CONTENTS

Articles
Chapter 1 ..........................................................................................................................7
Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 3 ....................................................................................................................... 11
Noun

CHAPTER 1.................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................... 18
Chapter 3 ....................................................................................................................... 21
Chapter 4 ....................................................................................................................... 23
CHAPTER 5.................................................................................................................... 26
Chapter 6 ....................................................................................................................... 27
Chapter 7 ....................................................................................................................... 32
Chapter 8 ....................................................................................................................... 33
Per noun

Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................... 35
Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................... 37
Chapter 3 ....................................................................................................................... 40
Chapter 4 ....................................................................................................................... 48
Chapter 5 ....................................................................................................................... 51
ADJECTIVES
Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................... 57
Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................... 60
Chapter 3 ....................................................................................................................... 63
Chapter 4 ....................................................................................................................... 67
Chapter 5 ....................................................................................................................... 69
Chapter 6 ....................................................................................................................... 73
DETERMINER
Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................... 78
Narration
Chapter1 ........................................................................................................................ 82
Voice
Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................... 86
Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................... 90
Verb
Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................... 92
chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................... 96
chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 101
Chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 104
chapter 5 .................................................................................................................... 108
Chapter 6 .................................................................................................................... 110
chapter 6 .................................................................................................................... 112
chapter 7 .................................................................................................................... 115
chapter 8 .................................................................................................................... 117
chapter 8 .................................................................................................................... 120
chapter 9 .................................................................................................................... 123
chepter 10 .................................................................................................................. 130
Adverb
Chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 133
Chapter 2 .................................................................................................................... 136
cahpter 3 .................................................................................................................... 140
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 141
Preposition
chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 146
cahpter 2 .................................................................................................................... 149
chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 155
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 157
cahpter 5 .................................................................................................................... 161
cahpter 6 .................................................................................................................... 163
chapter 7 .................................................................................................................... 169
CONJUNCTION
chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 170
cahpter 2 .................................................................................................................... 174
chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 177
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 180
chapter 5 .................................................................................................................... 183
chapter 6 .................................................................................................................... 185
chapter 7 .................................................................................................................... 187
Finite & Non-Finite
chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 189
Common Errors
cahpter 1 .................................................................................................................... 192
cahpter 2 .................................................................................................................... 195
chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 197
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 200
chapter 5 .................................................................................................................... 210
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 213
chapter 2 .................................................................................................................... 222
Chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 225
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 231
Chapter 5 .................................................................................................................... 234
cahpter 6 .................................................................................................................... 239
chapter 7 .................................................................................................................... 240
Chapter 8 .................................................................................................................... 245
SUBSTITUTION
chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 255
chapter 2 .................................................................................................................... 256
chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 257
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 259
chapter 5 .................................................................................................................... 295
chapter 6 .................................................................................................................... 299
chapter 7 .................................................................................................................... 302
cahpter 8 .................................................................................................................... 305
chapter 9 .................................................................................................................... 308
Word Often Confused
chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 310
chapter 2 .................................................................................................................... 314
chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 315
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 316
cahpter 5 .................................................................................................................... 317
cahpter 6 .................................................................................................................... 318
cahpter 7 .................................................................................................................... 319
chapter 8 .................................................................................................................... 323
chapter 9 .................................................................................................................... 328
chapter 10 .................................................................................................................. 332
cahpter 11 .................................................................................................................. 336
chapter 12 .................................................................................................................. 340
chapter 13 .................................................................................................................. 344
chapter 13 .................................................................................................................. 350
chapter 14 .................................................................................................................. 352
chapter 15 .................................................................................................................. 353
Chapter 16 ................................................................................................................. 355
chapter 17 .................................................................................................................. 358
chapter 18 .................................................................................................................. 360
chapter 19 .................................................................................................................. 362
chapter 20 .................................................................................................................. 376
chapter 21 .................................................................................................................. 378
chapter 22 .................................................................................................................. 381
chapter 23 .................................................................................................................. 383
chapter 24 .................................................................................................................. 386
cahpter 25 .................................................................................................................. 389
Idioms & Phrases
chapter 1 .................................................................................................................... 393
chapter 2 .................................................................................................................... 395
chapter 3 .................................................................................................................... 397
chapter 4 .................................................................................................................... 398
cahpter 5 .................................................................................................................... 400
cahpter 6 .................................................................................................................... 403
chapter 7 .................................................................................................................... 405
Chapter 8 .................................................................................................................... 408
chapter 9 .................................................................................................................... 410
cahpter 10 .................................................................................................................. 412
cahpter 11 .................................................................................................................. 414
chapter 12 .................................................................................................................. 417
chapter 13 .................................................................................................................. 420
cahpter 14 .................................................................................................................. 423
chapter 15 .................................................................................................................. 426
chapter 16 .................................................................................................................. 434
chapter 17 .................................................................................................................. 435
cahpter 18 .................................................................................................................. 438
chapter 19 .................................................................................................................. 442
cahpter 20 .................................................................................................................. 443
cahpter 21 .................................................................................................................. 445
cahpter 22 .................................................................................................................. 447
cahpter 23 .................................................................................................................. 450
 ARTICLES

CHAPTER 1

A clear understanding of the usage of articles in sentences will help us in solving

―Error spotting‖ questions easier and quicker.
Articles a , an , the

Indefinite articles a AND an

Definite article the

USAGE OF ARTICLES “A” AND “AN”

 a + word with consonant sound
 an + word with vowel sound
 the + word with vowel/ consonant sound ( WHEN THE WORD IS MEANT TO BE
DEFINITE)
 For typical words with vowel or consonant sounds, there will not be any
confusion. But for those words which start with a vowel letter but have a
consonant sound and vice versa, we need to be cautious in the usage of the
articles.

EXCEPTIONS IN WORDS STARTING WITH VOWELS

1.The word ―one‖ is pronounced as ―WON‖ in English. So it starts with a vowel but
has a consonant sound. Hence for words starting with ―one‖, we need to use the
article, ―a‖ before them.
A ONE-RUPEE COIN
A ONE-DAY PROGRAM
But, ―only‖ is pronounced in the same way as it is written. Hence we use ―an‖
before only.
AN ONLY CHILD

2.Words starting with the letter ―u‖, will have the pronunciation as ―YOU‖.For those
words, we use the article, ―a‖ before them.
A UNIFORM
A UNICORN
This should not be followed for all words starting with ―u‖, since many words don‘t
have the sound of ―you‖.
AN UMBRELLA

3.Words starting with ―Eu‖ will also have a consonant sound ―YOU‖, though it starts
with a vowel ,e. Hence we should use the article, ―a‖ before them.
A EUROPEAN COUNTRY
A EUCALYPTUS PLANT

EXCEPTIONS IN WORDS STARTING WITH VOWELS

1. Some words starting with ―h‖, will have the ―ha‖ sound silenced. Hence they
sound like a vowel. For those words, we should use the article , ―an‖ .
AN HOUR
AN HONOUR
For all other words which have ―ha‖ sound, we should use ―a‖.
A HOSPITAL
A HORSE

Exceptions in Words with abbreviations

For those words of abbreviations, which start with a consonant and have a vowel
sound, we should use ―an‖
AN M.L.A
AN M.P
AN FBI AGENT
It is always necessary to pronounce the word and then use appropriate articles
before them.

USAGE OF THE ARTICLE “THE”

―the‖ is used,
1. Before unique objects or persons .(there is only one object / person existing)
THE MOON
THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA

2. The superlative form of the adjective.

THE TALLEST BOY
THE MOST BRILLIANT GIRL

3. Before some mountains/oceans

THE HIMALAYAS
THE INDIAN OCEAN

4. Before the words repeated in a sentence.

THERE WAS A MAN IN THE VILLAGE. THE MAN HAD TWO SONS.
 5. Before some countries
THE UK, THE WEST INDIES.

6. Before some monuments

THE TAJ MAHAL, THE COLOSSEUM

7. Before adjectives of Nationality and adjectives of generalisation

THE SWEDISH, THE FRENCH, THE RICH , THE POOR.

8. Before ordinal numbers

THE FOURTH CHAPTER, THE FIRST TIME

OMISSION OF ARTICLES
Some words don‘t take articles before them, which include the names of countries,
names of people, uncountable nouns etc.

We have brushed up our knowledge in the usage of articles. Using this, we shall try
to spot the errors in the following sentences.
Find which part of the sentence contains error. If there is no error, the answer is
"No correction required".
1. Three years ago,/ despite being in severe pain,/ Vikas Gowda came up with a silver
/ at Asian Games in Incheon.
2. The next year,/ discus throw National record holder /was close to his best / as he
struck gold / at the Asian athletics championships at Wuhan.
3. Now, with just couple of days / for the curtains to go up for the Asians,/ Vikas has
been put in a very awkward situation
4. With the Mysuru man producing / mediocre 57.79m throw in Sunday‘s trials,/ the
news going around was / that he may not be allowed to compete.
5. But there was a positive turn/ to the series of events on Monday.
6. ―Vikas will be taking part,‖ / Deputy National coach Radhakrishnan Nair told Hindu
on Monday night. / ―The series of incidents must have been very demoralising for
Vikas.‖
7. Meanwhile, AFI secretary C.K. Valson also indicated / that Vikas could get the green
flag to compete after all.
8. ―We have sent Vikas‘ case to selectors,/ most probably he will be in,‖ he said.
9. Vikas, who trains in US ,/ has been one of India‘s finest throwers ever/ and the
country has often looked up to/ the giant to deliver at the majors.
10.He is the Commonwealth Games champion,/ two-time Asian Championships gold
medalist.
11.He was in the top 10 at the last three World Championships/ and at 2012 London
Olympics/ finished a creditable eighth.
12.Incidentally, Vikas threw impressive 62.35m/ at a meet in Chula Vista/ in the US
last month.
13.That makes him /one of top three Asians/ in the world list this year. The two Asians
above him,/ are not very far ahead.
14.That makes an Indian/ a contender for a medal,/ even a gold perhaps,/ at
Bhubaneswar.
15.Incidentally, all the three are yet to make/ the cut for this August‘s World
Championships in London.
16.Vikas was probably paying price /for not revealing the extent of the shoulder and
knee injuries/ he suffered last year.
17.After qualifying for the Olympics early in 2015, /he was lying low for the whole of
last season / and came up with poor performance at Rio.
18.Vikas may not be at his best now/ but he can still be a force to reckon with/ and
author a happy ending to the story.

ANSWER:
1. At the Asian Games in Incheon.
2. The discus throw National record holder
3. Now, with just a couple of
4. A mediocre 57.79m throw in Sunday’s trials
5. No correction required
6. Deputy National coach Radha krishnan Nair told The Hindu on Monday
night
7. No correction required
8. We have sent Vikas’ case to the selectors
9. Vikas, who trains in the US
10. A two-time Asian Championships gold medalist.
11. And at the 2012 London Olympics
12. Incidentally, Vikas threw an impressive 62.35m
13. One of the top three Asians
14. That makes the Indian
15. No correction required
16. Vikas was probably paying the price
17. And came up with a poor performance at Rio
18. No correction required
 CHAPTER 2

Incorrect Correct

My elder brother is a M.A whereas I am My elder brother is an M.A whereas I am

only a B.A. only a B.A.

The Ramayana is read and held in high

Ramayana is read and held in high
esteem not only in India but also in the
esteem not only in India but also in USA
USA and the USSR.
and USSR.

None but brave deserves the fair. None but the brave deserves the fair.

That the honesty is a best policy is That the honesty is the best policy is
known to the honest person. known to the honest person.

Our principal is the man of principle. Our principal is a man of principle.

He is a Raj Kapoor of our class. He is the Raj Kapoor of our class.

Times of India, published from Delhi, is Times of India, published from New
the perfect newspaper. Delhi, is the perfect newspaper.

He is a greater statesman than He is a greater statesman than an

administrator. administrator.

One can see heaven and the hell only in One can see heaven and hell only in the
religious books. religious books.

I attend the college every day. I attend college every day.

The English is the language of English. English is the language of the English.

Cow is a domestic animal. The Cow is a domestic animal.

The Sun is the source of all life on the

Sun is a source of all life on the earth.
earth.

The gold is a precious metal. Gold is a precious metal.

Make him stand by ear. Make him stand by the ear.

CHAPTER 3
In a series of sharing useful English Grammar notes, today I am sharing Articles.
Last week I shared Adverbs.
 TYPES OF ARTICLES:
1. Definite (the)
2. Indefinite (a/an)

EXAMPLES:
#1. there was a king in the forest and the king was brave.
{ here 'a' used before king ( which is not known and does not described before, it is
also countable noun, so there we use 'a'.

#2. She is an intelligent girl.

{ a indefinite article is used before the adjective of singular noun }

#3. she gave me an* information .

{ Article is not used before information because information is not a singular
countable noun }
so the correct sentence will be
Correct Sentence : She gave me information

WHERE TO USE 'A' AND 'AN'

'a' is used before singular countable noun started with a consonant alphabet or
which are sound consonant.
Ex: chair, BA etc.

'an' is used before the singular countable noun which are started countable noun
which are started with vowels or give sound of vowels.
Ex : Heir, Apple etc.

USE OF INDEFINITE ARTICLE

1. With Proper Noun :
Example: This book is written by a Chetan .
This book is written by Chetan .
{ Difference between above two sentence is that in the 1st sentence we are talking
about 'Chetan' who is not a particular and in the next sentence 'Chetan' is described
as famous or a particular special person.}
2. The Case of so , as , too :
Example :
1. It is too heavy a parcel for me to carry.
2. She is as beautiful a girl as you are ever likely to me.
3. A mid wave of shouting was flowing in the party.

'THE'
Examples:
#1. You are the man who helped me.
#2. These are the girls whom are I have invited.
#3. The water of this well is polluted.
=> Here 'the' is used before the noun to make the noun specific.
=>'The' article is used before the singular countable noun , uncountable noun.
=>'The' article is used with the country names if it's last letter of name incudes‘'.
=>'The' is used before the countries which are stated by using 'united' , 'Republic'.
Example: United states of America ,Republic of China.

4. Incorrect statement : The director and producer of the film were* present in the
function.
Correct Statement: The director and producer of the film was present in function.

Note: Here 'the' is used with director only and the producer is separated by using
'and' , here the sentence state that producer and director is the same person. so
the verb should be singular so here use was instead of 'were'.

OMISSION OF ARTICLE
#1. He goes to school daily.
#2. He is standing near by the school.
=> 'The' article is used before noun when we have need to show something
specific. It is not as before the noun representing general act.
#3. He went to church to offer prayers. [general act]
#4. He went to the church to meet his friends.

WORDS WITH WHICH 'THE' IS NOT USED IN GENERAL

CASES:
 Church for prayers
 Temple for prayers
 Collage as student
  School to study
 Court
 University
 Bed to sleep
 Market
 Hospital as a Patient
 Jail as a prisoner

USE OF ' LITTLE ', 'A LITTLE' , 'THE LITTLE'

=> little means negligible
=>A little means little
=> The little means sufficient
Rule- All of these are used with uncountable noun.

EXAMPLES:
#1. He did not attempt any question in the exam, as he hadlittle knowledge of
computer.
#2. He attempted two question in the exam as he had a little knowledge of
computer
#3. The little knowledge of computer that he possessed was sufficient to crack the
exam.

USE OF FEW , A FEW , THE FEW

It is used before the uncountable nouns.
The use age was same as of (little, a little, the little)

EXAMPLES
#1. In an hours* time ,he reached Mumbai.
#2. Music is a science but singing is art* said the music teacher.
#3. Thanks to an insight and persistence of the local doctors , thousands of victims
were able to resume a normal life.
#4. There are a hundred of partially built houses in the town.
#5. I don't like that kind of a man who does nothing but finds faults in others.
#6. He thinks about himself to be a linguistic but in reality he does'nt know even
ABC of linguistics.
Note:- 'a' is not used before the noun if it followed by 'of'
 'the' article is used in the case of 'noun of noun'.
Other words are
 plenty of
  bind of
 sort of
 type of

NOUN

CHAPTER 1

1. PROPER NOUN:
The name of person, movie, serial, book, subject, game, disease, country etc.
always takes singular verb.
 Person name: John keats, Meena, Somaksh......
 Book Name: The Stars' Tennis Balls, The Hunger Games....
 Disease Name: Measles, Mumps, Diabetes.....
 Subject Name: Physics, Mathematics, History....
 Singular verb: is, was, has, v.1st (s or es)

EXAMPLE
 His Dark Materials trilogy are a famous novel.(×)
 His Dark Materials trilogy is a famous novel. (√)
 Yaadon Ki Baaraat were the first movie of Aamir Khan. (×)
 Yaadon Ki Baaraat was the first movie of Aamir Khan. (√)

NOUNS WITH SINGULAR VERB

Certain nouns that indicate measurement and amount take a singular verb.

EXAMPLE
 15 miles are not a big distance.(×)
 15 miles is not a big distance.(√)
 There are 500 kg. potato in the godown. (×)
 There is 500 kg. potato in the godown. (√)

2. UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS:
Information, scenery, luggage, furniture, mischief, vacation, evidence, fuel, food,
alphabet, machinery, poetry, news, advice... etc always take a singular verb and
never use in plural form.

EXAMPLE
 They gave me some information‘s.(×)
 They gave me some information.(√)
 The information of this girl are right.(×)
 The information of this girl is right.(√)
 He gave me advices.(×)
 He gave me advice.(√)
 The advice that you gave me were very useful. (×)
 The advice that you gave me was very useful. (√)
Wrong use: He bought 3 irons/ 2 sugars/3 furniture‘s/ 3 fuels/ 4 breads/ 5 ice
cream.....
Right use: 2 plates of food/ 3 items of furniture/ 8 kg. sugar/ 2 pieces of
bread/......

3. COLLECTIVE NOUN:
Cattle, people, vermin, gentry, poultry, children, offspring, majority... etc always
take plural verb and never used in plural form.

EXAMPLE
 The cattle has entered the ground now. (×)
 The cattle have entered the ground now. (√)
 The gentries of this village are in the function. (×)
 The gentry of this village are in the function. (√)
 The offspring of Sheena is celebrating their parent's 25th anniversary.(×)
 The offspring of Sheena are celebrating their parent's 25th anniversary. (√)

4. COLLECTIVE NOUNS:
Army, council, committee, police, jury, audience, batch, union, gang, panel, herd,
crowd, army......
Singular verb is used when these are used as a body (united/ combined)
Plural verb is used when these are used as individuals or members (divide/
separate/ spread)
EXAMPLE
 The police work honestly for us.(×)
 The police works honestly for us.(√)
(Here we are talking about the whole department of police so we used singular
verb.)
 The police has caught a thief.(×)
 The police have caught a thief.(√)
(Here we are talking about some police men so we used plural verb.)
 The army are dedicated to the country.(×)
 The army is dedicated to the country.(√)
 The army has shot the terrorists.(×)
 The army have shot the terrorists.(√)

6. POSSESSIVE CASE: 'S (APOSTROPHE S)

's always use with living things, general idea, time and country.
EXAMPLE
 Neha's hair is very silky.(√)
 Today's newspaper is on the table.(√)
 Time's value can't be ignored in life.(√)

NEVER USE DOUBLE 'S IN A SENTENCE.

EXAMPLE
 My teacher's son's job is in a computer company.(×)
 The job of My teacher's son is in a computer company.(√)

WHEN 'S IS USED AFTER A PLURAL NOUN AND A WORD OF

WHICH S IS IN ITS END THEN USE ONLY (').
EXAMPLE
 Writers's ideas (×)
 Writers' ideas (√)
 John keats's poem (×)
 John keats' poem (√)
 He is writing a book on soldier's life in the military. (×)
 He is writing a book on soldiers' life in the military. (√)
(Here we used soldiers' not soldier's because he is writing a book not a soldier's life
but all soldiers' life.)

Males', females' is not use with non living things. Ladies', gents', boys',
girls', men's, women's is used for non living things.
EXAMPLE
Males' perfume is costly enough.(×)
Gents' perfume is costly enough.(√)
 7. COMPOUND NOUN:
A noun made up of two or more existing words.
's should be added only with the last word.
EXAMPLE
 Lower division clerk's behavior (√)
 Sister in law's mother (√)
 Maid-servant's work (√)

CHAPTER 2

RULE 1
There are some nouns which are used as it is for singular and plural meaning. Like
lectures, series, species, apparatus, services, fish, sheep, offspring etc

Example
As soon as I walked in that farm I saw two deers.
Correct statement : As soon as I walked in that farm I saw two deer.
Sheeps are grazing in the farm.
Correct statement: Sheep are grazing in the farm.

RULE 2
A compound noun is not used in the plural form for that condition is if the noun
does the work of an adjective.
Example
A Twenty miles journey.
Correct statement : A Twenty mile journey.
A ten rupees note.
Correct statement : A ten rupee note.

RULE 3
If same noun comes before preposition and after preposition then the after
preposition noun should be in singular form.

Example.
Hour after hours.
Correct statement : Hour after hour
Time to times.
Correct statement : Time to time.

RULE 4
While using compound nouns with apostrophe 's', the apostrophe should be put
only with the last word.

Example.
Her sister's in law's house is very beautiful.
Correct statement : Her sister in law's house is very beautiful.

This is my father's in law's car.

Correct statement : This is my father in law's car.

RULE 5
If any noun or a word ending with 's' and which is in the possessive form in that
case use apostrophe without 's'.

Example.
Incorrect: Viksas's Car
Correct: Vikas' Car.

Incorrect: Boys's Hostel

Correct: Boys' Hostel

RULE 6
Some noun gives different meaning when s or es is used with them.
Example.
Quarter is a noun whose meaning is one forth.
Quarters is a noun whose meaning is place of residence.

RULE 7
Some noun which are used for expressing length and measurements should always
be used in singular form and do not use 'of ' after such nouns.
Example.
He has dozens of potatoes.
Correct statement : He has dozen potatoes.

Gopal has millions of dollars.

Correct statement: Gopal has million dollars.

RULE 8
When two adjectives having different meaning and which is qualifying same noun
are always used with plural verbs.
Example.
Summer and winter vacation is compulsory in his school.
Correct statement : Summer and winter vacation are compulsory in his school.

Social and cultural life in India is changing very fast.

Correct statement : Social and cultural life in India are changing very fast.

RULE 9

We should carefully use plural forms of some noun. some of them are given below.
Singular Noun Plural Noun

Mouse Mice

Stadium Stadia

Criterion Criteria

Phenomenon Phenomena

Crisis Crises

Radius Radii

Syllabus Syllabi

Alumnus Alumni

Addendum Addenda

Mother in law Mother's in law

Basis Bases

Matrix Matrices

Fungus Fungi
 CHAPTER 3

RULE 1
There are some nouns which are uncountable like Thoughts, scenery, Poetry,
luggage, work etc. Such nouns are always followed by singular helping verbs.
Example.
 The scenery of forts in Rajasthan are very beautiful.
 Correct statement: The scenery of forts in Rajasthan is very beautiful.
Here, we are referring to scenery not forts therefore "is" should be used.

RULE 2
There are some nouns which are in singular form like Children, cattle, People,
Group etc. but are used as plural nouns hence plural helping verb is used with
them.

Example.
1. His children is very intelligent.
Correct statement : His children are very intelligent.
2. People is in the favour of this decision.
Correct statement : People are in the favour of this decision.

RULE 3
Nouns ending with s or es like Economics, Politics, Mechanics, Physics, Innings,
News, Series etc are used with the singular verb only.
Example.
1. Politics are like business for some people.
Correct statement: Politics is like business for some people.
2. The news of His journey to success are encouraging.
Correct statement: The news of his journey to success is encouraging.

RULE 4
Nouns like scissors, trousers, spectacles , Jeans, thanks, contents, orders, spirits,
savings, stairs, assets, requirements, ashes etc are used with plural form with the
plural verb only.
Example.
His spectacles is very attractive.
Correct statement : His spectacles are very attractive.

My savings is very less.

Correct statement :My savings are very less.

RULE 5
Nouns which are expressing any number are always used in singular form only.

Example.
He gave me Five hundreds rupees.
Correct statement : He gave me Five hundred rupees.

Rahul bought two dozens banana from Market.

Correct statement : Rahul bought two dozen banana from Market.

RULE 6
Do not use apostrophe 's' with the non living things . Apostrophe only used with
living things and with time, weight, distance and amount only.

Example.
House's colour.(Wrong)
Divya's book (correct)
Three kilometer's journey (correct)
Nature's law(correct)

RULE 7
Place 'the' before a proper noun which can be used as a common noun.

Example
His daughter is the scientist of the future.
He is the manager of the Bank.

RULE 8
Noun which are used in collective form like group can be used in both singular and
plural form.
Example
Society group made their decision instantly.
Correct statement : Society group made its decision instantly.

CHAPTER 4

RULE 1
Some nouns always remain in plural form. They take plural verb. These nouns have
no singular form. These are -
Assets, alms, amends, annals, archives, ashes ,arrears, athletics, auspices, species,
scissors , trousers, pants. clippers, bellows, gallows, fangs, measles, eyeglasses,
goggles, belongings, breeches. Bowels , braces ,binoculars, dregs, earnings,
entrails, embers ,fetters, fireworks, longings, lees, odds ,outskirts, particulars,
proceeds, proceedings ,riches, remains, shambles, shears, spectacles ,
surroundings ,tidings ,tactics ,tongs ,vegetables, valuables, wages etc.
MEANS' — IN THE SENSE OF INCOME'. MEANS ALWAYS TAKES A PLURAL VERB. IN THE
SENSE WAY TO ACHIEVE SOME END, MEANS TAKES A SINGULAR VERB. WHEN 'A' OR
'EVERY' IS USED BEFORE MEANS', IT IS SINGULAR.
Examples
(a) My means were reduced substantially.
(b) Every means is good if the end is good.

RULE 2
Some nouns look plural in form but have singular meaning. Such nouns take
singular verb. These are: news, innings, politics, summons, physics, economics,
ethics. mechanics, mathematics, measles, mumps, rickets, billiards, draughts, etc.

RULE 3
Some nouns look singular but have plural meaning. Such nouns take plural verbs.
These are: cattle, clergy, cavalry, infantry, poultry, peasantry, children, gentry,
police etc.

RULE 4
Some nouns are always used in singular . These are uncountable nouns. We should
not use article A/An with such nouns. These are -
Scenery, poetry, furniture, advice, information, hair, language. business, mischief,
bread, stationery, crockery, luggage, baggage, postage, knowledge, wastage,
money, jewellery, breakage etc,
WE CAN NOT PLURALISE SUCH NOUNS BY ADDING `S' OR 'ES'.
Example It is incorrect to write sceneries, information‘s, furniture‘s, hairs.
IF HAIR IS USED AS COUNTABLE IT CAN BE PLURALISED : E.G., ONE HAIR, TWO
HAIRS.
Example I need three hairs of a black horse.

RULE 5
Some nouns have the same form in singular as well as in plural. e.g., deer, fish,
crew, family, team, jury, carp, pike, trout, aircraft, counsel ,swine, vermin, etc.

RULE 6
Some nouns have plural meaning. If a definite numeral adjective is used before
them they are not pluralized. e.g., pair, score. Gross , stone ,hundred, dozen,
thousand. million. billion. etc.
OTHERWISE THESE NOUNS CAN WELL BE PLURALISED:
Dozens of women, Hundreds of people, Millions of dollars, Scores of shops. Many
pairs of shoes, thousands millions etc.

RULE 7
If the same noun is repeated after preposition ,the noun will be singular.
Examples
(a) Town after town was devastated.
(b) Row upon row of pink marble looks beautiful.

RULE 8
If a numeral adjective and a fraction are used with a noun, the noun is used with
the numeral and the noun will be in singular.
Examples
(a) He gave me one rupee and a half.
(b) She gave me two rupees and a quarter.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING STRUCTURE

Examples
(a) He gave me one and a half rupees. (INCORRECT).
(b) She gave rite two and a quarter rupees. (INCORRECT)
IF THE NUMERAL ADJECTIVE AND THE FRACTION REFER THE MULTIPLICATION, THE
NOUN BE PLACED IN THE END (AFTER THE FRACTION) AND IT MUST BE PLURAL.
Examples
(a) Your deposits has grown two and a half times within two years.
(b) My salary has increased three and a quarter times within three years.

RULE 9
Some nouns are known as common gender nouns. They can be used for either sex;
Male or Female. These are called dual gender nouns. Such nouns are : teacher,
student, child, clerk, candidate. advocate, worker, writer, author, leader, musician,
politician, enemy, client, president, person, neighbour etc. When these are used in
singular, use third person singular masculine (his) pronoun with them.
Examples
(a) Every candidate should write his ( not her) name.
(b) Every person should perform his ( not her) duty.
EACH. EITHER, EVERYONE. EVERYBODY, NO ONE, NOBODY, NEITHER, ANYBODY ARE
ALSO common gender pronouns.

RULE 10
Some nouns are used for specifically for feminine gender only. i.e., blonde, maid,
mid wife, coquette, virgin etc.
NOW A DAYS NOUNS 'BACHELOR' AND 'VIRGIN' ARE BEING USED FOR MASCULINE AND
FEMININE GENDER AS WELL .

USE OF APOSTROPHE WITH 'S'

(A) You can form the possessive case of a singular noun that does not end
in 's' by adding an apostrophe and `s' We should use apostrophe in
following situations only
(1) Living things -> Mohan's book
(2) Thing personified; as —> week's holiday
(3) Space time or weight ; as —> a day's leave
(4) Certain dignified objects; as
 The court's orders
 At duty's call
(5) Familiar phrases; as —
 At his wit's end
 At a stone's throw
IT THERE ARE HISSING SOUNDS (SOUNDS OF SH OR S) ENDING A WORD, USE
APOSTROPHE WITHOUT 's' WITH SUCH WORDS. E.G., FOR JESUS' SAKE, FOR
CONSCIENCE' SAKE, THE ROSES' FRAGRANCE ETC. (IT CAN BE NOTED THAT IF WE USE
APOSTROPHE WITH S WITH SUCH WORDS IT COULDN'T BE PRONOUNCED WELL)
(B) You can form the possessive case of a plural noun that does not end in 's' by
adding an apostrophe and a 's,' as in the following example.
Example The men's cricket team will play as soon as the women's team is
finished.
(C) You can form the possessive case of a plural noun that does end in 's' by adding
an apostrophe.
Example The concert was interrupted by the „dogs' barking, the ‗ducks'quacking,
and the „babies' squalling.
(D) Do not use apostrophe with possessive pronouns
I.E., his, hers, yours, mine, ours, its, theirs etc.
Yours faithfully, yours truly, ours garden , his pen, hers purse, theirs room.
(E) Use apostrophe with the last word in following titles.
Examples
(a) Governor-general's instructions.
(b) Commander-in-chiefs orders.
(c) My son-in-law's sister.
(d) Ram and Sons's shop.
(F) Do not use 'Double apostrophe'. Avoid double apostrophe in a sentence.
Example
(a) My wife's secretary's mother has expired. (Incorrect)
The mother of my wife's secretary has expired. (Correct)
(G) Apostrophe with 's' is used with; Anybody/ Nobody / Everybody / Somebody /
Anyone / Someone / No one / Everyone.
Example Everyone's concern is no one's concern.
IF ELSE IS USED AFTER THESE WORDS, USE APOSTROPHE WITH ELSE AS PER
FOLLOWING:
Example I can rely on your words, not somebody else's.

CHAPTER 5

Incorrect Correct

My father is in the teaching line. My father is in the teaching profession.

Note : Teaching line is a slang word.

His hat was blown off by a strong air. His hat was blown off by a strong wind.
The magistrate has passed order for his
release.
There is no place for you on this bench.
The police has arrested the thief.
The wages of sin are death.
The weather of Delhi does not suit me.
Credit this sum in my name.
I have learnt these poetries by memory.
He does everything for conscience‘s
sake.
Has the agendum for tomorrow‘s
meeting been drawn.
My uncle‘s friend‗s son is a doctor.
Good night! How do you do?
The juries consist of ten members.
The jury was divided in its opinion.
CHAPTER 6
The magistrate has passed orders for his
release.
There is no room for you on this bench.
The police have arrested the thief.
The wages of sin is death.
The climate of Delhi does not suit me.
Credit this sum to my account.
Note: In my name is a slang expression.
The correct use is to my account.
I have learnt these poems by memory.
Note: There is no such word as poetries.
There is no plural of the word poetry. In
place of poetries, we should use poems.
He does everything for conscience sake.
Has the agenda for tomorrow‘s meeting
been drawn up?
Explanation: Agendum is not used in
English. Agenda (programme of a
meeting) is treated as singular.
The son of my uncle‘s friend is a doctor.
Note: the use of the double possessive
(‗s) should be avoided.
Good evening! How do you do?
Note : Good night is a parting salution.
When we meet someone( in the evening
time), the salutation should be Good
evening.
The jury consists of ten members.
The jury were divided in their opinion.
Explanation: jury is a collective noun.
Whenever there is a sense of unanimous
action, we use singular.
 TYPES:
 Proper Noun : Name of specific person, place or thing.
 Common Noun : Name of common things like boys, chair, girls etc.
 Collective Noun: Collection of some persons or things and represented as a
singular noun. Ex: class , army , herd , flight etc.
 Abstract Noun :Whom we cannot touch like happiness, sadness etc.
 Materialistic Noun: From whom something is comprised of known as
materialistic Noun.

FURTHER CLASSIFICATIONS ARE:

RULE NO: 1.

UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
There are some rules which are uncountable nouns.
 We cannot measure uncountable nouns. like '2 information‘s' wrong phrase.
 We always use singular verb with uncountable nouns.
 Plural of these words does not exist.
Some examples of uncountable nouns are:
Hair Scenery Information Mischief Stuff
Advice Poetry Evidence Luggage Jewelry
Furniture Bread Wood Wages Money
Machinery Crockery Cash Help Clothing
Examples:
 Children are prone to making mischiefs if they have nothing to do.[Correct:
mischief]
 I saw beautiful sceneries in painting exhibition.[Correct: scenery]
 I ate three breads today.[Correct: bread or three slices of bread]
 .She gave two jewelries.[Correct: Jewelry or a piece of jewelry]

RULE NO: 2
There are some nouns which seem to be plural but are singular.

Mathematics Statistics Some

Diseases: Mesals Mums
Physics Physics Shingles Rickets
Robotics Civics Diabetes
Mechanics Billiards
Gymnastics

News
Summons***
Innings
Series

Examples:
 News is coming on TV.
 The morale of the army was high the news coming from the front were very
encouraging.
 1st innings is going on.[Correct: Inning]
 A 5 match series is being played between India and Australia in Melbourne.

RULE NO: 3
There are some nouns which to be singular but exists in plural so use plural verb
with it.
Children Infantry
Politry Police
Gentry Cattle
Brethren People

Examples:
 There was no Gentry in function.[Correct: were]
 Police has been deployed all over the route.[Correct: have]
Gentry: Group of Gentlemen
Infantry(Troop):Collection of soldiers

RULE NO: 4
There are some nouns which exists both in singular and plural form. Nature of verb
depends upon sense of sentence and noun.
Words:
 Team
 Committee
 Audience
 Jury
 House
Examples:
 Our team is the best team.
  Our team are trying their new dresses today.
 A committee is formed for the welfare of society.
 A committee were appointed for the welfare of society.

RULE NO: 5
There are some nouns which is to be plural , they also exist in form but
cannot be converted into singular form.
Note: Always use singular verb with them untill they specified numerial.

scissors trousers jeans pants, shorts

spectacles socks remains scales pliers
binoculars pincers pajamas tights tweezers
thanks congratulations earnings wages savings
contents

Examples:
 A pair of spectacles have be bought by me.[Correct: has]
 He read the letter and made aware of its contents.[Correct: content]
 All the evidences were against and he was held guilty.[Correct: evidence, was]

NUMERICAL ADJECTIVE NOUN CASE

When in a sentence there is a numerical adjective with a noun, we cannot use
the plural of that noun if after there is another noun.
Examples:
Incorrect : He is a twenty years old boy. [ In this sentence we cannot use 's' with
'year' because after years there is a another noun
'boy' ]
Correct: He is a twenty year old boy.
 The boy is twenty years old.
 Twenty kms are a long distance.[Correct: is]
 He walked twenty kms.
 Twenty kms walk is a long distance.[Correct; km]
 The five members delegation will call on the president.

NOUN - PREPOSITION - NOUN CASE

Preposition: in, on, at, of, for, after, before, into, with, by, between, among ...etc.
Examples:
  Rows upon Rows of pink marbles are to the eyes.[Correct: Row upon Row, is]

USE OF APOSTROPHE 'S' : ('S)

The Ram House of ram = Ram's house

RULE 1
1 Never use apostrophe with non-living like wood, table, chair etc.

2. We can use (" 's ") with nouns which not come in the category of living and non-
living.
Ex:
 America's Problems
 Nature's law
 A meter's length
 A Kg's sugar
Examples:
 Ram and sham's house
 I visited John's and Marry's house twice but found the couple absent.
[Correct: John and Marry's]
 His wife's secretary's mother has died.
In this sentence the structure of sentence is not correct.

Correct: Mother of his wife's secretary has died.

RULE:2
Two apostrophe cannot come together in a single sentence.

RULE: 3
We can use ";" only with the words which are ended with 's'.
Ex: Kalidas' work
 He was late and entered the female compartment in hurry. [Correct: Women's
or ladies']
 We reached the fare and found that there was no place to stand.[Correct:
room]
 CHAPTER 7
Noun is a name of a person, thing, place or action.
Possessive noun shows ownership of one noun on another by adding "an
apostrophe" and a "s".

SINGULAR POSSESSIVE NOUN

 Ram's table
 Raghu's book
 Temple's land
 Father's car

PLURAL POSSESSIVE NOUN

 Parents' money
 Members' votes
 Students' fund
 Babies' toys
 CHAPTER 8
What is a noun? A noun is any word that names a person, a place or a thing. Thus,
Noun = name of person, place or a thing. Simple as that!
There are two broad types of nouns, namely countable (which can be counted) and
uncountable noun (which cannot be counted).
A countable noun is again classified into Proper, Common and Collective nouns;
whereas, Un-countable nouns are Material and Abstract nouns. Thus in total you‘re
going to learn about 5 different types of Nouns.
We begin with…

TYPES OF NOUN

PROPER NOUN
Proper noun is a unique name that we use for a person, a place or a thing.
Example: Ravi Kumar is a proper noun; it‘s a name of a person.
Agra is a proper noun; it‘s the name of a place.
Vacuum cleaner is a proper noun; it‘s the name of a device which cleans by sucking
dirt and dust.

COMMON NOUN
Common noun is when the proper nouns are referred to as a group. For example
Ravi, Shyam and Gopal are all men. Thus ‗men‘ is a common noun.
You can understand the relation between proper and common noun through this
table:
Proper Noun Common Common
Noun(singular) Noun(plural)
Rekha (name of a person) Woman/Girl Women/Girls
Amitabh(name of a person) Man/Boy Men/Boys
Canada (name of place) Country Countries
Mumbai (name of place) City Cities
Two States (name of thing) Film/Book Films/Books

COLLECTIVE NOUN
Collective noun is a special word, used to denote or represent a particular group of
people or things. It is very important to know the difference between a common
noun and a collective noun.
Through reading practice it becomes easier to identify collective nouns. The given
table should help.

Proper noun Common Collective noun Collective

noun noun(plurals)
General V.K. Singh Man Army Armies
Smt. Smriti Irani Woman Cabinet Cabinets
PVR Cinema Theatre Audience Audiences
Lionel Messi Man Players Players

I hope there will be no confusion between these three types of nouns, their plural
and singular forms.

MATERIAL NOUN

Material noun is the name of a material or any substance. Like gold, cotton,
calcium, mud, milk, tea, rain, cloud soap, rubber etc.

ABSTRACT NOUN

Abstract noun is any name given to a feeling, an idea, or a quality. How do you
remember this one? Easy, whatever we cannot touch is abstract.

Examples are love, hate, fear, anger, beauty, tiredness, death etc. Do you see
what I mean? These above mentioned words depict a feeling, and as we all know
feelings cannot be touched.

Feelings are intangible! (New word alert! Intangible is anything which cannot be
touched. It‘s opposite is tangible-something that can be touched!)

RULES OF NOUNS:
1. Material nouns and Abstract nouns are never used in plural form.
Why? Because they are uncountable nouns. Anything which cannot be counted
cannot be given a plural form! Thus uncountable nouns are always used in the
singular form.
2. Articles (A/An/The) are not to be used before proper and material nouns. This is
a very important rule, please do remember. Example: ‗TheMr. Dinesh Kumar‘is
wrong. So is ‗The bag is made of the leather.‘
3. Some collective nouns are always used in the plural form, like scissors, pants
and spectacles.
While some are used in singular form, like Police (it is never Polices!), poultry and
people!
All you people, please pay attention! ‗People‘ is a collective noun, and it does not
have a plural form. There is no such word as ‗peoples‘!
4. When showing ownership, belonging or any relation to something – we use rules
of possessive noun. Nothing to get worried about, it‘s very simple!
All you have to do is add an {‗s} to the singular forms of proper, common,
collective, material nouns! Like Amit‘s car. Or, Raman‘s book. The Indian Army‘s
squad.
But there‘s a catch! When a noun ends with an {s}, what do you do? Simply add
the {‗} after the {s}. Example, Vikas‘ car. Girls‘ hostel
5. Now last rule and the easiest one – the singular and plural conversion.
* Most of the words are changed to plurals by adding an {s} to the singular noun.
Example : Cat becomes cats. Flower becomes flowers.
*{es} is added to nouns ending with {s, z, x, sh and ch}.
Example : Box becomes boxes. Church becomes Churches. Dish becomes dishes
and so on.

PERNOUN

CHAPTER 1

RULE 1
Do not use same as a pronoun in the sentence.
Example
 He shall give you a book and the same is very useful.
Correct statement : He shall give you a book and it is very useful.
 She bought a house and is living in the same.
Correct statement : She bought a house and is living in it.

RULE 2
Both should always be used with and only and not with as well as and also
negative sentence is avoided with Both.
Example
 Both me as well as my brother like ice cream.
Correct statement: Both me and my brother like ice cream.
 Gopal is both intelligent as well as cute.
Correct statement : Gopal is both intelligent and cute.

RULE 3
Each and every should always be followed by singular verb and pronoun.
Example
 Every student of this class are very talented.
Correct statement: Every student of this class is very talented.
 Each and every time he comes here with there friends.
Correct statement : Each and every time he come here with his friends.

RULE 4
Pronoun that should always be used with the words like all, the same, only,
None, anybody, nothing, somebody etc.
Example
 Anybody knows this person who came yesterday.
Correct statement : Anybody knows that person who came yesterday.
 The same car which I brought has already available there.
Correct statement :The same car that I brought has already available there.

RULE 5
Pronoun that should be used if the sentence have superlative degree used in it.
Example
 He is the most talented person I have ever seen.
Correct statement :He is the most talented person that I have ever seen.
 This is the biggest creature found here.
Correct statement: This is the biggest creature that found here.

RULE 6
If the sentence is describing same person, same number, same gender then in that
case Antecedent Rule is applied.
Antecedent Rule: A pronoun is a word used to stand for (or take the place of) a
noun. A word can refer to an earlier noun or pronoun in the sentence.
Example
 He must follow rules while driving His car.
 One Should be cautious for One's behaviour.

RULE 7
With the pronoun like either of,each of, Neither of, One of, None of, Number
of, Any of use always Plural noun and singular verb.
Example
 Either of three girl got award.
Correct statement : Either of three girls got award.
 Neither of these boy are of good nature.
Correct statement : Neither of these boys is of good nature.

RULE 8
If sentence contain Either or , Neither nor or Not only but also in such a case
verb is always used according to the second subject.
Example
 Neither she Nor they is going to party.
Correct statement Neither she Nor they are going for party.
 Either Rahul or His friend are unable to attend that meeting.
Correct statement : Either Rahul or His friend is unable to attend that meeting.

RULE 9
The Number of is always followed by Plural noun with singular verb and A
Number of is always followed by Plural noun with Plural Verb.
Example
 A number of boy is reading books.
Correct statement : A Number of boys are reading books.
 The number of boy are reading books.
Correct statement : The Number of boys is reading books.

CHAPTER 2

DEFINITION
Pronoun are the words which are used by replacing main noun so that we can avoid
the repetition of that noun again and again.

RULE 1
When in any sentence the subject of the verb is receiver for an action and the
action is said to be reflected then such verbs are called reflective verb like enjoy,
avail, adapt, pride etc. Pronoun used for such reflection are herself, himself,
themselves, ourselves etc.
Example.
You should avail every opportunity.
Correct statement : You should avail yourself every opportunity.

They enjoyed during cricket match.

Correct statement : They enjoyed themselves during cricket match.

RULE 2
Some verb are not reflexive like keep, turn, qualify, move, rest etc so such verbs
are present in sentence we cannot use pronoun like himself, herself etc.
Example.
She has qualified herself for the job.
Correct statement : She has qualified for the job.

He Hid himself in the kitchen.

Correct statement : He hid in the kitchen.

RULE 3
Reflexive pronoun should not be used as a subject or object unless it is preceded by
pronoun or noun concerned.
Example.
Myself and He gone to watch movie.
Correct statement : I and He gone to watch movie.

Rahul will play for myself and this city.

Correct statement : Rahul will play for me and this city.

RULE 4
To be form of verbs like am, is, are, was, were, shall, will Should always be
followed by Subjective form when complement is pronoun in statement.
Example.
It is me who have passed this exam.
Correct statement : It is I who have passed this exam.
It will be us who will buy a new car.
Correct statement : It will be we who will buy a new car.

RULE 5
If the sentence contain verb and preposition then they are always followed by
objective case of pronoun.
Example.
Between you and I Rahul is brilliant.
Correct statement : Between you and me Rahul is brilliant.

He is demonstrating experiment to Rahul and she.

Correct statement : He is demonstrating experiment to Rahul and her.

RULE 6
Relative pronoun like who is generally used for the subject and whom is used for
the object.
Example
Ganesh is the boy who everybody thought had topped in college.
She talked to a person whom has a experience in field of agriculture.

RULE 7
If we are referring to a choice between two or more than two things then in that
case we pronoun which in place of who.
Example.
Of the two brothers who is perfect.
Correct statement : Of the two brothers which is perfect.

Who is your son in that long queue.

Correct statement : Which is your son in that long queue.

RULE 8
Pronoun like Whose is used for possessive case and Which is used for non living
things and animals.
Example
This is boy whose bike was stolen.
This is the dog which helped her to find way to home.

CHAPTER 3

RULE 1.
A pronoun should clearly refer the noun it stands for.
When it is not obvious to which antecedent a pronoun refers, the sentence should
be corrected. This can be done either by repeating the noun, or by rewriting the
sentence to make the meaning clear.

Examples
(1) My friend was there with her aunt. She was wearing a red saree. (Incorrect)
(2) My friend was there with her aunt. My friend was wearing a red saree. (Correct)
or
My friend, wearing a red saree, was there with her aunt. (Correct)

RULE 2.
A noun or pronoun which forms part of a prepositional phrase is said to be the
object of the preposition. Personal pronouns in the objective case are used as
objects of prepositions.
Examples
(1) Please give the copy to him.
(2) They went with her.
The underlined pronouns are the objects of the prepositions to, with.

RULE 3.
The possessive adjectives must agree with their antecedents.
Examples
(1) The boy obeys his father.
(2) The girl likes her mother.
(3) The bird sat on its nest.

RULE 4.
Possessive adjectives used with gerunds When a gerund is preceded by a personal
pronoun, the pronoun must be in the form of a possessive adjective.
Examples
(1) The girl said that her writing had improved.
(2) The boy entertained the guests with his singing .
IN THE ABOVE EXAMPLES, THE GERUNDS ARE UNDERLINED, AND THE POSSESSIVE
ADJECTIVES ARE PRINTED IN BOLD TYPE.

RULE 5.
The possessive form of a personal pronoun which is called as a possessive pronoun,
can be used in the place of a noun.
Examples
(1) He did not bring his briefcase, but I brought mine.
(2) Because I forgot my pen, she lent me hers.
IN THE ABOVE SENTENCES, THE POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS ARE UNDERLINED.

RULE 6.
Pronoun follows Let-When a pronoun follows 'let', we use the objective form of the
pronoun. We should not use subjective form after 'let'.
Let you and I decide the matter once for all. (Incorrect)
Let you and me decide the matter once for all. (Correct)

RULE 7.
Different person pronouns with the same verb : If pronouns of different persons are
used with the same verb in a sentence, they should be placed in following sequence
(i) If all the pronouns are in singular form then the good manners demand that
second person pronoun should come first and then the third person .The first
person should take the last position, i.e., 2 + 3 +1.
Examples
(a) You, he and I are partners.
(b) He and I are good friends.
(ii) If pronouns are in plural forms then the sequence should be 1+2+3, it means
the first person plural pronoun is followed by second and third person plural
pronouns.
Examples
(a) We and you cannot live together.
(b) We, you and they can purchase that complex.
(iii) Sometimes the sentences have some apologetic sense or negative sense or
sense of some errors committed etc. In such sentences the good manners demand;
to accept the guilt first by the speaker that means by the first person. In such case
the sequence should be 1+2+3.
Examples
(a) I and you are responsible for the loss.
(b) You and he spoiled the party.

RULE 8.
If a pronoun refers to more than one noun or pronoun of different persons, it must
be of the first person plural. In case, nouns or pronouns are first and second person
and if nouns or pronouns referred by the pronoun are second and third person, it
must he second person plural. In case of nouns or pronouns of first and third
person, the pronoun must be first person plural.
II + I............I Person plural
II + III..........II Person plural
III + I...........I Person plural
Examples
(a) You and I have done our job.
(b) You and he have completed your job.

RULE 9.
If a collective noun is used as a unit denoting a unitary action as a whole , the
pronoun used is singular and in neutral gender.
Examples
(a) The crew revolted and murdered its captain.
(b) After three days, the jury gave its verdict.
If the collective noun denotes separation or division , the pronoun used is plural.
Example
The jury were divided in their opinions.

RULE 10.
When two or more nouns are joined by 'and' the pronoun used would be plural.
Example Ram and Mohan went to their school.
IF BOTH THE NOUNS JOINED BY 'AND' DENOTES THE SAME PERSON, THE PRONOUN
USED WOULD BE SINGULAR.
Example The collector and magistrate is negligent in his duty.

RULE 11.
When two singular nouns are joined by and preceded by each or every, the pronoun
used would be singular.
Example Every teacher and every boy was in his room.

RULE 12.
Singular pronoun and singular verb is used with; Each, Either and Neither.
Examples
(a) Each of the students is ready to do his duty .
(b) Neither of them gets his turn.

RULE 13.
Singular pronoun is used when two or more singular nouns are joined by `or',
`Either......or', `Neither......nor'.
Example Either Ramesh or Ganesh lost his purse.
BUT IF ONE NOUN IS PLURAL, THEN THE PRONOUN SHOULD BE PLURAL AND PLURAL
NOUN SHOULD BE PLACED NEAR THE VERB .
Example Either the principal or the teachers failed in their duty

REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS

RULE 1.
When pronouns are combined, the reflexive pronoun will take either the first person
or, when there is no first person, the second. person.
Examples
(a) Ram , and I have deceived ourselves about purchasing a house.
(b) You and Ram have ruined yourselves.

RULE 2.
Transitive verbs take object with them. Such commonly used verbs are : avail,
absent, enjoy, resign, apply, revenge, exert etc.
Examples
(a) I absented myself from the office.
(b) I revenged myself upon her.

RULE 3.
Verbs, when used intransitively, don't need an object. Such commonly used verbs
are: keep, break, set, bath, make, stop, steal, qualify, move, open, draw, rest, roll,
burst , Hide , feed, gather etc. These verbs are commonly used intransitively.
Example
He kept away from the function. (Correct)
He kept himself away from the function. (Incorrect)

RULE 4.
The indefinite pronoun one has its own reflexive form.
One must have faith in oneself.

EMPHATIC PRONOUNS
The Emphatic pronouns (such as myself , yourself, herself, ourselves, themselves)
consist of a personal pronoun + SELF OR SELVES . The Emphatic pronoun is used to
emphasize a noun.
It is possible (but rather unusual) for an emphatic pronoun to precede the noun it
refers to. (Myself, I don't believe a word she says.) Usually Emphatic pronoun is
placed after the noun it refers.
Examples
(a) I myself solved this question.
(b) She herself found the solution.

RECIPROCAL PRONOUNS
`EACH. OTHER' and 'ONE ANOTHER' are only two Reciprocal Pronouns. These are
always used objectively.
AS PER TRADITIONAL THEORY EACH OTHER IS USED FOR TWO AND ONE ANOTHER FOR
MORE THAN TWO.
Example For you and I are foreigners to one another. - Aldous Huxley
Reciprocal pronouns can also take possessive forms.
Examples
(a) They both borrowed each other's ideas.
(b) The students in this lab often use one another's equipment.

RELATIVE PRONOUNS

WHO
Who is used as the subject of a verb, whom is used as the object of a verb or the
object of a preposition, and whose is used as an adjective denoting possession. The
relative pronouns who, whom and whose generally refer only to persons, and are
used either in defining or non-defining relative clauses. Who refers to the subject
of the sentence. whom refers to the object of a verb or a preposition . while whose
refers the possession and it is used as adjective.
In the following examples. who introduces the defining relative clause who
secures the highest marks and the non-defining relative clause who is
learning Russian.
Examples
(a) The child who secures the highest marks will receive a trophy.
(b) My brother, who is learning Russian, wants to travel to Kazhakistan.
In these examples, who has the antecedent child and brother, and acts as the
subject of the verbs secures and is learning.
WHOM
In the following examples, whom introduces the defining relative clause whom
we visited and the non-defining relative clause whom we will meet
tomorrow.
Examples
(a) The girl whom we visited is her sister.
(b) Mr Francis, whom we will meet tomorrow, will be our guide.
In these examples, whom has the antecedents sister and Mr Francis, and acts
as the object of the verbs visited and will meet.
In the following examples, to whom introduces the defining relative clause to
whom you gave your umbrella and the non-defining relative clause to whom
we send a birthday card every year.
Examples
(a) The girl to whom you gave your umbrella lives near my house.
(b) His aunt, to whom we send a birthda card ever year, is ninety-eight years old
now.
In these examples, whom has the antecedents girl and aunt, and is the object of
the preposition to.

WHOSE
In the following examples, whose introduces the defining relative clause whose
house was sold and the non-defining relative clause whose family lives in
America.
Examples
(a) The man whose house was sold will leave this town.
(b) My brother, whose family lives in America, will visit us for a few days.
In these examples . whose has the antecedents man and brother, and modifies
the nouns house and family. IN THE CASE OF WHOSE, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT
IT IS THE ANTECEDENT WHICH MUST BE A PERSON; THE NOUN BEING MODIFIED MAY
BE A PERSON OR A THING.
THAT
 As a relative pronoun, that can refer to either persons or things . The relative
pronoun that is generally used only in defining relative clauses.
Examples
(a) The girls that were here yesterday will return in a week.
(b) The bag that was on the steps belongs to our tenant.
In these examples, that has the antecedents girls and bag, and introduces the
defining relative clauses that were here yesterday and that was on the
steps.
Here, that acts as the subject of the verbs were and was
1. That can be used for living and non-living nouns, for singular as well as plurals.
Examples
(a) I have lost the book that you gave me.
(b) He that. is content is happy.

2. No preposition is used before that. if any preposition is required to be used, it is

used in ending position.
Examples
(a) We know the hotel that she lives in.
(b) This is the lady that I told you about.

3. In a sentence after the following words that is generally used All. any. anybody.
Anything , much, Nothing , little, Somebody , no one, none, the same + noun +
that, the only + noun + that etc.
Examples
(a) All that glitters is not gold.
(b) There was none that didn't support the cause.

4. After interrogative pronoun 'who' and 'what' that is used.

Examples
(a) What is it that you can't solve?
(b) Who was there that you were talking with?

WHICH
It is important to note that 'WHEN' used as a relative pronoun. 'WHICH‘ refers only
to things, 'WHEN' used as an adjective or interrogative pronoun, 'WHICH‘ can refer
to either persons or things.
Example The book which I purchased last week is very useful.

PREFERRING 'THAT' TO 'WHO' OR 'WHICH'

1. That is preferably used after Superlative degree instead of who or which.
Example He is the most eloquent speaker that I have ever heard.
 2. After two antecedents, one referring a person and the other referring an
animal or a thing, use that, instead of who or which.
Example The boy and his dog that entered the temple were caught by the people.
3. After 'Same' OR 'Such' use 'as' or 'that' not 'who' or 'which' .
Example This is the same fellow that came yesterday also .

WHAT
Relative pronoun what is used without antecedents. When used as a relative
pronoun, what has the meaning — the thing or things that.
Example What you say is not true.
1. The antecedent of a relative pronoun should not be in possessive case.
Example
These are chairman's instruct ions that must be followed. (incorrect)
IT IS AN INCORRECT STRUCTURE. THESE SENTENCES SHOULD HAVE BEEN WRITTEN
AS FOLLOWING
These are the instructions of the chairman that must be followed. (Correct)
2. The Relative pronoun should be of the same number and person as its
antecedent. It means the verb should agree with the number and person of the
antecedent.
Examples
(a) The girl who was late was fined.
(h) The girls who were late were fined.
Distributive Pronouns
Each , Either and Neither are classified as Distributive pronouns. They denote
person or thing one at a time. These pronouns are always treated as singular and
take singular verbs.
Examples
(a) Each of the students gets a prize.
(b) Either of the two will win the race.
(c) Every one of the students was happy.
(d) Each of the two students received a medal.
Each can be used for two or more persons or things and is normally used for small
number. Every is not normally used for very small numbers . Each can be used for
more than two when the number is usually definite. Both take a singular verb.

WHO/WHOM

Who/Whom in Relative clauses A frequent source of trouble is sentences of

this type
Examples
(a) The person who (or whom ?) we thought was guilty proved to be innocent.
(b) The man who (or whom?) we feared we had injured proved to be unharmed.
The temptation is always to use whom , presumably because it is felt that the
word is the object of thought and feared (or whatever verb takes their place in
other sentences) ; but it is not. In the first sentence, it is the subject of 'was guilty',
hence who is correct. and in the second, the object of 'had injured'.
hence whom is required. If there is any doubt, a useful test is to substitute the
personal pronoun he or him; if he would be used, the correct. relative is who ; if
him, it is whom.
Examples
(a) We thought he was guilty . (therefore who)
(b) We feared we had injured him. (therefore whom)
(c) We thought him to be guilty . (therefore whom)

A SIMILAR DIFFICULT MAY RISE ARISE WITH QUESTIONS

Example Who (not whom) do you think we saw ? because it is the object of saw .
Whom is never indirect object . Whom is not used as an indirect object . we do
not say the boy whom I gave the book . or ask whom did you give the book ? It
must be to whom (or the preposition may be placed at the end ) .
The verb after who, Who is the same number and person as its antecedent . and
takes its verbs accordingly
Example It is I who am to blame .

CHAPTER 4

PERSONAL PRONOUNS
The pronouns that denote the persona and the things are called personal pronouns.
There are three kinds of personal pronouns.

FIRST PERSON : I and We

SECOND PERSON : You

THIRD PERSON : He, she, it, they or any name (Ram)

REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS
The reflexive pronouns are myself, yourself, herself, himself, itself, ourselves,
yourselves, and themselves. A reflexive pronoun is used with another noun (or
pronoun) when something does something to itself.
FOR EXAMPLE :
Sita pinched herself. (THE REFLEXIVE PRONOUN HERSELF TELLS US THAT JOHN
DID SOMETHING TO JOHN.)
Sita pinched her brother. (THERE ARE NO REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS IN THIS CASE)

RELATIVE PRONOUNS

Relative Pronouns are That, Which, Who, Whom, Whose. We use it to give the
description of a noun. Relative pronouns are used after the Noun to:

Identify it:
Example:
The man who invented Telephone was an American.
The Noun is ‗the man‘. The relative pronoun is ‗who‘. The Adjective Clause
identifying the man.
Gives more detailed about it:
Example:
I drove my car, which now had two flat tyres, back home.
The Noun is ‗my car‘. The Adjective clause tells us some information about it.
Relative Pronouns (FOR PEOPLE AND THINGS)
 WHO and WHOM refer to people.
 WHICH refers to things?
 THAT and WHOSE refers to people or things.

DISTRIBUTIVE PRONOUNS:
are used for persons (individuals) or things one at a time. (Either, Neither, Each,
Every). They are always singular verb.
Example:
Each got a certificate for their participation.

DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS
All that can be demonstrated by your hand, ‗this‘ is used near to your hand; ‗that‘ is
used for the farther.
Please note that the plural forms of ‗This‘ and ‗That‘ are ‗These‘ and ‗Those‘
respectively.
Example:
This is my house.
That is the pencil, which belongs to you.

EMPHATIC PRONOUNS
When the personal pronouns are given stress/emphasis. Emphatic pronouns are
used.
Example:
I, myself cooked the food for my dad.

LET‟S SPOT THE ERROR IN THESE SENTENCES USING

PRONOUNS
1. (a) When the mother saw /(b) the child in /(c) the courtyard /(d) he was
laughing.
Ans.
(d) ‗it‘ will be used. Here ‗he‘ is a pronoun but the child‘s sex cannot be determined
so, it is wise to use it.

2. (a) The committee elected/ (b) the president (c) of workers without/ (d) having
his lunch.
Ans.
(d) ‗Their‘ will be used because committee is a plural noun and it will take a plural
pronoun.

3. (a) Either the soldiers/ (b) or the gate-keepers over/ (c) there failed in/ (d) his
primary duty.
Ans.
‗Their‘ will be used. When plural Noun and singular Noun are joined by ‗or‘ or ‗nor‘,
the pronoun must be according to the second subject.

4. (a) The College/ (b) which is the largest/(c) college in terms/ (d) of area in
Maharashtra.
Ans.
‗Which‘ is unnecessary used.

5 (a) None of the/ (b) participants has/ (c) filled-up their/ (d) details properly.
Ans.
‗his‘ will be used. If the structure is------ Noun1 + Preposition + Noun2, then the
pronoun will be according to the first Noun.

6 (a) All of/ (b) the girls here/ (c) practiced their/ (d) dance.
Ans.
(e) No error.

7. (a) I have practiced so much / (b) for the singing competition that there/ (c) is
no question of / (d) mine coming second.
Ans.
(d) ‗My‘ will be used. Pronoun coming before V-ing remains in the possessive form

8. (a) It is her/ (b) who should be/ (c) terminated for/ this machinery failure.
Ans.
(a) ‗She‘ will be used. After ―is, are, was, were, be, been, such, as, but, except‖,
Nominative case of the pronoun is used, i.e. I, we, you, he, she, it,
they.

9 (a) Sita dressed/(b) her in absolutely/(c) in informal wear/ (d) on her wedding.
Ans.
(b)‗herself‘ because Sita has dressed Sita.

10. (a) Either Seema or Reema/(b) forgot to/ (c) take their/ (d) purse.
Ans.
(c) ‗her‘ will be used. When two or more singular nouns are joined by ‗or‘, either----
-or, neither----nor, the pronoun is generally singular.

CHAPTER 5

 Used in place of 'Noun'.

PRONOUN
Examples → He, she, his ,they ,we , us , me , my , mine , I , you , it , ours , your
, your , hers , her , its , their , theirs

TYPES

NOMINATIVE : USED AS A SUBJECT IN THE SENTENCE.

Examples → I , We , You etc.
2. Objective : Used as an object in the sentence on which work is going on.
Examples → me , him , her , it etc.
3. Possessive : Pronouns which show possessiveness.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ' MY ' & ' MINE‟

→ ' my ' is used before the noun.
→ ' mine ' is used after the noun.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ' YOUR ' AND ' YOURS'
→ ' Your ' used before the ' noun '.
→ ' Yours ' used after the ' noun '.

TABLE OF PRONOUN

OBJECTIVE PRONOUN
 RULE 1: AFTER PREPOSITION WE HAVE TO USE OBJECTIVE
PRONOUN.
Example :

Example :

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ' I ' AND ' ME'

' I ' is used as a subject , which is do some work.
' me ' is worked as object on which work is going on , so it always used as a object
, ∴ is a objective noun and used after preposition.

RULE 2: AFTER ' LET '

Objective pronoun is used after ' Let‘
Examples:

NOMINATIVE PRONOUN
 RULE 3: AFTER 'THAN'

When there is any comparison between two, then nominative pronoun is used.
EXAMPLES:

 His efforts will bring him more success than

yours.
 You should be true to your word. or One should be true to his
word.
 The dog I have bought looks more ferocious(wild) , than the one you
have.
 The hotel of Patna are more luxurious than those of
Muzaferpur.
 Yours are the same problems as mine.

REFLEXIVE PRONOUN

TRANSITIVE VERBS :
Verbs which requires object after them, those are known as transitive
verb.
Example:
Children fly kites.
[ here fly acts as transitive verb because children fly doesn't make any sense, So
noun is used to complete the sentence Those verbs which always comes along with
Pronoun or noun is known as transitive verb ]
Birds fly.
[ Here fly is not a transitive verb ]

SOME VERB WHICH ACT AS TRANSITIVE VERBS

 cut
 kill
 introduce
 hurt
 eat
 absent
 hit
 watch
 avail
 cheat
 prostrate
 enjoy

Example :

We use a reflexive pronoun as object or complement when it refers to the same

thing as the subject. The pronouns which are used with transitive verb as a object
are known as reflexive pronoun.

