.
Incorrect- He did nothing but to wander.

Correct- He did nothing but wander.

18. Every Participile must have a Subject of Reference.
For example,
Incorrect- Being a rainy day Vijay decided to stay at home.
Correct- It being a rainy day Vijay decided to stay at home.
19. For completed action Having + Va is used in Active Voice, whereas Having + been + Va or Being
+ Va is used in Passive Voice. After should not be used in such a sentence.
For example,
Incorrect- After the leader having been killed, the followers ran away.
Correct- The leader having been killed, the followers ran away.
20. Participles like considering, judging, referring, concerning, regarding, viewing, broadly speaking
etc. do not take any Subject of Reference.
For example,
Correct Considering the case, I took the decision.
Here I is not a Subject of Reference of considering. So, there is no Subject of Reference for
considering, still the sentence is correct.
C. USES OF VERBS
21. When there are two Subjects in a sentence and they are not in the same Number, then we must
have to use separate Auxiliaries (is, are, am, was, were, have, has) for both of them.
For example,
Incorrect- Three- killed and one were injured.
Correct- Three were killed and one was injured.
22. A single Verb should be made to serve two Subjects, only when the form of Verb is same for both
the subjects.
Incorrect- I am seventeen years old and my sister fourteen.

Correct- I am seventeen years old and my sister is fourteen.

23. Two auxiliaries can be used with one principal Verb, only when the form of the principal Verb is
appropriate to both the auxiliaries.
Incorrect- He never has, and never will take such strong measures.
Correct- He never has taken, and never will take such strong measures.
24. When there is only one auxiliary to two principal Verbs it should be correctly associated with the
both.
Incorrect- Ten candidates have passed one failed.
Correct- Ten candidates have passed, one has failed.
25. A Past Tense in the main clause should be followed by a Past Tense in the subordinate clause.
Incorrect- He succeeded because he works hard.
Correct- He succeeded because he worked hard.
26. A Past Tense in main clause may be followed by a Present Tense
in the subordinate clause when the subordinate clause expresses a universal truth.
Incorrect- Our teacher said that the earth moved round the sun.
Correct- Our teacher said that the earth moves round the sun.
27. When the subordinate clause comes after lest, the auxiliary Verb should must be used,
whatever be the Tense of the Verb in the main clause.
Incorrect- We start early lest we shall miss the train.
Correct- We start early lest we should miss the train.
28. An Adverb or Adverbial phrase should not be placed between to and verbal part of,the infinitive.
(This is called the split infinitive).
Incorrect- I hoped to immediately reply to your letter:
Correct- I hoped to reply immediately to your letter.

29. An infinitive should be in the present tense unless it represents an action prior to that of the
governing Verb.
Incorrect- I should have liked to have gone-there.
Correct- I should have liked to go there.
30. Gerund if preceded by a Pr-o-noun, that Pronoun must be in Possessive case.
Incorrect He emphasised me going there.
Correct- He emphasised my going there.
31. The Present Perfect Continuous Tense is used for an action that began in the past time and still.
going at the time of speaking~ It is used with, Adverbials of time introduced by since, for and how
long~.
Incorrect- How long are you working i~ this office?
. Correct- How long have you been working in this office?
32. A Verb when preceded by a Preposition must be the Gerund.
Incorrect- They were punished for come late.
Correct- They were punished for, coming late.
33. The Future Indefinite Tense is not used in the clauses of time, place and condition. Here the
Present Indefinite Tense is used.
Incorrect- I shall wait for you till you will finish your work.
Correct- I shall wait for you, till you finish your work.
34. The Present Perfect Tense is not used with the Adverbs of past time like yesterday, in 1990 etc.
Here Past Indefinite Tense is used.
Incorrect~ I have bought a cycle yesterday.
Correct-I bought a cycle yesterday.
The Past Perfect Tense is used to represent the earlier of the two past actions.
Incorrect- When I reached the station, the train already left.

