C O M M O N E R R O RS
C o m b i n i ng t h e t wo se n te n ces –
I n ever co n si dered h i m to be perso n w h o wo u l d go
b a c k o n h is p ro m ise a n d n o t eve n a pologise.
H e n ce, n o t e v e n a p o l o g i se is t h e righ t u sage.
U se of –
w o u l d d o n o t e v e n a p o l o gi z e is i n cor rect.
1 0. (3) o f (Pr e p .) will b e u sed after se a r c h bec a u se
i n se a r c h o f (I d i o m ) : loo k i n g for
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h ey we n t to C al ifor n i a i n se a r c h o f gol d .
S h e we n t i n to t h e k i tc h e n i n se a r c h o f a d ri n k .
H e n ce, i n se a r c h o f s o m e j o b is t h e righ t u sage
1 1. (3) a t will rep l ace t o bec a u se –
We u su a ll y s ay th at so meo ne ar r i v es a t a p lace / arri v es
i n a co u n try / ci ty
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
We a r rived a t t h e st a tio n a t 3 o'cloc k .
T h e Presi de n t a r rived i n Ro m e tod a y.
U se of a r r i v e t o is i n cor rect.
H e n ce, a t o u r d e s t i n a t i o n is t h e righ t u sage.
1 2. (3) a r e will be u sed a f t e r a c c i d e n t s bec a u se –
T h e se n te n ce is i n P assi v e Vo i c e . T h e b asic str u ct u re
of a P assi v e c l a u se is a s follows :
Subjec t + A u x. Ve rb + M ai n Verb + b y + ---
M a n y acci d e n ts (be) a re ca u sed by ----
(Pa st Pa rt iciple)
It is a lso a ge n er a l st a te m e n t, h e n ce, t h e A u x . Ver b
will be u sed i n S i m p l e P r ese n t T e n s e .
Hence, m a n y acci d e n t s are ca use d b y rec k l ess dri v i ng
is t h e righ t u sage
1 3. (4) N o e r r o r
1 4. (2) w i t h will rep lace o n bec a u se -
a n gr y (A d j.) : feeli ng or showi ng a nger (us u ally followed
b y a t , w i t h , or a b o u t (P r e p .)
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e gi rl fel t a ngry a t t h e i n j u sti ce of t h e si t u a tio n .
I w as a ngry w i t h m yself for m a k i ng sill y m ist a k es.
We u se a ngry a t / a b o u t (so m et h i ng) a n d a ngry w i t h
(som ebod y).
H e n ce, i s a n gr y w i t h t h e c l e r k is t h e rig h t u sage
1 5. (2) h a d I will rep l ace I h a d bec a u se –
W h e n a n ega t i v e A d v e r b / A d v e r b i a l E x p r essi o n (n o
s o o n e r, h a r d l y / b a r e l y / s c a r c e l y), i s u s e d a t t h e
begi n n i ng of a cl a u se; i t is followed b y A u x . Ve r b +
S ub j e c t .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
N o soo n er h a d h e fi n is h ed di n n er,
A u x . V . S u b ject
t h a n h e st a rted feeli ng sic k .
H ar d l y h a d s h e ar rived , w h e n p ro b le m s st a rted.
A u x. V . S u b ject
H e n ce, h a d I sp o k e n is t h e righ t u sage
S E E –140
1 6. (3) m o r e will rep l ace m u c h bec a u se –
m o r e (A d v .) : i n a d d i tio n ; to a grea ter ex te n t (n eed s to
be do n e / is d esi red)
mo re C o m p a r a tive D egree
m uch Posi tive D egree
m ost S u p erl a tive D egree
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
Peo pl e w a tc h T. V . m o r e t h a n is n eeded .
S h e n eeds to be give n m o r e ti m e t h a n is allotted .
H e n ce, l e a v es m o r e t o b e d esi r e d is t h e righ t u sage.
1 7. (3) I n / f r o m will rep l ace i n t o bec a u se –
i n (P r e p .) is u sed for i n d ica ti ng wi t h i n a p l ace
f r o m (P r e p .) i s u sed for i n d ic a ti n g so u rce / o rigi n
i n t o (P r e p .) is u sed for i n d ic a ti n g e n try, i n cl u sio n , o r
i n tro d u ctio n i n a pl ace
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e w a l k ed i n t o t h e roo m .
T h e tr ai n w as co m i ng f r o m A u str ali a.
T h ey were b ri n gi n g d r u gs i n I n d i a, for w h ich t hey were
p u n is h ed .
P r os e c u t e (Ve r b) : to offici ally c h a rge so m eb od y wi t h
a cri m e i n co u rt
H e n ce, i n / f r o m A u s t r a l i a is t h e rig h t u sage.
1 8. (1) e i t h e r will be u sed after t e l l m e bec a u se e i t h e r —
o r is t h e rig h t p ai r of c o r r e l a t i v e C o n j u n c t i o n li k e
n ei t h er — n or.
It s h o w s a rel a t io n s h i p b etwe e n t wo t h i ngs or two
si t u ation s.
E i t h e r co m es a f t e r t h e Ve r b w h e n t h e t wo actio n s
m e n tio n ed a re si m i l a r (t h ey s h a re t h e sa m e Ve r b)
E i t h e r co m es b e f o r e t h e Ve r b w h e n t h e two actio n s
m e n tio n ed a re differe n t.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e w a n ts to p l a y e i t h e r te n n is o r volley b all.
S h e w a n ts to e i t h e r go s h op pi ng o r rel a x i n t h e p a r k .
H e n ce, y o u m u s t t e l l m e e i t h e r is t h e righ t u sage
1 9. (3) fo r will repl ace si n ce beca use –
f o r (P r e p .) i n d ica tes a le ngt h of ti m e
S i n c e (P r e p .) i n d ica tes a p ast ti m e u n til a l a ter ti m e,
or u n til n ow
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
I h a ve l ived i n B a ng a lore f o r t we n ty-five yea rs.
I h a d b ee n livi ng i n B a ng alore si n c e 1 9 6 4 .
H e n ce, f o r t e n y e a rs b e fo r e m o v i n g t o t h e i r p r ese n t
h o u s e is t h e righ t u sage.
2 0. (3) b y will rep lace w i t h bec a u se –
b y (P r e p.) is u se d for i n d ica ti ng t h e age n t / o b ject af-
ter a P assi v e Ve r b
Age n t / O bj ect h is frie n d
Pa ssi ve Ver b acco m p a n ied
W i t h (P r e p.) i n di c a tes bei ng i n t h e co m p a n y of
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H is frie n d st a yed w i t h h i m i n t h e h osp i t al.
H e w as k noc k ed dow n b y a b u s.
H e n ce, b y h i s f r i e n d is t h e rig h t u sage
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2 1. (2) a w a y will n o t b e u sed b eca u se–
t o p ass a w a y (P h r. V.) : to d ie; e n d
t o p ass t i m e : to sp e n d ti m e, especially wh e n yo u are
bored or wa iti ng for so m et h ing / so m eon e
t o p ass (Ve r b) m ea n s to m ove p ast
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e ro ad w as so n a rrow t h a t ca rs were u n ab le t o p ass.
T h ey passe d t h e t i m e u ntil d i n n er tal ki ng a n d pl ayi ng
c a r d s.
