Error Detection

English Language and Comprehension 257

Chapter 22

Error Detection
Introduction
We are prone to commit mistakes. It is because of
our ignorance of the fundamental rules of grammar
and curre nt usage . On occasions e ve n the
knowledgeable, in their weaker moments. It is in fact
slippery spot which demands of us a cautious approach.
The following are some of the mistakes commonly
made in the use of English language. You will do well
to study them together with the clear explanations of
how to correct these errors.
1. One of my friends are a doctor. (Incorrect)
One of my friends is a doctor. (Correct)

Explanation
One of is followed by a plural noun phrase. It
means one of them. It takes a singular verb because
the subject is one.
2. (a) I dont know nothing about him. (Incorrect)
I dont know anything about him. (Correct)
(b) I couldnt find him nowhere. (Incorrect)
I couldnt find him anywhere. (Correct)
(c) He doe s not want no ne of that cake .
(Incorrect)
He does not want any of that cake. (Correct)
Explanation:
The use of two negatives to express a single
negative idea is wrong. Two negatives lead to a positive
meaning. One negative word should, therefore, be used
for the expression of a negative idea.
3. (a) I always like to closely ex amine e ve ry
proposal. (Incorrect)
I always like to ex amine closely e ve ry
proposal. (Correct)
(b) He plans to hurriedly complete this work.
(Incorrect)
He plans to complete this work hurriedly.
(Correct)

Explanation:
The subjunctive mood is use d in English
specifically in two situations: (i) with the expression
of a wish and (ii) to express a condition contrary to
actual fact. The present subjunctive is conjugated as
follows: I were; We were; You were; He were; They
were.
5. (a) He is working hard with a view to win this
match. (Incorrect)
He is working hard with a view to winning
this match. (Correct)
(b) I look forward to meet my old friend next
month. (Incorrect)
I look forward to meeting my old friend next
month. (Correct)
Explanation:
The verb that follows the phrase with a view to or
look forward to is to be always in the -ing form.
with a view to V1 (ing) + ......
look forward to + V1 (ing) + ......
6. (a) He prides on his wealth. (Incorrect)
He prides himself on his wealth. (Correct)
(b) She absented from her class. (Incorrect)
She ab sent ed her self from he r class.
(Correct)
(c) I availed of this opportunity. (Incorrect)
I availed mysel f of this op portunity.
(Correct)
(d) I enjoyed during the holidays. (Incorrect)
I enj oyed mysel f during the holidays.
(Correct)
Or, I enjoyed the holidays. (Correct)
(e) He resigned to the will of God. (Incorrect)
He resigned himself to the will of God.
(Correct)

K KUNDAN

Explanation:
Both the sentences are examples of split infinitive.
The infinitive is the to form of the verb, for example,
to sing, to dance, to finish. If a word is placed
between the two words (eg, to closely examine), the
infinitive is said to be split. Such splittings are to
be avoided.
4. (a) I wish I was as tall as my father. (Incorrect)
I wish I were as tall as my father. (Correct)
(b) If he was alive he would help me. (Incorrect)
If he were alive he would help me. (Correct)

Explanation:
When verbs like absent, apply, acquit, enjoy, overreach, resign, and pride are used reflectively (that is,
when the subject of the verb is also the receiver of
the action, the action is reflected) a reflexive pronoun
(Imyself; youyourself; Weourselves; The y
themselves; Hehimself; Sheherself; Oneoneself)
is used after it.
7. (a) I cut me shaving this morning. (Incorrect)
I cut myself shaving this morning. (Correct)
(b) We got out of the swimming pool and dried
us. (Incorrect)
We got out of the swimming pool and dried
ourselves. (Correct)

258 English Language and Comprehension

Explanation:
When the same person is the subject and the
object, it is necessary to use the reflexive pronouns:
myself, yourself, herself, himself, itself, ourselves,
themselves, oneself.
8. (a) I, you and he are neighbours. (Incorrect)
You, he and I are neighbours. (Correct)
(b) You, they and we must work togethe r.
(Incorrect)
We, you and they must work toge ther.
(Correct)
Explanation:
When first, second and third person singular
pronouns (I, You and He) are used together, they are
placed in this order: Second person (You), third person
(he) and then first person (I). In the case of plural
pronouns we comes first, then you and then they.
9. (a) I have read Shakespeares works who was a
great dramatist (Incorrect)
I have read the works of shakespeare who
was a great dramatist. (Correct)
(b) Ravis dog who was my frie nd has died.
(Incorrect)
The dog of Ravi, who is my friend, has died.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Relative pronoun should be placed as close to its
antecedent as possible.
10. (a) Let he do whatever he likes to do. (Incorrect)
Let him do whatever he likes to do (Correct)
(b) Let you and I solve this riddle. (Incorrect)
Let you and me solve this riddle. (Correct)

Error Detection
Explanation:
When a pronoun is the object of a verb or a
preposition it should be in objective case.
12. (a) He is taller then me. (Incorrect)
He is taller than I (am). (Correct)
(b) I love you more than him. (Incorrect)
I love you more than he (loves you). (Correct)
(c) I love you more than he (Incorrect)
I love you more than (I love) him. (Correct)
Explanation:
The case of the pronoun following than and as is
decided by mentally supplying the verb and completing
the sentence.
13. (a) The Climate of Patna is better than Delhi.
(Incorrect)
The Climate of Patna is better than that of
Delhi (Correct)
(b) The roads of Delhi are wider than Mumbai.
(Incorrect)
The roads of Delhi are wider than those of
Mumbai. (Correct)
Explanation:
The objects of comparison are the climate of Patna
and the climate of Delhi; the roads of Delhi and the
roads of Patna. To avoid the repetition of a noun in a
sentence we use that for singular noun and those
for plural noun.
14. (a) One of them has already given up ones
studies. (Incorrect)
One of them has already given up his studies.
(Correct)
(b) One should not waste his time. (Incorrect)
One should not waste ones time. (Correct)

K KUNDAN
Explanation:
Pronouns following Let must be in the objective
case, and not in the nominative case.
Always keep in mind these forms of Personal
Pronouns:

When the pronoun is the subject of a sentence,

the nominative case is used. When the pronoun is
the object of a sentence, the objective case is used.
And whe n the pronoun shows posse ssion, the
possessive case is used.
11. (a) These books are for you and I. (Incorrect)
These books are for you and me. (Correct)
(b) Between he and I there is an understanding.
(Incorrect)
Between him and me there is an understanding. (Correct)

Explanation:
When one means one in number, the pronoun for
it is third person singular pronoun (he, she, it). The
possessive formed from them can be his or her or its.
In the first sentence the meaning is one taken out of
them. Hence the possessive should be his. In the
second sentence One is an indefinite pronoun,
meaning anyone. The possessive of one is ones.
Hence the use of ones in place of his.
15. (a) Eithe r the Chief Minister or his Cabinet
colleagues have submitted his resignation.
(Incorrect)
Eithe r the Chief Ministe r or his cabine t
colleagues have submitted their resignation.
(Correct)
(b) Neither the officer nor the clerks could get
his salary. (Incorrect)
Neither the officer nor the clerks could get
their salary. (Correct)
Explanation:
Whe n two nouns joine d by Either....or or
Neither....nor differ in number, the pronoun must
agree with the plural noun which comes after or/
nor.