REFLEXIVE PRONOUN ARE:

 he → himself
 her → herself
 it → itself
 they → themselves
 I → myself
 you → yourself
 we → ourselves
 one → oneself
Examples:

[ here , absent is not work as transitive verb , it is used as adjective so reflexive

pronoun is not used here]
He prostrated himself before his master , who had come from London after a year.
The officer as well as the assistants absented themselves from the office.[ Correct ;
himself ]
[In the sentence there is ' as well as ' used with which verb is changed to 1st noun
or pronoun and here officer, so 'themselves' is changed himself.

EXCEPTION
Transitive verb does not use reflexive pronoun.
 keep
 stop
 bathe
 turn
 rest
 qualify
 hide

Examples:

IN-TRANSITIVE VERB
Verb which does not require object.
Birds fly.
 ADJECTIVES

CHAPTER 1

OTHER, ANOTHER, ANY OTHER, NO OTHER:

Other: we use this word in a sentence before singular/plural countable noun in the
meaning of (दस
ू रा या अन्य (
EXAMPLE
 I‘d love to own a pet on the other hand taking care of the animal is a very big
responsibility. (√)
 If your spouse or other family members are in need, lend them a helping hand.
(√)

Another: We use this word before singular countable noun and we can‘t use (an)
before another because (an + other = another) that‘s why we don‘t use an before
another.
If we see any numeral adj. in a sentence with another, we have to use plural noun
after it.
We can‘t use another in a negative sentence instead of it we can use any other. It
means we use another in a positive sentence.
We use any other in the meaning of (कोई अन्य )and no other in the meaning of (कोई
अन्य नह ीं )it means in no other we have already negativity so can‘t use any other
negative word with it.
EXAMPLE
 Do you have an another pen? (×)
Do you have another pen? (√)
 I have bought an another house. (×)
I have bought another house. (√)
 You have to wait for another ten day. (×)
You have to wait for another ten days. (√)
 I don‘t want to buy other house. (×)
I don‘t want to buy any other house. (√)
 Usain Bolt is faster than another runner. (×)
Usain Bolt is faster than any other runner. (√)
 Any other runner of the world is as fast as Usain Bolt. (×)
No other runner of the world is as fast as Usain Bolt. (√)
 ALL AND WHOLE:
All: we use this word before plural countable noun or singular uncountable noun in
the sense of (सब या सब के सब)
Whole: we use this word before singular noun in the meaning of (सम्पर्
ू )ण
Difference:
I. We use all to explain the no. of people and things while we use whole to explain
the whole part of a specific person or a thing.
II. Whole is used for singular common noun and whole of is used for proper noun.

EXAMPLE
 Whole friends of mine came to meet me in the hospital. (×)
All my friends came to meet me in the hospital. (√)
 Whole money has been spent. (×)
All money has been spent. (√)
 Whole gold was duplicate. (×)
All gold was duplicate. (√)
 Her all body was covered. (×)
Her whole body was covered. (√)
 The whole of country is beautiful. (×)
The whole country is beautiful. (√)
 The whole U.S. is beautiful. (×)
The whole of U.S. is beautiful. (√)

EITHER AND NEITHER:

Either: we use this word for singular countable noun in the meaning of (दो में से कोई
एक .)If we want use this word with plural countable noun, we have to add (of) with
it means we can use either of for plural countable noun.
EXAMPLE
 Either car is mine. (√)
 Either of the cars is mine. (√)

Neither: we use this word for singular countable noun in the meaning of (दो में से
कोई नह ीं .)If we want to use neither for plural countable noun, we have to use (of)
with it.
EXAMPLE
 Neither girl is beautiful.
  Neither of the students is intelligent.

Note: we use these words also in conjunction as correlative conjunction i.e. either
or, neither nor and at that time we will use the form of verb according to the 2nd
subject.

SOME AND ANY:

Both words have the same meaning (कोई, कुछ और थोडा )but the difference in the use
of these words.
Some: we use this word in an affirmative sentence for the quantity of a singular
uncountable noun and before plural countable noun to explain the no.
Any: we use this word in a negative sentence for the quantity before a singular
uncountable noun and before singular and plural countable noun to explain the no.

Note:
I. We can use some in the sense of about (ऱगभग.)
II. We can‘t use no and any in a single sentence because both are adjectives.
EXAMPLE
 Ha wants any coffee. (×)
He doesn‘t want any coffee. (√)
He wants some coffee. (√)
 Put any sugar in my tea. (×)
Put some sugar in my tea. (√)
 I have no any money. (×)
I have not any money. (√)

JUNIOR, INFERIOR, ANTERIOR:

We use these words in the form of positive degree‘s adjective.
We will always use to with these words instead of (than).
We use these words as a countable noun means we can use these words in the
plural form also.
EXAMPLE
 He is senior/junior than me. (×)
 He is senior/junior to me. (√)
 We should obey our seniors. (√)
 CHAPTER 2

MANY/MUCH:
Many: It is always used for countable noun or number i.e. many
candidates/students/farmers/artists etc.
Much: It is always used for uncountable noun or quantity i.e. much
pollution/importance etc.
Many a/an: we use this word before the singular countable noun and we will
always use a singular verb with it but the most confusing thing is it has plural
meaning in it.

EXAMPLES
I. He has much ideas in his mind. (×)
He has many ideas in his mind. (√)
II. In this election, much new candidates are standing in the election. (×)
In this election, many new candidates are standing in the election. (√)
III. Everybody wants many money in his life. (×)
Everybody wants much money in his life. (√)
IV. All the soldiers have tried many to win the war. (×)
All the soldiers have tried much to win the war. (√)
V. Many soldiers were killed in the 1st world war. (√)
Many a soldier was killed in the 1st world war. (√)
(The meaning of these sentences is same and these are here only for explain how
we use many a in a sentence.)
VI. Many laptops have been sold. (√)
Many a laptop has been sold. (√)

A LOT OF, A LARGE NUMBER OF

"A lot of, a large no. of, plenty of, lots of, a great deal of, a no. of" When we see
these words in our sentence we must know that the verb of these sentences
depends on noun.

EXAMPLES
I. A number of cartoonists has paid a homage to R.K. laxman. (×)
A number of cartoonists have paid a homage to R.K. laxman. (√)
II. A lot of Gold are imported in India from South Africa. (×)
A lot of Gold is imported in India from South Africa. (√)
III. A plenty of news channels is on our T.V. (×)
A plenty of news channels are on our T.V. (√)
Note:
The no. of/ more than one/ the attitude of/ the stamina of these type of words will
be always singular.
Ex:
I. The no. of employees in our office is not high.
II. The no. of my car is UP 14 AF 4589.
III. More than one question in the examination paper was wrong yesterday.

FEW/LITTLE:
Few: It is always used for a plural countable noun. It is used in the sense of hardly
any (नह ीं के बराबर.)It has negativity in it so we can‘t use this word to express our
positive idea. 2-3%
A few: when we want to express a positive idea, we can use this word. It is used in
the sense of (कुछ या थोडा .)30-40%
The few: we can use this word in both manners positive and negative because this
word has both meanings positive or negative. 70-90% (it can never be 100%)
EXAMPLES
I. Few persons like movies and songs in India. (×)
The Few persons like movies and songs in India. (√)

II. Few candidates appear in the IAS exam every year but a few candidates are
selected. (×)
A Few candidates appear in the IAS exam every year but few candidates are
selected. (√)

Little: It is always used for singular uncountable noun. It is used in the sense of
hardly any (नह ीं के बराबर.)It has negativity in it so we can‘t use this word to express
our positive idea. 2-3%
A Little: It is always used for singular uncountable noun. We use this word in the
meaning of (थोडा या कुछ )only for quantity. It also has positive meaning in it. 30-
40%

The Little: This word also has positive and negative meaning in it. 70-80-90% (it
can never be 100%)
EXAMPLES
I. Little attention could have averted the accident. (×)
A Little attention could have averted the accident. (√)
II. A Little salt is produced in India. (×)
The Little salt is produced in India. (√)
III. There is the little corruption in the world. (×)
There is a little corruption in the world. (√)

HUNDRED, THOUSAND, LAKH,

Hundred, thousand, lakh, million, billion, dozen, baker dozen, line dozen,
score: We can‘t use s/es after these words and if we want to add s/es in these
words, we have to add (of) with these words.
DOZEN-12
BAKER‘s DOZEN-13
SCORE-20
EXAMPLES

I. He found a one hundreds rupee note. (×)

He found a one hundred rupee note. (√)
II. She gave the shopkeeper 5 thousands rupees. (×)
She gave the shopkeeper 5 thousand rupees. (√)
III. Hundred of students are in the school. (×)
Hundreds of students are in the school. (√)
IV. He bought 3 dozens toffees. (×)
He bought 3 dozen toffees. (√)

EACH/EVERY:
Each: It is singular definitely. So if we see each in a sentence, we will use a
singular noun with it but if we see (each of) instead of each it means we need to
use plural countable noun in that sentence.
EXAMPLES
I. Each student have a pen. (×)
Each students has a pen. (×)
Each student has a pen. (√)
II. Each of the students have a book. (×)
Each of the student has a book. (×)
Each of the students has a book. (√)
III. He met each of the team member personally. (×)
He met each of the team members personally. (√)
IV. There are two girls. Each are smiling. (×)
There are two girls. Each is smiling. (√)
V. In a cricket match every team has 11 players. (×)
In a cricket match each team has 11 players. (√)
 EVERY:
I. We use plural noun after this word and we can‘t use each/every before singular
uncountable noun. we also can‘t use these words before plural countable noun.
EXAMPLES
Every ten girl. (×)
Every ten girls. (√)

Each rice, every gold, each water. (×)

Every mobiles, each books, every pens. (×)

CHAPTER 3

RULES OF ADJECTIVE
Word qualifying a noun or pronoun is called an Adjective.
1.
The Comparative adjectives ending in –ior (Prior, Junior, Senior, Superior, Inferior,
Posterior), Prefer(verb), Preferable, Elder etc are followed by ‗to‘ instead of ‗than‘
Example –
i) He is senior to me
ii) Milk is preferable to tea.

2.
Some adjective doesn‘t admit of any comparison and thus they always remain in
the positive degree: Absolute, Annual, Chief, Circular, Complete, Entire, Eternal,
Extreme, Excellent, Full, Impossible, Perfect, Right, Round, Unique, Universal,
Supreme, Whole etc.
Example–
I) This is the unique building that I have seen.
3.
When two adjectives qualify the same noun, both the adjectives should be
expressed in the same degree.
Example –
He is wiser and more intelligent than his brother.
4.
When we compare two qualities in the same person or thing, the comparative
ending -er is not used.
Example –
He is more clever than honest.
 5.
Either, Neither, Only, Both, even, but also should be placed immediately before the
word they emphasize.
Example –
he likes to take not only coffee but also tea.
6.
When two adjectives require different prepositions, appropriate prepositions should
be used with both adjectives.
Example –
His mobile is different from and cheaper than mine.
7.
Double comparatives and double superlatives must not be used.
Example –
He is wiser than his brother.
8.
When two changes happen together, comparative degree is used in both.
Example –
The higher you go, the cooler you feel.
9.
While comparing an object with others, it is necessary to exclude it from the
comparison.
Example –
Iron is harder than any other metal.
10.
We should not use ‗other‘ or ‗else‘ with superlatives.
Example –
He is the strongest of all students (not all other students).
11.
‗Kind‘ and ‗Sort‘ refer singular number. We can use ‗this‘ and ‗that‘ with them, but
we can‘t use ‗these‘ and ‗those‘ with them.
Example –
He doesn‘t like that kind of shirts.
12.
Compound adjective formed by adding ‗worth‘ is placed after the noun it qualifies.
Example –
This is a sight worth seeing.
13.
When two or more comparatives are joined by ‗and‘, they must be in the same
degree.
Example –
Ram is wisest and most learned boy in the class.
14.
Likely, certain and sure are followed by ‗to‘.
Example –
He is likely to win.
15.
Always place an adjective after noun when the noun is followed by preposition.
Example –
The subject is a matter worthy of note.
16.
The order of adjectives qualifying a noun – SIZE-SHAPE-AGE-COLOUR-
NATIONALITY- MATERIAL-NOUN (S S A C N M)
Example –
A big Indian stadium.
17.
Some Confused Adjectives:
I. Beautiful is used for woman, Handsome is for man.
II. Less refers to quantity, Fewer denotes number.
III. Last is final one, Latest is last up to the present.
IV. Older is used for persons or things, Elder is used for persons only.
V. Little means not much, A little means at least some.
VI. Farther means more distance, further means additional one.

ERRORS IN USE OF ADVERB:

Adverb are word that add information about the verb.

RULES OF ADVERB –
1.
Adverb of time – Often, always, already, just, never, ever, sometimes, frequently,
generally, recently, usually, seldom, hardly rarely, normally etc are placed before
the verb they modify.
Example –
he often goes to Delhi.
2.
The adverb ‗enough‘ is placed after the adjective.
Example –
she is cunning enough to tackle him.
3.
When there are two adverb of place, the smaller unit is usually placed first.
Example –
Rahul lives in a small village in Bihar.
 4.
If a sentence is introduced by an adverb, inverted form of the adverb is used.
Example –
Seldom does he visit his uncle.
No sooner did I reach the station Than I met my friend.
5.
‗Else‘ should be followed by ‗But‘
Example –
It is nothing else but sheer madness.
6.
‗Seldom or never‘, ‗Seldom, if ever‘, ‗little or nothing‘, ‗little, if anything‘ is correct
form.
Example –
Deb seldom or ever meet his relatives.
7.
Negative adverbs should not be used with the negative meaning word.
Avoid the use of negative with until, unless, lest.
8.
‗Scarcely‘ and ‗Hardly‘ are followed by ‗When‘ not by ‗Then‘.
Example –
I had scarcely entered the room when the light off.
9.
‗Though‘ is followed by ‗yet‘ not by ‗but‘
Example –
Though he is poor, yet he is honest.

10.
‗Lest‘ must be followed by ‗Should‘.
Example –
Read regularly lest you should fail.
11.
‗Very‘ is used with the adjective in the positive degree and with present participles.
‗Much‘ is used with adjectives in the comparative degree and with past participles.
Example –
It is very interesting book.
He is very much stronger than I am.
12.
Adverb ‗as‘ should be used to introduce predicative of the verbs, ‗regard, describe,
define, treat, view, know‘. But ‗as‘ should be avoided with ‗name, elect, think,
consider, call, appoint, make, choose‘.
Example –
He was elected the secretary of our club.
 13.
‗Unless‘ expresses condition. ‗Until‘ expresses time. They always used in negative
sense. Thus not is never used with ‗unless‘ and ‗until‘.

CHAPTER 4

1. Progressive comparisons - The comparative from of an adjective can also be

sued to describe a characteristic which is becoming progressively more pronounced.
Examples - 1) The waves are growing rougher and rougher.
2) The sounds became fainter and fainter.
Examples - 1) The noise is getting louder and louder.
2) The lights got brighter and brighter.

2. While comparing an object with others, it is necessary to exclude it from the

Comparison .
Examples - a) Iron is harder than any metal. (Incorrect)
Iron is harder than any other metal.(Correct)
b) This building is larger than any building in the town . ( Incorrect)
This building is larger than any other building in the town (Correct)

3. Town comparative adjectives are not normally used in a sentence.

Examples - (a) He is more wiser than you (Incorrect)
He is wiser than you. (Correct)
(b) I am comparatively better today. (Incorrect)
I am better today. (Correct)
I am comparatively well today (Correct)
If one adjective is in Comparative Degree the other should be in positive.
We should also not use any Comparative Degree adjective with the word
‗comparatively.
But we can use rather with the adjective of comparative Degree.
Example - She is rather better today.

4. Some Comparative Degree Adjectives, ending in ‗or‘ are followed by the

preposition ‗to‘ instead of ‗than‘. Such adjectives are; senior, junior, posterior,
superior, inferior, anterior. All these adjectives are borrowed from Latin. Likewise;
Elder, prefer and preferable also take preposition ‗to‘ with them.
Example – a. He is superior to me.
b. She is junior to me.
c. Ram is senior to Shyam.
d. He came prior to me.
Major, minor, exterior, interior, outer, lower, ulterior, supper, former, inner are
some words that resemble with comparative Degree Adjectives are no
comparatives.

5. When we compare two qualities in the same person or thing we should not use
comparatives in ‗er‘, instead we should use ‗more‘.
Examples – a. Ram is more strong than intelligent. (not stronger)
b. She is more clever than intelligent. ( not cleverer)

6. Superlative forms of adjectives The superlative form of an adjective is used to

describe something which possesses a characteristic in the greatest degree.
Examples – a. Dhiraj is the youngest boy in our class.
b. She is the best actress I have ever seen.

7. The superlative form preceded by ‗the‘ The superlative forms of adjectives are
usually preceded by the, and followed by the nouns they modify.
Examples – a. Shyam is the tallest boy in the class.
b. Nisha is the fastest runner of the team.

8. The comparison of one or more things with a group When one or more things are
compared with a group to which they do not belong , the comparative form of an
adjective is normally used.
Example - The girls are cleverer than the boys. The girls are being compared with
the boys, a group to which they do not belong. Therefore, the comparative form
cleverer is used.
In contrast, when one or more things are compared with members of a group to
which they belong, the superlative form of an adjective is normally used.
Example - Ashok is the youngest of all the boys in the class.
In this example, Ashok is being compared with members of the group identified as
all the boys in the class. This is a group to which he belongs. Therefore, the
superlative form youngest is used.

9. Logical Comparison While making comparisons, care must be taken, particularly

in formal English, to ensure that the comparisons are logical, and that the
appropriate objects are in fact being compared.
Example Life in the country is different from the city. (Incorrect)
The sentence is logically incorrect, because it compares life in the country to the
city. In order to be logically correct, the sentence must be changed so that similar
types of things are being compared.
Example Life in the country is different from life in the city. (Correct)
This sentence is logically correct, since it compares Life in the country to life in the
city.

10. Comparative Degree of adjectives is used for the comparison of two, for more
than two we should use the superlative. Likewise, we should not use the superlative
for comparing two objects.
Examples – a. Which is better: tea, coffee or milk? (Incorrect)
Which is the best; tea, coffee of milk? (Correct)
b. He is the best of the two students. (Incorrect)
He is the better of the two students. (Correct)

11. Normally two superlatives are not used in a sentence.

Example - a. He is the most strongest of all. (Incorrect)
He is the strongest of all. (Correct)
12. We should also not use ‗other‘ or ‗else‘ with superlatives.
Examples – a. She is the most beautiful of all girls. (not all other girls)
b. He is the strongest of all students. (not all other students)

13. When more than one adjectives are connected with ‗and‘, they should be either
in Comparative or in Superlative Degree.
Example – a. Ram is wiser and stronger than Shyam. (Correct)
b. Ram is wise and stronger than Shyam. (Incorrect)

14. Some adjectives expressing qualities of highest order, their extreme meanings
can‘t be compared. Such adjectives are absolute, perfect, full, complete, entire,
whole, chief, extreme, unique, universal, circular, square, round, ideal, flat,
impossible etc.
A thing can‘t be more round, more square.
Though we can find using : full, fuller, fullest and perfect, more perfect, most
perfect and also most impossible , by some writers.

15. Note the structure of the following sentences .

One of …………if not………….. Superlative……….
Examples – a. He is one of the greatest writers, if not the greatest writer.
b. This is one of the largest buildings, if not the largest in the world.
Use plural noun in first part and singular noun in second part of the sentence.
One of the + Superlative + Plural noun …….If not the +Superlative + Singular
noun.

16. Note the following structure also.

Examples – a. She runs as fast as, if not faster than Shyam.
b. He is as good as if not better than you.
c. The house is as large as if not larger than that.

CHAPTER 5
 FARTHER/FARTHEST AND FURTHER/FURTHEST -
Both forms (Farther/Farthest and Further/ Furthest) can be used for distances.
Examples –
(a) New York is farther/ further than Lincoln or Selby.
(b) New York is the farthest/ furthest town.
Further is usually used with abstract noun to mean additional/extra.
Example - No further action is needed in this matter.
Furthest can also be used with abstract nouns.
Examples - (a) This was the furthest point they reached in their discussion.
(b) This was the furthest concession he would make.

ELDER/ ELDEST AND OLDER/ OLDEST -

Elder/eldest are chiefly used for comparisons within a family. They imply seniority
rather than age. Elder and eldest are used for seniority rather than age. Elder and
eldest are used for persons, while older and oldest are used for persons as well as
for things. Elder is not used with ‗than‘, it takes ‗to‘. Older/Oldest is used for age.
Examples (a) Ram is my elder brother.
(b) This is the oldest college in our city.

LATER/LATEST/LATTER/LAST -
Latter and Latest are used with reference to time. Latter and last is used with
reference to order. Latest refers to new (last up to now) or very recent things. Last
means final or not new after that. In talking about events, (inventions), productions
etc., we used latest. Latter is used for comparison of two in order; for more than
two we use last.
Examples - (a) He came later than Ram.
(b) He came in the last.
(c) Between Ram and Shyam , the latter is more intelligent.
(d) Of iron and silver, the latter is known as white metal.
(e) This is the latest fashion.
(f) Lord Mountbatten was the last Governor General of India.

MANY/MUCH(ADJECTIVES AND PRONOUNS) -

 Many(adjective) is used before countable nouns.
 Much(adjective) is used before uncountable nouns.
Examples -
(a) She didn‘t buy many books.
(b) We haven‘t much sugar.
The comparative and superlative of much and many are some more and most.
Less ,Fewer and Lesser When we talk about countable things, we use the word
fewer ; when we talk about uncountable, we use the word less. She has fewer
chores, but she also had less energy.
We do, however, definitely use less when referring to statistical or numerical
expressions.
Examples
(a) It‘s less than fifty kilometers to Delhi.
(b) He‘s less than five feet tall

LESSER MEANS LESS IMPORTANT.

Examples
(a) Many lesser speakers also came to speak.
(b) Many lesser leaders were present in the function.

Taller than I/me , Which is correct?

Examples – He is taller than I .
OR
He is taller than me.
The correct answer is ―taller than I.

DUE TO/ OWING TO -

Due to can be used as a complement of the verb. Due to means ‗as a result of while
owing to means‘ because of.

Examples - (a) He failed due to his negligence.

(b) Owing to his negligence, he failed.
(c) The accident was due to carelessness.
(d) Owing to carelessness, there was an accident.
Due to is also used after a noun and to introduce an adjectival construction
as following.
Examples - (a) Mistakes due to carelessness may have serious consequences.
(b) A power failure due to a fault in the cable, brought all the machinery to
standstill.

NEAR/NEXT -
The adjective near can be used like a preposition with or without to. To is not
normally used when we talk about physical closeness.
Example He lives near the railway station.
Next is used to talk about time or series, it means ‗after this‘.
Example She got off at the next stop.

SOME/ANY –
1. Some is used normally in affirmative with countable and uncountable as well. In
Interrogative Sentences ‗Some‘ is used for request or offer or command and for
which answer in affirmation is expected.
Examples - (a) I shall buy some books. (Countable)
(b) They have purchased some fruits. (Un Countable)
(c) Will you give me some milk? ( Request )

2. Any is normally used in negative and Interrogative Sentences for countable and
uncountable as well.
Examples - (a) I don‘t have any pen.
(b) Have you any novel?
Any can also be used in Affirmative Sentences after ‗if.
Example Do you have any parrot in your residence?

EACH/EVERY/EITHER/NEITHER -
 Each/Every/Either/Neither always takes singular noun and singular verb.
 If ‗every‘ is followed by any plural adjective of number (two, three, four etc.),
then it takes plural noun.
Examples
(a) She takes medicine every three hours.
(b) He visits here every two months.

EACH/EVERY -
Each and Every are similar in meaning. Each is used for two and more than two
while every is always used for more than two.
 Each Two and more than two.
 Every More than two.
Examples (a) Each of the two girls gets a prize.
(b) Each of the ten students gets a prize.
(c) Every student gets a prize.
(d) Every candidate was given a certificate.

LITTLE/A LITTLE/ THE LITTLE -

Little is used for uncountable. Little means ‗hardly any‘. It has negative meaning
(almost nothing). A little means ‗some though not much‘. It has positive meaning.
The little means ‗not much but all that is‘. It also has positive meaning.
1. Use of little ‗hardly any‘
Example - He takes little interest in parental business. (He has hardly any or no
interest)
2. A little means - Not much but some.
Example - We have a little hope of his recovery. (He may recover.)

3. The little Not much but all there is.

Example - The little money she had, was also spent on medicines. (He had no
money now.)

FEW/ A FEW/ THE FEW -

Few is used for countable. Few means ‗hardly any‘. It has a negative meaning. A
few means ‗not many‘. It has a positive meaning. The few means ‗not many‘ but all
there are‘. It also has positive meaning.
1. Use of ‗Few‘ Means ‗Hardly any‘
Example - Few people are fully happy. (Hardly any people).

2. Use of ‗A few‘ means ‗not many‘

Example - A few person can write correct English

3. Use of ‗The few‘ means ‗not many but all there are‘
Examples – The few utensils she had , all taken by the thief

CHAPTER 6
Adjectives are words that describes or modify another person or thing in the
sentence.
 DEGREE OF ADJECTIVE
1. Positive: It is used to describe the quality of noun.

2. Comparative Degree : It is used when there is a comparison between two

nouns or pronouns.

3 Superlative Degree : When noun is shown as a superior out of a club or group,

class etc.

Superlative degree is used. Superlative degree is followed by ' the '.

# COMPARATIVE DEGREE

RULE 1
1. There are some adjective which denotes absolute positions and of which
comparative and superlative degrees remains the some.

RULE 2
There are some adjective which uses 'to' rather than ' than' when used to
compare.
These adjective has suffix - ' ior '
These adjective are:

RULE 3
If two adjective are separated by ' and ' , then they must be in some degree.
 USE OF ' VERY, ' MORE ', ' MUCH'
Very : It is used with positive degree of adjective .
More: Used with comparative degree of two.
Much : It is used with comparative degree.

Example:
1. He is good.
2. He is very good.
3. He is better than you.
4. He is much better than you.
5. He is comparatively smarter than you. [ Correct : Smart ]

CONVERSION OF SUPERLATIVE DEGREE TO COMPARATIVE

DEGREE
There are two methods to change superlative degree to comparative
degree

METHODS
1. All + Other + Plural Noun
2. Any + Other + Singular Noun
Gold is more precious than any other metal.

Examples:
1. He is better than all other boy of the class. [Correct : boys ] [ Method 1 ]
2. He is better than any other boy of the class. [ Method 2 ]
3. She was curious to know what it was that made him stronger and braver than any
other man of his village. [ Method 2 ]
4. The Ganga is the holiest of all other rivers of India.
[ 'other ' is never used witg superlative degree ]
SYNTHESIS
Synthesis is done between two special type of sentences which have
 [It is done by using conjunction ' If / but ]
Example : She is more beautiful but not so altered as her younger sister.

ORDERING OF ADJECTIVES
Size → shape → age → color → nationality → noun
Example → Black American 20 year old Nigro is his best friend.
Correct → 20 year Black American Negro is his best friend.
Examples:
1. he wanted certain boy to make entry into the principal's chamber. [ Correct : boys
] certain →
a) with ' certain ' noun used in plural form
b)‗a ‘ is used with certain
2. These sort of men attain worldly success by hook or by crook. [ Correct : sorts
]

' THESE ' AND ' THOSE '

The noun following ' these ' and ' those ' should be in plural
form.
1. There were only two soldiers but each and every soldiers was equal to 5
policemen.[ Correct : soldier , 'and each' never be used ] here each is used as
adjective.
2. Inspire of facing much problems he did not dessert the path of honesty.[ Correct :
Many ]
 ' MUCH ' AND ' MANY '
much is used with uncountable nouns. many is used with countable nouns.
1. Can you tell me how many eggs and how much milk he has brought home.
2. whole the chapter of the book is full of printing mistake.

'ALL , WHOLE & BOTH '

' All ' and ' both ' are followed by definite article ' the '. ' whole ' is proceeded by the
definite article ' the ' .
1. Her long black hair adds glamour to her looks. [ size → color ( Order of Adjectives
)]
2. I saw an anxious pale girl . [ emotion → color ( Order of Adjective ]
3. I saw a pale anxious girl.
4. I t is a fact that mahatma Gandhi was the 1st politician of his time. [ Correct :
famous ]
5. Delhi is farther from Patna than it is from Kolkata.
6. You can trust this agency for the last news of this week. [ Correct : latest ]
7. He doesn't have some money to buy a new car. [ Correct : any ]

'SOME ' & ' ANY '

' any ' is used with negative sentence and question
1. He felt happily to know that, his younger brother had got a prestigious job in the
bank. [ Correct: happy ]

DETERMINER

CHAPTER 1

FARTHER/FARTHEST AND FURTHER/FURTHEST -

Both forms (Farther/Farthest and Further/ Furthest) can be used for distances.
Examples - (a) New York is farther/ further than Lincoln or Selby.

(b) New York is the farthest/ furthest town.

Further is usually used with abstract noun to mean additional/extra.
Example - No further action is needed in this matter.
Furthest can also be used with abstract nouns.
Examples - (a) This was the furthest point they reached in their discussion.
(b) This was the furthest concession he would make.

ELDER/ ELDEST AND OLDER/ OLDEST -

Elder/eldest are chiefly used for comparisons within a family. They imply seniority
rather than age. Elder and eldest are used for seniority rather than age. Elder and
eldest are used for persons, while older and oldest are used for persons as well as
for things. Elder is not used with ‗than‘, it takes ‗to‘. Older/Oldest is used for age.
Examples (a) Ram is my elder brother.
(b) This is the oldest college in our city.

LATER/LATEST/LATTER/LAST -
Latter and Latest are used with reference to time. Latter and last is used with
reference to order. Latest refers to new (last up to now) or very recent things. Last
means final or not new after that. In talking about events, (inventions), productions
etc., we used latest. Latter is used for comparison of two in order; for more than
two we use last.
Examples - (a) He came later than Ram.
(b) He came in the last.
(c) Between Ram and Shyam , the latter is more intelligent.
(d) Of iron and silver, the latter is known as white metal.
(e) This is the latest fashion.
(f) Lord Mountbatten was the last Governor General of India.

MANY/MUCH(ADJECTIVES AND PRONOUNS) -

 Many(adjective) is used before countable nouns.
 Much(adjective) is used before uncountable nouns.
Examples -
(a) She didn‘t buy many books.
(b) We haven‘t much sugar.

The comparative and superlative of much and many are some more and most.
Less ,Fewer and Lesser When we talk about countable things, we use the word
fewer ; when we talk about uncountable, we use the word less. She has fewer
chores, but she also had less energy.
We do, however, definitely use less when referring to statistical or numerical
expressions.

Examples - (a) It‘s less than fifty kilometers to Delhi.

(b) He‘s less than five feet tall

LESSER MEANS LESS IMPORTANT.

Examples - (a) Many lesser speakers also came to speak.
(b) Many lesser leaders were present in the function.

Taller than I/me , Which is correct?

Examples – He is taller than I .
OR
He is taller than me.
The correct answer is ―taller than I.

DUE TO/ OWING TO -

Due to can be used as a complement of the verb. Due to means ‗as a result of while
owing to means‘ because of.

Examples - (a) He failed due to his negligence.

(b) Owing to his negligence, he failed.
(c) The accident was due to carelessness.
(d) Owing to carelessness, there was an accident.
Due to is also used after a noun and to introduce an adjectival construction
as following.
Examples - (a) Mistakes due to carelessness may have serious consequences.
(b) A power failure due to a fault in the cable, brought all the machinery to
standstill.

NEAR/NEXT -
The adjective near can be used like a preposition with or without to. To is not
normally used when we talk about physical closeness.
Example He lives near the railway station.
Next is used to talk about time or series, it means ‗after this‘.
Example She got off at the next stop.
 SOME/ANY –
1. Some is used normally in affirmative with countable and uncountable as well. In
Interrogative Sentences ‗Some‘ is used for request or offer or command and for
which answer in affirmation is expected.
Examples - (a) I shall buy some books. (Countable)
(b) They have purchased some fruits. (Un Countable)
(c) Will you give me some milk? ( Request )

2. Any is normally used in negative and Interrogative Sentences for countable and
uncountable as well.
Examples - (a) I don‘t have any pen.
(b) Have you any novel?
Any can also be used in Affirmative Sentences after ‗if.
Example Do you have any parrot in your residence?

EACH/EVERY/EITHER/NEITHER -
 Each/Every/Either/Neither always takes singular noun and singular verb.
 If ‗every‘ is followed by any plural adjective of number (two, three, four etc.),
then it takes plural noun.
Examples
(a) She takes medicine every three hours.
(b) He visits here every two months.

EACH/EVERY -
Each and Every are similar in meaning. Each is used for two and more than two
while every is always used for more than two.
 Each Two and more than two.
 Every More than two.
Examples (a) Each of the two girls gets a prize.
(b) Each of the ten students gets a prize.
(c) Every student gets a prize.
(d) Every candidate was given a certificate.

LITTLE/A LITTLE/ THE LITTLE -

Little is used for uncountable. Little means ‗hardly any‘. It has negative meaning
(almost nothing). A little means ‗some though not much‘. It has positive meaning.
The little means ‗not much but all that is‘. It also has positive meaning.
1. Use of little ‗hardly any‘
Example - He takes little interest in parental business. (He has hardly any or no
interest)
2. A little means - Not much but some.
Example - We have a little hope of his recovery. (He may recover.)

3. The little Not much but all there is.

Example - The little money she had, was also spent on medicines. (He had no
money now.)

FEW/ A FEW/ THE FEW -

Few is used for countable. Few means ‗hardly any‘. It has a negative meaning. A
few means ‗not many‘. It has a positive meaning. The few means ‗not many‘ but all
there are‘. It also has positive meaning.
1. Use of ‗Few‘ Means ‗Hardly any‘
Example - Few people are fully happy. (Hardly any people).

2. Use of ‗A few‘ means ‗not many‘

Example - A few person can write correct English

3. Use of ‗The few‘ means ‗not many but all there are‘
Examples – The few utensils she had , all taken by the thief

NARRATION

CHAPTER 1

RULES OF NARRATION FOR ERROR

SPOTTING
In English we need to report messages, speeches, comments, requests etc. of a
person or others.

WE MAY REPORT THE WORDS OF A SPEAKER IN TWO

WAYS:
i) We may quote his actual words. This is called Direct Speech.
ii) We may report what he said without quoting his exact words. This is called
Indirect or reported Speech.

FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHANGING NARRATION, SENTENCES

ARE DIVIDED AS FOLLOWS:
I. Assertive Sentence (sentence denoting statements in affirmative and negative.)
II. Interrogative Sentence (Sentence beginning with question words such as –
Why, When Who, Which, What, Where etc.)
III. Imperative Sentence (sentence denoting command, request, & advice)
IV. Exclamatory Sentence (Sentence expressing Joy, sorrow, wonder etc.)
V. Optative Sentence (Expressing wish, prayer etc.)

SOME BASIC RULES FOR CHANGING DIRECT SPEECH INTO

INDIRECT SPEECH: -
1. We use a linker before the Indirect Speech.
Direct: He said,‖ I am busy‖.
Indirect: he said that he was busy.

2. The pronoun is changed according to sense:

Direct: Suman said to his friend, ―You are ill‖
Indirect: Suman told her friend that he was ill.

3. If the reporting verb is in past tense, we must make the following changes –
 NARRATION OF ASSERTIVE SENTENCE
1. In assertive sentence linker ‗that‘ is used.
2. If the reporting verb is present or future tense, the tense of the verb of the
Direct speech is not change at all.
Example–
Direct: Ram says, ―I am busy‖
Indirect: Ram says that he is busy.

3. In case habitual truth or eternal truth no change of tense is required.

Example –
Direct: The teacher said,‖ The sun rises in the east‖
Indirect: The teacher said that The sun rises in the east.

4. Normally there is no changes in the verb forms of the Modal auxiliaries like must,
ought to.
Example–

Direct: ―We must go‖, she said.

Indirect: She said that they must go.

NARRATION OF INTERROGATIVE SENTENCES

1. If the direct speech is in Interrogative sentences, reporting verb such as say, tell
etc. are change into ask, enquire, want to know etc.
2. If the direct speech begins with some ‗wh‘ question word, such as who, what,
which, where, why, how etc., these are retained in the Indirect speech.
Example–
Direct: He said to me, ―What are you doing?‖
Indirect: He asked me what I was doing.

3. But if the direct speech does not begin with such question words, if or weather is
used as the linker.
Example–
Direct: ―are you weeping?‖, He asked her.
Indirect: He asked her if she was weeping.

NARRATION OF IMPERATIVE SENTENCE

1. The reporting verb becomes order, request, advise, tell, ask.
2. The imperative mood is changed into the infinitive. Hence ‗to‘ is used before the
main verb.
Example–
Direct: Father said to me,‖ Go home at once‖
Indirect: Father ordered me to go home at once.

3. Negative imperative expressed by using not before the infinitive in the indirect
speech. The reporting verb forbid, prohibit etc. may also be used without using
not.
Example–
Direct: Mother said to me, ―Don‘t run in the Sun.‖
Indirect: Mother advised me not to run in the Sun. (or) Mother forbade me to run
in the Sun.

4. Such expression as Please, Sir in the direct are left out in the indirect speech and
they are rendered by the verb request or by the adverbs kindly, politely etc.
Example–
Direct: Ram said to him, ―Sir, don‘t go home now.‖
Indirect: Ram asked him politely not to go home then.

5. When let in the Direct speech expresses a proposal or suggestion, we may use
Should for let and change the reporting verb into propose or suggest.
Example–
Direct: Arka said to his friend, ―Let us have a picnic.‖
Indirect: Arka proposed to his friends that they should have a picnic.

6. But when let does not expresses a proposal, it should be changed into might, or
may be allowed to.
Example–
Direct: He said, ―Let me come in.‖
Indirect: he requested that he might be allowed to come in.

NARRATION OF EXCLAMATORY SENTENCE

1. In Exclamatory sentence, the reporting verb is changed into exclaim in grief,
exclaim in joy, exclaim in wonder etc.
Example–
Direct: The boy said, ―Hurrah! We have won the match.‖
Indirect: The boy exclaimed in joy that they had won the match.

2. If the exclamatory sentence begins with what or How to denote extreme

emotion, it becomes great or very according to sentence. Normally great is placed
before a noun and very is placed before an adjective.
Example–
Direct: He said, ―What a nice bird it is.‖
Indirect: he exclaimed in wonder that it was a very nice bird.

NARRATION OF OPTATIVE SENTENCE

1. Reporting verb is changed into wish, pray, desire, long for, yearn for etc.
Moreover, the operative form is changed into assertive form with the linker that in
the indirect speech.
Example–
Direct: They said, ―May God save our country.‖
Indirect: They prayed that God might save their country.

VOICE

CHAPTER 1

People who can use passive voice appropriately are considered to have a good level
of English. Go through the article to learn about the correct usage of passive voice.

Difference in Active and Passive voice

Active Passive
A sentence starts with a subject
Example A sentence starts with an object.
Workers do the work. Example
↧ ↧ The work is done by workers.
Subject Object

RULES OF MAKING PASSIVE VOICE

Subject is changed as per the following rule
ACTIVE PASSIVE

I ME

THEY THEM

HE HIM

SHE HER

WE US

WHO WHOM

IT IT

YOU YOU

WHAT WHAT

WHICH WHICH

GENERAL RULE USED TO MAKE PASSIVE VOICE

Object + To be + Past Participle of Verb + by Subject

„To be‟ varies according to the tense and rest of the rule remains the same.

PRESENT INDEFINITE
The forms of ‗To be‘ – is/am/are
Object + is/am/are + Past Participle of Verb + by Subject

EXAMPLES
Active – He plays football.
Passive– Football is passed by him.

Active– I teach English.

Passive – English is taught by me.

PAST INDEFINITE
The forms of ‗To be‘ – was/ were
So rule would be modified as
Object + was/were + Past Participle of Verb + by Subject

EXAMPLE
Active – Her Teacher punished her.
Passive– She was punished by her teacher.

PERFECT TENSE (PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE)

The form of ‗To be‘ – been
Object + been + Past Participle of Verb + by Subject

EXAMPLES
Present Perfect:
Active – He has written a letter.
PASSIVE – A Letter has been written by him.

Past Perfect:
Active – They had already watched the movie.
Passive– The movie had already been watched by them.

Future Perfect:
Active – The children will have seen the show.
Passive– The show will have been seen by the children.
 CONTINUOUS TENSE (PRESENT, PAST)
The form of ‗To be‘ – being
Object + being + Past Participle of Verb + by Subject

Present Continuous:
Active – He is eating ice cream.
Passive– Ice cream is being eaten by him.
Past Continuous:
Active – They were watching the movie.
Passive– The movie was being watched by them.

NOTE: Passive voice of Future Continuous and Perfect Continuous Tenses is

not possible.

MODALS (CAN, SHOULD, WILL ETC.) AND FUTURE

INDEFINITE

The form of ‗To be‘ – be

Object + be + Past Participle of Verb + by Subject

EXAMPLES
Active – Government should ban smoking
Passive– Smoking should be banned by the government.
Active –I will finish the job tomorrow.
Passive– The job will be finished by me tomorrow.

SUMMARY
So, changing Active Voice into Passive requires two steps:
 Identify type of tense used in Active Voice
 Apply the corresponding rule.
TENSE FORMS OF „ TO BE‟

Present Indefinite Is/am/are

Past Indefinite Was/were

Perfect (Present, Perfect, Future) been

Continuous(Present, Past) being

Modals and Future Indefinite be

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Change the following sentences into the passive voice.
 He likes coffee.
 I received a parcel.
 You will never forget this lesson.
 They have brought a gift for you.
 They had prepared the dinner before we arrived.
 She will have taken the test.
 She is doing the cooking.
 They were giving a performance.
 They should hire professionals.

ANSWERS
 Coffee is liked by him. (Present Indefinite)
 A parcel was received by me. (Past Indefinite)
 This lesson will never be forgotten by you. (Future Indefinite)
 A gift has been brought to you by them. (Present Perfect)
 The dinner had been prepared before we arrived. (Past Perfect)
 The test will have been taken by her. (Future Perfect)
 The cooking is being done by her. (Present continuous)
 A performance was being given by them. (Past Continuous)
 Professionals should be hired by them. (Modals)

CHAPTER 2

HOW TO CHANGE ACTIVE VOICE INTO PASSIVE VOICE?

1. Make the object of the active sentence—Subject of the passive sentence.
Example : I write a letter. (Active Voice)

Object of active sentence is ‗a letter‘. It becomes subject of the passive sentence.

(A letter..)

2. Make the subject of the active sentence---Agent of the passive sentence. The
agent will be in objective form. Use ‗by‘ before it. ‗By‘ is used when the subject of
active sentence is important to mention.
Subject of active sentence is ‗I‘ Its objective form is ‗me‘. So …..by me.

3. Always use third form of the very (Past participle) in passive structures.
The past participle (V-III) will be preceded by ‗to be‘ form of verb, as per the tense
of the sentence.

4. Please take care that the ‗to be‘ form of verb is governed by the new subject
(subject of the passive sentence).
Examples - a. I write a letter. (Active)
A letter is written by me. (Passive)
b. She is helping the students. (Active)
The students are being helped by her(Passive)
Here in sentence (b), plural verb ____are is used as per the new subject
__students.

5. Change of the subject of the active sentence into the object of the passive is
done as per the following table.

Active Voice Passive Voice Active Voice Passive Voice

I Me She Her

He Him They Them

You You It It

We Us Who Whom

6. Only transitive verbs (those that take objects) can be transformed into passive
construction. Furthermore, active sentences containing certain verbs cannot be
transformed into passive structures. To have is the most important of these verbs.
We can say ―He has a new cycle‖ but we cannot any ―A new cycle is had by him‖.
Here is a brief list of such verbs resemble, look like, equal, agree with, mean,
contain, hold, comprise, lack, suit, fit, become. These verbs are intransitive in
nature .

7. Sentences in ‗Present Perfect Continuous‘ Past Perfect Continuous‘ . Future

Perfect Continuous‘. Past Perfect Continuous‘. Can‘t be transformed into passive.
The change of verbs (tense wise) take place as per following table.
Verb Verb
Tense To be form +V-3
(Active) (Passive)
Simple present Write/writes Am/is/are Written

Simple past Wrote Was/were Written

Simple future Shall / will write Shall/will be Written

Present continuous Is/am/are writing Is/am/are Being written

Past continuous Was/were writing Was/were being Written

Present perfect Has/have written Has/have been Written

Past perfect Had written Had been Written

Will/shall have
Future perfect Will/shall have been written
written

VERB

CHAPTER 1

#CASE 1. 'AND'
 When there are two nouns and if they are separated by 'and' , then there is a
case of subject verb agreement. Then noun and noun whole is treated plural,
so the verb used is also in plural

 When each is used before the noun and noun is separated by 'and' then it
treated as singular and the verb used singular.
Example
 COMBINATIONS
Combinations are always treated as singular.

Example
 Bread and Butter are my favorite dish. [ Correct:
is]
 Horse and carriage are waiting for the couple outside. [ Correct:
is]
 The director and producer of the film were present in the function, [ Correct:
was]

#CASE 2. 'AS WELL AS'

When there is a case of as well as , the verb will always depends upon
the 1st noun or pronoun.
Other similar words on which it depends.
 as well as
 together with
 along with
 besides
 like
 unlike
 governed by
 headed by
 lead by
 controlled by
 more than
 and not

#CASE 3. ' EACH , EVERY '

RULES:
1. The verb is always in singular form when used with 'each' &
'every'.
2. If 'each' is followed by 'of ' we have to use plural
noun.
3. Verb always remains singular with
'each'
4. When there is a numerical adjective of 'two' always use 'each'

Examples :
1. Every of the two boy is playing. [ Rule 2] [ Correct: Each ]
Each / Every of the three / five / thousand boys is playing.
[rule2]
2. There were only two soldiers but each and every soldier was equals to 5
policeman.
3. Every Tom , Dick , Herry drinks wine these
days.
4. Every day and every night brings its own pleasures for
everyone.
5. Ritu as well as some of her friends have fallen in love with Sonu , who is the eldest
don of SDO. [ Correct: has ]
6. He more than his parents are responsible for his bad habits. [ Correct: has ]
7. Every and and women of this village have come out to see this strange child. [
Correct: has ]
8.

#CASE 4. ' EITHER , NEITHER , NONE OF , ONE OF '

1. Either of the two boys is
innocent.
2. Neither of the three boys is innocent, [ Correct: None of ]
Note: In case of either and neither
 Numeric adjective should always be use singular verb.
 One of the three boys is innocent [correct: None of / Any of]
Example:
1. She is more garrulous than any of her 3
sister.
2. He is one of the richest man ,if not the richest man of the world. [ Correct: Men ]
3. None of the two principals have been looking after their collage. [ Correct:
Neither,has,his ]
Note : with 'none of' and 'one of' verb used is always in plural.

#CASE 5. ' NOT ONLY......................BUT ALSO'

 ' EITHER...........................OR '

' NEITHER .......................NOR '

Note:
 These phrases always come in form of combination & this combination is fix.
 Verb is always depends upon the noun.
1. Not only the doctor but also the nurses of the this nursing home is very kind and
helpful. [
Correct : are ]
2. Not only he but also I are responsible for this loss [ Correct: am ]
3. Not only Deepak but also Mohit can do this work [ Correct: Neither,has,his ]
4. He likes not only Magon fox but also Cameron
Diaz.
5. He is going ______ not only to open a hospital but also an inn [ Correct : to open ]

#CASE 6. ' SOMETHING , SOMEBODY , ANYTHING ,

ANYBODY '
Note :
 Always use singular verb with 'something'
Example
1. Something is better than
nothing.
2. Some things is important in
life.

If Noun is countable then we have to use plural , therefore verb should as be used
in plural form.
Example:
 Some things is important in life.
 Everybody among his friends like playing.

CASE 7.
' Some - Some of '
'All - All of '
' Most Of '
' A Lot Of '
' Lots Of '
' One - Third Of '
' Two - Thirds Of '
 ' Three - Fourth Of '

If Noun is uncountable then singular verb is used.

Example
1. Some money is needed.
2. A lot of milk has been utilized.
3. All men are mortal.
4. Half of the hotels have been closed today.
5. Two-thirds of the land has been ploughed.
6. All his money is spent and all his hopes are ruined.

' A lot Of ' : used as singular

'Lots Of ' : used as plural

In sentence always use ' a lot of' and 'lots of' not 'a lots of '.

Example : There are a lots of books. [ Correct : lot ]

#PATTERNS

QUANTIFIER + NOUN
These are the possible combinations.

Singular Plural Uncountable

all: all systems all music

most: most systems most music
both: both systems
either: either system
neither: neither system
every: every system
each: each system
some: (some system) some systems some music
any: any system any systems any music
no: no system no systems no music

CHAPTER 2
‗Verbs‘ is the most easy grammar topic and the most interesting as well! After all
who does not like a bit of action!

I‘m sure every one of you is an expert at identifying the verb in any given
sentence; the problem arises when identifying errors in a sentence when coupled
with tenses!

From the exam point of view, verbs are tested on in sentence corrections/error
detection; but verbs are the life line of any sentence as verbs show the happening
of anything – it is the action grammar.

There are types of verbs and rules of verbs and they are all confusing and not very
interesting; we will instead revise and rehash verbs along with tenses and see if at
the end of this session everything is easy and everything makes sense.

So, today I‘ll be doing verbs along with tenses, and your objective will be to learn
to identify the tenses and how the verbs are used along with them.

As far as VERBS are concerned there are some which are known as main
verbs and then there are the auxiliary verbs. Auxiliary verbs help the main verb
and together they give a complete idea as to what is happening.

TENSES help in showing/expressing the time of the verb i.e., when the action is
happening.

This table is what I call the ‗Tenses Matrix‘, and I am hoping it‘ll help you to kick
start your verb/tenses lesson.
Tenses Simple Continuous Perfect Perfect
(currently (happened few Continuous
happening) minutes back!) (started
happening few
minutes back and
still happening!)
Present It rains It is raining It has rained It has been raining
Past It rained It was raining It had rained It had been raining
Future It will rain It will be It would rain It would have been
raining (‗would‘ is the perfect
future form of the
word ‗will‘

I will be explaining each of the above types and your job will be to refer back to this
table for every example and try to fit in the sentence in every form of the tenses,
that way you‘ll learn how to change the tenses as well and you‘ll remember the
rules too!

Here we go!

PRESENT TENSES
Present Tenses represent any event which is happening currently i.e., in the
present.

(A) PRESENT SIMPLE

(i) Expresses any action which happens regularly,
Ex.: They go for shopping every weekend.
Radha loves winters.
Shyam plays cricket every evening.

(ii) Expresses universal truths.

Ex.: The sun rises in the east.

(I hope you‘re putting the sentences in that ‗tenses matrix‘ and working out the
other forms as well!)

(B) PRESENT CONTINUOUS

(i) Expresses any action which is happening or going on at the time of
speaking/writing.
Ex.: I am writing an article.
I am riding a bi-cycle.
I am watching a movie.

(C) PRESENT PERFECT

(i) Expresses those actions/events which have happened just immediately before
speaking/writing.
Please remember, there is a subtle difference between perfect tense and past
tense;
perfect tenses express those events which have happened in the near past, or in
my
words, few minutes back!
Ex.: She has submitted her essay. – Here we understand from the sentence that
the
essay was submitted few minutes or hours back, and that it was a recent event.
{The past of this sentence will be – She had submitted her essay. – Which shows
that the action happened long back!}

(D) PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

(i) Expresses those events/actions which began in the near past and is still
continuing!
Near past could mean few minutes back, or few hours or few days.
Ex.: You have been studying since 5 in the morning.
Nita has been watching T.V. for some time now.

PAST TENSES
Past tenses express those events which have happened in the past! Can‘t get
simpler than this!

(A) PAST SIMPLE

(i) Expresses any action which happened in the past at a definite time, as in, we
know that
an event has definitely happened.
Ex.: They went for shopping last weekend.
Radha loved winters when she was a child.
Shyam played cricket in his school days.
{I am using the same set of examples, so that you can easily identify the
differences.}

(B) PAST CONTINUOUS

(i) Expresses any action which was happening in the past for some time; any action
that
was carried on for a duration of time in the past.
Ex.: I was writing a book.
I was learning to ride a bi-cycle.
I was watching many movies back to back during my summer vacation!

(C) PAST PERFECT

(i) Expresses those actions/events which have already taken place in the past,
before a
certain time; i.e., showing that an action was completed before a certain
moment in
 the past.

Please remember readers, past perfect is to be only used to express an action

completed before the start of another.

Ex.: She submitted her essay last Friday. {A simple past perfect.}
I had submitted the essay before I started my vacation. {Past perfect
showing two different events, namely, submitting essay and starting vacation.}

(D) PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

(i) Expresses those events/actions which began in the past and continued in the
past!

Ex.: He had been studying since 5 in the morning.

Nita had been watching T.V. until her parents scolded her!

The words, ‗had been‘ indicate an action which continued for some time in the
past.

Okay! Two tenses already dealt with and I hope you are getting the hang of it and
making use of the tenses matrix…one more to go…

FUTURE TENSES
Future tenses express those events will happen in the future! For example:
You will clear your IBPS PO/ SBI ASSOCIATE PO in 2014!
See, verbs are supporting you too!

(A) FUTURE SIMPLE

(i) Expresses those actions that are going to happen in future.
Ex.: They will go for shopping next weekend.
Radha will love the winters in Manhattan.
Shyam will play on the school‘s cricket team this semester.

(B) FUTURE CONTINUOUS

(i) Expresses those actions that would be going on for some time in the
future.
Ex.: I shall be writing a book.
I shall be learning to ride a bi-cycle.
I shall be watching many movies back to back during my summer
vacation!

(C) FUTURE PERFECT

(i) Expresses those actions/events that will be completed in the future by a certain
time.

Ex.: She shall have submitted her essay by next Friday.

I will have submitted my essay before I start my vacation.
She would definitely submit her essay by next Friday.

(D) FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

(i) Expresses those actions or events which is in happening already and will
continue happening for some time in the future.

Ex.: He will have been studying hard for medical school to clear his exams
this year. {Please note, ‗would‘ is not the past tense of will, it is the perfect
tense of will.}
Nita will have been watching T.V. for a long time before her parents came home!

That was hard work…and I am hoping you found it useful. English Grammar needs
practice, just like math, I always keep saying. So, keep toiling on those practice
sets!

And as my English teacher used to say, ―Get your tenses perfect, or your future will
be tense!‖

Keep the feedbacks and comments flowing in!

CHAPTER 3

Do you want to score more marks in English section? Do you want to become an
erudite in English? Unless you become perfect in grammar basics, it‘s not easy to
score more in this section.
To reach the top of the building, first of all, you need to move on to the
first step. So, let‟s start from here.
We know the significance of verb in a sentence. We cannot frame a sentence
without a verb. So, it is also inevitable to know about the verb.
Generally verbs are limited by person, number and tense. It means, the form of
verb changes
1. If the person is changed
e.g. I write. (I-first person)
He writes. (He-Third person)
2. If the number is changed
e.g. She controls the employees. (She-singular)
They control the employees. (They-plural)
3. If the tense is changed
e.g. Mina went to the party. (Past tense)
Mina goes to the party. (Present tense)

All such verbs limited by number, person and tense are called Finite verbs.
There are three kinds of verbs which are not limited by number,person and tense.
They are:
 Infinitive
 Gerund
 Participle

INFINITIVE:
An infinitive is a form of verb which is not limited by person, number and tense.
It is generally used with ‗TO‘. Sometimes, it is used without ‗TO‘ also.
E.g. I like to travel around the world.

→The following verbs do not take ‗to‘ after them with the infinitive in the active
voice.
They are: make, bid, let, hear, see, feel, watch, notice, need
→After the following auxiliaries, we do not use ‗to‘ with the infinitive.
They are: do, does, did, shall, will, should, would, can, could, might, may.
E.g.
 She does the work well.
 I shall return the book tomorrow.

USES OF INFINITIVE:
Infinitive as the subject of a verb.
e.g. To reach the apex in any field is not easy.
Infinitive as the object of a transitive verb. e.g. banks do not want to
afford much on NPAs.
Infinitive as the complement of a verb (subjective predication).
e.g. It seems to be a holiday.
Infinitive with adverbs too and enough.
e.g. He is too tender to bear.
She is old enough to understand.
Infinitive to qualify an entire sentence.
e.g. To tell the truth, he is very malicious.

GERUND
A gerund is a form of verb that does the work of a noun.So it is also called as
verbal noun.
E.g. Smoking is injurious to health.
The noun or pronoun that comes before a gerund is always in the possessive case.
E.g. I accept your offering me a job.
A gerund is formed by adding ‗ing‘ to the verb.

USES OF GERUND:
Gerund as the subject of the verb.
E.g. preventing is better than cure.
Object of the transitive verb.
E.g. I like learning.
Object of a preposition.
E.g. Many people are fond of watching tv.
Complement of a verb.
E.g. The child‘s real problem is coming to school.

PARTICIPLE
A participle is a form of verb that does the work of a verb, an adjective and of a
noun.
 E.g. here is your driving license. (Adjective)
 Safe driving is wonderful art. (Noun)
 Seeing the police, the thief ran away. (Verb)

KINDS OF PARTICIPLE:
There are three kinds of participles.
Present participle.
eating(1stform+ing) -active voice
being eaten(being+3rdform) -passive voice
Past participle
eaten(3rd form) -active voice
Been eaten(been+3rd form) -passive voice

Perfect participle
having eaten -active voice
Having been eaten -passive voice

USES OF PARTICIPLE
Qualify nouns
e.g. It is an interesting book.

Can be subjective complements

e.g. The news was shocking.
Can be objective complements.
e.g. They left the room spoilt.

When two actions by the same subject are expressed and one of
them follows the other,then the former action can be denoted by a participle.
e.g. Hearing his father‘s voice,he went inside.

When two actions occur at the same time, one of them is expressed
in participle.
e.g. Standing at the door, he saw me.

CHAPTER 4

1. Ask After: Ask about the welfare, inquire after

Example: I met your uncle and he asked after you.
2. Ask for: Request for
Example: She never asks for anyone's help.
3. Bear upon: Be relevant to (something)
Example: Do you have any information bearing upon the result?
4. Bear out: Support the argument
Example: His classmates will bear out his statement.
5. Bear with: To show patience, co-operate
Example: If you just bear with them for a few more minutes, you‘ll have all the
paperwork finished.
6. Blow out: Extinguish
Example: The candle blew out because of the wind.
7. Blow over: Come to an end.
Example: Don't worry, the problem will blow over.
8. Blow up: Explode.
Example: Terrorists had the plan to blow up the bridge.
9. Break down: Emotional collapse, stop functioning
Example: She broke down while talking to him.
10. Break into: Enter by force
Example: The robbers broke into his house last night.
11. Break off: Unsuccessfully come to an end.
Example: The talks between India and Pakistan broke off.
12. Break out: Spread (war, epidemic, fire, riots)
Example: The fire must have broken out during the night.
13. Break through: Discover a secret, Major achievement
Example: There is no hope of break through in the murder case.
14. Break up: Terminate meeting, school or session.
Example: The talks didn‘t break up until midnight.
15. Break up with: Quarrel, End relationship.
Example: He has just broken up with his girlfriend.

EXERCISE
1. I met Sania and she ……… you.
A. Asked after
B. Asked for
C. Asked about
D. Asked before

2. He ………a book of Mathematics.

A. Asked after
B. Asked for
C. Asked about
D. Asked before

3. Your suggestions have no ………the problem.

A. Bearing out
B. Bearing upon
C. Bearing with
D. Bearing in

4. My colleagues will ………my suggestion.

A. Bear out
B. Bear upon
C. Bear with
D. Bear in

5. In a view of the heavy losses suffered by the organisation, the workers

were requested to……….
A. Bear out
B. Bear upon
C. Bear with
D. Bear in

6. He will ………all the candles on his birthday cake.

A. Blow up
B. Blow out
C. Blow over
D. Blow with

7. We all hope the major scandal will soon……….

A. Blow up
B. Blow out
C. Blow over
D. Blow with

8. Terrorists had threatened to ……… the embassy.

A. Blow up
B. Blow out
C. Blow over
D. Blow with

9. The car ……… just in front of the building.

A. Broke into
B. Broke down
C. Broke out
D. Broke off

10. He told me that some thieves ………his uncle's house.

A. Broke into
B. Broke down
C. Broke out
D. Broke off

11. The nuclear deal between the two nations ………yesterday.

A. Broke into
B. Broke down
C. Broke out
D. Broke off

12. They got married a month before the war ……….

A. Broke into
B. Broke down
C. Broke out
D. Broke off

13. His invention is a major ………in the field of medicine.

A. Break into
B. Break down
C. Break out
D. Break through

14. The college will ……… next week for summer vacation.
A. Break into
B. Break up
C. Break out
D. Break off

15. The two friends …… each other.

A. Broke up with
B. Broke down
C. Broke out
D. Broke off

ANSWER-

1. A
2. B
3. B
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. A
 11. D
12. C
D1. 3
14. B
15. A

CHAPTER 5
Direction: In the following exercise, a part of the given sentences is
underlined. Find out the meaning of the underlined phrase or word.

1. He frequently goes back on his words.

a. repeats his words
b. confuses others
c. stumbles
d. breaks his promise

2. I cannot make out what you say.

a. rely upon
b. believe
c. understand
d. solve

3. The officer wanted to stave off an open battle.

a. postpone
b. wait and see
c. allow to take its own course
d. prevent

4. No one but his conscience advised him to come back to earth.

a. return home
b. return to earth
c. return to reality
d. be honest

5. Rakesh takes after his parents.

a. follows
b. imitates
c. obeys
d. resembles
6. The country's economy has begun to look up now.
a. remain static
b. improve
c. look clear
d. go down

7. He cannot put up with his nasty son.

a. control
b. endure
c. forgive
d. appreciate

8. To look quickly through a book is an important study skill.

a. to skim
b. to summarize
c. to outline
d. to paraphrase

9. As she was turning out some papers she came across the information
she had been searching for.
a. saw from distance
b. found unexpectedly
c. touched
d. read quickly

10. She tries very hard to keep up with her rich neighbours.
a. to imitate
b. to keep touch
c. to avoid
d. to be on par

ANSWERS
1. d. breaks his promise
2. c. understand
3. c. allow to take its own course
4. a. return home
5. d. resembles
6. b. improve
7. b. endure
8. b. to summarize
9. b. found unexpectedly
10. a. to imitate
 CHAPTER 6

Phrasal words are generally very confusing and the single addition of suffix
completely changes the meaning of the sentence. So we must learn the meaning of
various phrasal verbs through practice. One must use them in daily routine to
memorise them. Here we are going to give you some very commonly used phrasal
verbs keeping in mind English section of various exam patterns.

1. ACT
a. Act on = Take action: The police acted on the complaint.
b. Act out = Demonstrate something with gestures and actions: She acted out a
movie scene in the class.
c. Act up = Cause pain or annoyance by performing badly: My knee is acting up
badly.

2. ANSWER
a. Answer back = Reply rudely: He answered back his father.
b. Answer for = Someone responsible for something: She has to answer for her
son's misbehaviour.
c. Answer to = Responsible to be controlled by someone: He answers to the
general manager of the company.

3. ASK
a. Ask after = Enquire about something: My father was asking after your health.
b. Ask around = Describe it to people someone see: I will ask around and try to
find your lost dog.
c. Ask in = Invite someone to come: I asked her in because she was standing out
in cold night.

4. BACK
a. Back away = Move backwards in fear or dislike: When he saw the lion he
backed away.
b. Back down = Withdraw: They withdrew their plan to go on a strike.
c. Back out = Withdraw from agreement: The backed out from the deal.

5. BEAR
a. Bear out = Confirm: The other witness will bear out my will.
b. Bear with = Be patient: He could not bear with his quarrelsome wife.
c. Bear upon = To affect: Will the new law bear upon the producers?

6. BREAK
a. Break away = Escape from captivity: Four prisoners broke away last night.
b. Break down = Go out of order: The machine broke down and the work stopped.
c. Break into = Enter by force: Two robbers broke into the house last week.

7. BRING
a. Bring off = Succeed in some task: Being a journalist, she has brought off many
social issues to light.
b. Bring up = Raise the child: She has brought up her children well.
c. Bring Down = To defeat or overcome: The failure of the rally will bring the
government down.

8. CALL
a. Call back = Return a phone call: He called me back after an hour.
b. Call off = Cancel: Due to deteriorating health, he called off his plan to go for a
trip.
c. Call upon = Formally invite: He called upon the principal to address the
assembly.

9. CARRY
a. Carry on = Continue: The workers carried on their work even in heavy rain.
b. Carry out = To do something as specified: The plan was carried our perfectly.
c. Carry over = Postpone: They carried over the plan of picnic due to unfavourable
weather conditions.

