adj Flashcards
1
Q
1.He has joined a three years course.
A
1.The sentence actually means He joined a course, which has a duration of three years. Now, which has a duration of three years is an adjective clause qualifying the noun course. If we want to substitute this adjective clause by a one-word adjective, the word is the compound adjective three-year. Note that year is a unit of time. When thus used in a compound adjective, the unit is always in the singular. Hence, Correct:He has joined a three-year course.
2
Q
2.Of Delhi and Bombay, which city is the hottest?
A
2.Remember the rule: In comparing two things or classes of things the comparative should be used. Here there are only two cities. Hence, we should use the comparative, not the superlative. Correct:Of Delhi and Bombay, which city is the hotter?
3
Q
3.Little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
A
3.Little is used in the negative sense of hardly any. Since the sentence here positively states what is, the adjective should be a little. Correct:A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Note: The sentence is a part of Pope’s famous couplet: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing; Drink deep or touch not the Pierian spring.
4
Q
4.Mark Waugh scored less runs in this series than in theprevious one.
A
4.Less is the comparative degree of little. We know that little is an adjective of quantity. An adjective of quantity is used with nouns which are names of measurable (not countable) things. Can runs be measured? No, they are counted. So, an adjective of number should be used. Few in this category corresponds to little. And since it is in the comparative degree, the appropriate word is fewer. So, Correct:Mark Waugh scored fewer runs in this series than in the previous one.
5
Q
5.Among the politicians, who could be called morehonest?
A
5.How many politicians are we talking about? Since the precise number is not given, we assume the number to be more than two. In case of more than two things we use the superlative, not the comparative degree. So, Correct:Among the politicians, who could be called the most honest?
6
Q
6.The craftiness is essential for a politician.
A
6.Here craftiness is an abstract noun used in a general sense. The rule says: The article is omitted before abstract nouns used in a general sense. So, delete the. Correct:Craftiness is essential for a politician.
7
Q
7.Living in a dark room is more preferable than beingimprisoned in a sunny palace.
A
7.Remember the rule: Preferable has the force of a comparative and is followed by to. When preferable is a comparative by itself, why add more to it? Also, replace than by to. So, Correct:Living in a dark room is preferable to being imprisoned in a sunny palace.
8
Q
8.His record this year is more commendable than lastyear.
A
8.It appears as if record (the subject-word of the main clause) were being compared to year. Now, the two are not similar and hence incomparable. Actually, it should be His record this year is more commendable than his record last year. The sentence can be further improved. The repetition of his record may be avoided by substituting the pronoun that. So, Correct:His record is more commendable than that last year.
9
Q
9.Truth is that you cannot please all.
A
9.There are so many truths in the world. Of these one particular truth is being mentioned here. So, the definite article the should be used. Correct:The truth is that you cannot please all. Note: If truth is used in a general sense (that is, any truth), the article is dropped. For example, Truth prevails.
10
Q
10.Apples from Uttarakhand are inferior than thosefrom Himachal.
A
10.Inferior is followed by to (see text). So, Correct:Apples from Uttarakhand are inferior to those from Himachal.
11
Q
11.This building is taller than any building in this city.
A
11.In the given sentence, between which two is the comparison? This building and any building. If we think carefully, we find that any building includes this building also. This means that this building is being compared to this building. Absurd! How to set things right? We have to remove this building from the latter term of comparison in the given sentence. The relationship is mathematical as follows: any building - this building = any other building So, Correct:This building is taller than any other building in this city.
12
Q
12.The thing of beauty is joy forever.
A
12.There are so many things of beauty. And any of them is a source of joy. If you say the thing of beauty, others get excluded. So, Correct:A thing of beauty is joy forever. Note: This line is from Keats.
13
Q
13.Sita is more intelligent than all of her sisters.
A
13.Usually, an individual is compared to another individual — not to a group, but to a representative of the group or one member of the group at a time. Sita is an individual. Her intelligence cannot be compared to the entire group — all of her sisters. The latter term of comparison should also be individuals. So, Correct:Sita is more intelligent than any of her sisters.
14
Q
14.Queen Elizabeth is not the richest of all otherpersons on earth.
A
14.The rule says: In a comparison by means of a superlative, the latter term should include (not exclude as in the case of comparative, see Q. 11 above) the former. This inclusion is achieved if we remove other from the given sentence. So, Correct:Queen Elizabeth is not the richest of all persons on earth.
15
Q
15.A computer is an advanced version of a calculator.
A
15.Here computer and calculator do not occur as individuals, but more as a class, as a concept. So, use the. Correct:The computer is an advanced version of the calculator.
16
Q
16.There has been no farther addition to the project.
A
16.Farther is strictly used when it means distance. So, Correct:There has been no further addition to the project.
17
Q
17.I can never forget that he was junior than me.
A
17.Like inferior, junior also ends in -or and is followed by to. Correct:I can never forget that he was junior to me.
18
Q
18.Poetry is essence of humanity.
A
18.Essence is here being particularised by the adjective phrase of humanity. So, use the definite article the. Correct:Poetry is the essence of humanity.
19
Q
19.It was the most unique choice.
A
19.Unique means the only one of its kind. If it is the only one, how can it be compared? Comparison is possible only when there are others of its kind. So, Correct:It was a unique choice.
20
Q
20.The most happiest thing about it is that it never runsshort of fuel.