Error Detection
16.

(a) The mother and the daughter love one

another. (Incorrect)
The mother and the daughter love each
other. (Correct)
(b) Those thre e boys love each o ther.
(Incorrect)
Those thre e boys love on e an other.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Each other is used in speaking of two persons or
things, one another in speaking of more than two.
17. (a) Neither of the three boys came. (Incorrect)
None of the three boys came. (Correct)
(b) None of the two boys came. (Incorrect)
Neither of the two boys came. (Correct)
(c) Either of the four boys has done this work.
(Incorrect)
Anyone of the four boys has done this work.
(Correct)
(d) Anyone of the two candidates is fit for this
post. (Incorrect)
Either of the two candidates is fit for this
post. (Correct)
Explanation:
Either or Neither is used in reference to two only.
Anyone or None is used for more than two.
18. (a) Each boy and each girl was in their best
dress. (Incorrect)
Each boy and each girl was in her best dress.
(Correct)
(b) Every soldier and every sailor is in their
place. (Incorrect)
Every soldier and every sailor is in his
place. (Correct)
(c) Every night and every day brings their own
responsibility. (Incorrect)
Every night and every day brings its own
responsibility. (Correct)
Explanation:
When two singular nouns are joined by and and
preceded by each or every, the pronoun is always
singular.
19. (a) It is not such a good book which I expected.
(Incorrect)
It is not such a good book as I expected.
(Correct)
(b) This is the same be ggar who came
yesterday. (Incorrect)
This the same beggar that came yesterday.
(Correct)
(c) My problem is the same which yours.
(Incorrect)
My problem is the same as yours. (Correct)
Explanation:
The relative pronoun as or that should be used
after same or such. Never use who or which after
same or such.
20. (a) He is mor e wis er than his brothe r.
(Incorrect)
He is wiser than his brother. (Correct)

English Language and Comprehension 259

(b) He is the most wisest of all. (Incorrect)
He is the wisest of all. (Correct)
Explanation:
Double comparatives and double superlatives must
not be used.
21. (a) He is more wiser than brave. (Incorrect)
He is more wise than brave. (Correct)
(b) He is the more intelligent and wiser than
his brother. (Incorrect)
He is wiser and more intelligent than his
brother. (Correct)
Explanation:
When two adjectives in the comparative or the
superlative degree are used together, the one formed
by adding more or most must follow the other
adjective.
22. (a) You are wiser than old. (Incorrect)
You are more wise than old. (Correct)
(b) He is braver than wise. (Incorrect)
He is more brave than wise. (Correct)
Explanation:
When we compare two qualities in the same
person or thing, the comparative ending er is not
used. In all such cases we should use more before
the adjective.
23. (a) He is as wise, if not wiser than his brother.
(Incorrect)
He is as wise as, if not wiser than his
brother. (Correct)
(b) This book is as good, if not better than that
book. (Incorrect)
This book is as good as, if not better than
that book. (Correct)
Explanation:
When two adjectives with differing degrees of
comparison are used they should be complete in
themselves. We should complete the first comparison
before taking up the second.
24. (a) It is the best of the two books. (Incorrect)
It is the better of the two books. (Correct)
(b) He is the bett er of the thre e boys.
(Incorrect)
He is the best of the three boys. (Correct)
(c) Which is the bes t; bre ad or butte r?
(Incorrect)
Which is better; bread or butter? (Correct)
(d) Which is betterbread, butter or fruit?
(Incorrect)
Which is the bestbread, butter or fruit?
(Correct)
(e) Out of these two watches this is the best.
(Incorrect)
Out of these two watches this is better.
(Correct)
Explanation:
We should use comparative degree in comparing
two things or persons and the superlative degree in
comparing more than two things or persons.

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260 English Language and Comprehension

25.

(a) There are no less than twenty boys in this

class. (Incorrect)
There are no fewer than twenty boys in this
class. (Correct)
(b) He takes no fewer than one kilo of milk.
(Incorrect)
He takes no less than one kilo of milk.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Less refers to quantity only, whereas fewer
de note s numbe r. One is use d in the case of
uncountable things and the other in the case of
countable things; asfewer people, fewer houses, fewer
boxes but less milk, less sunshine, less rice.
26. (a) It is a ten-miles walk. (Incorrect)
It is a ten-mile walk. (Correct)
(b) It is a four-men committee. (Incorrect)
It is a four-man committee. (Correct)
(c) It is a two-hours journey. (Incorrect)
It is a two-hour journey. (Correct)
Explanation:
When expressions of measurement, amount and
quantity are used as adjectives, they are usually
singular. The noun occurring after the hyphen is always
singular notwithstanding the fact that the preceding
word indicates plurality.
27. (a) It took us one and a half hour. (Incorrect)
It took us one and a half hours. (Correct)
(b) This box weighs one and a half pound.
(Incorrect)
This box weighs one and a half pounds.
(Correct)
(c) It is 1.5 millimetre in length. (Incorrect)
It is 1.5 millimetres in length. (Correct)
Explanation:
Plural nouns are used with fraction and decimal
over 1.
28. (a) Kapil is better than any bowler. (Incorrect)
Kapil is better than any other bowler.
(Correct)
(b) He is better than any student. (Incorrect)
He is be tter than any other stude nt.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Whe n comparative de gre e is use d in the
superlative sense it is followed by any other and not
by any.
29. (a) He is senior than me. (Incorrect)
He is senior to me. (Correct)
(b) I am junior than him. (Incorrect)
I am junior to him. (Correct)
(c) This book is supe rior than that book.
(Incorrect)
This book is supe rior to that book.
(Correct)
(d) That book is infe rior than this book.
(Incorrect)
That book is inferior to this book. (Correct)