M y a u n t p asse d a w a y l ast m o n t h .
T h e ye a rs of fa m i n e p asse d a w a y a n d were fol lowed
b y ye a rs of p rosp erity.
H e n ce, t o p a ss t h e t i m e is t h e rig h t u sage.
2 2. (3) t o e n t e r will rep l ace e n t e r i n g bec a u se –
T h e t o-I n f i n i t i v e (M a i n V e r b) : f u n ctio n s a s a N o u n ,
a s A d jective, o r a n A dver b .
I n t h is se n te n ce,
p e r m i t t e d t o e n t e r , t o e n t e r is t h e d i r e c t o b j e c t ,
t h e N o u n t h a t r e c ei v es t h e a c t i o n o f t h e V e r b
(Per mi tted).
T o e n t e r refers to a t h i ng b ei ng do n e, or, desi red to
b e do n e
H e n ce, t o e n t e r t h e p a r k is t h e righ t u sage
2 3. (2) c o n t a i n s will rep l ace c o n t a i n bec a u se –
T h e fi f t h a n d f i n a l a c t (M a i n Su b j e c t) is i n Si ng u l a r.
H e n ce, t h e Ve r b will also b e i n S i n g u l a r as a Ve r b
agrees wi t h its S u b j e c t i n N u m b e r.
Si ng u l a r S u b ject Si ng u l a r Ver b (M ai n Ver b + S)
Pl u ral S u b ject Pl u r al Ver b (M ai n Ver b w i t h o u t S)
Loo k a t t h e e x a m ple gi v e n belo w:
T h e grea t poet a n d sc h ol a r i s d e a d .
H ere, sc h o l a r a n d p o e t refer to t h e sa m e m a n .
So, t h e S u b j e c t is i n S i n g u l a r a n d t h e Ve r b is also i n
Si ngular.
H e n ce, o f M a c b e t h c o n t a i n s is t h e righ t u sage.
2 4. (3) w as will rep l ace a r e bec a u se–
w h e n a P l u r a l N o u n is pl aced wi t h a real S i n g u l a r
S u b j e c t (o n e, eac h , etc.) wi t h o f, t h e Ve r b will b e
Si n gu la r.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
O n e of t h e boys i s ill.
E a c h of t h e gi rls i s clever.
H e n ce, w as s h o t d e a d is t h e righ t u sage.
2 5. (4) N o e r r o r
2 6. (1) h a v e se e n will rep l ace sa w bec a u se –
S i n c e (P r e p .) : fro m a ti m e i n t h e p ast u n til a l a ter
p ast ti m e, or u n til n o w, u sed wi t h t h e Prese n t Perfect
or Pa st Perfect Te n se.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e h as b e e n off wor k si n ce T u esd a y.
H e h as b e e n wor k i ng i n a b a n k si n ce le a vi ng sc h ool.
H e n ce, I h a v e se e n h i m is t h e righ t u sage
2 7. (1) T h e will b e u sed befo re T e a bec a u se –
H ere, we a re t al k i ng a b o u t a p a rtic u l a r t e a , followed
b y a R e l a t i v e P r o n o u n (w h i c h).
T h e se n te n ce ca n a lso be w ritte n as –
S E E –141
T h e t e a I a m d ri n k i ng is h ot (te a- defi n i te)
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e flo wers i n h er ga r de n a re be a u tif u l . ( D efi n i te –
t h e o n es i n h er ga r de n)
T h e flowers (t h a t) a re i n h er
Rel.p ro.
ga r d e n a re b ea u tif u l .
T h e d o g i n t h e b ac k y a r d is very c u te. (D efi n i te-t h e
o n e i n t h e b ac k y a r d)
T h e d o g (w h i c h) is i n t h e b ac k y a r d is very c u te.
Rel.p ro.
H e n ce, t h e t e a is t h e rig h t u sage.
2 8. (1) t h e will be u sed b efore p o o r bec a u se –
t h e (D e f. A r t .) is u sed wi t h A d j e c t i v es to refer to a
t h i ng or a gro u p of peo pl e descri bed b y t h e A d j .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e p o o r a l w a ys s u ffer.
D ef. A rt. A d j. (refers to a gro u p of peo pl e w h o a re poor)
H e is collecti ng m o n ey for t h e b l i n d.
D ef. A rt.
b l i n d refers to a gro u p of peo pl e w h o a re bl i n d .
2 9. (2) h e a r i n g will rep l ace h e a r bec a u se –
P h r asa l Ver bs a re a l w a ys followed b y G er u n d s.
Here, lo o k fo r w ar d to is a P hr. V.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e w as a c c u se d o f s m u ggl i n g co n tr a b a n d goo d s.
P h r. V. G er u n d
H e i n s i s t e d o n p r o o f-r e a d i n g t h e a rticle agai n .
P h r. V. G er u n d
3 0. (3) a t will rep l ace b y bec a u se –
S h o c k e d alw a ys agrees wi t h a t (P r e p .)
a t is u sed wi t h A d j e c t i v es fo r s h owi ng t h e c a u se of
so met hi ng.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h ey were i m p a tie n t a t t h e d el a y.
S h e w as d eligh ted a t t h e res u l t.
H ere, s h o c k e d is t h e A d j . a n d i t is i n d ica ti ng t h e
C a u s e (reaso n) of t h e actress’s s h oc k .
H e n ce, a t t h e n e w s o f h e r d og’s d e a t h is t h e righ t
u s age
3 1. (4) N o e r r o r
3 2. (2) t h e will rep l ace a bec a u se –
here, we a re tal ki ng a bo u t a p articu la r / d efi nite / specific
d octor.
T h e se n te n ce ca n a lso be w ritte n as –
I k now t h e d octor w h o yo u a re refer ri ng to.
Rel. Pro.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
 C O M M O N E R R O RS
T h e p e o p l e I m et t h ere were frie n d l y. ( D efi n i te – t h ose
over t h ere)
T h e p e o p l e (w h o m ) I m et t h ere were very frie n d l y.
Rel. Pro.
3 3. (3) a t t r a c t s will rep l ace a t t r a c t bec a u se –
T h e i n t r o d u c t i o n o f j o b – o r i e n t e d c o u rs e s (M a i n
S u b j e c t) is i n S i n g u l a r. H e n ce, t h e Ver b will also be i n
S i n g u l a r, as a Ver b agrees wit h i ts S u b j e c t i n N u m b er .
Si ng u l a r S u b ject Si ng u l a r Ver b (M ai n Ver b + S)
Pl u ral S u b ject Pl u r al Ver b (M ai n Ver b w i t h o u t S)
H e n ce, a t t r a c t s m a n y s t u d e n t s is t h e righ t u sage.
3 4. (3) t o l o s e / l o se will rep l ace l o s i n g bec a u se –
t h e b asic p a tter n is as follows :
t o - I n f. + t h a n + t o - I n f. / I n f. (w i t h o u t t o)
to k eep than to lose lose
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
It is better t o b e h a t e d for w h a t yo u a re t h a n t o b e
h a t e d / b e h a t e d w h a t yo u a re n ot.
It is b etter t o b eg for forgi ve n ess t h a n t o as k / as k for
perm issio n
H e n ce, t o l o se / l o se o n e ’s c o u r age is t h e rig h t u sage
3 5. (3) m o r e t h a n will n ot be u sed b ec a u se –
e x c e e d a n d m o r e t h a n m ea n t h e sa m e.