A
20.Happy is a simple word which has happiest as its superlative. Adding most to it would make the adjective doubly superlative. This is not permissible. So, Correct:The happiest thing about it is that it never runs short of fuel.
21
Q
21.Do not get disturbed by those kind of rumours.
A
21.Those is an adjective used for kind, not rumours. Kind is a singular noun. So, those should be changed to singular that. Correct:Do not get disturbed by that kind of rumours.
22
Q
22.Krishna is considered to be the most ideal student.
A
22.Similar to Q. 19 above. Ideal means perfect in every way. When a thing is perfect, there is no room left for comparison. So, the superlative degree should be changed to the positive. Correct:Krishna is considered to be an ideal student. Note: Why an ideal and not the ideal? Simply because there may be other ideal students also. However, since they are perfect, none of them can be compared.
23
Q
23.The living dog is better than the dead lion.
A
23.Which dog? The living dog. As soon as the noun becomes qualified (here by the participle living), we expect the definite article the to pop in. But note that here we are not singling out a particular living dog. It could be any living dog. So, Correct:A living dog is better than a dead lion.
24
Q
24.There are the times when you are not sure what todo.
A
24.Delete the. It is not used in such phrases as there are times, there are places, there are persons, there are books, etc. Correct:There are times when you are not sure what to do.
25
25.The number of cars was fewer than that of bicycles.
25.If the subject-word were cars, fewer would have been correct. But when you use number, it is either lesser or greater, not fewer or more. So, Correct:The number of cars was lesser than that of bicycles.
26
26.Cynics believe that a few persons are good in thisworld.
26.This one is also a vocabulary test. Who is a cynic? One who thinks that people tend to act only in their own interests. He always has a low opinion of people's reasons for doing things. For him, hardly anyone is good. Now, the correct substitute for hardly anyone is few. A few, on the other hand, would mean some and if you believe some persons to be good, you have a somewhat positive approach. Then you are not a cynic. Correct:Cynics believe that few persons are good in this world.
27
27.Of all militant groups, Hamara Watan is the mostextreme.
27.The sentence is correct! You seem uncomfortable with that? OK, let me explain. It is true that in usual cases, extreme does not admit of any comparison (like round, perfect, unique etc). But that is because it means greatest possible or furthest possible. Since it is already in the superlative, we are left with no room for comparison. The given sentence is, however, different. When we talk of extremist groups, we see that their extremity varies in degrees — from moderately extreme to extremely extreme. Extreme in their case means going beyond the usual limits. But, once having gone beyond the usual limits, the extent to which they go varies in degrees. Hence, comparison (the use of superlative) is justified in this case.
28
28.Everyone bowls off the mark; his is widest.
28.The article the precedes the superlative degree. Correct:Everyone bowls off the mark; his is the widest.
29
29.It was force of what you said that made me changemy decision.
29.See Q. 18 above. Force is being particularised by the adjective phrase of what you said. Correct:It was the force of what you said that made me change my decision.
30
30.He turned towards me with cheerful look.
30.The rule says: The indefinite article is used in the vague sense of a certain. Correct:He turned towards me with a cheerful look.
31
31.He drinks tea hotly.
31.What is hot — tea or drinking? Obviously, tea.If the adverb hotly is used, as in the given sentence, it would imply that it qualifies the verb drinks. This not being the case, adjective hot should be used for the noun tea. Correct:He drinks tea hot.
32
32.His both friends deserted him in the crisis.
32.Since a better construction is possible, it is not advisable to use pronominal adjectives (adjectives made from pronoun) together. Correct:Both of his friends deserted him in the crisis.
33
33.The well-furnished house is necessary for a decent living.
33.Why a particular well-furnished house? It could be any of the kind. So, Correct:A well-furnished house is necessary for a decent living.
34
34.You should have decided this prior to coming to livewith us.
34.Prior to is an adjective. But which noun or pronoun does it qualify? None. Decided is a verb and cannot take an adjective. So, prior to should be substituted by before. Correct:You should have decided this before coming to live with us. Note: This rule is not as rigid now as earlier.
35
35.You can make much profit even of a little moneyyou have left.
35.See little, a little, the little under Adjective of quantity. Correct:You can make much profit even of the little money you have left.
36
36.Peacock is the national bird of India.
36.The sentence is correct. No article should precede peacock because we are neither treating it here as an individual, nor as a class. It is more like a proper noun here.
37
37.The intelligence tests have questions based onfigures as well as oral ones.
37.The intelligence tests have two types of questions — one based on figures, the other on words. Those questions based on words are known as verbal (not oral, which means of mouth) ones. Those based on figures are not based on words and are therefore called non-verbal. Correct:The intelligence tests have questions based on figures as well as verbal ones.
38
38.A tourist city has many worth seeing places.
38.Worth seeing is an adjective phrase. An adjective phrase comes after the noun. So, Correct:A tourist city has many places worth seeing.
39
39.Do not tell the lie.
39.This admonition (warning) is generally used for lie in a general sense, not any particular lie only. When an abstract noun is used in a general sense, it is not preceded by an article. Correct:Do not tell lie.
40
40.Had it not been for common understanding, the twoof us would have parted long before.
40.Replace common by mutual. See Adjective of quality. Correct:Had it not been for mutual understanding, the two of us would have parted long before.
41
41.Footballer in him could not resist itself as soon as aball came into sight.
41.Here footballer stands for the qualities of the footballer. The rule says: The definite article is used before a common noun to give it the meaning of an abstract noun. So, Correct:The footballer in him could not resist itself as soon as a ball came into sight.