10. COME
a. Come across = Find by chance: Mr. John came across some important
information while reading the file.
b. Come forward = Present oneself: Many students came forward to help the
needy child.
c. Come up with = Produce a plan or idea: All the employees should come up with
new ideas for the improvement of the office.

11. DO
a. Do away with = To get rid off: The people want to do away with the cruel
monarch.
b. Do over = Clean: We need to do over our home as the festive season is coming.
c. Do without = Manage without: You have to do without your notebooks now.

12. DROP
a. Drop behind = Fall into a position behind others: The market demand of our
products is dropping behind.
b. Drop in = Visit: He drops in to meet his friends often.
c. Drop off = Deliver something or someone: He dropped me off at the railway
station.

13. END
a. End in = Finish in a certain way: His plans ended in smoke.
b. End up = Finally reach a state or position: He ended up as a bankrupt due to his
extravagant nature.
c. End of = A final statement or concluding remark: His decision was the end of the
discussion.

14. FALL
a. Fall apart = Disintegrate: My car is too old and it is falling apart.
b. Fall behind = Fail to maintain: She is falling behind in school.
c. Fall through = fail or not happened: Our trip fell through because of the storm.

15. FIRE
a. Fire away = Ask questions quickly: He fired away the questions at the minister.
b. Fire back = Shoot back: The guard fired back at the thief.
c. Fire up = To start: He fired up the computer in hurry.

CHAPTER 6
1. All students should ......... some serious work before they appear for the
exam.
a. get on
b. get down to
c. get up with
d. get along

2. My friends forced me so much to join them for a movie that I finally

.............
a. gave up
b. gave in
c. gave on
d. gave across

3. My younger sister ............. with anything that her friend says even if it
is incorrect.
a. goes across
b. goes down
c. goes along
d. goes up

4. The price of fruits and vegetables may ............ and becomes more
expensive.
a. go up
b. go down
c. go along
d. go around

5. I ............ my best friend at the mall yesterday.

a. ran across
b. ran into
c. ran up
d. ran for

6. I am glad you ............. the new language so effectively.

a. picked on
b. picked at
c. picked up
d. picked into

7. Don't eat this junk food everyday; it may .......... on you.

a. play up
b. play down
c. play into
d. play at

8. My whole family ............. for a new destination.

a. set on
b. set off
c. set across
d. set up

9. I will ........... till late tomorrow, today was quite tiring for me.
a. sleep in
b. sleep on
c. sleep over
d. sleep at

10. You need to .......... many irritating people at times even when you
don't want to.
a. stick under
b. stick in
c. stick around
d. stick out

11. Sea sickness is quite common where people tend to ............ easily.
a. throw into
b. throw against
c. throw up
d. throw over

12. Please plug my charger ............. the wall.

a. in
b. into
c. on
d. onto

13. She has a lot of resemblances with her father as she ........... him.
a. takes onto
b. takes into
c. takes after
d. takes at

ANSWER
1.B
2.B
3.A
4.A
5.B
6.B
7.A
8.B
9.A
10.C
11.C
12.B
13.C

CHAPTER 7

1. I enjoy a lot at college as I .......... with all my friends.

a. get along
b. get on
c. get through
d. get across

2. Don't worry if you has a failed relationship; you need to ............it.

a. get up
b. get across
c. get in
d. get over

3. Never ...........on your hopes and wishes.

a. give in
b. give down
c. give up
d. give in

4. All necessary documents need to be ............. by the end of the month.

a. handed over
b. handed around
c. handed out
d. handed in

5. My best friend usually ............ at any time of the day.

a. pops up
b. pops through
c. pops in
d. pops down

6. ............. your uniform you need attend school right now

a. put into
b. put up
c. put in
d. put on

7. You need to ........... into this new account for further details.
a. sign into
b. sign up
c. sign on
d. sign against

8. The main faculty is absent. Who will ............. for her?

a. stand for
b. stand in
c. stand against
d. stand on

9. Please speak to your daughter. She is adamant on marrying the wrong

man, you need to .............
a. talk her into it
b. talk her down
c. talk her up
d. talk her out of this

10. ............. the plan; don't hover around.

a. Stick to
b. Stick at
c. Stick into
d. Stick up to

11. ............ Your bag tightly, thee could be many thieves around.
a. Hold at
b. Hold out
c. Hold onto
d. Hold on

12. I tried ............ my boss for a leave but failed.

a. talk over
b. talk into
c. talk about
d. talk across

ANSWER

1. A
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. C
6. D
7. B
8. B
9. D
10. A
11. C
12. A

CHAPTER 8

1. FAIRLY/RATHER -
Fairly is used with favourable adjectives and adverbs while rather is used before
unfavourable adjectives and adverbs.
Example a) Ram is fairly clevr, but Ramesh is rather foolish.
b) Ram walks fairly fast, but Anil walks rather slowly.
Rather when used before alike, like similar, different etc. and before comparatives,
means a little or slightly.
Examples a) These cats are rather like cubs in some ways.
b) The weather was rather hot than we had expected.

2. HARDLY/SCARCELY/BARELY -
The adverbs: hardly, scarcely and barely are almost negative (almost not) in
meaning. ‗Hardly‘ is usually used with ‗any‘, ever ‗, at all , or the verb ‗can‘
Examples a) She has hardly any money (very little money)
b) We hardly ever go out, (We very seldom go out)
One should not be confused with adverbs ‗hard‘ ‗hardly.
Examples a) He looked hard at it, (He stared at it)
b) She hardly looked at me.
(She gave me only a brief glance or didn‘t look)
Scarcely means ‗almost not‘ and can replace ‗hardly‘ as used above.
But scarcely is usually used to mean not quite
Example : There Were scarcely ten people in the meeting. (probably fewer)
Barely means ‗not more than‘ I only just
Examples a) His voice was barely audible. (It was only just audible)
b) There were barely ten people in the meeting. (only just ten)

3. YET/STILL –
Both are adverbs of time. Yet means up to the time of speaking. It is used with the
negative or interrogative.
Still emphasizes that the action continues. It is mainly used with the affirmative or
interrogative. It can also be used with the negative to emphasize the continuance
of an action.

Examples a) He hasn‘t completed (his work) yet.

b) He hasn‘t yet applied for the license I told him about.
c) He is still in bed.
d) Has she come? Not yet.
e) The Jeep hasn‘t arrived yet.

Yet is normally placed after verb or after verb + Object. It the object consists of a
large number of words yet can be placed before the verb also.
Example Still is placed after the verb ‗be‘ but before other verbs.

4. SINCE/EVER SINCE -
Since and Ever since are used with Perfect Tenses. Since can be placed after the
auxiliary or in end position after a negative or interrogative verb; Ever Since
(adverb) is usually placed in end position.
Phrases and clauses with since and ever since are usually in end position though
front position is also possible
Examples a) I first met her three years ago and have remembered her face ever
since.
b) He‘s been in bed since his accident.
 5. SOMEHOW/ANYHOW -
Somehow ( means in some way or other) can be placed in the front position or
after a verb without object or after the object.
Examples a) Somehow they managed.
b) I wasn‘t qualified to apply for this job really but I got it anyhow.
Anyhow is an adverb of manner. It is often used to mean in any case/anyway.

6. TOO –
Too is different from ‗very‘ Too means ‗excess‘ (more than enough‘ or more than
necessary‘ or more than is wanted)
Example - He is too weak to walk.
 We can use an infinitive structure after too+adjective/adverb/determiner.
Example - She is too old to work.
 If the infinitive has its own subject, this is introduced by for.
 Example - It‘s too late for the shops to be opened.
 The subject of a sentence with too can also be the object of the following
infinitive . Object pronouns are not normally used after the infinitive in such
cases.
Example – The water is too hot to drink. (Correct)
The water is too hot to drink it. (Incorrect)
However, object pronouns are possible in this atructures with for.
Example The water is too hot for us to drink (it).
The two possible meanings of sentences like.
Example a) He‘s too stupid to teach (=He‘s too stupid to be a teacher)
b) He‘s too stupid for anyone to teach (=He can‘t be taught.)
 Too is not normally used before adjective +noun.
Example I put down the bag because it was too heavy. (Correct)
I put down the too heavy bag . (Incorrect)
In a rather formal style, ‗too‘ can be used before adjective +a/an+noun.
Examples a) It‘s too cold a day to go out.
b) He was too clever a businessman to accept the offer initially. (It means: As a
businessman he was too clever to accept the offer initially.)

7. TOO/TOO MUCH
Before adjectives without nouns and before adverbs, we use too, not too much.
Examples a) You‘re too kind to me. (Correct)
You‘re too much kind to me. (Incorrect)
b) I arrived too early. (Correct)
I arrived too much early (Incorrect)
 8. MUCH/VERY -
Generally, participles are modified by much and adjectives by very. Certain
participles which have largely lost their verbal force and are felt to be adjectival
however, take very
Examples a) The law has been much abused (Participle)
b) Her dress was much admired (Participle)
c) It is a very good book. (Adjective)
d) This is a very old building. (Adjective)
e) She is a very clever girl. (Adjective)

Conversely, participles used before a noun to make a compound adjective with a

modifying adverb, take much a much abused privilege, a much travelled person, a
much discussed question.

9. SELDOM –
Seldom is an adverb. We may say I seldom go to London, but not my visits to
London are seldom; for here we are treating the word as a predicative adjective. It
can be used after a verb in this way (and then as an adverb) only in the following
types of construction.
(i) After It is After It is (was), and followed by a that-clause in apposition to the
anticipatory pronoun it.
Example – It is seldom that we get such an opportunity as this

CHAPTER 8

#RULE 1
A singular subject takes a singular verb.

#RULE 2
A plural subject takes a plural verb.
Singular subject refers to a single noun or pronoun.
Singular Plural
A dog barks. Dogs bark.
A girl dances beautifully. Girls dance beautifully.
It has three sections These have three sections.
He is playing hockey. They are playing hockey.

'I' is used as a singular subject, but it always takes a plural verb or singular verb.
I am busy. (Singular verb)
I have a pen. (Plural verb)
I was a student. (Singular verb)

'You' is used as a singular noun or plural noun, but it always takes a plural verb.
You are busy. (Plural verb)
You have studied English. (Plural verb)
You were going to market. (Plural verb)

#RULE 3
'Need not' and 'dare not' are used in plural form always whether the
subject is plural or singular. 'To' is not used after need not and dare not.
He need not go there.
They need not go there
He dare not oppose his father.
They dare not oppose their father.

But needs and dares are used with singular subjects, while need and dare
are used with plural subjects. 'To' can be used after dares and needs.
He needs some money.
They need some money.
He dares to face the challenge.
They dare to face the challenge.

#RULE 4
If two singular nouns are joined by 'and' and used as the subject, it takes
plural verb.
Ram and Shyam are friends.
Ravi and Mani have played well.
A man and a woman are walking in the park.

Exception- Pair words like bread and butter, bag and baggage, rice etc. are
considered singular nouns/subjects and always take singular verb.
Rice and curry is my favourite.
His bag and baggage is ready.
If two singular uncountable nouns used as subject are joined by 'and', then plural
verb is used.
But if we are referring family relations, then we use plural verbs.
Time and tide wait for none.
Sun and moon provide energy.
Gold and silver are expensive metals.
My mother and father are very loving.
My brother and sister are living in Delhi.

#RULE 5
If two singular nouns/adjectives are joined by 'and' and the first noun is
preceded by an article (a/an/the) or possessive pronouns (my, her, his,
their etc.), then we use singular verb.

The teacher and student has attended the meeting.

My uncle and guardian was very generous and kind.
A writer and poet visits the art gallery.
A black and white dog was playing in the ground.

#RULE 6
If two singular nouns/adjectives joined by 'and' and both the nouns are
preceded by an article or possessive pronoun, then we use plural verb.
The teacher and the student have attended the meeting.
My uncle and my guardian are very generous and kind.
A writer and a poet visit the art gallery.
A black and a black dog were playing in the ground.

#RULE 7
If two or more than two singular nouns are joined by 'and' and each is
used before first noun, then we use singular verb.
Each shirt and pant is black.
Each boy and girl is intelligent.

Each of + plural noun/plural pronoun takes singular verb.

Each of the students is hardworking.
Each of them has a blue shirt.

#RULE 8
Plural noun/plural pronoun + each takes plural verb.
The students each have an English book.
They each have a motorbike.

#RULE 9
 Either/neither is used as a subject and takes a singular verb.
There are two books, either is good.
There are two rooms, neither has an air-conditioner.

#RULE 10
Either/neither + singular countable noun refers to singular subject and
takes a singular verb.
Either pen writes well.
Neither boy is intelligent.

#RULE 11
Noun + of + noun is used then we take verb according to the first noun.
The students of my class are intelligent.
The son of John is very innocent.
So, these are the basic subject verb agreement rules. Hope you all will try to
prepare these and in our next post of English Grammar, we will try to describe you
some more rules. Keep practicing!!!!!

CHAPTER 9

In any sentence the use of verb according to subject‘s number and person is called
verb agreement.
1. He comes (If Subject ‗Singular‘ then Verb ‗Singular‘)
2. They come (If Subject ‗Plural‘ then Verb ‗Plural‘)
It is important to understand singular and plural for use of right form of verb.
Singular Verb Plural Verb Singular Verb Plural Verb
is are was were
has have V1 + s/es V1 (play, go etc.)
(plays, goes
etc.)
The difference between Verb and noun.
Noun + s/es -> Plural noun ( With s/es noun becomes plural)
Verb + s/es -> Singular Verb ( With s/es verb becomes singular)

RULE 1
If two Subjects use with „and‟ then Plural Verb will use.
e.g. Ram and Shyam are coming.
 RULE 2
If two or more than two Nouns or adjectives use with and but they use only for
one person, then Singular Verb will use.
My friend, philosopher and guide have come. (change ‗have‘ to ‗has‘)
Slow and steady win the race. (change ‗win‘ to ‗wins‘)
Fish and chips is my favourite dish. (Correct)
Note - i) If two uncountable nouns use with ‗and‘, and act as subjectthen plural
verb will use. e.g.
Poverty and misery come together. (Correct)

RULE 3
If two subjects add with “as well as, with, alongwith, together with, and not,
in addition to, but, besides, except, rather than, accompanied by, like,
unlike, no lessthan, nothing but” then verb will use according to first subject.
e.g.

1. Ram as well as his parents is coming.

2. The captain along with the sailors was drowned.
3. My father unlike my uncles is very strict.

RULE 4
If use of Article only with 1 Subject then it means only one man or object.
st

So Singular Verb will use. e.g.

1) A white and black gown was bought by her.
2) Churchil was a great orator and a great politician of his time. (Incorrect)
Churchil was a great orator and politician of his time. (Correct)
But if use of Article with every Subject means different subjects and objects.
So use Plural Verb. e.g.
The director and the producer have come. (Correct)

RULE 5
If two subject add with ‗neither….nor, either…..or, not only….but also, nor,
or and none-but,‘ then verb will be according to nearest subject. e.g.

1. Neither Ram nor Shyam has come.

2. Either Ram or his friends have come.
3. Has Ram or Shyam come?
 RULE 6
„Neither of‟….means „no one from two‟.
‗none of‘….means ‗no one from more than two‟.
Example :-
Neither of his four sons looked after him. (Incorrect)
None of his four sons looked after him. (Correct)
Either of…. Means one out of two.
One of…. Means one out of more than two.
e.g.
Either of the five members is at fault. (Incorrect)
One of the five members is at fault.(Correct)

Note:- With Both not cannot use because for ‗no one from two‘ neither of will use.
e.g.
Both of them did not take the exam. (Incorrect)
Neither of them look the exam. (Correct)

RULE 7
Some noun by form its plural, but by meaning it is singular. With this we use
singular verb.
e.g.
1) Measles, Mumps, Rickets etc.
2) Billiards, Darts, Draughts etc.
3) The United States, The West Indies, etc.
4) The Arabian Nights, Three Musketeers etc.
5) Physics, Economics, Civics, Statistics, Pol. Science etc.
e.g.
1) Mathematics is an interesting subject.
2) Politics is not my cup of tea.
Note- If Statistics use as data, Mathematics use as Calculation andPolitics use
as Political views then its use will be plural. e.g.
Statistics have revealed multiple scams in the organization of commonwealth
games.

RULE 8
In a sentence a verb is according to the main subject. We usually place it with
according to its nearest subject, but it is wrong. e.g.
1) The quality of apples is good.
2) He and not his parents is guilty.
 3) The appeal of the victims for the transfer of the cases related to riots to some
other states has been accepted.

RULE-9
With Collective noun always use Singular Verb.
e.g.
1) The herd of cows is grazing in the field.
2) The committee has unanimously taken its decision.

Note:- But if there is some problem in Collective Noun or each person is mention
then use plural verb.
e.g.
1) The jury are divided in their opinion.
2) The audience have taken their seats.

RULE 10
With plural number, plural verb use. e.g.
Hundred boys are in my class.
Note:- If after cardinal adjectives (one, two, three, four,… etc.) plural
noun use and with plural noun shows certain amount, certain weight, certain
period, certain distance, certain height then singular verb will use. e.g.
1. Hundred rupees is in my pocket.
2. Ten mules is a long distance to cover on foot.

RULE-11
If any Relative Pronoun(Who, which, that etc.) use to add a Subject and
a Verb, then Verb would be according to that Subject which is antecedent to
that Relative Pronoun.
e.g.
1) She is one of the noblest women that (R.P.)has have ever lived on this earth.
2) I am not one of those who (R.P.) will trust everyone whom I meet they meet.
Always understand the meaning of the sentence. Second sentence meaning is ‗I
am not from those people, who believe on that whom they meet.‘ So Don‘t
use I meet, use They meet.

RULE-12
Each, Every, Everyone, Someone, Somebody, Nobody, None, One, Any,
Many a, More than one means singular from their meaning. With this Singular
verb, Singular noun, Singular Adjective & Singular noun use.
e.g.
1) Each student has come.
2) Each boy and each girl has come.
3) One must tolerate one‟s friend as well as his one‘s enemy
4) Many a student have has not done their home work.
5) More than one man(S.N.) was(S.V) present there.
Note:- Watch use of „many‟ in below sentences:-
e.g.
1) Many a man has come.
2) Many men have come.
3) A great/ A good many men have come.

RULE-13
If after each, every, one etc., „of‟ is using, so, the noun or pronoun which
comes after „of‟ will be plural but the verb, adjective, pronoun after that will
be Singular.
e.g.
One of the boys/ them(Noun/Pronoun (Plural)) has done the his work.

RULE-14
After Plural Noun or Plural Pronoun use of „each‘, then it will be treated
as Plural and Plural Verb will be use will be used with this.
e.g.
We(P.S.) each have(P.V.) a duty towards our nation. (Correct)

RULE-15
Use of Indefinite Pronoun- „One‟ as the subject of sentence, then with
this singular verb will use and for this Singular Adjective/ Pronouns- one‟s,
one, oneself will be used, not he, him, himself etc.
e.g.
One should keep his promise. (Incorrect)
One should keep one‘s promise. (Correct)

RULE-16
Fictional sentences which starts with if, as if, as though, suppose, I wish, in
case or would that. After this any number or person‟s subject will be used,
plural verb ‗were‘ will use, not was.
e.g.
1) I wish, I were a bird.
2) If he were rich, he would help others.

RULE-17
In Optative Sentences, with Singular Subject, plural verb will use.
e.g.
1) God(S.S) save(P.V) the king.
2) Long live(P.V) the Queen(S.S).

RULE-18
A number of/A large number of/A great number of use with Plural Countable Noun
and with this Plural Verb will use.
e.g.
A number of students were present. (Correct)
Note:- But use of „The number of‟ for certain number, then after this Plural
Subject will use and it will use with Sentence‟s Subject with Singular Verb.
e.g.
The number of boys(P.S) are(P.V) fifty. (Incorrect)
The number of boys(P.S) is(S.V) fifty. (Correct)

RULE-19
If Amount of/quantity of use with Uncountable noun, then it will use
with Sentence‟s subject and with this Singular Verb will use.
e.g.
The amount of money(U.N) are(P.V) not sufficient. (Incorrect)
The amount of money(U.N)is(S.V) not sufficient. (Correct)

RULE-20
If ‗All‟ use as uncountable, then it will treat singular, and with this Singular
Verb will use.
e.g.
All is(S.V) well that ends(S.V) well.
But use of ‗All‟ as quantity of people or good, then it will treat Plural and with
this Plural Verb will use.
e.g.
All are(P.V) well at home.

RULE-21
Furniture, advice, work, evidence, equipment, news, information, luggage,
baggage, percentage, poetry, knowledge, dirt, traffic, electricity, music,
breakage, stationary, confectionary, pottery, bakery, crockery, behavior
use as Uncountable Nouns. So with this Singular verb will use.
1) The scenery(S.S) of Kashmir has(S.V) enchanted us.
2) I passed but the percentage(S.S) of marks was(S.V) not good.

RULE-22
Some Nouns are always use as Plural Nouns. It cannot be make Singular, if we
cut „s‟ at the end of it. It also looks like Plural, and it also use as Plural.
Scissors, tongs, pliers, pincers, bellows, trousers, pants, pajamas, shorts,
gallows, fangs, spectacles, goggles, binoculars, sunglasses, Alms, amends,
archives, arrears, auspices, congratulations, embers, thanks etc.
e.g.
1) Where are my pants?
2) Where are the tongs?
3) The proceeds were deposited in the bank.

RULE-23
Some Nouns looks Plural, but use as Singular. It always use as Singular. e.g.
News, Innings, Politics, Summons, Physics, Economics, Ethics,
Mathematics, Mumps, Measles, Rickets, Billiards etc. e.g.
1) No news is good news.
2) Politics is a dirty game.

RULE-24
Some Nouns look like Singular, but us as Plural. e.g.
Cattle, infantry, poultry, peasantry, children, gentry, police, people etc. With
these ‗s‘ will never use. Like Cattles, childrens are wrong. e.g.
1) Cattles are grazing in the field.
2) Our infantry have marched forward.
3) Police have arrested the thieves.
 CHEPTER 10

WILL , SHALL
Generally ' will ' is used with ' We ' and ' You ' & ' Shall ' with ' I ' But in
deterministic cases ' will ' is used with ' I '.

Eg : I will do this work.

' Shall ' is used with ' You '.
 Always use shall with you:
1. Shall be grateful
2. Shall be obliged
3. Shall be forced
Eg:
I know I will be compelled to leave this house this week.
WOULD , SHOULD
would:
 Would is past form of will( used in narration )
Eg. Ram said to shyam, " I shall go to office".
Ram told shyam that he would go to office.
 for polite request
Eg. Would you like to have coffee.
CAN , COULD
 could is used in past
( It is used in the place of can in past )
 formal request
Eg. Could I meet to the director.
SHOULD
 Used for advice
Eg. You should read newspaper.
MUST
 Must is used for compulsion
Eg. You must read the newspaper.
MAY , MIGHT
Both these are used for possibility
1. It may rain today.( there is a possibility that it will rain )
2. It might rain today.
( few possibility or in negative form )
Past of may - might
 May is used for permissible request
Eg. May I come in.
OUGHT TO
Used for moral duties.
Eg. You ought to respect your elders.

It being a storm you must thought of postponing all your programs. [ Correct :
think ]

Rule : Always use 1st form of verb with Modals.

MARGINAL AUXILIARY VERB

NEED
He needs you.
[ main verb ]

He needs not to go there. [ Correct : need ]

[ need act as helping verb ]
Correct : he need nto go there.
DARE
same rules as for ' need '
USED TO
Eg. He used to go there.
Rules:
 always use ' to ' with ' used '
 always use First form of veb with ' used '
 ' used ' is used for past.
Eg. He used to go there
[ never used ' uses ' for general cases in present ]
Incorrect : He uses to go there.
Correct : He goes there .
Incorrect : He uses to study in night
Correct : He studies in the night.
 # PRIMARY AUXILIARY VERBS

IS, AM , ARE
They are used in present tense
These verbs can come only following cases :
1. As a main verb
Eg. Ram is a good boy.
[ act as main verb ]
2. In continuous tense
Eg. Ram is playing cricket. [ is + v1 + ing ]
3. In passive voice
Eg. Cricket is played by Ram. [ is + v3 ]
DO , DOES , DID
all of these are used with first form of verb.
Eg. Do you doubted about the success of this boy.
HAS, HAVE, HAD
 always used with V3
 Used in perfect tense
Eg. 1. The criminal will certainly be hung. [ Correct : hanged ]
2. The workers fell no lesser than 200 trees within 6 hours. [ Correct : fewer ]
3. We advise him to marry his daughter as she had come to a marriagable age.
Correct: We advised him to get his daughter married as she had come to a
marriageable age.
SOME CONFUSING VERBS
Lie lied Lied

Lie lay layed

Lay lied Laid

Hold held Held ( grasp )

Held held Held ( organized

something )

Fall fell Fallen

fell felled felled

In many lesser leaders were present in the function.[ Correct : means less
important ]
 ADVERBS

CHAPTER 1

RULES OF ADJECTIVE
Word qualifying a noun or pronoun is called an Adjective.
1.
The Comparative adjectives ending in –ior (Prior, Junior, Senior, Superior, Inferior,
Posterior), Prefer(verb), Preferable, Elder etc are followed by ‗to‘ instead of ‗than‘
Example –
i) He is senior to me
ii) Milk is preferable to tea.
2.
Some adjective doesn‘t admit of any comparison and thus they always remain in
the positive degree: Absolute, Annual, Chief, Circular, Complete, Entire, Eternal,
Extreme, Excellent, Full, Impossible, Perfect, Right, Round, Unique, Universal,
Supreme, Whole etc.
Example–
I) This is the unique building that I have seen.
3.
When two adjectives qualify the same noun, both the adjectives should be
expressed in the same degree.
Example –
He is wiser and more intelligent than his brother.
4.
When we compare two qualities in the same person or thing, the comparative
ending -er is not used.
Example –
He is more clever than honest.
5.
Either, Neither, Only, Both, even, but also should be placed immediately before the
word they emphasize.
Example –
he likes to take not only coffee but also tea.
6.
When two adjectives require different prepositions, appropriate prepositions should
be used with both adjectives.
Example –
His mobile is different from and cheaper than mine.
7.
Double comparatives and double superlatives must not be used.
Example –
He is wiser than his brother.
8.
When two changes happen together, comparative degree is used in both.
Example –
The higher you go, the cooler you feel.
9.
While comparing an object with others, it is necessary to exclude it from the
comparison.
Example –
Iron is harder than any other metal.
10.
We should not use ‗other‘ or ‗else‘ with superlatives.
Example –
He is the strongest of all students (not all other students).
11.
‗Kind‘ and ‗Sort‘ refer singular number. We can use ‗this‘ and ‗that‘ with them, but
we can‘t use ‗these‘ and ‗those‘ with them.
Example –
He doesn‘t like that kind of shirts.
12.
Compound adjective formed by adding ‗worth‘ is placed after the noun it qualifies.
Example –
This is a sight worth seeing.
13.
When two or more comparatives are joined by ‗and‘, they must be in the same
degree.
Example –
Ram is wisest and most learned boy in the class.
14.
Likely, certain and sure are followed by ‗to‘.
Example –
He is likely to win.
15.
Always place an adjective after noun when the noun is followed by preposition.
Example –
The subject is a matter worthy of note.
16.
The order of adjectives qualifying a noun – SIZE-SHAPE-AGE-COLOUR-
NATIONALITY- MATERIAL-NOUN (S S A C N M)
Example –
A big Indian stadium.
17.
Some Confused Adjectives:
I. Beautiful is used for woman, Handsome is for man.
II. Less refers to quantity, Fewer denotes number.
III. Last is final one, Latest is last up to the present.
IV. Older is used for persons or things, Elder is used for persons only.
V. Little means not much, A little means at least some.
VI. Farther means more distance, further means additional one.

ERRORS IN USE OF ADVERB:

Adverb are word that add information about the verb.

RULES OF ADVERB –
1.
Adverb of time – Often, always, already, just, never, ever, sometimes, frequently,
generally, recently, usually, seldom, hardly rarely, normally etc are placed before
the verb they modify.
Example –
he often goes to Delhi.
2.
The adverb ‗enough‘ is placed after the adjective.
Example –
she is cunning enough to tackle him.
3.
When there are two adverb of place, the smaller unit is usually placed first.
Example –
Rahul lives in a small village in Bihar.
4.
If a sentence is introduced by an adverb, inverted form of the adverb is used.
Example –
Seldom does he visit his uncle.
No sooner did I reach the station Than I met my friend.
5.
‗Else‘ should be followed by ‗But‘
Example –
It is nothing else but sheer madness.
6.
‗Seldom or never‘, ‗Seldom, if ever‘, ‗little or nothing‘, ‗little, if anything‘ is correct
form.
Example –
Deb seldom or ever meet his relatives.
7.
Negative adverbs should not be used with the negative meaning word.
Avoid the use of negative with until, unless, lest.
8.
‗Scarcely‘ and ‗Hardly‘ are followed by ‗When‘ not by ‗Then‘.
Example –
I had scarcely entered the room when the light off.

9.
‗Though‘ is followed by ‗yet‘ not by ‗but‘
Example –
Though he is poor, yet he is honest.
10.
‗Lest‘ must be followed by ‗Should‘.
Example –
Read regularly lest you should fail.
11.
‗Very‘ is used with the adjective in the positive degree and with present participles.
‗Much‘ is used with adjectives in the comparative degree and with past participles.
Example –
It is very interesting book.
He is very much stronger than I am.
12.
Adverb ‗as‘ should be used to introduce predicative of the verbs, ‗regard, describe,
define, treat, view, know‘. But ‗as‘ should be avoided with ‗name, elect, think,
consider, call, appoint, make, choose‘.
Example –
He was elected the secretary of our club.
13.
‗Unless‘ expresses condition. ‗Until‘ expresses time. They always used in negative
sense. Thus not is never used with ‗unless‘ and ‗until‘.

CHAPTER 2
 1. FAIRLY/RATHER -
Fairly is used with favorable adjectives and adverbs while rather is used before
unfavorable adjectives and adverbs.
Example a) Ram is fairly clever, but Ramesh is rather foolish.
b) Ram walks fairly fast, but Anil walks rather slowly.
Rather when used before alike, like similar, different etc. and before comparatives,
means a little or slightly.
Examples a) These cats are rather like cubs in some ways.
b) The weather was rather hot than we had expected.

2. HARDLY/SCARCELY/BARELY -
The adverbs: hardly, scarcely and barely are almost negative (almost not) in
meaning. ‗Hardly‘ is usually used with ‗any‘, ever ‗, at all , or the verb ‗can‘
Examples a) She has hardly any money (very little money)
b) We hardly ever go out, (We very seldom go out)
One should not be confused with adverbs ‗hard‘ ‗hardly.
Examples a) He looked hard at it, (He stared at it)
b) She hardly looked at me.
(She gave me only a brief glance or didn‘t look)
Scarcely means ‗almost not‘ and can replace ‗hardly‘ as used above.
But scarcely is usually used to mean not quite
Example : There Were scarcely ten people in the meeting. (probably fewer)
Barely means ‗not more than‘ I only just
Examples a) His voice was barely audible. (It was only just audible)
b) There were barely ten people in the meeting. (only just ten)

3. YET/STILL –
Both are adverbs of time. Yet means up to the time of speaking. It is used with the
negative or interrogative.
Still emphasizes that the action continues. It is mainly used with the affirmative or
interrogative. It can also be used with the negative to emphasize the continuance
of an action.

Examples a) He hasn‘t completed (his work) yet.

b) He hasn‘t yet applied for the license I told him about.
c) He is still in bed.
d) Has she come? Not yet.
e) The Jeep hasn‘t arrived yet.

Yet is normally placed after verb or after verb + Object. It the object consists of a
large number of words yet can be placed before the verb also.
Example Still is placed after the verb ‗be‘ but before other verbs.

4. SINCE/EVER SINCE -
Since and Ever since are used with Perfect Tenses. Since can be placed after the
auxiliary or in end position after a negative or interrogative verb; Ever Since
(adverb) is usually placed in end position.
Phrases and clauses with since and ever since are usually in end position though
front position is also possible
Examples a) I first met her three years ago and have remembered her face ever
since.
b) He‘s been in bed since his accident.

5. SOMEHOW/ANYHOW -
Somehow ( means in some way or other) can be placed in the front position or
after a verb without object or after the object.
Examples a) Somehow they managed.
b) I wasn‘t qualified to apply for this job really but I got it anyhow.
Anyhow is an adverb of manner. It is often used to mean in any case/anyway.

6. TOO –
Too is different from ‗very‘ Too means ‗excess‘ (more than enough‘ or more than
necessary‘ or more than is wanted)
Example - He is too weak to walk.
 We can use an infinitive structure after too+adjective/adverb/determiner.
Example - She is too old to work.
 If the infinitive has its own subject, this is introduced by for.
 Example - It‘s too late for the shops to be opened.
 The subject of a sentence with too can also be the object of the following
infinitive . Object pronouns are not normally used after the infinitive in such
cases.
Example – The water is too hot to drink. (Correct)
The water is too hot to drink it. (Incorrect)
However, object pronouns are possible in this structures with for.
Example The water is too hot for us to drink (it).
The two possible meanings of sentences like.
Example a) He‘s too stupid to teach (=He‘s too stupid to be a teacher)
b) He‘s too stupid for anyone to teach (=He can‘t be taught.)
 Too is not normally used before adjective +noun.
Example I put down the bag because it was too heavy. (Correct)
I put down the too heavy bag . (Incorrect)
In a rather formal style, ‗too‘ can be used before adjective +a/an+noun.
Examples a) It‘s too cold a day to go out.
b) He was too clever a businessman to accept the offer initially. (It means: As a
businessman he was too clever to accept the offer initially.)

7. TOO/TOO MUCH
Before adjectives without nouns and before adverbs, we use too, not too much.
Examples a) You‘re too kind to me. (Correct)
You‘re too much kind to me. (Incorrect)
b) I arrived too early. (Correct)
I arrived too much early (Incorrect)

8. MUCH/VERY -
Generally, participles are modified by much and adjectives by very. Certain
participles which have largely lost their verbal force and are felt to be adjectival
however, take very
Examples a) The law has been much abused (Participle)
b) Her dress was much admired (Participle)
c) It is a very good book. (Adjective)
d) This is a very old building. (Adjective)
e) She is a very clever girl. (Adjective)

Conversely, participles used before a noun to make a compound adjective with a

modifying adverb, take much a much abused privilege, a much travelled person, a
much discussed question.

9. SELDOM –
Seldom is an adverb. We may say I seldom go to London, but not my visits to
London are seldom; for here we are treating the word as a predicative adjective. It
can be used after a verb in this way (and then as an adverb) only in the following
types of construction.
(i) After It is After It is (was), and followed by a that-clause in apposition to the
anticipatory pronoun it.
Example – It is seldom that we get such an opportunity as this
 CAHPTER 3

Incorrect Correct

Actions sometimes speak loudly than the Actions sometimes speak louder than the
words. words.

Kindly help me in my work.

Please kindly help me in my work.

We entirely draw out intellectual and We draw out intellectual and cultural
cultural heritage from the heritage entirely from the
Mediterranean‘s. Mediterranean‘s.

Of course, you will succeed in your You will certainly succeed in your
mission. mission.

Kamlesh is somewhat intelligent for his Kamlesh is somewhat more intelligent

age. for his age.

You only are responsible for my Only you are responsible for my
misfortunes. misfortunes.

I am quite sorry to hear of your losses. I am very sorry to hear of your losses.

He was here presently. He was here just now.

I am very disturbed to hear that his I am much disturbed to hear that his
services have been terminated. services have been terminated.

He was fortunately not hurt. Fortunately, he was not hurt.

We overpowered the culprit at length. At length We overpowered the culprit.

He is very fat that he cannot walk fast. He is so fat that he cannot walk fast.

This is the same shirt which I bought This is the same shirt I bought
yesterday. yesterday.

I scarcely go to the pictures. I rarely go to the pictures.

I have not heard from my son for long. I have not heard from my son since long.

Firstly, he insulted me; secondly, he First he insulted me; then he asked me

asked me to leave his room at once. to leave his room at once.

She is too beautiful. She is very beautiful.

I am very glad to see you looking so

I am too glad to see you looking so well.
well.
 I am very interested in the deal. I am much interested in the deal.

This story is much amusing. This story is very amusing.

The patient is very better today. The patient is much better today.

CHAPTER 4

An Adverb a word which modifies a verb or an adjectives or another adverb.

FOR EXAMPLE

In the example above ‗danced‘ is a verb which is being modified by the adverb
―beautifully‖.

In the example above ‗beautiful‘ is an adjective which is being modified by an

adverb ‗very‘.

KINDS OF ADVERBS
1. ADVERBS OF MANNER
Adverbs of Manner tell us the manner or the way in which something happens.
They answer the Question ‗How?‘ Adverbs of Manner mainly modify verbs.
 He speaks slowly. (How does he speak?)
  They helped us cheerfully. (How did they help us?)
 James Bond drives his cars fast. (How does James Bond drive his cars?)

2. ADVERBS OF PLACE
Adverbs of place tell us the place where something happens. They answer the
question ‗where?‘ An adverb of place mainly modifies verbs.
 Please sit here. (Where should I sit?)
 They looked everywhere. (Where did they looked?)
 Two cars were parked outside. (Where were two cars parked?)

3. ADVERBS OF TIME
Adverbs of time tell us something about the time that something happens. They
answer the question ‗when?‘ Adverbs of Time mainly modify verbs.
 He came yesterday. (When did he came?)
 I want it now. (When do I want it? ) or they can answer the question ‗how
often?‘
 They deliver the newspaper daily. (How often do they deliver the newspaper?)
 We sometimes watch a movie.(How often do we watch a movie?)

4. ADVERBS OF DEGREE
Adverbs of degree tell us the degree or extent to which something happens. They
answer the question ‘how much?‘ or ‗to what degree?‘Adverbs of degree can modify
verbs, Adjectives or other Adverbs.
 She entirely agrees with him. (How much does she agree with him?)
 Mary is very beautiful. (To what degree is Mary beautiful? How beautiful is
Mary?)
 He drove quite dangerously. (To what degree did he drive dangerously? How
dangerously did he drive?)

5. ADVERBS OF FREQUENCY
Adverbs of frequency tell us how many times the action occurs or occurred or will
occur.
Examples: Rarely, daily, sometimes, often, seldom, usually, frequently, always,
ever, generally, monthly, yearly.
 She never smokes.
 He is always late for class.
 They always come in time.
 Barking dogs seldom bite.
 The employees are paid monthly.
 The employees are paid every month.

COMPARISON OF ADVERBS
There are three degrees of comparison in adverbs the positive, the comparative,
the superlative. The adverbs form their comparatives and superlatives using –er
and –est and more and most. Adverbs that end in –ly use the words more and most
to form their comparatives abd superlatives.
The one-syllable adverbs use –er in the comparative form and –est in the
superlative form.
Positive Comparative Superlative
Early Earlier Earliest
Fast Faster Fastest
Hard Harder hardest
High Higher Highest
Late Later Latest
Hot Hotter hottest
Loud Louder Loudest
Near Nearer Nearest
Soon Sooner Soonest

Adverbs which end in-ly or have three or ‗more‘ syllables each form the
comparative with more and the superlative with ‗most‘.
Positive Comparative Superlative
Angrily More angrily Most angrily
Brightly More brightly Most brightly
Dimly More dimly Most dimly
Freely More freely Most freely
Gladly More gladly Most gladly
Heavily More heavily Most heavily
Loudly More loudly Most loudly
Quietly More quietly Most quietly
Sweetly More sweetly Most sweetly
Terribly More terribly Most terribly

The comparative form is used to compare two things.

 We must not reach there later than 7o‘clock/
 You speak more loudly than a loudspeaker.
 Sirius shines more brightly than all the other stars.
The superlative form is used to compare three more things.
 He arrived the earliest, so he had to wait for the others.
 Why do you have to speak the most loudly of all the meetings?
Of all the girls, your sister sang the most sweetly.
 It is not correct to use –er and more together, -est and most together.
 The tree is more taller than the giraffe. (Incorrect)
The tree is taller than the giraffe. (correct)
  This turkey is the most oldest in the farm. (incorrect)
This turkey is the oldest in the farm.(correct)
Some adverbs form the comparative and the superlative irregularly.

Positive Comparative Superlative

Badly Worse (than) Worst (the)
Far Farther Farthest
Far Further Furthest
Little Less Least
Much/many More Most
Well Better Best

Examples;
 Of the two teddy bears, which do you like better?
 This has to be the farthest I have ever walked in my life.

FORMS OF ADVERBS
There are three forms of adverbs: adverbs formed by adding -ly to an adjective,
adverbs that share identical words with an adjective, and adverbs not derived from
an adjective or any other word.

1. Most adverbs are formed by adding -ly to an adjective

 He had a sudden heart attack while jogging. (Adjective)
 He suddenly had a heart attack while jogging. (Adverb)
 She had a quick walk to get there on time. (Adjective)
 She walked quickly to get there on time. (Adverb)

2. Adverbs that share identical words with an adjective

 He found the exam quite hard. (Adjective)
 He failed his exam as he didn't try very hard. (Adverb)
 The two brothers live on opposite sides of the city. (Adjective)
 She has a brother who lives opposite to her. (Adverb)

3. Adverbs such as as, even, how, never, next, now, rather, so, soon, still,
then, too, etc. are not derived from an adjective or any other word.
 He doesn't even know where the Pacific Ocean is.
 He said he had never been to a circus.
 She has got rather a lot of money to spend at this time of the month.
 She has eaten two big pizzas and is still hungry

4. Converting a number of adjectives to adverbs by adding -ly entails

removing a letter as shown in the following:
  by adding –ly or –ally to the end of an adjective (quick –quickly, heroic –
heroically),
 by adding –ly after removing the last –e from an adjective (comfortable–
comfortably, possible–possibly), or
 by dropping the last y from an adjective and replacing it with –ily (easy–easily,
happy–happily).

5. Adverbs are also formed from other parts of speech such as noun
(accident)and verb (hurry), and from present participle (frightening).
 She deleted my file by accident. (Noun)
 She accidentally deleted my file. (Adverb)
 Nick hurried to answer the telephone. (Verb)
 Nick moved hurriedly to answer the telephone. (Adverb)
 He's frightening us with the speed he's driving. (present participle)
 He's driving frighteningly close to the edge of the pavement. (Adverb

POSITIONS OF ADVERBS
Adverbs occupy different positions in a sentence.

1. At the beginning of a sentence before the subject

Sometimes she gives me a lift to work.
Fortunately we got home before it started to rain.
Suddenly all the lights went out.
2. After the auxiliary verb and before the main verb
The father was tragically killed in a road accident.
We do occasionally go bird-watching.
The rain has already stopped when we arrived.

3. After the auxiliary verb (be) that is used as the main verb
She is always quick to point out other people's faults.
As usual, they are very late.
The boys were incredibly lucky to be alive after what happened.

4. Before the main verb if there is no auxiliary verb

Their parents often go to the cinema.
She reluctantly agreed to his proposals.
Your fat uncle accidentally knocked my vase of fresh flowers over.

5. After the main verb if there is no auxiliary verb

The sisters dressed beautifully for the occasion.
The tourist looked carefully at the antique before she bought it.
She spoke loudly to the crowd on women's issues.
6. At the end of a sentence
He admitted punching and kicking the man repeatedly.
Our old neighbor fell and hurt her leg badly.
Hey, you have not pronounced my name correctly.

PREPOSITION

CHAPTER 1
A preposition is a word or a group of words that is placed before a noun or pronoun
to indicate direction, method, place, source etc.

RULES OF PREPOSITION:
A preposition is usually placed before its object but sometimes it is placed after it in
the following cases:

A. When the object in the interrogative pronoun is understood.

Example: Whom are you talking to?

B. When the object of the preposition is a relative pronoun ‗that‘.

Example: This is the book that she always talks of.

C. When an infinitive qualifies a noun, the pronoun should be placed after the
infinitive, if required.
Example: He gave me a pen to write with.
1.
As per the rule after some following verb, no preposition is placed, when these
verbs are used in active voice.
Stress, Emphasise, discuss (matter), investigate, accompany, comprise, demand,
consider, violate, resemble, pervade, precede, succeed, reach (at), resign (post),
attack, invade, resist, enter (come into), eschew, befall, order, direct, join, sign,
affect, ensure, board, describe, await, lack, regret, concern etc.
Example: India has never attacked any country.

2.
Omission of ‗to‘ with verbs of communication before the object, ‗ advise, tell, ask,
beg, command, encourage, request, inform, order, urge etc.
Example: I advised him to go.
 3.
Omission of preposition before Indirect object,
The following verbs are ‗bring, give, lend, promise, leave, sell, buy, show, take,
fetch, tell, hand, send, sing, read, cost, play (an instrument), find, get, ask, offer
etc.
Example: I shall buy you this necklace.

4.
Note the placement of proper object (direct/indirect) with the use of the following
verb with special reference to the preposition.
Example: I provided money to him.

5.
The correct use of ‗inform, explain, rob, fine, recommend, suggest, compensate,
purpose‘ in relation to the object.
Example: explain something to a person.
Another example: Inform someone of the matter.

6.
‗Between‘ is used while referring to two persons/things.
Example: Share these sweets between him and me.

7.
‗Among‘ is used while referring to more than two persons /thing before the word,
which start with a consonant letter.
Example: Divide the sweets among the three boys.

8.
‗Amongst‘ is also used with more than two persons or things but before the word
which starts with a vowel letter.
Example: Divide the sweets amongst us.

9.
‗Above‘ is used for ‗higher than‘.
Example: The sun rose above the horizon.

10.
‗Under‘ is used for ‗vertically below‘.
Example: It is shady under the tree.

11.
‗Below‘ is used for ‗lower than‘.
Example: Your work is below average.

12.
‗Over‘ is used for ‗vertically above‘.
Example: There is an aircraft coming over.

13.
‗Beneath‘ means a lower position.
Example: the ground was slippery beneath her.

14.
‗To‘ is used to express motion from one place to another, whereas ‗into‘ denotes
motion towards the inside of something.
Example: We walked to the river and back.
Another example: the students came into the classroom.

15.
'Toward‘ refers to direction and ‗at‘ refers to aim.
Example: He saw me running towards him.
Another example: He aimed at the bird.

16.
‗Against‘ show pressure.
Example: He leaned against a tree.

17.
'Off‘ refers to separation.
'From‘ refers to the points of departure.
Example: the man parted from his friends.

18.
‗About‘ shows nearness.
Example: I was about to go to bed when there was a knock at the door.

19.
‗Along‘ stands for in the same line.
Example: She led them along the corridor.

20.
‗After‘ refers sequence.
Example: She came after me.

21.
‗Across‘ means from one side.
Example: He ran across the field.

22.
'Beside‘ means by the side of.
Example: He sat down beside his wife.

23.
‗Besides‘ means in addition to.
Example: Besides being a teacher, he is a skilled craftsman.

24.
‗Since ‗is used with the point of time, when action begins and continues.
Example: He has been ill since last Monday.

25.
'For‘ is used for perfect continuous tense showing the duration of action.
Example: I have been here for three years.

CAHPTER 2

1. PREPOSITION OF TIME

I. AT
With a definite point of time.
Example: at 5 o‘clock

With festivals.
Example: at Holi

II. IN
With parts of the day, months, seasons and years.
Example: in the afternoon

III. ON
With days and dates
Example: On Monday, on the first day of June

IV. BY
Refers to the latest time at which an action will be over.
Example:
The examination will be over by 5 p.m.

V. FOR
Period of time
Example: For three years

VI. SINCE
Point of time
Example: Since last Tuesday, since 1980

VII. FROM
Refers starting point of action
Example:
This water came from a spring. She came from USA.

2. PREPOSITION OF POSITION

I. AT
To an exact point
Example:
The tourist stays at the Tourist Hotel. He studied at Oxford.
 II. IN
Refers to larger areas
Example:
He lives in Bombay

III. AMONGST
It is used with more than two persons or things but the word which starts
with a vowel letter.
Example:
Divide the sweets amongst us.

IV. ABOVE
It is used for higher than but for non-vertical position
Example:
The sun rose above the horizon. The sky is above our head.

V. OVER
It is used for vertically above position. Sometimes, it is used when
something crosses over something.
Example:
The plane flew over my head. The cloud is over our head. The bathroom is over the
kitchen.

VI. BELOW
For lower than but for non-vertical position
Example:
When the sun sets it goes below the horizon. Your work is below the average.

VII. UNDER
For vertically below
Example:
It is shady under the trees.

VIII. BENEATH
Means lower position
Example:
The ground was slippery beneath her.

3. PREPOSITION OF DIRECTION

I. TO
It is used to express motion from one place to another.
Example:
We walked to the river and back.

II. TOWARDS
Refers to direction
Example:
He saw me running towards him.

III. INTO
Refers to motion towards the inside of something i.e. entry from outside to
inside.
Example:
He jumped into the well. She fell into a ditch.

IV. IN
It is used for the static condition. It is used when something already inside
something.
Example:
A boy is in the room. A student is running in the room. Ram is in the river.

V. AT
Refers to aim
Example:
He aimed at the bird.

VI. AGAINST
It shows pressure
Example:
He leaned against a tree. She cleaned the edge of her knife against the plate.

VII. OFF
Refers to separation
Example:
He was wiping sweat off his face. Kim fell off his chair in a swoon.

VIII. ACROSS
Means one side
Example:
She ran across the field.

IX. BEYOND
Means on the farther side of.
Example:
This is beyond his power.

X. BESIDE
Means by the side of
Example:
I sat down beside my wife.

XI. BESIDES
Means in addition to
Example:
He is guilty of five killings and more besides.
Besides being a teacher, he is a skilled trainer.

4. MISCELLANEOUS PREPOSITION

I. IN/AT
In is used for smaller area while “at” is used for larger area.
Example:
I live at Lakshmi Nagar. I live in Delhi.

In case of floor, we use “on”

Example:
I live on the fifth floor.

II. AGREE
Agree with, for person
Example:
He agrees with you.

Agree to, for thing

Example:
The boys agreed to do what I asked.
Agree upon, for a policy discussion

III. QUARREL
Quarrel with, for person
Example:
I quarrel with my sisters for sweets.

Quarrel over, for thing

Example:
Sister hangs self after a fight over TV remote.

IV. IN/INSIDE (BOUNDARY RELATED), OUT/OUTSIDE

(BOUNDARY RELATED)
Example:
 She is in the room.
 She is inside the cupboard.
 She is out of the room.
 She is outside the cupboard.

V. ON/UPON
When something is already on something then use “on” and when
something comes on something in motion then use “upon”
Example:
The boys are on the table. The dog jumped upon the table.

VI. ENTRUST
Entrust with, for thing
Example:
Entrust a person with a thing.

Entrust to, for person

Example:
I entrust to you with my valuables.

CHAPTER 3
Directions: In the following exercise, incomplete sentences are given. You
have to fill up each blank with the correct preposition.

1. That man is found guilty___ theft.

a. for
b. with
c. of
d. from

2. My father was acquainted____ him.

a. to
b. from
c. by
d. with

3. The plane was flying______ the clouds.

a. above
b. across
c. behind
d. below

4. His wife prevented him_______ going there.

a. by
b. for
c, to
d. from
5. She complained_______ his classmate.
a. of
b. against
c. for
d. at

6. Distribute these apples________ the children.

a. between
b. to
c. among
d. with

7. Sameer offered her an apology________ his misbehaviour.

a. for
b. on
c. upon
d. of

8. She praised his obedience____ his father.

a. with
b. to
c. from
d. of

9. He was prohibited_____ doing this work.

a. by
b. to
c. of
d. from

10. America supplies India_____ arms.

a. with
b. for
c. to
d. against

11. The father was concerned _____ the safety of her daughter.
a. for
b. at
c. about
d. on

12. I am tired___ poverty.

a. with
b. of
c. for
d. from

13. I continued to smile ______ his threats.

a. at
b. on
c. over
d. upon

14. She shuddered______ the dreadful sight.

a. on
b. over
c. at
d. by

15. Some politicians are very sensitive____ criticism.

a. at
b. on
c. of
d. through

ANSWER KEY
1. of
2. with
3. above
4. from
5. against
6. among
7. for
8. to
9. from
10. with
11. about
12. of
13. at
14. at
15. of

CHAPTER 4
 RULE 1.
A preposition cannot be followed by a verb.Verb placed immediately after
preposition must be in gerund form.
Examples (a) He prevented me from drinking cold water.
(b) He insist on trying again.

RULE 2.
When 'object' of the preposition is an Interrogative Pronoun What, Who, Whom,
Which, Where etc., the preposition usually takes end or front position.
Examples (a) What are you thinking of ?
(b) Who were you talking to ?
It used to be thought as ungrammatical, to end a sentence with a preposition, but it
is now well accepted.

RULE 3.
When 'object' of the preposition is Relative Pronoun 'that', the preposition takes end
position.
Examples (a) Here is the magazine that you asked for.
(b) This is the dish that she is fond of.

RULE 4.
When 'object' of the preposition is infinitive (to + verb), the preposition is placed
after infinitive.
Examples (a) This is a good hotel to stay at.
(b) I need a pencil to write with.

Rule 5. In some sentences, preposition is attached with the verb (These verbs take
appropriate preposition with them).
Examples (a) I hate being laughed at.
(b) This I insist on.

Rule 6. In some cases the preposition comes in the beginning. These are usually
interrogative sentences.
Examples (a) By which train did you come?
(b) For whom was instructions given?
 USE OF SOME IMPORTANT PREPOSITIONS AT/IN/ON
Note the use of these prepositions in reference of 'Time'
i. At is used for a precise time.
ii. In is used for months, years, centuries and long periods.
iii. On is used for days and dates.

Note the use of these prepositions in reference of 'Place'

i. At is used for a point.
ii. In is used for an enclosed space.
iii. On is used for a surface.

AT/IN/TO/INTO
(A) At shows stationary position or existing state while In shows movement.
Examples i. She is at home.
ii. The train is in motion.

(B) At for small place, town etc. while In for big place, town, city, country etc.
Examples i. He lives at Alwar in Rajasthan.
ii. A temple is situated at Madurai in Chennai.

(C) At is used for Point of time, and In is used for Period of time.
Examples i. The train will arrive at six in the morning.
ii. He will meet you in the morning.

(D) In/Into In shows existing state of things, while Into shows movement.
Examples i. He jumped into the river.
ii. There are three students in the class.
In can also be used as an adverb ; Come in = Enter. Get in (into the train).

(E) To/Into To or Into is used as following

i. In the direction of Turn to the right.
ii. Destination I am going to Jaipur.
iii. Until From Monday to Friday ; five minutes to ten
iv. Compared with They prefer hockey to soccer .
v. With indirect object Please give it to me .
vi. As part of infinitive I like to ski; he wants to help.
vii. In order to We went to the store to buy soap.
viii. To the inside of We stepped into the room.
ix. Change of condition The boy changed into a man.

ON/ONTO
On can be used for both existing position and movement.
Example (a) He was sitting on his bag.
(b) Snow fell on the hills.

On can also be used as an adverb

Examples (a) Go on.
(b) Come on.

Onto is used when there is movement involving a change of level.

Examples (a) People climbed onto their roofs.
(b) He lifted her onto the table.

WITH/BY
With is used for instruments, and By is used for agents.
Examples (a) The snake was killed by him with a stick.
(b) The letter was written by Suresh with a pencil.

SINCE/FOR/FROM
Since is often used with Present Perfect or Past Perfect Tense. Since is used for
point of time and never for place, as; since 6 O‘clock /last night /last Monday/
since
morning/evening/ Monday/January/2005 etc.
Examples (a) It has been raining since two O‘clock.
(b) He had been ill since Monday.

Since can also be used as an adverb

Examples (a) He left school in 1983. I haven't seen him since.
(b) It is two years since I last saw Tom.

BESIDE/BESIDES
Beside and Besides have altogether different meanings.
Don't confuse beside with besides. beside = at the side of
Example
 He was sitting beside Sarla.
 besides = in addition to / as well as
Example
 He has a car besides a motor cycle.

BETWEEN/AMONG
Between is normally used for 'two things or persons, but it can also be used of
more, when we have a definite number in mind and there is a close relationship/
association within them.
Example
 He distributed his property between his two sons.
Among is usually used for more than two persons or things when we have no
definite number in mind.
Example
 He vas happy to be among friends again.

AMONG/AMONGST
Both have same meaning. Either of them can be used if followed by 'the'. If
followed by a word, beginning with a vowel 'amongst' be used. The use of amongst
is usually found in literary writings.
Examples
 He distributed the toffees among/amongst the poor.
 He distributed the toffies amongst us

CAHPTER 5

Incorrect Correct

When he parted with his sister, there When he parted from his sister, there
were tears in his eyes. were tears in his eyes.

The Hindu religion has been in exercise

The Hindu religion has been in exercise
from time immemorial.
for time immemorial.

Police are not allowed to enter into Police are not allowed to enter University
University Campus. Campus.

I found him leaning on the chair I found him leaning over the chair

His house is very different and very His house is very different from and very
superior to your house. superior to your house.

None except the brave deserve the fair. None but the brave deserve the fair.

He married with a poor girl. He married a poor girl.

I told him on his face that he could not I told him at his face that he could not
pass. pass.
 The frustrated lover jumped into the
The frustrated lover jumped in the river.
river.

I have learnt this lesson word by word. I have learnt this lesson word for word.

I saw him sitting besides the minister. I saw him sitting beside the minister.

The tired traveller was sitting under the The tired traveller was sitting in the
shade of the tree. shade of the tree.

The pick-pocket mixed among the crowd The pick-pocket mixed with the crowd
which was coming from the station. which was coming from the station.

Content yourself with what you have and Content yourself with what you have and
do not strive about the impossible. do not strive for the impossible.

William wordsworth generally went to

William wordsworth generally went to the
the countryside to commune with
countryside to commune of nature.
nature.

I will leave no stone unturned to come to I will leave no stone unturned to come
your expectations. upto your expectations.

Can I depend upon you for this work? Can I depend on you for this work?

The employer is satisfied by the work of The employer is satisfied with the work
Mr.Kumar. of Mr.Kumar.

The American Congress corresponds with The American Congress corresponds to

the British Parliament. the British Parliament.

I shall stand by you through thick and

I shall stand by you in thick and thin.
thin.

The delegates discussed about the The delegates discussed the problem in
problem in length. length.

Nothing can absolve you your Nothing can absolve you from your
responsibility. responsibility.

A horse of a broken leg cannot run. A horse with a broken leg cannot run.

The question of how many souls exist on The question of how many souls exist in
heaven is academic. heaven is academic.

They acquitted him for murder. They acquitted him of murder.

He lives on begging. He lives by begging.

This is the central city in the whole area. This is the central city of the whole area.

She was eating her heart for a soldier She was eating her heart out for a
who was away at the war. soldier who was away at the war.

My inquiry for his health was never My inquiry about his health was never
answered. answered.

Were there many people in the meeting? Were there many people at the meeting?

CAHPTER 6

A preposition is a word which shows the relationship between two

objects indicating their position.
Such as:
The book is on the table.(On shows the relationship between the book and the
table)

PREPOSITIONS SHOWING TIME

1. At, in
At in used with a definite point of time in mind.
I go to my Department at 7:30 a.m. everyday.
He will come at Holi.
In is generally used to denote a specific time, period month, year.
I play chess in the evening.
Exception: At is used with noon.
He comes at noon for lunch.

2. On, by
On is used with days and dates.
He was born on the 9th of July.
I teach Wordsworth on every Monday.
By refers to the latest time by which an action will be over.
The meeting will break by 4 p.m.

3. For, Since
For denotes a period of time and is used with the perfect continuous
tense.
I have been working in KR Mangalam University for the last 10 years.
Since shows the point of time. It also indicates continuity.
India has been independent since 1947.

4. From
From refers to the starting point of an action.
He is joining the new firm from the 1st of May.

PREPOSITIONS SHOWING POSITION

1. At, in
At refers to an exact point.
He lives at Nehru Place.
In refers to a big area.
He lives in Punjab.

2. Between, Among
Between is used to distinguish two persons and things.
The property was divided between Ram and Shyam.
Among is used for more than two persons or things.
The food was distributed among the ten boys in the family.

3.Amongst
Amongst is also used with more than two persons or things but is always
used before a vowel.
Divide the oranges amongst us.
4. Above, under
Aboveis used for higher than.
The aeroplane was flying high in the sky, in fact, above the clouds.
Belowis used for lower than.
His output is below ours.

5. Under, over
Under is used for vertically below.
We sit under the tree when we have no class.
Over indicates something vertically above.
There is a separate room over the garage.

6. Beneath
Beneath shows a lower position.
The ground was soiled beneath her.
 PREPOSITIONS SHOWING DIRECTION
1. To is used to indicate movement from one place to another.
The children go to the school every morning.

2. Towards points out a particular direction.

The lion ran towards the hunter.

3. Into indicates a movement inside something.

The thief entered into the room.

4. At indicates aim.
The hunter aimed at the bird.

5. For denotes direction.

I shall start for Patna today.

6. Off refers to separation.

He was thrown off from the car during the accident.
7. From refers to a point of departure.
We feel unhappy when we depart from our parents

8. Against shows pressure.

I rested my arms against the wall.

9. Along shows the same line.

I walked along the road.

10. Across means from one side.

I ran across the road

11. Before denotes face-to-face.

I was standing before my wife.

12. Behind means at the back of someone or something.

My daughter stood behind me.

13. Beside means by the side of.

The security guard sits beside the officer.

14. After refers to a sequence.

The child came running after the mother.

WORDS TAKING MORE THAN ONE PREPOSITION

A large number of words are always followed by a fixed preposition.
Example: Insist on; prevent from; fond of. But certain words take
several prepositions according to the changing meanings of the word.
Here is a select list of such words.

1. Accompany
A. By(for living being)
The Prime Minister was accompanied by the members of his cabinet.
B. With(Subtle things)
His lecture was accompanied with subtle analysis of concepts.

2. Accountable
A. To(an authority or a person)
All of us are accountable to God.
B. For(action)
We are accountable to God for our deeds and misdeeds.

3. Angry
A. At(a thing). Ram is angry at Shyam‘s bad conduct.
B. With (a person).Ram is angry with Shyam.

4. Annoyed
A. With(a person). He is annoyed with his younger brother.
B. At(something). He is annoyed with his friend at his laziness.

5. Answerable
A. To(a person). The servant is answerable to the master.
B. For(something). We are answerable to our parents for our conduct.

6. Appeal
A. To(person). He appealed to the judge for his release from jail.
B. For (thing). He appealed for his release from the prison.
7. Arrive
A. At(small place). He arrived at the railway colony.
B. In(big place). He arrived in India.

8. Attend
A. To(duties, lessons, work). I attend to my duties sincerely.
B. On(service). Children attend on parents.

9. Authority
A. On(subject). Mr. Suresh is an authority on Modern physics.
B. Over(rights). The District Magistrate has authority over the
Committee.

10. Blind
A. Of(Physical). He is blind of one eye.
B. To(mental). Many parents are blind to the faults of their children.

11. Communicate
A. With(to make correspondence). He communicated with us on that
matter.
B. To(to convey). He communicated his opinion to me.

12. Compare
A. With(Similar things). Shakespeare is compared with Kalidasa.
B. To(dissimilar things). Life is compared to a battle.

13. Compete
A. With(Person). I cannot compete with the young man.
B. For(a thing). They compete for a prize.

14. Complain
A. To(person). He complained to the Magistrate against Shyam.
B. Against(a person). He complained to the Magistrate against Shyam.
C. About(a thing). He complained to the Magistrate against
Shyam about his misconduct.

15. Confer
A. On(to give). The president conferred the title of Bharat Ratna on him.
B. With(a person). I shall confer with him about important topics.

16. Die
A. Of(a disease). He died of cholera.
B. From(a cause). He died from overwork.

17. Differ
A. With(person). I differ with you.
B. From(things). India differs from Japan.

18. Disqualified
A. From(action). He was disqualified from running the race.
B. For(post or thing). He was disqualified for the post of Police Inspector.

19. Entrust
A. With(in case of a person). I cannot entrust him with my money.
B. To(in case of thing). I cannot entrust my money to him.

20. Familiar
A. With(person). I am familiar with the Chief Minister.
B. To(subject). I am familiar to French Language.

21. Fight
A. With(person). We fought with the English.
B. For(thing). We fought with the English for freedom.

22. Grateful
A. To(person). I am grateful to Ram.
B. For(thing). I am grateful to Ram for his help.

23. Heir
A. Of(descendant). A son is usually the heir of the father.
B. For(thing). He was a heir for a big fortune.

24. Indebted
A. To(a person). I am indebted to my friend.
B. For(thing). I am indebted to my friend for his help.

25. Indignant
A. With(person). He was indignant with his friends.
B. At(thing). The teacher was indignant at his carelessness.