U se of m o r e t h a n is s u p erfl u o u s.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e ess a y s h o u l d n ot e x c e e d 2 5 0 wor d s.
T h e ess a y s h o u l d n ot b e m o r e t h a n 2 5 0 wor d s.
T h e se n te n ce ca n a lso b e w ri tte n t h u s –
l T h e s h or t story s h o u ld n ot b e m o r e t h a n t wo h u n d red
w o r d s.
3 6. (4) N o e r r o r
T h e b asi c str u ct u re will b e as follows :
t o-I n f. + t h a n + I n f. (w i t h o u t t o) / t o - I n f.
to d ie than l ive / to l ive
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
It is b etter t o g i v e t h a n r e c e i v e / t o r e c e i v e .
It is b etter t o r e n t t h a n b u y / t o b u y .
3 7. (2) a m will rep l ace i s bec a u se –
w h e n t h e S u b j e c t of t h e Ve r b is a R e l a t i v e P r o n o u n
(w h o), t h e Ve r b (i s) agrees i n N u m b e r a n d P e rso n
wi t h t h e A n t e c e d e n t of t h e R e l . P r o .
A N o u n / P r o n o u n w h ic h co m es before a R e l . P r o . is
c alled A n t e ce de n t .
H ere, I is t h e A n t e c e d e n t of w h o (R e l . P r o .) wi t h I
so, a m is u sed .
H e n ce, w h o a m t o b l a m e is t h e rig h t u sage.
3 8. (3) h a d l e f t will rep l ace l e f t bec a u se –
w h e n t wo a ctio n s h a p p e n i n t h e p as t , it is n ecessa ry
to sh ow w hich actio n h ap pe n ed ea rlier t h a n t h e ot h er.
T h e e a rlier a ctio n i s ex p ressed i n P as t P e r f e c t t e n s e
a n d t h e l a ter actio n i n S i m p l e P as t .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S E E –142
T h ey h a d r e a c h e d t h e sc h ool befo re t h e bel l r a n g.
e a rl ier actio n later action.
T h e p a tie n t d i e d after t h e d octor h a d c o m e.
la ter actio n ea rlier actio n
H e n ce, h e h a d l e f t is t h e righ t u s age.
3 9. (4) N o e r r o r
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
If yo u h a d c o m e yester d a y, yo u w o u l d h a v e e n j o y e d
t h e p a rty.
If yo u h a d a s k e d h i m , h e w o u l d h a v e t o l d y o u
everyt h i ng.
4 0. (3) p age a f t e r p age will rep l ace p ages a f t e r p ages be-
c a u se –
w h e n wor d s a re repea t ed , t h ey a re al w a y s u se d i n
Si n gu la r.
Loo k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n belo w :
H er h eal t h we n t dow n d a y b y d a y .
Sing u l a r Si ng u l a r
D a y a f t e r d a y h as p assed a n d s h e h as n ot co m e as yet.
Si ng u l a r Si n g u l a r
H e n ce, p age a f t e r p age o f t h e B i b l e is t h e righ t u sage
4 1. (3) a lso will co m e after b u t bec a u se –
li k e e i t h e r — o r, n ei t h e r — n o r, n o t o n l y — b u t a lso
a re t h e righ t C o r r e l a t i v es.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e is n o t o n l y wise b u t a lso k i n d .
J o h n p l a ys n o t o n l y d r u m b u t a lso fl u te.
n o t o n l y — b u t a lso is u sed for e m p h a sizi ng t h a t
so m et h i ng i s a lso tr u e.
H e n ce, b u t a lso o n h o w y o u h a v e w r i t t e n t h e m is
t h e rig h t u s age
4 2. (3) f r o m go i n g will rep l ace to go bec a u se –
f r o m (P r e p .) is u sed for s h owi ng t h a t so m et h i ng is
p r eve n te d .
T h e st r u ct u r e w i ll be as fol lo ws :
Subjec t + Pre v e n t / ed + fro m + Prese n t Par t i c i ple
H eavy r ai n p reve n ted fro m goi ng -------
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e s aved h i m f r o m d r o w n i n g.
Nothi ng wo u ld pre v e n t hi m fr o m sp ea k i ng o u t agai nst
i n j u stice.
H e n ce, f r o m go i n g t o t h e c i n e m a is t h e righ t u sage
4 3. (3) w i l l repl ace w o u l d bec a u se –
W hen the C o n d i t i o n a l C l a use begi ns with If, the str uc-
t u re of t h e se n te n ce will be a s follows :
If + P re se n t T e n se ----, ---- + w i ll + I n f. (w i t h o u t - t o)
If + p r o s p e r ------, ------ + w i l l + p r o s p e r
C o n d i tio n a l C l a u se M a i n cl a u se
w i l l / w o u l d is u sed o n l y i n t h e M a i n c l a u se .
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L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
If h e i s l a te, we w i l l g o wit h o u t h i m .
S.P r. wi ll I n f.
I w i l l g o to D u b a i , if I h a v e e n o u g h m o n ey
w i l l I n f. S. P r.
M a i n C l a u se C o n d i tio n a l C l a u se
H en ce, t h e st a t e i t sel f w i ll pr o sp e r is t he righ t u sage
4 4. (3) f i n e d will rep l ace h a v e t o p a y a f i n e bec a u se –
T h e se n te n ce is i n P assi v e Vo i c e .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
M a r y m a i l e d t h e l e t t e r . (A ctive Voice)
S u b ject Ver b O b ject
(Si m p le P ast)
T h e l e t t e r w as m a i l e d by M a r y . (Pa ssi ve Voice)
S u b ject A u x . + P ast P art. O b ject
T h e b a l l o t s h a v e b e e n c o u n t e d . (Pa ssi ve Voice)
S u b ject A u x . + Ver b + P ast P art.
(b y t he m)
T h e y h a v e c o u n t e d t h e b a l l o t s. (Active Voice)
S u b ject A u x . + Ver b O b ject
(Pr. Per. T e n se)
Mo reover, s t o p p e d , t i c k e t e d a r e i n P ass i v e a n d
h e n ce, h a v e t o p a y a f i n e sh o u l d also b e i n P a ss i v e ,
i.e. f i n e d .
4 5. (2) S u p po si n g t h a t h e f a i l e d / I f h e f a i l e d will rep lace
S u p p o si n g i f h e f a i ls bec a u se –
S u p p o si n g a n d i f ca n n ot b e u sed toget h er.
T h e b asi c s t r u c t u r e i s as f o l l o ws :
If + C o n d i t i o n + R es u l t
Si m pl e P ast w ou l d + b a se Ve rb
If + fai led wo u l d + d o
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
I f h e were poor, wo u l d yo u m a r ry h i m ?
S u p p os i n g t h a t yo u try h a r d i t m igh t wor k .
4 6. (2) i n f i n d i n g will rep l ace t o f i n d bec a u se –
w h e n a N o u n (d i ff i c u l t y ) is u sed wi t h a P r e p. (i n),
t h e t o - I n f. will n ot be u sed, -i n g f o r m (G e r u n d) of
t h e B ase Ve r b (f i n d) will be u sed.
Loo k a t t h e fol lo wi ng e xa m pl es :
We m ust take advan t age of bei ng a normal h u man being.