42
42.Players of this team are very depressed.
42.See Q. 18 above. Correct:The players of this team are very depressed.
43
43.I have a request; could you give me any money?
43.It is true that any is used in interrogative sentences. But, if it is a request, some is used. Correct:I have a request; could you give me some money?
44
44.Industrious are rewarded.
44.Industrious in itself does not make any sense. Actually it is industrious people (people being understood). In such cases, the is used before the adjective. So, Correct:The industrious are rewarded.
45
45.The cement is used for building houses.
45.Cement is a material noun. The article is not used before material nouns. Correct:Cement is used for building houses.
46
46.You are a good student; I have a little doubtregarding your success.
46.See Q. 35 above. Correct:You are a good student; I have little doubt regarding your success.
47
47.You can get your work done only when you meet theconcerned authority.
47.This is a special case. Concerned, when used before the noun, means anxious or worried. When used after the noun, it means having something to do with. Now, only that authority will help you who has got something to do with your work. Correct:You can get your work done only when you meet the authority concerned.
48
48.Lok Sabha passed the bill today.
48.Lok Sabha is the Indian version of the House of Commons. Note the use of the in the last sentence. Now, House of Commons could have been a common noun. But a capital H and a capital C ensure that it is the lower house of the Parliament and no other house of commons. So, the is used. Similarly, the United States of America (USA, now more popular as US). Correct:The Lok Sabha passed the bill today. Note: We may conclude: When a proper noun has its origin in a common noun, it is preceded by the definite article the.
49
49.Much of the problems are linked to poverty.
49.Problems are countable. So, use many in place of much. Correct:Many of the problems are linked to poverty.
50
50.It was the coldest and dry day.
50.When two adjectives are used with a noun, both of them should be in the same degree. So, Correct:It was the coldest and driest day. Or,It was a cold and dry day.
51
51.Prince of Wales finds himself in a dilemma.
51.See Q. 48 above. Correct:The Prince of Wales finds himself in a dilemma.
52
52.The South Africans have an impeccable record: theyhave won each game.
52.Use every in place of each because (i)the number of games is indefinite. (ii)every means each without exception; this kind of emphasis is in tune with the use of impeccable. Correct:The South Africans have an impeccable record; they have won every game.
53
53.A ten-year-old boy cannot be accepted as the king ofBharistan.
53.The sentence is correct. In such compound adjectives the unit of measurement (here year) is singular.
54
54.A union is strength.
54.See Q. 6 above. A union would make union a common noun; as in a trade union. But here it is an abstract noun. Correct:Union is strength.
55
55.A little do we see in Nature that is ours.
55.Look at the structure do we see. It gives you a clue to negativity. The sentence thus means: Almost nothing do we see in Nature that is ours. So, use little in place of a little. Correct:Little do we see in Nature that is ours.
56
56.Read Banking Services Chronicle for it keeps youapace with the last trends in exams.
56.The last trend will be the one after which there will not be any trend. This is not the case here. What is meant is recent trend. Recent is implied by the word latest. So, Correct:Read Banking Services Chronicle for it keeps you apace with the latest trends in exams.
57
57.Action will be taken against him.
57.Here action is a common noun. So, Correct:An action will be taken against him.
58
58.Those sort of excuses are not allowed in prestigiousinstitutions.
58.Sort is singular. So, change those to that. Correct:That sort of excuses is not allowed in prestigious institutions.
59
59.Every one of you two will have to join the party.
59.When there are only two persons, each is used instead of every. Correct:Each one of you two will have to join the party.
60
60.Faster you work, freer you are.
60.In such sentences where both the clauses use comparative degree and one clause is dependent on another, we use the before the comparatives. Correct:The faster you work, the freer you are.
61
61.What soft drink do you prefer?
61.When a choice has to be made, which should be used in place of what. Correct:Which soft drink do you prefer?
62
62.Is there some chance of India winning the match?
62.In interrogative sentences any is used in place of some. Correct:Is there any chance of India winning the match?
63
63.Netherlands is not a party to the summit.
"63.See Q. 48 above. Netherlands means ""lands in a lower position"". Since here it has become a proper noun meaning a particular country, the is used before it. So, Correct:The Netherlands is not a party to the summit."
64
64.What innings it has been!
64.In such exclamatory sentences the indefinite article is used. Correct:What an innings it has been!
65
65.Both the children were wearing a new suit.
65.How can the children wear a (one) suit? It has to be written as distributive. Correct:Either of the children was wearing a new suit.
66
66.January is the first month of a year.
66.Not any year, but the Gregorian-calendar year. So, Correct:January is the first month of the year.
67
67.Deposed chief ministers are often content with thegovernorial post.
67.The adjective from governor is gubernatorial. Correct:Deposed chief ministers are often content with the gubernatorial post.
68
68.Any of the two movies can be seen first.
68.When the number is two only, either is used in place of any. Correct:Either of the two movies can be seen first.
69
69.Sun rises in east.
69.There is one sun and one east. So, use the before each. Correct:The sun rises in the east.
70
70.Nehru made a famous speech on the historicaloccasion of Independence.
70.Historical means connected with history as a study. For example, you conduct historical research. It also means based on or representing events in the past. You might have read a historical play or a historical novel. But anything that is likely to have an influence on history is historic, not historical. Now, Independence was one such occasion. So, Correct:Nehru made a famous speech on the historic occasion of Independence.