Correct- When I reached the station, the train had already left.
35. Modal Auxiliaries are not used together. But two Auxiliaries can be connected by a Conjunction.
For example,
Incorrect-He should must do it. Correct- He should and must do
it.
36. When need or dare is fol-lowed by not, it turns into modal auxiliary. In that situation it takes Bare
Infinitive and we cannot use needs not or dares not.
For example,
Incorrect- He needs not do it. Correct- He need not do it.
D. USES OF ADJECTIVES
37. Adjectives of quantity show how much of a thing is meant. Adjectives of quantity (some; much,
little, enough, all, no, any, great, half, sufficient, whole) are used for Uncountable Nuns only.
For example,
Incorrect-I ate a few rice. Correct- I ate some rice.
38. Numeral Adjectives are used for Countable Noun only and they show how many persons or
things are meant or in what order a person or thing stands,
For example,
Incorrect- I have taught you little things.
Correct- I have taught you a few things.
39. When cardinal and ordinal are used together ordinal preceds the cardinal.
For example,
Incorrect- The four first boys will be given the chance.
Correct- The first four boys will be given the chance.
40. Later, latest refer to time, latter and last refer to position.

For example,
Incorrect- I reached at 10 am.
But he was latter than I expected.
Correct- I reached at 10 am. But he was later than I expected,
41. Farther means more distant or advanced; further means additional.
For example,
Incorrect- He insisted on farther improvement.
Correct- He insisted on further improvement.
42. Each is used in speaking of two or more things, every is used only in speaking of more than two.
For example,
Incorrect- Every of the two boys will get a prize.
Correct- Each of the two boys will get a prize.
43. To express quantity or degree some is used in affirmative sentences, any in negative or
interrogative sentences.
For example,.
Incorrect- Have you bought some mangoes?
Correct- Have you bought any mangoes?
44. In comparing two things, the Comparative should be used, The Superlativ should not be used.
Incorrect- Which is the best of the two?
Correct- Which is the better of the two?
45. When two qualities of the same person or thing are compared,the Comparative in-er is not used.
More is used for this purpose.
Incorrect- He is wiser than brave.

Correct- He is more wise than brave.

46. When comparison is made by means of a comparative, the thing compared should be excluded
from the class of things with which it is compared by using other or some such word.
Incorrect- He is cleverer than any boy in the class.
Correct- He is cleverer than any other boy in the class.
47. When comparison is made by means of a superlative, the thing com-pared should include the
class of things with which it is compared.
Incorrect- He is the strongest of all other men.
Correct- He is the strongest of all men ..
48. When two persons or things are compared, it is important that the same parts of things should be
compared.
Incorrect- The population of Bombay is greater than Delhi.
Correct- The population of Bombay is greater than that of Delhi.
49. Double comparatives and superlatives should not be used.
1. Incorrect- He is the most cleverest boy in the class.
Correct- He is the cleverest boy in the class.
2. Incorrect- He is more wiser than his brother.
Correct- He is wiser than his brother.
50. The comparative Adjectives superior inferior, senior, junior, prior, anterior, posterior prefer, etc.,
should be followed by to instead of than.
Incorrect- He is senior than me.
Correct- He is senior to me.
51. Adjectives like unique, ideal,perfect, complete, universal, entire, extreme, chief, full square and
round, which do not admit different degrees of comparison should not be compared.
Incorrect- It is the most unique thing.

Correct- It is a unique thing.

52. All the Adjectives which refer to the same Noun should be in the same degree of comparison.
Incorrect- He is the wisest and honest worker in the office.
Correct- He is the wisest and most honest worker in the office.
53. Elder and eldest should be used for persons only, strictly speaking, they are used for the
members of the same family only. Older and oldest are used for both persons and things.
Incorrect- He is my older brother.
Correct- He is my elder brother.
E. USES OF ADVERBS
54. To modify a Verb, an Adjective or another Adverb, we use an Adverb.
Incorrect- She writes very careful.
Correct- She writes very carefully.
Carefully is an Adjective which cannot modify the Adverb very, therefore carefully (Adverb) must be
used in place of Adjective careful.
55. Too means more than required and it is used with Unpleasant Adjective. So, we cannot use too
glad, too happy, too pleasant, too healthy.
For example,
Incorrect- I am too glad to meet you.
Correct- I am very glad to meet you.
56. A sentence which is based on Too . To format, we cannot replace to with so that. If we
replace to with so that, too also must be replaced with cannot.
For example,
Incorrect- He is too weak so that he cannot walk.
Correct- He is too weak to walk. Correct- He is so weak that he cannot walk.

