Introduction
- Sentence correction questions evaluate your ability to spot and fix errors in grammar, usage, syntax, and style.
- These questions are common in competitive exams, entrance tests, and job assessments.
- Success in these tests requires a strong understanding of English grammar rules and common errors.
Types of Errors in Sentence Correction
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
- Rule: A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
- Incorrect: The list of items are on the table.
- Correct: The list of items is on the table.
2. Tense Consistency
- Rule: The verb tense must remain consistent unless there's a clear reason for a shift.
- Incorrect: She completed the project and submits it yesterday.
- Correct: She completed the project and submitted it yesterday.
3. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
- Rule: Pronouns must agree in number and gender with their antecedents.
- Incorrect: Each of the boys brought their books.
- Correct: Each of the boys brought his books.
4. Parallelism
- Rule: Items in a list or comparison should follow the same grammatical structure.
- Incorrect: She likes reading, writing, and to swim.
- Correct: She likes reading, writing, and swimming.
5. Misplaced Modifiers
- Rule: Modifiers should be placed next to the word they modify to avoid confusion.
- Incorrect: Driving along the highway, the sunset was beautiful.
- Correct: Driving along the highway, she admired the beautiful sunset.
6. Idiomatic Expressions
- Rule: Certain phrases follow a specific structure in English.
- Incorrect: She is good in mathematics.
- Correct: She is good at mathematics.
7. Redundancy
- Rule: Avoid repeating information unnecessarily.
- Incorrect: He returned back to his home.
- Correct: He returned home.
8. Logical Comparisons
- Rule: Compare similar things.
- Incorrect: The climate of Delhi is better than Mumbai.
- Correct: The climate of Delhi is better than that of Mumbai.
Strategies for Sentence Correction
- Read the Entire Sentence: Understand the context before identifying errors.
- Look for Common Errors: Focus on subject-verb agreement, tense, pronouns, and modifiers.
- Eliminate Options: In multiple-choice questions, discard obviously incorrect answers.
- Check Grammar Rules: Apply basic grammar rules systematically.
- Stay Concise: Prefer the answer that is grammatically correct and concise.
Examples with Explanations
Example 1
Incorrect: She don't like cold weather.
Correct: She doesn't like cold weather.
- Error: Subject-verb agreement.
- Explanation: The singular subject "She" requires "doesn't," not "don't."
Example 2
Incorrect: The team have decided to postpone the match.
Correct: The team has decided to postpone the match.
- Error: Subject-verb agreement.
- Explanation: "Team" is a collective noun and takes the singular verb "has."
Example 3
Incorrect: If I was you, I would apologize.
Correct: If I were you, I would apologize.
- Error: Incorrect conditional mood.
- Explanation: Use "were" for hypothetical situations with "if."
Exercises
Exercise 1
Incorrect: The books in the library is organized by subject.
Your Answer: _______
Exercise 2
Incorrect: He want to go to the park with his friends.
Your Answer: _______
Exercise 3
Incorrect: Running down the street, the backpack fell from his shoulder.
Your Answer: _______
Exercise 4
Incorrect: Each student must bring their own notebook.
Your Answer: _______
Pro Tips
- Practice Regularly: Familiarity with patterns improves your speed and accuracy.
- Review Grammar Rules: Brush up on foundational English grammar.
- Analyze Mistakes: Learn from your errors to avoid repeating them.
- Keep Sentences Concise: Avoid overly complex constructions.
Conclusion
- Sentence correction is a critical skill for English tests and competitive exams.
- By understanding grammar rules and practicing exercises, you can master this section.
- Use this guide as a starting point to identify, analyze, and fix sentence errors.