71
71.Mount Everest is the most high peak in the world.
71.The superlative degree of high is highest. Correct:Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.
72
72.It is the best-of-five match.
72.Note that the adjective here is not best, but best-of-five. If it were best, the use of the would be correct because it is used before the superlative degree. But best-of-five is not in the superlative degree. Correct:It is a best-of-five match.
73
73.He felt lone in the town where no one knew him.
73.Lone means being without persons or things around. But the adjective which conveys the unhappiness arising from this state, is lonely. So, when it comes to feeling, lonely is the correct word. Correct:He felt lonely in the town where no one knew him.
74
74.This house is comfortabler than yours.
74.The comparative degree of longer words is formed by adding more. Correct:This house is more comfortable than yours.
75
75.Ram is elder to his brother Mohan by five years.
75.Elder is not used predicatively. So, Correct:Ram is older than his brother Mohan by five years.
76
1.If we exercise regularly (a)/ we will be (b)/ more healthier. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2013 (1)]
1.(b) 'More' is not required.
77
2.As a dramatist (a)/ shaw is superior than (b)/ any other 20th century writer. (c)/ No error (d)
2.(b) 'Superior than' should be 'Superior to'. 'superior' is followed by 'to', not 'than'.
78
3.Mutton is more hard (a)/ to digest (b)/ than vegetables. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2011 (1)]
3.(a) 'More hard' should be 'harder'. The comparative form of the adjective 'hard' is 'harder'. Most monosyllable adjectives take -er to form comparative.
79
4.Give your answers (a)/ in your own words (b)/ as far as practical. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2014]
4.(c) The phrase 'as far as possible' should be used in place of as far as practical.
80
5.Education is the only affective tool (a)/ to help eradicate (b)/ the problem of violence against woman. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2014]
5.(a) 'Affective' should be 'effective'.
81
6.A well balanced diet (a)/ is essential for (b)/ good health. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC FCI 2013]
6.(d)
82
7.This novel (a)/ of Sheldon is more interesting (b)/ than any other novel. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC MTS 2013]
7.(d)
83
8.Though we both are of the same height (a)/ you are more heavier (b)/ than I. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC MTS 2013]
8.(b) It is never correct to use more + comparative adjective. 'More heavier' should be 'heavier'.
84
9.On entering the crowding room (a)/ I could not see one person (b)/ whom I knew. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC MTS 2013]
9.(a) 'Crowding room' should be 'Crowded room'
85
10.Your daughter has (a)/ the best complexion (b)/ of any girl in the college. (c)/ No error (d)
10.(c)
86
11.His composition (a)/ is inferior (b)/ than mine. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC MTS 2013]
11.(c) 'Inferior' is followed by 'to', not than 'Than mine' should be 'To mine'. 'The longest' should be 'The longer'.
87
12.That was (a)/ the most unique opportunity (b)/ he got in his life. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II]
12.(b) 'The most unique opportunity' should be 'a unique opportunity'.
88
13.Shelly is (a)/ superior than Byron (b)/ in his vision of democracy. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2012]
13.(b) 'Superior than Byron' should be 'superior to Byron'.
89
14.By all standards (a)/ he is best soldier (b)/ our military school has ever produced. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC C.P.O. (Main) 2012]
14.(b) 'He is Best soldier' should be 'He is the best soldier'.
90
15.Every scientific invention (a)/ has proved (b)/ much harmful to society than beneficial. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC LDC 2012]
15.(c) 'Much harmful' should be 'more harmful'.
91
16.I am more lonelier (a)/ here than (b)/ I was in the USA. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC LDC 2011]
some mistake in explanation 16.(c) Different degrees of comparison are never joined by 'and'. 'Healthier and long' should be 'Healthy and long'.
92
17.A biggest problem (a)/ confronting them (b)/ is the lack of time. (c)/ No error (d)
17.(a) 'A biggest problem' should be 'The biggest problem'.
93
18.He is (a)/ junior than the team leader (b)/ by only a few months. (c)/ No error (d)
18.(b) 'Junior than the team leader' should be 'Junior to the team leader'.
94
19. The two first to arrive (a)/ were the lucky recipients (b)/ of surprise gift. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC Statistical Investigator 2007]
21. (a) 'The two first to arrive' should be 'The first two to arrive'.
95
1.We in India can look forward (a)/ to a comfortable and settle (b)/ life in the twenty first century. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC LDC 2015]
1.(c) 'Settle' should be 'settled'.
96
2.It was only when they met that (a)/ they found he has a childish simplicity (b)/ about him. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2014]
2.(b) 'Childish simplicity' should be 'childlike simplicity'. Childlike conveys a positive meaning, Childish conveys a negative meaning.
97
3.You can eat (a)/ much as you like (b)/ at the newly lunch bar. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2013]
3.(c) 'Newly launch bar' should be 'newly launched bar'.
98
4.Abusing his wife is (a)/ worse than any sin (b)/ a man can commit in all his life. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CPO (Main) 2013]
4.(d)
99
5.The circulation of the statesman (a)/ is greater than (b)/ that of any newspaper. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC FCI 2012]
5.(c) 'That of any newspaper' should be 'That of any other newspaper'. The construction 'comparative + than + any other' is comparative in structure but superlative in sense.
100
6.In the garden (a)/ were the more beautiful flowers (b)/ and silver bells. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC FCI 2012]
6.(b) Because there is no comparison, 'the more' should not be used.