Error Detection
Explanation:
The comparative adjectives, senior, junior, superior,
inferior, posterior, anterior, prior are followed by to
instead of than.
30. (a) It is the most unique book. (Incorrect)
It is a unique book. (Correct)
(b) It is the most ideal place. (Incorrect)
It is an ideal place. (Correct)
(c) It is the most perfect answer. (Incorrect)
It is a perfect answer. (Correct)
Explanation:
Some adjectives are not compared because they
denote meanings which do not admit of variation of
degree or qualities already possessed by them to the
utmost possible extent. Such adjectives are: unique,
ideal, perfect, extreme, chief, complete, round, square,
universal, impossible, golden, infinite, perpetual.
31. (a) The higher you go, the cool you feel.
(Incorrect)
The higher you go the cooler you feel.
(Correct)
The older you get, the wise you grow.
(Incorrect)
The older you get, the wiser you grow.
(Correct)
Explanation:
When two changes happen together, that is, there
is parallel increase, it is expressed by: the + comparative
degree + the + comparative degree.
32. (a) He r house is be tte r than m y on e.
(Incorrect)
Her house is better than mine. (Correct)
(b) His motor car is more expensive than Ravis
one. (Incorrect)
His motor car is more expe nsive than
Ravis. (Correct)
Explanation:
We cannot use one or ones immediately after a
genitive or possessive adjective. If these words are
preceded by an adjective, however, they can come after
a genitive or a possessive adjective. For example,
Her new house is better than my old one.
My old watch, is in better condition than his
new one.
33. (a) The Victoria Memorial is a worth seeing
building. (Incorrect)
The Victoria Memorial is a building worth
seeing. (Correct)
(b) This is a worth seeing sight. (Incorrect)
That is a sight worth seeing. (Correct)
Explanation:
A compound adjective is sometimes formed by the
combination of worth with some participle. It is placed
after the noun it qualifies.
34. (a) Have they heard the last news? (Incorrect)
Have they heard the latest news? (Correct)
(b) His last nove l is be ing published next
month. (Incorrect)

K KUNDAN

Error Detection
His latest novel is being published next
month. (Correct)
(c) Edward II was Marlowes latest play.
(Incorrect)
Edwad II was Marlowe s last play.
(Correct)
Explanation:
We use latest for things which are new. But last
means either before this one or at the end of a series.
35. (a) I am looking forward to his nearest visit.
(Incorrect)
I am looking forward to his next visit.
(Correct)
(b) Excuse me . Where s the nex t railway
station? (Incorrect)
Excuse me. Wheres the nearest railway
station? (Correct)
Explanation:
We usually use next for time. It means nearest in
the future. It is generally used when we think of things
coming one after another in a series. Nearest is used
for place. It means most near or closest.
36. (a) There are not some books on the table.
(Incorrect)
There are not any books on the table.
(Correct)
(b) Has he brought some books? (Incorrect)
Has he brought any books? (Correct)
Explanation:
Some is usually used in affirmative clauses
whereas any is used in questions and negative. We
can use some in questions if we expect an affirmative
answer, or when we want to encourage people to say
yes. For example,
Would you like some more potato chips?
Could I have some ripe mangoes, please?
37. (a) He is not as tall as his brother. (Incorrect)
He is not as tall as his brother is. (Correct)
(b) She is richer than you are. (Incorrect)
She is richer than you. (Correct)
Explanation:
When than or as is followed by third person
pronoun, the verb is repeated. But the verb is omitted
if than or as is followed by first and second person.
38. (a) He is my older brother. (Incorrect)
He is my elder brother (Correct)
(b) She is my oldest sister. (Incorrect)
She is my eldest sister. (Correct)
(c) He is the eldest man of this place .
(Incorrect)
He is the oldest man of this place .
(Correct)
Explanation:
The words elder and eldest are u se d for
comparing the members of the family. They are often
used before words brother, sister, son, daughter,
grandson, granddaughter. Older and oldest are used
with regard to age and in connection with human family
relationship.

English Language and Comprehension 261

39.

(a) Few politician can be relied on. (Incorrect)

A f ew p olit icians can be re lie d on.
(Correct)
(b) Litt le le arning is a d ange rous thing.
(Incorrect)
A little learning is a dangerous thing.
(Correct)
(c) He has few interest in politics. (Incorrect)
He has little interest in politics. (Correct)
Explanation:
We usually use few with plural nouns and little
with uncountable nouns. Little means not much/many.
It is rather negative. A little is more positive. It
means some.
40. (a) He is eno ugh bo ld to take up this
challenge. (Incorrect)
He is bol d enough to take up this
challenge. (Correct)
(b) He hasnt got en ough goo d voice .
(Incorrect)
He hasnt got a goo d enough voi ce .
(Correct)
(c) He is not driving enough fast. (Incorrect)
He is not driving fast enough. (Correct)
Explanation:
Enough can qualify an adjective or adverb. It
usually comes after adjectives and adverbs.
41. (a) His all books were burnt. (Incorrect)
All his books were burnt. (Correct)
(b) His both hands are skinny. (Incorrect)
Both his hands are skinny. (Correct)
(c) Rajus all hopes were gone. (Incorrect)
All Rajus hopes were gone. (Correct)
Explanation:
The noun of the possessive case (Rajus Sheelas)
or the pronoun of the possessive case (mine, ours,
theirs, his, her etc.) comes just before that noun for
which it is used.
42. (a) This is a best book. (Incorrect)
This is good book. (Correct)
(b) He is a worst scholar. (Incorrect)
He is a very bad scholar. (Correct)
Explanation:
An adjective of superlative degree is used when
the noun it qualifies shows the possession of a quality
to a higher degree than any other member of the same
class.
43. (a) He came latter than you. (Incorrect)
He came later than you. (Correct)
(b) If offered red or white shirt Id choose the
later. (Incorrect)
If offered red or white shirt, I would choose
the latter. (Correct)
(c) I will see you latter. (Incorrect)
I will see you later. (Correct)
Explanation:
Later is the comparative of late. It means more
late in time, after wards. But latter is the opposite of
former. It means the second of two people or things