57. Much too is followed by Unpleasant Adjective, whereas too much is followed by Noun.
Much too + Unpleasant Adjective.
Too much + Noun.
For example,
Incorrect- His failure is too much painful for me.
Correct- His failure is much too painful for me.
Incorrect- His wifes rude behavior gives him much too pain.
Correct- His wifes rude behavior gives him too much pain.
58. Quite and all are not used together.
For example,
Incorrect- He is quite all right. Correct- He is quite right. or He
is all right59. A/An + Fairly + Adjective +
Noun or Rather + A + Adjective For example,
(i) a fairly good book
(ii) rather a difficult problem.
But we cannot use Pleasant Adjective with rather and Unpleasant Adjective with fairly.
For example,
Incorrect- It was a rather good book.
Correct- It was a fairly good book.
60. Enough, when used as an Adverb, is preceded by a positive degree Adjective or Adverb.
For example,

Incorrect- He is greater enough to pardon you.

Correct- He is great enough to
pardon you.
61. Two negatives cancel each other. Hence two negatives should not be used in the same sentence
unless we make an affirmation.
Incorrect-I have not got none.
Correct- I.have not got any.
62. At present means at the present time, presently means shortly. These should not be
confused.
1. Incorrect- Nothing more can be done presently.
Correct- Nothing more can be done at present.
2. Incorrect- He will come back at present.
Correct- He will come back presently.
63. Hard means diligently, strenuously, Hardly means scarcely at all. These two Adverbial forms
of hard must not be confused.
1. Incorrect- He tried hardly to win the race.
Correct- He tried hard to win the race.
2. Incorrect- She has eaten hard anything today.
Correct- She has eaten hardly anything today.
64. Much is used before past participles and Adjectives or Adverbs of comparative degree. Very is
used before the present participles and Adjectives and Adverbs of positive degree.
1. Incorrect- The news is much surprising.
Correct- The news is very surprising.
2. Incorrect-I was very surprised at hearing the news.

Correct- I was much surprised at hearing the news.

65. Hardly is an Adverb which means rarely. Whereas hard is an Adjective which means tough, rigid.
For example,
Incorrect- It is a hardly job.
Correct- It is a hard job.
66. Ago is always used with Past Indefinite Tense. So, if ago is used in a sentence, that sentence
must be in the Past Indefinite Tense.
For example,
Incorrect- He has come a month ago.
Correct- He came a month ago.
67. At present means at this moment and it is used with Present Tense, whereas presently and
shortly are used for future action and generally used with Future Indefinite Tense.
For example,
Incorrect- Presently he is in the room.
Correct- At present he is in the room.
68. Early means just after the beginning of anything and soon means just after a point of time.
For example,
Roses blossomed early this spring.
69. The sentence which starts with seldom, never. hardly. rarely or scarcely takes an inverse
structure, Le., Verb + Subject Structure. For example,
Incorrect- Seldom I had seen such a beautiful sight.
Correct- Seldom had I seen such a beautiful sight.
70. Inversion is also used in a sentence which starts with here/there/ away/out/up/indoor or outdoor
and Main Verb, or Aux + Main Verb is used before the Subject.