101
7.The Magistrate issued (a)/ orders (b)/ immediately for his arrest. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC Stenographer 2012]
7.(c) 'Immediately for his arrest' should be 'his immediate arrest'. The construction 'possessive + adjective + noun should be used.
102
8.We met our prospective employer (a)/ for a briefing session (b)/ in the Taj Hotel. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2014]
8.(d)
103
9.You may not realise it (a)/ but the weather in Barbados during Christmas (b)/ is like New York in June. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2012]
9.(c) In a comparative structure, the demonstrative 'that' replaces a singular. 'Therefore', 'is like New York'should be 'is like that of 'New York'.
104
10.The summit began (a)/ on a much voiced (b)/ optimism note. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC C.P.O. (PT) 2012]
10.(c) 'Optimism note' should be 'Optimistic note'. An adjective precedes a noun.
105
11.The Hindu is (a)/ most popular than any other (b)/ newspaper in India. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC LDC 2012]
11.(b) 'Most popular than any other' should be 'More popular than any other'.
106
12.The girls watched intently (a)/ as the model applied her make up (b)/ with a practiced hand. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CPO 2012]
12.(c) 'Practised' in place of 'practiced'.
107
13.After a carefully investigation (a)/ we discovered (b)/ that the house was infested with termites. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2011]
13.(a) 'Carefully investigation' should be 'Careful investigation'. An adjective modifies a noun.
108
14.If you have a way with words (a)/ a good sense of design and administration ability (b)/ you may enjoy working in the high pressure world of advertising. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2011]
14.(b) 'Administration ability' should be 'administrative ability'.
109
15.To the ordinary man, in fact the pealing of bells (a)/ is a monotonous jingle and a nuisance (b)/ tolerably only when mitigated by remote distance and sentimental association. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2011]
15.(c) 'Tolerably' should be 'tolerable'.
110
16.The capital of Yemen (a)/ is situating (b)/ 2190 metres above the sea level. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC LDC 2011]
16.(b) 'Situating' should be 'situated'.
111
17.Engines used in space shuttles (a)/ are much larger (b)/ and more strong than the ones used in jet planes. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC CGL TIER-II 2010]
17.(c) 'More strong' should be 'much stronger'. Different degrees of adjectives are never joined by 'and'.
112
18.If the worst (a)/ comes to worst (b)/ I will have to bid good bye to my studies and join my family business. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC Statistical Investigator 2006]
18.(b) 'Comes to worst' should be 'comes to the worst'.
113
19.The firemen wore (a)/ inflammable clothing (b)/ for protection. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC Tax Assistant 2008]
19.(b) Use ant-inflammable.
114
20.The introduction of job-oriented courses (a)/ in the self-financing colleges (b)/ attract many students. (c)/ No error (d)
20.(b) 'self-financing' should not be 'selffinanced'.
115
21.The short story (a)/ should not exceed (b)/ more than three thousand words. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC Section officer 2003]
21.(c) 'Exceed' should not be followed by 'more than'. 'Exceed' has a comparative sense. Therefore, it does not require another comparative structure.
116
22.Unless it is accepted to both the parties, an (a)/ arbitrator would be of no (b)/ use to settle this dispute. (c)/ No error (d) [SSC Section Officer 2007]
22.(a) 'Accepted' should be 'acceptable'.
117
23.Our first trip was the most interesting one (a)/ but our second one (b)/ was even more interesting. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2013]
23.(a) In the first clause the context requires a positive adjective. Therefore, the most interesting should be 'an interesting one'.
118
24.The media of films has been accepted by all (a)/ as the most powerful force (b)/ that influences the younger generation. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2012 (11)]
24.(c) 'The younger generation' should be 'The young generation'.
119
25.The parties disagreed (a)/ on the two first clauses (b)/ in the agreement. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2012]
25.(b) 'the two first clauses' should be 'The first two clauses'.
120
26.It would be more better (a)/ if you could paint (b)/ the gate green. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2010 (11)]
26.(a) 'It would be more better' should be 'It would be better'. See explanatory note. It is never correct to use 'more + comparative'.
121
27.The work of an uneducated farmer (a)/ is far important than (b)/ that of a professor. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2008]
27.(b) 'Far' can modify 'a comparative adjective'. therefore, far important than should be 'far more important than'.
122
28.Its colour makes (a)/ the moth undistinguished (b)/ from the branch it rests on. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2008 (1)]
28.(b) 'undistinguished' should be 'undistinguishable'
123
29.Anurag is eclipsed by his wife (a)/ who is much cleverer and (b)/ more amusing than he is. (c)/ No error (d) [CDS 2007 (1)]
29.(c) Much modifies a comparative degree. Two different degrees of adjectives can't be joined by 'and'.
124
30.There is a distinctive possibility (a)/ that he'll leave the job (b)/ once the investigation is over. (c)/ No error (e)
30.(a) 'There is a distinctive possibility' should be 'There is a distinct possibility'. Distinct means clear.
125
31. The refugees are (a)/ badly off for blankets (b)/ and even worse for food. (c)/ No error (d)
31. (c) Even is an intensifier, Even can modify a comparative. Therefore, 'badly off' should be 'worse off'.
126
1.People whose performance peaks in the morning (a)/ are better position for career success (b)/ because they are more proactive (c)/ than people who are at their best in the evening. (d)/ No error (e) [UCO Bank P.O., 2011]
1.(b) 'Are better position' should be 'are better positioned'.
