Introduction: Sentence Correction | English Language & Comprehension for SSC CGL PDF Download

Introduction

Sentence Correction holds paramount importance as the highest scoring section in the verbal ability segment of any test. The principles and techniques within this area are not solely rooted in the fundamentals of grammar but also encompass the accurate usage of diverse vocabulary.

• Let's delve into a quick and straightforward process for tackling Sentence Correction problems within verbal ability questions. This methodology aims to aid in swiftly resolving Sentence Correction queries during your examination.
• Verbal Ability shortcut tricks are designed to adeptly solve reasoning questions in exams. Let's illustrate an uncomplicated and detailed approach on "How to solve Verbal Ability using shortcut tricks."

Note:

• Time stands as the critical factor in every competitive exam. It is imperative to complete the examination within the allocated time frame. However, competitive exams also gauge your calculation abilities within a stipulated time, testing how efficiently you can complete a paper. This is why many students struggle to complete their papers within the given duration.
• To expedite problem-solving, adopting tricks of Verbal Ability and Sentence Correction becomes crucial. These strategies assist in swiftly tackling competitive, government, banking, and other examination papers.

Important Tips and Tricks

Here are some strategies for solving Sentence Correction questions in Competitive Exams.

• Firstly, understanding some fundamental grammar rules is essential for better comprehension of Sentence Correction Questions:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

The verb in a sentence should correspond to its subject.

(i) Both should either be singular or plural.

Example:

• A boy is reading a novel (singular).
• The boys are reading a novel (plural).

(ii) If the subject is a collective noun, then the verb will take a singular form.

Example:

• The class is making noise.

(iii) If subjects are connected by AND, they necessitate a plural verb.

Example:

• Gold and Silver are precious metals.

 If subjects are connected by OR, the verb used will be singular.

 Example:

•  The dog or the pup is sick.

 In the case of two different subjects, the verb matches the closer subject.

 Example:

• Sachin or I am going to a party.
• Sachin or Rahul is going to the party.

(iv) Sentences beginning with EACH, EVERYONE, and ANYONE will have a singular verb.

Example:

• Every one of the boys loves to ride.
• Anyone has a pen, please.

(v) Clarifying between I and Me:

Often, there is uncertainty about which form to use when two subjects or objects are linked with AND, as in these examples:

• Jenny and me/I joined the chess club.
• Jill took Justin and me/I to the shop.

 In sentence a), Jenny and me/I are the subjects of the verb joined. Therefore, the subject pronoun ‘I’ is grammatically correct. For sentence b), Justin and me/I are the objects of took. Therefore, ‘me’ is grammatically correct.

Note: In comparisons using than or as, the objective form of Pronoun is used.

 Example:

• He is taller than I am.
• He writes as fast as I am.
• I swim better than him.
• I am as tall as her.

(vi) Usage of NEITHER....NOR and EITHER.....OR:

• If both subjects are singular, the verb is also singular.

Example:

• Either the mother or the daughter has cooked the meal.

However, when one of the subjects joined by OR or NOR is plural, the verb must be plural, and the subject should be placed near the verb.

 Example:

•  Neither the teacher nor the students were present.

Parallelism:

• Maintaining parallel structure in a sentence is crucial. If an infinitive is used, all phrases should also have an infinitive. When a verb follows, objective cases are utilized.

Example:

• She likes to cook, dance, and play.
• A similar rule applies to a gerund.

Example:

• She likes cooking, dancing, and playing.

2. Repetition Error

Occasionally termed as 'redundancy,' this error entails expressing the same idea twice.

Example:

• He returned back from Delhi.
• I hardly have any money to give you.

The corrected versions would be:

• He came back from Delhi.
• I have no money to give you.

3. Modifier Error

A prevalent mistake involves leaving a participle without a clear subject.

Example:

• "Sitting on the gate, a scorpion stung him."
• Here, 'sitting' is improperly used for the scorpion. The corrected phrasing should be:
• "Sitting on the gate, he was stung by a scorpion."

OR

"While he was sitting on the gate, a scorpion stung him."

Additional Example:

• "He visited the place where Napoleon died during his holidays."
• The participle 'during his holidays' appears to refer to Napoleon, while it pertains to the person visiting. Therefore, the correct expression should be:
• "During his holidays, he visited the place where Napoleon died."
• This makes the intended meaning clearer.

4. Comparisons

Comparisons should be drawn between two comparable entities, such as: "The population of London is greater than any other city in India."

Here, the comparison is between:

• The population of London
• Any other city in India.

To make a correct comparison, it should be between the populations of both. Therefore, the accurate expression is:

• "The population of London is greater than that of any other city in India."

Rule:

• When using the comparative degree with 'than,' ensure the exclusion of the thing compared from the rest of the class by using 'other.'

Example:

• "He is stronger than any man living." (Incorrect).
• "He is stronger than any other man living." (Correct).

Similarly, "Solomon was wiser than all other men."

In the superlative degree, include the thing compared.

Example:

• "Solomon was the wisest of all men."
• "He is the strongest of all men."

Difference Between Some Confusing Words

(i) Few and Less

• 'Few' precedes countable nouns, while 'less' precedes uncountable nouns.

Example:

• There are few children in the class today.
• There is less juice left in the jar.

(ii) Few and A few

'Few' signifies something negligible or hardly any, whereas 'a few' represents some.

Example:

• Few persons can keep a secret.
• A few persons are convinced about the new manager.

(iii) Little and A Little

• 'Little' and 'a little' denote quantity in a similar manner.

Example:

• There is little hope of his recovery (almost nil).
• A little tact would have saved the situation (some tact).

(iv) Lay and Lie

These two words are distinct in usage.

(a) Lay, laid – refer to the examples below for clarification.

• 'Lay the table,' ordered the mistress.
• He laid the guitar by his side.
• The hen had laid an egg.

(b) Lie, Lay, Lain

• Let me lie down here.
• He lay under the Banyan tree.
•  He had lain in the sun for three hours yesterday.