N o u n P rep . Ver b ( G er u n d)
H e i s i n d o ub t ab o u t b u y i n g th e correct softw a re.
No u n P rep . Ver b ( G er u n d)
S E E –143
4 7. (2) i s will rep l ace a r e bec a u se –
w h e n t h e S u b j e c t is sep a r a ted fro m t h e Ve r b b y ex -
p ressio n s li k e – as w e l l as, a l o n g w i t h , etc.
T h e S u b j e c t is co n si dered to be i n S i n g u l a r .
H e n ce, S i n g u l a r Ve r b will b e u sed.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e p oli tici a n , a l o n g w i t h t h e jo u r n alist, i s ex pected
to m orrow.
E x ci te m e n t, as w e l l as n ervo u s n ess, i s t h e c a u se of
h er st u tter.
N o t e : It is s u ggested t h a t co m m as b e u se d a t t h e
righ t p l aces.
H e n ce, i s n e c essa r y is t h e rig h t u sage.
4 8. (2) w h e r e t h e m a r r i age h a l l w as will rep l ace w h e r e
w as t h e m a r r i age h a l l bec a u se –
I n a n i n di r e c t q u e s t i o n t h e wor d or d er is as follows :
Subject + Ve r b
t h e m a rriage h all w as
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
He said to me, “W hen are y o u leavi ng ?” (D irect Sp eech)
Ver b S u b ject
H e as k ed m e w h e n I w as le a vi ng. (I n di rect S peec h)
S u bject Ver b
He said to me, “W here are you staying ?” ( D i rect S p eec h)
Ver b S u b ject
He ask ed m e w here I w as stayi ng. (I n di rect S peec h)
S u b ject Ver b
4 9. (4) N o e r r o r
5 0. (3) was will replace w er e becau se –
W h e n wor d s a re joi n ed b y w i t h , t og e t h e r w i t h , as
w e l l as, etc. t h e Ve r b agrees wi t h t h e fi rst S u b j e c t .
H e n ce, S i n g u l a r Ve r b w as will b e u sed.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e P ri m e M i n ister w i t h all t h e m e m b ers of h is c a bi-
n et h as a r rived .
V i b h a a s w e l l as h er frie n d s w as p u n is h ed .
H e n ce, w as p r ese n t a t t h e f u n c t i o n is t h e righ t u s-
age.
5 1. (2) w h e n will rep l ace t h a n bec a u se –
h a r d l y , b a r e l y , sc a r c e l y , etc. a re followed b y w h e n
a n d n ot t h a n .
N o so o n e r i s followed b y t h a n .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H a r d l y h a d I a rrived h o m e w h e n m y p h o n e r a ng.
Scarc el y h ad sh e fi nished readi ng w h e n she fell asleep.
H e n ce, I a r r i v e d w h e n is t h e righ t u sage.
5 2. (3) t h a t will rep l ace b e c a u se –
After cl a u ses b egi n n i ng wi t h T h e r e a so n w h y / T h e
reaso n , the cla use contai ni ng t h e reaso n will not begi n
wi t h b e c a u se . It will b egi n wi t h t h a t .
 C O M M O N E R R O RS
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e r e a so n w h y we were l a te i s t h a t t h ere w as a
tr affic acci d e n t.
T h e r e aso n we l eft ea rly w as t h a t we h a d to a tte n d a
p a rty.
H e n ce, w as t h a t h e w as t o o y o u n g is t h e righ t u sage
5 3. (2) a b o u t will n ot be u sed beca u se –
h o w (A d v .) : i n w h a t w a y or m a n n er.
B o t h a b o u t a n d h o w a re n ot u sed toget h er.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h ey d isc u ssed a b o u t t h e p a rty.
T h ey d isc u ssed h o w to orga n ise t h e p a rty.
H e n ce, m e t t o d i s c u ss is t h e righ t u sage
5 4. (4) N o e r r o r
5 5. (1) f i rs t t w o will rep l ace t w o f i r s t bec a u se –
t wo a n d fi r s t a r e N u m e r a l A d j e c t i v e s. T h e y a r e
a r r a nged i n a p a rtic u l a r or der w h ic h is as fol lows :
O r d i n a l + C a r di n a l
fi rst two
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T he f i rs t f i v e st u de n ts will receive t he C h ief G u est.
O rd i n al C a r d i n al
H e n ce, t h e f i rs t t w o t o a r r i v e is t h e righ t u sage
5 6. (3) h e f e l l asl e e p will rep l ace h e h a d f a l l e n as l e e p
bec a u se –
t h e str u ct u re wit h si n c e wi ll b e a s fol lows :
It h a s b ee n + p e r i o d o f t i m e + si n c e
two h o u rs si n ce
H ere, S i m p l e P as t T e n s e-f e l l will be u sed.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T wo m o n t h s h ave p assed si n c e I l ast sa w h er.
Ver b
(Si m p le P ast)
T h ree yea rs h ave p assed si n c e t h e l ast ea rt h q u a k e
t o o k pl ace.
Ver b
(Si m p le Past)
5 7. (2) t h e c a r w as se n t b y t h e d r i v e r will rep l ace t h e
d r i v e r se n t t h e c a r bec a u se –
t h ere is a s u b j e c t m is m a tc h i n t h is sen te n ce.
It loo k s as if t h e d river w as b ro k e n d ow n .
T h e se n te n ce c a n a lso be li k e t h is –
l T h e ca r h avi ng b ro k e n do w n , t h e d river se n t i t to
t h e ga r age.
5 8. (2) h av e will replace h as beca use –
W h e n o n e o f i s followed b y a N o u n / P r o n o u n , t h e
N o u n / P r o n o u n is co n sidered as A n t ec e de n t an d th e
Ve r b is u sed a ccor d i ngl y.
H ere, w r i t e rs (N o u n) h as b ee n u sed after o n e o f,
w r i t e rs is i n Pl u r a l, h e n ce, t h e Ve r b will also b e i n
P l u r a l.
S E E –144
Lo o k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n be lo w :
S h e is o n e o f t h o se r esi d e n t s w h o h a v e fo u g h t for
t h ei r m e m b ers h i p.
H ere, r e s i d e n t s (N o u n ) h as bee n u sed after o n e o f,
So, i t is t h e A n t e c e d e n t of R e l a t i v e P r o n o u n -w h o .
It is i n p l u r a l, h e n ce, t h e Ve r b will also b e i n P l u r a l .
H e n ce, w h o h a v e w o n a c c l a i m is t h e rig h t u sage
5 9. (3) r a t h e r will rep l ace e x c e p t bec a u se –
r a t h e r : i nste ad of
e x ce p t : on ly.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e m a de st u de n ts t h i n k for t h e m selves r a t h e r tell
t h e m w h a t to t h i n k .
O u r d resses were t h e s a m e e x c e p t m i n e i t w as red .
H e n ce, r a t h e r g i v e t h e o r d e r is t h e rig h t u sage
6 0. (3) r e c o v e r will rep l ace r e t u r n bec a u se –
r e c o v e r (Ve r b) : to get well ag ai n after bei ng ill / sic k /
h u rt
r e t u r n (Ve r b) : to co m e or go b ac k fro m o n e p l ace to
a n oth er
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
I r e t u r n e d fro m wor k to fi n d t h e h o u se e m p ty.