127
2.Illegal sand mining has become (a)/ a boom business fuelled (b)/ by the ever increasing demand (c)/ of the construction industry. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Baroda P.O., 2011]
2.(b) 'A boom business' should be 'a booming business'.
128
3.The company aims (a)/ to nearly double (b)/ its revenues on the back (c)/ of a strongest product pipeline. (d)/ No error (e) [IBPS S.O. 2012]
3.(d) 'Of a strongest product pipeline' should be 'a strong product pipeline'. There appears to be no comparison.
129
4.The management feels that (a)/ the employees of the organisation are (b)/ non-productive, and do not want (c)/ to work hard. (d)/ No error (e) [IBPS P.O., 2012]
4.(c) 'Non-product' should be 'Nonproductive'.
130
5.The city needs an airport (a)/ that can efficiently manage (b)/ a constantly flow of (c)/ passengers and flights. (d)/ No error (e) [IBPS P.O. 2013]
5.(c) 'A constantly flow' should be 'a constant flow'. Only an adjective can modify a noun.
131
6.India has entered a downward spiral (a)/ where the organized, productive (b)/ and law abide sectors are subject to (c)/ savage amounts of multiple taxes. (d)/ No error (e) [SBI P.O., 2013]
6.(c) 'Law abide' should be 'Law abiding'.
132
7.All Indians know that they are (a)/ superior in all respects not only to (b)/ those unfortunately being called foreigners but (c)/ also that they are superior to all other Indians. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Baroda P.O., 2010]
7.(c) 'unfortunately being' should be 'unfortunate beings' Only an adjective can modify a noun.
133
8.The cascading effect of economic slowdown (a)/ has brought a much unnerving gloom (b)/ to the real estate last year. (c)/ But the industry is looking up this year. (d)/ No error (e) [PNB PO 2010]
8.(b) 'A much unnerving' should be 'A very unnerving'. Much doesn't modify an -ing adjective.
134
9.At present China is the (a)/ world's leader manufacturer (b)/ of environment friendly products (c)/ such as electric cars and bicycles. (d)/ No error (e) [Corporation Bank P.O. 2010]
9.(b) 'World 's leader manufacturer' should be 'world's leading manufacturer'.
135
10.The success of the (a)/ government sponsor job guarantee programme (b)/ has resulted in a (c)/ drastic drop in poverty. (d)/ No error (e) [Indian Bank P.O. 2010]
10.(b) 'Government sponsor job' should be 'Government sponsored job'.
136
11.We had extensively discussions (a)/ with the participants and (b)/ obtained their feedback (c)/ regarding our new services. (d)/ No error (e) [Indian Bank P.O. 2010]
11.(a) 'extensively' should be 'extensive'.
137
12.RBI is in favour of (a)/ amending currently (b)/ policies governing operations of (c)/ foreign banks in India. (d)/ No error (e) [OBC PO 2009]
12.(b) 'currently' should be 'current'.
138
13.A non-banking financial company is a (a)/ financial institution similarly to a bank (b)/ but it can't issue (c)/ chequebook to customers. (d)/ No error (e) [IOB P.O., 2009]
13.(b) 'similarly' should be 'similar'.
139
14.What you (a)/ said is (b)/ impertinenting to (c)/ the occasion. (d)/ No error (e) [EPFO 2009]
14.(a) 'leader' should be 'leading'.
140
15.As one of the leader (a)/ insurance companies in (b)/ India they offer (c)/ comprehensive financial services. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Maharashtra P.O., 2008]
15.(a) 'As one of the leader' should be 'As one of the leading'.
141
16.The amount of foreign (a)/ direct investment in (b)/ the country in 2008 is (c)/ doubled that received in 1997. (d)/ No error (e) [IOB P.O. 2008]
16.(d) doubled should be double.
142
17.The details of the scheme (a)/ will be made clearly (b)/ to the public by (c)/ the end of the financial year. (d)/No error (e) [IOB P.O., 2008]
17.(b) 'Clearly' should be 'clear'.
143
18.The report states that (a)/ in several parts of the country (b)/ there has not been (c)/ adequately rain this year. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Baroda P.O. 2008]
18.(d) 'Adequately' should be 'adequate' Only an adjective can modify a noun.
144
19.His qualities include (a)/ the ability to take (b)/ right and quickly decisions (c)/ on important policies. (d)/ No error (e) [SBI P.O., 2008]
19.(c) 'Quickly decision' should be 'Quick decision'.
145
20.Where the default is willful and deliberately (a)/ legal steps should be taken promptly (b)/ after obtaining approval (c)/ from the appropriate authority. (d)/ No error (e) [IDBI PO 2008]
20.(a) 'Deliberately' should be 'deliberate'.
146
21.It is unlikely that you will (a)/ find a more qualified and experience (b)/ candidate than Mr Prasad (c)/ for the post of president. (d)/ No error (e)
21.(b) 'Experience' should be 'experienced'.
147
22.By marketing agriculture (a)/ product well, we (b)/ can ensure that (c)/ farmers make a good profit. (d)/ No error (e) [UBI P.O. 2008]
22.(a) 'Agriculture' should be 'agricultural'.
148
23.The industrialist has donated (a)/ large sums of money to (b)/ scientific organisations to develop (c)/ environmentally friendly fuels. (d)/ No error (e) [NABARD AO 2008]
23.(d) 'Environmentally friendly fuels' should be 'environment friendly fuels'.
