English Language: Grammar, Usage and Comprehension
English Language
The section tests reading comprehension, grammar and usage, vocabulary in context and sentence structure through error spotting, sentence correction, fillers, cloze tests and para jumbles. Accuracy in a few high-frequency rules earns more than reading speed alone.
Core rules and concepts
- Subject–verb agreement: "one of + plural noun" takes a singular verb; each, every, either and neither are singular; with neither…nor, either…or and not only…but also the verb agrees with the nearer subject.
- Fixed pairs: hardly/scarcely…when; no sooner…than; not only…but also; so…that; lest…should.
- Conditionals: If + past perfect, then would have + past participle.
- Verb + preposition: comply with, consist of, superior to, prefer to, capable of, insist on, abide by.
- Para jumbles: the opener has no pronoun or backward reference and introduces the topic; then follow pronoun chains and connectors such as however, therefore and moreover.
Worked example
"Not only the branch manager but also the clerks ___ present at the audit." The answer is were. With not only…but also the verb follows the nearer subject, "clerks" (plural). Choosing "was" wrongly applies the first subject.
Traps that cost marks
- Applying the nearer-subject rule to "as well as": there the verb follows the first subject ("The manager, as well as the clerks, was present").
- Picking an option because it sounds formal rather than checking the preposition or pair.
- In reading comprehension, choosing an option that is generally true but not stated in the passage.
- Confusing affect (verb) with effect (noun), principal with principle, complement with compliment.