100 RULES OF GRAMMAR

100 RULES OF GRAMMAR

Spotting error is a common test and forms a part of almost all t he important examinations that have objective English test on their syllabi, it requires an awareness of the basis rules of grammar – parts of speech, noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, genders, infinitives, participles, subject – verb accord, form of tense, use of articles and certain except ional usages.

Hence, it is necessary that all candidates taking up these examinations brush up their essentials of grammar with the help of the grammar books that they have read at their intermediate level. After this initial exercise they should learn or revise the following rules that are given below in the form of practical tips with illustrative examples. The practice test must be done carefully and repeatedly to ensure full competence confidence.

RULES AND EXAMPLES

1. Some nouns always take a singular verb.

Scenery, advice, information, machinery, stationery, furniture, abuse, fuel, rice, gram, issue, bedding, repair, news, mischief, poetry, business, economics, physics, mathematics, classic, ethics, athletics, innings, gallows.

(A) The scenery of Kashmir

are enchanting. (Incorrect)

(B) The scenery of Kashmir is enchanting. (Correct)

(A) He has given advices. (Incorrect)

(B) He has given advice. (Correct)

(A) The Indian team defeated the English by innings. (Incorrect)

(B) The Indian team defeated the English by an innings. (Correct)

(A) Mathematics are a difficult subject. (Incorrect)

(B) Mathematics is a good / difficult subject. (Correct)

Note if you have to indicate that the number of news, advice, information or furniture is more than one, the examples listed below can be followed:

(A) I have a lot of news to tell you. (Incorrect)

(B) He has sold many pieces of his furniture. (Correct)

2. Some nouns are singular in form, but they are used as plural nouns and always take a plural verb.

Cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry, artillery, people, clergy, company, police.

(A) The cattle is grazing in the ground. (Incorrect)

(B) The cattle are grazing in the ground. (Correct)

(A) The clergy is in the church. (Incorrect)

(B) The clergy are in the church. (Correct)

3. Some nouns are always used in a plural form and always take a plural verb.

Trousers, scissors, spectacles, stockings, shorts, measles, goods, alms, premises, thanks, tidings, annals, chattels, etc.

(A) Where is my trousers? Incorrect

(B) Where are my trousers? Correct

(A) Spectacles is now a costly item. Incorrect

(B) Spectacles are now a costly item. Correct

4. There are some nouns that indicate length, measure, money, weight or number. When they are preceded by a numeral, they remain unchanged in form.

Foot, meter, pair, score, dozen, head, year, hundred, thousand, million.

(A) It is a three – years degree course. Incorrect

(B) It is a three – year degree course. Correct

(A) I have ten dozens of shoes. Incorrect

(B) I have ten dozen of shoes. Correct

5. Collective nouns such a jury, public, team, committee, government, audience, orchestra, company, etc. are used both as singular; otherwise the verb will be plural

(A) The jury was divided in this case. Incorrect

(B) The jury were divided in this case. Correct

(A) The team have not come as yet. Incorrect

(B) The team has not come as yet. Correct

6. Some nouns have one meaning in the singular and another in the plural:

Advice = counsel advices = information

Air = atmosphere airs = proud

Authority = command, authorities = persons in power

Good = wise goods = property

Iron = metal irons = fetters, chains

Force = strength forces = army

Content = satisfaction, contents = things contained

Physic = medicine physics = physical sciences,

Respect = regards respects = compliments

Work = job works = compositions, factories,.

Earning = income earnings = sowings

Quarter = one – fourth quarters = houses

Examples

(A) Air is necessary for human life.

(B) It is bad to put on airs.

(A) I have eaten one quarter of the cake.

(B) I live in