26. Live
A. On(to exist). A man lives on food.
B. By(to depend on, to believe in). A terrorist lives by the gun.

27. Part
A. From(persons). He parted from his friends.
B. With(things). He cannot part with his money.

28. Responsible
A. To(person). He was responsible to the boss.
B. For(thing). We are responsible to God for our actions.

29. Taste
A. Of(experience). Now you will have a taste of New York.
B. For(interest). I have no taste for painting.

30. Tired
A. Of(mental). I am tired of poverty.
B. With(physical). I am tired with working for five hours continuously.

CHAPTER 7

Preposition Based Exercise with Solution for today :-

1. She passed away (a)_____ six o'clock (b)_____ the evening (c)_____ Monday.
2. (a) _____ the afternoon, there's a great film (b) _____ TV and a comedy
programme (c)_____ night.
3. Rajan stopped (a) _____ his house to borrow a raincoat (b)_____ the middle
(c)_____ a storm (d)_____ Monday.
4. (a)_____ your father‘s opinion, you can rely (b)_____ him to come (c)_____
evening.
5. Reema saw him looking (a)______ some CD (b)_____ the library (c)_____. His
sister was (d)_____ him.
6. Radhika posted his father‘s parcel (a)_____ the main Post Office (b)_____ Mall
Road.
7. The wire won't fall (a)_____ because I have twisted it (b)_____ that post to
keep it (c)_____ position.
8. Ramesh was woken up (a)_____ the sound of the TV (b)_____ my brother's
room. The TV was on (c)_____ a bit high volume.
9. She was lying injured (a)_____ the road (b)_____ a fall (c)_____ her scooty.
10. They were shocked (a)_____ the way (b)_____ which she reacted (c)_____
someone calling her 'chubby'.

SOLUTION
1. (a) at (b) in (c) on
2. (a) In (b) on (c) at
3. (a) at (b) in (c) of (d) on
4. (a) in (b) on/upon (c) at/by
5. (a) at/for/through (b) in/at (c) on (d) with/by/near
6. (a) at (b) in/on
7. (a) off/down (b) round (c) in
8. (a) by (b) in (c) at
9. (a) on (b) after (c) from
10. (a) by (b) in (c) to

CONJUNCTION

CHAPTER 1

1. AS SOON AS/AS LONG AS:

As soon as: जैसे ह ीैसे ह /
As long as: जब तक

"As soon as" is used in the meaning of "at the moment that."
"As long as" is used in the meaning of "While."

In these types of sentence, we have two parts of a sentence.

i. Subordinate clause
ii. Main clause

Example
We can‘t use "will" with "as soon as" (subordinating part) while we are talking
about future because this is a condition and it can never be in the future tense.
We can‘t use "than" with as soon as.
 I‟ll meet you as soon as I‟ll arrive. (×)
 I‟ll meet you as soon as I arrive. (√)
 As soon as the bell rang than the students rushed out of their classes.
(×)
 As soon as the bell rang, the students rushed out of their classes. (√)
 You need not fear as soon as he is with you. (×)
 You need not fear as long as he is with you. (√)
We can‘t use "as long as' in the place of 'as soon as" because "as long as" has a
different meaning in Hindi: जब तक

2. WHILE/WHEN:
The one similarity between these two words is that they are used for action but
there is a little difference between these two words:

While:
i. When we have two continues actions, whether it is in the present or the past we
will always use the word while.
 The girls were dancing while the boys were singing.
 I was watching a movie while my mother was cooking food.
When:
We will use this word when two actions already happened.
 The girls danced when the boys sang.
 Hardly had I left the house when it began to rain.
(Now we can also understand this rule easily why we use hardly….when)

iii. We can use "when" for the ages and periods of life.
When you will be sixteen, your father will send you Mumbai for higher studies.

Similarity:
When we have a single action before continues action we can use any one of these
two words.
 I reached there when/while she was watching T.V.
(Note: when a continues action followed by a single action, then we can only use
the word, when)
She was watching T.V. when I reached there.

3. IF:
i. We can use if when we have an uncertainty in a statement/sentence
 If we really set to we can get the whole house cleaned in the afternoon.
ii. We can use if for conditional sentences
Whenever we start a sentence using if, we can‘t use the immediate work in the
future rather than it can be in the present and the past.
A. Now when the conditional part of a sentence in the present then there is no rule
for the result for example:
 If you come to our website daily, we will provide you with some more
important rules.
B. Now when the conditional part of a sentence in the past perfect then we have to
follow this important rule.
If: had+v3rd form / v2nd form
Result:
would have+ v3rd form / would+v1st form
Could have+ v3rd form / could+v1st form
Might have+ v3rd form / might+v1st form
 If he wrote the examination faster and had answered one more
question he would have scored better. (×)
 If he had written the examination faster and had answered one more
question he would have scored better. (√)
 If I had money, I would have sent to you. (×)
 If I had money, I would send to you. (√)

4. IT IS TIME/IT IS HIGH TIME:

When we see these two words in the beginning of a sentence we should remember
that we must take these words as an imagination and the imagination will be
always in the simple past.

Example
 It is high time that we should leave this place. (×)
 It is high time that we left this place. (√)
 It is time you should start earn now. (×)
 It is time you started earning now. (√)

5. BECAUSE/NOT BECAUSE
i. We can‘t use why and because in a single sentence.
ii. "Because" is used for the main reason in a sentence.

Example
 The reason why he was late was because he had been caught in the
rain. (×)
  The reason why he was late was that he had been caught in the rain.
(√)
 I went there not because they invited me but because I wanted to go
there. (√)
 People like Mahesh look always cheerful not because of the peace of
mind but merely because of successful gestures. (√)

6. BETWEEN…..AND
Between…..and(√)
Between……..to (×)
We can see three types of error with this word in our exams
i. We can‘t use a subjective pronoun with this word.
ii. We can‘t use this word with three or more than three persons/subject.
iii. We can‘t use "to" with between.

Example
Rahul is sitting between you and I. (×)
Rahul is sitting between you and me. (√)
How many even numbers comes between 3 to 25. (×)
How many even numbers comes between 3 and 25. (√)

7. BOTH……..AND
There are three types of error with this word
i. Both always followed by and.
ii. It can never be a negative sentence.
iii. It should always be plural.

Example
 He won both a medal along with a scholarship. (×)
 He won both a medal and a scholarship. (√)
 Both answers is not right. (×)
 Both answers are right. (√)

9. TOO+ADJ……TO+V1ST FORM
It also has negative sense in it but when we see a sentence with a positive sense
then we should use enough/very instead of too.
Example
 He is very weak a student to pass. (×)
 He is too weak a student to pass. (√)
  He is too strong to defeat him in bowling. (×)
 He is very strong to defeat him in bowling. (√)

10. SUPPOSE/IF/IN CASE/PROVIDED:

All these words have the same meaning in the English language so we can‘t use any
two words together in a sentence.

Example
Suppose if he smoked less he would get rid of a high cough. (×)
If he smoked less he would get rid of a high cough. (√)

CAHPTER 2

Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to join equal elements of a sentence

together, like "either/or", ―neither/nor‖ and "not only/but also", ―lest/should‖,
―so/as‖ etc.

1. LEST-SHOULD
Lest……should
"Not" is included in the word "lest"
It has negativity in itself so we can‘t use "not" with this word in a sentence.
Lest meaning: ऐसा न हो कक|

For example:
 Do it lest they would turn out you. (×)
 Do it lest they should turn out you. (√)
 Work hard lest you should not fail. (×)
 Work hard lest you should fail. (√)

2. SO-AS
So……as
(इतना)ाजतना( )
It shows negativity in a sentence. We use these words to show negativity

For example:
 She is not as intelligent as I. (×)
 She is not so intelligent as I. (√)
  Nothing is as good as we think. (×)
 Nothing is so good as we think. (√)

As… as (it shows positivity in a sentence)

(इतना)ाजतना(
For example:
 She looks so beautiful as a princess. (×)
 She looks as beautiful as a princess. (√)
 She is so tall as her mother. (×)
 She is as tall as her mother. (√)

3. OTHER-THAN
Other …….than
Sometimes in an exam, we can see "other" with "but" in a sentence and ignore this
without thinking

For example:
 In chess, no other player but Magnus Carlsen has a great confidence.(×)
 In chess, no other player than Magnus Carlsen has a great confidence. (√)
 She is no other but my sister. (×)
 She is no other than my sister. (√)

4. EITHER-OR/ NEITHER-NOR/ NOT ONLY-BUT ALSO

There can be three types of error in these conjunctions for instance:

(i). We can‟t use either with nor and neither with or.
For example:
 Either you nor your brother has won the prize. (×)
 Either you or your brother has won the prize. (√)
 Neither he or his brother can walk faster than I. (×)
 Neither he nor his brother can walk faster than I. (√)

(ii). These words always use with uncommon part of the sentence.
For example:
 Not only he plays the guitar but also the piano. (×)
 He not only plays the guitar but also the piano. (√)
 India will either make a good relationship with China or Pakistan. (×)
 India will make a good relationship either with China or Pakistan. (√)

(iii). Verb according to the first subject.

For example:
Neither Duryodhana nor Pandavs were ready to stop the war. (×)
Neither Duryodhana nor Pandavs was ready to stop the war. (√)

5. As long as/with/Along with/Together

When we add two subjects with these words, then we need to focus on the form of
verb because in these types of sentences we should use verb according to the first
subject.

For example:
 He with his friends are leaving for Delhi.(×)
 He with his friends is leaving for Delhi. (√)
 Facebook, as well as Whatsapp, have provided GIF nowadays.(×)
 Facebook, as well as Whatsapp, has provided GIF nowadays. (√)

6. Else-but
These words have negative meaning. The only auxiliary verb that can follow "else"
is but.
For example:
 He demanded nothing else than a mobile. (×)
 He demanded nothing else but a mobile. (√)
 Don‘t walk on the corner of the roof otherwise/else/or else you will not
slip. (×)
 Don‘t walk on the corner of the roof otherwise/else/or else you will slip.(√)

7. Whether….or
Meaning: कक क्या
Whether is always followed by "or" in a sentence and we can‘t use "that" before
whether

Ex:
 I just want to know that whether you go there or not. (×)
 I just want to know whether you go there or not. (√)
 I asked her that whether her father was at home.(×)
 I asked her whether her father was at home. (√)

8. As if/as though
Meaning: मानो
(Subject+v1+as if/as though + subject + were+…..)
We use as if and as though to make comparisons. They have a similar meaning. We
use as if and as though to talk about an imaginary situation or a situation that may
not be true but that is likely or possible. As if is more common than as though
For example:
 He acts as if he is a prince. (×)
 He acts as if he were a prince. (√)
 He lay down, as if dead. (×)
 He lay down as if he were dead.(√)

9. The reason/why…that
After the reason/the reason why we must use "that" in a sentence because
sometimes we can see "due to, because, on account of" etc. after the
reason/the reason why

For example:
 The reason why I don‘t want to meet him is because he has betrayed my
friend. (×)
 The reason why I don‘t want to meet him is that he has betrayed my
friend. (√)
 The reason for the bus being late was because the bus was involved in an
accident. (×)
 The reason for the bus being late was that the bus was involved in an
accident. (√)

10. Unless:
It is used as a conjunction in the meaning of (if not) – condition/situation
Until: it used for time
These words have negativity in themselves so we can‘t use "not" with them.
For example:
 Unless she does not mend her behavior, I shall send her out. (×)
 Unless she mends her behavior, I shall send her out. (√)
 Until I do not inform my father I shall not go out of my house. (×)
 Until I inform my father I shall not go out of my house. (√)

CHAPTER 3

RULES OF CONJUCTION

1. BECAUSE/AS/SINCE:
Result comes before the reason.

Example
  Crime is increasing in U.P. because there is no govt. in U.P.
 I drank a glass of water because I was thirsty.
 Since she started the journey, she has been feeling sick.

2. SO/THEREFORE:
Reason comes before the result.

Example
 He served the security selflessly so he got many awards.
 I was thirsty so I drank a glass of water.

3. AS/BECAUSE/SINCE
If these three words As/Because/Since(dependent clause) is in the beginning of any
sentence, use a comma(,) before the independent clause.

Example
 Because I was thirsty, I drank a glass of water.
 As our country is liberal, other countries try to oppose us.

4. EITHER/NEITHER:
Either: one out of two
Neither: none out of two

Example
 Either she or you are to blame for the mismanagement of the domestic
affairs.
 Either movie is interesting.
 Neither movie is interesting.
 In old age, neither of his two sons is prepared to come to his help.

5. WHEN/AS LONG AS
We use when as a conjunction meaning ‗at the time that‘. The clause with when is a
subordinate clause (sc) and needs a main clause (mc) to complete its meaning.

Example
When he awoke to reality, all had been lost.
When calamity befell the family, he faced it boldly.

We use as long as to refer to the intended duration of a plan or idea, most

commonly referring to the future. We always use the present simple to refer to the
future after as long as:

Example
  We are very happy for you to stay at our house as long as you like.
 I‘ll remember that film as long as I live

6. NO SOONER…THAN
No sooner+ H.V.+ subject+ rest verb…………. Than

Example
 No sooner did the thief see the policeman than he ran away.
 No sooner was he brought here than he began to feel uneasy.

7. HARDLY/SCARCELY……WHEN/BEFORE
(No sooner, hardly, barely, scarcely, rarely, Seldom: माु ककऱ से
Seldom if ever: माु ककऱ से कभी, seldom or never: माु ककऱ से क्या कभी भी नह ीं)
Example
 Hardly had I left the house when it began to rain.
 Hardly had I stepped out of my house when I saw some policemen coming
towards my house.

8. ALTHOUGH/THOUGH……YET
Always takes opposite sense with it.

Example
 Although India has all natural resources yet it is not developed.
 Though he ran fast, he could not escape from the police.
 Although she has studied English for almost a year, she has yet to learn the
alphabet.

9. SUCH AS/ SUCH THAT

Such As work as a subject
In Such that, We need a new subject after that

Example
 The Internet is such a medium that the people are using it in a great deal.
 No such boy as is living here will do this.

10. SAME AS/ SAME THAT

Same..as (two objects in two cases)
Same.....that (one object in two cases)
EXAMPLE
 I have the same laptop as you are using.
 This is the same car that I saw yesterday.
 CHAPTER 4
Good knowledge of rules of grammar and their correct usage in right perspective, is
the only way of attempting the questions relating to the spotting errors. Correlative
conjunctions are used in pairs to show the relationship between the ideas expressed
in different parts of a sentence.
Correlative conjunctions join various sentence elements that. must be
grammatically equal. The most commonly used correlative conjunctions are both ...
and, either ... or and neither ... nor, hardly ... when , not only ... but also, etc.

CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
1. Both ... and
She is both intelligent and liberal.
2. Either ... or
I will either go for a picnic or take rest.
3. Neither ... nor
She is neither rich nor good honest.
4. Hardly ... when
He had hardly begun to work, when it started raining.
5. No sooner ... than
No sooner had I reached the station , than the train arrived.
6. Not only ... but also
She is not only clever, but also intelligent.
7. Rather ... than
I would rather go swimming than go to the hospital.
8. Scarcely ... when
Scarcely had we left college, when it started to rain.
9. Whether ... or
Have you decided whether you will go there or not?

PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION
Correlative conjunctions (both, and; not, but; not only, but also; either, or; first,
second, third; and the like) should be followed by the same grammatical
construction. Thus, whenever possible, parallel construction should be employed
when correlative conjunctions are used. Many violations of this rule can be
corrected by rearranging the sentence. The repetition of a particular grammatical
construction is often referred to as parallel construction.

Examples –
a) I am neither happy nor excited.
b) The resort contains open bars, swimming and a library.
In example (a), the two phases, neither happy and nor excited, show parallel
construction.
In example (b), the three phrases open bars , swimming pools and a library also
show parallel construction.

CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS AND PARALLEL

CONSTRUCTIONS
Parallel construction should always be employed when correlative conjunctions are
used. In the following examples,
the correlative conjunctions are printed in bold type.

Examples -
a) She has both a good education, and she has good work habits. (Incorrect)
b) She has both a good education and good work habits. (Correct)

In example (a), both and and are followed by different grammatical constructions.
So, it is an incorrect sentence. Both is followed by the phrase a good education;
whereas, and is followed by the clause he has good work habits. The example (b).
has been corrected by changing the clause "he has good work habits into the
phrase good work habits."

SOME SPECIFIC CONJUNCTIONS

1. No/Not/Never Or
Use Not/Never/No in a sentence if an alternative conjunction is needed.
Examples –
a) I have no chair or stool.
b) I have never read about her or heard of her.
c) She does not speak or weep.
d) He did not say or write anything.

2. However/But
However and but should never be used together in a sentence.
Examples –
a) But his behavior, however has not changed. (Incorrect)
His behavior, however, has not changed. (Correct)
b) But that, however is not repairable. (Incorrect)
But that is not repairable. (Correct)

3. Though/Although/Even Though
Though/Although/Even Though are used to show a contrast between two clauses.
Example –
a) Our new neighbors are quite nice (this is good) though their two dogs bark all
day long.
We can use though or although with no difference in meaning. Though (but not
although) can come at the end of a sentence.

Example –
My new bike is really fast. I don‘t like the colour, though.
Though (but not although) can also be used as an adverb.

Example -
I‘m not good at reasoning, but I can help you with your geography, though, if you
want.
The meaning of though is similar to however, but though is much more common
than however in conversion.
Even though can be used to make the contrast between two clauses stronger.

Examples -
a) My father got back from work really late, even though he had promised to take
mum to the cinema
b) Although he is poor, yet he is honest.

4. Until / Unless
Until is used in reference of time while unless refers a condition .
Examples –
a) I will stay here until you return
b) He can‘t succeed unless he works hard
5. As / When / While
We can use, as, when or while in situations or actions that take place
simultaneously.

Examples –
a) As I was walking down the street I saw jack driving a jeep
b) The Telephone always rings when you are having a bath
c) While they were playing cards somebody broke into the house .
d) While you were reading the paper I was watching TV.
e) John cleaned the house while I watched TV
f) His father died when he was fourteen.

6. Because / As / Since
‗Because‘ , ‗As‘ and ‗since‘ are used to answer the question ‗why ?‘
(i) They join two clause because in the same sentence
Examples –
a) I lost my job because I was often late
b) Ram resigned because he wanted to spend more time with his family

(ii). ‗Because ‗ , ‗As‘ , and since show the relationship between the two clauses.

Examples --
a) Why did you resign from such a well paid job , Ram ?
b) Because I wanted to spend more time with my family .
As and since are used when the reason is already well known and / or less
important ..

(iii) ‗As‘ or ‗Since‘ clause often comes at the beginning of the sentence and is
separated from the main clause by a comma.
Examples –
a) As my family had finished dinner when I got home, I went to this really good
beer bar.
(I‘m telling you about the beer bar . It‘s not so important ‗why I went there )

b) Since its your birthday. I‘ll make your breakfast in bed.

(I‘m going to make your breakfast. I know , and you know, its your birthday)
c) Since I have no money, I can‘t go to the movie .

CHAPTER 5

RULE 1.
‗Not only …..but also , Either …..or , Neither …..nor ‘these are co-relative
conjunctions or termed as co-relatives . Its special features is to join two subjects
or two objects or two verbs.
Examples – a) Not only Deepak but also Moti can do it
[ Deepak & Moti both are Subject ]
b) I like not only Deepak but also Moti
[ Deepak & Moti both are Object ]
c) He will not only go but also stay there
[ Go & Stay both are Verbs ]

RULE 2.
After ‗Although‘ or ‗Though‘ Yet comes at the end. But in exams they use but , or ,
else , and etc. , so be aware in such cases. You can also use comma in place of Yet
to make the sentence correct.
Examples – a) Although he is rich but/and he is dishonest (Incorrect)
b) Although he is rich , he is dishonest (Correct)

RULE 3.
Both must be followed by and not ‗as well as‘ or ‗else‘. So in exams be aware of this
facts
Examples – a) Both Ram as well as Shyam may come today (Incorrect)
b) Both Ram and Shyam may come today (Correct)

RULE 4.
Whether must be followed by ‗or‘. Most of the time in exams they use ‗that‘ or ‗if‘ in
place of ‗or‘ . so be aware of this facts
Examples – a) I don‘t know that he will come or not (Incorrect)
b) I don‘t know whether he will come or not (Correct)

RULE 5.
‗So….as / As…..as‘ is used in Positive degree to compare between two persons or
two things.
Point 1 – So…..as is used in Negative sentence
Point 2 – As…..as is used in both Positive and Negative sentence
Examples – a) Ram is not so good as you (Negative Sentence)
b) Ram is as good as you (Affirmative sentence)
c) Ram is not as good as you (Negative sentence)

RULE 6.
‗Hardly/Scarcely‘ must be followed by ‗when‘. But in exams they use ‗That / then /
than‘ so always keep in mind Hardly/Scarcely must be followed by only ‗when‘
Examples – a) Hardly had he gone out of the office that the telephone bell rang
(Incorrect)
b) Hardly had he gone out of the office when the telephone bell rang (Correct)
 RULE 7.
‗Rather‘ or ‗Other‘ must be followed by than but in exams they use ‗but‘ in place of
than . So be aware of this
Examples – a) I have no other object but to get a job (Incorrect)
b) I have no other object than to get a job (Correct)

RULE 8.
Not / Never must be followed by ‗or‘
Examples – a) I have not met him or invited him. (Correct)
b) I have never spoken to him or written to him. (Correct)

RULE 9.
Conjunction Lest must be followed by an Auxiliary Verb ―should‘‘ . but in exams
they uses may/will , etc. so be aware of this facts
Examples – a) Work hard , lest you may fail (Incorrect)
b) Work hard , lest you should fail (Correct)

RULE 10.
The same must be followed by a Relative Pronoun ―that‖ or ―as‖
Point 1 – After ―The same‖, That must be used when Verb is clear.
Examples – a) This is the same book that I wanted
b) This is the same cow that was grazing in the field (was grazing – verb)
Point 2 – After ―The Same‖ As must be used when Verb is not clear.
Examples – a) This is the same dog as mine

RULE 11.
Point 1 - Unless gives a sense of Condition
Point 2 - Until gives a sense of Time
Examples – a) Wait until I come back
b) You will not succeed unless you work hard

CHAPTER 6
Incorrect Correct

As you are my younger so I shall take I shall take care of you because you are
care of you. my younger brother.

I will die some day as all men are

I will die some day since all men are
mortal.
mortal.

Because he is intelligent, therefore, Everybody likes him because he is

everybody likes him. intelligent.

Two weeks have passed since I have

Two weeks have passed since I saw him.
seen him.

Both Madhu and Sudha did not attend Neither Madhu nor Sudha attended
school yesterday. school yesterday.

All is not right that is expedient. All that is expedient is not right.

The choice is between glorious death or The choice is between glorious death and
shameful life. shameful life.

Although she is foolish, but people like Although she is foolish yet people like
her. her.

May you pass or not, I do not care. Should you pass or not, I do not care.

Work hard lest you may not fail. Work hard lest you should fail.

Scarcely he had entered the room, I Scarcely had he entered the room when
recognized him. I recognized him.

Unless you do not pay attention to what Unless you pay attention to what I say,
I say, you will not succeed. you will not succeed.

The teacher asked John that why he was

The teacher asked John why he was late.
late.

No other country but India has spoken No other country than India has spoken
against the racist regime of South Africa. against the racist regime of South Africa.

I have neither seen him nor his brother. I have seen neither him nor his brother.

He did not speak loudly and clearly. He did not speak loudly or clearly.

My pen is superior and more expensive My pen is superior to and more

than yours. expensive than yours.

Not only he is honest but sincere. He is not only honest but also sincere.

The little boy was lazy and careless. The little boy was lazy and careless too
Complete your work lest you will be Complete your work otherwise you will
demoted. be demoted.

CHAPTER 7

A CONJUNCTION IS A WORD USED FOR JOINING-

 One word to another word
 One word to a clause
 One sentence to another sentence

ERRORS IN USE OF CONJUNCTION:

1.
‗Scarcely‘ and ‗hardly‘ is followed by ‗when‘.
Example: hardly had I slept when the telephone rang.
2·
‗Though‘ is followed by ‗yet‘.
Example: Though ram work hard yet he failed.
3·
‗No sooner‘ is followed by ‗than‘.
Example: No sooner did he reach there it began to rain.
4·
‗Not only‘ is followed by ‗but also‘.
Example: Not only did he help her, but also dropped her home safely.
5·
‗Lest‘ is negative so should not be followed by ‗not‘; it is followed by ‗should‘.
Example: Work hard lest you should fail.
6.
If ‗would or may‘ is used in place of ‗should‘, then ‗else‘ should be used in place of
‗lest‘.
Example: Leave on time, else, you would miss the train.
7.
‗Both‘ is complimented by ‗and‘, not by ‗as well as‘.
Example: Both Bimal and Kamal are good at English.
8.
‗So …. As‘ is used in negative sentences, whereas ‗as …. As‘ is used in affirmative
sentences.
Example: He is not so tall as his brother.
9.
‗Other‘ is followed by ‗than‘.
Example: He has no other claim than his wealth.
10.
The word ‗reason‘ is not followed by ‗because‘, but by ‗that‘.
Example: The reason why he did not go to the party was that his mother was ill.
11.
‗Because‘ denote reason.
‗In order‘ that denotes purpose.
Example: He went to the doctor because he was ill.
Another example: He went to Delhi in order that he might see Mr. Bose.
12.
Word such as regard, describe, define, treat, mention, depict, portray are followed
by ‗as‘.
Example: He was treated as a slave.
13.
'As‘ and ‗since‘ are also used to express reason.
Example: As he was not there, I spoke to his brother.
14.
‗Neither‘ is followed by ‗nor‘ and both are followed by same auxiliary verb.
Example: Neither Ram nor Raghu was seen.
15.
‗Either‘ is followed by ‗or‘.
Example: Either Rita or Rima will give her book.
16.
‗Unless‘, ‗Until‘,‘‘ If not, ‗so that‘ should not be followed by ‗not‘.
Example: wait here until I come.
17.
‗If‘ is used in conditional sense.
‗Whether‘ is used in uncertainty.
Example: If he does not return the book, he will not be awarded the certificate.
Another example: I do not know whether he was present.
18.
To express time before use ‗until‘ or ‗till‘ and to express how long use ‗as long as‘.
Example: work as long as you live.
19.
‗Such‘ is followed by ‗as‘.
Example: He is such a writer, as everybody should read his book.
20.
‗Such‘ is followed by ‗that‘ if we emphasis degree of something by mentioning the
result.
Example: the extant of the disaster was such that the authorities were unable to
cope.
20 (A)
'Like‘ is followed by pronoun; ‗as‘ is followed by a clause.
Example: He look like he brother.

FINITE & NON-FINITE

CHAPTER 1

We know the significance of verb in a sentence. We cannot frame a sentence

without a verb. So, it is also inevitable to know about the verb.
Generally verbs are limited by person, number and tense. It means, the form of
verb changes
1. If the person is changed
e.g. I write. (I-first person)
He writes. (He-Third person)
2. If the number is changed
e.g. She controls the employees. (She-singular)
They control the employees. (They-plural)

3. If the tense is changed

e.g. Mina went to the party. (Past tense)
Mina goes to the party. (Present tense)

All such verbs limited by number, person and tense are called Finite verbs.
There are three kinds of verbs which are not limited by number, person and tense.
They are:
 Infinitive
 Gerund
 Participle

INFINITIVE:
An infinitive is a form of verb which is not limited by person, number and tense.
It is generally used with ‗TO‘. Sometimes, it is used without ‗TO‘ also.
E.g. I like to travel around the world.
→The following verbs do not take ‗to‘ after them with the infinitive in the active
voice.
They are: make, bid, let, hear, see, feel, watch, notice, need
→After the following auxiliaries, we do not use ‗to‘ with the infinitive.
They are: do, does, did, shall, will, should, would, can, could, might, may.
E.g.
 She does the work well.
 I shall return the book tomorrow.

USES OF INFINITIVE:
Infinitive as the subject of a verb.
e.g. To reach the apex in any field is not easy.

Infinitive as the object of a transitive verb. e.g. banks do not want to

afford much on NPAs.

Infinitive as the complement of a verb (subjective predication).

e.g. It seems to be a holiday.

Infinitive with adverbs too and enough.

e.g. He is too tender to bear.
She is old enough to understand.
Infinitive to qualify an entire sentence.
e.g. To tell the truth, he is very malicious.

GERUND
A gerund is a form of verb that does the work of a noun. So it is also called as
verbal noun.
E.g. Smoking is injurious to health.
The noun or pronoun that comes before a gerund is always in the possessive case.
E.g. I accept your offering me a job.
A gerund is formed by adding ‗ing‘ to the verb.

USES OF GERUND:
Gerund as the subject of the verb.
E.g. preventing is better than cure.

Object of the transitive verb.

E.g. I like learning.

Object of a preposition.
E.g. Many people are fond of watching tv.

Complement of a verb.
E.g. The child‘s real problem is coming to school.

PARTICIPLE
A participle is a form of verb that does the work of a verb, an adjective and of a
noun.
 E.g. here is your driving license. (Adjective)
 Safe driving is wonderful art. (Noun)
 Seeing the police, the thief ran away. (Verb)

KINDS OF PARTICIPLE:
There are three kinds of participles.
Present participl
eating(1stform+ing) -active voice
being eaten(being+3rdform) -passive voice

Past participle
eaten(3rd form) -active voice
Been eaten(been+3rd form) -passive voice

Perfect participle
having eaten -active voice
Having been eaten -passive voice

USES OF PARTICIPLE
Qualify nouns
e.g. It is an interesting book.

Can be subjective complements

e.g. The news was shocking.
Can be objective complements.
e.g. They left the room spoilt.

When two actions by the same subject are expressed and one of them
follows the other,then the former action can be denoted by a participle.
e.g. Hearing his father‘s voice,he went inside.

When two actions occur at the same time, one of them is expressed in
participle.
e.g. Standing at the door, he saw me.

COMMON ERRORS

CAHPTER 1

DIRECTIONS :
In the following , read each sentence to find out whether there is any error
in it or not. The error , if any , will be in one part of the sentence .the letter
of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the answer is (d). Ignore
the errors of punctuation , if any.

1.
(a) Every one of the films
(b) you suggested

(c) are not worth seeing

(d) No error

2.
(a) The secretary and the Principal of the college
(b) are attending
(c) the District Development Council Meeting at the Collectorate.
(d) No error

3.
(a) No sooner had the hockey match started
(b) when it began
(c) to rain
(d) No error
4.
(a)The Secretariat
(b) Comprises of
(c) many air condition rooms
(d) No error

5.
(a) It is high time
(b) he stood on his own
(c) two legs
(d) No error.

6.
(a) You should avoid
(b) to travel
(c) in the rush hour
(d) No error

7.
(a) There is
(b) only one of his novels
(c) that are interesting
(d) No error

8.
(a) He denied
(b) to have
(c) been there
(d) No error

9.
(a) knowledge of
(b) at least two languages
(c) are required to pass the examination
(d) No error

10.
(a) The members of the Opposition Party in the parliament
(b) shout upon the minister
(c) if he makes wrong statement
(d) No error
11.
(a) if the worst
(b) comes to worst
(c) I will have to bid good bye to my studies and join family business.
(d) No error

12.
(a) The interim report does not
(b) analyse thoroughly the principle causes
(c) of the disaster
(d) No error

13.
(a) The items I liked most
(b) Were the rosewood carvings
(c) and the rosewood furnitures of Dutch design
(d) No error

14.
(a) A part of training
(b) they offered was
(c) real good
(d) No error

15.
(a) The soil was moist as
(b) there was little rain
(c) the day before
(d) No error

ANSWER
1. C
2. D
3. B
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. C
8. B
9. C
10. B
11. B
12. D
13. C
14. C
15. B

CAHPTER 2
1.
(a) The manager wanted to know who had arrived
(b) early that day
(c) the cashier or the accountant
(d) No error

2.
(a) They are a politically important family
(b) one of his sister is a minister
(c) and another is married to a minister
(d) No error

3.
(a) Supposing that the information'
(b) Proves to be totally reliable
(c) should we still have to recast the plan
(d) No error

4.
(a) Though its gloss can
(b) foll few unwary customers.
(c) it would not be difficult for clever ones to judge its real worth
(d) No error

5.
(a) She pretends as if she has
(b) never in her life
(c) told a life ,isn't it ?
(d) No error

6.
(a) If there are billions of stars in the galaxy
(b) Hoe much are
(c) suitable fro life
(d) No error

7.
(a) The value of the dollar declines
(b) as the rate
(c) of inflation raises
(d) No error

8.
(a) One of my desire
(b) are to become
(c) a doctor.
(d) No error

9.
(a) A hot and
(b) a cold spring
(c) was found near each other.
(d) No error

10.
(a) All doubts are cleared
(b) between
(c) you and I.
(d) No error

11.
(a) Either the roads
(b) lead
(c) to the park
(d) No error

12.
(a) I 'went to the temple
(b) with my parents
(c) my aunts and my cousin sisters.
(d) No error

13.
(a) I have passed
(b) The examination
(c) two years ago
(d) No error

14.
(a) The Earth moves
(b) round the Sun,
(c) isn't it ?
(d) No error

15.
(a) Unless you do not give
(b) the keys of the safe
(c) You will be shot
(d) No error

ANSWER
1. B
2. B
3. D
4. B
5. C
6. B
7. C
8. B
9. C
10. C
11. B
12. C
13. A
14. C
15. A

CHAPTER 3

DIRECTION :-
Fill up the blanks in the following sentences from the
responses (a),(b),(c) and (d).
1. Can I stay ______ the week end?
a. until
b. by
c. for
d. off

2. You are very patient_____ me.

a. towards
b. to
c. for
d. with

3. Why are you talking _____ such a high voice.

a. with
b. in
c. by
d. no preposition needed

4. He walked ______ the room, smiling strangely.

a. in
b. around
c. across
d. over

5. It's a good idea to agree _____ the boss most of the time.
a. on
b. with
c. about
d. to

6. The whole _____ city was burning.

a. of
b. about
c. for
d. no preposition needed

7. She was standing laughing ________ a crowd of journalists.

a. among
b. between
c. in
d. with

8. I do not like to see people _____ the nights when I have been working
late.
a. over
b. in
c. on
d. no preposition needed

9. Let us picnic _____ that field over there.

a. over
b. in
c. on
d. at

10. Sometimes, I dream ______ running away to a desert island.

a. about
b. to
c. of
d. from

ANSWERS
1. (a) Until is used when we talk about a continuing situation or state that will stop
at a certain moment in the future.

2.(d) With is used after a number of adjectives which say how people behave to
others.

3. (b) In is usually used to refer to articles of clothing, kinds of voice, and writing
instruments.

4. (c) When the movement is in a three-dimensional space, across is used.

5. (b) One agrees with a person.

6. (d) The whole of comes before articles, possessives, etc.

7. (a) Among is used with a mass, a crowd or a group; a collection of things which
we do not see separately.

8. (c) If we say which morning, afternoon, etc. we are thinking of, or if we describe
the morning, afternoon, etc., on is used.

9. (b) In is used for position on a surface with a wall, fences, etc. around it.
10. (c) When we use dream in the sense of imagination or of thinking about things
that probably would not happen, the preposition is usually of.

CHAPTER 4

Incorrect Correct

Mr. Bhatia is my Teacher of English.

Mr. Bhatia is my English teacher

I Forgive him for his faults. I forgave him his faults.

Chiranjiv Is my cousin Brother. Chiranjiv is my cousin.

Credit this sum to my name. Credit this sum to my account.

He is very miser He is very miserly.

My all friends are very helpful All my friends are very helpful.

She does not know swimming. She does not know how to swim.

My uncle lives at Janpath Road. My uncle lives at Janpath.

He is family man. He is a man with a family.

This is more batter This is better.

One must do his duty One must do one‘s duty.

He made a blunder mistake. He made a blunder.

It is a female compartment. It is a ladies‘ compartment.

Open your book on page ten. Open your book at page ten.

He has gone to foreign He has gone abroad

He married his daughter He got his daughter married.

Madhu is very proudy. Madhu is very proud.

He live in the boarding He lives in the boarding house.

Sachin and myself helped you. Sachin and I helped you.

Please write with ink. Please write in ink.

He died from cancer He died of cancer.

He died of overwork He died from overwork.

He has no lust of money. He has no lust for money.

My younger brother goes to the collage

My younger brother goes to college daily.
daily.

What a fun! What fun !

She was crying the glasses in a tray. She was carrying the glasses on a tray.

He sat in a tree. He sat on a tree.

He is taller then me. He is taller than I (am).

He is not as tall as his brother. He is not so tall as his brother.

I have lost my patience. I have lost patience.

He likes cutting jokes. He likes cracking jockes.

You have a chance to win. You have a chance of winning.

Don‘t mention. Mention not.

Are you living in Delhi? Do you live in Delhi?

It is a true fact. Is is a fact.

As you like. As you like it.

Radha resembles to her mother. Radha resembles her mother.

Please pay for your bill. Please pay your bill.

The police is looking for the culprit. The police are looking for the culprit.

He said a lot to lies. He told a lot of lies.

I believe you are better now. I hope that you are better now.

He shirks from his studies. He shirks his studies.

I need a house to live. I need a house to live in.

I want a pen to write. I want a pen to write with.

I have no influence on him I have no influence over him.

I am too happy to see you. I am very happy to see you.

He invited me on tea. He invited me to tea.

We go to college by foot. We go to college on foot.

You have no excuse to be late. You have no excuse for being late.

Public does not like it. Public do not like it.

This is somewhat true. This is partially true.

I do not like the poetries of keats. I do not like the poetry of Keats.

I prefer lassi than tea. I prefer lassi to see.

Please give key to your watch. Please wind up your watch.

There is no harm to do so. There is no harm in doing so.

He gave a speech. He made a speech.

I will return just now. I will return presently.

I will wait here until you do not return. I will wait here until you come.
He needs not worry. He need not worry.

He hanged his head in shame. He hung his head in shame.

The satellite has been sent to space. The satellite has been launched.

Mohan insisted to go there. Mohan insisted on going there.

He lives through honest labour. He lives by honest labour.

Mohan and sohan are fast enemies. Mohan and Sohan are sworn enemies.

His grandmother is died. His grandmother is dead.

Send this letter on my address. Send this letter to my address.

I have seen him today morning I have been his this morning.

Are you a member in the committee? Are you a member of the committee?

He is fail in Mathematics. He failed in Mathematics.

We reached safely. We reached safe.

Sachin is good in English. Sachin is good at English.

My elder brother is in the teaching

My elder brother is in the teaching line.
profession.

I have read four-fifth of this book. I have read four-fifth of this book.

Our teacher will take your test

Our teacher will give us a test tomorrow.
tomorrow.

All his family members are mad. All members of his family are mad.

She does not know swimming. She does not know how to swim.

Our examination starts from Monday

Our examination starts on Monday next.
next.

I shall return this book after one week. I shall return this book in one week.
Thousands were injured in the war. Thousands were wounded in the war.

He has grown into a beautiful youth. He has grown into a handsome youth.

There is no other alternative. There is no alternative.

What is the cost of this pen? What is the price of this pen?

Translate this passage from English to Translate this passage from English into
Hindi. Hindi.

I have learnt this lesson word by word. I have learnt this lesson word for word.

I am going to cut my hair. I am going to have my hair cut.

My watch is two minutes behind . My watch is two minutes slow.

I asked him that why he was late. I asked him why he was late.

He pays more attention to Hindi than He pays more attention to Hindi than to
English. English.

Close your door at once. Shut the door at once

Verbal orders will not be obeyed. Oral orders will not be obeyed.

Burn the lamp at once. Light the lamp at once.

Sachin has made ten goals. Sachin has scored ten goals.

He admitted that he had committed the He confessed that he had committed the
murder. murder.

A dictator generally misuses his political A dictator generally abuses his political
power. powers.

This is the house, the roof of which

This is the house whose roof leaks.
leaks.

Being a cloudy day, we did not go out. If being a cloudy day, we did not go out.

It is possible to score cent per cent It is possible to score hundred per cent
marks in Mathematics. marks in Mathematics.
Mohan has a thirst of knowledge. Mohan has a thirst for knowledge.

My neighbor is five years elder to me. My neighbor is five years older than me.

His service has been terminated. His services have been terminated.

Please see the dictionary to find out the Please consult the dictionary to find out
meaning of this word. the meaning of this word.

Mohan asked his servant to bring water. Mohan told his servant to bring water.

He got down from his bicycle. He got off his bicycle.

I lived in that hotel for two days. I stayed in that hotel for two days.

Please tell us everything in brief. Please tell us everything in short.

I shall write him tomorrow. I shall write to him tomorrow.

We have reached the final conclusions. We have reached the conclusions.

To make dolls is his professions. Making dolls is his profession.

Finishing his work, he went to see a Having finished his work, he went to see
movie. a movie.

I saw a bad dream last night. I had a bad dream last night.

If you will abuse me, I will break tour

If you abuse me, I shall break you head.
head.

If you will take tae, I shall also take. If you take tea, I shall also rake.

You need not to tell me all this. You need not tell me all this.

My elder brother is in the teaching

My elder brother is in the teaching line.
profession.

I have read four-fifth of this book. I have read four-fifth of this book.

Our teacher will take our test tomorrow. Our teacher will give us a test tomorrow.

All his family members are mad. All members of his family are mad.
Our examination starts from Monday
Our examination starts on Monday next.
next.

I shall return this book after one week. I shall return this book in one week.

Thousands were injured in the war. Thousands were wounded in the war.

He has grown into a beautiful youth. He has grown into a handsome youth.

There is no other alternative. There is no alternative.

What is the cost of this pen? What is the price of this pen?

Translate this passage from English to Translate this passage from English into
Hindi. Hindi.

I have learnt this lesson word by word. I have learnt this lesson word for word.

I am going to cut my hair. I am going to have my hair cut.

My watch is two minutes behind. My watch is two minutes slow.

I asked him that why he was late. I asked him why he was late.

He pays more attention to Hindi than He pays more attention to Hindi than to
English. English.

Close the door at once. Shut the door at once.

Verbal orders will not be obeyed. Oral orders will not be obeyed.

Burn the lamp at once. Light the lamp at once.

Sachin has made ten goals. Sachin has scored ten goals.

He admitted that he had committed the He confessed that he had committed the
murder. murder.

A dictator generally misuses his political A dictator generally abuses his political
powers. powers.

This is the house, the roof of which

This is the house whose roof leaks.
leaks.

Being a cloudy day, we did not go out. It Being a cloudy day, we did not go out.
It is possible to score cent per cent It is possible to score hundred per cent
marks in mathematics. marks in mathematics.

Mohan has a thirst knowledge. Mohan has a thirst for knowledge.

My neighbour is five years older than

My neighbour is five years elder to me.
me.

His service has been terminated. His services have been terminated.

Please see the dictionary to find out the Please consult the dictionary to find out
meaning of this word. the meaning of this word.

Mohan asked his servant to bring water. Mohan told his servant to bring water.

He got down from his bicycle. He got down off his bicycle.

I lived in that hotel for two days. I stayed in that hotel for two days.

Please tell us everything in brief. Please tell us everything in short.

I shall write him tomorrow. I shall write to him tomorrow.

We have reached the final conclusion. We have reached the conclusion.

To make dolls is his profession. Making dolls is his profession.

Finishing his work, he went to see a Having finished his work, he went to see
movie. a movie.

I saw a bad dream last night. I had a bad dream last night.

His father has resigned from his post. His father has resigned his post.

If you will abuse me, I will break your If you abuse me, I shall break your
head. head.

If you will take tea, I shall also take. If you take tea, I shall also take.

You need not to tell me all this. You need not tell me all this.

Let us pass away our time in the

Let us pass our time in the canteen.
canteen.
I cannot pull on with this man. I cannot get on with this man.

First, I told him about his mistakes. At First, I told him about his mistakes.

Do not interfere in my work. Do not interfere with my work.

I want a fresh basket of flowers. I want a basket of fresh flowers.

The students will give their test The students will take their test
tomorrow. tomorrow.

The interview will be held between The interview will be held between
10a.m to 12 noon. 10a.m and 12 noon.

There was a hell of a rush at the tickets There was a hell of a rush at the ticket-
window. window.

My hairs are black. My hair is black.

Now, I shall go to my quarter. Now I shall go to my quarters.

Law and order have to be maintained. Law and order has to be maintained.

What is the cost of this shirt? What is the price of this shirt?

Our examination is approaching near. Our examination is approaching .

Good Night, sir, have a cup of tea. Good Evening, sir, have a cup of tea.

The chairman is the wholly solely in our The chairman is the all in all in our
establishment. establishment.

We must fight-poverty with tooth and

We must fight-poverty tooth and nail.
nail.

The English have left India with bag and The English have left India bag and
baggage. baggage.

We go to college by foot. We go to college on foot.

I have many works to do on Sundays. I have much works to do on Sundays.

He secured only passing marks in He secured only pass marks in

Mathematics. Mathematics.
Please give me a ten - rupees note. Please give me a ten - rupee note.

This pen is superior than that. This pen is superior to that.

I am not on talking terms with Mohan. I am not on speaking terms with Mohan.

Sachin is our mutual friend. Sachin is our common friend.

He picks up a quarrel over petty matters. He picks a quarrel over petty matters.

Summon could not be issued. Summons could not be issued.

When you say so, I must believe it. Since you say so, I must believe it.

No less than fifty soldiers were injured in No fewer than fifty soldiers were injured
the blast. in the blast.

What is the fresh news of today? What is the latest news of today?

I have something to ask from you. I have something to ask you.

The train left at 3 o‘ clock. The train departed at 3 o‘ clock.

You are requested to substitute the old You are requested to replace the old
picture for a new one. picture by a new one.

Owing to illness. I could not go to

Due to illness. I could not go to college.
college.

This news was broadcasted from All This news was broadcast from All India
India Radio only yesterday. Radio only yesterday.

I will teach you reading and writing I will teach you how to read and writing
English. English.

It is the first time I have said so. This is the first time I have said so.

Students who have failed in the

Failed students cannot be promoted to
examination cannot be promoted to the
the next higher class.
next higher class.

Please do the needful and oblige. Please do what is necessary and oblige.
Accompanied with my friends, I went Accompanied by my friends, I went
there. there.

What to speak of English, he cannot Not to speak of English, he cannot speak

speak even Hindi. even Hindi.

The plane circled the airport two times The plane circled the airport twice before
before landing. landing.

He became a rich man by and by. He became a rich man in course of time.

My dear respected father, you are really

My dear father, you are really great.
great.

Send your reply by return post. Send your reply by return of post.

Please speak to the concerned authority. Please speak to the authority concerned.

He is a noted dacoit. He is a notorious dacoit.

It was very wonderful. It was really wonderful.

I am quite sorry to hear of your failure. I am very sorry to hear of your failure.

CHAPTER 5

USE OF UNLESS AND UNTIL

 Unless - except on the specified conditions or circumstances
Example - Bank will not provide you loan unless you give them something as
security.
 Until - up to the time of
Example - I lived with my parents until I was 20.

USE OF A FEW, FEW AND THE FEW

 A Few - Not many (opposite of many)
Example - A few boys will pass in the examination
 Few - some at least (positive)
Example - There are few books in my room.
 The Few - whatever there is (not many, but all of them)
Example - He lost the few friends he had.

USE OF THE NUMBER AND A NUMBER

 The Number - Singular form
Example - The number of applicants for the course is fifteen.
 A Number - Plural form (Several, Some)
Example - A number of students have appeared for the test.

USE OF LITTLE, A LITTLE AND THE LITTLE

 Little - Hardly any
Example - There is little hope of his recovery.
 A Little - Some ( though not much)
Example - We have got a little time before the train leaves.
 The Little - Not much but all there is.
Example - The little medicines that are in first aid box may be used for the patient.

USE OF AMONG AND BETWEEN

 Between - Used when items are distinct
Example - I cannot decide between the green shirt, black shirt and white shirt.
 Among - Used when items are not distinct; or for group
Example - I cannot decide among these shirts.

USE OF SINCE AND FOR

 Since - Indicates point of time
Example - It has been raining since last Monday
 For - Length of time
Example - He has been reading novel for two hours.

USE OF ON AND ONTO

 On - Location or Position on a surface
Example - Your books are on the table.
 Onto - Direction/Movement from one location to another or; Fully aware/
Informed
Example - The cat climbed onto the table.
The Police are onto the Thief's plans.
 USE OF ELDER AND OLDER
 Elder - Used for implying greater experience or knowledge. It is generally used
for members of the family
Example - He is my elder brother.
 Older - Used to refer persons as well as things and is generally followed by
than.
Example - Saumya is older than all other girls of this area.

USE OF RESPONSIBLE TO AND RESPONSIBLE FOR

 Responsible to - Obligatory or answerable to
Example - The government is responsible to the people who elected them.
 Responsible for - To carry out some action or doing something while at any
ownership position.
Example - He held himself responsible for his wife's death.

USE OF LESS AND FEWER

 Less - Used for Quantity
Example - When I'm doing my work, I listen to less music.
 Fewer - Used for Number
Example - Fewer than thirty children are opting to study music related subjects.

USE OF WHEN AND WHILE

 When - Used for referring a time or periods of life.
Example - When I worked as a teacher, I met a good friend.
 While - Used for time during the process of doing a work.
Example -While he was sleeping, I was working.

USE OF SOME AND ANY

 Some - Used to express quantity
Example - He will buy some apples
 Any - Used for interrogative and negative sentences
Example - Have you bought any apples?

USE OF EACH OTHER AND ONE ANOTHER

  Each Other - Used for two subjects or objects
Example - Ram and Sita have met each other.
 One Another - Used for more than two subjects or objects
Example - All the members of the family love one another.

MISCELLANEOUS

INCORRECT
He told the truth
Though he is poor but he is honest
He is taking a bath
Do not speak a lie
It is raining, is it?
I respect him as he is my teacher.
Our team made a goal
He is such a writer that everybody
should read his books.
CORRECT
He spoke the truth
Though he is poor, yet he is honest
He is having a bath
Do not tell a lie
It is raining, Isn't it?
I respect him because he is my teacher
Our team has scored a goal
He is such a writer as everybody should
read his books.

SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS

CHAPTER 1

ANTONYMS : 250 WORDS CAPSULE

S.No Word Antonyms

1. Ascend Descend

2. Conformist Nonconformist

3. Contentious Noncontentious

4. Flammable Nonflammable

5. Interference Noninterference
6. Payment Nonpayment

7. Political Nonpolitical

8. Resident Nonresident

9. Barbarous Civilized

10. Baroque Plain

11. Barren Fertile

12. Barrier Link

13. Base Summit, noble

14. Batty Sane

15. Bawdy Decent

16. Beauty Ugliness

17. Beautiful Ugly

18. Befogged Clearheaded

19. Beginning End

20. Benevolent Malevolent

21. Belie Justify

22. Believe Doubt

23. Benign Maligent, cruel

24. Best Worst

25. Bind Release

26. Birth Death

27. Bitter Sweet

28. Blame Praise

29. Bleak Bright, cheerful

30. Blunt Keen, sharp

31. Boisterous Placid

32. Bold Timid

33. Borrow Lend

34. Bottom Top

35. Brave Coward

36. Bright Dull

37. Broad Narrow

38. Build Destroy

39. Busy Idle, lazy

40. Calculate Guess

41. Calculating Artless

42. Calm Stormy

43. Callous Kind

44. Camouflage Reveal

45. Candid Evasive

46. Captivate Repel

47. Care Neglect

48. Carnal Spiritual

49. Casual Formal

50. Catholic Narrow-minded

51. Celebrated Unknown

52. Cement Disintegrate

53. Censure Praise

54. Cheap Dear

55. Clandestine Open

56. Classic Romantic

57. Clever Stupid

58. Coarse Fine

59. Comic Tragic

60. Common Rare, uncommon

61. Compact Diffuse

62. Compare Contrast

63. Compress Expand

64. Conceal Reveal

65. Conceit Modesty

66. Concord Discord

67. Condemn Approve

68. Confess Deny

69. Confidence Diffidence

70. Confident Diffident

71. Consolidate Weaken

72. Continue Weaken

73. Contract Expand

74. Country Town

75. Courtesy Rudeness

76. Create Destroy

77. Creation Destruction

78. Credit Cash

79. Credulous Skeptical

80. Cruel Kind

81. Cunning Naive

82. Danger Safety

83. Deep Shallow

84. Demote Promote

85. Denounce Defend

86. Dense Sparse

87. Derogatory Laudatory

88. Despair Hope

89. Destructive Constructive

90. Devil God

91. Divide Multiply

92. Docile Headstrong

93. Domestic Foreign

94. Doubt Trust

95. Dwarf Giant

96. Eager Indifferent

97. Early Late

98. Ease Disquiet

99. Eclipse Shine

100. Gather Disperse

101. General Particular

102. Generosity Stinginess

103. Gentle Rude

104. Genuine Spurious

105. Gloomy Gay, bright

106. Glory Shame, disgrace

107. Gorgeous Simple

108. Hamper Expedite

109. Hamstrung Strengthen

110. Happy Miserable

111. Harm Benefit

112. Harmony Discord

113. Harsh Melodious

114. Hasty Leisurely

115. Head Tail

116. Healthy Diseased

117. Hear Ignore

118. Heaven Hell

119. Help Hinder

120. Hide Divulge

121. High Low

122. Height Depth

123. Hollow Solid

124. Honour Shame

125. Humble Proud

126. Humility Pride

127. Hurry Delay

128. Hurt Heal

129. Hypocrisy Sincerity

130. Impenitent Repentant

131. Impulsive Cautious

132. Indifferent Partial

133. Indigent Rich

134. Infernal Heavenly

135. Inhale Exhale

136. Innocent Guilty

137. Insipid Tasty

138. Insult Esteem, honour

139 Interesting Dull, uninteresting

140. Jest Earnest

141. Keep Discard

142. Knowledge Ignorance

143. Labour Rest, repose

144. Languid Energetic

145. Law Anarchy

146. Lead Follow

147. Leader Follower

148. Lenient Strict

149. Lethargic Energetic

150. Liberty Slavery

151. Limit Stretch

152. Lovely Hideous

153. Loud Soft

154. Make Mar

155. Malice Goodwill

156. Male Female

157. Major Minor

158. Majority Minority

159. Mandatory Optional

160. Mark Erase

161. Masculine Feminine

162. Meek Arrogant

163. Merit Demerit

164. Mighty Weak

165. Mild Stern

166. Miserly Generous

167. Mix Separate

168. Morbid Healthy

169. Motion Rest

170. Mative Alien

171. Meat Flithy

172. Nimble Lazy

173. Noble Ignoble, base

174. Noise Quiet

175. Normal Abnormal

176. Obey Defy, disobey

177. Obliging Mulish, obstinate

178. Obscure Prominent

179. Observe Miss, disregard

180. Obstinate Pliable, flexible

181. Obstruct Assist

182. Obtain Forfeit

183. Ominous Auspicious

184. Optimist Pessimist

185. Ordinary Rare, unique

186. Pacify Irritate

187. Painful Soothing

188. Particular General

189. Passionate Dispassionate

190. Permanent Temporary

191. Permission Refusal

192. Persuade Dissuade

193. Perturbed Calm

194. Prologue Epilogue

195. Prolong Shorten

196. Propagate Suppress

197. Prose Poetry

198. Positive Negative

199. Profit Loss

200. Progress Retrogress

201. Prohibit Permit

202. Prompt Slow

203. Prudence Indiscretion

204. Public Private

205. Punish Reward, forgive

206. Pursue Avoid

207. Raid Retreat

208. Raise Lower

209. Rapidity Inertia

210. Rare Common

211. Reason Folly

212. Rebellious Submissive

213. Rectify Falsify

214. Reluctant Eager

215. Restrain Incite

216. Right Left, wrong

217. Sacred Profane

218. Sad Cheerful

219. Safe Risky, dangerous

220. Savage Civilized

221. Save Spend

222. Saviour Destroyer

223. Severe Mild, lenient

224. Shy Impudent

225. Sin Virtue

226. Startled Waveringly

227. Steep Flat

228. Straight Curved

229. Stranger Acquaintance

230. Sublime Ridiculous

231. Sympathy Antipathy

232. Synonym Antonym

233. System Chaos

234. Tame Wild

235. Teacher Student

236. Terse Diffuse

237. Thick Thin

238. Thrifty Extravagant

239. Tragedy Comedy

240. Tranquil Agitated

241. Transparent Opaque

242. Union Discord

243. Upward Downward

244. Vacant Occupied

245. Vain Modest

246. Victory Defeat

247. Violent Gentle, peaceful

248. Virtue Vice

249. Vision Blindness

250. Vivid Dull, dim

CHAPTER 2

English Mania: Synonym & Antonym

Choose the word which is MOST SIMILAR in meaning ( SYNONYM) from the
given options.

1. Perched
a) sitting
b) dried
c) hungry
d) placed
e) wet

2. Derives
a) arises
b) deduces
c) reaches
d) gets
e) originates

3. Mendicant
a) beggar
b) saint
c) worker
d) scholar
e) gate keeper

4. Rugged
a) fierced
b) dilapidated
c) unkempt
d) rough
e) stern

5. Dole
a) food
b) packet
c) bucket
d) alms
e) bag

Choose the word which is MOST OPPOSITE in meaning (ANTONYM) from

the given options.

6. Steadfastness
a) stability
b) firmness
c) industriousness
d) resolute
e) flexibility
7. Picturesque
a) dull
b) vivid
c) shining
d) bright
e) glittering

8. Exposed
a) apparent
b) covered
c) spread
d) opened
e) outward

9. Admonition
a) praise
b) counseling
c) liaison
d) leverage
e) instruction

10. Beat
a) strike
b) defeat
c) throb
d) victory
e) scold

ANSWER

1. A
2. D
3. A
4. D
5. D
6. E
7. A
8. B
9. A
10.D
 CHAPTER 3

SYNONYMS : 200 WORDS CAPSULE

1. Impeccable - Faultless
2. Adverse - Negative
3. Friendly - Amiable
4. Imitate - Copy
5. Dessert - Sweet-dish
6. Fortitude - Courage
7. Trauma - Emotional shock
8. Adversary - Opponent
9. Erudite - Scholarly
10. Takes after - Resembles
11. Cajole - Persuade
12. Amazement - Surprise
13. Electrifying - Exciting
14. Merited - Deserved
15. Zealous - Ardent
16. Deny - Refuse
17. Hostile - Antagonistic
18. Veil - Conceal
19. Peculiar - Strange
20. Eminent - Illustrious
21. Defer - Postpone
22. Novice - Beginner
23. Salient - Most important
24. Idea - Notion
25. Ill-favoured - Unlucky
26. Clue - Hint
27. Consistency - Uniformity
28. Refrain - Desist
29. Candid - Frank
30. Industrious - Hard-working
31. Authentic - Genuine
32. Miraculous - Amazing
33. Knave - Scoundrel
34. Impost - Tax
35. Forego - Renounce
36. Frontier - Boundary
37. Irreproachable - Faultless
38. Judicious - Sensible
39. Obstinate - Unyielding
40. Menial - Lowly
41. Emulate - Follow
42. Mass murder - Genocide
43. Maiden Speech - First Speech
44. Tedious - Dull
45. Spirited - Enthusiastic
46. Gloomy - Morose
47. Warranty - Guarantee
48. Prodigal - Wasteful
49. Coarse - Rough
50. Recipients - Receivers
51. Rout - Defeat
52. Felicity - Bliss
53. Transpired - Happened
54. Sundry - Various
55. Impetus - Accelerated growth
56. Boast - Brag
57. Executioner - One who inflict capital punishment
58. Interfere - Meddle
59. Magnificent - Splendid
60. Feasible - Practical
61. Fortify - Strengthen
62. Barren - Unproductive
63. Intrepid - Fearless
64. Sufficient - Enough
65. Ancestors - Forefathers
66. Meek - Submissive
67. Fragrance - Aroma
68. Crude - Unrefined
69. Enigmatic - Puzzling
70. Aversion - Dislike
71. Jubilant - Ecstatic
72. Blister - Wound
73. Fabulous - Marvellous
74. Surpass - Outdo
75. Atrocity - Violence
76. Pacify - Calm down
77. Infamy - Notoriety
78. Perspicuous - Clear
79. Benevolent - Kind
80. Embrace - Accept
81. Homage - Tribute
82. Fictitious - False
83. Recurrent - Happening repeatedly
84. Despondent - Dejected
85. Desperation - Hopelessness
86. Liberty - Freedom
87. Favorite - Preferred
88. Laudable - Praiseworthy
89. Sanities - Disinfect
90. Surreptitiously - Secretly
91. Genuine - Real
92. Elastic - Flexible
93. Rectify - Correct
94. Advance - Progress
95. Poach - Hunt
96. Exhort - Urge
97. Familiar - Well-known
98. Affiliate - Associate
99. Diligent - Industrious
100. Prospective - Possible
101. Accentuated - Accent
102. Paucity - Shortfall
103. Pensive - Thoughtful
104. Provisional - Temporary
105. Forebode - Foretell
106. Obscene - Indecent
107. Vacillate - Waver
108. Impediment - Obstruction
109. Prognosis - Forecast
110. Repartee - Quick witty reply
111. Lurid - Shocking
112. Prosper - Thrive
113. Explicit - Clear
114. Infuriate - Enrage
115. Lousy - Awful
116. Predominantly - Mostly
117. Avert - Avoid
118. Cordial - Friendly
119. Horrendous - Greatly unpleasant
120. Irrevocable - Unalterable
121. Repose - Rest
122. Nurture - To grow
123. Abuse - Scorn
124. Considerate - Thoughtful
125. Frugal - Miserly
126. Pity - Mercy
127. Restrict - Prohibit
128. Tremendous - Excessive
129. Abundant - Plentiful
130. Change - Alter
131. Adorn - Beatify
132. Commotion - Disturbance
133. Grumble - To complain
134. Docile - Submissive
135. Irresolute - Undecided
136. Motive - Intention
137. Quash - Reject
138. Anticipate - Expect
139. Meticulous - Painstaking
140. Acquaint - Introduce
141. Fruitless - Useless
142. Cease - Stop
143. Abandon - Forsake
144. Regard- Respect
145. Prudent - Wise
146. Culmination- Climax
147. Crass - Unrefined
148. Cursory - Quick
149. Clandestine - Secret
150. Obdurate - Adamant
151. Reluctant - Unwilling
152. Ostracise - Banish
153. Imbecility - Stupidity
154. Hesitant - Undecided
155. Palpable - Obvious
156. Sauntering - Strolling
157. Pious - Religious
158. Intimidate - Frighten
159. Swap - Exchange
160. Genius - An intellect
161. Sporadic - Irregular
162. Accomplish - Achieve
163. Envisaged - Imagined
164. Resentment - Annoyance
165. Obscure - Unknown
166. Revelation - Disclosure
167. Appalled - Shocked
168. Collusion - Secret agreement
169. Deceptive - Misleading
170. Laid-back - Easy-going
171. Pompous - Grandiose
172. Poignant - Sad
173. Audacious - Bold
174. Reverie - Day- dream
175. Accrue - Accumulate
176. Vindictive - Spiteful
177. Hostility - Enmity
178. Condemn - Censure
179. Jealous - Envious
180. Plausible - Seemingly true
181. Dishonour - Infamy
182. Reticent - Not saying much
183. Apprise - Inform
184. Unceremonious - Impolite
185. Ravaged - Destroyed
186. Querulous - Quarrelsome
187. Perilous - Hazardous
188. Genial - Unselfish
189. Loquacious - Talkative
190. Inclement - Unfavorable
191. Indifferent - Unconcerned
192. Weary - Troubled
193. Creditable - Bringing praise
194. Fragile - Easily broken
195. Reciprocal - Mutual
196. Consensus - General agreement
197. Treason - Disloyalty
198. Lucid - Clear
199. Perplexed - Puzzled
200. Transparent - Clear

CHAPTER 4

Ques 1.
He abandoned his family .
(a) Pleased
(b) Encouraged
(c) Saved
(d) Supported

Ques 2.
Everybody called it a lavish party.
(a) Wasteful
(b) Big
(c) Expensive
(d) Pragmatism

Ques 3.
The minister gave a public speech on the controversial subject to precipitate the
matter
(a) defer
(b) Creat
(c) Pull
(d) Push

Ques 4.
The club meets on the last Thursday of every month in a dilapidated Palace.
(a) Neglected
(b) Regenerated
(c) Furnished
(d) Renovated
Ques 5.
The principal Hardly managed to give the papers a cursory glance.
(a) Thorough
(b) Curious
(c) Superficial
(d) Reflective

Ques 6.
Mohini was often teased as corpulent by her friends.
(a) Garrulous
(b) Fat
(c) Belligerent
(d) Gaunt

Ques 7.
There are four chapters that are extraneous to the structure of the book.
(a) Important
(b) Needful
(c) Relevant
(d) Integral

Ques 8.
The plantation workers were on a collision course before the labour officer
intervened.
(a) Conciliatory
(b) Perfunctory
(c) Circuitous
(d) Retaliatory

Ques 9.
He was in a Sulky disposition.
(a) Loving
(b) Kind
(c) Mild
(d) Cheerful

Ques 10.
This is a trivial matter.
(a) small
(b) Important
(c) Difficult
(d) Easy

Ques 11.
This is not ideology but pragmatic language teaching.
(a) Imperfect
(b) Impossible
(c) Impractical
(d) Improper

Ques 12.
There is an Obscure cave on the other side of the hill.
(a) Infamous
(b) Well-Known
(c) Admired
(d) Notorious

Ques 13.
She detests government jobs.
(a) Adores
(b) Is interested in
(c) Approves of
(d) Is fond of

Ques 14.
The habit of squandering money should not be encouraged .
(a) Hoarding
(b) Discarding
(c) Saving
(d) Collecting

Ques 15.
All these measures will augment employment opportunities.
(a) Diminish
(b) Circumscribe
(c) Constrain
(d) Restrain

Ques 16.
The chairman rebuked the accounts officers for not supervising the work of his
coordinates .
(a) Awarded
(b) Invited
(c) Praised
(d) Received
 SOLUTION:
1. (d) : Abandoned : Deserted, left . opposite meaning : Supported.
2. (d) : Lavish : Extravagant. opposite meaning : Frugal , economical
3. (a) : Precipitate : Hasty, indiscreet. Opposite meaning : Deliberate
4. (d) : Dilapidated : Shabby, Broken-down. opposite meaning : Reovated.
5. (a) : Cursory : Casual.
Opposite meaning : Thorough
6. (d) : Corpulent : Fat opposite meaning : Gaunt, thin
7. (d) : Extraneous : Non- essential. Opposite meaning : Integral , essential
8. (a) : Collision : Crash, impact , come into conflict. Opposite meaning :
Conciliation , accommodating.
9. (d) : Sulky : Irritable. Opposite meaning : Cheerful
10. (b) : Trivial : Unimportant. Opposite meaning : Important.
11. (c) : Pragmatic : practical , Opposite meaning : Impractical ( not practical or
worktable)
12. (b) : Obscure : Unknown . Opposite meaning : Well- known
13. (a) : Detests : Hates. Opposite meaning : Adores, Loves.
14. (c) : Squandering : Wastefulness. Opposite meaning :saving , thrift
15. (a) : Agument : Enlarge , increase . Opposite meaning : Diminish, Decrease
16. (c) : Rebuked : Scolded , find fault with . Opposite meaning : Praised.