149
24.It was a great honour (a)/ and privilege to witness (b)/ the high level meeting between (c)/ chinese and India's leaders. (d)/ No error (e) [NABARD AO 2008]
24.(d) 'Chinese and India's leaders' should be Chinese and Indian leaders. Ideas in a series are expressed by parallel expressions.
150
25.In absolutely terms (a)/ the damage may not (b)/ be very serious (c)/ but it should not be ignored. (d)/ No error (e) [Vijaya Bank P.O., 2008]
25.(a) 'Absolutely terms' should be 'absolutely terms'.
151
26.Our company has initiated (a)/ talks to sell more (b)/ of twenty percent of (c)/ its stake in these subsidiaries. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Baroda PO 2008]
26.(c) 'Of twenty percent of' should be 'than twenty percent of'. In a comparative structure than is used.
152
27.According to the consultant (a)/ a more detail analysis of (b)/ customer needs (c)/ and product pricing is required. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Maharashtra P.O. 2007]
27.(b) 'A more detail analysis' should be 'A more detailed analysis'. The analysis can be modified by a noun.
153
28.Over the next five years (a)/ the government needs to invest (b)/ at less 350 billion dollars (c)/ in rural infrastructure. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Maharashtra P.O. 2007]
28.(c) 'At less' should be 'at least'.
154
29.The success of the (a)/ merger of the two (b)/ banks is dependence (c)/ on various factors. (d)/ No error (e) [UBI P.O. 2007]
29.(c) 'Dependence' should be 'dependent'.
155
30.The launch of (a)/ the new products was (b)/ delayed which resulted (c)/ in heavily losses. (d)/ No error (e) [UBI P.O., 2007]
30.(d) 'Heavily losses' should be 'Heavy losses'. 'Losses' is a noun. A noun can be preceded by an adjective.
156
31.After careful scrutiny of the report (a)/ variety mistakes that had been (b)/ made by the research (c)/ department were found. (d)/ No error (e) [Allahabad Bank Clerk 2007]
31.(b) 'Variety' should be 'A variety of'
157
32.The city people stayed (a)/ fearlessly despite of (b)/ rumour of terrorist attack (c)/ in the area. (d)/ No error (e) [Andhra Bank PO 2006]
32.(b) 'Fearlessly' should be 'Fearless', Adjectives follow Verbs when they describe the subject and the action of the verb.
158
33.Some American members (a)/ feel that (b)/ academic standards are (c)/ larger in India. (d)/ No error (e) [CBI PO 2006]
33.(d) 'Larger' should be 'higher'.
159
34.Due to uncertainly (a)/ capital market conditions (b)/ there has been tremendous (c)/ growth in bank deposits. (d)/ No error (e) [Syndicate Bank PO 2005]
34.(a) 'uncertainly' should be 'uncertain' Only an adjective can modify the compound noun 'capital market'.
160
35.We have been offering (a)/ better services to (b)/ all our customers (c)/ on a regularly basic. (d)/ No error (e) [Allahabad Bank AO 2005]
35.(d) 'On a regularly basis' should be 'regular basis' because 'basis' is a noun, it should be modified by an adjective.
161
36.If you stayed at twenty (a)/ you would always be (b)/ so ignorant as (c)/ you were at twenty two. (d)/ No error (e) [OBC PO 2004]
36.(c) 'Ignorant as' should be 'as ignorant as'.
162
37.It is (a)/ a well known fact that (b)/ the leopard is faster (c)/ than all animals. (d)/ No error (e) [RBI Clerk 2003]
37.(d) 'Than all animals' should be 'Than all other animals'. The construction comparative + than + all other + plural' in comparative in structure but superlative in sense.
163
38.Govind and Gopal are (a)/ both excellent writers (b)/ but I prefer (c)/ the last. (d)/ No error (e) [ECGC, 2003]
38.(d) 'The last' should be 'The latter'. 'The latter' means the second.
164
39.He was persuaded (a)/ by his friends (b)/ to end his fast (c)/ because of his conditions deteriorated. (d)/ No error (e) [IBPS SP 2002]
39.(d) 'Because of his conditions deteriorated' should be 'because of his deteriorating conditions'.
165
40.We were happy that (a)/ the audience responded well (b)/ and gave all the Speakers (c)/ a patiently listening. (d)/ No error (e) [IBPS SP 2002]
40.(d) 'A patiently listening' should be 'a patient listening'. Listening is noun. Therefore, an adjective can modify it.
166
41.Our conclusion is that (a)/ between Vivek and (b)/ Lobo, Vinayak is (c)/ the most honest. (d)/ No error (e) [NABARD AO 2002]
41.(d) 'The most honest' should be 'the more honest'.
167
42. He strongly felt that (a)/ explanation (b)/ which was given (c)/ during the meeting was not at all truth. (d)/ No error (e)
42. (e) 'At all truth' should be 'not at all true'.
168
. 1. According to the Labour Ministry (a)/ the money earned (b)/ by farmers is usually (c)/ spent on buying newly equipment. (d)/ No error (e) [IBPS Clerk 2011]
1.(d) The noun 'equipment' should be followed by an adjective. Therefore, 'Newly equipment' should be 'new equipment'.
169
2.Given that (a)/ there was so less time (b)/ I think the students have (c)/ done a good job. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Baroda Clerk, 2011]
2.(b) 'So less time' should be 'so little time'.
170
3.The noise was (a)/ so faintly that (b)/ one had to strain (c)/ one's ears to hear it. (d)/ No error (e) [UCO Bank Clerk 2010]
3.(b) 'So faintly' should be so faint.
