Sentence Correction – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
SENTENCE CORRECTION
The questions on sentence correction can be extremely tricky but easy to solve at the same time. You can still make it through if acquainted with some major grammar rules. This article will help you with concept notes & free Q&A PDF on sentence correction.
Common Errors
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Modifiers
- Parallelism
- Pronoun Agreement
- Verb Time Sequences
- Comparisons
Free PDF – 100 Rules of Sentence Correction
Sentence Correction Free PDF Download
Rules and Solved Questions on Sentence Correction
Types of Sentence Correction Problems
There are several types that commonly appear in MBA entrance exams. Familiarizing yourself with these types will help you identify and rectify errors more efficiently. Here are some common types of sentence correction problems:
- Subject-Verb Agreement: These problems involve ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular or plural). Errors may arise when there is inconsistency between the subject and the verb form.
Example: “The group of students was studying” (correct) vs. “The group of students were studying” (incorrect)
- Pronoun Agreement and Reference: These problems focus on using appropriate pronouns that agree in number and gender with their antecedents (the nouns they refer to) and maintain clarity and consistency throughout the sentence.
Example: “Each of the students must complete their assignment” (incorrect) vs. “Each of the students must complete his or her assignment” (correct)
- Verb Tense and Verb Form: These problems involve using the correct verb tense and form to maintain consistency and clarity in a sentence.
Example: “He has went to the store” (incorrect) vs. “He has gone to the store” (correct)
- Parallelism: Parallelism errors occur when the elements in a sentence, such as items in a list or paired structures, are not parallel in form or structure.
Example: “She likes reading, swimming, and to play tennis” (incorrect) vs. “She likes reading, swimming, and playing tennis” (correct)
- Modifier Placement: These problems relate to the correct placement of modifiers (adjectives or adverbs) to ensure they modify the intended word or phrase in a sentence.
Example: “He only eats apples” (incorrect) vs. “He eats only apples” (correct)
- Idiomatic Expressions: These problems involve using idiomatic expressions correctly and avoiding common mistakes in their usage.
Example: “I am interested in to pursue an MBA” (incorrect) vs. “I am interested in pursuing an MBA” (correct)
- Word Choice: These problems focus on selecting the most appropriate word or phrase that conveys the intended meaning accurately and concisely.
Example: “The team’s performance was good enough” (incorrect) vs. “The team’s performance was satisfactory” (correct)
Expert Tips to Solve Sentence Correction Problems
These questions evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and logical reasoning skills. To ace these sentence correction problems, one must possess a strong command over the English language and be well-versed in the principles of grammar and syntax. In this article, we will provide you with expert tips to help you effectively solve sentence correction problems and enhance your chances of success in MBA entrance exams.
- Understand the Context and Identify Errors
The first step in solving sentence correction problems is to carefully read the given sentence and comprehend its context. Analyze the structure, subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and overall coherence of the sentence. Identify any grammatical errors, such as incorrect verb forms, misplaced modifiers, pronoun ambiguity, or faulty parallelism. Additionally, pay attention to idiomatic expressions and word choice to spot contextual errors.
- Identify Common Grammar and Usage Errors
Certain grammar and usage errors commonly appear in sentence correction questions. Familiarize yourself with these errors to improve your chances of solving them correctly. Some common errors include subject-verb disagreement, improper use of pronouns, incorrect verb tense, dangling modifiers, faulty comparisons, and parallelism issues. Regular practice and exposure to diverse sentence structures will help you recognize these errors more easily.
- Trust Your Ear for Clarity and Coherence
While solving sentence correction questions, it is crucial to rely on your intuition for identifying errors. Read the sentence aloud or in your mind to determine if it sounds clear and coherent. If a particular phrase or word seems out of place or disrupts the sentence flow, it might indicate an error. Developing a good ear for the language can significantly enhance your sentence correction skills.
- Understand the Impact of Answer Choices
Sentence correction questions typically present multiple answer choices, each representing a different correction to the original sentence. Instead of focusing solely on the error itself, consider the impact of the correction on the sentence’s overall meaning and logical flow. Some answer choices may introduce new errors or alter the intended meaning. Examine the context and choose the answer that best maintains the intended message while addressing the identified error.
- Develop Vocabulary and Idiomatic Knowledge
A robust vocabulary and familiarity with idiomatic expressions can be immensely helpful in solving sentence correction problems. Enhance your vocabulary by reading extensively and learning new words in context. Furthermore, pay attention to idioms, phrasal verbs, and commonly used expressions to ensure appropriate usage in sentence correction questions.
- Utilize Process of Elimination
When faced with multiple answer choices, employ the process of elimination to narrow down the options. Eliminate choices that introduce new errors or do not address the identified error effectively. Carefully scrutinize each answer choice, comparing it to the original sentence, until you find the one that rectifies the error and preserves the intended meaning.
- Practice Regularly with Mock Tests
Consistent practice is essential for improving your sentence correction skills. Incorporate mock tests and sample questions into your study routine. This practice will familiarize you with different sentence structures, commonly tested grammar rules, and time management techniques. Additionally, review your mistakes and learn from them to avoid repeating them in future attempts.
Conclusion
Sentence correction problems in MBA entrance exams demand a combination of strong grammatical knowledge, vocabulary skills, and logical reasoning. By following the expert tips provided in this article, you can sharpen your sentence correction abilities and approach these questions with confidence. Remember to read the given sentences carefully, identify errors, trust your intuition for clarity and coherence, understand the impact of answer choices, develop vocabulary and idiomatic knowledge, use the process of elimination, and practice regularly. With dedicated practice and a thorough understanding of grammar
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