CHAPTER 5

ANTONYMS : 200 WORDS CAPSULE

1. Inevitable- Avoidable
2. Exceptional- Common
3. Permanent- Temporary
4. Dim- Luminous
5. Reckless- Careful
6. Explicit- Ambiguous
7. Incredible- Believable
8. Repel- Attract
9. Rapidly- Slowly
10. Meticulous- Careless
11. Barbarous- Civilized
12. Successor- Predecessor
13. Urban- Rural
14. Conclusive- Indecisive
15. Terminate-Begin
16. Niggardly- Lavishly
17. Advanced- Receded
18. Enlightened- Ignorant
19. Moderate- Extreme
20. Superficial- Thorough
21. Scorn- Admiration
22. Trivial- Serious
23. Loquacious- Reserved
24. Confiscate- Release
25. Often- Rarely
26. Eminent- Notorious
27. Embark upon- Conclude
28. Diffidence- Boldness
29. Paucity- Plenty
30. Triggered- Choked
31. Fastidious- Adjustable
32. Grandiose- Simple
33. Bleak- Bright
34. Insolent- Humble
35. Lurid- Mild
36. Unscrupulous- Conscientious
37. Melodious- Tuneless
38. Contaminate- Purify
39. Frugal- Extravagant
40. Falling off- Improvement
41. Genial- Unkind
42. Shallow- Deep
43. Immune- Vulnerable
44. Veneration- Disrespect
45. Yield to- Resist
46. Concur- Disagree
47. Vague- Precise
48. Humility- Pride
49. Extol- Censure
50. Takes off- Lands
51. Demolish- Build
52. Prevent- Induce
53. Frailty- Strength
54. Collapse- Rise
55. Anxious- Carefree
56. Thrifty- Wasteful
57. Innovate- Copy
58. Enduring- Fleeting
59. Progressive- Retrogressive
60. Purposely- Unintentionally
61. Brave- Timid
62. Opaque- Transparent
63. Hinder- Encourage
64. Zeal- Apathy
65. Shimmering-Gloomy
66. Plausible- Implausible/ Unbelievable
67. Flair- Inability
68. Dormant- Active
69. Hazy- Clear
70. Fantastic- Ordinary
71. Asceticism- Luxury
72. Dissolution- Establishment
73. Unnerved- Confident
74. Harmony- Disagreement
75. Guilty- Innocent
76. Duplicity- Honesty
77. Jocular- Morose
78. Uncompromising- Flexible
79. Desecration- Consecration
80. Far-fetched- Realistic
81. Parallel- Crooked
82. Blocked- Facilitated
83 Turn coat- Loyal
84. Embellish- Spoil
85. Intentional- Accidental
86. Expand- Contract
87. Stimulate- Discourage
88. Perilous- Safe
89. Audacious- Timid
90. Quiet- Pandemonium
91. Genuine- Fictitious
92. Implicit- Explicit
93. Repulsive- Attractive
94. Escalate- Decrease
95. Commotion- Tranquility
96. Manifested- Concealed
97. Vindictive- Forgiving
98. Inaugurate- Terminate
99. Detest- Like
100. Commence- Conclude
101. Prosperity- Adversity
102. Deliberate- Unintentional
103. Disputable- Indisputable
104. Make- Break
105. Depressed- Elated
106. Ham-fisted- Adroit
107. Capture- Liberate
108. Misery- Joy
109. Anarchy- Order
110. Monotony- Variety
111. Latter- Former
112. Diligent- Lazy
113. Philistine- Cultured
114. Ingest- Disgorge
115. Laceration- Healing
116. Disorderly- Organized
117. Glossy- Dull
118. Accomplish- Fail
119. Orderly- Chaotic
120. Strife- Peace
121. Antique- Recent
122. Rapid- Slow
123. Initiated- Concluded
124. Fatigued- Rigid
125. Dynamic- Static
126. Hereditary- Acquired
127. Heretical- Orthodox
128. Implicate- Exonerate
129. Liberty- Slavery
130. Elevation- Reduction
131. Boon- Bane
132. Famous- Obscure
133. Gloomy- Radiant
134. Isolation- Association
135. Contented- Dissatisfied
136. Severe- Mild
137. Fatigued- Energised
138. Flexible- Rigid
139. Delete- Include
140. Evanescent- Eternal
141. Virtue- Vice
142. Confident- Diffident
143. Adamant- Yielding
144. Callous- Sensitive
145. Procrastinate- Expedite
146. Probity- Dishonesty
147. Sporadic- Continual
148. Apposite- Inappropriate
149. Chivalry- Cowardice
150. Sanguine temper- Despairing nature
151. Imperil- Safeguard
152. Consolidated- Disjoined
153. Vituperative- Laudatory
154. Benefactor- Enemy
155. Barren- Fertile
156. Nervous- Composed
157. Evident- Hidden
158. Professional- Amateur
159. Cessation- Commencement
160. Potent- Weak
161. Gregarious- Unsociable
162. Implication- Exoneration
163. Dismal- Bright
164. Meagre- Surplus
165. Flamboyant- Not showy
166. Chronic- Temporary
167. Awkward- Graceful
168. Despair- Hope
169. Validate- Disprove
170. Smug- Dissatisfied
171. Vicious- Virtuous
172. Obscure- Clear
173. Enervate- Strengthen
174. Autonomous- Dependent
175. Exonerate- Convict
176. Controversial- Indisputable
177. Accord- Disagreement
178. Feasible- Impractical
179. Acquit- Condemn
180. Affluence- Poverty
181. Harmonious- Discordant
182. Factual- Unrealistic
183. Assent- Disagreement
184. Discreet- Careless in behavior
185. Unjust- Fair-minded
186. Oppressive- Gentle
187. Clinch- Lose
188. To put up with- To dislike
189. Deceitful- Honest
190. Exaggerate- Understate
191. Synthetic- Natural
192. Infirmity- Strength
193. Deny- Accept
194. Benediction- Curse
195. Forbid- Permit
196. Inconspicuous- Prominent
197. Abandon- Retain
198. Fickle- Constant
199. Articulate- Unable to express oneself.
200. Humble- Powerful

CAHPTER 6

GHOUL
Meaning: Evil Spirit
Hindi Meaning: पपशाच
Synonym: Devil, Ghost, Demon, Monster
Antonym: Angel, Guardian, Saint
Usage: The hero was overcome by a ghoul.

PIQUE
Meaning: Feeling of irritation or resentment
Hindi Meaning: मनमट
ु ाी
Synonym: Angry, Irritation, Annoyance, Displeasure, Intrigue
Antonym: Delightful , Soothe, Calm, Pleased
Usage: Publishers use book covers to pique the curiosity of readers

STASIS
Meaning: A state of inactivity
Hindi Meaning: गततह नता
Synonym: Harmony, Equilibrium, Parity, Antithesis, Equity
Antonym: Fluctuation, Inconsistency, Volatility
Usage: He became stasis state after her husband's death.

PRODIGY
Meaning: Something/Someone with exceptional qualities or abilities.
Hindi Meaning: अद्भत
ु ीस्तियाक्त
ु /
Synonym: Genius, Mastermind, Archetype, Paragon, Exemplar
Antonym: Normal, Regular, Ordinary, Amature
Usage: Being a prodigy Ruskin Bond won the national award at a very early age.

NONDESCRIPT
Meaning: lacking distinctive or interesting features
Hindi Meaning: ीर्णनातीत
Synonym: Unremarkable, Characterless, Vague, Featureless
Antonym: Bold, Catchy, Striking, Extraordinary, Distinguished
Usage: He wore nondescriptive clothes for the party.

CHAPTER 7

DIRECTIONS :
Find the synonym of the following words.
1. Dorma
(a) Comatose
(b) Dormancy
(c) Insomnia
(d) Enduring

2. Astrophobia
(a) Agliophobia
(b) Ambulophobia
(c) Androphobia
(d) Aerophobia

3. Agony
(a) Anxiety
(b) Pain
(c) Anger
(d) Fear

4. Sardonic
(a) Sarcastic
(b) Diplomatic
(c) Sour
(d) Mirthless

5. All fresco
(a) Private
(b) Open air
(c) Closures
(d) Remarkable

6. Leporine
(a) Leopards
(b) Leprosy
(c) Rabbit
(d) Lions

7. Porcine
(a) Swine
(b) Ursine
(c) Volucrine
(d) Vulpine

8. Necro
(a) Blacks
(b) Night
(c) Dead bodies
(d) Nitrogen

9.Antdiluvian
(a) Archaic
(b) Antidote
(c) Antagonism
(d) Antelope

10. Brevity
(a) Gaurrulous
(b) Vociferous
(c) Tacit
(d) Recluse

11. Paradox
(a) Metaphor
(b) Irony
(c) Contradiction
(d) Prediction

12. Redundance
(a) Repetition
(b) Simile
(c) Extrovert
(d) Reincarnation

13. Clairvoyant
(a) Theology
(b) Apogee
(c) Chirosophist
(d) Apocryphal

14. Panacea
(a) Panorama
(b) Elixir
(c) lexical
(d) Pandemic

15.pandemonium
(a) Puzzle
(b) Chaos
(c) Narcissim
(d) Egoism

16. Labyrinthe
(a) Puzzle
(b) sophisty
(c) Wisdom
(d) Infidelity

17. Dolce vita

(a) Important
(b) Friendly
(c) Luxury
(d) Poverty'

18. Faux Pas

(a) Revelation
(b) Reverential
(c) error
(d) Perfection

19. Haute Couture

(a) latest fashion
(b) Hot tea
(c) Chit chat
(d) Latest news

20. Verboten
(a) Verbatim
(b) banned
(c) Prolixity
(d) Tacit

21. Intimidate
(a) Cowardly
(b) Provoke
(c) Timorous
(d) Timocracy

22. Obsequious
(a) Condescending
(b) Obliterate
(c) Vagabond
(d) Fawning
23. Phelgmatism
(a) Patriarch
(b) Apathy
(c) Antipathy
(d) Sympathy

24. Pugnacious
(a) Absconding
(b) Belligerent
(c) Insouciant
(d) Traitor

25. Exonerate
(a) Abjure
(b) Perfidy
(c) Exclusive
(d) Culpable

ANSWER

1. A
2. D
3. B
4. D
5. B
6. C
7. A
8. C
9. A
10. C
11. C
12. A
13. A
14. C
15. A
16. B
17. B
18. A
19. D
20. C
21. A
22. B
23. B
24. D
25. B
26. C
27. A

CHAPTER 8

S.No Word Synonyms

1. Abase Degrade, Disgrace, Humiliate, Demean, Dishonour

2. Abandon Desert, Forsake, Leave, Relinquish

3. Abhor Hate, Detest, Loathe, Abdominate

4. Abut Adjoin, Border, Verge on, Join

5. Abstain Refuse, Renounce, Avoid, Shun

6. Abbreviate Curtail, Abridge, Compress, Shorten, Truncate

7. Aberration Deviation, Wandering, Errant, Irrregular, Weird

8. Abet Aid, Assist, Condone, Favour, Support, Promote

9. Absurd Ridiculous, Silly, Foolish, Preposterous

10. Abstruse Recondite, Hidden, Difficult

11. Assiduous Painstaking, Diligent, Industrious, Laborious

12. Abundant Ample, Copious, Plentiful, Bountiful

13. Adequate Enough, Sufficient, Proportionate

14. Accommodate Adapt, Adjust, Reconcile

15. Acme Summit, Apex, Zenith, Peak

16. Acclaim Applaud, Cheer, Celebrate, Extol

17. Acquiesce (in) Assent, Rest, Accede, Comply, Concur, Consent

18. Admiration Esteem, Praise, Respect, Approval, Approbation

19. Adherent Sticking to, Follower, Partisan, Devotee

20. Affliction Distress, Ordeal, Suffering, Sorrow

21. Adversity Misfortune, Calamity, Catastrophe, Hostility

22. Ameliorate Make better, Improve, Amend

23. Ally Colleague, Helper, Partner, Accomplice

24. Audacious Bold, Brazen, Impudent, Daring

25. Astonish Amaze, Surprise, Astound, Flabbergast

26. Assistance Help, Aid, Succor, Collaboration, Sustenance

27. Aphorism Maxim, Apothegm, Axiom, Proverb, Motto, Adage

28. Apprehend Seize, Know, Fear, Arrest, Understand

29. Appraise Evaluate, Estimate

30. Antithesis Contrasting, Reverse

31. Alms Dole, Gratuity, Money, Clothes and food that are
given to poor people

32. Beg Implore, Solicit, Supplicate, Beseech, Request

Plead

33. Behaviour Ignoble, Mean, Low, Foundation

34. Bad Evil, Wicked, Devilish, Naughty, Worthless

35. Blame Censure, Reprove, Condemn, Reproach

36. Blessing Benediction, God‘s help or protection

37. Barbaric Savage, Uncivilized, Primitive Align

38. Bait Snare, Trap, Decoy

39. Brittle Frail, Fragile, hard but easily broken

40. Bizarre Unusual, Grotesque, Fantastic

41. Bewilder Confound, Perplex, Befuddle, Befog, Baffle, Daze

42. Belligerent Warlike, Pugnacious, Hostile

43. Bedlam Pandemonium, Chaos, Mayhem, Clamor,

Confusion
44. Bravo Fearless, Intrepid, Dauntless, Valiant, Bold

45. Burlesque Mock, Imitate, Tease, Satirize, Ridicule, Jeer,

Deride

46. Browbeat Intimate, Bully, Frighten, Threaten

47. Backlash Repercussion, Reaction, Recoil

48. Banal Dull, Trite, Hackneyed, Prosaic

49. Bigoted Biased, Prejudiced, Dogmatic, Opinionated

50. Calm Quiet, Tranquil, Peaceful, Sedate, Composed,

Placid

51. Cajole Persuade, Flatter, Wheedle, Coax

52. Captious Censorious, Hypercritical, Faulfinding

53. Care Solicitude, Anxiety, Misgiving, Forebonding

54. Charlatan Impostor, Mountebank, Quack, Chicane, Trickster

55. Choleric Irascible, Petulant, Bad-tempered

56. Conceit Pride, Vanity, Ego, Arrogance

57. Colossal Gigantic, Huge, Enormous, Mammoth, Vast

58. Cynical Misanthropic, Moody, Eccentric, Sardonic,

Sarcastic

59. Conversant Familiar, Well versed, Acquainted (with)

60. Condign Due, Merited, Well deserved, Due, Suitable

61. Condone Pardon, Forgive, Excuse, Overlook

62. Confess Admit, Apologise, Own, Acknowledge

63. Contingent on) Liable, Possible, Uncertain

64. Constant Eternal, Perpetual, Incessant, Continuous

65. Cross Crusty, Fretful, Ill-humoured

66. Cursory Hasty, Superficial, Careless

67. Concise Short, Brief, Abridged, Compact

68. Crafty Cunning, Artful, Sly, Calculating

69. Cruelty Tyranny, Persecution, Brutality, Oppression,
Ferocity

70. Damage Loss, Harm, Injury, Detriment

71. Decay Wither, Fade, Corrode, Decline

72. Destitute Needy, Forsaken, Orphan

73. Didactic Teaching, Instructive, Perfecting

74. Denounce Accuse, Condemn, Arraign, Decry, Censure

75. Divine Heavenly, Celestial, Graceful, Godlike

76. Dangerous Perilous, Risky, Hazardous, Precarious

77. Dear Expensive, Costly, Loved by somebody

78. Definitive Limiting, Final, Positive

79. Desultory Discontinuous, Irregular, Rambling

80. Diffident Modest, Bashful, Shy

81. Discourse Lecture, Sermon, Exhortation, Dissertation

82. Dissipate Scatter, Waste

83. Economy Management, Frugality, Thrifty, Judicious

84. Effete Exhausted, Old, Worn out, Tired

85. Elicit Draw out, Discover

86. Elude Baffle, Avoid, Cheat, Fool

87. Emancipate Free, Liberate, Release, Deliver, Uplift

88. Emulate Imitate, Rival

89. Entice Lure, Persuade, Allure, Entrap

90. Extravagant Prodigal, Wasteful

91. Exquisite Elegant, Fine, Matchless, Exclusive

92. Exceptional Anomalous, Unique, Extraordinary

93. Extricate Disentangle, Untangle

94. Ephemeral Transient, Short-lived

95. Exterminate Uproot, Eradicate, Eliminate, Destroy, Annihilate

96. Exacerbate Magnify, Heighten, Enlarge, Overstate, Amplify

97. Exculpate Absolve, Vindicate

98. Exigency Emergency, Distress

99. Fascinate Charm, Enchant, Memorize, Bewitch

100. Fastidious Dainty, Squeamish, Hard to please

101. Fate Lot, Destiny, End

102. Fatuous Silly, Purposeless

103. Fight Battle, Contention, Combat, Struggle, Conflict,

Strife

104. Fury Anger, Rage, Wrath, Ire

105. Fecund Prolific, Fertile, Fruitful, Luxuriant, Productive

106. Ferocious Savage, Barbaric, Fierce, Wild, Uncivilized

107. Fictitious False, Imaginative, Illusionary, Fabricated,

Fanciful

108. Flagrant Notorious, Outrageous, Disgraceful

109. Fortuitous Chance, Accidental

110. Forerunner Precursor, Herald, Harbinger

111. Forbid Prohibit, Preclude, Inhibit, Debar

112. Flippant Pert, Frivolous, Impudent, Saucy

113. Flamboyant Bombastic, Ostentatious, Ornate

114. Fatal Deadly, Mortal, Lethal, Virulent

115. Fallacy Imperfection, Erring, Wrong

116. Furbish Polish, Spruce, Renovate

117. Fortitude Strength, Firmness, Valour, Determination

118. Guile Fraud, Trickery, Cunning

119. Gratification Satisfaction, Enjoyment

120. Garrulous Talkative, Loquacious

121. Humane Kind, Generous, Benevolent, Compassionate

122. Haughty Arrogant, Proud, Egoist, Obstinate

123. Humility Politeness, Meekness, Modesty

124. Hamper Hinder, Block, Impede, Prevent

125. Illiterate Unlearned, Ignorant, Uneducated

126. Impotent Powerless. Disabled, Inadequate, Incapable

127. Immaterial Unimportant, Insignificant, Useless, Irrelevant

128. Imminent Threatening, Impending, Approaching

129. Irresolute Undecided, Wavering, Vacillating

130. Indignant Angry, Furious, Irate, Exasperated

131. Inanimate Lifeless, Dead, Dormant, Stagnant, Extinct

132. Ingenuous Artless, Sincere, Naïve, Innocent

133. Insidious Cunning, Clever, Inventive, Deceitful, Sly

134. Intimate Close, Confident, Inform, Cherished

135. Inexorable Relentless, Merciless, Apathetic, Harsh

136. Impertinent Irrelevant, Impudent, Insolent, Saucy

137. Jolly Jovial, Merry, Cheerful, Affable

138. Jubilant Elated, Triumphant

139 Joy Delight, Pleasure, Ecstasy, Elation

140. Knave Fraud, Cheat, Scoundrel, Rogue

141. Lament Sorrow, Mourn, Grieve

142. Liberal Generous, Kind, Tolerant, Permissive

143. Lenient Forbearing, Forgiving, Compassionate, Mild

144. Lethargy Laziness, Stupor, Sluggishness, Idleness

145. Likeness Similarity, Resemblance, Affinity

146. Lively Active, Enthusiastic, Agile, Brisk

147. Loyal Devoted, Faithful, Trustworthy, Honest

148. Meager Small, Tiny, Inadequate, Scanty

149. Mean Low, Petty, Abject, Selfish

150. Misery Sorrow, Distress, Affliction, Grief

151. Morbid Unhealthy, Diseased, Ghastly, Horrid

152. Mournful Sad, Sorrow, Gloomy, Dejected

153. Mighty Powerful, Massive, Strong, Almighty

154. Malice Bitterness, Spite, Ill-well, Rancor, Malevolence

155. Melancholy Gloomy, Sadness, Sorrow, Dejected

156. Magnificent Splendid, Grand, Good, Glorious

157. Notorious Infamous, Dishonorable, Flagrant, Blatant

158. Notable Memorable, Remarkable, Renowned, Eminent

159. Obscene Filthy, Indecent, Awful, Bawdy, Vulgar, Gross,

Crude

160. Obsolete Antiquated, Old-fashioned, Extinct, Outworn

161. Obtrude Thrust, Pressure, Importunate, Interfere

162. Obliterate Destroy, Efface, Demolish, Erase

163. Opportune Timely, Convenient, Appropriate, Well-chosen

164. Pensive Thoughtful, Rational, Contemplative, Reflective

165. Pathetic Moving, Touching, Distressing, Lamentable

166. Pious Religious, Holy, Devout, God-fearing

167. Perennial Perpetual, Permanent, Long lasting, Constant

168. Portray Delineate, Depict, Draw, Sketch

169. Possess Have, Own, Acquire, Occupy, Seize

170. Prate Chatter, Babble, Tattle, Talkative

171. Prodigal Extravagant, Wasteful, Spendthrift, Squander

172. Precocious Premature, Forward, Advanced, Developed

173. Philanthropist Altruist, Charitable, Benevolent, Kind

174. Patronize Condescend, Stoop, Snub

175. Penalize Castigate, Chastise, Punish

176. Picturesque Charming, Pictorial, Scenic, Sylvan

177. Prerogative Privilege, Advantage, Exemption, Right

178. Prohibit Forbid, Interdict, Prevent, Ban

179. Pillage Plunder, Loot, Rob, Destroy, Steal

180. Poignant Touching, Moving, Heart-Rending

181. Quaint Queer, Odd, Singular, Whimsical

182. Quirk Whim, Caprice,, Fancy, Peculiarity

183. Quip Retort, Repartee, Remark, Jest

184. Quarantined Separated, Isolated, Restrained

185. Qualm Scruple, Doubt, Uncertainty, Suspicion

186. Queer Strange, Odd, Indifferent, Weird

187. Questionable Doubtful, Disputable, Accountable, Objectionable

188. Quest Search, Pursuit, Inquisitive, Crusade

189. Quick Alive, Swift, Keen, Fast

190. Radiant Brilliant, Bright, Intelligent, Beaming

191. Refined Elegant, Polished, Cultured, Sophisticated

192. Rebellion Mutiny, Revolt, Struggle, Fight

193. Reiterate Repeat, Do it again, Rewrite, Emphasis

194. Remorse Repentance, Regret, Anguish, Grief

195. Renown Reputation, Fame, Famous, Distinguished

196. Rejoice Exult, Delight, Happy, Glad

197. Relevant Execute, Applicable, Pertinent, Implement

198. Resistance Opposition, Hindrance, Combat, Struggle

199. Ruin Destruction, Downfall, Wreckage, Devastation

200. Rigid Stiff, Unyielding, Stern

201. Rash Impetuous, Hasty, Foolhardy, Impulsive, Heedless

202. Refute Disprove, Answer, Deny

203. Ricochet Rebound, Reflect, Bounce, Carom

204. Rut Groove, Hollow, Furrow, Habit, Course, Routine

205. Rural Suburban, Rustic, Agrarian, Country

206. Radical Fundamental, Native, Original, Extreme,

Rebellious, Rimy Frosty, Hazy, Blurred

207. Remote Far, Distant, Interior place, Aloof

208. Ridiculous Absurd, Silly, Comical, Ludicrous

209. Sane Wise, Sensible, Sound, Balanced

210. Satiate Satisfy, Surfeit, Glut, Happy

211. Sacred Holy, Consecrated, Blessed, Divine

212. Scanty Meager, Slender, Insufficient, Limited

213. Scold Chide, Rebuke, Rail, Complain

214. Scrutinize Examine, View, Study, Analyze, Inspect

215. Scorching Sweltering, Searing, Burning, Fiery

216. Spry Nimble, Agile, Animated, Brisk, Lively, Quick

217. Statute Law, Decree, Ordinance, Edict, Rule, Act, Bill

218. Stipulation Prerequisite, Condition, Qualification, Clause

219. Subterfuge Ploy, Scheme, Stratagem, Deceit, Deception

220. Substantiate Authenticate, Validate, Confirm, Verify,

Corroborate

221. Succinct Brief, Concise, Terse, Abbreviated

222. Sensual Carnal, Fleshy, Voluptuous, Attractive

223. Servile Slavish, Docile, Timid, Mean

224. Shrewd Astute, Perspicacious, Canny, Calculative

225. Shy Bashful, Coy, Diffident, Hesitant

226. Solitary Single, Hermetic, Isolated, Desolate

227. Static Firm, Adamant, Fixed

228. Spurious Fake, Counterfeit, Artificial, False

229. Sterile Unproductive, Barren, Impotent, Disinfected

230. Sublime Exalted, Elevated, Improved, Magnified

231. Superficial Shallow, Illusion, Dream, Outward

232. Synonymous Identical, Equivalent, Alike, Similar

233. Taboo Forbidden, Banned, Prohibited

234. Tenacious Resolute, Persistent, Obstinate

235. Tenet Belief, Conviction, Dogma, Doctrine, Creed

236. Therapeutics Curative, Restorative, Recuperative

237. Temperate Moderate, Balanced, Controlled, Sensible

238. Ulterior Concealed, Shrouded, Obscured

239. Urchin Waif, Stray, Foundling, Orphan

240. Urge Incite, Press, Implore, Instigate, Drive, Impel,

Goad

241. Veto Reject, Discard, Void, Nullify, Invalidate, Dismiss

242. Vilify Malign, Slur, Defame, Slander

243. Vivacious Sprightly, Spirited, Energetic

244. Wile Trickery, Artifice, Ruse

245. Winsome Beautiful, Captivating, Comely, Delightful

246. Waive Forgo, Relinquish, Defer, Renounce

247. Yield Surrender, Submit, Admit, Agree

248. Yearn Crave, Desire, Aspire, Urge

249. Zeal Zest, Passion, Enthusiasm, Fervor, Tempo

250. Zenith Peak, Apex, Summit, Acme

 SUBSTITUTION

CHAPTER 1

In the following exercise, column A has phrases and column B has one
word that can be substituted for the phrase. Match the phrases in column A
with their one word substitution in column B.

Column A Column B

1. A short summary of a book or speech a. Prejudiced

2. Science dealing with heredity b. Polyglot

3. Government by king/ queen c. Fastidious

4. To seize by authority d. Protagonist

5. Something that cannot be defeated e. Fatal

6. Hater of mankind f. Instigation

7. Not allowing the passage of light g. Famine

8. An assembly of worshippers h. Excursion

9. The act of provoking and goading a man i. Invincible

10. One who cannot be easily pleased j. Epitome

11. Words or phrases inscribed on a tomb k. Omnipotent

12. To be biased against l. Opaque

13. Scarcity of food m. Monarchy

14. Style of speaking well n. Confiscate

15. The chief character in a story or drama o. Misanthrope

16. A short journey made by a group of people p. Epitaph

17. One who is all powerful q. Solicitor

18. One who fluently speaks many languages r. Elocution

19. A legal advisor s. Congregation

20. A disease that causes death t. Genetics

ANSWERS
1. A short summary of a book or speech - Epitome
2. Science dealing with heredity - Genetics
3. Government by king/ queen - Monarchy
4. To seize by authority - Confiscate
5. Something that cannot be defeated - Invincible
6. Hater of mankind - Misanthrope
7. Not allowing the passage of light - Opaque
8. An assembly of worshippers - Congregation
9. The act of provoking and goading a man - Instigation
10. One who cannot be easily pleased - Fastidious
11. Words or phrases inscribed on a tomb - Epitaph
12. To be biased against - Prejudiced
13. Scarcity of food - Famine
14. Style of speaking well - Elocution
15. The chief character in a story or drama - Protagonist
16. A short journey made by a group of people - Excursion
17. One who is all powerful - Omnipotent
18. One who fluently speaks many languages - Polyglot
19. A legal advisor - Solicitor
20. A disease that causes death – Fatal

CHAPTER 2

DIRECTIONS:
Substitute a single word for each of the following phrases/sentences out
of the four alternatives (a),(b),(c) and (d).

1. Impossible to put into practice

a. unable
b. imaginary
c. impracticable
d. theoretical
2. A motive merely to get money
a. covetous
b. greedy
c. pecuniary
d. mercenary

3. Having to do with beliefs contrary to the fundamental doctrines of

church, school or profession
a. skeptical
b. banal
c. didactic
d. heretical

4. Time and space without limit

a. limitless
b. finite
c. infinitude
d. transcendent

5. Harassed by a fixed idea

a. harangue
b. nervous
c. obsessed
d. fulminate

ANSWER
1. C
2. D
3. D
4. C
5. C

CHAPTER 3

DIRECTION:-
Give one word substitute for the following group of words or phrases out
of the four given alternatives.
1. To deny responsibility for
a. refuse
b. repudiate
c. affirm
d. condone

2. One who revolts against established government.

a. insurgent
b. revolutionary
c. liberal
d. conformist

3. A person pursuing something for pleasure and not for money.

a. avowal
b. indict
c. follower
d. amateur

4. Growing or living in water.

a. aquatic
b. amphibian
c. sticky
d. wet

5. An attitude overly president.

a. insisting
b. importunate
c. demeaning
d. dainty

6. One good at telling anecdotes.

a. smart
b. raconteur
c. jocular
d. hilarious

7. One leading an unsettled life.

a. wanderer
b. restless
c. vagabond
d. hurtling

8. A woman who uses her charm to exploit men.

a. vamp
b. cocquet
c. flirt
d. sly

9. Space empty of air

a. airless
b. vacuum
c. suffocating
d. emptiness

10. An unmarried woman past the age of marriage.

a. maid
b. lady
c. spinster
d. devious

ANSWER
1. B
2. A
3. D
4. A
5. B
6. B
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. C

CHAPTER 4

A
 A judge's private room, without the press or the public being present - In
camera
 A period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful - Halcyon
 A tax or levy - Cess
 An abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced
as a word - Acronym
 An ability to do several things at the same time - Multitasking
 An ability to express oneself well in speech - Oracy
 An ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions - Acumen
 An ability to see what will or might happen in the - Foresight
 An ability to stay calm in difficult or dangerous situations - Sangfroid
 An ability to use one's hands skillfully or an ability to think quickly and
effectively - Dexterity
 An ability, talent, or special skill needed to do something - Knack
 Able to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad
happens - Resilient
 Able to do many different things - Versatile
 Able to exist together without trouble or conflict going together well -
Compatible
 Acceptable according to the law, fair or reasonable - Valid
 Accepting and closely following the traditional beliefs and customs of a religion
- Orthodox
 An act of burying a dead person - Interment
 An act of carefully watching someone or something especially in order to
prevent or detect a crime - Surveillance
 An act of causing two people or groups to become friendly again after an
argument or disagreement - Reconciliation
 An act of committing a serious crime such as murder or rape - Felony
 An act of destroying or damaging something deliberately so that it does not
work correctly - Sabotage
 An act of ending the employment of a worker or group of workers - Layoff
 An act of explaining something - Exposition
 An act of getting money back from people it has been paid to - Clawback
 An act of going or travelling to a place along a way that is different from the
usual or planned way - Detour
 An act of identifying a disease, illness, or problem by examining someone or
something - Diagnosis
 An act of illegally copying someone's product or invention without permission -
Piracy
 An act of no longer caring for, using, or doing something, failure to do one's
job or duty - Dereliction
 An act of officially charging someone with a crime - Indictment
 An act of printing a statement about somebody that is not true and that gives
people a bad opinion of them - Libel
 An act of punishing or harming somebody in return for what they have done to
you your family or friends - Vengeance
 An act of remembering or telling about past experiences - Reminiscence
 An act of returning something that was lost or stolen to its owner -
Restitution
 An act of sending someone to another person or place for treatment, help,
advice, etc. - Referral
 An act of treating a holy place or object in a way that does not show proper
respect - Sacrilege
 An act of trying to impress someone by saying the names of well-known people
that one knows or has met - Name-dropping
 An act or fact of having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other
than one's husband, wife, or partner - Infidelity
 An act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from
entering or leaving - Blockade
 An act or remark that is calculated to gain an advantage - Gambit
 An act that is part of a usually religious ceremony - Rite
 An act, activity, or process of finding the way to get to a place when one is
travelling in a ship, airplane, car - Navigation
 An action of making amends for a wrong or injury - Atonement
 An action of marrying a person of a superior caste or class - Hypergamy
 An action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for
payment, or clearing a debt - Redemption
 An action or event that is a signal for somebody to do something - Cue
 An action or offence of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things;
profane talk - Blasphemy
 An activity or art of copying the behavior or speech of other people - Mimicry
 An activity or excitement that is unusual and that often is not wanted or
necessary - Fuss
 An activity in that more and more people are becoming involved -
Bandwagon
 Actor or actress - Thespian
 Add notes to (a text or diagram) giving explanation or comment - Annotate
 An additional fact or piece of information about a story that occurs after the
main part - Postscript
 Advantages or gains secured as a result of corrupt practices - Graft
 An advice and future prediction based on the date of a person's birth and the
positions of the stars and planets - Horoscope
 Agreed to by everyone - Unanimous
 An agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting, arguing, etc.,
for a certain period of time - Truce
 An alcoholic liquor especially when it is cheap or made illegally - Hooch
 All the plants that live in a particular area, time, period, or environment -
Flora
 All the things that a person is able to do - Repertoire
 Allowed to know about (something secret) - Privy
 Always or often happening or existing - Inveterate
 An amount (such as an amount of money) that is more than the amount that is
needed - Surplus
 An amount of moneygiven to a retiring soldier or employee - Gratuity
 An amount of money paid for a service - Honorarium
 An amount of money that a company or the government pays to a person who
is old or sick and no longer works - Pension
 An amount of money that is given to someone in return for providing help in a
secret and dishonest business deal - Kickback
 An amount of money that is paid at one time - Lump sum
 An amount of money that is spent - Outlay
 An amount of money that must be paid and that is collected by a government
or other authority - Levy
 An amount of something that is produced by a person or thing - Output
 An amount of time that a person holds a job, office, or title - Tenure
 Amusing and very strange - Wacky
 An angry and unpleasant woman, sexually attractive woman - Vixen
 An argument that is complicated and continues over a long period of time -
Wrangle
 An invigilator at a university or college examination - Proctor
 An ancient text in the form of a book, official listof medicines or chemicals -
Codex
 Anger caused by something that is unfair or wrong - Indignation
 An angry and usually long speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes
someone or something - Diatribe
 An angry woman who often complains about and criticizes other people -
Virago
 An animal or plant that lives in or on another animal or plant and gets food or
protection from it - Parasite
 An animal that has four feet - Quadruped
 Annoy (someone) by often complaining about his or her behavior, appearance
- Nag
 Annoyance or distress at having failed or been humiliated - Chagrin
 An annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such
as astronomical data and tide tables - Almanac
 Any one of the large parts that some countries are divided into - Province
 Any one of the lines that go from the North Pole to the South Pole on maps of
the world - Meridian
 Appearing, happening,, or arriving soon - Forthcoming
 An area around or near a particular place - Vicinity
 An area in a desert where there is water and plants - Oasis
 An area of land that has a particular quality or appearance - Landscape
 An area of sea water that is separated from the ocean by a reef or sandbar -
Lagoon
 An area of soft, wet ground; situation that is hard to deal with or get out of -
Quagmire
 An area that is not close to any cities or towns - Hinterland
 An area with people who are different in some way from the people in the
areas around it - Enclave
 An area within which someone or something has authority, influence, or
knowledge - Purview
 Argue loudly about things that are not important - Squabble
 Argue with someone in a friendly way - Spar
 An arrangement of events or dates in the order of eir occurrence -
Chronology
 An arrangement of leaves, flowers, fruits, etc., in the shape of a circle that is
used for decoration - Wreath
 An arrangement to meet somebody at a particular time and place -
Rendezvous
 Arrival of a large number of people - Influx
 An art of growing ornamental, artificially dwarfed varieties of trees and shrubs
in pots - Bonsai
 An art, science, or profession of teaching - Pedagogy
 As compared with; as opposed to - Vis-a-vis
 Asking for or demanding and taking (something) for one's use - Requisition
 At or near the end of a piece of writing - Ad fin
 Attacking on the reputation and integrity of someone or something -
Aspersion
 Attractive in a sexual way with large breasts and hips - Voluptuous
 An attractively arranged bunch of flowers,especially one presented as a gift or
carried at a ceremony - Bouquet
 Average or ordinary - Run-of-the-mill

B
 Back in which the spine is curved in an abnormal way - Hunchback
 Bad or immoral behaviour or habits - Vice
 Bad or immoral behaviour that involves sex, drugs, alcohol, etc. -
Debauchery
 Bad or unfavorable; not good - Untoward
 Based on random choices or personal whims,rather than any reason or
system- Arbitrary
 Based on what is known or seen when something is first considered or dealt
with - Prima facie
 Basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed
for a country,region, or organization to function properly - Infrastructure
 Be a sign of (something that is beginning to happen or will happen soon) -
Herald
 Be angry or upset about something and to refuse to discuss it with other
people - Sulk
 Be deprived of a close relation or friend through their death - Bereave
 Be repeated several times as it is reflected off different surface - Reverberate
 Beat or whip (someone) severely - Flog
 Beautiful woman; the most beautiful woman in a particular place - Belle
 Beginning or first appearance of something - Dawning
 Beginning or origin of something - Genesis
 Beginning to develop or exist - Incipient
 Beginning to exist; recently formed or developed - Nascent
 Behaviour that is accepted as socially or morally correct and proper -
Propriety
 Behaviour that shows low morals and a great love of pleasure, money, fame,
etc - Decadence
 Behaviour in which somebody pretends to have moral standards or opinions
that they do not actually have - Hypocrisy
 Behaviour, in particular sexual or legally dubious behaviour; considered
improper but not seriously so - Hanky-panky
 Beliefs or ideas that are very important to a group - Tenet
 Beliefs or opinions that do not agree with the official belief or opinion of a
particular religion - Heresy
 Beliefs that particular events happen in a way that cannot be explained by
reason or science - Superstition
 Belonging or relating to heaven - Celestial
 Belonging to a foreign country, supposedly from another world; unfamiliar and
disturbing or distasteful - Alien
 Belonging to a particular place rather than coming to it from somewhere else -
Indigenous
 Belonging to the basic nature of someone or something - Inherent
 Belonging to the middle class - Bourgeois
 Below or beneath (something) - Underneath
 Bending down or over; doing something that is not honest, fair, etc. - Stoop
 Benefits which one enjoys or is entitled to on account of one's job or position -
Perquisite
 Best or most important part of something; the point of greatest success or
achievement - Pinnacle
 Best or most important person or thing - Numero uno
 Best or most important thing owned or produced by a particular organization -
Flagship
 Better than all others - Par excellence
 Blaming or insulting (someone) in strong or violent language - Vituperate
 Block of stone or wood that is used as the base for a pillar, statue, etc. -
Plinth
 Body of remedial substances used in the practice of medicine - Materia
medica
 Books, articles, etc., that discuss a subject carefully and thoroughly - Treatise
 Border or line that separates two things, such as types of work, groups of
people or areas of land - Demarcation
 Boring or unpleasant work that does not require special skill and usually does
not pay much money - Menial
 Bottom edge of a dress, skirt, or coat - Hemline
 Break off (a meeting, legal case , or game) with the intention of resuming it
later - Adjorn
 Brief and direct in a way that may seem rude or unfriendly - Terse
 Brief and usually unplanned fight during a war - Skirmish
 Brief time when an action or activity stops - Lull
 Brief trips taken for pleasure - Jaunt
 Brief trips that people take for fun usually as a group - Outing
 Brief written messages or reports from one person or department in a
company or organization to another - Memorandum
 Bringing (someone who is unconscious, not breathing, or close to death) back
to a conscious or active state again - Resuscitate
 Broken parts of a vehicle, building, etc., that has been badly damaged or
destroyed - Wreckage
 Brother or sister - Sibling
 Building and the area of land that it is on, statement or idea that is accepted
as being true and that is used as the basis of an argument - Premise
 Building in which grain is stored - Granary
 Building in which the bodies of dead people are burned - Crematorium
 Building or chamber above or below the ground in which a dead body is kept -
Tomb
 Building or room in which images of stars, planets, etc., are shown on a high,
curved ceiling - Planetarium
 Building that is used for Jewish religious services - Synagogue
 Building where aircrafts are kept - Hangar
 Business of making fashionable and expensive clothes for women - Haute
couture
 Businesses that make money through illegal activities, loud, unpleasant noise -
Racket
 By or for each person - Per capita

C
 Caption to a photograph or other illustration - Cutline
 Card from the pack that has been chosen as the most valuable for a particular
card game - Trump
 Care or maintenance of buildings, equipment,etc - Unkeep
 Careful and persistent works or efforts - Diligence
 Careful plans or methods for achieving a particular goal usually over a long
period of time - Strategy
 Cause (a material) to be filled or soaked with something - Impregnate
 Cause (someone or something) to receive or take in a large amount of things
at the same time - Inundate
 Cause (someone) to fall down or be turned over - Upend
 Cause (things or people) to separate and go in different directions - Scatter
 Cause of pain or harm - Affliction
 Centre of public attention - Limelight
 Ceremony held for a dead person - Funeral
 Ceremony held in a university or college when students receive their degrees -
Convocation
 Ceremony in which a crown is placed on the head of a new king or queen -
Coronation
 Certain to die - Mortal
 Certain to work properly or succeed - Infallible
 Changing (something good) so that it is no longer as what it was or should be -
Pervert
 Charging an important public figure with a serious crime - Impeach
 Changing (something) slightly in order to improve it; to make small
adjustments to (something) - Tweak
 Changing an earlier statement, opinion or promise because of pressure from
somebody/something - Backtrack
 Changing direction quickly or suddenly - Veer
 Changing from one state or condition to another - Transition
 Changing moods quickly and often - Mercurical
 Character and atmosphere of a place - Ambience
 Cheerful friendliness; geniality - Bonhomie
 Chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain
life- Metabolism
 Claim or a piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a
criminal one , is alleged to have taken place; excuse or pretext - Alibi
 Clear message or request for people to do something - Clarion call
 Clever trick or plan that is used to get someone to do something or to gain an
advantage over someone - ploy
 Climb or moving with difficulty or a lot of effort, using one's hands and feet -
Clamber
 Close friend one has worked with, been in the military with, etc. - Comrade
 Close relationship with someone or something - Communion
 Close-knit group of interrelated families, large family, or a group of people who
are connected because of a particular thing - clan
 Clothes, especially fine or formal ones - attire
 Collecting or forming into a mass or group- Agglomerate
 Collectable object such as a piece of furniture or work of art that has a high
value because of its age and quality- Antique
 Collection of different things - Potpourri
 Collection of historical documents or records providing information about a
place, institution, orgroup of people - Archive
 Collection of things (such as photographs, stories, facts, etc.) that have been
gathered together and presented as a group especially in the form of a book -
Compendium
 Collection of things, which may be similar or different - Collage
 Collection of weapons and military equipment - Arsenals
 Collection of written or spoken texts - Corpus
 Combination of events, state of affairs - Conjuncture
 Come at a later time; to happen as a result - Ensure
 Comparing between one thing and another, typically for the purpose of
explanation or clarification - Analogy
 Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others -
Charisma
 Competition for young women in which their beauty, personal qualities and
skills are judged - Pageant
 Complete change of attitude or opinion - Volte - Face
 Complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area
or market - Monopoly
 Complete freedom to act as one wishes - Carte blanche
 Complete lists of items, typically one in alphabetical or other systematic order -
Catalogue
 Complete range of different opinions,people, etc. - Spectrum
 Completely unwilling to change - Intransigent
 Complex disputes or arguments - Imbroglio
 Complicated and confusing system of connected passage - Maze
 Complicated or unpleasant situations that is difficult to get out of or to move
through - Morass
 Comprising or relating to all sorts or varieties - Omnifarious
 Conceal the nature or existence of (a feeling or situation) - Disguise
 Concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area : large number of
something, such as questions or comments, that are directed at somebody
very quickly, one after the other, often in an aggressive way - Barrage
 Conclusion or opinions that are formed because of known facts or evidence -
Inference
 Condition in which a part of one's body becomes red, swollen, and painful-
Inflammation
 Condition in which someone is not able to think normally because of being
drunk, drugged, tired, etc. - Stupor
 Confused struggles or fights involving many people - Melee
 Confusing or difficult problem - Conundrum
 Confusing or meaningless words or activities - Mumbo-jumbo
 Connected with particular circumstances- Circumstantial
 Connected with young people who are not yet adults - Juvenile
 Consequences or after-effects of a significant and unpleasant event -
Aftermath
 Consisting of or using both letters and numerals - Alphanumeric
 Consisting of things or people that are all the same or all of the same type -
Homogeneous
 Contests, disputes, competitions, etc., in which neither side can gain an
advantage or win - Stalemate
 Continual increase in the price of goods and services - Inflation
 Continuing without stopping - Incessant
 Continuous rattling sound as of hard objects falling or striking each other -
Clatter
 Control or affect (something, such as a game or election) in a dishonest way in
order to get a desired result - Rig
 Controlling or influencing a situation in a skilful but sometimes dishonest way -
Manoeuvre
 Controlled breeding and rearing of fish. - Pisciculture
 Conversations in which clever statements and replies are made quickly -
Repartee
 Correcting something that is unfair or wrong - Redress
 Corrupt behaviour in a position of trust, especially in public office -
Malversation
 Courage or bravery - Valour
 Courtesy and considerate behaviour towards others - Comity
 Course of action leading nowhere - Blind alley
 Covered passages with arches along one or both sides - arcade
 Covered with decoration - Ornate
 Created or done for a particular purpose as necessary - Ad hoc
 Crime of getting money from someone by the use of force or threat -
Extortion
 Crime of trying to overthrow one's country's government or of helping one's
country's enemies during war- Treason
 Crimes or other morally wrong acts : illegal or immoral behavior especially by
young people - Delinquency
 Cruel and unfair treatment by people with power over others - Tyranny
 Cry very loudly and noisily - Squall
 Curved paths along which something (such as a rocket) moves through the air
or through space - Trajectory
 Curved paths followed by a planet or an object as it moves around another
planet, star, moon, etc- Orbit
 Customs or a way of acting or doing things that is widely accepted and
followed - Convention
 Customers of a shop, bar, or place of entertainment - Clientele
 Cut made in something - Incision
 D
 Dance or musical performance - Recital
 Dangers or problems that are hidden or not obvious at first - Pitfall
 Dark and dirty : not fresh or clean - Dingy
 Dark and underground prisons in castles - Dungeon
 Date or time when something must be finished : the last day, hour, or minute
on that something will be accepted - Deadline
 Days when day and night are of the same length - Equinox
 Dead bodies of animals - Carcass
 Dead persons who leave the grave at night to bite and suck the blood of living
people - Vampire
 Decayed mixture of plants (such as leaves and grass) that is used to improve
the soil in a garden - Compost
 Decayed with usually a very bad or disgusting smell - Putrid
 Deceiving or to trick (someone) to persuade (someone) by telling lies - Con(v)
 Deep unconscious state, usually lasting a long time and caused by serious
illness or injury - Coma
 Deep, wet sand into which heavy objects sink easily - Quicksand
 Deeply religious : devoted to a particular religion - Devout
 Defeating (someone or something) easily and Throughly - Trounce
 Defeating and gaining control of (someone or something) by the use of force -
Subjugate
 Defeating or tricking (someone) by being more intelligent or clever -Outsmart
 Delay doing something until a later time because one does not want to do it,
because one is lazy - Procrastinate
 Describing (someone or something) as unimportant, weak, bad, etc -
Disparage
 Designed or intended to teach people something - Didactic
 Desire to cause harm to another person - Malice
 Determined not to change one's opinion or attitude; difficult to deal with,
remove, etc. - Stubborn
 Developing friendlier relations between countries or groups of people who have
been enemies - Rapprochement
 Dictionary of the special terms in a particular field or job - Glossary
 Die because one is unable to breathe - Suffocate
 Difference between two opposite things : a division into two opposite groups -
Dichotomy
 Difference especially between things that should be the same - Discrepancy
 Difficult and unpleasant to do or deal with - Onerous
 Difficult to handle, control, or deal with because of being large, heavy, or
complex - Unwieldy
 Difficult to understand : having or seeming to have a hidden meaning -
Cryptic
 Dilemma or difficult circumstances from which there is no escape because of
mutually conflicting or dependent conditions - Catch-22
 Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree - Lineage
 Disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events- Anticlimax
 Disease or disorder that involves a particular group of signs and symptoms -
Syndrome
 Disease that spreads over a whole country or the whole world - Pandemic
 Disguising of military personnel, equipment, and installations by painting or
covering them to make them blend in with their surrounding - Camouflage
 Dishonest or immoralpersons - Sleaze
 Displaying wealth, knowledge, etc., in a way that is meant to attract attention,
admiration, or envy - Ostentatious
 Distance of a place east or west of the Greenwich meridian, measured in
degrees - Longitude
 Distance of a place north or south of the equator (= the line around the world
dividing north and south), measured in degrees - Latitude
 Doing activities for fun or enjoyment - Play-off
 Doing better than (someone or something) : to be more successful than
(someone or something) - Outdo
 Doing something that is not allowed : to disobey a command or law -
Transgress
 Doctor's opinion about how someone will recover from an illness or injury -
Prognosis
 Done or given because one wants to and not because one is forced to -
Voluntary
 Dramatic works in which all or most of the words are sung to music; works of
this type as an art form or entertainment - Opera
 Drawing or pictures that show only the shape of an object - Outline
 Dull and ordinary - Mundane
 Dull or socially ineptperson, especially someone who is excessively studious -
Spod

E
 Eager to own and collect things - Acquisitive
 Easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something - Susceptible
 Easily annoyed or angered and likely to argue - Truculent
 Easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally : open to attack,
harm, or damage - Vulnerable
 Easily managed or controlled : willing to learn or be guided by another -
Tractable
 Eating both plants and animals : eager to learn about many different things -
Omnivorous
 Economic situations where there is high inflation (= prices rising continuously)
but no increase in the jobs that are available or in business activity -
Stagflation
 Effective from a particular date in the past - Retrospective
 Elaborate or glib speeches or stories, typically those used by a salesperson -
Spiel
 E-mails that are not wanted : an e-mail that is sent to large numbers of people
and that consists mostly of advertising - Spam
 Embarrassing social mistake - Faux pas
 Ending a romantic relationship with (someone) in a sudden and painful way -
Jilt
 Ending an organization or group (such as a club) - Disband
 End or failure of an institution, an idea, a company, etc. : death of a person -
Demise
 Enjoy (something) for a long time - Savour
 Enjoying oneself or celebrating in a noisy or boisterous way - Roister
 Enjoyable in a lively or noisy way - Rollicking
 Enjoyments that someone gets from being violent or cruel or from causing pain
- Sadism
 Entering (someone) as a member of or being a participant in something -
Enroll
 Entering or appearing somewhere suddenly and with a lot of force - Irrupt
 Enthusiastic and vocal supporters of someone or something - Cheerleader
 Enthusiastic clapping by an audience as a sign of their approval - Ovation
 Error in the way a law, rule, or contract is written that makes it possible for
some people to legally avoid obeying it - LOOPHOLE
 Events causing great and usually sudden damage or suffering; a disaster -
catastrophe
 Events involving destruction or damage on a catastrophic scale - apocalypse
 Events marked by festivities or celebration - fiesta
 Event or a short period of time that is important or unusual - episode
 Events or situations in which many people are killed and many things are
destroyc espicially by fire- holocaust
 Events that may or may not happen - contingency
 Exact or very close copy of something - Replica
 Examinations intended to qualify successful candidates for higher education -
Baccalaureate
 Examples that represent or express something very well - Epitome
 Excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner - Codependency
 Exchanging goods, property, services, etc. for other goods, etc. without using
money - Barter
 Excluding (someone) from a group - Ostracize
 Existing as a basic part of a person's nature or character - Inbred
 Existing from the beginning of time : very ancient - Primordial
 Existing or continuing in the same way for a long time - Perennial
 Existing or happening in the same time period - Contemporary
 Existing, but not yet very noticeable, active or well developed - Latent
 Experiences that are very unpleasant or difficult - Ordeal
 Experienced or felt by watching, hearing about, or reading about someone else
rather than by doing something yourself - Vicarious
 Expressing doubts about whether something is right, honest, etc. - Impugn
 Expressing severe disapprovals of (someone or something), especially in a
formal statement - Censure
 Expressing feelings or opinions in a very loud or forceful way - Vociferous
 Expressing opinions or criticism in a very forceful and often annoying or
unpleasant way - Strident
 Expressions designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly
: an indirect or passing reference - Allusion
 Expressions of strong anger or disapproval by many people - Outcry
 Extensive groups of islands - Archipelago
 Extra vote given by a chairperson to decide an issue when the votes on each
side are equal - Casting vote
 Extracting money from (someone) by fine or taxation - Mulct
 Extreme anger : a strong feeling of unhappiness because of something bad,
hurtful, or morally wrong - - Outrage
 Extreme physical or mental sufferings - Agony
 Extreme self-confidence or audacity (usually used approvingly) - Chutzpah
 Extremely easy tasks - Cinch
 Extremely excited and enthusiastic about doing something - Gung ho
 Extremely good and deserving to be admired and copied - Exemplary
 Extremely or unusually small - Diminutive
 Extremely strong dislikes or fears of someone or something – Phobi

F
 Facts or the process of ending or being brought to an end - Cessation
 Failing to show proper respect and courtesy - Impudent
 Failure to fulfil an obligation : something that happens or is done when nothing
else has been done or can be done - Default
 Familiar or humorous names given to a person or thing instead of the real
name - Nickname
 Families of rulers who rule over a country for a long period of time - Dynasty
 Famous persons, especially in entertainment or sport - Celebrity
 Farmers in the past who owned a small amount of land : very good, hard, and
valuable work that someone does especially to support a cause, to help a
team, etc. - Yeoman
 Features (such as mountains and rivers) in an area of land - Topography
 Feeling a strong desire or wish for something or to do something - Yearn
 Feeling nervous because the ending is not known until the final moment -
Nail-biting
 Feeling or showing great sadness because someone has died - Mourn
 Feeling sorrow or regreting for (something) - Rue
 Feeling of being sorry for doing something bad or wrong in the past -
Remorse
 Feelings of deep anxiety or dread, typically an unfocused one about the human
condition or the state of the world in general - Angst
 Feelings of doubt or uncertainty about whether Qualm one is doing the right
thing
 Feelings of enjoyment and enthusiasm - Zest
 Feelings of foolish or very strong love or admiration for someone or something
- Infatuation
 Feelings of great happiness and excitement - Euphoria
 Feelings of guilt or regret - Compunction
 Feelings of like or dislike for someone or something especially when it is not
reasonable or logical - Prejudice
 Feelings of sadness mixed with pleasure and affection when one thinks of
happy times in the past - Nostalgia
 Feelings of strong dislike or disapproval of someone or something you think
does not deserve respect - Disdain
 Feelings or beliefs that bad things will happen in the future - Pessimism
 Feelings or belief that good things will happen in the future - Optimism
 Feelings or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement - Ecstatic
 Feelings or a particular quality that is very noticeable and seems to surround a
person or place - Aura
 Feelings or showing a lack of courage or confidence - Timid
 Feelings that someone or something gives you - Vibe
 Female ballet dancers - Danseuse
 Fictitious or factual works describing a series of events - Chronicle
 Fights between women - Catfight
 Fights, briefly and usually not very seriously - Scuffle
 Figures shaped like a human body that is used for making or displaying clothes
- Mannequin
 Filled with or showing sexual desire - Lascivious
 First time an actor, musician, athlete, etc., does something in public or for the
public - Debut
 Fixed sum of money paid to someone each year, typically for the rest of their
life - Annuity
 Flat cases for carrying documents or drawings, investments that are owned by
a person or organization - Portfolio
 Fleet of warships - Armada
 Flowing out of something in a fast and forceful way - Spew
 Following, watching, and bothering (someone) constantly in a way that is
frightening, dangerous, etc. - Stalk
 Food that a person or animal usually eats- Diet
 Food that is cooked in a particular way, style of cooking - Cuisine
 Foolish talks or ideas.- Guff
 Foolish, confused, or meaningless words - Gibberish
 For an intervening or temporary period of time - Ad interim
 Forcing someone to go somewhere with you, often using threats or violence -
Abduction
 Forceful or angry speeches - Harangue
 Forming An opinion about something without definitely knowing the truth -
Surmise
 Form of punishments or tortures that involved caning the soles of someone's
feet - Bastinado
 Formal acts or the process of placing someone into a new job, position,
government office, - Induction
 Formal ceremonies or series of acts that are always performed in the same
way - Ritual
 Formal meetings in which representatives or experts discuss important
matters, make decisions, etc. - Congress
 Formal processions ofpeople walking, on horseback, or riding in vehicles -
Cavalcade
 Formally choosing (someone) as a candidate for a job, position, office, etc. -
Nominate
 Formations of clear and distinct sounds in speech - Articulation
 Fortresses, typically one on high ground above a city - Citadel
 Formal and serious promises to tell the truth or to do something - Oath
 Fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices - Rort
 Fraudulent practices of sending emails purporting to be from reputable
companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information -
Phishing
 Freedom from being required to do something that others are required to do -
Exemption
 Freedom from punishment, harm, or loss - Impunity
 Freedom to do something the way you want to do it - Leeway
 Friendly relationships - Rapport
 Friendly remarks and jokes - Banter
 Full and wide view of something - panorama
 Full of anger, arguments and bad feelings - Acrimonious
 Full of clever tricks : very clever - Wily
 Full of hate or anger, extremely or excessively harsh or strong - Virulent
 Funny and clever - Witty
 Funny plays or movies about ridiculous situations- Farc
 G
 General laws, rules, principles, or criteria by which something is judged -
Canon
 General or basic quality or meaning of something - Tenor
 Generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests - Hospitality
 Genuine, real or legal; not false - Bona fide
 Girlfriends of criminals - Moll
 Giving a brief summary of something - Recapitulate
 Giving or being a sign of (something that will happen or develop in the future)
- Presage
 Giving somebody a signal using your finger or hand, especially to tell them to
move nearer or to follow you - Beckon
 Giving up (something) : to give (something, such as power, control, or
possession) to another person or group - Relinquish
 Giving help or support to the main group of workers - Auxiliary
 Going in a direction that is away from a group or from the place where one
should be - Stray
 Going on someone's land without permission - Trespass
 Goods that are bought and sold - Merchandise
 Government departments that control public money - Exchequer
 Governments formed by two or more political parties working together -
Coalition
 Government officials who are the representative of his or her country in a
foreign country - Consul
 Government orders that limit trade in some way - Embargo
 Gradual increase in noise : the loudest point of a period of continuous noise -
Crescendo
 Gradual reduction in the size of a business, activity, etc. - Runown
 Great and often wild or uncontrolled activities - Frenzy
 Great disaster or complete failure - Debacle
 Great number of things or people - Multitude
 Great technical skill and brilliance shown in a performance or activity -
Bravura
 Great work : the greatest achievement of an artist , or a writer - Magnum
opus
 Groups of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or
plants - Species
 groups of members of the public who listen to the facts of a case in a court and
decide whether or not somebody is guilty of a crime - Jury
 Groups of military ships commanded by the same person - Fleet
 Groups of musicians who play usually classical mt sic together and who are led
by a conductor - orchestra
 Groups of officials led by an ambassador who represent their government in a
foreign country :building in which an embassy works - embassy
 Groups of people or businesses that work together - Syndicate
 Groups of people who are doing something together - Platoon
 Groups of people who are the leaders of an action or movement in society,
politics, art, - Vanguard
 Groups of people who are together for a particular - Posse
 Groups of people who go with and assist an important person - Entourage
 Groups of people who have gathered to watch or listen to something (a play,
concert, somebody speaking, etc.) - Audience
 Groups of people who have the same job, interests, etc. - Fraternity
 Groups of people who operate a ship, airplane, or train - Crew
 Groups cf people who share a common feature or aspect of behaviour - Cohort
 Groups of people with shared concerns within a political party or larger
organization - Caucus
 Groups of people, companies, etc., that agree to work together - Consortium
 Groups of people, countries, organizations, etc., that are joined together in
some activity or effort - Confederation
 Groups of people, especially traders or pilgrims,travelling together across a
desert in Asia or North Africa - Caravan
 Groups of separate companies that agree to increase profits by fixing prices
and not competing with each other - Cartel
 Groups of singers or dancers performing together in a supporting role in a
musical or opera - Chorus
 Groups of vehicles or ships that are travelling together usually for protection -
Convoy
 Groups or organization of nations or people united for a purpose - League
 Groups within a larger group that have different ideas and opinions than the
rest of the group - Faction
 Guiding beliefs of a person, group, or organization - Ethos

H
 Happening after death, medical examination of the body of a dead person to
determine the cause of death - Post-mortem
 Happening as a result of something - Consequent
 Happening at the same time - Concurrent
 Happening often but not regularly : not constant or steady - Sporadic
 Happening or appearing again and again - Recurrent
 Happening or appearing in many places and not unusual : very common or
ordinary - Common place
 Happening or popular at a particular time - Du jour
 Happening, done, or published after someone's death - Posthumous
 Happy and enjoyable scenes or experience - Idyll
 Happy and lively in a way that is attractive - Vivacious
 Harming (someone) through sexual contact to touch (someone) in a sexual
and improper way - Molest
 Harsh and angry words - Vitriolic
 Harsh criticisms that show a lack of respect or approval for someone or
something - Scorn
 Harsh discordant mixture of sounds - Cacophony
 Harsh or critical statements about someone - Obloquy
 Having (something) as a part, step, or result - Entail
 Having a speech problem that causes one to repeat the beginning sound of
some words - Stutter
 Having A dull 01 uninteteiting appearance not attractivc, or stylish - Dowdy
 Having a god or helpful result especially after something unpleasant has
happened - Salutary
 Having a pleasant, spicy taste interesting and exciting - Piquant
 Having a strong and unpleasant smell or taste front no longer being fresh -
Rancid
 Having a strong, sharp taste or smell - Pungent
 Having a very appealing taste or smell - Luscious
 Having a very noticeable quality that attrats a lot of attention - Flamboyant
 Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude towards authority or discipline -
Recalcitrant
 Having complete or unlimited power - Omnipotent
 Having fair hair and a light complexion - Blonde
 Having many twists and turns : compliLated. long, and confusing - Tortuous
 Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone -
Ambivalent
 Having no legal power - Nutt
 Having no useful purpose - Otiose
 Having or relating to two sides affecting both sides, involving two parties,
especially countries - Bilateral
 Having or showing a desire to hurt someone who has hurt or caused problems
for you - Vindictive
 Having or showing a lot of courage or determination - Plucky
 Having or showing a lot of violence and blood - Gory
 Having or showing an ability to understand difficult ideas and situations and to
make good decisions - Sagacious
 Having or showing courage : very brave or courageous - valiant
 Having or showing knowledge that is learned by studying - erudite
 Having people of different types or from different countries, and influenced by
their culture : showing an interest in different cultures, ideas - cosmopolitian
 Having the letters q, w, e, r, t, and y arranged in a ,Oweitt row in the top row
of letter keys - querty
 Having the qualities or appearance considered to be typical of men -
Masculine
 Having very fixed beliefs and being unlikely or unwilling to change them -
Hardliner
 Heavy automatic guns that fire shells from an aircraft or tank - Cannon
 Height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level -Altitude
 Helping someone or something pay for the costs of (something) - Subsidize
 Highest point in the development of something :a climax or culmination -
Apogee
 Highest point of a mountain : the top of a mountain - Summit
 History of the family members in a person's or animal's past especially when it
is good or impressive - Pedigree
 Hitting (someone or something) very hard with a stick, whip, etc - Thrash
 Hitting (someone) on the buttocks with one's hand as a form of punishment -
Spank
 Hitting or beating something or someone and make a loud, deep sound -
Thump
 Hitting something with a loud, dull sound - Thud
 Honor or fame given for some achievement - Laurel
 Honor or respect that is felt for or shown to (someone or something) -
Reverence
 Hopeful or romantic in a way that is not practical - Quixotic
 Houses or part of a house in which the women of a Muslim household live -
Harem
 Houses where men visit prostitutes - Brothel
 Humour that shows the weaknesses or bad qualities of a person, gOvernment,
society, etc. - Satire
 Humorous in a clever and often ironic way - Wry
 Humorous rhyming poem of five lines - Limerick
 Hundredth anniversary of a significant event - Centenary
 Husband's (or wife's) provision for a spouse after separation or divorce :
maintenance -Alimony