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262 English Language and Comprehension

just mentioned. Later denotes time whereas latter
denotes position.
44. (a) Have you any farther questions to ask?
(Incorrect)
Have you any further questions to ask?
(Correct)
(b) He made no farther remarks. (Incorrect)
He made no further remarks. (Correct)
(c) Delhi is further from Gaya than Allahabad.
(Incorrect)
Delhi is farther from Gaya than Allahabad.
(Correct)
(d) Lets not walk any further. (Incorrect)
Lets not walk any farther. (Correct)
Explanation:
Farther means at or to a great distance or more
distant point. Further means more, additional.
45. (a) She sings beautiful. (Incorrect)
She sings beautifully. (Correct)
(b) This flower smells sweetly. (Incorrect)
This flower smells sweet. (Correct)
Explanation:
To give more information about the action - to say
how, where or when it is done - we use adverbs with
verbs. When the quality of the subject rather than
the action of the verb is to be expressed, we use
adjective with a verb. It is the smell of the flower that
has been described in the second sentence. Hence
the use of the adjective sweet, not the adverb
sweetly.
46. (a) He hit the ball hardly. (Incorrect)
He hit the ball hard. (Correct)
(b) You have to work hardly. (Incorrect)
You have to work hard. (Correct)
(c) He has got hard any money. (Incorrect)
He has got hardly any money. (Correct)
(d) He is hardly pressed for time. (Incorrect)
He is hard pressed for time. (Correct)
Explanation:
Hard is both an adjective and adverb. Its meaning
is quite different from hardly which is also an adverb.
Hardly means almost no or almost not. The correct
expression is be hard pressed which means be under
pressure strained.
47. (a) The two first pages of this book are torn.
(Incorrect)
The first two pages of this book are torn.
(Correct)
(b) The two first chapters of this book are good.
(Incorrect)
The first two chapters of this book are
good. (Correct)
Explanation:
The two first is a meaningless expression. It
implies that two things may be first. It makes no
sense. The correct expression is the first two.
48. (a) He speaks well English. (Incorrect)
He speaks English well. (Correct)

Error Detection
(b) I like very much skating. (Incorrect)
I like skating very much.
Or, I very much like skating. (Correct)
Explanation:
We should not put adverbs between the verb and
its object. These are not generally separated.
49. (a) I yesterday met him. (Incorrect)
I met him yesterday. (Correct)
(b) The yre to mor row le aving for Paris.
(Incorrect)
Tom orro w the yre le aving for Paris.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Adverbs of definite time are put at the beginning
or end of a clause. They do not go in mid-position.
50. (a) You well organise d that function.
(Incorrect)
You organised that function well. (Correct)
(b) She badly dances. (Incorrect)
She dances badly. (Correct)
Explanation:
When we use an adverb to evaluate, it generally
goes in end-position, not in mid-position.
51. (a) She is very slower than Reena. (Incorrect)
She is much slower than Reena. (Correct)
(b) You are very older than me. (Incorrect)
You are much older than me. (Correct)
(c) She was walking much slowly. (Incorrect)
She was walking very slowly. (Correct)
Explanation:
Very is used with adjectives and adverbs in the
positive degree and with present participle whereas
much is used with adjectives and adverbs in the
comparative degree, and with past participle.
52. (a) It is nothing else than pride. (Incorrect)
It is nothing else but pride. (Correct)
(b) Call me anything els e than a thie f.
(Incorrect)
Call me anything else but a thief. (Correct)
Explanation:
We usually use the adverb but (not, than) after
else.
53. (a) He seldom or ever goes to his village home.
(Incorrect)
He seldom or never goes to his village
home. (Correct)
(b) He sel dom o r ev er plays c ricke t.
(Incorrect)
He seldom if ever (seldom or never) plays
cricket. (Correct)
Explanation:
Ever usually means at any time. It cannot go with
seldom which means not often, rarely. The correct
expression is seldom or never, or seldom if ever.
54. (a) It is no use to ask he r she is not
interested in it. (Incorrect)
It is no use asking her she is not
interested in it. (Correct)

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Error Detection
(b) Is it any use to try to talk to him?
(Incorrect)
Is it any use trying to talk to him?
(Correct)
Explanation:
In expressions like these, use is followed by an
-ing form. The correct expression is, it or there is no
use + -ing form of verb.
55. (a) His mother kept on to encourage him to
study. (Incorrect)
His mother kept on encouraging him to
study. (Correct)
(b) Whate ve r happe ns, keep o n t o tr y.
(Incorrect)
Whate ve r happe ns, keep on t ryin g.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Keep on is never followed by an infinitive. It is
always followed by the -ing form of verb.
56. (a) She knows to sing and dance. (Incorrect)
She kn ows h ow to sing and dance .
(Correct)
(b) He kno ws t o pre pare Fre nch toast.
(Incorrect)
He knows how to prepare French toast.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Know is never followed directly by an infinitive.
We generally use the expression know how to.
57. (a) He has finished to mend the puncture.
(Incorrect)
He has finished mending the puncture.
(Correct)
(b) I enjoy to travel. (Incorrect)
I enjoy travelling. (Correct)
Explanation:
After some verbs we use an -ing form, and not an
infinitive. Here is the list of verbs which are followed
by an -ing form.

English Language and Comprehension 263

Explanation:
Some verbs are never used in progressive forms.
Here is the list of some of the most important nonprogressive verbs:
1. Relational Verbs
: appear, belong to,
consist of, contain,
equal, fit, include, owe,
require, resemble,
seem, suffice
2. Verbs of Emotion
: adore, abhor, care,
detest, dislike, hate,
like, love, wish
3. Verbs of Perception
: hear, see, smell, taste
4. Verbs of Possession
: have, own, possess
5. Verbs of Cognition
: believe, feel, forget,
know, mean, mind,
realise, recall, recollect,
remember, suppose,
think,
trust,
understand
Note: Some of the verbs noted above are used in
progressive form in special cases, as for example,
Appear : (be published) When is your next article on
his subject appearing?
Hear
: (receive information) I have been hearing good
news about him.
(receive a letter) I have been hearing from him
fairly regularly. : (try specially in a legal
sense) The judge has been hearing this case
for the last five years.
See
: (imagine, have hallucinations) She is seeing
things; there is nothing there.
(meet) I will be seeing the Managing Director
tomorrow.
Smell : (inhale the odour of) He was smelling the
mango to find out whether it was fresh or
stale.
Feel
: (go forward carefully) The blind beggar is
feeling his way.
Think : (reflect upon, recall) he was thinking about
days long gone by.
: (examine the possibility of) Now I am thinking
of leaving this place.
59. (a) I have not and shall not bear this trouble.
(Incorrect)
I have not borne and shall not bear this
trouble. (Correct)
(b) I have never and will never do such a thing.
(Incorrect)
I have never done and shall never do such
a thing. (Correct)
Explanation:
The present form of a verb cannot be used for
both the present perfect tense and the future indefinite
tense. The present perfect tense takes the past
participle form of the verb (bear; bore; borne; do; did;
done) and the future indefinite takes the present form
of the verb.

K KUNDAN

avoid
forgive
miss
consider
give up
practise
delay
go
put off
dislike
(cant) help
risk
enjoy
imagine
spend money/time
excuse
keep
suggest
feel like
mind
understand
finish
58. (a) Why is she appearing so sad? (Incorrect)
Why does she appear so sad? (Correct)
(b) I am owing a great deal to my parents.
(Incorrect)
I owe a great deal to my parents. (Correct)
(c) I am not feeling well today. (Incorrect)
I am not well today. (Correct)
(d) He is ado ring that political le ade r.
(Incorrect)
He adores that political leader. (Correct)

264 English Language and Comprehension

60.