H e is still r e c o v e r i n g fro m h is o p er a tio n .
H e n ce, to c a t c h u p w h e n t h e y r e c o v e r is t h e righ t
u s age
6 1. (2) w h e n will rep l ace t h a n bec a u se.
sc a r c e l y , h a r d l y , b a r e l y a re fol lowed b y w h e n
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
We h a d sc a r c e l y sa t d ow n a t t h e t a b le, w h e n t h e
p h o n e r a ng.
T h e se n te n ce ca n a lso b e w ritte n li k e t h is –
S c a r c e l y h a d we sa t d ow n a t t h e t a b le, w h e n t h e
p h o n e r a ng.
H e n ce, n e r v o u s a n d t e n se , w h e n t h e p l a n e t o o k o ff
is t h e righ t u sage
6 2. (2) b e t w e e n d i ff e r e n c es will n ot be u sed bec a u se –
use of d ist i ngu ish be t wee n d iffere n ces is su perflu o us.
H ere, d is t i n g u i s h (Ve r b) itself m e a n s to recogn ise t h e
differen ce bet wee n t wo p eo pl e or th i ngs; differen ti ate.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
It w as h a r d to d i s t i n g u i s h o n e t wi n fro m t h e ot h er.
It w as h a r d to f i n d t h e d i ff e r e n c e b et wee n o n e t wi n
a n d t h e ot h er.
6 3. (3) I l i k e will repl ace I'm li k i n g bec a u se –
l i k e (Ve r b) is a wor d u sed for ex p ressi n g e m otio n .
It is n ot u sed i n P rog r ess i v e / C o n t i n u o u s f o r m .
L oo k a t t h e e x a m p l es gi v e n b el o w :
I a m l i k i ng pe a n u ts. ( )
I l i k e pea n u ts. ( )
H e n ce, b u t I ’ m l i k i n g h e r a lo t is t he righ t u sage
6 4. (2) h a d e n j o y e d will rep l ace e n j o y ed bec a u se –
t h e b asic for m i n t h is se n te n ce i s as follows :
S u b j e c t + h a d + Ve r b
we had e n joyed . (Past P artici ple F o r m)
 C O M M O N E R R O RS
L oo k a t t h e e x a m p l es gi v e n b el o w :
I h a d w r i t t e n t h e letter before yo u ca m e h o m e.
I wis h I h a d b e e n b r ave e n o u gh .
H en ce, t h a t w e h a d e n j o y e d v e r y m u c h is t he righ t
u s age.
6 5. (1) h a r d will repl ace h a r d l y bec a u se –
h a r dl y (A dv .) : a l m ost n o / n ot / no n e b u t
h a r d (A d j.) : n eedi ng / u si ng effort.
L oo k a t t h e e x a m p l es gi v e n b el o w :
It is a h a r d s h ovelli ng s now.
T h ere is h a r d l y a n y tea l eft.
H e n ce, J o h n i s w o r k i n g v e r y h a r d is t h e righ t u s-
age.
6 6. (1) h as e a t e n will rep l ace a t e bec a u se –
S i n c e is u sed wi t h t h e P r ese n t / P as t P e r f e c t T e n s e
t h a t i n d ica tes a ti m e fro m t h e p ast u n til a l a ter p ast
ti m e, or u n til n ow
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
I h a v e n ’ t e a t e n si n ce b rea k fast.
H e h as b e e n w o r k i n g i n a b a n k si n ce le a vi ng sc h ool.
H e n ce, H e h as e a t e n is t h e righ t u sage
6 7. (3) a will b e u sed befo re gl i m m e r bec a u se –
w h e n yo u m e n tio n so m et h i ng for t h e fi rst ti m e, we
u se a / a n (I n d e f. A r t .).
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
I h ave a p rob le m .
D o yo u h ave a sol u tio n to t h is ?
H en ce, a gl i m m e r of h o p e fo r t h e m a la ri al r esea rc h-
e rs is t h e righ t u sage
6 8. (3) w h a t I w a n t e d will rep l ace w h a t d o I w a n t be-
c a u se –
i n I n d i rec t S p e ec h , a n i n t e rroga t i v e se n t e n ce is con-
verted i n to A sse r t i v e S e n t e n c e i n w h ic h th e S u b j ec t
is u sed befo re t h e Ve r b.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e s a id , “W h e n w i l l t h e y co m e ?” ( D i rect S p eec h)
Ver b S u b ject
Sh e aske d w hen t h e y wo u l d come ?” (In d irect S peec h)
S u b ject Ver b
S h e s ai d to h er b rot h er, “W h y a r e y o u cryi ng ?” (D .S)
Ver b S u bj ect
S h e a s k ed h er b rot h er w h y h e w as cryi ng ?” (I.S)
S u b ject Ver b
He nce, a n d as k ed m e w h a t I w a n t e d is the righ t us age
6 9. (2) i s will rep l ace a r e bec a u se –
T h e e b b a n d fl o w refers to a si n gl e S u b j e c t , So t h e
Ve r b will b e S i n gu l a r.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e c r o w n a n d gl o r y of life i s c h a r acter.
T h e h o rse a n d c a r r i age is w ai ti ng a t t h e g a te.
7 0. (4) N o e r r o r
S E E –145
7 1. (2) i n c r e d i b l e will r ep l ace i n c r e d u l o u s bec a u se –
i n c r e d u l o u s (A d j .) : n ot willi ng or n ot a b le to b elieve
som ethi ng
i n cre d i bl e (A dj.) : u n believable; very difficu lt to b elieve
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
It w as a n i n c r e d i b l e stor y.
T h ere w as a b rief, i n c r e d u l o u s sile n ce.
H e n ce, i t i s i n c r e d i b l e t o t h i n k is t h e righ t u sage
7 2. (2) n o n-fla m m able will replace i n fla m m able beca use –
i n f l a m m ab l e (A d j.) : li a bl e to c a tc h fi re e asil y
n o n -f l a m m a b l e (A d j .) : n ot li k el y to b u r n easil y
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
We s ho uld always use clothes th at a re n o n-fla m m able.
T h ese ga ses a re h igh l y i n f l a m m ab l e .
H e n ce, n o n -i n f l a m m a b l e c l o t h i n g is t h e righ t u sage
7 3. (1) b esi d es will rep l ace b es i d e bec a u se –
b esi d e (P r e p .) : a t t h e si d e of a n d
b es i d es (P r e p .) : i n a d d i tio n to; a p a rt fro m
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e sa t b es i d e h er a ll n igh t.
We h a ve lots of t h i ngs i n co m m o n b esi d es m u sic
H e n ce, B esi d es f o o d is t h e righ t u s age.
7 4. (1) f r o m will be u sed b efore c h i c k e n p o x bec a u se –
S u f f e r (Ve r b) is followed b y f r o m (P r e p .)
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e s u ffers f r o m ast h m a. ( )
H e s u ff e rs ast h m a. ( )
H e n ce, A d u l t s s u ff e r i n g f r o m c h i c k e n p o x is t h e
rig h t u s age
7 5. (2) p r a c t i s e will rep l ace p r a c t i c e bec a u se –
p r a c t i c e is a No u n a n d p r a c t i s e i s a Ver b.
p r a c t i c e (N o u n ) : a h a b i t; a rep ea ted ex ercise
p r a c t i se (Ve r b) : to do freq u e n tl y; c a rry o u t a n actio n
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
It w as h i s p r a c t i c e to w a l k five m iles every d a y.