I
 Ideas about doing something that is far removed from normal reality -
Fantasy
 Ideas or beliefs that people are born again with a different body after death -
Reincarnation
 Ideas or inventions which are considered to be a particular person's creation -
Brainchild
 Ideas or sets of beliefs that guide the actions of a person or group - Credo
 Idea or a set of principles or religious beliefs - Creed
 Ideas or theories that are not proven but that leads to further study or
discussion - Hypothesis
 Ideas suggested by a word in addition to its main meaning - Connotation
 Ideas or statements that are often false or exaggerated and that are spread in
order to help a cause, a political leader, a government, etc. - Propaganda
 Ideas or stories that are not true but that many people have heard or read -
Folklore
 (Illness) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring - Chronic
 Imaginary places in which the government, laws, and social conditions are
perfect - Utopia
 Imaginary sea creatures that have a woman's head and body and a fish's tail
instead of legs - Mermaid
 Impartial advisers to a court of law in a particular case - Amicus curiae
 Important, real, or meaningful - Substantive
 Impossible to defeat or discourage - Indomitable
 Impossible to defeat or overcome - INVINCIBLE
 Impossible to harm, damage, or defeat - INVULNERABLE
 Impossible 'to solve or get control of : impossible to overcome -
INSURMOUNTABLE
 Impressive display or range of a particular type of thing - ARRAY
 In a careless and unplanned way - WILLY NILLY
 In a confused and careless way - HELTER - SKELTER
 In a state of tremulous excitement - AFLUTTER
 In a very bad condition and needing to be repaired - RAMSHACKLE
 In an uncertain or undecided state or condition - LIMBO
 In great disorder or confusion - TOPSY - TURVY
 In preparation or progress happening or beginning to happen - AFOOT
 In a very bad condition because of age or lack of care - DILAPIDATED
 Including many different things : full of variety - VARIEGATED
 Increased effectiveness that results when two or more people or businesses
work together - SYNERGY
 Indefinite and very long period of time - AEON
 Independent persons or a body officially appointed to settle a dispute -
Arbitrator
 Indirect and usually bad results of an action or event that may happen some
time afterwards - Repercussion
 Influence or control over another country, a group of people - Hegemony
 Influence or power , especially in politics or business - Clout
 Informal ways of spreading information or rumors through conversation -
Grapevine
 Information about a person and about what they have done in their life -
Biodata
 Inscriptions on a building, statue, or coin - Epigraph
 ill Institutions,places, or persons strongly maintaining particular principles,
attitudes, or activities - Bastion
 Insulting remarks made in public - Brickbats
 Intense military campaign intended to bring about a swift victory - Blitzkrieg
 Introduction to a book or speech - Preface
 Introduction to a book, play, etc. - Prologue
 Involving a chance that something bad or unpleasant could happen -Dicey
 Involving a lot of violence, confusion, or disorder - Tumultuous
 Involving death or violence in a way that is strange, frightening, or unpleasant
- Macabre
 Involving only one group or country - Unilateral
 Items of additional material added at the end of a book or other publication -
Addendu

J
 Japanese art of folding paper into shapes that look like birds, animals, etc. -
Origami
 Japanese flower arranging, that has strict formal rules - Ikebana
 Japanese form of self-defence and martial art that uses locks, holds, throws,
and the opponent's own movements - Aikido
 Jargon or slang of a particular group or class - Argot
 Jobs, activities, etc., that are very suitable for someone - Niche
 Journals or newspapers, especially the official one of .an organization or
institution - Gazette
 Journalists who are not on the regular staff of a newspaper but who write
stories for that newspaper - Stringer
 Journeys especially by a group of people for a specific purpose - Expedition

K
 Killing (a person or animal) by squeezing the throat - Strangle
 Killing (an animal) for food, kill (many people) in a very violent way -
Slaughter
 Killing (someone) illegally as punishment for a crime - Lynch
 Killing of a large number of people - Carnage
 Killing or wounding of people, typically on a large scale during a conflict -
Bloodshed
 Kindness shown to somebody when they are being punished : willingness not
somebody so severely - Clemency
 Knowing everything : having unlimited understanding or knowledge -
omniscient
 Knowing or using several languages - Polyglot
 L
 Lack of agreements between people, ideas, etc - Discord
 Lack of order : a confused or messy condition - Disarray
 Lack of respect or dislike for someone or something - Contempt
 Lack of seriousness - Levity
 Lack of solidity or substance; thinness - Tenuity
 Lack of the usual social or ethical standards in an individual or group - Anomie
(anomy)
 Lacking confidence : not feeling comfortable around people, very careful about
acting or speaking - Diffident
 (Land) used or suitable for growing crops - Arable
 (Language) used in conversation but not in formal speech or writing -
Colloquial
 (Legislative body) having two chambers - Bicameral
 Language of ordinary speechs rather than formal writing - Vernacular
 Language or behaviour that is nonsense and is intended to hide the truth from
people - Hocus-pocus
 Language that is intended to influence people and that may not be honest or
reasonable - Rhetoric
 Language that is used among people who speak various different languages -
Lingua franca
 Language used by a particular group of people - Parlance
 Language used for a particular activity or by a particular group of people -
Jargon
 Large amount of money that has been given to a school, hospital, etc., and
that is used to pay for its creation and continuing support : person's natural
ability or talent - Endowment
 Large amount of rain that suddenly falls in an area : large amount of things
that come at the same time - Deluge
 Large amount of something that is released suddenly - Torrent
 Large and beautiful view of an area of land or Vista water
 Large and very unpleasant amount of dirt - Filth
 Large areas of land that have been farmed, too- much with the result that
plants will not grow there - Badlands
 Large buildings or group of buildings for soldiers to live in - Barracks
 Large ,burial ground, especially Qne not in a churchyard - Cemetery
 Large business that is made of different. kinds of companies - Conglomerate
 Large cages, buildings, or enclosures for keeping birds in - Aviary
 Large group of people or things of a particular kind - Bevy
 Large group of people, especially' an organized group with a particular purpose
- Battalion
 Large group of people - Throng
 Large notices or signs put up in a public place or carried by people -Placard
 Large number of things that appear or happen in a short period of time -
Spate
 Large open-air fire used for burning rubbish or as part of a celebration -
Bonfire
 Large parties or celebrations - Fete
 Large parties or celebrations - Jamboree
 Large tents used for social or commercial functions . covered structures over
the entrance to a building - Marquee
 Large-calibre guns used in warfare on land - Artillery
 Lasting for a very short time - Evanescent
 Lasting for a very short time - Ephemeral
 Late morning meals eaten instead of breakfast and lunch - Brunch
 Laws or regulations made by a government - Ordinance
 Laws or rules that limit or control something strong criticism - Stricture
 Leaving (property) to a person or other beneficiary by a will - Bequeath
 Legal agreements in which a person borrows money to buy property (such as a
house) and pays back the money over a period of years - Mortgage
 Legal right to be the only one to reproduce, publish and sell a book, musical
recording, etc., for a certain period of time - Copyright
 Letter or group of letters that is added at the beginning of a word to change its
meaning - Prefix
 Level of respect that people have for a succesitful person, organizatum, etc -
Stature
 Light that is placed somewhere to guide vehicies and warn them of danger -
Beacon
 Likely to change in a very sudden or extreme way likely to become dangerous
or out of control - Volatile
 Likely to have or produce good results Propitious
 Limited to a small number of people - Esoteric
 Lines in a newspaper naming the writer of an article - Byline
 Lines notionally drawn on the earth equidistant from the poles - Equator
 Lines on a weather map that join places that have the same air pressure at a
particular time - Isobar
 Lines on a weather map that join places that have the same temperature at a
particular time - Isotherm
 Lines that have a series of short, sharp turns or angles - Zigzag
 Lists of items required, things to be done, or points to be considered, used as a
reminder - Checklist
 Lists of the books referred to in a scholarly work ,typically printed as an
appendix - Bibliography
 Lists of the foods that may be ordered at a restaurant - Menu
 Lists of the people or things that belong to a particular group, team, etc. -
Roster
 Lists of the people who work for a company and the amount of money that the
company has agreed to pay them - Payroll
 Lists that show who must do a certain job - Rota
 Lively or energetic quality - Vitality
 Living in trees - Arboreal
 Long and angry fights or quarrels between two people or two groups -Feud
 Long and angry speechs - Tirade
 Long and complicated series of events - Saga
 Long and determined efforts to achieve something that one believes to be right
or to stop something that one belives to be wrong - Crusade
 Long journeys to a distant or unknown place especially over water or through
outer space - voyage
 Long poems that tell the story of a hero's adventures - epic
 Long speeches given by a character in a story, movie, play, etc., or by a
performer - Monologue
 Long, complicated, and annoying process, descriptions - Rigmarole
 Long, narrow boxes, typically of wood, in which a dead body is buried or
cremated - COFFIN
 Long, thin sticks used by a magician or during magic tricks - WAND
 Long, usually serious speeches that a character in a play make to an audience
and that reveal the character's thoughts - SOLILOQUY
 Long-term security yielding a fixed rate of Debenture interest, issued by a
company and secured against assets - DEBENTURE
 Looking at someone in an evil or unpleasantly Leer sexual way - LEER
 Looking for private information about someone Snoop or something - SNOOP
 Lots of energy and style - Panache
 Loud and confused noises, strongly expressed Clamour protest or demand
from a large number of people - CLAMOUR
 Loud, confusing mixture of noises that lasts for a Din long time - DIN
 Loving and admiring oneself and especially one's Narcissism appearance too
much - NARCISSISM

M
 Made by combining different substances : not natural - Synthetic
 Made or done without preparation - Impromptu
 Made to be useful rather than to be decorative or comfortable - Utilitarian
 Made to look like an exact copy of something in order to trick people -
Counterfeit
 Made up of different things - Sundry
 Made up of many different people or things - Motley
 Made up of parts that are different - Heterogeneous
 Magical liquid that can cure illness or extend life - Elixir
 Main characters in a novel, play, movie, etc. - Protagonist
 Main group of people in a Communistgovernment who make decisions about
policy - Politburo
 Main or central part of a city or town - Downtown
 Major changes or a period of change that causes a lot of conflict, confusion,
anger, etc. - Upheaval
 Make (an idea, belief, etc.) known to many people - Promulgate
 Making (someone or something) weaker or less effective usually in a secret or
gradual way - Undermine
 Making (someone) feel or look young, healthy, or energetic again -
Rejuvenate
 Making (someone) want to know more about something - Intrigue
 Making (something) as good or as effective as possible - Optimize
 Men who want to marry a particular woman - Suitor
 Managing or using money in a careful or wise way - Thrifty
 Many changes or problems that happen over time - Vicissitude
 Marks or qualities that shows what something is or what it could be -Earmark
 Marks that are left on one's skin after a wound heals : feeling of great
emotional pain or sadness that is caused by a bad experience and that lasts for
a long time - Scar
 Materials made of a network of wire or thread : Mesh complex or constricting
situation - MESH
 Materials that are flowing out - Efflux
 Meals consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves -Buffet
 Meals to which everyone who is invited brings food to share - Pot luck
 Measures designed merely to humour or placate someone - Placebo
 Members of a group of people who move from place to place instead of living
in one place all the time - Nomad
 Members of some religions (such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) who
deliver messages that are believed to have come from God - Prophet
 Mental illness in which a person becomes very emotional or excited - Mania
 Mental states in which one is confused and not able to think or speak clearly :
state of wild excitement and great happiness - Delirium
 Metals made by combining two or more metallic elements - Alloy
 Military groups controlling a governMENT AFTER taking control of it by force -
GIMMICK
 Money given as a reward - BOUNTY
 Money or food given to poor people - Alms
 Money or property that is given to you by somebody when they die - Legacy
 Money that is less than the amount that is needed - Deficit
 Money that is owed and should have been paid earlier - Arrears
 Money that is paid in order to free someone who has been captured or
kidnapped - Ransom
 Moral fables, especially one with animals as characters - Apologue
 Morally good behavior or character - VIRTUE
 Most important and basic facts or details about something - NittY GittY
 Most important idea orparts of something - Keynote
 Most important parts of something (such as a Most important parts of
something - Crux
 Most successful or powerfull group of people - Quintessence
 Moving about quickly from side to side or up and down - Jiggle
 Movinig at a speed faster than walking by stepping with each front leg at the
same time as the opposite back leg - Trot
 Moving or acting quickly to do, find, or get Scramble something often before
someone else does - scramble
 Moving or acting too slowly - Dawdle
 Move or lift (something) so that it is no longer - Ruffle
 Moving quickly to one side in order to avoid being hit by (someone or
something) - Dodge
 Moving to a new place - Relocate
 Movements away from a place or situation especially because it is dangerous,
unpleasant, etc. : place that is quiet and private - Retreat
 Movies about crime that uses dark shadows and lighting to show the
complicated moral nature of the subject - Noir
 Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together -
Camaraderie
 Mysteries that can only be resolved by assembling various pieces of
information - Jigsaw

N
 Names that are wrong or not proper or appropriate - Misnomer
 Names that someone (such as a writer) uses instead of his or her real name -
Pseudonym
 Narrow passageways between or behind building - Alley
 Natural likings for and understanding of someone or something - Affinity
 New activities, projects, business, etc., that typically involve risk - Venture
 New and experimental ideas and methods in art, music, or literature - Avant-
garde
 Newspapers with small pages (usually half the size of those in larger papers) -
Tabloid
 Newspapers that print a lot of shocking stories about people's private lives
rather than serious news - Gutter press
 No longer active or effective : close to failure - Moribund
 No longer existing or being used - Defunct
 No longer used because something newer exists - Obsolete
 Noisy and overexcited reactions or responses to something - Brouhaha
 Noisy arguments or disagreements, especially in public - Altercation
 Noisy arguments or fights - Fracas
 Not able or willing to believe something - Incredulous
 Not able to be corrected or changed - Incorrigible
 Not able to be stopped or changed - Inexorable
 Not able to communicate with other people - Incommunicado
 Not acceptable to talk about or do - Taboo
 Not active, not now developing or causing symptoms - Quiescent
 Not as important as something else - Subsidiary
 Not capable of life - Inanimate
 Not clear in meaning : stated in a way that is general and not specific - Vague
 Not completely clear or transparent but clear enough to allow light to pass
through - Translucent
 Not connected with spiritual or religious matters - Secular
 Not deserving serious attention - Frivolous
 Not doing or involving much physical activities - Sedentary
 Not easily described : having no special or interesting qualities, parts, etc. :
typical and uninteresting - - Nondescript
 Not easily stopped or pulled apart : very determined to do something -
Tenacious
 Not giving enough thought to other people's feelings or needs -Inconsiderate
 Not having made a will - Intestate
 Not having or showing good judgment - Indiscreet
 Not having or showing good manners, good taste,or politeness - Vulgar
 Not intended or planned - Inadvertent
 Not interesting, funny, etc., because of being used too often - Hackneyed
 Not keeping anything secret or hidden : honest and direct - Upfront
 Not letting light through : not transparent, difficult to understand of explain -
Opaque
 Not liking to work or be active - Indolent
 Not lively or interesting : dull or boring - Vapid
 Not made of physical substances : not able to be touched - Intangible
 Not necessary or appropriate - Unwarranted
 Not producing the desired effect - Inefficacious
 Not showing enough care and attention - Remiss
 Not strong or stable and likely to break - Rickety
 Not very developed or advanced - Rudimentary
 Not very easy to see or notice - Inconspicuous
 Not willing to tell people about things - Reticent
 Not within the range of what someone knows or understands - Ken
 Novels, movies, etc., that are very exciting : a story full of exciting action,
mystery, adventure, or suspense - Thriller
 Number of people who are killed or injured in an accident, disaster, war - Toll

O
 Objects (such as a ring or stone) that is believed to have magic powers and to
cause good things tohappen to the person who has it - Talisman
 Objects or pictures used to suggest a thing that cannot be shown : person or
thing that represents an idea - Emblem
 Object, pieces of evidence or some informations that help the police solve a
crime - Clue
 Objects, activities, or ideas that are used as symbols of something else -
Metaphor
 Objects or materials that are collected because they are related to a particular
event, person, etc. : things collected as souvenirs - Memorabilia
 Objects that are used to do a particular activity : objects of a particular kind -
Paraphernalia
 Occurring between members of the same country, group, or organization -
Internecine
 Of, belonging to, or seeming to come from an early time in the very ancient
past - Primitive
 (Of a person) not identified by name; of unknown name - Anonymous
 Offence of marrying someone while already married to another person -
Bigamy
 Official agreements that are made between two or more countries or groups -
Treaty
 Official announcements about a usually very important piece of news -
Communiqué
 Open opposition toward a person or group in authority - Rebellion
 Open to more than one interpretation : not having one obvious meaning -
Ambiguous
 Operations in which police or other forces surround a building and cut off
supplies, with the aim of forcing an armed person to surrender - Siege
 Opinions or beliefs of the majority - Vox populi
 Opponents or enemies that are very difficult to defeat - Nemesis
 Opponents that are easy to defeat - Pushover
 Orders that must be followed - Diktat
 Organized search for a person and especially for a criminal - Manhunt
 Original copies of a play, book, piece of music, etc., before those have been
printed - Manuscript
 Ornaments or small pieces of jewellery thought to give protection against evil,
danger, or disease - Amulet
 Out of control with anger or excitement; wild or frenzied - Berserk
 Outdoor meals or parties when food is cooked in this way - Barbecue
 Outlines or outer edges of something - Contour
 Outside edges of an area : the area that surrounds a place or thing -
Periphery
 P
 Persons who are in charge of or takes care of something - Warden
 Persons who are kept in a prison or mental hospital - Inmate
 Persons who are killed or who suffer greatly for a religion, cause, etc. - Martyr
 Persons who are not loyal to his or her own country, friends, etc. - Traitor
 Persons who are not welcome or wanted in a place - Intruder
 Persons who are running away to avoid being captured - Fugitive
 Persons who are sent by one government to represent it in dealing with
another government - Envoy
 Persons who are skilled in magic or who has magical powers : a sorcerer or a
magician, a person who is very good at something - Wizard
 Persons who are unfairly blamed for something that others have done -
Scapegoat
 Persons who are very enthusiastic about something - Fiend
 Persons who are walking in a city, along a road, etc. - Pedestrian
 Persons who know a lot about something (such as art, wine, food, etc.) : an
expert in a particular subject - Connoisseur
 Persons who lack experience and knowledge - Greenhorn
 Persons who leave onepolitical, religious, etc. group to join another that has
very different views : someone or something that causes trouble and cannot
be controlled - Renegade
 Personswho like or admire women. - Philogynist
 Persons who like seeing and talking or writing about something that is
considered to be private - Voyeur
 Parts of checks, tickets, etc., that can be kept as a record when it is torn off -
Counterfoil
 Parts of cities in which members of a particular group or race live usually in
poor conditions - Ghetto
 Parts of theatres, concert halls, etc. in which the audiences sit - Auditorium
 Parts of the earth's surface that are directly above the place where an
earthquake starts - Epicenter
 Parts of your mind that tell you whether your actions are right or wrong -
Conscience
 Parts or elements of something - Facet
 Partial or total loss of memory - Amnesia
 Partial refunds to someone who haspaid too much for tax, rent, or a utility -
Rebate
 Particular subjects or issues that are discussed often or repeatedly - Theme
 Particular types or categories of literature or art - Genre
 Particular ways of thinking : a person's attitude or set of opinions about
something - Mindset
 Particular ways of walking - Gait
 Passages between rows of seats in a building such as a church or theatre, an
aircraft, or train - AISLE
 Paying money to get a publication or service regularly - SUBSCRIBE
 People in the future - POSTERITY
 People of high social status - GENTRY
 People who are extremely poor - DESTITUDE
 People who are famous, wealthy, and attractivi - GLITTERATI
 People who can vote in an election - ELECTORATE
 Performances of something - RENDITION
 Periods immediately before an action or event - RUN UP
 Periods of 1,000 years - MILLENNIUM
 Periods of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial
activities are reduced - RECESSION
 Periods of time during which someone does not work at his or her regular job
and is able to rest, travel, do research, etc. - SABBATICAL
 Periods of time that are very important in history - EPOCH
 Periods of time when people stay awake, especially at night, in order to watch
a sick person, say prayers, protest, etc - VIGIL
 Periods of time when something (activities or programs) are stopped -
HIATUS
 Periods when days ending and nights beginning - TWILIGHT
 Periods when many more babies are born than usual - BABY BOOM
 Periods when something do not increase or advance any further - PLATEAU
 PermAnent administrative offices departmeric;, especially governmental ones -
SECRETARIATE
 Persons or things regarded as an exact copy of another - CLONE
 Persons or things that attract a lot of attention or interest - CYNOSURE
 Persons or things that cause a change - CATALYST
 Persons or things that do not go or move as quickly as others - LAGGARD
 Persons or things that are connected with or related to another, often in a way
that one would not expect - BEDFELLOW
 Persons or things that are extremely important or large in size - COLOSSUS
 Persons or things that are the direct opposite of someone or something else -
ANTHITHESIS
 Persons or things that are the most important part of an organization, a plan,
etc, because everything else depends on them or it - LINCHPIN
 Persons or things that one particularly dislike - BETE NOIRE
 Persons or things that take the place of someone or something else -
SUBSTITUTE
 Persons or things that take the place or perform the duties of someone or
something else - SURROGATE
 Persons or things which provide stability or confidence in an otherwise
uncertain situation - ANCHOR
 Persons that somebody spend a lot of time with - Crony
 Persons who accompany and look after another persons or group of people -
CHAPERONE
 Persons who actively oppose or are hostile to someone or something : an
adversary - ANTAGONIST
 Persons who actively use the Internet especially in a proper and responsible
way - NETIZEN

Q
 Qualities of always behaving in the same way or of having the same opinions,
standard, etc - constituency
 Qualities of being faithful to one's husband, wife, or sexual partner - fidelity
 Qualities of being honest and fair - integrity
 Qualities of being very similar or equal - symmetry
 Qualities of being very unwilling to spend money - parsimoney
 Qualities that causes people to feel sympathy and sadness - pathos
 Qualities that makes one person or thing different from another - trait
 Quantities of work that should have been done already, but has not yet been
done - backlog
 Quick looks or glance - dekko
 Quick series of soft, light sounds caused when things (such as leaves or pieces
ofpaper) rub against each other - rustle
 Quiet and peaceful - tranquil
 Quiet and polite, not showy or flashy - demure
 Quotations from or references to a book, paper, or author, especially in a
scholarly work - citation

R
 (Route or journey) longer than the most direct way - Circuitous
 Raised platforms for a speaker, performer, or the leader of an orchestra -
Podium
 Raised platforms in a large room or hall that people stand on when performing
or speaking to an audience - Dais
 Range or series of related things - Gamut
 Ready and excited to start to do something - Raring
 Reasons or explanations for something - Rationale
 Reasons that you give to hide your real reason for doing something - Pretext
 Records of events year by year - Annals
 Refers to the fact that something has been done or repeated so often that it
has become annoying or tiresome - Ad nauseam
 Referring to sex in a rude but humorous way - Ribald
 Refusing (something, such as an offer or suggestion) in a rude way - Rebuff
 Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind - Adamant
 Regular period of sleep or rest in the afternoon in some hot countries - Siesta
 Regular, repeated patterns of sounds or movements - Rhythm
 Reinforced underground shelters, typically for use in wartime - Bunker
 Returning to an earlier and usually worse state or condition - retograde
 Rich persons who have at least a million dollars, pounds - millioniaries
 Rights or benefit that is given to some people and not to others - priviledge
 Rights or the capacity to bring an action or to appear in a court - local standi
 Rights or privileges - prerogative
 Rights to choose what should be done in a particular situation - discretion
 Rights to vote in an election - suffrage
 Ritual suicides by cutting open one's stomach with a sword - hara - kiri
 Robots with a human appearance - android
 Rooms in a public building where outdoor clothes or luggage may be left -
clockroom
 Rough or noisy - rowdy
 Roughly made model of a person that is made in order to be damaged or
destroyed as a protest - effigy
 Roughly orquickly thrust (a sharp or pointed object) someone or something -
jab
 Routine tasks, especially a household one - chores
 Rules orprinciples that most people believe to be true - axiom
 Rules that say how people should behave - precept
 Rules about the proper and polite way to communicate with other people when
one is using the Internet - netiquette

S
 Sad moods or feelings - melancholy
 Said to somebody who is leaving on a journey, to wish them a good journey -
bon vyoage
 Sailors who attacked ships at sea and stole from them : the person who acts in
a recklessly adventurous and often unscrupulous way, especially in business -
baccaneer
 Saying or writing very harsh and critical things about (someone or something)
- vilify
 Saying that (something) is smaller, less important, etc., than it really is -
understate
 Saying that something you said or wrote is not true or correct - retract
 Saying that you are not responsible for (something) : to deny that you know
about or are involved in (something) - disavow
 Scenes full of noise and confusion - bedlam
 Searching for something especially by moving and looking through the
contents of a place - rummage
 Searching through waste, junk, etc., for something that can be saved, used or
eaten - scavenge
 Seats for passengers on a motorcycle - pillion
 Secret agreements especially in order to do something dishonest or to trick
people - collusion
 Secret or disguised ways of writing : a code - cipher
 Secretly try to ruin or destroy a government, political system, etc. - subvert
 Sections or tables of subsidiary matter at the end of a book or document -
Appendix
 Seeming like real life because it is very clear, bright, or detailed, very bright in
color - Vivid
 eeming to be seen everywhere - Ubiquitous
 Selling (a business, property, etc.) especially to pay off debt - Liquidate
 Sending (a person who has been accused of a crime) to another state or
country for trial - Extradite
 Sending away (some of a company's work) to be done by people outside the
company - Outsource
 Series of changes - Flux
 Series of three novels, movies, etc., that are closely related and involve the
same characters or themes - Trilogy
 Sets of clothes that are worn together : group of people working together in
the same activity - Outfit
 Sets of ideas that somebody believes in and tries to persuade others to accept
- Gospel
 Sets of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty -
Aesthetics
 Sets of tools or supplies that a person uses for a particular purpose or activity -
Kit
 Severe mental orphysical pain or suffering - Anguish
 Severe snowstorms with high winds : large quantity of things that may seem
to be attacking you - Blizzard
 Sexually attracted to people of the same sex - Homosexual
 Shared by, including or typical of a whole group of things : not specific -
Generic
 Shiny quality of a surface that refleqs light - Luster
 Someone who predicts things that will happen in the future
 Someone who saves something or someone from danger, harm, failure, etc.
 Someone who supports a part icular cause, belief, etc
 Someone who talks about something withgreat enthusiasm
 Someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often
younger person
 Someone who tends to criticize, reject, or ignore people who come from a
lower social class and have less education, etc.
 Someone who travels to a holy place
 Someone who tries to get an advantage or something valuable from a situation
without thinking about what is fair or right
 (Something unwelcome) flourishing or spreading unchecked, unrestrained in
action or performance
 Something (such as a business) that develops from something larger
 Something (such as a force, campaign, or movement) that is extremely large
and powerful and cannot be stopped
 Something (such as a greeting) that people say in order to be polite
 Something (such as a situation) that is made up of two opposite things and
that seems impossible but is actually true or possible
 Something (such as a special ceremony) that is intended to honor an
important event or person from the past

T
 Tending to be quiet : not speaking frequently - Taciturn
 That can be done : that will be successful - Viable
 The last of a series - Omega
 The same book or piece of writing as the one that has just been mentioned -
Ibid
 The thing added to something else as a supplementary rather than an essential
part - Adjunct
 The thing or a person that has no chance of success - Noose
 The thing that existed before or logically precedes another - Antecedent
 The thing that hides or covers somebody/something - Cloak
 The thing that is added or attached to something larger or more important -
Appendage
 The thing that is inappropriate, especially a remark or expression - Infelicity
 The thing that is most important to someone or something - Raison detre
 The time at which something begins - Inception
 The time that something of quality was produced - Vintage
 The traditional knowledge, beliefs, and stories that relate to a particular place,
subject, or group - Lore
 The treatment to improve the appearance and health of the feet or toenails -
Pedicure
 The trusted follower or supporter who performs unpleasant, wrong, or illegal
tasks for a powerful person - Henchman
 The two-hundredth anniversary of a significant event - Bicentenary
 Theories or a group of ideas about how something should be done, made, or
thought about - Paradigm

U
 Unusual habits or way of behaving, something strange that happens by chance
- Quirk
 Unusual or excessive concern about one's health - Hypochondria
 Unusual ways in which a particular person behaves or thinks -Idiosyncrasy
 Urging or requesting (someone) solemnly or earnestly to do something -
Adjure
 Using (something) in a foolish or wasteful way - Squander
 Use of deception or subterfuge to achieve one's purpose - Chicanery
 Use of machines to do work that was previously done by people - Automation
 Use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to
be vague or evasive - Circumlocution
 Use of tricks especially to hide, avoid, or get something - Subterfuge
 Use of words that mean the opposite of what one really wants to say especially
in order to insult someone, to show irritation, or to be funny - Sarcasm
 Use of words to exchange thoughts and ideas - Discourse
 Used in reference to luxurious accommodations - Ritz
 Used to describe something that exists but that is not officially accepted or
recognized - De facto
 Used to express excitement or joy - Yahoo
 Used to express excitement when a discovery has been made - Eureka
 Used to indicate that a named person is also known or more familiar under
another specified name - Alias
 Used to refer to a process in which actors are chosen for a film/movie, etc. if
they have sex with the person in charge of choosing the artnrc - Casting
couch

V
 (Victory) won at too great a cost - Pyrrhic
 Valuable stolen goods, especially those seized in war - Booty
 Various forms in which the atoms of a chemical element can occur - Isotope
 Very angry or violent disagreement between two or more people or groups -
Strife
 Very bad : causing great fear or worry - Dire
 Very bad or frightening experience or situation - Nightmare
 Very big and powerful companies or organizations - Behemoth
 Very careful about behaving properly and doing things in a correct and
accurate way - Punctilious
 Very careful about doing something in an extremely accurate and exact way -
Meticulous
 Very close to being something without actually being it - Virtual
 Very comfortable and expensive - Opulent
 Very complicated and difficult to understand - Turgid
 Very determined or loyal - Diehard
 Very different, strange, or unusual - Exotic
 Very dirty and unpleasant, immoral or dishonest - Squalid
 Very dirty or untidy state or condition - Mess
 Very eager or curious to hear or see something - Agog
  Very excited or upset - Overwrought
 Very famous or successful person - Luminary

W
 Ways of life, an attitude, an idea, etc. that has become very popular, system of
religious beliefs and rituals - Cult
 Ways of protecting oneself against the loss of something - Hedge
 Way that a person thinks about things - Outlook
 Ways that a room or the inside of a building is decorated - Decor
 Ways that prevents other people from finding out who you are -Incognito
 Wealthy persons who give money and time to help make life better for other
people - Philanthropist
 Well-known phrases that express a general truth about life or a rule about
behaviour - Maxim
 Wild and drunken celebrations - Bacchanal
 Wild and noisy celebrations - Revelry
 Willing to do dishonest things in return for money - Venal
 Wise, skilled, and respected government leaders - Statesman
 Without a future date being arranged - Sine die
 Women who control a family, group, or government - Matriarch
 Women who have control or power over others - Mistress
 Women who are paid to care for a young child usually in the child's home -
Nanny
 Women who are thought to have magic powers - Witch
 Women who use their sexual charm to make men do what they wants - Vamp
 Women who work in a bar, serving drinks - Bartender
 Women whose job are to be in charge of children or other women - Matron

Y
 Young children who are just learning to walk – toddler
 Young women who is not married – damsel
 Young Person who are usually talented in some way – prodigy
 Young person who are taught and helped by someone who has a lot of
knowledge and experience – protégé

CHAPTER 5

Description Word

One who knows many languages. Linguist

Being unable to pay one‘s debts. Insolvent

Having e evil reputation. Notorious

One who leaves his country to settle elsewhere. Emigrant

A person who lives at the same time as another. Contemporary

A person who can neither read nor write. Iiiiterate

A person who spends his money recklessly. Spendthrift

A person who lives by himself. Recluse

A woman whose husband is dead. Widow

A person sent on mission(usually official). Emissary

A person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain. Stoic

One who makes an eloquent public speech. Orator

Being present everywhere. Omnipresent

Being all-powerful. Omnipotent

One who knows everything. Omniscient

Beyond making a mistake Infallible

One who eats human flesh. Cannibal

One who looks at the dark side of things. Pessimist

One who looks at the bright side of things Optimist

Not suitable to be elected or selected under the Ineligible

rules.

One who hates mankind Misanthropist

One who lives on vegetables. Vegetarian

One who has belief in the existence of God. Theist

One who has no belief in the existence of God. Atheist

One who believes in fate. Fatalist

A member of a council. Councilor

The practice of having two or more spouse. Polygamy

A general pardon of political offenders. Amnesty

Fond of entertaining guests. Hospitable

One who totally abstains from alcoholic drinks. Teetotaler

One who walks on foot. Pedestrian

Taking of one‘s own life. Suicide

Murder of a king. Regicide

Murder of a new-born infant. Infanticide

Murder of one‘s own father/mother/brother. Patricide/Matricide/Fratricide

The killing of human beings. Homicide

Forbidden, prohibited by law. IIIicit

A medicine to counteract the effect of poison. Antidote

A speech made without preparation. Extempore

A language that is no longer spoken. Dead

The word which is no longer in use. Obsolete

The motive merely to get money. Mercenary

Existing forever – without any beginning or end. Eternal

Subject to death. Mortal

Resulting in death. Fatal of mortal

Property inherited from one‘s father or ancestors. Patrimony

A paper written by hand. Manuscript

The result of the match where neither party wins. Draw

Animals which give birth to babies and feed them Mammals

with their milk.

A place for burial or dead bodies. Cemetery

Counterfeiting of document. Forgery

Of one‘s own free will. Voluntary

Give tit for tat. Retaliate

The cessation of warfare before a treaty is signed. Armistice

The science of reasoning. Logic

Belonging to all parts of the world. Universal

A figure with many angles or sides. Polygon

An instrument for measuring temperature. Thermometer

A place where young plants are reared. Nursery

The absence of government in a company. Anarchy

Government carried on by an absolute ruler. Dictatorship

Government by the representatives of the people. Democracy

Government by officials. Bureaucracy

An absolute government. Autocracy

The life history of a person written by himself. Autobiography

The yearly return of a date. Anniversary

Of unknown or undamitted authorship. Anonymous

Allowing the passage of rays of light. Transparent

Not allowing the passage of light. Opaque

A substance that kills insects. Insecticide

Occurring at the same time. Simultaneous

An assembly of worshippers. Congregation

An assembly of listeners. Audience

A substance that kills germs. Germicide

A cure for all diseases. Panacea

Contrary to law. IIIegal

Not definitely or clearly expressed. Inexplicit

That which cannot be excused. Inexcusable

That which cannot be taken by force of arms. Impregnable

That which cannot be admitted or allowed. Inadmissible

That which cannot be reached. Inaccessible

That which cannot be perceived by sense Imperceptible

That which cannot be burnt Incombustible

That which cannot be divided. Indivisible

That which cannot be reconciled Irreconcilable

That which cannot be recovered. Irrecoverable

That which cannot be seen. Invisible

That which cannot be read. IIIegible

That which cannot be heard. Inaudible

That which cannot be conquered. Invincible

That which cannot be wounded. Invulnerable

That which cannot be believed. Incredible

That which cannot be avoided. Inflammable

The only one of its type . Unique

The driver of a taxi cab. Cabby

All of one mind. Unanimous.

A false or mistake belief. Fallacy

CHAPTER 6

Directions : In questions given below choose the options which can be

substituted for the given words/sentences.

1. Murder of infants
(a) Regicide
(b) Suicide
(c) Homicide
(d) Infanticide

2. Short lived or fleeting

(a) Permanent
(b) Ephemeral
(c) Effeminate
(d) Optimist
(e) None of these

3. A person whose thoughts are turned inward and who never opens his heart to
others.
 (a) Extrovert
(b) Introvert
(c) Sceptic
(d) Ambivert
(e) None of these

4. Word for word

(a) Verbatim
(b) Compound
(c) Synonym
(d) Oral
(e) None of these

5. A person who does things only for pleasure

(a) Professional
(b) Radical
(c) Amateur
(d) Empiric
(e) None of these

6. That which can be easily carried

(a) Portable
(b) Impregnable
(c) Invisible
(d) Apostate
(e) None of these

7. One who flirts with ladies

(a) Solvent
(b) Gentleman
(c) Philanderer
(d) Popular
(e) None of these

8. An office for which no salary is paid

(a) Hospitable
(b) Free
(c) Honorary
(d) Gratis
(e) None of these

9. A word which has the same meaning as another

(a) Contemporary
(b) Substitute
 (c) Synonym
(d) Antonym
(e) None of these

10. Four children born at the same time

(a) Forte
(b) Twins
(c) Fortis
(d) Quadruplets
(e) None of these

11. An insect with many legs

(a) Biped
(b) Butterfly
(c) Centipede
(d) Quadruped
(e) None of these

12. To change hostility into friendship

(a) Surrogate
(b) Castigate
(c) Placate
(d) Complicate
(e) None of these

13. One who studies the history of development of mankind is

(a) Anthropologist
(b) Botanist
(c) Economist
(d) Historian
(e) None of these

14. One who does not show favour to anyone is called

(a) Impartial
(b) Unfavourable
(c) Prejudiced
(d) Rude
(e) None of these

15. To throw light on something difficult

(a) Amplify
(b) Expand
(c) Explain
(d) Elucidate
 (e) None of these

ANSWERS
1. Infanticide
2. Ephemeral
3. Introvert
4. Verbatim
5. Amateur
6. Portable
7. Philanderer
8. Honorary
9. Synonym
10. Quadruplets
11. Centipede
12. Placate
13. Historian
14. Impartial
15. Elucidate

CHAPTER 7

1. To relax in a countryside far away from the humdrum of town- Rusticate

2. The most capable part of a group, town or place- Elite
3. One who flaunts newly acquired wealth- Parvenu
4. The intelligent and educated group or class of a society or country- Intelligentsia
5. Weariness of and sadness for life and world- Weltschmerz
6. Boredom and frustration- Ennui
7. Shy, timid, unwilling to face a situation- Diffident
8. One who looks at everything from a personal point of view- Egocentric
9. One who is chivalrous, idealistic and unpractical- Quixotic
10.One who is grave and gloomy- Saturnine
11.One who gets pleasure in others trouble and pain- Sadistic
12.The act of enjoying or having an experience indirectly- Vicariously
13.The tendency to postpone things for future- Procrastination
14.The art of effective speaking- Elocution
15.To spend life without purpose and initiative- Vegetate
16.One who is interested in the welfare of other people- Altruist
17.One who believes in keeping things as they are- Conservative
18.A girl who flirts egregiously- Coquette
19.A woman who lures men to destroy them- Circe
20.A tall, strong, masculine kind of woman- Virago
21.A traitor who can sell out even his friend- Judas
22.A person with vulgar taste- Vulgarian
23.A person who flaunts learning all the time- Pedant
24.Understanding without the interference of feelings- Empathy
25.An embarrassing mistake- A faux pas
26.A medley or heterogeneous mixture of great variety- Potpourri
27.A slang of the underworld- Argot
28.A language of a region having its own usage- Dialect
29.A language of a special group- Patois
30.The ascribing of human motivation, characteristic or behaviour to inanimate
objects, animal or natural phenomena- Anthropomorphism
31.A payment not legally binding but for which some moral obligation is felt-Ex gratia
32.One who gives direction from behind the scene on a stage- Prompter
33.A washing or cleansing of the body especially in a religious ceremony- Ablution
34.Something perfectly neat and tidy- Immaculate
35.A legal defence by which an accused person tries to show that he was somewhere
else when the crime was committed- Alibi
36.The money that a court ask a man to pay to his divorced or legally separated wife-
Alimony
37.A treatise on one subject- Monograph
38.A speech uttered by one person- Monologue
39.Mental derangement confined to one idea- Monomania
40.An airplane with one pair of wings- Monoplane
41.Exclusive possession or control of anyone thing- Monopoly
42.The group, especially in the arts, regarded as being the most experimental- Avant-
grade
43.Words or action showing deliberate contempt for sacred things- Blashphemy
44.An official bulletin- Communique
45.An agreement entered between two or more parties- Convenant
46.A passage with only one end- Cul-de-sac
47.Something very brightly colourful- Flamboyant
48.The art of painting on a plaster surface- Fresco
49.A record or table showing the descent of a person or a family- Genealogy
50.A connoisseur of food and drink- Gourmet
51.A person or thing that goes before and announces the coming of something-
Harbinger
52.A persistent anxiety about one‘s health, usually involving imagined symptoms of
illness- Hypochondria
53.An odd, atypical or eccentric trait- Idiosyncrasy
54.Not planned ahead of time- Impromptu
55.To compensate a person, etc., for loss or damage- Lindemnify
56.Originating or occurring naturally in the place or country where found- Indigenous
57.A time between periods or events- Interim
58.A plan for or the route to be followed on a journey- Itinerary
59.A group of persons who band together for some secret purpose, especially for
political intrigue- Junta
60.A short journey for pleasure- Jaunt
61.A swiftly changing scene or pattern- Kaleidoscope
62.A lightly constructed open booth generally used as a newsstand- Kiosk
63.That cannot be pacified- Implacable
64.A written attack using humour to provoke contempt- Lampoon
65.A false written statement to damage a person‘s repute- Libel
66.An instruction from an electorate to its representative- Mandate
67.A full-size model of a complete or partial human figure- Mannequin
68.Personal reminiscences in a narrative form- Memoir
69.The manner of operating or proceeding- Modus
70.A long wandering journey- Odyssey
71.An authoritative decree or law of the government- Ordinance
72.Causing or tending to cause sleep- Soporific
73.Retired on account of age, usually with pension- Superannuated
74.A substitute- Surrogate
75.A close watch kept over someone- Surveillance
76.Existing only in frame- Titular
77.A short literary description marked by delicacy- Vignette
78.A place where a monk lives- Monastery
79.Unable to pay off one‘s debt- Insolvent
80.Language that has been very much used- Hackneyed
81.Correct spelling- Orthography
82.A place where ancient works are kept- Museum
83.A very private room- Sanctum/ Sanctorum
84.A place where mad men are kept- Lunatic/ asylum
85.A war of religion- Crusade
86.A lover of books- Bibliophile
87.Animals that lie in water- Acquatic
88.A written declaration made on an oath- Affidavit
89.A bunch of flowers- Bouquet
90.A child born of unlawful marriage- Bastard
91.A game or battle where no party wins- Draw
92.A person‘s first speech- Maiden speech
93.Killing a man- Homicide
94.Killing one‘s king- Regicide
95.Killing one‘s mother- Matricide
96.Killing one‘s father- Patricide
97.Killing one‘s brother- Fratricide
98.Killing oneself- Suicide
99.Animals that suckle their young- Mammals
100. A speech made without preparation- Extempore

CAHPTER 8

Directions : In questions given below choose the options which can be

substituted for the given words/sentences.

1. An assembly of listeners
(a) Audience
(b) Nostrum
(c) Ostracize
(d) Obituary
(e) None of these

2. A person who hates mankind

(a) Philanthropist
(b) Misanthropist
(c) Nihilist
(d) Theist
(e) None of these

3. Animals that suckle their young ones.

(a) Mammals
(b) Pisces
(c) Amphibian
(d) Birds
(e) None of these

4. A truth which is often repeated

(a) Aesthetics
(b) Truism
(c) Verbose
(d) Truant
(e) None of these

5. Belief in the role of a strong dictator is

(a) Fanaticism
(b) Fascism
(c) Nepotism
(d) Dogmatism
(e) None of these
6. A person who practices celibacy
(a) Celibate
(b) Mature
(c) Married
(d) Widower
(e) None of these

7. One who firmly believes in fate or destiny

(a) Honorary
(b) Gratis
(c) Dermatologist
(d) Fatalist
(e) None of these

8. Allowance due to a wife from her husband on legal separation

(a) Wage
(b) Compensation
(c) Debt
(d) Alimony
(e) None of these

9. Birds moving from one place to another

(a) Migratory
(b) Respiratory
(c) Obituary
(d) Transitory
(e) None of these

10. The study of the art of printing is

(a) Typography
(b) Phenology
(c) Astrology
(d) Graphology
(e) None of these

11. A hard writing which cannot be easily read.

(a) Lucid
(b) Edible
(c) Illegible
(d) Legible
(e) None of these

12. Government in which all religions are honoured is called

 (a) Fanatic
(b) Ascetic
(c) Catholic
(d) Secular
(e) None of these

13. A style that is full of words is known as

(a) Elegant
(b) Complicated
(c) Verbose
(d) Bombastic
(e) None of these

14. Those are practiced by statesmen is called

(a) Diplomacy
(b) Viewpoint
(c) Statesmanship
(d) Politics
(e) None of these

15. What we say about a man after his death is called

(a) Epitome
(b) Elegy
(c) Posthumous
(d) Epitaph
(e) None of these

ANSWERS
1. Audience
2. Misanthropist
3. Mammals
4. Truism
5. Fascism
6. Celibate
7. Fatalist
8. Alimony
9. Migratory
10. Typography
11. Illegible
12. Secular
13. Verbose
14. Diplomacy
 15. Epitaph

CHAPTER 9

One words substitution is an important part in bank exams, it takes less time, but it
is scoring. So don‘t avoid this portion. These 85 questions are picked form previous
papers :-
1. Able to use the left hand and right hand equally well - Ambidextrous
2. A man who hates marriage - Misogamist
3. A person who enters without any invitation - Intruder
4. The words with opposite meanings used together - Oxymoron
5. A person leaving his native country to settle in another - Emigrant
6. One who compiles a dictionary - Lexicographer
7. Too much official formality - Red tapism
8. One who devotes his life to the welfare and the interests of other people -Altruist
9. A person who opposes another - Antagonist
10.A person who does not want to see the realities of life and tries to escape -
Escapist
11.A game in which in which no one wins - Drawn
12.What cannot be heard - Inaudible
13.One who knows many languages - Polyglot or multilingual
14.A place where everything is perfect - Utopia
15.A sweet music - Melody
16.A person who is pure and clean - Immaculate
17.To send back a person to one‘s country - Repatriate
18.One who tends to take a hopeful view of life - Optimist
19.To be known for bad acts - Notorious
20.Instruments to measure atmospheric pressure - Barometer
21.One who pretends to be what he is not - Hypocrite
22.An official call to appear in a court of law - Summon
23.Murder of a brother - Fratricide
24.A list of items to be transacted at a meeting - Agenda
25.A continuous process of change is known as - Metamorphosis
26.Circular building or hall with a dome - Rotunda
27.An order requiring a person to attend a court - Subpoena
28.An extreme fear of being in a small confined place - Claustrophobia
29.Allowance due to a wife from her husband on separation - Alimony
30.Belonging to all parts of the world - Universal
31.Words of similar meaning - Synonyms
32.A speech delivered without previous preparation - Extempore
33.Study of heavenly bodies - Astronomy
34.To cut apart a person‘s body - Mutilate
35.One who is filled with excessive and mistaken enthusiasm about his religion -
Fanatic
36.An involuntary action under a stimulus is described as a - Reflex
37.The use of many words where only a few are necessary - Circumlocution
38.One who is a citizen not of a country but of the world - Cosmopolitan
39.An imaginary name assumed by an author for disguise - Pseudonym
40.A person who has no money to pay off his debts - Insolvent
41.A number of ships - Fleet
42.A test in which cells from diseased organs are removed and tested - Biopsy
43.A foreigner who settles in a country - Immigrant
44.Place that provides refuge - Asylum
45.Art of writing for newspapers and magazines - Journalism
46.Parts of a country behind the coast of a river bank - Hinterland
47.One who does not make mistakes - Infallible
48.A professional rider in horse races - Jockey
49.Words uttered impiously about God - Blasphemy
50.A person who is bad in spelling - Cacographist
51.A small room in a big house, hotel, ship etc. where glasses, dishes, spoons, food
etc. are kept - Pantry
52.Doing something according to one‘s own free will - Voluntarily
53.A person who gambles or bets - Punter
54.An abandoned child of unknown parents who is found by somebody -Foundling
55.A written statement about someone‘s character, usually provided by an employer -
Testimonial
56.One who hates women - Misogynist
57.A raised passageway in a building - Walkway
58.One who cannot speak - Dumb
59.To look at someone in an angry or threatening way - Glower
60.Something that causes death - Fatal
61.A person who loves mankind - Philanthropist
62.One who has narrow and prejudiced religious views - Bigot
63.To confirm with the help of evidence - Corroborate
64.The time between midnight and noon- Ante - meridiem
65.Fear of height - Acrophobia
66.Feeling inside you which tells you what is right and what is wrong - Conscience
67.Loss of memory - Amnesia
68.A system of naming things - Nomenclature
69.A cure for all diseases - Panacea
70.A post with little work but high salary - Sinecure
71.A person who writes decoratively - Calligrapher
72.A woman with dark brown hair - Brunette
73.The action of looking within or into one‘s own mind - Introspection
74.One who is a dabbler in Arts, Science or Literature - Dilettante
75.Still existing and known - Extant
76.The highest point - Zenith
77.Release of a prisoner from jail on certain terms and condition - Parole
78.To struggle helplessly - Flounder
79.A person who is talkative - Garrulous
80.One who cuts precious stones - Lapidist
81.Specialist of Kidney - Nephrologist
82.Thick skinned animal - Pachyderm
83.A person who is always dissatisfied - Malcontent
84.A funeral bell - Knell
85.Capable of being interpreted in two ways – Ambiguous

WORD OFTEN CONFUSED

CHAPTER 1

VILE & VIAL

VILE
Meaning: Extremely unpleasant.
Example: He has a vile temper.
VIAL
Meaning: A small container, typically cylindrical and made of glass, used especially
for holding liquid medicines.
Example: Leaf tissue was placed in vials containing silica gel.

PALETTE & PALATE

PALETTE
Meaning: A thin board or slab on which an artist lays and mixes colors.
Example: She is holding a palette and a paintbrush in her hands.
PALATE
Meaning: The roof of the mouth, separating the cavities of the mouth and nose in
vertebrates.
Example: I brush the upper palate of my mouth and use my alcohol-free
mouthwash.

SHEER & SHEAR

SHEER
Meaning: Nothing other than.
Example: She giggled with sheer delight.
SHEAR
Meaning: Cut off.
Example: They keep the rabbits and shear the wool off them.

SYMBOL & CYMBAL

SYMBOL
Meaning: A mark or character used for representation.
Example: The chemical symbol for helium is He.

CYMBAL
Meaning: A musical instrument.
Example: A variety of suspended cymbals is made for the drum kit.

SLAY & SLEIGH

SLAY
Meaning: Kill a person or animal in a violent way.
Example: In certain tribes, one had to slay a lion to prove one's manhood.
SLEIGH
Meaning: A sledge drawn by horses or reindeer, especially one used for
passengers.
Example: We invested in some sleighs a few years back.

SEAM & SEEM

SEAM
Meaning: A line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together in a garment or
other article.
Example: Stitch a shoulder seam from the pin to the end of the fabric.
SEEM
Meaning: Give the impression of being something or having a particular quality.
Example: He seemed annoyed.

MEET & MEAT

MEET
Meaning: Arrange or happen to come into the presence or company of someone.
Example: They arranged to meet up that afternoon.
MEAT
Meaning: The flesh of an animal.
Example: Place meat and poultry in the refrigerator immediately.

TAIL & TALE

TAIL
Meaning: The hindmost part of an animal.
Example: The dog's tail began to wag frantically.
TALE
Meaning: A fictitious or true narrative or story.
Example: A delightful children's tale.

MAIN & MANE

MAIN
Meaning: Chief in size or importance.
Example: The main problem is one of the resources.
MANE
Meaning: A growth of long hair on the neck of a horse, lion, or other mammals.
Example: The horse was rushing about in the field, tossing its mane.

WEEK & WEAK

WEEK
Meaning: A period of seven days.
Example: The course lasts sixteen weeks.
WEAK
Meaning: Lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks.
Example: She was recovering from flu, and was very weak.

TEST YOUR MEMORY

1 The smell is sometimes so ....... (Vile/vial)

2 One of the envelopes contained a ....... (Vile/vial)
3 The artist's easel, paint box, ......, paintbrushes and dried tubes of paint occupied
a corner. (Palette/palate)
4 It causes white patches on the tongue and ....... (Palette/palate)
5 She has made a life for himself through hard work, ......
determination. (Sheer/shear)
6 The price of wool is still very low and it still hardly covers the cost of ....... the
wool off a sheep's back. (Sheer/shear)
7 Basic musical ...... are used in standard musical notation.(Synbols/cymbals)
8 The teacher gave each kid a rhythm instrument to play - drums, ......, sticks, and
so on. (Synbols/cymbals)
9 A dog was ...... by the beast. (Slayed/sleighed)
10 There are six ...... drawn by three horses each. (Slay/sleigh)
11 The inside ...... do not create any discomfort or cause itching. (Seem/seam)
12 There ....... to be plenty to eat. (Seem/seam)
13 I get on a bus to ...... up with some friends of mine. (Meet/meat)
14 They encourage imports of ......, fruit, vegetables, and wine. (Meet/meat)
15 15 Its ...... and flight feathers are black. (Tail/tale)
16 She enjoyed hearing others tell their ....... . (Tail/tale)
17 This is the ...... road. (Mane/main)
18 Male lions develop thick woolly ......on the neck and shoulders. (Mane/main)
19 Days turned into weeks and ...... into months. (Weak/week)
20 Her legs were ...... from lack of exercise. (Weak/week)

ANSWERS
1. Vile
2. Vial
3. Palettes
4. Palate
5. Sheer
6. Shearing
7. Symbols
8. Cymbals
9. Slain
10. Sleighs
11. Seams
12. Seems
13. Meet
14. Meat
15. Tail
16. Tales
17. Main
18. Manes
19. Weeks
20. Weak

CHAPTER 2

Incorrect Correct

Nobody Knew that he was living in a

Nobody Knew that he was (live) in a
forest.
forest.

The principal said that those who had not The principal said that those who had not
worked hard (fail). worked hard had failed.

She told me his name after he (left), I She told me his name after he had left, I
then (remember) he used to come to us then remembered, he used to come to
at Dehradun. I asked her when he us at Dehradun. I asked her when he
(come) again. (come) again.

Birds usually (built) nests in trees. Birds usually build nests in trees.

His company was (seek) after by all. His company was sought after by all.

We heard that the inspector (pay) a visit We heard that the inspector would pay a
to our school next month. visit to our school next month.

I (knock), I do not think anybody (be) I have knocked, I do not think anybody
in. is in.

The children (watch) the film since 6.30 The children will have been watching the
p.m. film since 6.30 p.m.

As he (examine) the papers, he found As he examined the papers, he found

that one paper (disappear) from the that one paper had disappeared from the
room. room.

Five days from today we (be) on the Five days from today, we will be on the
train at this time. train this time.

CHAPTER 3

Incorrect Correct

By the time we reach his place, he (take) By the time we reach his place, he will
his break-fast. have taken his break-fast.

He was so lame that he could hardly

He was so lame that he (can) hardly
walk.
walk.

He always (forget) the good things done He always forgets the good things done
to him. to him.

There (be) a strong wind last night. There was a strong wind last night.

The patient (die) before the doctor The patient had died before the doctor
(come). came.

He (live) in Ambala for the three years. He had lived in Ambala for three years.

The number of boys in this class (be) The number of boys in this class is very
very small. small.

We (eat) our dinner when he (come) to We were eating dinner when he came to
visit us. visit us.

Mala told me that her brother (deal) in Mala told me that her brother dealt in
iron. iron.

Had he worked hard, he would have

Had he worked hard, he (succeed).
succeeded.

Had he passed the I.A.S examination he Had he passed the I.A.S examination he
(be) a collector today. would have been a collector today.

Radha (suffer) from fever since Radha has been suffering from fever
yesterday. since yesterday.

So long as the rain (continue) I stayed at So long as the rain continued, I stayed
home. at home.

Ravi Shankar (honour) by the Music Ravi Shankar was honoured by the Music
Society. Society.

Newton discovered that the earth Newton discovered that the earth
(attract) all bodies. attracts all bodies.

CHAPTER 4

Incorrect Correct

We are surprised to hear that she had

We are surprised to hear that she (pass)
passed the B.A examination at the age of
the B.A examination at the age of
fourteen.
fourteen.

Till last year, I (prefer) films to stage Till last year, I preferred films to stage
plays, Now I (not like) films at all. plays, Now I do not like films at all.

I (lean) against the door and (listen) to I leaned against the door and listened to
the wireless. the wireless.

Five days from today we (be) on the Five days from today, we will be on the
train at this time. train this time.

I slept soundly and dreamt that a lion

I (sleep) soundly and (dream) that a lion
had entered the room. I sprang off the
(enter) the room. I (spring) off the bed.
bed.

The children (please) at the prospects of The children were pleased at the
going to the cinema. prospects of going to the cinema.

Had Neeraj been to Kolkata, I would

Had Neeraj been to Kolkata, I also (go).
have also gone.

It (rain) all the year round here? Does It (rain) all the year round here?

Why can‘t he (hold) guilty, if all the Why can‘t he be held guilty, if all the
evidence is against him? evidence is against him?

(Has) the gypsies (Wander) in the street Have the gypsies been Wandering in the
since morning? street since morning?

When you see him again, you (strike) by When you see him again, you will be
the way his health (improve) since he struck by the way his health improved
(go) Switzerland. since he went to Switzerland.

If you bought a car today, it (cost) you a If you bought a car today, it would cost
lot a money. you a lot of money.

He (not arrive) when I (finish) my last He had not arrived when I finished my
letter to you. last letter to you.

We (play) tennis yesterday if it (not We would have played tennis yesterday,

rain). if it had not rained.

Fear and its companion, pain (be) two of Fear and its companion, pain are two of
the most useful things that men and the most useful things that men and
animal possess, if they are properly animal possess, if they are properly
used. used.

CAHPTER 5

Incorrect Correct

Madhu was as unhappy as though she Madhu was as unhappy as though she
(fall) from a high social position. had fallen from a high social position.

When I went to meet him, he was

When I went to meet him, he (work) in
working in his garden.
his garden.

His faults were (forgive) by me. His faults were forgiven by me.

She sold the cow because it had gone

She sold the cow because it (go) dry.
dry.

When I reached her place, a man (sit) When I reached her place, a man was
there. He had a familiar face, but I sitting there. He had a familiar face, but
(cannot recognize) him. I Could not recognise him.

Have you ever (be) to Mumbai? Have you ever been to Mumbai?

I (finish) my work before Divya (call) for I had finished my work before Divya
me. called for me.

Unless You mend your habits, you (not Unless You mend your habits, you will
succeed) in life. not succeed in life.
 I have been waiting for you since
I (wait) for you since Monday last.
Monday last.

If I go to Kolkata, I (bring) a watch for If I go to Kolkata, I will bring a watch for

you. you.

Of late, the custom has fallen into

Of late the custom (fall) into disuse.
disuse.

The police already (catch) the thief The police had already caught the thief

The Ganga (rise) in the Himalayas and The Ganga rises in the Himalayas and
(fall) into the Bay of Bengal. falls into the Bay of Bengal.

He gave all possible help when I was a

He (give) all possible help when I was a
student. Now, he does not even talk to
student. Now, he (not even talk) to me.
me.

He ran there so that he (may) meet his He ran there so that he might meet his
friend. friend.

CAHPTER 6

Incorrect Correct

Had you been to Kolkata, I had also gone Had you been to Kolkata, I would have
there. also gone there.

These news were broadcasted from All This new was broadcast from All India
India Radio yesterday. Radio yesterday.

Ten were killed and one taken prisoner Ten were killed and one was taken
prisoner

Hinduism is in existence from time Hinduism has been in existence from

immemorial. time immemorial.

All that is typically human was due to All that is typically human is due to
language. language.

The patient died before the doctor The patient had died before the doctor
arrived. arrived.

I have passed the M.A. examination in I passed the M.A. examination in 1981.
1981.

Every Chair and every table in the room Every chair and every table in the room
were in order. was in order.

You mistake in thinking that I am against You are mistaken in thinking that I am
you. against you.

Hard work and honesty are needed for Hard work and honesty is needed for
success in life. success in life.

He married his daughter He got his daughter married.

The criminal will be hung in the Ambala The criminal will be hanged in the
Central jail. Ambala Central jail.

The teacher and the doctor has been The teacher and the doctor have been
honoured. honoured.

Rita and Rekha is going to the market Rita and Rekha are going to the market.

Did you wrote that letter? Did you write the letter?

CAHPTER 7

PORE & POUR

PORE
Meaning: A minute opening in a surface, especially the skin.
Example: Skin cleansing products help remove dirt and germs from the skin
surface and pores.

POUR
Meaning: Prepare and serve a drink.
Example: He is pouring sodas.

SCENE & SEEN

SCENE
Meaning: A View or picture.
Example: This photograph portrays the scene outside a house.

SEEN
Meaning: Past participle of see
Example: He was seen in Delhi.

WAVE & WAIVE

WAVE
Meaning: Move one's hand to and fro in greeting or as a signal.
Example: He waved to me from the train.

WAIVE
Meaning: Refrain from paying a fee or following a rule.
Example: Her tuition fees would be waived.

WINE & WHINE

WINE
Meaning: An alcoholic drink.
Example: He opened a bottle of wine.

WHINE
Meaning: A long, high-pitched complaining cry.
Example: He begins speaking in a high-pitched whine.

WROTE & ROTE

WROTE
Meaning: Past tense of write.
Example: He wrote a letter to her.

ROTE
Meaning: Habitual repetition of something to be learned.
Example: I learned many poems by rote in childhood.
 WAIL & WHALE

WAIL
Meaning: A prolonged high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.
Example: She let out a high-pitched wail.

WHALE
Meaning: A very large marine mammal.
Example: Whales are common around the islands.

TOE & TOW

TOE
Meaning: Any of the five digits at the end of the human foot.
Example: He cut his big toe on a sharp stone.

TOW
Meaning: Pull another vehicle with a rope, chain, or tow bar.
Example: Aman called to tow the car away.

RAIN & REIGN

RAIN
Meaning: Shower or rainfall.
Example: The rain had not stopped for days.

REIGN
Meaning: Hold royal office; rule as a monarch.
Example: Queen Elizabeth reigns over the UK.

RACK & WRACK

RACK
Meaning: A framework, typically with bars or hooks for holding or storing things.
Example: This is a letter rack.
 WRACK
Meaning: A mass of high, thick, fast-moving cloud.
Example: There was a thin moon, a wrack of a cloud.

YOUR & YOU‟RE

YOUR
Meaning: Belonging to or associated with the person or people.
Example: What is your name?

YOU‟RE
Meaning: You are.
Example: You're a workaholic.

TEST YOUR MEMORY

1. Stomata are minute ……in the surface of leaves. (pore/pour)
2. He was ……a drink for someone. (pore/pour)
3. It portrays a beach ……outside the building. (scene/seen)
4. They were ……doing some mischievous acts. (scene/seen)
5. I ……him but he did not respond. (Wave/waive)
6. I requested the librarian to ……the fine. (Wave/waive)
7. There is the chilled white ……in the glass. (Wine/whine)
8. Despite his ……and complaints, his grandfather remained firm. (Wine/whine)
9. They ……a letter of complaint. (Wrote/rote)
10. He never learns by……. (Wrote/rote)
11. I'll be listening to a few ……of despair from disappointed people. (Wail/whale)
12. Four generations of ……live together in some of these groups. (Wail/whale)
13. There is a slight pain in his lower legs, ankles, feet and……. (Tow/toe)
14. A pickup van was ……a trailer. (Tow/toe)
15. I saw ……falling in heavy drops outside of my window. (Rain/reign)
16. Vanilla will always ……supreme when it comes to ice cream. (Rain/reign)
17. We need a spice ……for the house. (Wrack/rack)
18. High in the sky, the moon rides through a……of a cloud. (Wrack/rack)
19. Do you want to see ……name on the cover of a paperback? (Your/you‘re)
20. ……in big trouble now. (Your/you‘re)

ANSWERS
1. Pores
2. Pouring
3. Scene
4. Seen
5. Waved
6. Waive
7. Wine
8. Whines
9. Wrote
10. Rote
11. Wails
12. Whales
13. Toes
14. Towing
15. Rain
16. Reign
17. Rack
18. Wrack
19. Your
20. You're

CHAPTER 8

MUSCLE & MUSSEL

MUSCLE

Meaning: Physical power; strength

Example: He had muscle but no brains.