For example,
Incorrect- Away Sita went Correct- Away went Sita.
F. USES OF CONJUNCTIONS
71. Two Conjunctions should not be used in the same sentence.
Incorrect- Although she was tired, but she still went on working.
Correct- Although she was tired, she still went on working.
72. Both should be followed by and. It should be used in the positive sense. In the negative sense,
neither .. .nor should be used in place of both.
incorrect- Both Ravi as well as Raja were present there.
Correct- Both Ravi and Raja were present there.
73. Either or, neither . nor:
both and, not only but also
should be followed by the same parts of speech.
Incorrect- He not only lost his ticket, but also his luggage.
Correct- He lost not only his ticket but also his luggage.
74. Neither should be followed , by nor, either should be followed by or. Both these should not be
confused.
Incorrect- He washed neither his hands or his face.
Correct- He washed neither his hands nor his face.
75. No sooner should be followed by than, not by but or then.
Incorrect- No sooner do I finish this book then I shall begin another.
Correct- No sooner do I finish the book, than I shall begin another.
6. Hardly and scarcely should be followed by when or before, but not by than or that.
Incorrect- Hardly did I reach the station, than the train left it.

Correct- Hardly did I reach the station when the train left it.
77. That should not be used before a sentence in Direct Speech and before Interrogative Adverbs
and Pronouns in the Indirect Speech.
1. Incorrect- He said that, I shall go there.
Correct- He said, I shall go there.
2. Incorrect- He asked me that who I was.
Correct- He asked me who was.
G. USES OF PREPOSITION
78. Objective case (of Noun or Pronoun) is used after Preposition.
For example,
Incorrect- I do not depend on he.
Correct- I do not depend on him.
79. The Prepositions used after two words must be made clear if these two words are connected by
and or or.
For example,
Incorrect- She is conscious and engaged in her work.
Correct- She is conscious of and engaged in her work.
80. If a Principal Verb is used after about, after, at, before. for, from, in, on. to, that Verb must be in
ing (V4) form.
For example,
Incorrect- You prevented me from do it.
Correct- You prevented me from doing it. .
81. On, in, at, are not used before today, tomorrow, yesterday, the following day, the next day etc.
For example,

Incorrect- He will go there on to-morrow.

Correct- He will go there tomorrow.
82. No Preposition is used before the word home. At home is a phrase which bears a different
meaning.
For example,
Incorrect- Bring a T.V. set at home.
Correct- Bring a T.V. se$ home.
83. After Transitive Verbs, like discuss, describe, reach, order, tell, demand, attack, resemble,
ridicule, etc. we directly use the object and no Preposition is used after the Verb.
For example:
Incorrect- The poet describes about the beauty of naturel in this poem.
Correct- The poet describes the beauty of nature in this poem.
84. Say/suggest/propose/speak/reply/explain/talk/listen/write is followed by to-Preposition if there is a
person in the form of object.
For example,
1. Incorrect- He did not reply me.
Correct- He did not reply to me. 2. Incorrect- He did not write to a letter.
Correct- He did not write a letter.
H. USES OF PRONOUNS
85. When a Pronoun is used as the complement of the Verb to be, it should be in the nominative
case.
Incorrect- If I were him, I would not do it.
Correct- If I were he, I would not do it.
86. When the Pronoun is used as the object of a Verb or of a Preposition, it should be in the
objective case.

1. Incorrect- Let you and I do it.

Correct- Let you and me do it.
2. Incorrect- These presents are for you and I.
Correct- These presents are for you and me.
87. Emphatic Pronouns can not
stand alone as Subjects~ Incorrect- Himself did it. Correct- He himself did it.
88. The Indefinite Pronoun one should be used throughout if used at all.
Incorrect- One must not boast of his own success.
Correct- One must not boast of ones own success.
89. Either or neither is used only in speaking of two persons or things; any, no one and none is
used in speaking of more than two.
1. Incorrect- Anyone of these two roads leads to the railway station.
Correct- Either of these two roads leads to the railway station.
2. Incorrect- Neither of these three boys did his homework.
Correct- No one of these three boys did his homework.
90. Each other is used in speaking of two persons or things; one another is used in speaking of
more than two.
Incorrect- The two brothers loved one another.
Correct- The two brothers loved each other.
91. A Noun or Pronoun governing a Gerund should be put in the possessive case.
Incorrect- Please excuse me being late.
Correct- Please excuse my being late.
92. A Pronoun must agree with its antecedent in person, number and gender.

Incorrect- Each of these boys has done their homework.