(a) He hanged the lamp on the wall. (Incorrect)

He hung the lamp on the wall. (Correct)
(b) He was hung for murder. (Incorrect)
He was hanged for murder. (Correct)
Explanation:
The word hang has two different meanings: (i) to
kill a person by hanging; (ii) to suspend from or attach
loosely to some other object. The two different forms
of the verb hang are:
V1
V2
V3
Hang : Hanged : Hanged (for persons)
Hang : hung
: hung
(for things)
61. (a) This book costed me half past twelve
rupees. (Incorrect)
This book cost me rupees twelve and fifty
paise. (Correct)
(b) The he ns have lain no e ggs today.
(Incorrect)
The hens have laid no eggs today. (Correct)
(c) Let me lay on the bed. (Incorrect)
Let me lie on the bed. (Correct)
Explanation:
Half past twelve is a time expression. We say, It
is half past twelve by my watch. It is never used for
denoting the price of something. We usually say,
rupees twelve and fifty paise. The use of the verbs in
the sentences above is wrong.
The correct past and perfect forms of certain verbs
are as given below:
Present
Past
Perfect
lie = rest, be down
lay
lain
lay = place, arrange, deposit,
put down flat
laid
laid
lie = to tell a lie
lied
lied
leave = go away
left
left
live = be alive, be at home
lived
lived
hang = to put up
hung
hung
hang = to execute the order
of death sentence
hanged hanged
flow (water)
flowed flowed
fly (bird)
flew
flown
flee = run away (person)
fled
fled
bear = put up with
bore
borne
bore = to make a hole; to
make tired or
uninterested
bored
bored
find = to discover
found
found
found = to establish
founded founded
fall
fell
fallen
fell = to cut down (a tree);
to knock down
(a person)
felled
felled
feel
felt
felt
fill
filled
filled
awake (intransitive)
awoke awoke
awake (transitive)
awaked awaked
62. (a) He has returned back from De lhi.
(Incorrect)
He has returned (come back) from Delhi.

Error Detection
(Correct)
(b) I awaited for his arrival (Incorrect)
I awaited (waited for) his arrival. (Correct)
(c) He has repaid back his loan. (Incorrect)
He has repaid (paid back) his loan.
(Correct)
Explanation:
To avoid such silly mistakes, it is well to remember
that:
return = come back; await = wait for; repay = pay back;
resume = start again
63. (a) The boat was dro wned in the rive r.
(Incorrect)
The boat was sunk in the river. (Correct)
(b) A boy has be e n sunk in the rive r.
(Incorrect)
A boy has been drowned in the rive r.
(Correct)
Explanation:
A boat capsizes or sinks; a ship sinks; a person is
drowned. To be drowned is used only of living things.
64. (a) Who invented America? (Incorrect)
Who discovered America? (Correct)
(b) Marconi dis covered
the wir e le ss.
(Incorrect)
Marconi invented the wireless. (Correct)
Explanation:
To invent is to make something that did not exist
before. To discover is to find something that existed
before but was unknown.
65. (a) If I was you I would not have done so.
(Incorrect)
If I were you I would not have done so.
(Correct)
(b) He walks as if he is a king. (Incorrect)
He walks as if he were a king. (Correct)
Explanation:
When we talk about events which are not certain
to happen which we hope will happen, or imagine
might happen or want to happen - we use a special
group of verb-forms called the subjunctive (e.g., I were,
She be, etc.) The subjunctive form were is used
instead of was after if, as if, and I wish.
66. (a) Neither his action was just nor unjust.
(Incorrect)
His action was neither just nor unjust.
(Correct)
(b) I neither saw him nor her. (Incorrect)
I saw neither him nor her. (Correct)
(c) Neither it is good nor it is bad. (Incorrect)
It is neither good nor bad. (Correct)
Explanation:
Neither....nor is used to join together two negative
ideas. This structure is balanced, so that the same
kind of words follow neither and nor.
67. (a) Ten students have passed and one failed.
(Incorrect)
Ten students have passed and one has
failed. (Correct)

K KUNDAN

Error Detection
(b) One of the thieves escaped and two caught.
(Incorrect)
One of the thieves escaped and two were
caught. (Correct)
Explanation:
The auxiliary verb is usually repeated if the voice
or number of one principal verb is not the same as
the voice or number of the other.
68. (a) Tell me where are you going. (Incorrect)
Tell me where you are going. (Correct)
(b) He aske d me wh at was y our nam e.
(Incorrect)
He asked me what my name was. (Correct)
(c) Tell me when are you leaving for New York.
(Incorrect)
Tell me when you are leaving for New York.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Indirect questions normally have the word-order
of affirmative sentences. The auxiliary verb is never
put before the subject.
69. (a) She finished her work when I met her.
(Incorrect)
She had finished her work when I met her.
(Correct)
(b) The train started before he reached the
station. (Incorrect)
The train had started before he reached
the station. (Correct)
Explanation:
When two actions take place in the past, the one
earlier in time is expressed by a verb in the past perfect
tense, while the one later in time by that in the past
simple tense.
70. (a) They will be delighted if you will welcome
them. (Incorrect)
They will be delighted if you welcome
them. (Correct)
(b) I will tell you as soon as I will know about
it. (Incorrect)
I will tell you as soon as I know about it.
(Correct)
(c) When I shall go to Paris, I shall inform
you. (Incorrect)
When I go to Paris, I shall inform you.
(Correct)
Explanation:
We generally use the present instead of the future
after if and conjunction of time such as when, as soon
as, after, while, until, and before.
71. (a) It is time you go to bed. (Incorrect)
It is time you went to bed. (Correct)
(b) It is time you wash your face. (Incorrect)
It is time you washed your face. (Correct)
Explanation:
When we want to say that its time for somebody
else to do something, we generally use the structure:
Its time + subject + past tense verb.

English Language and Comprehension 265

72.