S h e p r a c t i ses t h e p i a n o d a il y .
H e n ce, h a d t o p r a c t i se f o r se v e r a l h o u rs a d a y is
t h e rig h t u s age
7 6. (2) f o r e w o r d will rep l ace f o r w a r d bec a u se –
a f o r e w o r d , i s a s h o rt i n trod u ctio n a t t h e begi n n i ng
of a b oo k wri tte n by so m ebo d y ot her t h a n t h e a u th or.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e w as as k ed to w rite a f o r e w o r d for h er b oo k .
T h ey r a n f o r w a r d to wel co m e h er.
H e n ce, t o w r i t e a f o r e w o r d is t h e rig h t u sage
7 7. (1) c o m p l i m e n t will rep l ace c o m p l e m e n t bec a u se –
c o m p l i m e n t (Ve r b) : to ex p ress a d m i r a tio n of; co n -
gra t ul a te
c o m p l e m e n t (Ve r b) : to a d d to / m a k e co m p lete
If o n e t h i ng c o m p l e m e n t s a n o t h er, t h e two t h i ngs
i n crease e ac h ot h er’s goo d q u a l i ties w h e n t h ey a re
b ro u gh t toget h er.
If yo u c o m p l i m e n t so m eo n e, yo u tell h i m t h a t yo u
a d mi re hi m .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h ey c o m p l i m e n t e d o n t h e w a y I loo k ed .
 C O M M O N E R R O RS
S p ices c o m p l e m e n t t h e fl a vo u r of t h e c u r ry.
H e n ce, I m u s t c o m p l i m e n t y o u is t h e righ t u s age.
7 8. (3) a m o n g will rep l ace b e t w e e n bec a u se –
b e t w e e n is u sed w h e n o n l y two p erso n s or t h i ngs a re
i nvolved.
a m o n g ex p resses a rel atio n s h i p w he n m o re t h a n t wo
perso n s / t h i ngs a re i n volved.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e h a d to c h oose b e t w e e n wor k a n d h er fa m ily.
H e di vi d ed h is mo ney a m o n g his b rot hers a n d sisters.
H e n ce, a m o n g t h e f o u r g i r l s is t h e righ t u sage
7 9. (3) p e rso n n e l will rep l ace p e rso n a l bec a u se –
p e rs o n n e l (N o u n) i s u sed for peo pl e e m ployed b y or
active i n a n orga n i z a tio n , a b u si n ess, or service
p e r s o n a l (A d j .) is rel a ted to a p a rtic u l a r p erso n
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h is i s m y p e rso n a l op i n io n .
We h ave a dvertised fo r ex tr a sec u rity p e rso n n e l .
P e rso n n e l i s a P l u r a l N o u n .
H e n ce, w as c a r r y i n g so m e a r m y p e rso n n e l is t h e
rig h t u s age.
8 0. (2) asc e n t will rep l ace asse n t bec a u se –
asc e n t (N o u n) : a n u p w a r d slo p e; t h e p rocess / act of
goi n g u pw a r d b u t
asse n t (N o u n) : to ex p ress agree m e n t or accep t a n ce,
as of a p rop osa l
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e di rector h a s give n h er asse n t to t h e p rop osa ls.
T h e c a rt b ega n its gr a d u al asc e n t u p t h e h ill.
H e nce, fo u n d t h e asce n t of t h e m o u n t a i n is th e rig ht
u s age.
8 1. (2) t h e will be u sed befo re w o rs t
c o m e s t o t h e w o rs t will rep l ace c o m es t o w o rs t
bec a u se –
w o rs t (A d j .) i s t h e S u p e r l a t i v e D egr e e o f
b a d (P o si t i v e D egr e e) a n d w o rs e (c o m p a r a t i v e D e-
gr e e) a n d t h e (D e f. A r t .) is u sed wi t h a S u p e r l a t i v e
D egr ee.
i f t h e w o rs t c o m es t o t h e w o rs t (I d i o m ) : if t h e
si t u a tio n b eco m es too diffic u l t or d a ngero u s.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
If t h e w o rs t co m es to t h e w o rs t , we’ll j u st h ave to
sell t h e h o u se.
If t h e w o rs t co m es to t h e w o rs t , we’l l h a ve to give
t h e m o u r b ed a n d sleep o n t h e floor.
8 2. (2) p r i n c i p a l will rep l ace p r i n c i p l e bec a u se –
p r i n c i p l e (N o u n ) : a ge n er al r u l e t h a t so m eo n e’s
be h a vio u r or id e a is b a sed o n
P r i n c i p a l (A d j .) : a c h ief / i m po r t a n t perso n / t h i ng
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H is p r i n c i p a l i n terest i n life w a s m o n ey.
We fol lo w t h e p r i n c i p l e t h a t e ve ry o n e s h o u l d b e
treated eq u ally.
H e n ce, a n a l y se t h o r o u g h l y t h e p r i n c i p a l c a u ses is
t h e rig h t u s age
S E E –146
8 3. (3) f u r n i t u r e will rep l ace f u r n i t u r e s bec a u se –
f u r n i t u re is a n U n c o u n t ab l e N o u n .
It is n ot u sed i n t h e P l u r a l .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
We a re goi ng to get n ew f u r n i t u r e for t h e livi ng roo m .
( )
We are goi ng to get new fu r n i t u res for the livi ng room.( )
H e n ce, a n d t h e t e a k -w o o d f u r n i t u r e o f D u t c h d e-
si g n is t h e righ t u sage.
8 4. (3) r e a l l y will rep l ace r e a l bec a u se –
r e a l l y (A d v .) is u sed fo r e m p h a sizi ng a n A d j e c t i v e /
A d verb
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e w a s d rivi ng r e a l l y fast.
I a m r e a l l y so rry.
H e n ce, r e a l l y go o d is t h e righ t u s age.
8 5. (2) a li t t l e r a i n will rep l ace l i t t l e r a i n bec a u se – l i t t l e
is a N ega t i v e A d j . a n d m ea n s n ot m u c h
a l i t t l e is a n A ff i r m a t i v e A d j . t h a t m ea n s so m e
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e h a d l i t t l e m o n ey. (n ot m u c h m o n ey)
H e h a d a l i t t l e m o n ey. (so m e m o n ey)
H e n ce, t h e r e w as a l i t t l e r a i n is t h e righ t u sage.
8 6. (2) e a r l i e r will rep l ace e a r l y bec a u se –
T h e co m p a riso n b et wee n t h e t wo (t h e cas h ier a n d
t h e a cco u n t a n t) is evi d e n t. S o, t h e C o m p a r a t i v e
D egr e e of e a r l y (A d j .) will b e u sed.
ea rl y ea rl i er ea rl i est
Posi tive C o m p a ra tive S u p erl a tive
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h is p u zzle is e asi e r t h a n t h a t o n e.
T h e boo k w as m o r e i n t e r e s t i n g t h a n t h e fil m .
H e n ce, e a r l i e r t h a t d a y is t h e righ t u sage
8 7. (3) m a r r i e d t o will rep l ace m a r r i e d w i t h bec a u se
m a r r i e d (Ve r b) agrees wi t h t o (P r e p .)