MUSSEL

Meaning: Any of a number of bivalve molluscs (an animal) with a brown or

purplish-black shell.
Example: When cool enough to handle, slip the mussels from their shells and set
aside.

MANTLE & MANTEL

MANTLE
Meaning: The region of the earth's interior between the crust and the core,
believed to consist of hot, dense silicate rocks.
Example: Earthquake waves travel slowly through the hotter regions of the
mantle.

MANTEL

Meaning: The finish around a fireplace.

Example: Indian slate makes this fireplace, with its hand-crafted mantel.

MORNING & MOURNING

MORNING

Meaning: The period of time between midnight and noon, especially from sunrise
to noon.
Example: I've got a meeting this morning.

MOURNING

Meaning: The expression of sorrow for someone's death.

Example: By the anniversary of a person's death, mourning is complete.

PAIR & PEAR

PAIR

Meaning: A set of two things used together or regarded as a unit.

Example: ‗a pair of gloves‘
Example: She has purchased a pair of socks.

PEAR

Meaning: A sweet yellowish- or brownish-green edible fruit.

Example: Pear is my favourite fruit.
 PRESENCE & PRESENTS

PRESENCE

Meaning: The state or fact of existing, occurring, or being present.

Example: My presence in the flat made her happy.

PRESENTS

Meaning: Gifts or donations.

Example: He received many presents on his birthday.

SOLE & SOUL

SOLE

Meaning: The section forming the underside of a piece of footwear.

Example: The join between the upper and the sole.

SOUL

Meaning: The spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as

immortal.
Example: May her soul rest in peace!

SEE & SEA

SEE

Meaning: Perceive with the eyes; discern visually.

Example: He could see the blue sea.

SEA

Meaning: The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth's surface and
surrounds its land masses.
Example: There is a ban on dumping radioactive wastes in the sea.
 WAIT & WEIGHT

WAIT

Meaning: Stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or event.
Example: We're waiting for him to get back.

WEIGHT

Meaning: The heaviness of a person or thing.

Example: He was at least fifty pounds in weight.

WAIST & WASTE

WAIST

Meaning: The part of the human body just below the ribs.
Example: He put an arm around her waist.

WASTE

Meaning: Use or expend carelessly.

Example: We can't afford to waste electricity.

WEATHER & WHETHER

WEATHER

Meaning: The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards
heat, cloudiness, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
Example: If the weather's good we can go for a walk.

WHETHER

Meaning: Expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives.

Example: It is still not clear whether or not he realises.
 TEST YOUR MEMORY

1. Energy is needed to grow and repair the body's ……for movement.

(Mussels/Muscles)
2. Soak the clams and the ……in a big pot of cold water for an hour.
(Mussels/Muscles)
3. Because it is less dense than the surrounding……, the magma rises toward the
surface. (Mantel/mantle)
4. It was hung over one of the fireplace……. (Mantel/mantle)
5. It was a beautiful sunny……. (Morning/mourning)
6. She's still in ……after the death of her husband. (Morning/mourning)
7. Three ……of shoes. (Pear/pair)
8. Peel the ……and tug out their stalks. (Pear/pair)
9. The ……of chlorine in the atmosphere. (Presents/presence)
10. Her daughter received these ……on her wedding day. (Presents/presence)
11. There was mud between the heel and the……. (Sole/soul)
12. It is common for visitors to pray for the ……of the dead person. (Sole/soul)
13. I am unable to ……any change in him. (See/sea)
14. A ……view. (See/sea)
15. He did not ……for a reply. (Wait/weight)
16. She misjudged the ……of the book and dropped it. (Wait/weight)
17. Her ……has reduced from 35 to 28 inches. (Waste/waist)
18. I don't use the car, so why should I ……precious money on it? (Waste/waist)
19. The forecast is for brighter ……after days of rain. (Weather/whether)
20. He seemed undecided ……to go or stay. (Weather/whether)

ANSWERS
1. Muscles
2. Mussels
3. Mantle
4. Mantels
5. Morning
6. Mourning
7. Pairs
8. Pears
9. Presence
10. Presents
11. Sole
12. Soul
13. See
14. Sea
15. Wait
16. Weight
17. Waist
18. Waste
19. Weather
20. Whether

CHAPTER 9

MINER & MINOR

MINER
Meaning: A person who works in a mine.
Example: He worked as a miner for 27 years.

MINOR
Meaning: Lesser in importance, seriousness, or significance.
Example: She requested a number of minor alterations.

MALL & MAUL

MALL
Meaning: A large enclosed shopping area.
Example: This photo shows the mall that is connected to the hotel.

MAUL
Meaning: (of an animal) wound (a person or animal) by scratching and tearing.
Example: Two dogs mauled a young girl today.

PATIENCE & PATIENTS

PATIENCE
Meaning: The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without
becoming annoyed or anxious.
Example: He has run out of patience with her.
 PATIENTS
Meaning: Persons receiving or registered to receive medical treatment.
Example: Many patients in the hospital were waiting for the doctor.

PAUSE & PAWS

PAUSE
Meaning: Stop action or speech for a short time.
Example: She paused, at a loss for words.

PAWS
Meaning: An animal's foot having claws and pads.
Example: Poachers sell bear paws.

RAYS & RAISE

RAYS
Meaning: Waves or beams from the sun or any luminous body, or pass through a
small opening.
Example: The sun is out now, and the floors are lit by the rays streaming through
the window.

RAISE
Meaning: Lift or move to a higher position or level.
Example: Flag was raised over the city.

SITE & SIGHT

SITE
Meaning: An area of ground on which a town, building, or monument is
constructed.
Example: The concrete is mixed on site.

SIGHT
Meaning: The power of seeing.
Example: Joseph lost his sight as a baby.

STAIR & STARE

STAIR
Meaning: A set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another.
Example: He came up the stairs.

STARE
Meaning: Look at someone or something with one's eyes wide open.
Example: He stared at her in amazement.

SAIL & SALE

SAIL
Meaning: A journey by sailing ship.
Example: They went for a sail.

SALE
Meaning: The exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling
something.
Example: The sale has fallen through.

SENSOR & CENSOR

SENSOR
Meaning: A device which detects or measures a physical property.
Example: The engineers used electronic sensors to monitor each wheel.

CENSOR
Meaning: An official who examines books, films, news, etc.
Example: The report was approved by the military censors.
 WHICH & WITCH

WHICH
Meaning: Asking for information specifying one or more people or things from a
definite set.
Example: Which of his or her qualities do you see in yourself?

WITCH
Meaning: A woman thought to have magic powers, especially evil ones.
Example: Halloween is the night for witches and broomsticks.

TEST YOUR MEMORY

1. Five ……were killed in mine accidents. (Minor/miner)
2. A patient has developed ……depression. (Minor/miner)
3. We went to a little restaurant in the……. (Mall/maul)
4. A man was ……by a lion at Zoo. (Mall/maul)
5. I was beginning to lose the little ……that I had left. (Patience/patients)
6. The treatment is useful for ……with diabetes. (Patience/patients)
7. Her dark blue eyes made him ……a second longer. (Paw/pause)
8. The animal left a large ……print in mud near houses. (Paw/pause)
9. A ……of sunlight came through the window. (Ray/raise)
10. She ……both arms above her head. (Ray/raise)
11. This is the proposed ……of a hydroelectric dam. (Sight/site)
12. His senses of smell, ……, and hearing are well developed. (Sight/site)
13. I took the ……down to the ground floor of the building. (Stare/stair)
14. I tended to sit and ……into space. (Stare/stair)
15. They are ……to San Francisco. (Sail/sale)
16. Money from each book ……will go to the Trust. (Sail/sale)
17. The lights are controlled by …… that measure sunlight. (Sensor/censor)
18. The movie has been given an adults-only rating by film……. (Sensor/censor)
19. ……way is the wind blowing? (Which/witch)
20. The mysterious world of……, wizards and warlocks is capturing their
imaginations. (Which/witch)

ANSWERS
1. Miners
2. Minor
3. Mall
4. Mauled
5. Patience
6. Patients
7. Pause
8. Paw
9. Ray
10. Raised
11. Site
12. Sight
13. Stairs
14. Stare
15. Sailing
16. Sale
17. Sensors
18. Censors
19. Which
20. Witches

CHAPTER 10

BAIT & BATE

BAIT
Meaning: Food placed on a hook or in a net, trap, or fishing area to entice fish or
other animals as prey.
Example: This fish is commonly used for bait in the fishing industry.

BATE
Meaning: An angry mood.
Example: His dog gets into abate if left indoors for too long.

BAND & BANNED

BAND
Meaning: A flat, thin strip or loop of material, used as a fastener, or as
decoration.
Example: Victoria settled the velvet band on her hair.
 BANNED
Meaning: Officially or legally prohibit (not allowed).
Example: Smoking should be banned.

COUNCIL & COUNSEL

COUNCIL
Meaning: An advisory or administrative body of people meeting regularly.
Example: There is a meeting of an official human rights council.

COUNSEL
Meaning: Advice, especially that given formally.
Example: He is seeking expert counsel for the further study of his son.

COURSE & COARSE

COURSE
Meaning: A series of lectures or lessons in a particular subject, leading to an
examination or qualification.
Example: He is interested in a business studies course.

COARSE
Meaning: Rough or harsh in texture.
Example: He wears a coarse woollen jacket.

HEEL & HEAL

HEEL
Meaning: The back part of the human foot below the ankle.
Example: There is swelling on his heels.

HEAL
Meaning: Become sound or healthy again.
Example: His wounds have healed.

KNIGHT & NIGHT

 KNIGHT
Meaning: (in the Middle Ages) a man who served as a soldier.
Example: In past, teenagers at the age of 13 were made knights.

NIGHT
Meaning: The period from sunset to sunrise in each twenty-four hours.
Example: The door is always locked at night.

KNEAD & NEED

KNEAD
Meaning: Make (bread or pottery) by shaping flour or clay.
Example: Mother continued to knead the bread.

NEED
Meaning: Require (something)
Example: This shirt needs washing.

LOAN & LONE

LOAN
Meaning: A thing that is borrowed.
Example: Borrowers can take out a loan for £84,000.

LONE
Meaning: Having no company or single.
Example: We sheltered under a lone tree.

LEASED & LEAST

LEASED
Meaning: A contract by which one party gives the property to another for some
time in return for a payment. (Past participle of lease)
Example: My aunt leased the store.

LEAST
Meaning: Smallest in amount or significance.
Example: Who has the least money?

HEARD & HERD

HEARD
Meaning: Perceive with the ear the sound made.(Past participle of hearing)
Example: He did not hear very well

HERD
Meaning: A large group of animals that live together
Example: A herd of elephants.

TEST YOUR MEMORY

1. He went back to the truck to grab his fishing rod and some ……. (Bait/bate)
2. On hearing about the agreement, she flies into a ……and objects in writing.
(Bait/bate)
3. He was looking for a ……of thin electrical wire. (banned/band)
4. Parking is ……in front of the mall. (banned/band)
5. A ban on school buses using the road was imposed by the county…….
(Counsel/council)
6. You should seek expert ……before investing in the plan. (Counsel/council)
7. This information is useful in upgrading the college ……. (Coarse/course)
8. She was covered in ……black fur. (Coarse/course)
9. There are some sensations in my…….(Heal/heel)
10. His concern is to ……sick people. (Heal/heel)
11. The primary service was military duty as a mounted…….(knight/night)
12. She loved starry……, sunrises and sunsets. (knight/night)
13. She needs to ……the dough for about 10 minutes. (Knead/need)
14. I don't ……your advice. (Knead/need)
15. I approached a ……person across the road. (loan/lone)
16. I have taken 100 dollars from him on ……. (loan/lone)
17. A six-month ……on a shop. (least/leased)
18. I need at …… five dollars. (least/leased)
19. They …….the case attentively. (heard/herd)
20. He owns a farm with big dairy……. (heard/herd)

ANSWERS
1. Bait
2. Bate
3. Band
4. Banned
5. Council
6. Counsel
7. Courses
8. Coarse
9. Heels
10. Heal
11. Knight
12. Nights
13. Knead
14. Need
15. Lone
16. Loan
17. Lease
18. Least
19. Heard
20. Herds

CAHPTER 11

DEAR & DEER

DEAR
Meaning: Regarded with deep affection.
Example: She is my dear friend.

DEER
Meaning: A hoofed grazing or browsing animal.
Example: They found a baby deer and rescued it.

CURRANT & CURRENT

 CURRANT
Meaning: A small dried fruit.
Example: The dish was made with beef, mutton, raisins, currants, and mixed
spices.‘

CURRENT
Meaning: Belonging to the present time
Example: I started my current job in 2001.

COLONEL & KERNEL

COLONEL
Meaning: A rank of officer in the army.
Example: There are many officers in the embassy who are equivalent to general
officers and colonels.

KERNEL
Meaning: A softer, usually edible part of a nut, seed, or fruit stone contained
within its shell.
Example: Macadamia is cultivated for its edible kernels.

CANVAS & CANVASS

CANVAS
Meaning: A strong, coarse unbleached cloth used to make items such as sails and
tents and as a surface for oil painting.
Example: ‗The fabrics include washed denim and heavy canvas.

CANVASS
Meaning: Try to obtain support.
Example: They're canvassing support among shareholders.

CASH & CACHE

CASH
Meaning: Money in coins or notes
Example: The staff members were paid in cash.
 CACHE
Meaning: An auxiliary memory from which high-speed retrieval is possible.
Example: Typical cache sizes range from 64K to 256K.

MALE & MAIL

MALE
Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of men or male animals.
Example: I heard a deep male voice.

MAIL
Meaning: Letters and parcels sent by post.
Example: I did not receive any mail.

MAID & MADE

MAID
Meaning: A female domestic servant.
Example: She managed to find a job as a maid.

MADE
Meaning: The past and past participle of make.
Example: This is a Japanese-made camera.

MANOR & MANNER

MANOR
Meaning: A large country house with lands.
Example: His manor house in the English countryside is really beautiful.

MANNER
Meaning: A way in which a thing is done or happens.
Example: She is taking notes in an unobtrusive manner.

NAVAL & NAVEL

 NAVAL
Meaning: Relating to a navy or navies.
Example: A naval base.

NAVEL
Meaning: A rounded knotty depression in the centre of a person's belly.
Example: The dead man has a Batman tattoo and a pierced navel.

PALE & PAIL

PALE
Meaning: Light in colour or shade; containing little colour or pigment.
Example: We will choose pale floral patterns for walls.

PAIL
Meaning: A bucket.
Example: Residents cooperated in extinguishing the fire by using pails to fetch
water from the nearby river.

TEST YOUR MEMORY

1. He is very ……to me. (Dear/deer)
2. Looping back around, I got a closer look at the ears and realised that it was a
……. (Dear/deer)
3. Combine the butter, ……, sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, and water in a
saucepan. (Currant/current)
4. One ……trend is to make the skirt panels extremely stiff.(Currant/current)
5. There are five women ……qualified for promotion. (Colonels/kernel)
6. The ……of a walnut. (Colonels/kernel)
7. I need a ……bag. (Canvas/canvass)
8. I will also ……the support of some organisations and labour movements.
(Canvas/canvass)
9. The $300 deposit can be made using cheques, credit card or……. (Cash/cache)
10. A similar argument can be applied to copies in the …… memory of computers.
(Cash/cache)
11. To get the ……point of view, they interview one man. (Mail/male)
12. Many surveys have shown that most people like to receive direct…….
(Mail/male)
13. She worked as a domestic ……with a family in Mangalore. (Maid/made)
14. I like hand…… chocolates. (Maid/made)
15. He hired an interior planner for the interior alterations and additions to the
……house. (Manor/manner)
16. This activity is done in a conventional…….(Manor/manner)
17. She is married to a ……officer. (Navel/naval)
18. If the patient wears a ……ring, she is asked to remove it. (Navel/naval)
19. She looked ……and drawn. (Pale/pail)
20. I need a ……to soak the leather. (Pale/pail)

ANSWERS
1. Dear
2. Deer
3. Currants
4. Current
5. Colonels
6. Kernel
7. Canvas
8. Canvass
9. Cash
10. Cache
11. Male
12. Mail
13. Maid
14. Made
15. Manor
16. Manner
17. Naval
18. Navel
19. Pale
20. Pail

CHAPTER 12

PIECE & PEACE

PIECE
Meaning: A portion of an object or of material, produced by cutting, tearing, or
breaking the whole.
Example: Please give me a piece of cheese.
 PEACE
Meaning: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility
Example: I just want peace of mind.

PROFIT & PROPHET

PROFIT
Meaning: A financial gain
Example: His company is in profit.

PROPHET
Meaning: An inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God
Example: They all believe in God and His angels, His scriptures, and His Prophets.

AISLE & ISLE

AISLE
Meaning: A passage between rows of seats
Example: Aisle space would be increased in the theatre.

ISLE
Meaning: An island or peninsula, especially a small one
Example: These gentle people consider the tiny isle their home.

ACCEPT & EXCEPT

ACCEPT
Meaning: Consent to receive or undertake
Example: She accepted a pen as a present.

EXCEPT
Meaning: Not including; other than
Example they work every day except Sunday.

ALTER & ALTAR

 ALTER
Meaning: Change in character or composition
Example: They are allowed to alter the passage.

ALTAR
Meaning: The table in a Christian church at which the bread and wine are
consecrated in communion services.
Example: He spent lot of time in the church admiring altar and beautiful ceiling.

ADDITION & EDITION

ADDITION
Meaning: Adding something
Example: The town is looking beautiful with addition of more lights.

EDITION
Meaning: A particular form or version of a published text
Example: It is a paperback edition.

BIRTH & BERTH

BIRTH
Meaning: The emergence of a baby or other young from the body of its mother
Example: She is blind from birth.

BERTH
Meaning: A fixed bunk on a ship, train, or other means of transport
Example: I was given an upper berth for sleeping.

BORN & BORNE

BORN
Meaning: Existing as a result of birth
Example: She was born in Australia

BORNE
Meaning: past participle of bear
Example: The sadness she felt was borne of fear.
 BOLE & BOWL

BOLE
Meaning: The trunk of a tree.
Example: Bees often nest in boles of trees

BOWL
Meaning: A round, deep dish or basin used for food or liquid
Example: Where is a mixing bowl?

BITE & BYTE

BITE
Meaning: Use the teeth to cut
Example: The remedy is useful in case of a snake bite.

BYTE
Meaning: A group of binary digits or bits (usually eight) operated on as a unit
Example: There are eight bits in a byte, and 1024 megabytes in a gigabyte.

TEST YOUR MEMORY

1. I want a ……. Of cake. (Piece/Peace)
2. He wanted to enjoy his meal in …….(Piece/peace)
3. ……. will be divided between shareholders. (Profit/Prophet)
4. They feel that it is in reality the faith taught by the ancient ……… (Profit/Prophet)
5. His performance had the audience dancing in the…… (Aisle/isle)
6. The house is in very good location overlooking…….(Aisle/isle)
7. She would ……. their offer. (Accept/except)
8. All are going to the party …..… me. (Accept/except)
9. They have plans to …… the dining hall. (Alter/altar)
10.The church had beautiful……. (Alter/altar)
11.The hotel would be expanded with …….. of more rooms. (Addition/edition)
12.The required information will be published in our next …….. (Addition/edition)
13.He had lived with her single mother from …….. (Birth/berth)
14.I will sleep in the upper ….. (Birth/berth)
15.A newly ….. baby. (Born/borne)
16.He had …… all the sacrifices. (Born/borne)
17.Many larger trees showed cankered … (Bole/bowl)
18.Please pass me a …. of rice. (Bole/bowl)
19.Don‘t ….. your nails. (Bite/byte)
20.Eight bits make up a ……. (Bite/byte)

ANSWERS
1. Piece
2. Peace
3. Profit
4. Prophet
5. Aisle
6. Isle
7. Accept
8. Except
9. Alter
10. Altar
11. Addition
12. Edition
13. Birth
14. Berth
15. Born
16. Borne
17. Boles
18. Bowls
19. Bite
20. Byte

CHAPTER 13

CEREAL & SERIAL

CEREAL:
Meaning: grain used to make food products
Examples
 Give me a bowl of cereals.
 He prefers cereals for breakfast.

SERIAL:
Meaning: Television show (series)
Examples
 His favorite serial is being telecast.
 They never miss any episode of the comedy serial.

DESSERT & DESERT

DESSERT
Meaning: Sweet dish served after a meal
Examples
 The meal includes a dessert.
 The chocolate syrup is the perfect dessert.
DESERT
Meaning: Barron or uncultivated area
Examples
 Drought and deforestation are turning the land into desert.
 It is difficult to survive in deserts.

PRINCIPAL & PRINCIPLE

PRINCIPAL
Meaning: Main, important or at higher position
Examples
 He is a principal of our college.
 These are the principal cities of our country.
PRINCIPLE
Rules or standards
Examples
 You should have knowledge of the basic principles of justice.
 He is a man of principles.

STATIONERY & STATIONARY

STATIONERY
Meaning: Writing and office material like notebooks, pens, paper etc.
Examples
 Get me a notebook from the office stationery.
 He is a stationery supplier.

STATIONARY
Meaning: Not moving, or not changing in quantity or condition
Examples
 A stationary vehicle is the cause of an accident.
 The population of the town is stationary.

AVERSE & ADVERSE

AVERSE
Meaning: Strong dislike or opposition to something
Examples
 He is averse to sugar and oily items.
 She is averse to smoking and drinking.
ADVERSE:
Meaning: unfavourable or harmful
Examples
 He performed well even under adverse conditions.
 Weather conditions are adverse in the town.

ELICIT & ILLICIT

ELICIT
Meaning: Evoke or draw out(reactions, answers, facts) from someone
Examples
 I tried to elicit the secret from him.
 The show elicits huge public interest.
ILLICIT
Meaning: Something illegal or not allowed
Examples
 The government is trying to end the illicit drugs trade.
 He is involved in illicit trade.

DIARY AND DAIRY

DIARY
Meaning: A book to keep written record
Examples
 Keep a diary for recording important events.
 I write in this diary every night.

DAIRY
Meaning: Relating to milk and milk products
Examples
 Cheese is a dairy product.
 Milk will be delivered at your doorstep from our dairy.

ADOPT & ADAPT

ADOPT:
Meaning: Making something legally your own or to follow something
Examples
 They are planning to adopt a child.
 A couple has adopted two children.

ADAPT
Meaning: Adjusting oneself to an environment or condition
Examples
 Kangaroos have adapted themselves to dry and infertile climate.
 You should adapt yourself to your company's policy.

AFFECT & EFFECT

AFFECT: (VERB)
Meaning: To make a difference or having effect on
Examples
 He was affected by the incident.
 He said that his health would not affect his performance.

EFFECT: (NOUN)
Meaning: Result or consequence of an action
Examples
 This had a negative effect on their relationship.
 Their attitude has a large effect on the results.

COMPLEMENT & COMPLIMENT

COMPLEMENT
Meaning: Complete something or someone or to make something perfect
Examples
Her footwear complement to her dress.
Accessories are an important complement to ladies attire.
 COMPLIMENT
Meaning: Praising or admiration
Examples
 She complimented my dress.
 She looked so beautiful that's why she received so many compliments.

ADVICE & ADVISE

ADVICE: (NOUN)
Meaning: Guidance or recommendation offered, or opinion about what can be
done.
Examples
 Many lawyers in the city offer free advice.
 He should take advice from his doctor.

ADVISE: (VERB)
Meaning: to give advice, or to offer suggestions or counseling
Examples
 I advised him to see a doctor.
 He advised his mother.

LOSE & LOOSE

LOSE:
Meaning: To suffer the loss of something
Examples
 I don't want to lose the opportunity.
 She was very upset about losing her job.

LOOSE
Meaning: opposite of tight
Examples
 Her dress is loose.
 The lid of the container is loose.

EXERCISE
Check your knowledge by answering these questions:
QUESTION OPTIONS CORRECT ANSWER
_____ are good for health. cereal/ serial Cereals

The theme of the_____ is women

cereal/ serial Serial
empowerment.

The ______ reason behind her

principal /principles principal
failure was a lack of interest.

He has given resignation over a

principal /principles principles
matter of ______

The sands of the _______ are

desert/ dessert desert
entering grasslands.

Pancakes are perfect ______ desert/ dessert desserts

Avoid wearing these _____ t-

lose /loose loose
shirts at the workplace.

It's a great loss to ______ a

lose /loose lose
potential customer.

Sleeping pills are not _____ advise/advice advised

She gave me a lot of ______ advise/advice advice

He always receives ____ for his compliment/

compliments
work. complement

compliment/
A dessert is a ______ to a meal. complement
complement

Soft music has a soothing ____ effect / affect effect

New rules would____the

effect / affect affect
company.

He is reluctant to ____ to change. adapt/ adopt adapt

The committee is in favour of____

adapt/ adopt adopting
the proposal.

_____ products are a good source

dairy/ diary Dairy
of energy.

He writes about his trips in his

dairy/ diary diary
travel …… .

They are involved in the ……

illicit/ elicit illicit
business.

He is worried as his work …… no illicit/ elicit elicits

reaction at all.

Taxes have an ……. effect on the

adverse/ averse adverse
industry.

They are ….. to western music. adverse/ averse averse

Our …… shop has a range of office

stationery/ stationary stationery
supplies.

The camera is …… stationery/ stationary stationary

CHAPTER 13

#1
Confirm: Verb:To make somebody believe something strongly
He confirmed his presence at the part.
Conform: Verb: To thing like others
The bishops were soon active against those who refused to conform to the doctrines
of the church.

#2
Difference: Noun: The way in which two things or people are not alike
Find the difference between two pictures.
Deference: Noun: Act that shows respect for someone
Taran bowed his head in deference to his teacher.

#3
Delusion: Noun: A false belief
The people of this village are under delusion.
Illusion: Noun: Something that does not exist, but it seems existing
Everything he said was mere illusion.

#4
Eligible: Adjective: Someone being able to perform a task
He is eligible to take IBPS exam.
Illegible: Adjective: Impossible or difficult to read
His handwriting is illegible.

#5
Envelop: Noun: Something to cover
Bring an envelop to pack the gift.
Envelope: Noun: A flat paper used to send letters
The put the letter in an envelope and posted it.

#6
Farther: Adjective: At a great distance
I have gone so much farther with hundreds of men.
Further: Adjective: In addition to what is already said
He further explained the topic with illustrations.

#7
Idle: Adjective: Not working hard
He has been idle for three months
Idol: Adjective: A statue to be worshiped
Idol worshiping is banned in Muslim religion.

#8
Merry: Verb: Happy and cheery
Eat, drink and be merry.
Marry: Verb: To become the husband/wife of someone
He want to marry his classmate.

#9
Moral: Noun: Standards or principles of good behavior.
John is a man of morals and ethics.
Morale: Noun: Confidence or enthusiasm at a particular time
Due to his low morale, he lost the match.

#10
Quiet: Calm and without noise
He was quiet and gentle.
Quite: Adverb: To some degree; fairly; entirely
He was quite happy with his wife

CHAPTER 14

#1
Accept: Verb: To agree
I accept your proposal.
Except: Preposition: Apart from
All except Geeta attended the party.

#2
Affect: Verb: Negative or unpleasant result
Smoking has affected his lungs.
Effect: Noun: A consequence of result.
The effects of smoking are evident on his body.

#3
Alter: Verb: To make changes
He gave his shirt to alter.
Altar: Noun: A holy or religious place
School is an altar of learning.

#4
Advice: Noun: An opinion for someone's benefit
His advice proved beneficial for my future.
Advise: Verb: To suggest
He advised me to take part in games.

#5
Accomplish: Verb: Achieve
We have accomplished our targets.
Accomplice: A partner in crime
The accomplice was also arrested.
 #6
Beside: Preposition: Next to someone
He sat beside me.
Besides: Preposition: In addition to something
And besides these creatures, there are numerous carnivores animals.

#7
Breach: A hole, failure to do something
It was the gross breach of my trust.
Breech: A part of the gun
He loaded the breech of the gun and started firing.

#8
Canvas: Noun: A strong material used to make tents
The canvas was tore by wild dogs.
Canvass: Verb: To ask somebody to support
He was canvassing the voters.

#9
Cease: Verb: Stop
They ceased firing the bullets.
Seize: To take something forcefully
He seized the toy from his brother.

#10
Career: Noun : The future perspective of job
He want to make his career in Botanical science.
Carrier: Noun: A person or thing that carries something
The carrier was full of junk material.

CHAPTER 15

1. All doctors __________ heavy smoking.

a. depreciate
b. deprecate

2. The mountaineers carry _______ food stuffs with them.

a. desiccated
b. desiderated

3. His ______ remarks were appreciated by all.

a. apposite
b. opposite

4. Although it was from my senior officer. I ________ because it was not

________worded.
a. declined, suitably
b. refused, well

5. Today, the ______ of the industrial workers are much better than the
_________ of school teachers.
a. wages, salary
b. pay, emoluments

6. All skin diseases are ________.

a. contagious
b. contiguous

7. The hotel manager advertised for an experienced ________ to give

performance at dinner time.
a. artise
b. astist

8. he is not a student but is working in the college office. he is therefore

,a ________ and not a ______.
a. collegiate, collegian
b. collegian, collegiate

9. I have a firm _______in the essential goodness of all men and a deep-
rooted _______ that they would all come up to be law-abiding citizens.
a. faith, conviction
b. conviction, belief

10. According to some critics, Pope was not a poet, but a _________.
a. virtuous
b. cirtuoso

11. The _______ child was admitted to the hospital.

a. abnormal
b. subnormal

12. The dead body was taken to the cremation ground on a _______.
a. bier
b. bear

13. The sinner _______ for his sins.

a. expatiated
b. expiated

14. _________ John Mathai will preach here for a week.

a. Reverend
b. Revered

15. A large population of Latin American countries were not aborigines

but_______.
a. immigrants
b. emigrants

ANSWER
1. B
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. A
9. A
10. B
11. A
12. A
13. B
14. A
15.A

CHAPTER 16

Ques 1.
The teacher ........ her to appear for the paper Again.
(a) allowed
(b) permitted
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 2.
I ........... that you are innocent,but I am helpless.
(a) admit
(b) confer
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 3.
My brother ........ his right to the family property.
(a) waved
(b) waived
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 4.
The ...... carry blood in our body.
(a) veins
(b) vanes
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 5.
What ....... will you pursue in your life ?
(a) vacation
(b) Vocation
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 6.
This lake ...... with fish
(a) teems
(b) teams
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 7.
Do not ...... at pretty girls.
(a) stair
(b) stare
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these
Ques 8.
Akbar was a man of deep ....... .
(a) insight
(b) incite
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

ques 9.
There is a big ...... in our school.
(a) haul
(b) hall
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these'

Ques 10.
We should be determined to achieve our ......... .
(a) goal
(b) gaol
(c)Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 11.
I always ....... what I say.
(a) mean
(b) mien
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 12.
The ......... is the prettiest of all the flowers.
(a) rose
(b) rows
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 13.
\The ..... of democracy in India is not little.
(a) roll
(b) role
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 14.
This is not a ....... line
(a) straight
(b) strait
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

Ques 15.
To ....... is a crime.
(a) gambol
(b) gamble
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

ANSWER
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. A
5. B
6. A
7. B
8. A
9. B
10. A
11. A
12. A
13. B
14. A
15. B

CHAPTER 17

1. He is the right man to give a _____ view of the matter.

a. disinterested
b. uninterested

2. This is an ______ engagement. I cannot ignore it.

a. officious
b. official
3. The records of the meeting had been _____with.
a. tampered
b. tempered

4. Recently, many Indians have _____ to western countries in search of

materialistic pleasure.
a. emigrated
b. immigrated

5. I am very fond of collecting _____ objects.

a. antic
b. antique

6. Do you have ________ to say in the matter?

a. aught
b. ought

7. The chocolate cake is very _______.

a. delightful
b. delicious

8. He is at ______ to go wherever he wants.

a. freedom
b. liberty

9. It was a _______ remark, please do not take it seriously.

a. casual
b. causal

10. Please, _______ Roshni while she is crossing the road.

a. attend
b. escort

11. He owns a large _____ near Delhi.

a. form
b. farm

12. Sumeet is extremely _____about his sister.

a. protective
b. protection

13. India spends a huge amount on the import of _______oil.

a. edible
b. eatable

14. Lebanon is passing through a ________ period.

a. cataclysmic
b. catalystic

15. Coffee is a _______ drink

a. stimulus
b. stimulant

ANSWER
1. A
2. B
3. A
4. A
5. B
6. A
7. B
8. B
9. A
10. B
11. B
12. A
13. A
14. A
15. B

CHAPTER 18

DIRECTION:-
1. The world is fast losing all ______.
a. principals
b. principles

2. The boy _______ at the woman whenever she comes near him.
a. stairs
b. stares

3. There are many _______ in this poem.

a. allusions
b. illusions

4. The teacher _______ the boy on his success.

a. complimented
b. complemented

5. Fish cannot ______ out of water.

a. breath
b. breathe

6. You should have listened to your father's _______.

a. advice
b. advise

7. The shop was opened _________ in the day.

a. latter
b. later

8. In this season, it will be difficult to acquire a ______ in a good hotel.

a. suite
b. suit

9. The commander should always try to boost the ______ of the soldiers.
a. moral
b. morale

10. The intelligence agencies adopt various methods to ______ information.

a. illicit
b. clicit

ANSWER
1. B
2. B
3. A
4. A
5. B
6. A
7. B
8. A
9. B
10. B

CHAPTER 19

#1
Hoard - The smuggler hoards his goods in a secret place.

Horde - Robin Hood belonged to a plundering horde.

#2
Eligible - Young, handsome and successful, I think at the age of 25, he is the most
eligible bachelor.
Illegible - Her handwriting is so illegible that one can hardly make out a couple of
lines.

#3
Rite - His funeral rites would last a week.
Write - Please write your name and address on this paper.
Right - You have no right to interfere.

#4
Adapt - He has adapted himself wonderfully to the new environment.
Adopt - I have to adopt some stern measures to handle him.
Adept - Sanjeev Kapoor is adept in every type of cooking.

#5
President - He was unanimously elected the president of the organisation.
Precedent - I am afraid this would create a bad precedent.

#6
Idle - We should not sit idle when work is at hand.
Idol - The famous idol of Lord Shiva was stolen from the temple yesterday.

#7
Dissent - The chairman of the meeting dissented from the proposal and it was
dropped.
Descent - He claims descent from an aristocratic family.

#8
In - I was in the office at that time.
Inn - The weary traveller went to the nearest inn for a short stay.

#9
Dying - His dying words were "Hey Ram".
Dyeing - He is employed in the Capital Dyeing factory.

#10
Deny - He denied that he had copied.
Refuse - Why do you refuse to help me?

#11
Medal - P.T. Usha won 4 gold medals in the Xth Asiad at Seoul.
Meddle - She has no business to meddle with my personal life.

#12
Wet - She loves to get wet in the rain during the monsoons.
Whet - The sight of the juicy oranges seems to have whetted my appetite.

#13
Deadly - He got a deadly blow from his enemy.
Deathly - He became deathly pale.

#14
Rob - She was robbed of her gold bangles by a miscreant.
Steal - Those who steal are seldom caught easily.

#15
Martial - Martial law was enforced in the territory as a last resort.
Marshal - He was ranked Field Marshal in view of his outstanding achievements.

#16
License - This company has been licensed to deal in imported goods.
Licence - You will undergo a test before getting a license.

#17
Waste - You should not waste so much money on luxury items.
Waist - You will have to reduce a lot of fat from your waist line.

#18
Cite - Our teacher always cites passages from Shakespeare.
Site - Everyone has agreed upon the site of our new house.
Sight - The sight is becoming lovelier day by day.

#19
Flour - There are not many flour mills in this city.
Flower - Of all the flowers, I like the daffodils.
Floor - The floor of the dining room is covered with carpets.

#20
Loath - He is loath to accompany me.
Loathe - I loathe hypocritical people.

#21
Patrol - The policemen are patrolling the riot-affected area.
Petrol - Petrol prices are rising almost every year.

#22
Pour - Pour my tea into this cup.
Pore - The human skin has many pores.

#23
Quite - I was quite happy to get a first division.
Quiet - The teacher asked the students to keep quiet.

#24
Pray - I will pray to God for your success.
Prey - The lion at last found its prey in a rabbit.

#25
Cattle - The cattle are grazing at the field.
Kettle - The water is boiling in the kettle.

#26
Accept - The Prime Minister accepted the suggestion of the opposition parties.
Except- All ministers except the Railway Minister were present in the meeting.
 #27
Envelope-The fire will envelop the whole village if not controlled now.
Envelope- Send this encelope by registered post.

#28.
Gate- The main gate of the school was closed today, so, I presented it was a
holiday.
Gait- I can recognize him by his gate.

#29.
Fain- My friend would fain have helped me.
Feign- He feigned madness in order to escape.

#30.
Naughty- Your son is always upto some naughty tricks at school.
Knotty- A knotty problem that appeared in the Geometry paper puzzled me.

#31.
Yoke- Put the bullocks to the yoke.
The farmer yokes a pair of horses.
Yolk- Separate the yolk from the while of the egg.

#32.
Gamble- Recently, he has started gambling besides drinking.
Gambol- The rabbits are known for their gambol.

#33.
Latter- The shopkeeper showed a red sari and a pink sari, I preferred the latter.
Later- She came later than Sangeeta for the party.
Letter- It is a month since I received a letter from my sister.

#34.
Angle- All the angles of this triangle are equal.
Angel- A known devil is better than an unknown angel.

#35.
Deny- He denied that he had copied.
Refuse- Why do you refuse to help me?
 #36.
Alien- Their ideas are Quite alien to my way of thicking.
Align- We must align Ourselves with the nation-builders.

#37.
Eminent- Ravi Shanker is an eminent sitarist.
Imminent- A feud between the two brothers is imminent after their father‘s death.

#38.
Team- The performance of our hockey team is getting better.
Teem- The book teams with beautiful illustrations.

#39.
Abstain- You will have to abstain from fatty foods till your liver starts functioning
normally.
Refrain- I hope he will refrain from speaking ill of others.

#40.
Continual- I cannot do any work at home because of the continual disturbances.
Continuous- His name was struck off the rolls because of his continuous absence.

#41.
Recover- The patient will take some time to recover from this setback.
Re-cover- The dead body of the patriot was re-covered with the tri-coloured flag.

#42.
Sickness- Her sickness will not last long.
Sickliness- Her sickliness may prove to be a life-long malady.

#43.
Pair- I like this pair of trousers very much.
Pare- Will you kindly pare off the apple?

#44.
Stationary- The earth is not stationary. It moves round the sun.
Stationery – Children went to purchases their stationery at the beginning of the
year.

#45.
Physics- He is doing his doctorate in Physics.
Physique- He maintains a strong physique.

#46.
Led- Pundit Nehru led the Indians during the freedom Struggle.
Lead- Lead is a metal used for printing.

#47.
Disease- He is suffering from a chronic disease.
Decease- The child was rendered helpless on the decease of his parents.

#48.
Meet- Brahmins are not supposed to eat meat.
Mete- We were very unhappy about the treatment metal out to us at the wedding
party.
Mete- We were very unhappy about the treatment meted out to us at the wedding
party.

#49.
Quite- I was quite happy to get a first division.
Quiet-The teacher asked the students to keep quiet.

#50.
Obvious- It is obvious from his behavior that he is selfish.
Oblivious- The sitarist was so immersed In his sitar that he seemed oblivious of all
the people watching him.

#51.
Dose-The doctor has asked me to take a dose of this medicine twice a day.
Doze-having sat late at night, he was dozing in the examination hall.

#52.
Story- The child wanted his mother to tell him a story.
Storey- On which storey of this building do you live?

#53.
Scene- Rakesh made quite a scene at the college today.
Seen- Have you seen the Ajanta and Ellora caves?

#54.
Alter- We make offerings to the Gods at the altar.
Alter- Once I take a decision. I am not likely to alter it.

#55.
Dear- She is very dear to me.
Petrol has becomes a dear commodity of life.
Deer- This jungle abounds in deer.

#56.
Former- Saurav Ganguly is the former capitan of the Indian Cricket team.
Farmer- Farmer is ploughing the field.

#57.
Mail- Will you mail this letter immediately?
I would be travelling by Frontier mail.
Male- No male member is allowed to stay with the patient.

#58.
Root- The root gives strength to the tree.
Rout- The Mughal army was badly routed.
Rcute – I took a different route to reach here today.

#59.
Fair- (i) The bride is of fair complecion.
(ii) We expect the Judge to be fair in his judgement.
Fare- The railway fares have gone up with effect from 1st of April.

#60.
Pain- It is easy to beat physical pain rather than mental agony.
Pane- The boys while playing cricket broke the window pane.

#61.
Main- What is the main cause for inflation?
Mane- The lion seemed to be proud of his mane.

#62.
Read- It is important to read one‘s lesson many times.
Reed- He writes with a reed pen.

#63.
Way- Can you tell me the way to the nearest petrol pump?
Weigh- The oranges weigh 4 kilograms.

#64.
Air- A ballon filled with hot air goes up the sky.
Heir- The king‘s eldest son is heir to the throne.

#65.
Corporal- I am against corporal punishment to children.
Corporeal- Heavenly beings are not corporeal.

#66.
Liar- Do not believe him, he is a liar.
Lawyer- My uncle is an eminent lawyer.

#67.
Metal- Silver is a precious metal.
Mettle- Gandhiji was a man of mettle and so was respected by everyone.

#68.
Sore- His eyes are sore.Sour- The grapes are sour.

#69.
Corps- My brother has joined in the National Cadet Corps.
Corpse- His corpse was carried to the cremation ground with military honours.

#70.
Differ- I have to differ with you on this matter.
Defer- he has deferred his decision to resign for some time.

#71.
Affect- Smoking affects the lungs badly.
He affects to be innocent.
Effect- The old man‘s advice had no effect on the boy.
The convict effected his escape from jail at midnight.

#72.
Minor- He has no voting right because he is still a minor.
Miner- In the bomb explosion, at least twelve miners lost their lives.
 #73.
Blue – Blue is his favourite colour.
Blew- The referee blew his whistle and the game was up.

#74.
Bore- The teacher bored the students.
Boar- A boar is a wild animal.

#75.
Moral- The moral of the story is --- Look before you leap.
Morale- His inspired performance boosted up the morale of the team.

#76.
Stairs- I fractured my leg when I slipped while climbing the stairs.
Stare- He has got a habit of staring a people.

#77.
Dual- There re forty dual in this classroom.
Duel- It was a matter of Prestige. So, they decided to settle it with a duel.

#78.
Check- You must check your expenses before it is too late.
Cheque- He signed a blank cheque and asked me to fill the amount.

#79.
Assay- This ore assays high in gold.
Essay- His essays on ― trends in Modern Society‘ won the first prize.

#80.
Advice- I asked the doctor for his advice.
Advise- The doctor advised me to take proper rest.

#81.
Ail- What ails thee, gentle lord?
Ale- Ale houses have been closed in Pakistan.

#82.
Aspire- All aspire after wordly pleasure.
Expire- His father expired only last month.
 #83.
Avocation - Writing articles for magazines is her avocation.
Vocation- His vocations is teachings.

#84.
Allay- Your present statement has allayed my fears.
Alley- There are many alleys in old Delhi.
Alloy- An alloy is a metal made by mixing two or more different metals.

#85.
Amiable- His amiable manners win him respect everywhere.
Amicable- India and Pakistan have been trying for an amicable settlement on the
border issue.

#86.
Beneficial- His holiday has had a beneficial effect.
Beneficent-He is a beneficent patron of our organisation.

#87.
Childish- His childish behavior has annoyed many people.
Childlike- An honest man usually has a childlike qualities.

#88.
Complement- His honesty complements his simplicity.
Compliment- Mohan presented a book to his friend with compliments.

#89.
Official- According to official sources, there is am increase in this year‘s food
production.
Officious- His officious attitude towards his subordinates has made him unpopular.

#90.
Roll- Many years have rolled by since I joined the organization.
Role- She played the role of Maria in ‗Sound of Music‘.

#91.
Sail- Let us go for a sail this afternoon.
Sell- Bad news sells newspaper.
Sale- Every company organizes an off-season sale in September and October.
 #92.
Suite- Please reserve a suite for me in the Taj.
Suit- If you don‘t make payment tomorrow, I will file a suit against you.
The climate of India does not suit me.
His woolen suit is imported from Canada.

#93.
Steal- One who steals my money steals a trash; one who steals my name steals
everything.
Steel- steel is an alloy.
Still – The room was a still at the end of the speech. I have still to find out the
truth.

#94.
Tenor- I understand the tenor of his speech but not the details.
Tenure- During his tenure, he introduced many reformative measures.

#95.
Tell- I will tell a tale about a tail.
Tale- Life is a tale told by an idiot.
Tail- The comet of 1841 A.D grew a tail which went 198,000,000 miles in space.

#96.
Umpire- The players refused to obey the umpire.
Empire- Mahatma Gandhi rang the death- knell of the British empire.

#97.
Veil- The thief escaped under the veil of the darkness.
Vale- The vale of Kashmir is a paradise on earth.

#98.
Access- Students need easy access to books.
Accession- His accessions to the throne, marked the beginnings of a new era.
Excess- Excess of anything is bad.

#99.
Accident- He met with a serious accident.
Incident- In a recent incident, two bombs exploded.

#100.
Addicted- he is addicted to grugs.
Devoted- She is devoted to her studies.

#101.
Allusion- her writhing is full of obscure literary allusions.
Illusion- Life is an illusion.

#102.
Artist- A painter is an artist.
Artisan- A carpenter is an artisan.
Artiste- She is being trained for singing by a professional srtiste.

#103.
Apposite- His remarks on that occasion were not very apposite.
Opposite- Black and white are opposites.

#104.
Battle- I can‘t always white are opposites.
War- During World War II, many battles were fought.
Fight- One should always fight for one‘s right.

#105.
Major- The play is a major success.
Measure- An hour is a measure of time.

#106.
Confess- I must confess , I hated their attitude.
Admit- The facts admit no other explanation.

#107.
Conscious – I am conscious of my weakness.
Conscientious- he is a conscientious worker.

#108.
Crime- It is the job of the police to prevent crime.
Vice- In spite of the presence of the police, there‘s always a certain amount of vice
in all big cities.

#109.
Discover- Columbus discovered America.
Invent- Watt invented the steam engine.

#110.
Disinterested- She seems completely disinterested in her work.
Uninterested- One should not be uninterested in one‘s work.

#111.
Drown- He drowned himself in work.
Sink- His voice sank to a whisper.

#112.
Elicit- By cross- examination, he elicited the truth at last.
Illicit- He is involved in an illicit trade of drugs.

#113.
Eminent- He is an eminent scientist.
Imminent- War is imminent.

#114.
Eruption- That volcano is in a state of eruption.
Irruption- That violent irruption of soldiers into the building was condemned by all.

#115.
Fetch- Please, fetch me a clean handkerchief from my bedroom.
Bring- Please, bring me the book.

#116.
Formalism- I have no love for official formalism.
Formality- In Delhi, people are more after formality rather than developing
genuine relationship.

#117.
Jealous- A jealous man can never be happy.
Zealous- He is a zealous intellectual.

#118.
Liberty- French revolution was for liberty, fraternity and equality of all people.
Freedom- In my bondage, is my freedom.
 #119.
Loose- The animals broke loose and left the field.
Lose- He often loses his temper.

#120.
Lovable- He is a man of a lovable nature.
Lovely- Aishwarya Roy is a lovely actress.

#121.
Memorable- No one can ever forget her memorable beauty.
Memorial- Shah Jahan erected a memorial in the memory of his wife.

#122.
Popular- This design has always been popular.
Populous- Kolkata is a populous city.

#123.
Principal- He is the principal of the college.
Principle- One should stick to one‘s principles.

#124.
Sensitive- A sensitive person is one whose feelings are easily hurt.
Sensible- A sensible person is one who possesses commonsense or intelligence.

#125.
Vacant- A mind vacant is a mind distresses.
Empty- Empty vessels sound much.

#126.
Spirituous- One should abstain from spirituous liquors.
Spiritual- I believe in a spiritual life.

#127.
Breath- His breath smelt of garlic.
Breathe- The team breathed confidence before the match.

#128.
Species- It is a rare specify of beetle.
Specify- The regulations specify that calculators may not be used in the
examination.

#129.
Noble- He died for a noble cause.
Novel- He loves reading romantic novels.

#130.
Weak- her eyesight is rather weak.
Week- He comes to see us once a week.

#131.
Wicked- That was a wicked thing to do.
Wicked- Pakistan lost the match by five wickets.

CHAPTER 20

1. He was walking ___________ the president.

(a) besides
(b) beside

2. This scheme will prove to be ___________ in the long run.

(a) beneficial
(b) beneficiary

3. She is a person of ____________ taste.

(a) artistic
(b) artful

4. Plague is a __________ disease.

(a) contagious
(b) infections

5. Burglary is a ___________.
(a) crime
(b) sin

6. Suresh is __________ to smoking.

(a) devoted
 (b) addicted

7. The post-office __________ the stamps on letter before despatch.

(a) effaces
(b) defaces

8. The judge granted ___________ and the man was released.

(a) forgiveness
(b) pardon

9. Being __________ the child spoke the truth.

(a) innocent
(b) innocuous

10. This was the most __________ innings of his career.

(a) memorial
(b) memorable

11. The Rashtrapati Bhavan gives an ________ look.

(a) imperial
(b) imperious

12. Naresh was trying his best to get __________ with the girls.
(a) popular
(b) populous

13. Keats' poems are mostly ____________.

(a) sensual
(b) sensuous

14. The husband abused his wife ___________.

(a) wilfully
(b) willingly

15. The texture of his cloth is __________.

(a) coarse
(b) course

ANSWERS
1. beside
2. beneficial
3. artistic
4. contagious
5. crime
6. addicted
7. defaces
8. pardon
9. innocent
10. memorable
11. imperial
12. popular
13. sensuous
14. willingly
15. coarse

CHAPTER 21

Directions : Select the right word between option A and B to fill in the blank. If
both words seem right to you, select 'C' and if None of them is right, select 'D'.

1. Everyone made fun of him as his manner of speaking was ______________.

(a) childlike
(b) childish
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

2. Lalitha was __________ for her objectionable remarks.

(a) censured
(b) censored
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

3. The __________ from kalka to shimla is very steep.

(a) assent
(b) ascent
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

4. Her remarks were not __________ to the occasion.

(a) apposite
(b) opposite
 (c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

5. He is a very famous _____________.

(a) artisan
(b) artist
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

6. You should __________ from telling lies.

(a) refrain
(b) abstain
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

7. Kanpur is an ___________ city.

(a) industrious
(b) industrial
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

8. This is a very _____________ book.

(a) idle
(b) ideal
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

9. The princess had a very kind ______________.

(a) hart
(b) heart
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

10. We must ___________ to God daily.

(a) prey
(b) pray
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

11. She has a very _____________ impression of the picture.

(a) feint
(b) faint
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these
12. You ___________ to do your duty.
(a) ought
(b) aught
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

13. She had very little time to _____________ votes.

(a) canvass
(b) canvas
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

14. The ___________ drops on the petals of the rose looked beautiful.
(a) due
(b) dew
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

15. This is not a _____________ surface.

(a) plain
(b) plane
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

ANSWERS
1. childish
2. censured
3. ascent
4. apposite
5. artist
6. refrain
7. industrial
8. ideal
9. heart
10. pray
11. faint
12. ought
13. canvass
14. dew
15. plain
 CHAPTER 22

Directions : Select the right word between option A and B to fill in the
blank. If both words seem right to you, select 'C' and if None of them is
right, select 'D'.

1. We sat in the ____________ of a tree.

(a) shade
(b) shadow
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

2. My eyes are ____________.

(a) soar
(b) sore
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

3. Our new house is very __________.

(a) spacious
(b) specious
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

4. I will tell a ____________ to those who complete their homework.

(a) storey
(b) story
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

5. She has not sent a/an __________ to my letter.

(a) reply
(b) answer
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

6. He is the _____________ boy that stole your pen.

(a) very
(b) vary
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these
7. We should not _______ others' things.
(a) steel
(b) steal
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

8. Might is ___________.
(a) right
(b) write
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

9. The Niti Aayog is drawing the next five year ____________.

(a) plan
(b) plane
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

10. Give me a blade to __________ my nails.

(a) pair
(b) pare
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

11. This is a __________ problem, you cannot solve it easily.

(a) knotty
(b) naughty
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

12. Arvind has purchased a new ____________ of shoes for two hundred rupees.
(a) pare
(b) pair
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

13. My sister's child is very _____________.

(a) knotty
(b) naughty
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

14. Do not be tempted by ___________ gains.

 (a) momentary
(b) momentous
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

15. About thirty __________ lost their lives in an accident at Raniganj colliery.
(a) minors
(b) miners
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

ANSWERS
1. shade
2. sore
3. spacious
4. story
5. reply
6. very
7. steal
8. right
9. plan
10. pare
11. knotty
12. pair
13. naughty
14. momentary
15. miners

CHAPTER 23
Directions: Select the right word between option A and B to fill in the blank. If
both words seem right to you, select 'C' and if None of them is right, select 'D'.

1. If __________ is lost everything is lost.

(a) character
(b) conduct
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

2. I have applied for two days ____________ leave.

 (a) causal
(b) casual
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

3. It is a/an ___________ to think that honesty does not pay.

(a) error
(b) mistake
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

4. In the Second World ____________ atom bombs were dropped on

Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
(a) war
(b) battle
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

5. India Gate is a war ___________.

(a) memorable
(b) memorial
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

6. The ____________ gate of the building was closed.

(a) main
(b) mane
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

7. She was awarded a gold ___________ for bravery.

(a) meddle
(b) medal
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

8. I have not received any ___________ from my father for the past two
months.
(a) latter
(b) letter
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

9. ________ is followed by thunder.

 (a) Lightning
(b) Lightening
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

10. Avoid using this __________ as it is very narrow.

(a) lain
(b) lane
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

11. Trespassers will be ____________.

(a) persecuted
(b) prosecuted
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

12. My brother has no ____________ experience of factory life.

(a) practical
(b) practicable
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

13. I ________ the house where my sister was born.

(a) recollect
(b) remember
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

14. The ____________ of mango trees are very deep.

(a) roots
(b) routes
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

15. A _________ man like Mr. Malhotra should not have used such words.
(a) sensible
(b) sensitive
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

ANSWERS
1. character
2. casual
3. mistake
4. war
5. memorial
6. main
7. medal
8. letter
9. Lightning
10. lane
11. prosecuted
12. practical
13. remember
14. roots
15. sensible

CHAPTER 24

Directions: Select the right word between option A and B to fill in the blank. If
both words seem right to you, select 'C' and if None of them is right, select 'D'.

1. There is a film ________ board in India to certify the films.

(a) censure
(b) censor
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

2. Lord Rama went into _________ for fourteen years.

(a) banishment
(b) exile
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

3. The lawyer quoted many __________ in support of his argument.

(a) precedents
(b) presidents
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

4. The doctor has __________ this medicine for my father.

(a) prescribed
(b) proscribed
 (c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

5. Theory __________ practice.

(a) proceeds
(b) precedes
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

6. Mohan is ________ of his success.

(a) sanguinary
(b) sanguine
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

7. Shyam is _________ to drinking.

(a) devoted
(b) addicted
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

8. This child is the __________ survivor of this accident.

(a) sole
(b) soul
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

9. The whole shop was _________ to the ground by the fire.

(a) raised
(b) razed
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

10. Rajputs belong to a __________ race.

(a) marshal
(b) martial
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

11. ___________ were issued by the court to summon the suspects.

(a) Ardours
(b) Orders
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these
12. Madhu is full of youthful ______________.
(a) ardour
(b) order
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

13. Iron is a very useful _______________.

(a) metal
(b) mettle
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

14. Vasco da Gama ___________ the sea route to India in 1498.

(a) invented
(b) discovered
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

15. The judge made a/an _____________ of judgement.

(a) error
(b) blunder
(c) Any one of these
(d) None of these

ANSWERS
1. censor
2. exile
3. precedents
4. prescribed
5. precedes
6. sanguine
7. addicted
8. sole
9. razed
10. martial
11. Orders
12. ardour
13. metal
14. discovered
15. error
 CAHPTER 25
Some words sound same but have different meaning. These words often confuse us
in error finding questions. Here given most important words which confuse &
misuse us. Kindly have a look.

S.No WORD MEANING

1 Accept · To receive a thing
Except · Leaving apart or excluding

2. Expect · To hope
Suspect · To apprehend
3. Adopt · To accept/ to take another person‘s child legally
Adept · Proficient
Adapt · To change accordingly
4. Allude · Refer to
Elude · To escape
5. Alternate · One after another
Alternative · Available instead/ substitute
6. Aural · Of ear
Oral · Verbal
7. Access · Approach
Excess · More than due
8. Averse · To dislike
Adverse · Unfavourable
9. Advice (N) · An opinion
Advise (V) · To offer an opinion
10. Affect (V) · To influence
Effect (N) · Result
11. Apposite · Proper
Opposite · In front of/ contrary
12. Amend · To improve
Emend · To remove the mistakes
13. Amoral · Having no moral sense
Immoral · Not conforming to moral standards
14. Antics · Tricks
Antiques · Ancient pieces of art
15. Appraise · Assess the quality/ values of
 Apprise · Inform
16. Allusion · Indirect reference
Illusion · Deception
17. Beside · By the side of
Besides · Apart from
18. Bridle · Headgear of horse
Besides · Related to bride/ bridegroom
19. Beneficial · Useful
Beneficiary · One who receives benefit
20. Boar · A pig
Bore · To tolerate or to produce (V2 of bear)
21. Bought · V2 and V3 of buy
Brought · V2 and V3 of bring
22. Catch · To take hold of something when it is moving
Hold · To take hold of something when it is static
23. Childish · Foolish
Childlike · Innocent
24. Continual · Happening repeatedly
Continuous · Without break
25. Credible · Believable
Creditable · Praiseworthy, honourable
26. Censure · To criticize
Censor · Official licensing of films etc.
27. Canon · Rule
Cannon · A powerful gun fixed to wheels
28. Canvas · Coarse cloth
Canvass · Visit houses to get political support
29. Cemetery · A burial place
Symmetry · Harmony
30. Casual · Not formal, not taking much interest
Causal · Relating to cause
31. Climactic · Relating to climax
Climatic · Relating to climate
32. Coarse · Rough
Course · A line of action
33. Confidant · A person who is entrusted with secrets. Sure and
Confident certain.
· Sure and certain
34. Contagious · A disease that spreads by contact
Contiguous · Near
Infectious · A disease that spreads by air or water
35. Corps · A division of army
 Corpse · A dead body
Carcass · The dead body of a large animal
36. Conscious · To know
Conscientious· With a sense of duty
37. Complain (V) · To say that something is wrong or not satisfactory
Complaint (N)· A report of a problem
38/. Complacent · Self-satisfied
Complaisant · Obedient and complaint
39. Complement · N-a thing that completes or improves. V-add to
something in a way that it improves
Compliment · A remark of admiration
40. Custom · Social usage
Comprise · Personal usage
41. Compose · Make up the whole
Comprise · Consist of
42. Career · Course through life
Carrier · That which carries
43. Credible · Believable
Credulous · Too ready to believe
44. Discreet · Careful not to cause offence by speech or behaviour
Discrete · Separate, distinct
45. Disease · Ailment or illness
Decease · Death
46. Decent · Nice, respectable
Descent · Downward motion
Dissent · Difference of opinion
47. Dual · With two parts
Duel · A fight between two persons using guns or swords.
48. Deface · Disfigure
Efface · Wipeout
49. Deny · To declare untrue
Decline · Refuse to accept an offer.
Refuse · Show unwillingness towards
Refute · Prove wrong
50. Defy · To break the law
Deify · To make someone or something a god
51. Defuse · Remove the tension
Diffuse · Spread out; not clear or concise
52. Desert · N- An area where there is little rain
· V- To leave someone
Dessert · Sweet dish eaten at the end of a meal
53. Depression · Hollow/ A mental state of despair.
 Depreciation · Undervalue
54. Disinterested· Impartial
Uninterested · Not interested
55. Delightful · Very pleasant
Delicious · Pleasing to taste
56. Deprecate · To hate
Depreciate · To reduce in value
57. Defective · Having a certain imperfection
Deficient · Lacking something
58. Decided · Clear and definite
Decisive · Deciding
59. Effective · Producing effect
Efficacious · Able to produce the desired result
Efficient · Competent
60. Elicit · To get or produce something
Illicit · Illegal or disapproved of by society
61. Economical · Involving less expenditure
Economic · Relating to economy
62. Enduring · Existing for a long time
Endurable · Bearable
63. Gate · An entrance
Gait · A particular way of walking
64. Intense · Extreme and forceful
Intensive · Involving a lot of effort
65. Metre · A unit of length
Meter · A device used to measure the amount of something that
is used
66. Vain · Not successful/ arrogant
Vein · Tube the carries blood to the heart in our body
67. Vocation · Profession
Vacation · Holidays
68. Violence · Force
Violation · Infringement of law
69. Wither · To fade
Whither · Where
Weather · Atmospheric condition (of a short period)
Whether · ‗Whether…..or‘ is a co-relative
70. Wave · Raised mass of water in sea/ to move
Waive · To give up
 IDIOMS & PHRASES

CHAPTER 1

1: CALL THE SHOTS (OR TUNE)

Meaning to be in command; to have the authority to make decisions
Example: The boss is the boss and he calls the shots.
Petroleum will call the shots again.

2: STEAL THE SHOW

Meaning: attracts the most attention and praise.
Example: Falcons TTC‘S Wu Yang, who stole the show on the final night of the
inaugural Ultimate Table tennis league on Sunday, walked away with the biggest
individual purse of Rs.1.5 lakh after being named the ‗Ultimate One‘ besides
winning Rs.1lakh for being the most valuable player among women.

3: WALKED AWAY ( WITH SOMETHING )

Meaning to win a prize or competition very easily
Example:: Falcons TTC‘S Wu Yang, who stole the show on the final night of the
inaugural Ultimate Table tennis league on Sunday, walked away with the biggest
individual purse of Rs.1.5 lakh after being named the ‗Ultimate One‘ besides
winning Rs.1lakh for being the most valuable player among women.

4: WALK ALL OVER SOMEONE

Meaning: to treat someone badly by always making them do what you want them
to do
Example: If you don't want to work at the weekend, say so - don't let the boss
walk all over you.

5: MAKE THE CUT

Meaning: To survive an elimination when a team or group is being chosen
Example: By his own admission, Jeev Mikha Singh has not had a great 2017, h e
has made the cut only four times from 13 appearances on the Asian and European
Tours, his best finish a tied 22nd at the jointly-sanctioned ISPS Handa World Super
6 in Perth in February.

6: BRING / RING THE CURTAIN DOWN

Meaning: to bring something to an end; to declare something to be at an end
Example: Caeleb Dressel brought the curtain down on the World championships
with a historic seventh medal here on Sunday, equaling the record of swim legend
Michael Phelps.

7: MAKE A SPLASH
Meaning: to get a lot of public attention
Example: Now she's made a splash in the American television show 'Civil Wars'.

8: SPRUCED UP
Meaning: to improve the appearance of someone or something, Make neat and
trim,
Example: The Karnataka Golf Association has undergone much work to be ready
for this week‘s TAKE SOLUTIONS MASTERS, the first Asian Tour event at the venue
since the Indian open in 2012.‗KGA has always been good, but for this event, we‘ve
really spruced it up ‗‘ He said.

9: SHUNTED OUT
Meaning: to move (someone or something) to a different and usually less
important or noticeable place or position.
Example: Daniel Ricciardo blasted Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen for
‗amateur‘ diving on Sunday after the Dutch teenager shunted him out of the
Hungarian GP on the opening lap.

10: TAKING ITS TOLL

Meaning: to cause harm or suffering
Example: A little more than a year after the alleged Russian effort to interfere in
the US. Presidential election came to light, the diplomatic fallout –an unravelling of
the relationship between the Moscow and Wahington o na scale not seen in decades
– is taking its toll
 11: MENDED HIS WAYS
Meaning: to improve your behaviour after you have been behaving badly for a
long time
Example:: Appearing before a Bench led by Justice Dipak Mishra, Attorney General
K.K.Venugopal highlighted that Mr.khan had not mended his ways even after
rendering an apology to the supreme court and was recently booked for sedition for
allegedly making statements against the army.

CHAPTER 2

1) TURN THE CLOCK BACK

If you try to turn the clock back, you want things to be the way they were in the
past.

Example: DMK working president M.K.Stalin warned on Sunday that his party
would not hesitate to put an end to the AIADMK government, which, according to
him, had turned the clock back 20 years and destroyed administration and
governance in TN.

2) TURNS UP THE HEAT :

to put pressure on someone or something; apply additional pressure to someone or
something.
Example: Regulator turns up heat on erring Chartered accountants

3) BURIED THE HATCHET :

end a quarrel or conflict and become friendly.
Example: AIADMK deputy general secretary T.T.v Dhinakaran , who recently
buried the hatchet with his aunt and jailed party leader V.K. Sasikala‘s brother
Divakaran, on Sunday announced that he would get back to active party work on
August 4.