(a) She knew that I am coming. (Incorrect)

She knew that I was coming. (Correct)
(b) He said that he want s to go home .
(Incorrect)
He said that he wanted to go home .
(Correct)
Explanation:
If there is a past tense in the principal clause,
the dependent clause must also be in the past tense.
73. (a) Both Raju as well as his brother were
present. (Incorrect)
Both Raju and his brother were present.
(Correct)
(b) Tigers are both found is Asia and in Africa.
(Incorrect)
Tigers are found both in Asia and in Africa.
(Correct)
Explanation:
The correlative of Both is and (Both ...and) and
not as well as. The same kind of words generally follow
Both and and.
74. (a) Will I turn the light on? (Incorrect)
Shall I turn the light on? (Correct)
(b) Shall he come tomorrow? (Incorrect)
Will he come tomorrow? (Correct)
(c) Shall you do me a favour? (Incorrect)
Will you do me a favour? (Correct)
(d) Will we attend the party? (Incorrect)
Shall we attend the party? (Correct)
Explanation:
In interrogative sentences shall is used in the
first person and will in the third person. In the second
person shall and will are used in accordance with
the answer expected.
75. (a) Please excuse me being late. (Incorrect)
Please excuse my being late. (Correct)
(b) She disliked me coming late. (Incorrect)
She disliked my coming late. (Correct)
Explanation:
When a noun or pronoun is placed before a gerund,
it should be put in the possessive case.
76. (a) Unless you do not work hard, you will cut a
sorry figure. (Incorrect)
Unless you work hard, you will cut a sorry
figure. (Correct)
(b) Walk slowly lest you should not fall down.
(Incorrect)
Walk slowly lest you should fall down.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Unless means if not. It should, therefore, be not
used in a sentence or clause which is already negative.
Lest is here a subordinating conjunction expressing
a negative purpose. It should not be followed by not.
77. (a) I thought of attending the party, but could
not. (Incorrect)
I had thought of attending the party but
could not. (Correct)

K KUNDAN

266 English Language and Comprehension

(b) We hoped that you woul d solve this
problem. (Incorrect)
We had hoped that you would solve this
problem. (Correct)
(c) I ex pected not such a turn of events.
(Incorrect)
I had not expected such a turn of events.
(Correct)
Explanation:
The past perfect tense is used with such verbs as
hope, expect, think, intend, mean (=intend), suppose and
want to indicate that a past hope , e xpe ctation,
intention, desire, etc., was not realized.
78. (a) I had gone to Chandigarh. (Incorrect)
I went to Chandigarh. (Correct)
Or, I had been to Chandigarh. (Correct)
(b) I had slept for hours. (Incorrect)
I slept for hours. (Correct)
Explanation:
We do not usually used past perfect tense singly
in a sentence. We can use simple past tense instead.
When the verb go is used in the sense of go and
come back from, been is used in place of gone.
79. (a) He needs not seek my help. (Incorrect)
He need not seek my help. (Correct)
(b) She dares not walk in the dark. (Incorrect)
She dare not walk in the dark. (Correct)
Explanation:
In affirmative sentence the singular form of dare/
need (that is, dares/needs) is used with singular
subject. But need not and dare not admit of no change
even if the subject is third person singular.
80. (a) The re is a HE school in my village .
(Incorrect)
The re is an HE school in my village .
(Correct)
(b) We have filed a FIR. (Incorrect)
We have filed an FIR. (Correct)
(c) He is a NCC officer. (Incorrect)
He is an NCC officer. (Correct)
(d) He has set up a X-ray plant. (Incorrect)
He has set up an X-ray plant. (Correct)
Explanation:
Whether a or an is used before initials depends
on how the initial is pronounced. A, E, F, H, I, L, M,
N, O, R, S and X all begin with a vowel sound; hence
an LEA School, an MA, an MP but a BBC production, a
BA, a PhD, etc.
81. (a) He is an university professor. (Incorrect)
He is a university professor. (Correct)
(b) It is an unit of measurement. (Incorrect)
It is a unit of measurement. (Correct)
(c) It is an universal truth. (Incorrect)
It is a universal truth. (Correct)
Explanation:
We use a before a consonant sound, even if it is
written with a vowel. When a word begins with U and
is pronounced as yu, or when a word begins with EU

Error Detection
and is pronounced as yu, or when a word begins with
o and is pronounced as wa, it is preceded by the
article a and not an. Such words are: unique, united,
usual, European, useful, unit, universal, university,
useless, one-eyed man, one-rupee not, unilateral, etc.
82. (a) He plays violin. (Incorrect)
He plays the violin. (Correct)
(b) Can you play tabla? (Incorrect)
Can you play the tabla? (Correct)
Explanation:
The definite article the is used before musical
instruments. When play means produce music, its
object is always preceded by an article.
83. (a) He has no knowledge and interest in music.
(Incorrect)
He has no knowledge of and interest in
music. (Correct)
(b) He did not agree but differed from my
opinion. (Incorrect)
He did not agree to but differed from my
opinion. (Correct)
Explanation:
Sometimes a single preposition cant be used for
two words that take two different prepositions. In such
a situation both the prepositions should be used.
84. (a) There is no end of troubles. (Incorrect)
There is no end to troubles. (Correct)
(b) I am busy in my work. (Incorrect)
I am busy with my work. (Correct)
(c) Send this letter on my address. (Incorrect)
Send this letter to my address. (Correct)
Explanation:
We usually say, end to ones troubles, busy with
some work, send something to someones address.
85. (a) Entering the room, the boys were found
quarrelling. (Incorrect)
Entering the room, he found the boys
quarrelling. (Correct)
(b) Walking in the garden, a snake bit him.
(Incorrect)
While he was walking in the garden, a snake
bit him. (Correct)
(c) Barking furiously I led the dog out of the
compound. (Incorrect)
I led the dog, barking furiously, out of the
compound. (Correct)
(d) Going out of the room, the door was left
open by her. (Incorrect)
Going out of the room, she left open the
door. (Correct)
(e) On examining the answer books, many silly
mistakes were detected. (Incorrect)
On ex amining the answe r books, we
detected many silly mistakes. (Correct)
Explanation:
These sentences are examples of unattached
participles. When the first word of a sentence is a
participle, it must refer to some noun or pronoun it

K KUNDAN

Error Detection
qualifies. That noun or pronoun should be the subject
of the main clause.
86. (a) I saw her to go. (Incorrect)
I saw her go. (Correct)
(b) I observed him to limp. (Incorrect)
I observed him limp. (Correct)
Explanation:
We usually leave out to, the sign of infinitive,
after sensory verbs like feel, hear, see, observe, perceive,
mark, behold, survey, view, watch.
87. (a) He insisted to go. (Incorrect)
He insisted on going. (Correct)
(b) I am tired to sing and dance. (Incorrect)
I am tired of singing and dancing. (Correct)
(c) He succeeded to win the match. (Incorrect)
He succe e de d in winning t he match.
(Correct)
Explanation:
An infinitive is generally not used after words
which take a preposition after them. Such words are:
Verbs:
insist, object, prevent, succeed, think
Nouns:
insistence, objection, intention, habit,
resistance, view
Adjectives:
equal, fond, tired, used
The infinitive s should be change d into the
corresponding gerunds.
88. (a) Avoid to go there. (Incorrect)
Avoid going there. (Correct)
(b) Stop to worry. (Incorrect)
Stop worrying. (Correct)
(c) Keep on to try. (Incorrect)
Keep on trying. (Correct)
(d) He is busy to write letters. (Incorrect)
He is busy writing letters. (Correct)
Explanation:
The infinitives are changed into the corresponding
gerunds after certain words which do not take
prepositions after them. Such words are:
Verbs:
avoid, enjoy, finish, go on, keep on, mind,
remember, cant help, stop, give up
Adjectives: busy, worth
89. (a) It is no good to cry ove r spilt milk.
(Incorrect)
It is no good crying ove r spilt milk.
(Correct)
(b) There is no harm to do thi s work.
(Incorrect)
There is no harm in doing this work.
(Correct)
Explanation:
The infinitive is changed into the corresponding
gerund after such phrases as these: It is no use, It is
no good, Have the pleasure of, There is no harm in.
90. (a) Death is more preferable than dishonour.
(Incorrect)
Death is preferable to dishonour. (Correct)
(b) I prefer swimming than walking. (Incorrect)
I prefer swimming to walking. (Correct)