Loo k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n belo w :
H er d a u g h ter w as m a r r i e d t o a fis h er m a n .
H e n ce, a n d t h e o t h e r is m a r r i e d t o a m i n i st e r is th e
rig h t u s age
8 8. (3) sh o u l d we st i ll recast t h e pla n s will replace s h o u l d
w e s t i l l h a v e t o r e c as t t h e p l a n s bec a u se –
W h ere t h e ten se i n t h e S u p p os i n g t h a t cl a u se is i n
S i m p l e P r ese n t , t h e te n se i n t h e M a i n c l a u se will b e
i n S i m p l e F u t u r e u si ng M o d a l Ve r bs li k e w i l l , m a y ,
m i g h t , c o u l d or s h o u l d .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S u p p os i n g t h a t it r a i n s, yo u w i l l get wet.
S u p p os i n g t h a t yo u do n’t feel better to m or row, yo u
s h o u l d go a n d see t h e doctor.
8 9. (2) a few will replace few beca use –
f e w (A d j .) i s u sed wi t h P l u r a l N o u n s a n d a P l u r a l
Ve r b to m ea n n o t m a n y.
a f e w (A d j .) is a lso u sed wi t h P l u r a l N o u n s a n d a
P l u r a l Ve r b to m e a n a s m all n u m b er / so m e
 C O M M O N E R R O RS
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
Very f e w st u d e n ts lea r n S a n s k rit n ow.
I n eed a f e w t h i ngs fro m t h e store.
Hence, fool a few u n war y c ust o m ers is the right usage.
9 0. (1) h a d will repl ace h as b eca use –
T h e u se of as i f, i n d ica tes a n u n real si t u a tio n i n t h e
p rese n t. So, i t will be followed b y P a s t C o n d i t i o n a l
T e n se.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
H e l o o k s as i f h e k n e w t h e a n swer. ( H e gives t h e
i m p ression th at he k nows the a nswer, b u t h e (p rob a bly
does n’t k n ow i t.)
H e b e h a v es as i f n ot h i ng h a d h a p p e n e d .
H e n ce, s h e p r e t e n ds as i f s h e h a d is t h e righ t u sage
9 1. (3) i s will rep l ace a r e bec a u se –
T he Ve rb of a se n te n ce al wa ys agrees wi th t h e S u b j ec t
of t h e se n te n ce, n ot wit h t h e o b j e c t of a p r e p o si t i o n .
H ere, k n o w l e d ge is t h e S u b j e c t of t h e se n te n ce, t w o
l a n g u ages is t h e O b j e c t of o f (P r e p .)
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e ca r wi t h m a n y riders w as speeding towards us. ( )
Si ng u l a r Prep . O b j. of w i t h Si ng u l a r Ver b
No u n (Prep .)
T h e ca r wit h m a n y ri d ers were speed i ng to w a r ds u s.
( )
H e n ce, is r e q u i r e d t o p ass t h e e x a m i n a t i o n is t h e
rig h t u s age
9 2. (2) a t will repl ace u po n b eca use –
s h o u t a t : to sa y so m et h i ng i n a lo u d voice
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e s h o u t e d a t h i m for sp illi ng t h e m il k .
H e s h o u t e d a t h er to s h u t t h e g a te.
H e n ce, s h o u t a t t h e m i n i s t e r is t h e rig h t u sage
9 3. (1) A l l will rep l ace E v e r y o n e o f bec a u se –
E v e r y o n e (Pro .) is u sed for every p erso n or all p eo p le
b u t A l l (D e t .) is u sed wi t h P l u r a l N o u n s a n d refers
to t h e w h ole n u m b er of
T h e Ve r b (a r e) is also i n P l u r a l a n d a S u b j e c t agrees
wi t h t h e Ve r b u sed .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
A l l t h e p e o p l e yo u i n vi ted a r e co m i n g.
S u b ject Pl u r al No u n Pl u r al Ver b
T h e police q u estio n ed e v e r y o n e i n t h e roo m .
H e n ce, A l l t h e f i l m s is t h e righ t u sage
9 4. (4) N o e r r o r.
9 5. (2) t h a n will rep l ace w h e n bec a u se –
N o so o n e r – t h a n is t h e cor rect C o r r e l a t i v e .
N o so o n e r i n trod u ces t h e eve n t t h a t occ u r red fi rst.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
N o so o n er h a d I c l ose d m y e y es t h a n I f el l asl e ep.
F i rst E ve n t N ex t E ve n t
N o so o n e r d i d I a r r i v e d a t t h e s t a t i o n t h a n t h e t r a i n c a m e .
F i rst E ve n t Next E ve n t.
H e n ce, t h a n i t b ega n is t h e rig h t u sage
S E E –147
9 6. (2) c o m p r i s e s / i s c o m p r i s e d o f w i l l r e p l a c e
c o m p r i ses o f bec a u se –
c o m p r i s e (Ve r b) : c o n si s t o f
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
T h e collectio n c o m p r i ses 3 2 7 p ai n ti n gs.
T h e collectio n i s c o m p r i se d o f 3 2 7 p ai n ti n gs.
T h e collectio n c o n s i s t s o f 3 2 7 p ai n ti n gs.
9 7. (3) f e e t will rep l ace t w o l egs bec a u se –
s t a n d o n o n e ’s o w n f e e t (I d i o m ) : to b e i n dep en d e n t
a n d a b le to t a k e ca re of yo u rself.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
W h e n h is p a re n ts d ied, h e h a d to le a r n to s t a n d o n
h is ow n fee t.
Yo u h ave to lea r n to s t a n d o n y o u r o w n f e e t a n d n ot
a l w a ys li ste n to yo u r frie n d s.
9 8. (2) t r a v e l l i n g will rep l ace t o t r a v e l bec a u se –
a v o i d (Ve r b) alw ays agrees wi th a G er u n d (– i n g Ve rb)
a n d n ot a n I n f i n i t i v e.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
S h e a voi ds t o d o h er h o m ewor k . ( )
I n f.
S h e a voi ds d o i n g h er h o m ewor k . ( )
G er u n d
9 9. (3) i s will rep l ace a r e bec a u se –
w he n a Pl u r al N o u n is pl aced wit h a Si ng u l a r S ub je c t
(o n e, eac h , etc.) wi t h o f, t h e Ve r b w ill b e S i n g u l a r .
Loo k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n belo w :
O n l y o n e of h is e m p loyees i s si n cere a t wor k .
O n l y o n e of h is s t u d e n ts i s a w a r d ed t h e ‘Sc h ol a r
a w ar d’.
H e n ce, t h a t i s i n t e r e s t i n g is t h e rig h t u sage.
1 0 0. (2) h a v i n g will rep l ace t o h a v e bec a u se –
We u se t h e G e r u n d (– i n g Ve r b) for a n actio n t h a t
h a p p e n s b e f o r e or a t t h e sa m e t i m e as t h e actio n of
t h e M a i n Ve r b.
We u se t h e I n f i n i t i v e for actio n s t h a t f o l l o w t h e ac-
tio n of t h e M a i n Ve r b.
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
I e n joy m yself (a t t h e ti m e of) p l a y i n g.