4) DRAW FLAK :
is to draw criticism
Example: A.P.J.M.Sheik Saleem , the grand nephew of Kalam , placed a copy of
the Koran and the bible at the statue podium near the Bhagavad Gita on Sunday,
only to draw flak from the HMK

5) TOOK ON :
to begin to perform or deal with
Example: Union Finance minister Arun Jaitely took on detractors of the GST
on Sunday , saying the regime was an integral part of the government‘s efforts to
mobilizemore fundss for the armed forces.

6) FLAGGED OFF
to inaugurate, to induct
Example: Earlier this month , the ministry of Housing flagged off a new index – the
NHB Residex – designed to track housing price trends I n50 cities across India.

7) SHOOT ONE‟S WAD OR BOLT

Do all within one's power; exhaust one's resources or capabilities.
Example: They were asking for more ideas but Bob had shot his bolt and couldn't
come up with any

8) HIVE OFF :
To set something apart from a group
Example: An expression of interest from India‘s oldest private sector MRO service
provider , Air works, has come as a shot in the arm for the centre that is
considering an option to split Air India‘s different businesses and hive them off
separately.

9) SHOT IN THE ARM

something that quickly makes a bad situation much better , a new activity
Example: An expression of interest from India‘s oldest private sector MRO service
provider , Air works , has come as a shot in the arm for the centre that is
considering an option to split Air India‘s different businesses and hive them off
separately
 10) TO TAKE A CALL ON
informal, not very common, way to say 'make a decision or a judgment
Example: Vivek Gour , MD and CEO , Air works, said ‗ I am watching the situation
very carefully but it is too early to say anything because the government has to
take a call on whether they will sell Air India asa whole or break up its subsidiaries
and sell.‘

CHAPTER 3

1. Black sheep : A person who is considered a disgrace to a particular group,

usually a family . Uncle jack, who was imprisoned fro forgery,is the black sheep of
the family.

2. By hook or by crook : By whatever means possible, fair on unfair.

Polly was determined to get an A in the exam by book or by crook.

3. Call the tune : To be in control. the government has been able to call the tune
in the riot hit areas.

4. carry a torch for : to be infatuated with.

Frank may be engaged to helen, But I think he still carries a torch for Laura.

5. Clean slate : a new start : especially to make a new start by clearing the
record. It was a clean slate for the minister once he was exonerated of the
corruption charges brought against an action.

6. Cold feel : To "have cold feel" is to be too fearful to undertake or complete an

action.
The backup quarterback was called into the game, but he got cold feel and
refused to go in

7. feather in one's cap : An accomplishment a person can be proud of.

The negotiator's success in getting the terrorists to release their hostages was a
real feather i er cap.

8. from pillar to post : from one place or thing to another in rapid succession.
He couldn't stick to one project and was always dashing from pillar to post.

9. Green Thumb : A knack fro growing plants and keeping them healthy.
All my plants are in a sorry state; it's clear I don't have a green thumb.

10.Blow one' own trumpet : To brag about oneself .

Although usually modest, Sunita has to blow her own trumpet a bit during the job
interview.

11. As the crow flies :The most direct route between two places.
From here to the hill station.It's only ten miles as the crow files, but twenty miles
by the winding mountain road.

12. Bee in one's bonnet : A chornic preoccupation ,often fanciful or eccentric.

My cousin has a bee in his bonnet about the rudeness of local cabdrivers; he ;s
written four letters to the editor on the subject.

13.Break the ice : To remove the tension at a first meeting, at the opening of
party , etc,
That joke really broke the ice at the conference; we all relaxed afterwards.

14.Cold shoulder : To 'give someone the cold shoulder, is to ignore someone

deliberately.
at the party , Rahul tried to talk to rohan , but he gave him the cold shoulder.

15. Castles in the air : extravagant hopes and plans that will never be carried
out.
I told him he should stop building castles in the air and train for a sensible
profession.

16. Chip of the old block : An expression used of people who closley resemble
their perents in some way. Mark just won the same sailboat race his father won
twenty years ago; he's chip off the old block.

17. Cock -and-bull story : a story is false.

When the son came home at 3:30 A.M. he gave his mother cock-and-bull story
about having a falt tire on the way home.

CHAPTER 4

DIRECTION:-
The following idioms have four responses (a),(b),(c) and (d). Tick mark
the response which gives the correct meaning of the idiom.

1. Out of the way

a. far away
b. not common
c. out of sight
d. envious

2. Upto the mark

a. in the same level
b. quite satisfactory
c. influential
d. in tune with

3. In the air
a. prevalent
b. lacking
c. flying
d. hovering

4. End in smoke
a. catch fire
b. come to nothing
c. become smoky
d. fruitful

5. Take to task
a. remind
b. reprove
c. reject
d. avoid

6. Smell a rat
a. to suspect
b. to chase
c. inspire
d. inhale foul smell

7. At the first blush

a. in the prime of youth
b. at first sight
c. the first impression
d. the pink colour

8. In black and white

a. colourless
b. in writing
c. unconditional
d. in angry mood

9. Stand in good stead

a. enjoy
b. attempt
c. helping attitude
d. prove useful

10. Changed colour

a. changed attitude
b. turned pale
c. rejoiced
d. looked fresh

ANSWER
1. B
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. B
6. A
7. B
8. B
9. D
10. B

CAHPTER 5

DIRECTION:-
Each of the following idioms/ phrases has four responses (a), (b), (c),
and (d). Tick mark the response which gives the correct meaning of the
idiom/phrase.

1. Over the head

a. above the comprehension
b. on top
c. at the height
d. too height

2. To serve put
a. to shock
b. to retaliate
c. to capture
d. to defeat

3. Working against time

a. out of tune
b. improper time
c. with utmost speed
d. with irritation

4.By fits and starts

a. annoying
b. angrily
c. irregularly
d. harshly

5. Talking to heart
a. feeling lost
b. grieving
c. retaining in memory
d. being hurt

6. Keeping up appearances
a. looking tidy
b. maintaining ties
c. keeping an outward show
d. behaving friendly

7. To be led by the nose

a. to be delayed
b. to be punished
c. to follow submissively
d. to be dull

8. To a nicety
a. exactly
b. beautifully
c. properly
d. homely

9. A wild goose chase

a. a tiring race
b. a fruitless search
c. a wild hunt
d. a flower hunt

10. To read between the lines

a. to read very fast
b. to read vague meanings
c. to infer
d. to find out hidden meaning

11. To meet one half-way

a. to meet a person on the way
b. to come to a compromise with one
c. a half-hearted agreement
d. to apologize

12. To hold water

a. a stand-still situation
b. to stop the flow of water
c. to stand scrutiny
d. to influence

13. A wolf in sheep's clothing

a. a hypocrite
b. a wolf in woolen clothes
c. a coward
d. a proud man

14. To have an old head on young shoulders

a. to have grey hair
b. to be wise beyond one's years
c. a braggart
d. a person with too much responsibility

15. Ended in smoke

a. came to nothing
b. burnt up
c. a dead man
d. a quarrel which is settled later
 ANSWER
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. B
6. C
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. D
11. B
12. C
13. A
14. B
15. A

CAHPTER 6

DIRECTIONS :-
Each of the following idioms/phrases has four responses (a),(b),(c) and
(d).Tick mark the response which gives the correct meaning of the
idioms/phrase.

1. Fish in troubled waters

(a) fishing in floods
(b) getting undue advantage
(c) to try to gain something by taking advantage of a confused or troubled situation
(d) Fishing bravely

2. Make hay while the sun shines

(a) use the sunshine'
(b) make dry hay
(c) be active during the day
(d)make maximum use of a given opportunity

3. The last straw

(a) The decisive act in causing destruction
(b) the end result
(c) the final act
(d) the closing of harvest

4. To bank straw
(a) to hope
(b) to depend
(c) to evolve
(d) to harness

5. Spill the beans

(a) blurt out the truth
(b) cause wastage
(c) influence adversely
(d) throw away something

6. Need of the hour

(a) necessity
(b) the most essential requirement
(c) the requirement of a given time
(d) necessary remedy

7. Keeping one's fingers crossed

(a) waiting for positive as well as negative results
(b) adopting acrimony
(c) looking for something
(d) doing acrobatics

8. Toe the line

(a) Follow
(b) attempt
(c) ignore
(d) adopt the negative posture

9.Boot licking
(a) requesting
(b) shameless flattery
(c)emulating
(d) influencing

10. Mud slinging

(a) Laying Blame
(b) giving pain
(c) accusing someone
(d) making slanderous accusations

ANSWER
1. C
2. D
3. A
4. B
5. A
6. C
7. A
8. A
9. B
10. D

CHAPTER 7

DIRECTION :-
Each of the following idioms/phrases has four responses (a),(b),(c), and
(d)., Indicate the response which gives the correct meaning of the idiom
phrase.

1. To cast aspersions
a. to express doubt
b. to express false and malicious accusation
c. to suspect
d. to restore

2.To burn the midnight oil

a. to remain awake
b. to use too much oil
c. to work hard till late in the night
d. to create a lot of light

3. Through thick and thin

a. through good as well as bad times
b. through forests
c. through all phases
d. losing and gaining weight

4. To cave in
a. to dig in
b. to make a hole
c. to yield
d. to change tune

5. Call a spade a spade

a. call things by their right name
b. to hint
c. to come to the point straightaway
d. to circumvent

6. Tip of the iceberg

a. too cold
b. starting point
c. the outline of something
d. only the beginning of a much larger dimension

7. Have the cake as well as eat it

a. have two things
b. have the entire thing
c. take double advantage
d. push something

8. Serpent under the floewer

a. a hidden snake
b. an enemy posing as friend
c. attractive
d. dubious

9. Poetic justice
a. justice meted out by natural process
b. justice done by poets
c. true justice
d. fair play

10. pass away

a. complete
b. die
c. succeed
d. cross.
11.To weather the storm
a. to face a crisis
b. to survive a crisis
c. to be the victim of a crisis
d. to create crisis

12. A fly in the ointment

a. to clean a thing
b. to sterilise
c. a problem in a situation
d. an unsuccessful attempt

13. To have a dig at

a. to criticise someone
b. to sow seeds
c. to weed out
d. to praise someone

14. To cut someone short

a. to oblige someone
b. to assist someone
c. to interrupt someone
d. to insult someone

15. A man of straw

a. a man of no substance
b. a man without means
c. a man of character
d. a generous man

ANSWER
1. B
2. C
3. A
4. C
5. C
6.D
7. C
8. B
9. A
10. B
11. B
12. C
13. A
14. C
15. A

CHAPTER 8

DIRECTIONS
Each of the following idioms has four responses Mark the responses
which give the correct meaning of the idioms.

1. Alas the day

(a) glorious day
(b) Historical event
(c) unhappy day
(d) to be brisk

2. To break off
(a) To end a relationship
(b) To cut into pieces
(c) to disappear
(d) to appear suddenly

3. Brush up
(a) To renew
(b) To remove the dust
(c) To wash with soap
(d) To destroy

4. To dig at
(a) To dig the ground deep
(b) to praise
(c) to exaggerate
(d) to remark against
5. Join Battle
(A) to join the army
(b) to report for duty in the army camp after leave
(c) to begin fighting
(d) to clasp hands

6. In the nick of time

(a) not bothering about time
(b) irregular
(c) just at the right moment
(d) to win or accomplish

7. Ninth part of a man

(a) Child
(b) tailor
(c) pygmy
(d) very poor

8. To lend an ear
(a) to ignore
(b) to criticize
(c) to watch carefully
(d) to hear

9.Man of letters
(a) who writes too many letters
(b) an important person
(c) a politician
(d) a literary person

10. Nigger in the woodpile

(a) to inhabit in forest
(b) a serious disease
(c) an honest person
(d) something that spoils a good thing

ANSWER
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. D
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. D
9. D
10. D

CHAPTER 9

DIRECTIONS
Each of the following idioms has four responses (a), (b) , (c) and (d). Mark
the response which gives the correct meaning of the idiom.

1. From head to foot

(a) considering all the details
(b) tarnished image
(c) all over the body
(d) to cover completely

2. After someone's own heart

(a) to one's desire
(b) strong feeling
(c) to undergo heart operation
(d) enmity

3. At a loose end
(a) to wear loose garments
(b) having weak character
(c) without employment
(d) to get rid of

4. To grapple with
(a) to fight
(b) to struggle hard for survival
(c) about to die
(d) to tackle

5.To took big

(a) to impress one's prosperity
(b) to be like a giant
(c) to have great height
(d) to place legal restriction upon

6. To hold in contempt
(a) to hold firmly
(b) to show anger
(c) to hate
(d) to go together

7.To come to light

(a) to illuminate
(b)marriage ceremony
(c) to reveal
(d) to show the hidden strength

8. Lapped in luxury
(a) to live in luxury
(b) having too much wealth
(c) Unclaimed property
(d) brought up in luxury

9. To eat one's salt

(a) to cook tasty dishes
(b) a contagious disease
(c) shortage of salt in human body
(d) to be one's guest

10. Come to a head

(a) to reach climax
(b) to hit on the head
(c) sudden attack
(d) ti understand the hidden meaning

ANSWER
1. C
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. A
6. C
7. C
8. D
9. D
10. A

CAHPTER 10

DIRECTIONS
Tick mark the choice that correctly explain the idiom.
1. To rest on one's laurels
(a) to depend on one's fame
(b) to be a parasite
(c) to retire from active life
(d) to crave for popularity

2.To stick to one's guns

(a) to be brave
(b) to maintain one's own opinion
(c) to stand near a gun
(d) to be arrogant

3. Yeoman's service
(a) lip-service
(b) to serve like a slave
(c) to play godfather
(d) to help in need

4. A blue stocking
(a) stocking which is blue in colour
(b) a clean-cheat
(c) an unreliable person
(d) a woman having literary tastes and learning

5. A wet blanket
(a) a blanket which is wet
(b) a serious man
(c) one who discourages others
(d) one who interferes in other's affairs

6.To Come across

(a) to cross the river
(b) to challenge someone
(c) to meet with
(d) to depend

7. To pin one's faith upon

(a) to have less faith in
(b) to be overconfident
(c) having a strong desire
(d) to depend

8.To lead up the garden path

(a) to lead to the garden
(b) to steal fruit
(c) to deny the facts
(d) to mislead

9. Half baked
(a) Not gully cooked
(b) to receive half salary
(c) important features
(d) inexperienced

10. Beyond one's ken

(a) out of one's reach
(b) to think very high of oneself
(c) a very difficult task
(d) out of one's sight

11. To make meal of

(a) to cook
(b) to enjoy sumptuous food
(c) to consume
(d) to have early lunch

12. To put up with

(a) to stay together
(b) to postpone
(c) to annoy
(d) to bear

13. Through thick and thin

(a) to walk through a thick fog
(b) both rich and poor
(c) under all conditions
(d) to think about

14. To come to terms

(a) to make an agreement
(b) to intimidate
(c) to avenge
(d) to prepare a balance sheet

15. In a whirl
(a) to dive deep
(b) to face boldly
(c) to cross the river in a storm
(d) confusion

ANSWER
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. D
5. C
6. C
7. D
8. D
9. D
10. D
11. C
12. D
13. C
14. A
15. D

CAHPTER 11
Directions : Pick out from the given alternatives the one that gives the correct
meaning of the idiom/phrase/proverb..

1. To cleanse the Augean stables

(a) to clean something which has not been cleaned for a long time
(b) to wind up a joint business
(c) to remove the stains of blood
(d) to remove the traces of murder

2. To cut one's coat according to one's cloth

(a) to work according to one's capacity
(b) to allot portfolio according to one's capability
(c) to live within one's means
(d) to live as one desires.
(e) None of these

3. Chicken hearted
(a) coward
(b) brave
(c) kind
(d) mortal
(e) None of these

4. To come round
(a) to agree with another's point of view
(b) to come back to the point of origin
(c) a circular movement
(d) to wander
(e) None of these

5. To eat the calf in the cows belly

(a) infanticide
(b) to leave the work unfinished
(c) to reject a plan of an important project
(d) to be too ready to anticipate
(e) None of these

6. To throw up one's cards

(a) To make a last effort
(b) to cease to struggle
(c) to end up the game
(d) to come out victorious
(e) None of these
7. To let the cat out of the bag
(a) to disclose a secret
(b) to set free
(c) a person without a shelter
(d) to permit the thief to run away
(e) None of these

8. Burn one's fingers

(a) to get oneself into trouble
(b) to commit a bulnder
(c) a heavy monetary loss
(d) to be in great rage
(e) None of these

9. To beg the question

(a) to beg the pardon
(b) to request for some extra time to finish the work
(c) unanswerable
(d) to assume in the premises something which is to be proved
(e) None of these

10. To do a thing on the sly

(a) to do a thing stealthily, without drawing attention to it
(b) a good work went unnoticed
(c) work done under pressure
(d) a highly risky job
(e) None of these

11. To have had one's day

(a) to be past one's prime
(b) to have visited only once
(c) poverty
(d) the childhood days
(e) None of these

12. To carry the day

(a) to be victorious
(b) an on-going discussion
(c) a memorable day
(d) a miserable phase of life
(e) None of these

13. To do up
 (a) to finish off
(b) to mend
(c) to improve
(d) to make tidy
(e) None of these

14. To have to do with

(a) to be interested in
(b) to do something under compulsion
(c) work done unenthusiastically
(d) to complete
(e) None of these

15. To egg on
(a) just a beginning
(b) to urge on
(c) to develop something
(d) an initial stage
(e) None of these

ANSWERS
1. to clean something which has not been cleaned for a long time
2. to live within one's means
3. coward
4. to agree with another's point of view
5. to be too ready to anticipate
6. to cease to struggle
7. to disclose a secret
8. to get oneself into trouble
9. to assume in the premises something which is to be proved
10. to do a thing stealthily, without drawing attention to it
11. to be past one's prime
12. to be victorious
13. to make tidy
14. to be interested in
15. to urge on

CHAPTER 12
1. To blow hot and cold in the same breath
(a) to condemn and criticize
(b) a hot discussion
(c) to consider all the aspects
(d) to be imperious and amiable by terms

2. Between two fires

(a) subject to a double attack
(b) between two rivals
(c) between two extreme difficulties
(d) a difference of opinions
(e) None of these

3. To make no bones
(a) to make no excuse
(b) not to hesitate
(c) to make no commitments
(d) to make no monetary gains
(e) None of these

4. To carry coals to Newcastle

(a) to bestow a gift which is not really necessary
(b) to place a thing to a wrong place
(c) to transfer something from one place to another
(d) to recognize the value of a person
(e) None of these

5. Cats' paw
(a) a person who is used as a tool by another person
(b) very slowly and quietly
(c) very cleverly
(d) to share a responsibility
(e) None of these

6. To catch a tartar
(a) to overcome a serious problem
(b) to attack one who turns out to be stronger than is expected
(c) to achieve the goal
(d) to struggle hard
(e) None of these

7. To cool one's heels

(a) to be kept waiting
 (b) to give a cold response to somebody
(c) to follow somebody
(d) to answer all the queries of somebody
(e) None of these

8. A cry in wilderness
(a) The cry of the poors
(b) a warning that goes unheeded
(c) A speech made by a less important leader
(d) A cry out of deep sorrow
(e) None of these

9. To cover one's tracks

(a) to maintain the secrecy
(b) to hide one's weaknesses
(c) to carefully hide all traces of one's actions
(d) to conceal the falsity
(e) None of these

10. To cap the globe

(a) to surpass everything
(b) to acheive great success
(c) to discover something new
(d) to travel around the world
(e) None of these

11. A dead letter

(a) a delayed report
(b) a false report
(c) something exaggerated
(d) something which is null and void
(e) None of these

12. To die in harness

(a) to die in office
(b) to die with great pain
(c) a premature death
(d) a cruel murder
(e) None of these

13. At the drop of a hat

(a) without fail
(b) without delay
(c) against the self-respect
 (d) against the will
(e) None of these

14. Ducks and drakes

(a) various hindrances
(b) to spend lavishly
(c) by all efforts
(d) to spend miserly
(e) None of these

15. Down in the dumps

(a) in a solitary mood
(b) in a bad mood
(c) to be in an unfavourable situation
(d) to decline
(e) None of these

ANSWERS
1. to be imperious and amiable by terms
2. subject to a double attack
3. not to hesitate
4. to bestow a gift which is not really necessary
5. a person who is used as a tool by another person
6. to attack one who turns out to be stronger than is expected
7. to be kept waiting
8. a warning that goes unheeded
9. to carefully hide all traces of one's actions
10. to surpass everything
11. something which is null and void
12. to die in office
13. without delay
14. to spend lavishly
15. in a bad mood

CHAPTER 13

1. Apple-pie order
(a) handling two work simultaneously
(b) extremely neat and tidy
(c) two persons handling the same work
(d) in a haphazard way
2. All the sundry
(a) all except one
(b) only intellectuals
(c) the whole elite class
(d) everyone without distinction
(e) None of these

3. Bad blood
(a) active hostility
(b) retribution
(c) very ill
(d) retaliation
(e) None of these

4. Beat a retreat
(a) grand and pompous
(b) to withdraw
(c) to warn
(d) not to come straight to the point
(e) None of these

5. To have a bee in one's bonnet

(a) to be obsessed with one idea
(b) prejudiced
(c) to have a single penny
(d) All of the Above
(e) None of these

6. To bell the cat

(a) to bring others to one's own opinion
(b) to harm an enemy
(c) try to render a common enemy harmless
(d) to come to a common conclusion
(e) None of these

7. Between the devil and the deep sea

(a) about to die
(b) to be on a wrong path
(c) to be in a dilemma
(d) between two dangers
(e) None of these

8. Blow one's own trumpet

 (a) to be self-centered
(b) to indulge in self-praise
(c) self-contained
(d) to neglect other's opinion
(e) None of these

9. A bolt from the blue

(a) an unexpected event
(b) an expected event
(c) A chain of events
(d) A series of events
(e) None of these

10. To bury the hatchet

(a) to forgive someone
(b) to forget past quarrels and animosity
(c) to keep the intention secret
(d) to defeat utterly
(e) None of these

11. By the sweat of one's brow

(a) very furious
(b) hard labour
(c) short-tempered
(d) to feel insulting
(e) None of these

12. Blow over

(a) pass off
(b) to propagate
(c) to spread a rumor
(d) to ditch or deceive someone
(e) None of these

13. By word of mouth

(a) loquacious
(b) verbosity
(c) orally
(d) theoretically
(e) None of these

14. by leaps and bounds

(a) very quickly
(b) by any means
 (c) by illegal means
(d) vicariously
(e) None of these

15. Cut the Gordian knot

(a) to solve a difficulty
(b) to escape a hurdle
(c) to perform the inaugural ceremony
(d) to break the silence
(e) None of these

ANSWERS
1. extremely neat and tidy
2. everyone without distinction
3. active hostility
4. to withdraw
5. to be obsessed with one idea
6. try to render a common enemy harmless
7. between two dangers
8. to indulge in self-praise
9. an unexpected event
10. to forget past quarrels and animosity
11. hard labour
12. pass off
13. orally
14. very quickly
15. to solve a difficulty

CAHPTER 14

Directions : Pick out from the given alternatives the one that gives the
correct meaning of the idiom/phrase/proverb.

1. Above board
(a) A voyage
(b) Beyond doubt
(c) Uncertainty
(d) Honest and frank
(e) None of these
2. Add fuel to the fire
(a) to activate the flames of an existing controversy
(b) to spread a rumour
(c) to increase the differences
(d) to speed up the work
(e) None of these

3. A hard nut to crack

(a) a difficult problem
(b) a difficult situation
(c) an intolerable person
(d) a skinflint
(e) None of these

4. At arm's length
(a) one arm distance
(b) to keep one at distance
(c) to be indifferent
(d) an intimate relationship
(e) None of these

5. At one's wits end

(a) to be in an embarrassing situation
(b) to be in a state of utter perplexity
(c) to satisfy one's own desire
(d) to abrogate
(e) None of these

6. A black sheep
(a) scoundrel
(b) ruthless
(c) vagabond
(d) a traitorous person
(e) None of these

7. A bolt from the blue

(a) an unexpected and calamitous blow
(b) a retaliating attack
(c) tumult
(d) a sudden pleasant surprise
(e) None of these

8. At the mercy of
(a) totally in the power of
 (b) to leave everything on God
(c) to surrender
(d) the supremacy of God's will
(e) None of these

9. At the bottom of
(a) secret cause of
(b) at another's support
(c) to find a base
(d) a heavy loss
(e) None of these

10. At daggers drawn

(a) a dual
(b) at enmity
(c) a hot debate
(d) one confronted with his rival
(e) None of these

11. A man of words

(a) a garrulous person
(b) a trustworthy person
(c) a gregarious person
(d) a boastful person
(e) None of these

12. In open arms

(a) to welcome cordially
(b) to be brave
(c) fighting openly
(d) ambitions to have all sorts of wordly pleasures
(e) None of these

13. Backstairs influence

(a) improper influence
(b) the ultimate outcome
(c) retarded development
(d) indirect influence
(e) None of these

14. Behind the scenes

(a) the hidden cause
(b) self-contained
(c) influencing events secretly
 (d) one's contribution which is yet to be considered
(e) None of these

15. Bear the palm

(a) to help voluntarily
(b) to form a team
(c) to be victorious
(d) a joint venture
(e) None of these

ANSWERS
1. Honest and frank
2. to activate the flames of an existing controversy
3. a difficult problem
4. to keep one at distance
5. to be in a state of utter perplexity
6. scoundrel
7. an unexpected and calamitous blow
8. totally in the power of
9. secret cause of
10. at enmity
11. a trustworthy person
12. fighting openly
13. improper influence
14. influencing events secretly
15. to be victorious

CHAPTER 15

PHRASES WITH MEANING

1) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush- Having something that is
certain is much better than taking a risk for more, because chances are you might
losing everything.

2) A blessing in disguise- Something good that isn‘t recognized by first

3) Bull in china shop- One who causes damage
4) A chip on your shoulder- Being upset for something that happened in the past
5) A damp squib- Complete failure
6) A dime A dozen- Anything that is common and easy to get
7) A doubting Thomas- A skeptic who needs physical or personal evidence in
order to believe something
8) A drop in the bucket- A very small part of something big or whole
9) A fool and his money are easily parted- It‘s easy for a foolish person to lose
his/ her money
10) A gentleman at large- An unreliable person
11) A green horn- Inexperienced
12) A house divided against itself cannot stand- Everyone involved must unify
and function together or it will not work out.
13) A leopard can‟t change his spots- You cannot change who you are
14) A lost cause- A hopeless case, a person or situation having no hope of positive
change.
15) A man of straw- A weak person
16) A mare‟s nest- A false invention
17) A penny saved is a penny earned- By not spending money, you are saving
money (little by little)
18) A picture paints a thousand words- A visual presentation is far more
descriptive than words
19) A piece of cake- A task that can be accomplished very easily
20) A slap on the wrist- A very mild punishment
21) A stalking horse- Pretence
22) A steal- Very inexpensive, a bargain
23) A taste of your own medicine- When you are mistreated the same way you
mistreat others
24) A toss-up- A result hat is still unclear and can go either way
25) A wolf in sheep‟s clothing- A dangerous person pretending harmless
26) ABC: Very common knowledge about to- Ready to, just going to
27) Above all- Mainly, especially
28) Above board- Fair and honest
29) According to- In the order of; on the authority of
30) Actions speak louder than words- It‘s better to actually do something than
hust talk about it
31) Add fuel to the fire- Whenever something is done to make a bad situation
even worse than it is
32) Against the clock- Rushed and short on time
33) All (day, week, month, year) long- The entire day, week, month, year
34) All along- All the time, from the beginning (without change)
35) All and Sundry- Without making any distinction
36) All bark and no bite- When someone is threatening and/ or aggressive but
not willing to engage in a fight
37) All greek to me- Meaningless and incomprehensible like someone who cannot
read, speak, or
38) All in all- Considering everything
39) All in the same boat- When everyone is facing the same challenges
40) All of a sudden- Suddenly, without warning (All at once)
41) All right- Acceptable, fine; yes, okay
42) Alpha and omega- First and last letter of Greek alphabet, means beginning
and end
43) An arm and a leg- Very expensive, A large amount of money
44) An axe to grind- To have a dispute with someone
45) An eye wash- A pretence
46) An iron hand- By force
47) Apple to my eye- Someone who is cherished above all others
48) As a matter of fact- Really, actually (also: as to)
49) As for- Regarding, concerning (also: as to)
50) As high as a kite- Anything that is high up in the sky
51) As soon as- Just after, when
52) As usual- as is the general case, as is typical
53) At all- To any degree (also: in the least)
54) At heart- Basically, fundamentally
55) At last- Finally, after a long time
56) At least- A minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
57) At odds- In dispute
58) At sixes and seven- Persons who are having different opinions
59) At the drop of a hat- Willing to do something immediately
60) Back and call- At the service
61) Back and forth- In a backward and forward motion
62) Back seat driver- People who criticize from the sidelines, much like someone
giving unwanted advice
63) Back to square one- Having to start all over again
64) Back to the drawing board- When an attempt fails and it‘s time to start all
over
65) Bag and baggage- with all goods
66) Baker‟s dozen- Thirteen
67) Bank on- Depend on, count on
68) Barking up the wrong tree- A mistake made in something you are trying to
achieve
69) Bated breath- In anxiety, expectancy
70) Beat a dead horse- To force an issue that has already ended
71) Beating around the bash- Avoiding the main topic, not speaking directly
about the issue
72) Bend over backwards- Do whatever it takes to help. Willing to do anything
73) Between a Rock and a Hard place- Stuck between two very bad options
74) Between Scylla and Charybdis- Choice between two unpleasant alternatives
75) Between the cup and the lips- On the point of achievement
76) Bite off more than you can chew- To take on a task that is a way to big
77) Bite your tongue- To avoid talking
78) Black and white- In writing
79) Blood is thicker than water- The family bond is closer than anything else
80) Blow hot and cold- Having no stand, shows favour at one time and unfavour
at another
81) Blue moon- A rare event or occurrence
82) Body and soul- Entirely
83) Break a leg- A superstitious way to say ‗Good Luck‘ without saying ‗Good
Luck‘,
84) Buy a lemon- To purchase a vehicle that constantly gives problems or stops
running after you drive it
85) By & by- Gradually
86) By all means- Certainly, definitely, naturally (also: of course); using any
possible way or method
87) By far- By a great margin, clearly
88) By fits and starts- Irregularly
89) By heart- By memorizing
90) By hook or by crook- By any means
91) By leaps and bound- speedily
92) By oneself- Alone, without assistance
93) By the way- Incidentally
94) Call a spade a spade- Straight talks
95) Can‟t cut the mustard- Someone who isn‘t adequate enough to compete or
participate
96) Cast iron stomach- Someone who has no problems, complications or ill
effects with eating anything
97) Cats and bull story- Untrue story
98) Cats and dogs- Heavy rain
99) Charley horse- stiffness in the leg/ A leg cramp
100) Chew someone out- Verbally scold someone
101) Chip on his shoulder- Angry today about something that occurred in the
past
102) Chow down- To eat
103) Clear- cut- Clearly stated, definite, apparent
104) Close but no cigar- To be near and almost accomplish a goal, but fall short
105) Close call- A situation involving a narrow escape from danger
106) Cock and bull story- An unbelievable tale, untrue story
107) Come hell or high water- Any difficult situation or obstacle
108) Crack someone up- To make someone laugh
109) Cross your fingers- To hope that something happens the way you want it to
110) Cry wolf- Intentionally raise a false alarm
111) Cup of joe- A cup of coffee
112) Curtain lecture- A reproof by wife to her husband
113) Cut and dried- Ready made form
114) Cut to the chase- Leave out all the unnecessary details and just get to the
point
115) Dark horse- One who was previously unknown and is now prominent
116) Day in and day out- Continuously, constantly
117) Dead Ringer- 100 % identical, a duplicate
118) Devil‟s advocate- Someone who takes a position for the sake of argument
without believing in that
119) Dog days of summer- The hottest day of the summer season
120) Don‟t count your chickens before they hatch- Don‘t rely on it until you
sure of it
121) Don‟t look a gift horse in the month- When someone gives you a gift,
don‘t be ungrateful
122) Don‟t pull all your eggs in one basket- Do not pull all your resources in
one possibility
123) Doozy- Something outstanding
124) Down to the wire- Something that ends at the last minute or last few
seconds
125) Drastic times call for drastic measures- When you are extremely
desperate you need to take extremely desperate actions
126) Drink like a fish- To drink very heavily, drinking anything
127) Dry run- Rehearsal
128) Egg on- To urge somebody
129) Eighty six- A certain item is no longer available. Or this idiom can also mean,
to throw away
130) Elvis has left the building- The show has come to an end. It‘s all over
131) Ethnic cleansing- Killing of a certain ethnic or religious group on a massive
scale
132) Ever and anon- Now and then
133) Every cloud has a silver lining- Be optimistic, even difficult times will lead
to better days
134) Every other (one)- Every second (one), alternate (ones)
135) Everything but the kitchen sink- Almost everything and anything has been
included
136) Excuse my French- Please forgive me for cussing
137) Fabian policy- Policy of delaying decisions
138) Face-to-face- Direct, personal; directly, personally (written without hyphens)
139) Fair and wide- Equal opportunity to all
140) Far and wide- Every where
141) Few and far between- Not frequent, unusual, rare
142) Field day- An enjoyable day or circumstance
143) Fifty- fifty- Divided into two equal parts
144) Finding your feet- To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing
145) Finger licking good- To become more comfortable in whatever you are doing
146) Fire and brimstone- A very tasty food or meal
147) Fire and fury- Fearful penalties
148) First and foremost- Extreme enthusiasm
149) Fishy: doubtful- Highest priority
150) Fixed in your ways- Not willing or wanting to change from your normal way
of doing something
151) Flash in the pan- Something that shows potential or looks promising in the
beginning but fails to deliver
152) Flea market- A swap meet. A place where people gather to buy and sell
inexpensive goods
153) Flesh and blood- This idiom can mean living material of which people are
made of, or it can refer to human nature
154) Flip the bird- To raise your middle finger at someone
155) Foam at the mouth- To be enraged and show it
156) Fools‟ Gold- Iron pyrites, a worthless rock that resembles real gold
157) Foot the bill- Bear expenses
158) For good- Permanently, forever
159) For once- This one time, for only one time
160) For sure- Without doubt (also: for certain)
161) For the time being- Temporarily (also: for now)
162) Free and easy- Natural and simple
163) French kiss- An open mouth kiss where tongues touch
164) From now on- From this time into the future
165) From rags to riches- To go from very poor to being very wealthy
166) Fuddy- duddy- An old-fashioned and foolish type of person
167) Full monty- This idiom can mean either, ―The whole thing‖ or ―Completely
nude‖
168) Funny farm- A mental institutional facility
169) Gall and wormwood- Source of irritation
170) Get down to brass tacks- To become serious about something
171) Get over it- To move beyond something that is bothering you
172) Get up on the wrong side of the bed- Someone who is having a horrible
day
173) Get your walking papers- Get fired from the job
174) Gird up the loin- To be ready
175) Give and take- Compromise, cooperation between people
176) Give him the slip- To get away from, to escape
177) Give in- Surrender
178) Go down like a lead balloon- To be received badly by an audience
179) Go for broke- To gamble everything you have
180) Go out on a limb- Put yourself in a tough position in order to support
someone/ something
181) Go the extra mile- Going above and beyond whatever is required for the
task at hand
182) Good Samaritan- Someone who helps others when they are in need, with no
discussion for
183) Graveyard shift- Working hours from about 12:00 am to 8.00
184) Great minds think alike- Intelligent people think like each other
185) Green room- The waiting room, especially for those who are about to go on a
TV or radio show
186) Gut feeling- A personal intuition you get, especially when feel something may
not be right
187) Had better- Should, ought to, be advisable to
188) Hand a gloves- Very intimate friends
189) Hard and fast- Certain
190) Hard of hearing- Partially deaf, not able to hear well
191) Haste makes waste- Quickly doing things results in a poor ending
192) Hat Trick- When one player scores three goals in the same hockey game.
193) Haughty and naughty- Arrogant and naughty
194) Have an axe to grind- To have a dispute with someone
195) Have got- To have, to possess
196) Have got to- Must (also: have to)
197) He lost his head- Angry and overcome by emotions
198) Head and shoulder- Superior
199) Head over heels- Very excited and/ or joyful, especially when in love
200) Heart and soul- With full devotion
201) Hell in a hand basket- Deteriorating and headed for complete disaster
202) Helter Shelter-Here and there
203) Herculean task- A tedious job
204) High five- Slapping palms above each others heads as celebration gesture
205) High on the Hog- Living in luxury
206) Hit below the belt- Contrary the principles of fairness
207) Hit the books- To study, especially for a test or exam
208) Hit the hay- Go to bed or go to sleep
209) Hit the nail on the head- Do something exactly right or say something
exactly right
210) Hit the sack- Go to bed or go to sleep
211) Hither and thither- Here and there
212) Hocus Pocus- In general, a term used in magic or trickery
213) Hold your horses- Be patient
214) Hole and corner policy- A secret policy for an evil purpose
215) Hornet‟s nest- Raise controversy
216) Hue and cry- Great noise
217) Hush money- A bribe
218) Icing on the cake- When you already have it good and get something on top
of what you already have
219) Idle hands are the devil‟s tools- You are more likely to get in trouble if you
have nothing to do
220) If it‟s not one thing, it‟s another- When one thing goes wrong, then
another, and another…
221) Ill at ease- Uncomfortable or worried in a situation
222) In a hurry- Hurried, rushed (also: in a rush)
223) In case- In order to be prepared if the meaning is in order to be prepared if
something happens
224) In hand- Under firm control, well managed
225) In like Flynn- To be easily successful, especially when sexual or romantic
226) In no time- Very quickly, rapidly
227) In the bag- To have something secured
228) In the buff- Nude
229) In the heat of the moment- Overwhelmed by what is happening in the
moment
230) In the long run- Eventually, after a long period of time
231) In the worst way- Very much, greatly
232) In time to- Before the time necessary to do something
233) In touch- Having contact
234) In vain- Useless, without the desired result
235) In your face- An aggressive and bold confrontation
236) Ins and outs- Full detail
237) Inside out- With the inside facing the outside
238) Intents and purposes- Practically
239) It figures- It seems likely, reasonable, or typical
240) It takes two to tango- A two person conflict where both people are at fault
241) It‟s a small world- You frequently see the same people in different places
242) It anyone‟s call- A competition where the outcome is difficult to judge or
predict
243) Ivory tower- Imaginary world
244) Ivy league- Since 1954 the Ivy league has been the following universities:
Columbia, Brown, Cornell
245) Jaywalk- Crossing the street (from the middle) without using the crosswalk
246) Joshing me- Tricking me
247) Keep an eye on him- You should carefully watch him. Keep an eye on
248) Keep body and soul together- To earn a sufficient amount of money in order
to keep yourself alive
249) Keep your chin up- To remain joyful in a tough situation
250) Kick the bucket- Die
251) Kith and kin- Blood relatives
252) Kitty-corner- Diagonally across. Sometimes called Catty- Corner as well
253) Knock on Wood- Knuckle tapping on wood in order to avoid some bad luck
254) Know the ropes- To understand the details
255) Last but not least- An introduction phrase to let the audience know that the
last person mentioned is also very important
256) Last straw- The final event in a series of unacceptable actions
257) Latin and Greek- Unable to understand
258) Leave no stone unturned- Make all possible efforts
259) Lend me your ear- To politely ask for someone‘s full attention
260) Length and breadth- All over
261) Let along- and certainly not (also: not to mention, to say nothing of)
262) Let the cat out of the bag- To share a secret that wasn‘t suppose to be
shared
263) Level playing field- A fair competition where no side has an advantage
264) Life and soul- Main support
265) Like a chicken and its head cut off- To act in a frenzied manner
266) Liquor someone up- To get someone drunk
267) Little by little- Gradually, slowly (also: step by step)
268) Live-wire- Energetic
269) Loaves and fish- Material interests
270) Lock and key- In safe place
271) Long in the tooth- Old people (or horses)
272) Loose cannon- Someone who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not
kept in check
273) Make no bones about- To state a fact so there are no doubts or objections
274) Method to my madness- Strange or crazy actions that appear meaningless
but in the end are done for a good reason
275) Might and main- With all enthusiasm
276) Milk and water- Weak
277) More or less- Approximately, almost, somewhat, to a certain degree
278) Mumbo Jumbo- Nonsense or meaningless speech
280) Mum‟s the word- To keep quiet, To say nothing
280) Narrow-minded- Not willing to accept the ideas of others

CHAPTER 16

1) BRING DOWN THE HOUSE

Receive applause
Usage: Though it was his maiden speech, he brought down the house because of
his oratory skill.

2) CURRY FAVOR WITH

Win favor of somebody
Usage: Anita gave a lot of costly presents to her science teacher to curry favor with
her.
 3) CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK
Resembling one's parents in habit
Usage: Agnes is quite helpful like her father, so she is a chip of the old block.

4) GRID UP THE LIONS

To prepare for hard work
Usage: Indians must grid up the loins to face any foreign attack on their country.

5) SPICK AND SPAN

In order
Usage: Her house looked spick and span because everything was in its place.

6) SHOT IN THE ARM

Something that has a sudden and positive effect on something, providing
encouragement and new activity.
Usage: Knowledge of martial arts was a short in the arms for the new army
recruits.

7) EGG SOMEONE ON
To encourage someone to do something, esp, something unwise or bad
Usage: Shewta was egging him on to fight.

CHAPTER 17

Phrases Meaning
1. Achilles‟ heels - A small but fatal weakness
2. Add fuel on fire - To make a matter worse
3. An axe to grind - Something done for selfish reasons
4. An old flame - A person, one had a romantic relationship relationship
with, in the past
5. Bad blood - Enmity/ bitter relations
6. Bear the brunt of - To bear the main part of something unpleasant
7. Big gun - An influential person
8. Bird of passage - One who comes occasionally
9. Castles in the air - Day dream/ a hope or desire unlikely to be realized
10. Chicken hearted - Lacking courage/ cowardly
11. Cry for the moon -To desire the unattainable
12. Cut a sorry figure- To give a poor show
13. Dance to one‟s tune - Obeying one‘s order
14. Dark horse - One who wins unexpectedly
15. Democle‟s sword - Constant threat
16. Dead letter - A law or ordinance that is no longer enforced
17. Eat humble pie - To apologize
18. Eats one‟s words - Take a statement back
19. Elbow room - Sufficient scope to move or function
20. Escape one‟s lips - Speak unintentionally or unexpectedly
21. Fair and square - In an honest way
22. Fair sex - Women
23. Feather in the cap - Additional success
24. Fish out of water- Out of one‘s usual and comfortable place
25. Get away with- To escape
26. Get down to- To attend to work seriously
27. Get into hot water- Get into trouble
28. Green room- A lounge in a theatre or studio for the performers to get
ready
29. Hang by a thread- Be in a risky situation
30. Hard nut to crack- A difficult problem to solve/ A person difficult to
understand
31. Have one‟s way- The way one wants
32. Have several irons in the fire - To be involved in many projects or
activities at the same time
33. High living - Living with comfort and ease
34. Hit the jackpot - Gaining a big/ great success (specially by luck)
35. In full swing - At the height of activity
36. In the long run- Ultimately
37. Iron hand/ Iron fist - Rigorous control
38. Jump to a conclusion - To come to a conclusion prematurely
39. Kangaroo court - An illegal court
40. Keep one‟s finger crosses - To wait expectantly
41. Keep the ball rollin g- To maintain the progress of a project or plan
42. Kith and kin- Blood relations
43. Lady‟s man- A man who is fond of the company of women
44. Left-handed compliment- An insult disguised as a compliment
45. Look off colours- Look ill or unhealthy
46. Lump in the throat- A tight or uncomfortable feeling in throat due to
emotions
47. Maiden speech- First speech
48. Make a hash- To mess up
49. Make the best of both the worlds- Getting benefited from both the
sides
50. Make up one‟s mind- To decide
51. Narrow escape/ Close shave - To escape by a little margin
52. Nine day‟s wonder- Something that arouses great interest but for a
very short period
53. Nip in the bud - To put on end to something in its initial stage
54. Null and void- Ineffective
55. Oily tongue- Flattering words
56. On one‟s guard- Vigilant
57. Once for all- For the last time/ conclusively
58. Open question- A question which may have more than one answer
59. Pandora‟s box- A source of extensive but unforeseen troubles
60. Past master- An expert
61. Play ducks and drakes- To waste money
62. Play second fiddle- To be at a subordinate position
63. Queer fish- Strange person
64. Rainy day- Future time of need, especially financial need
65. Read between the lines- To understand the hidden meaning
66. Red handed- Exactly while committing a crime or doing something
wrong
67. Red tapism- Strict adherence to excessive paper work and official
formalities
68. Royal road- An easy or direct way of achieving a desired result
69. See through- Comprehend/ understand
70. Set one‟s face against- To oppose with determination
71. Set one‟s heart on- To have as one‘s ambition to obtain something
72. Shoulder to shoulder- With united effort
73. Take away one‟s breath- To overwhelm with surprise
74. Take by storm- To surprise unexpectedly
75. Take into account- To consider
76. Tooth and nail- Violently
77. Under the nose of- Right in front of someone
78. Under the thumbof- Under the power or influence of
79. Up and doing- Active in work
80. Up one‟s sleeves- An item kept hidden and used whenever required
 81. Uphill task- Difficult task
82. Ups and downs- Good and bad times
83. Weather the storm- Survive by coming out of difficulties
84. Wet blanket- One who spoils the enjoyment
85. White elephant- Expensive but of no use
86. Word for word- In exactly the same word
87. Yeomen‟s service- Excellent work

CAHPTER 18
Idioms are phrases or combination of words which have a certain meaning as per
common use. Idioms are muhavras, only in English!
Here are some popular ones for some light reading.
Adding insult to injury
Or, ‗jale pe namak‘! Means to add to a person‘s loss or misery.
Back to the drawing board
To start all over again when an initial plan fails.

Ball is in your court

Now it is up to you to decide what you want to do!

Barking up the wrong tree

Looking in the wrong place.

Best of both worlds

Having or wanting to take advantage of two different opportunities.

Bite off more than you can chew

Doing or undertaking to do more than one‘s capacity.

Burn the midnight oil

To work/ study late in the night.

Caught between two stools

A situation where one finds needs to choose between two options and has difficulty
in deciding.

Costs an arm and a leg

Extremely expensive. ‗The swiss watch would cost me an arm and leg!‘

Cross that bridge when you come to it

 To deal with a problem or situation when such a problem or situation actually
arises.

Curiosity killed the cat

Sometimes, curiosity, that is the thirst to know what one shouldn‘t know – can land
you in trouble!

Cut corners
Anything not up to the mark in quality because cost saving was the main motive.
‗The dining table had one leg balanced on a piece of wood, because dad was cutting
corners!‘

Donkey‟s years
Doing something for many years without any considerable progress.
Don't count your chickens before the eggs have hatched
Basically means not to be too optimistic! i.e., not to take decisions or make plans
without a considerable certainty of the future.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Because if the basket falls then all the eggs will get destroyed! As in, don‘t keep all
your life‘s plans or any other plans/ decisions geared to one thing – keep them
varied – so lesser chance of total failure!

Drastic times call for drastic measures

Like when the Pandavas had had enough – they went to war! Thus, in extreme
cases – one needs extreme measures to counter a situation.

Every cloud has a silver lining

It basically means – be optimistic in the pace of adversity – even though things are
dark and gloomy now – the clouds will shift some day or another!

Feeling a bit under the weather

Means – feeling sick! Simple as that!

Give the benefit of the doubt

Is it correct to judge a person or a situation to be wrong where there is no absolute
proof that they are wrong? NO! Hence, give them the benefit of doubt(you have a
doubt whether they are wrong or right) and consider them to be right until proven
wrong!

Hear it on the grapevine

As in receiving any information from the gossip circle! So, when you join any office
don‘t form your views on what you hear on the grapevine! Your boss might actually
be a good person!
Hit the nail on the head
To be exactly – correct!

In the heat of the moment

You just end up doing without really thinking what you are doing or what the
consequences might be. ‗I hit the accelerator instead of the brake in the heat of the
moment; thank God I only hit the wall.‘

It takes two to tango

Tango is a dance form, originating in South America – and it requires two people to
do that particular dance. Also the phrase means – sometimes some deed (either
good or bad) is done by not one but compulsorily two people. Like – ‗Off course Bill
Clinton is and was enormously famous as a politician during his time – but it takes
two to tango – his wife Hillary Clinton, who was also a respectable politician in her
own rights, added her own persona to his public appearance.‘

Keep something at bay

To keep something away – something unpleasant usually!

Kill two birds with one stone

To achieve two goals with a single attempt! Like, say, Abhinav Bindra getting an
Olympic Gold and a World Record with a single try!

Last straw
The very last problem which usually ends up making people lose their patience.
Let the cat out of the bag
To reveal any information which was asked or considered to be kept a secret.
Make a long story short
To bring out the main points leaving all the unimportant things out.
Method to madness
Although things may seem haphazard and cluttered and confused – but there is
actually some method or structure to it. ‗My room may seem untidy and smell of
stale pizzas, but there is method to my madness – I find it relaxing to my hyper
active nerves!‘

Miss the boat

To miss a chance.

Once in a blue moon

To occur very rarely. ‗Once in a blue moon I take my family out for dinner.‘
One track mind
To think in only a particular way or manner.
Penny for your thoughts
 ‗Penny for your thoughts, tell me what you‘re thinking.‘ It literally means asking
someone as to what they are thinking at the moment.
Picture paints a thousand words
A picture says more than words. So photographic evidence is more reliable than
what you hear. Say, we believed Virat Kohli was dating Anushka Sharma when the
photos arrived on E-papers!

Piece of cake
Or, Cake walk – means very easy. Who thought the IBPS PO exam was cake walk?
Or, ‗I thing this article is going to be a piece of cake for me‘!

Put wool over other people's eyes

To dupe or to cheat someone.

See eye to eye

To mutually agree on something.

Sit on the fence

Again undecided and confused or wants to take time to decide.
Speak of the devil
Aha! ‗Shaitaan ka naam lo and shaitaan…haazir.‘
Spilling the beans
To let out a secret.

Steal someone's thunder

Never steal anyone‘s thunder; i.e., never take credit of other‘s work.

Take with a grain of salt

To take things not too seriously. C‘mon lighten up!

Taste of your own medicine

To experience what you meet out to others. The teachers who give physical
punishments to students must be given their own medicines.

To hear something straight from the horse's mouth

To hear something from the real person – the person who‘s actually spreading the
word – so that you‘ll be sure that it is true.

When pigs fly

A situation which is expected to never happen. ‗I‘ll buy you a BMW when pigs fly!‘

Whole nine yards

Like the saree – the whole thing – everything.
Everything. All of it.
Your guess is as good as mine
Always, never underestimate or overestimate yourself – even when you‘re in doubt!
Thus the person next you probably knows as much as you do! Hence, ‗I don‘t know
what is the real deal with the Vadra case, your guess is as good as mine.‘

CHAPTER 19

1: ZERO IN ON
Meaning: to direct all your attention to one thing , If you zero in a weapon, you
aim it directly at something you want to hit:
Example: ‗This was not the first time . he had come to meet his wife on two
occasions earlier, and he followed the same pattern and time .It was easy for the
police to zero in on him.‘ Said the official.

2: HOLED UP
Meaning: to take shelter somewhere , to hide somewhere.
Example: Soldiers seen at the house at Hakripora in Pluwara district ,where the
militants were holed up, on Tuesday.
The robbers were holed up in a deserted warehouse.

3: LIVE SOMETHING DOWN

Meaning: to make people forget that you made a big mistake or did something
very embarrassing in the past:
Example: Having mishandled NEET is one failure that the Tamilnadu government
will struggle to live down

4: MUSIC TO THE EARS

Meaning: a welcome sound to someone; news that someone is pleased to hear
Example: The winter session of 2016 hit a low point of 16%.It is
shameful.Taxation bills, as significant as Aadhaar , were passed within two weeks
without being referred toa commitmee‘ he said. The reference to the ‗hurried‘
passage of Aadhaar, however ,may not be music to the government‘s ears.
 5: LAVISH SOMETHING ON SOMEONE
Meaning: to give someone a lot, or too much, of something such as money,
presents, or attention:
Example: MR.Trump lavished praise on Gen.Kelly after he was sworn in , but that
may not necessarily guarantee anything in the long term.

6: WOUND UP
Meaning: brought to a state of great tension
Example: A former India captain ,who served the squad as its team director just
a year bach , Shastri steps into the shoes of Anil kumble , whose manner of exit
showed the BCCI and Skipper Virat Kohli in poor light .Shastri spoke to the media
at the Sinhalese sports club on Tuesday and just as he wound up, it was time for
him to bond with Sri lankan‘s eternal fan.

7: STEP INTOSOMEONE‟S SHOES

Meaning: to take on a particular role or task that someone else has been doing
Example: A former India captain ,who served the squad as its team director just a
year bach , Shastri steps into the shoes of Anil kumble , whose manner of exit
showed the BCCI and Skipper Virat Kohli in poor light .Shastri spoke to the media
at the Sinhalese sports club on Tuesday and just as he wound up, it was time for
him to bond with Sri lankan‘s eternal fan.

8: SERVED UP
Meaning: to offer something
Example: Serena Williams served up a rallying cry for equal pay for black women ,
decrying that they would have to work on average eight months longer to earn the
same as male counterparts in one year

9: CHIP ON ONE‟S SHOULDER

Meaning: an angry attitude from someone who feels unfairly treated:
Example: She‘s not going to make any friends if she walks around with a chip on
her shoulder like that.

CAHPTER 20
 1: BUCK THE ODDS
Meaning: To buck the odds means to go against the odds. Despite the odds not
being in your favour, you still won.
Example: Given the manner she has been bucking the odds, nothing seems
impossible for the brave Jyotika far far away from the glitz-laden metros.

2: BREAK THROUGH
Meaning: If you break through, you achieve success even though there are
difficulties and obstacles.
Example: Indeed , the shy Jyothika has a heart larger than her small frame.Given
her background and modest means, she has been breaking through barriers.

3: MISS THE CUT

Meaning: (golf)to achieve a greater score after the first two rounds of a strokeplay
tournament than that required to play in the remaining two rounds
Example: He arrives here after having missed the cut at the Irish and scottish
opens , but then he was in similarly wretched form before the secured the Indian
open in March

4: RULE OUT
Meaning: to stop considering something as a possibility
Example: Mr.Tillerson did not rule out a military strike against North Korea in
remarks that were overall not strident at the state department

5: CUT TO THE SIZE

Meaning: to make someone or something less important or detailed
Example: Has Digvijaya Singh been cut to size?

6: SCRAPE THROUGH
Meaning: to move through something, scraping or rubbing the sides, to get by
something just barely; to pass a test just barely.
Example: The car, going at a very high speed, scraped through the tunnel. It just
managed to scrape through
Alice passed the test, but she just scraped through it. I just scraped through my
calculus test.
 7: KNOCK ON THE DOOR OF
Meaning: to be very close to achieving
Example: The Income – tax raids on the premises of Energy Minister
D.K.Shivakumar and his close aides have sent shock waves among leaders of the
ruling congress in Karnataka, with apprehensions of taxmen soon knocking on their
doors.

8: PULLED OUT
Meaning: withdraw from an undertaking.
Example:: While the Jaiprakash Associates led consortium, including IBM and
Israel‘s tower semiconductor, had pulled out in March last year, things were not
moving ahead for the consortium led by HSMC Technologies, according to the
sources

9: ON A KNIFE‟S EDGE
Meaning: if a person or organization is on a knife-edge, they are in a difficult
situation and are worried about what will happen in the future
Example: She's been living on a knife-edge since her ex-husband was released
from prison last month. The theatre is on a financial knife-edge and must sell 75%
of its seats every night to survive.

10: HINGED ON
Meaning: to depend on someone or something; to depend on what someone or
something does
Example: The Monetary Policy Committee‘s majority decision hinged on the
observation that some ―upside risks to inflation have either reduced or not
materialized ―

CAHPTER 21

1: HUSH UP
Meaning: to keep something a secret; to try to stop a rumour from spreading.
Example: Centre attempting to hush up incident , alleges Congress
There was some financial scandal involving one of the ministers but it was all
hushed up.

2: TO KEEP ITS FLOCK TOGETHER

Meaning: to gather together in great numbers.
Example: Gujarat MLAs , who were flown to Bengaluru 10 days ago s part of the
party‘s desperate move to keep its flock together amid several defections .returned
to Gujarat only to be taken to another resort in Anand, 70 km from Ahmedabad

3: IN THE DOCK
Meaning: On trial or under intense scrutiny.
Example : Under attack fro diluting the case of alleged stalking and attempted
kidnap of a young woman on Friday night by Vikas Barala , son of the Haryana
state BJP president Subahsh barala and his Ashish , the Chandigarh police on
Monday fount itself again in the dock after it was reported that CCTV footage from
at least five locations was missing as the cameras were non-functional.

4: HOVER OVER
Meaning: to stay close to someone or something, waiting, ready to advise or
interfere.
Example :Please don't hover over me, watching what I am doing. I have to hover
over this project or someone will mess it up.

5: BROUGHT UP
Meaning: to start discussing a subject
Example: Mr. Sonowal brought up the idea when he called on the president on
Saturday.

6: CALL ON SOMEONE
Meaning: to visit someone, usually for a short time ,
Example: Mr. Sonowal brought up the idea when he called on the president on
Saturday

7: BEAT SOMEONE DOWN

Meaning: to defeat or demoralize someone.
Example :Samir Singh got to within 36 km of his goal of running 10000km I n100
days when pain and exhaustion beat him down

8: KEEP/ HAVE YOUR TAIL UP

Meaning: If someone has their tail up, they are optimistic and expect to be
successful.
Example: The Indian team keeps their tail up for the upcoming match

9: BOXED INTO A CORNER

Meaning: To create a predicament or unpleasant situation for oneself whereby there
are no or very few favourable solutions or outcomes
Example : This is not the first time that Jadeja has found himself boxed into a
corner.

10: MAP OUT

Meaning:: to decide in detail how something will be done
Example: He was plagued by Gstro-intestinal infections and contracted viral fever
but has run 9964.19 kms in 100 days , said Vikram Bhatti , who handled Mr.Singhs‘
campaign, Mr.singh wants to rest and map out a new challenge this time over
40000kms

11: CLOSING RANKS

Meaning : to join with someone in a cause, or agreement.
Example: Jordan‘s king Abdullah visited the west bank on Monday – a signal to
Israel that he is closing ranks with the Palestinians on key issues .

CAHPTER 22

1: A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK

Meaning: someone who resembles their parent in character or appearance
Example: Meher has a very little patience-a chip off the old block.

2: TO THROW UP THE SPONGE/THROW IN THE TOWEL

Meaning: to stop trying to do something because you know that you cannot
succeed
Example: Three of the original five candidates have now thrown in the towel.

3: CRY DOWN
Meaning: to belittle; disparage, to silence by making a greater noise
Example: Men of dissolute lives cry down religion because they would not be under
the restraints

4: TAKE ON
Meaning: become very upset, fight against someone
Example: After a delay in counting, the Election commission announced the names
of the winners, while the fourth candidate Balwantsinh Rajput of the BJP, who
resigned as Congress leader to take on Mr.patel lost the contest that became a
tightrope walk for Congress president Sonia Gandhi

5: TIGHTROPE WALK
Meaning: to be in a situation where one must be very cautious.
Example: After a delay in counting, the Election commission announced the names
of the winners, while the fourth candidate Balwantsinh Rajput of the BJP, who
resigned as Congress leader to take on Mr.patel lost the contest that became a
tightrope walk for Congress president Sonia Gandhi

6: PASSED HIMSELF OFF

Meaning: pretend to be
Example: He passed himself off as a great and rich man

7: SPICK AND SPAN

Meaning: neat, clean, and well looked after.
Example: She keeps her house spick and span

8: TO TAKE THE CALL ON

Meaning: make a decision or a judgment
Example: The supreme court Bench denied any relief to petitioner and advocate,
saying that it was for the government to take the call on such issues.

9: RAMP UP
Meaning: to increase the amount or size of something
Example: The maker of iconic products like the iPhone and the Mac is looking at a
multi pronged strategy to ramp up its presence in one of the fastest growing
markets in the world.

10: SCALING UP
Meaning: to make something larger in size, amount etc than it used to be
Example: This includes scaling up its manufacturing, developing localized features
on its OS, setting up self-owned retail outlets and creating an ecosystem for
developers to shift from android to the ios platform

11: NARROWING DOWN

Meaning: to reduce the number of possibilities or choices
Example: In this case, for the first time, we were able to identify some key papers
and documents. we also spoke to the banks, gathered CCTV footage and collected
bank officials statements before narrowing down on the person

12: ROPED IN
Meaning: to persuade to take part in some activity or to trick or entice into some
activity
Example: Despite the smashing success of the show elsewhere, and actor Kamal
Haasan being roped in, there were doubts over whether a show that depends on
surveillance and an intrusion on privacy would work in Tamil.

13: NOTCHED UP
Meaning: to win something, or to achieve something
Example: Jones, who notched up 3631 runs in 52 Tests at 46.55, said ―A couple of
law firms approached me later for suing Cricket Australia for ‗dismissal from
service.

14: HELD OFF

Meaning: to stop an opponent from starting to win or lead
Example: In a fantastic race that erupted on the final lap, Kipyegon held off all-
comers, including double-hunting Semenya, down the home straight to clock 4min
02.59sec.

15: BEAR THE BRUNT OF

Meaning: to receive the worst part of something unpleasant or harmful, such as an
attack
Example: Young people are bearing the brunt of unemployment

CAHPTER 23

1: TO KEEP ONE‟S HEAD ABOVE WATER

Meaning: avoid succumbing to difficulties, typically debt.
Example: The business is in trouble, but we are just about keeping our heads above
water.

2: TO CUT THE CRACKLE

Meaning: to stop talking and start
Example: The politicians in India needs to cut the crackle for the benefit of the
masses.

3: A CLARION CALL
Meaning: a strong and clear request for people to do something
Example: In 1942, the clarion call was ‗ Karenge ya marenge ‘ (Do or Die) — today
it is ‗ Karenge aur kar ke rahenge ‘ (We will do and accomplish). These five years
are about Sankalp se siddhi (commitment to fulfilment),‖Modi said

4: AGAINST THE ODDS

Meaning: despite many difficulties
Example: Congress president Sonia Gandhi‘s political secretary Ahmed Patel may
have won a high-stakes Rajya Sabha battle against great odds, but the mystery
about the one extra vote that proved decisive for him still remains amid claims and
counterclaims and speculation.

5: PITCHED AGAINST SOMEONE

Meaning: to make someone fight or compete against someone else
Example: Mr. Patel received a total of 44 votes to win the prestigious fight that saw
him pitched against BJP‘s Amit Shah, known for his election and political strategies.

6: TEEMING DOWN
Meaning: to rain very heavily
Example: It‘s been teeming down all day.

7: SEND SOMEONE TO GLORY

Meaning: to kill someone, to officiate at the burial services for someone
Example: The preacher sent him to glory amidst the sobs of six or seven former
fans.

8: RUN INTO
Meaning: collide with, reach a level
Example: Fourth seed Sindhu could face Hong Kong‘s Ngan Yi Cheung, seeded 13,
for a place in the quarterfinals where she could run into fifth seed Sun Yu.

9: TEES OFF
Meaning: to start the first hole in a game of golf, to begin [doing anything]; to be
the first one to start something, (to tee someone off )
Example: Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy make their bids for golfing history when
the 99th PGA Championship tees off Thursday at Quail Hollow with heavy rain and
storms forecast.

10: BOW OUT

Meaning: to leave a job or stop doing an activity, usually after a long time:
Example: With this win, super Gilies qualified for the knock outs, while tricky
warriors bowed out of tournament
 11: CLAW BACK
Meaning: to get something again that you had lost such as power, especially
gradually and with difficulty
Example: Schwartzman claws back from the brink

12: TUNE UP
Meaning: to prepare for something
Example: Croatia‘s Vekic powered to a 6-3, 6-4 victory, to the disappointment of a
partisan crowd whose support couldn‘t lift Bouchard. She was broken six times by
Vekic, 21, who is in the main draw of this US Open tune-up for the first time.

13: SHOOT OFF

Meaning: to write and send a message quickly
Example: My daughter will shoot off an e-mail before she‘ll sit down and write a
letter.

14. AT THE ELEVENTH HOUR

Meaning: At the last possible moment or opportunity.
Example: Millions of companies in India are still not ready to file their first returns
under the new Goods and Services Tax (GST) ahead of an Aug. 20 deadline, a top
official told Reuters, urging them not to leave things to the eleventh hour

15: CRUNCH UP
Meaning: to break someone or something up into piece
Example: Yet he gave an assurance that the huge IT back end that is designed to
crunch up to 3 billion invoices a month and calculate companies‘ taxes would be
stable, even if there is a last-minute rush to file.