English Language and Comprehension 267

Explanation:
Though preferable is not a comparative yet it has
a comparative force. It is, therefore, wrong to write
more preferable. Prefer takes to, not than.
91. (a) He regards me his guardian. (Incorrect)
He regards me as his guardian. (Correct)
(b) They portrayed Nehru a dictator. (Incorrect)
The y portraye d Ne hru as a dict ator.
(Correct)
Explanation:
Certain verbs are always followed by as. Such
verbs are: describe, depict, define, mention, portray,
regard, represent, treat.
92. (a) She called me as a dullard. (Incorrect)
She called me a dullard. (Correct)
(b) He was appointed as principal. (Incorrect)
He was appointed principal. (Correct)
Explanation:
Certain verbs are not followed by as or to be.
Such verbs are: appoint, choose, elect, call, consider,
make, name, think.
93. (a) She looks as if she suspects foul play.
(Incorrect)
She looks as if she suspected foul play.
(Correct)
(b) You act as though everything is in your
hands. (Incorrect)
You act as though everything was in your
hands. (Correct)
Explanation:
We usually avoid the use of present tense after
as if and as though.
94. (a) He did nothing but to play. (Incorrect)
He did nothing but play. (Correct)
(b) She did nothing but to sing. (Incorrect)
She did nothing but sing. (Correct)
(c) She did no more than to cry. (Incorrect)
She did no more than cry. (Correct)
Explanation:
We usually use the infinitive without to after the
preposition but and than.
95. (a) She will wash up before she will go to bed.
(Incorrect)
She will wash up before she goes to bed.
(Correct)
(b) You wont know how good pudding is till you
will have tasted it. (Incorrect)
You wont know how good pudding is till you
have tasted it. (Correct)
Explanation:
The future simple is not used in time clauses.
The simple present tense is used instead. Nor is future
perfect tense used in time clauses. The present perfect
is used instead.
96. (a)
It is I who is responsible for this mistake.
(Incorrect)
It is I who am responsible for this mistake.
(Correct)

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268 English Language and Comprehension

(b) It is you who is responsible for this mistake.
(Incorrect)
It is you who are re sponsible for this
mistake. (Correct)
Explanation:
The verb governed by who should follow its
antecedent. In the first sentence the antecedent is
I. Hence the verb am. In the second sentence the
antecedent is you. Hence the verb are.
97. (a) I want an armchair for an old man with
sliding back. (Incorrect)
I want, for an old man, an armchair with
sliding back. (Correct)
(b) He shot himself dead after bidding his wife
goodbye with a pistol. (Incorrect)
He shot himself dead with a pistol after
bidding his wife goodbye. (Correct)
Explanation:
Both the sentences are examples of wrong wordorder impeding clarity of expression. It is well to
remember that an adjective, adjective-substitute or
adjective phrase should be put as near its antecedent
as possible. This applies to relative clauses, too.
98. (a) No body has over helped you, has he?
(Incorrect)
Nobody has ever helped you, have they?
(Correct)
(b) Dont do that any more, do you? (Incorrect)
Dont do that any more, will you? (Correct)
(c) I am taller than him, isnt I? (Incorrect)
I am taller than him, arent I? (Correct)
Explanation:
If anybody, anyone, everybody, everyone, somebody,
someone, nobody or no one is the subject of the main
clause, the subject of the question tag is normally
they. If the main clause is in the form of a negative
request or command, the question tag normally begins
with will. The question tag after I am is arent I.
99. (a) Bring a cold glass of water. (Incorrect)
Bring a glass of cold water. (Correct)
(b) He has purchased a fresh basket of apples.
(Incorrect)
He has purchased a basket of fresh apples.
(Correct)
(c) Id love to have a hot cup of tea. (Incorrect)
Id love to have a cup of hot tea. (Correct)
Explanation:
In the present context the expression, cold glass,
fresh basket and hot cup are meaningless. The
adjectives cold, fresh and hot qualify the noun water,
apples and tea respectively. Hence the correct
expressions will be cold water, fresh apples and hot
tea.
100. (a) He already left for Delhi. (Incorrect)
He has already left for Delhi. (Correct)
(b) He did not speak to me since that incident.
(Incorrect)
He has not spoken to me since that
incident. (Correct)

Error Detection
(c) He did not receive any message up till now.
(Incorrect)
He has not received any message up till
now. (Correct)
(d) So f ar he did not re ac h the station.
(Incorrect)
So far he has not reached the station.
(Correct)
Explanation:
The present perfect tense can alone be used with
adverbials such as these: already, since, yet, so far, up
till now.
101. (a) This tragic incident has taken place last
year. (Incorrect)
This tragic incident took place last year.
(Correct)
(b) She has gone to bed at 9 o clock.
(Incorrect)
She went to bed at 9 o clock. (Correct)
(c) I have met him yesterday. (Incorrect)
I met him yesterday. (Correct)
Explanation:
Only the simple past can be used with adverbials
mentioning a definite time in the past.
102. (a) Reeta was married by Rakesh. (Incorrect)
Rakesh married Reeta. (Correct)
(b) He married his youngest daughter with an
engineer. (Incorrect)
He married his youngest daughter to an
engineer. (Correct)
(c) His youngest daughter was married with
an engineer. (Incorrect)
His youngest daughter was married to an
engineer. (Correct)
Explanation:
When marry is used in the sense of take as
husband or wife, it can never be used in the passive
form. It can be used both in the active and passive
forms in the sense of give in marriage. It is to be
followed by to, not with.
103. (a) She come s to colle ge by a bicycl e.
(Incorrect)
She comes to college by bicycle.
Or, She comes to college on a bicycle.
(Correct)
(b) He came back by my car. (Incorrect)
He came back in my car. (Correct)
Explanation:
When the name of a vehicle is used in a general
sense, the preposition by is used. In all such cases
no article is used before the name of the vehicle. If
the reference is to a particular vehicle, by is not used.
We use in or on instead.
104. (a) Supposing if he does not come, what will
you do? (Incorrect)
Supposing he does not come, what will you
do? OR,
If be does not come, what will you do?
(Correct)