I d e n y h a v i n g stol e n a n yt h i ng (befo re)
1 0 1 . (1) Use of A is incorrect beca u se –
U n c o u n t ab l e N o u n s li k e m i l k , wi ne, i nfor m a tio n , air,
eq u i p m en t, sa n d , woo d, etc. ca n’t be co u n ted . H e nce,
A n I n d e f. A r t . will n ot b e u sed wi t h t h e m .
a s i n–
Pl e a se give m e a w a ter. ( )
Pl e a se give m e so m e w a ter. ( )
Pl e a se give m e a n ice c u b e. ( )
Pl e a se give m e a n i ce . ( )
1 0 2 . (3) a b u ses will rep l ace c h e e r s bec a u se –
a co n tr ast is evid e n t i n t h e se n te n ce.
a p p l a u se (N o u n ) : a p p rov a l ex p ressed , especi a ll y b y
t h e cl a p pi ng of h a n ds.
T h e o p p osi te of a p p l a u se is a b u s e
 C O M M O N E R R O RS
a b u se (N o u n) : m a k e r u de a n d offe n sive re m a r k s. L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w : (i) N e i t h e r o f t h e m s p e a k s / s p e a k a fo reig n l a ng u age.
T h e a u di e n ce b ro k e i n to a lo u d a p p l a u se . (ii) E i t h e r o f t h ese i n ter p ret a tio n s i s / a r e cor rect.
O t h ers b ro k e i n to a lo u d a b u s e. 1 0 9. (1) I w e n t t o t e m pl e will rep lace I w e n t t o t h e t e m p le
H e n ce, b u t so m e a b u s es w e r e h e a r d t o o is t h e righ t bec a u se –
u s age. A r t i c l e s a r e n o t u s e d w i t h p l a c es l i k e S c h o o l /
1 0 3 . (4) c a n ’ t m a k e h e a d n o r t a i l o f so m e t h i n g ca n also U n iversity / P riso n / h osp it a l / ch u rc h u n less t hey refer
be u sed. to a p a r t i c u l a r o n e .
(1) c a n ’ t m a k e h e a d n o r / o r t a i l o f so m e t h i n g (I d i- L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
o m ) : m e a n s u n a ble to u n d ersta n d a n yt h i ng. T h e c h u r c h dow n t h e street is very ol d . (a p a rtic u l a r
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w : ch u rc h)
We c o u l d n ’ t m a k e h e a d o r t a i l of t h e fi l m . I go to c h u r c h every S u n d a y. (n ot a p a rtic u l ar ch u rch)
I c o u l d n ’ t m a k e h e a d o r t a i l of t h e p ro bl e m . 1 1 0. (1) I p asse d will rep l ace I h a v e p asse d bec a u se –
1 0 4 . (3) o n t h e r e c e i p t o f will rep l ace o f t h e r e c e i p t o f. S i m p l e P as t T e n s e i s u sed wi t h ti m e ex p ressio n s
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w : referri ng to th e pa st (yester da y, l ast ye ar, ago, i n 2 0 14 ,
T h e d ep a rt m e n t is a u t h orized , o n r e c e i p t o f s u c h etc.)
repo rt, to d i rect a n i n q u i ry. Loo k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n belo w :
C o m e a s soo n a s yo u c a n o n r e c e i p t o f t h is. H is fa t h er d i e d two yea rs ago .
H en ce, o n t h e r ece i p t of t h is le t t er is t he rig ht us age.
1 0 5. (2) k n o w will rep l ace a m k n o w i n g bec a u se – Ver b A d ver b
k n o w is not u sed i n P rogr essi v e / C o n t i n u o u s T e n s e. (Si m p le Pa st) (of ti m e)
Loo k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n belo w : H e n ce, I p asse d is t h e righ t u sage
I a m k n o w i n g t h at th is is t r u e. ( ) 1 1 1. (3) d o e s n ’ t i t will rep l ace i s n ’ t i t b eca u se –
I k n o w t h a t t h is i s tr u e. ( ) P o si t i v e s t a t e m e n t (w i t h o u t A u x .) ta k es
H e n ce, k n o w (S i m p l e P r e s e n t) i s u sed h ere. N ega t i v e T ag (w i t h A u x .)
1 0 6. (3) w e r e will rep l ace w as bec a u se – L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es b e l o w :
two or more S i n g u l a r / P l u r al S u b j e c t s join ed by a n d Yo u l i k e coffee, d o n o t yo u ?
act as a P l u r a l C o m p o u n d S u b j e c t a n d t a k e a P l u r a l
Ve r b (S i n g u l a r + S i n g u l a r = P l u r a l)
S u b . M ai n Ver b Aux . not
Loo k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n belo w :
T h e r a n ge r se es a be a r.
do n’t
He e a t s m ea t, d o es n o t h e ?
Si ng. S u b. (Si ng. Ver b (wi t h s)
T h e c a m p e r se es a be a r. S u b . M ai n Ver b Aux . not

Si ng. S u b. (Si ng. Ver b (wi t h s) d oes n’t

T h e r a n ge r a n d t h e c a m p e r se e a b ea r. 1 1 2. (1) U n l e ss : if — n o t .
Loo k a t t h e e x a m pl e gi v e n belo w :
Pl u r a l S u b . Pl u r a l S u b . Pl u . Ver b Yo u will b e sic k i f yo u do n o t sto p ea ti ng.
(wi t h o u t s)
Yo u will b e sic k u n l ess yo u sto p ea ti ng.
H e nce, we re f o u n d n ea r ea c h o t h er is th e righ t u sage.
H e n ce, I f y o u d o n o t gi v e is t h e righ t u sage
1 0 7. (3) y o u a n d m e will rep l ace y o u a n d I bec a u se -
1 1 3. (2) m a n y will rep l ace m u c h bec a u se –
b e t w e e n i s a P r e p.
S t a rs a re C o u n t a b l e N o u n s a n d m a n y is u sed wi t h
A P r e p . m u s t b e fol lo we d b y a n I n d i r e c t o b j e c t
C o u n t a b l e N o u n s w h e r e a s m u c h i s u se d w i t h
Pro n o u n .
U n c o u n t abl e N o u n s.
M e is a n I n d i r e c t O b j e c t P r o n o u n ( O b jective C a se)
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
w h ile I is a S ub j e c t P r o n o u n . (S ub j e c t i v e o r
N o m i n a t i v e C a s e) T h e refo re, b e t w e e n h a s to b e T h ere w as too m u c h tr affic o n t h e roa d .
follow ed b y y o u a n d m e. M a n y peo p le feel t h a t t h e l a w s h o u l d b e c h a nged .
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w : H e n ce, h o w m a n y a r e is t h e righ t u sage
S h e we n t wi t h I. ( ) 1 1 4. (3) r i ses will rep l ace r a i ses bec a u se –
S h e we n t wi t h m e. ( ) r i s e (Ve r b) : to i n cre a se i n a m o u n t or n u m ber
T h is is b e t w e e n To m a n d I. ( ) r a i se (Ve r b) : to lift or m ove so m et h i ng to a h igh er
T h is is bet wee n T o m a n d m e. ( ) level
L o o k a t t h e e x a m p l es g i v e n b e l o w :
1 0 8. (4) N e i t h e r o f / E i t h e r o f, followed b y P l u r a l N o u n s,
t a k es S i n g u l a r / P l u r a l Ve r b S h e r a i se d h er eyes fro m h er wor k .

S E E –148