Correct- Each of these boys has done his homework.
93. When two or more Singular Nouns are joined by and, the Pronoun used for them must be in
Plural.
Incorrect- Both Raju and Ravi have done his homework.
Correct- Both Raju and Ravi have done their homework.
94. When two or more Singular Nouns joined by and refer to the same person or thing, a Pronoun
used for them must be in the singular.
Incorrect- The collector and District Magistrate is not negligent in their duty.
Correct- The collector and District Magistrate is not negligent in his duty.
95. When two or more singular nouns joined by or or nor, either or, neither .. nor, the Pronoun
used for them should be in the singular.
Incorrect- Neither Ravi nor Raju has done their homework.
Correct- Neither Ravi nor Raju has done his homework.
96. When two or more singular Pronouns of different persons come together, the Pronoun of second
person singular (you) comes first, the pronoun of the first person singular (I) comes last and the
pronoun of the third person singular (he) comes in between.
Incorrect- I, You and he must work together ..
Correct- You, he and I must work together.
97. When two or more plural Pro-nouns of different persons come together first person plural (we)
comes first, then second person plural (you) and last of all third person plural (they).
Incorrect- You, they and we must work together ..
Correct- We, you and they must work together.
98. The Relative Pronoun who is in subjective case, whereas whom is in objective case. Therefore,
for who there must be a Finite Verb in the sentence. Or otherwise, when whom (Object) is used in
the sentence and there is more Finite Verbs than the number of Subjects in the sentence, then
whom should be changed into who (Subject).

For example,
Incorrect- The doctor whom came here was Rams brother.
Correct- The doctor who came here was Rams brother.
99. With Superlative Degree Adjective, only, none, all etc., as Relative Pronoun we use that and not
which or who.
For example,
Incorrect- All which glitters is not gold.
Correct- All that glitters is not gold.
100. After let, if a Pronoun is used, that Pronoun must be in the Objective Case.
For example,
Incorrect- Let he go there.
Correct- Let him go there.

RULES AND EXAMPLES OF SPOTTING ERRORS - PART - I

1. Some nouns are singular in form, but they are used as plural nouns and always take a plural verb.
Cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry , artillery, people clergy, company , police.
Example :
1. The cattle is grazing in the ground ( Incorrect )
2. The cattle are grazing in the ground ( correct )
2. Some nouns are always used in a plural form and always take a plural verb.
Trousers, scissors, spectacles stockings, shorts measles, goods, alms, premises, thanks , tidings,
annals, chattels, etc.
Example:
1. Where is my trousers? ( Incorrect)
2. Where are my trousers? ( Correct)
3. There are some nouns that indicate length, measure, money , weight or number. When they are
preceded by a numeral, they remain unchanged in form.
Foot, metre, pair , score, dozen, head , year, hundred, thousand, million
1. It is a three years degree course ( Incorrect)
2. It is a three year degree course ( Correct )
4. Collective nouns such as jury, public, team, committee, government, audience, orchestra, company, etc.
are used both as singular and plural depending on the meaning. When these words indicate a unit, the
verb is singular, otherwise the verb will be plural.

For example:
1. The jury was divided in this case. ( Incorrect)
2. The jury were divided in this case. ( Correct)
5. A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in person, number and gender.
Example :
Every man must being his luggage.
All students must do their home work.
Each of the girls must carry her own bag
6. The pronoun one must be followed by ones.
Example :
One must finish his task in time ( Incorrect)
One must finish ones task in time ( Correct)
7. Whose is used for living persons and which for lifeless objects.
Example:
Which photograph is lying here? ( Incorrect)
Whose photograph is living there? ( Correct)
8. Use of less and fewer
Example:
Less denotes quantity and fewer denotes number.
No less than fifty persons were killed. ( In correct)
No fewer than fifty person were killed. ( Correct)
9. One of always takes a plural noun after it.
Example:
It is one of the important day in my life. ( In Correct)
It is one of the important days in my life. ( Correct )
10. Use of not only and but also Examine the sentences given below.
Example:
He not only comes for swimming but also for coaching the learners. ( In correct )
He comes not only for swimming but also for coaching the learners. ( correct )
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