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Error Detection

English Language and Comprehension 269

Explanation:
Supposing and If are not used together. Either
of the two should be used.
105. (a) He informed that everybody had gone
against him. (Incorrect)
He informed me (us, him, them, etc.) that
everybody had gone against him. (Correct)
(b) She told that she was interested in chess.
(Incorrect)
She told me (us, him, them etc.) that she
was interested in chess. (Correct)
(c) He assured that every help would be given.
(Incorrect)
He assured me (us, him, them, etc.) that
every help would be given. (Correct)
Explanation:
The verbs assure, inform, remind and tell are not
immediately followed by thatclause as their object.
There has to be an indirect object between the verb
and the clause.
106. (a) Flour is made of wheat. (Incorrect)
Flour is made from wheat. (Correct)
(b) Your chair is not made fr om wood.
(Incorrect)
Your chair is not made of wood. (Correct)
Explanation:
When reference is made to the material of which
something is made, we use of. The original material
of which something is made can still be recognised.
But we use from when something is changed beyond
recognition.
107. (a) I thin k you hav ent me t my fathe r.
(Incorrect)
I do not think you have met my father.
(Correct)
(b) I believe you havent seen the Taj Mahal.
(Incorrect)
I dont believe you have seen the Taj Mahal.
(Correct)
Explanation:
When negative ideas are introduced with think,

believe, suppose and imagine, we make the first verb

(think, believe, etc.) negative, not the second.
108. (a) Do sit down, will you? (Incorrect)
Do sit down, wont you? (Correct)
(b) Give me sufficie nt time , wont yo u?
(Incorrect)
Give sufficient time, will you? (Correct)
(c) Shut up, can you? (Incorrect)
Shut up, cant you? (Correct)
Explanation:
After imperative we use (i) wont you? to invite
people to do things. (ii) will you?/would you?/could
you?/cant you? to tell people to do things.
109. (a) He pays more attention to films than books.
(Incorrect)
He pays more attention to films than to
books. (Correct)
(b) I can rely more on you than her. (Incorrect)
I can rely more on you than on he r.
(Correct)
Explanation:
When there is comparison between two objects,
the preposition is placed before each of the two objects.
110. (a) He is declared to pass in the first division.
(Incorrect)
He is declared to have passed in the first
division. (Correct)
(b) She is supposed to commit this murder.
(Incorrect)
She is supposed to have committed this
murder. (Correct)
Explanation:
Perfect infinitive is used if it refers to a time prior
to that which is expressed by the finite verb.
111. (a) How do you do? Fine, thanks. (Incorrect)
How do you do? How do you do? (Correct)
Explanation:
Dont confuse How do you do? with How are you? It
is a formula used when people are formally introduced.
The reply is exactly the same: How do you do?

K KUNDAN
Correct Usage

Here are two lists of such words and expressions

as are commonly misused. Their correct forms will
help you avoid mistakes you occasionally commit.
Incorrect
Correct
advices
arm (Weapon)
auspice
blotting
boarding
bowel
breads
cattles

advice/pieces of advice
arms
auspices
blotting paper
boarding house, hostel
bowels
pieces/slices/loaves of bread
cattle

earning
equipments
furnitures
gentries
lecturership
machineries
offsprings
outskirt
poetries
sceneries
scissor
stationeries

earnings
equipment
furniture/pieces of furniture
gentry
lectureship
machinery/machines
offspring
outskirts
poems
scenery/scenes
scissors
stationery

Error Detection

270 English Language and Comprehension

traffics
traffic
trouser
trousers
a coward man
a cowardly man/a coward
a miser person
a miserly person/a miser
a man of his words
a man of his word
a flight of stair
a flight of stairs
a man of letter
a man of letters
Arrear Bill
Arrears Bill
a serial of lectures
a series of lectures
birth date
date of birth
cousin brother/
sister
cousin
custom duty
customs duty
family members
members of his family
famous criminal
notorious criminal
head pain
headache
stomach pain/
tooth pain
stomachache/toothache
(He has a headache/toothache/stomachache.)
in class tenth
in class ten or in the tenth class
in the campus
on the campus
in the committee
on the committee
in leave
on leave
mutual friend
common friend
no place (in a bus,
train etc.)
no room (in a bus, train etc)
passing marks
pass marks
Tennis field
Tennis court
cheque of Rs. 200
cheque for Rs 200
The back side
of a building
The back of a building
The front side
of a building
The front of a building
today morning
this morning
today afternoon
this afternoon
today evening
this evening
today night
tonight
two dozens pens
two dozen pens
three thousands people three thousand people
(But we say, dozens of pens, thousands of people to denote unspecified number).
Saving Bank
Savings Bank
sworn enemies
avowed enemies
vacant vessels
empty vessels
white hair
grey hair
worth seeing sight
a sight worth seeing
9.30 oclock train
9.30 train
details upon details
detail upon detail
miles after miles
mile after mile
with bag and baggage
bag and baggage

with black and blue

with heart and soul
with tooth and nail
good in studies
clever in figure works
bad in studies
in trice
in hurry
What to speak of
abstain to speak ill of..
aim to do good
bent to do
desirous to go
do the needful
(have) passion to read
persist to say
refrain to go
repent to do
succeed to win
take pride to do
think to do
build a home
cut jokes
cut the pencil
cook bread
describe about
discuss about
drink tea
excel to speak
give a speech
give goodbye
give the examination

eat the poor

give order
make a lecture
make a goal
make noise
open the knot
pray God
rise the lid
see the pulse
speak a lie

black and blue

heart and soul
tooth and nail
good at studies
clever at figure works
bad at studies
in a trice
in a hurry
Not to speak of
abstain from speaking ill of...
aim at doing good
bent upon doing
desirous of going
do whatever is necessary
(have) passion for reading
persist in saying
refrain from going
repent of doing
succeed in winning
take pride in doing
think of doing
build a house
crack jokes
sharpen the pencil
bake bread
describe
discuss
take tea
excel in speaking
deliver a speech
bid goodbye
take the examination;
appear at the examination;
sit for the examination
feed the poor
give orders
deliver a lecture
score a goal
make a noise
untie the knot
pray to God
raise the lid
feel the pulse
tell a lie

stick the button

take out ones shoes
to have headache
to have temperature
to steal in the examination

sew the button

take off ones shoes
to have a headache
to have a temperature
to use unfair means
in the examination

K KUNDAN