171
4.Humour is a better way (a)/ to provide social commentary on (b)/ controversy issues and some movies (c)/ do that successfully. (d)/ No error (e) [Syndicate Bank Clerk 2010]
4.(c) Because issues is a noun, it should be modified by an adjective. 'Controversy issues' should be 'controversial issues'.
172
5.Since the lion was (a)/ very illness, all the other animals (b)/ in the forest gave the lion (c)/ a lot of medicines. (d)/ No error (e) [Syndicate Bank Clerk 2010]
5.(b) 'Illness' should be 'ill'.
173
6.Under the scheme banks (a)/ provide loans to small and medium (b)/ enterprises at two percent (c)/ lower the market rate. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Baroda Clerk 2010]
6.(d) 'Lower the' should be 'lower than'.
174
7.his obviously reluctance (a)/ was viewed seriously by (b)/ his superiors and (c)/ he was suspended. (d)/ No error (e) [OBC Clerk 2009]
7.(a) 'His obviously reluctance' should be 'His obvious reluctance'. A noun can be modified by an adjective, not an adverb.
175
8.Whenever a man attains fame (a)/ his person qualities are (b)/ initiated by others who (c)/ are close to him. (d)/ No error (e) [OBC Clerk 2009]
8.(b) 'Person qualities' should be 'personal qualities'. Because 'qualities' is a noun, it can be followed by an adjective.
176
9.Despite working (a)/ very hard he (b)/ failed to achieve (c)/ the desiring results. (d)/ No error (e) [UBI Clerk 2009]
9.(d) 'The desiring result' should be 'the desired result'.
177
10.Although his speech (a)/ was not very clearly (b)/ everyone understood (c)/ the underlying meaning. (d)/ No error (e) [UBI Clerk 2009]
10.(b) 'Very Clearly' should be 'very clear'.
178
11.He walked as faster (a)/ as he could so that (b)/ he would not (c)/ miss the train to work. (d)/ No error (e) [Indian Bank Clerk 2009]
11.(a) 'As faster' should be 'as fast'. To express equality, as the construction + positive adjective + as is used.
179
12.Krishna ran to the (a)/ nearing grocery store to (b)/ buy biscuits as his parents (c)/ were expecting guests. (d)/ No error (e) [Indian Bank Clerk 2009]
12.(b) 'Nearing' should be 'Nearby'.
180
13.She considered herself (a)/ very fortunated to (b)/ have had a (c)/ very good education. (d)/ No error (e) [Andhra Bank Clerk 2009]
13.(b) 'Very fortunated' should be 'very fortunate'.
181
14.Hearing the tone of (a)/ my colleague's voice (b)/ realised that he was (c)/ upsetting about something. (d)/ No error (e) [CBI Clerk 2009]
14.(d) 'Upsetting' should be 'upset'.
182
15.She was lucky (a)/ to find a good paying (b)/ job as soon (c)/ as she graduated. (d)/ No error (e) [PNB Clerk 2009]
15.(b) 'A good paying job' should be 'A good paid job'.
183
16.Our team has spent (a)/ the night entirely (b)/ awake trying to decide (c)/ what strategy to adopt. (d)/ No error (e) [Canara Bank Clerk 2009]
16.(b) 'The night entirely' should be 'the entire night'.
184
17.Most of my (a)/ co-workers have been (b)/ transferred to various (c)/ neighbourly districts. (d)/ No error (e) [Canara Bank Clerk 2009]
17.(d) 'Neighbourly district' should be 'Neighbouring district'.
185
18.Since he was from (a)/ the district and able to (b)/ speak locally language (c)/ they trusted him. (d)/ No error (e) [Dena Bank Clerk 2009]
18.(c) 'Locally language' should be 'local language'.
186
19.While giving a loan (a)/ you must check (b)/ if the borrower has (c)/ sufficiently collateral to repay it. (d)/ No error (e) [Indian Overseas Bank Clerk 2009]
19.(d) 'Sufficiently collateral' should be 'sufficient collateral'.
187
20.To train its newly (a)/ recruit staff the company (b)/ has developed an (c)/ online training programme. (d)/ No error (e) [OBC Clerk 2009]
20.(b) 'Recruit staff' should be 'recruited staff'.
188
21.The merger talks have (a)/ taken longer that (b)/ we anticipated because (c)/ of the financial crisis. (d)/ No error (e) [OBC Clerk 2009]
21.(b) 'Longer that' should be 'Longer than'.
189
22.An estimate forty (a)/ lakh workers will (b)/ benefit from the (c)/ amendment to the Act. (d)/ No error (e) [Allahabad Bank Clerk 2008]
22.(a) 'An estimate' should be 'an estimated'.
190
23.Students will be (a)/ the worse affected (b)/ by the public transport (c)/ strike next week. (d)/ No error (e) [Bank of Maharashtra 2008]
23.(b) 'The worse affected' should be 'the worst affected'.
191
24.Many multinational companies (a)/ have not been as (b)/ successful in India (c)/ than we expected. (d)/ No error (e) [SBI Clerk 2008]
24.(d) 'Than' should be 'as'. To show dissimilarity we use not + so/as+ positive adjective + as'.
192
25.The policeman went away (a)/ apparently convincing (b)/ but he did not (c)/ feel safe at all. (d)/ No error (e) [Vijaya Bank Clerk 2008]
25.(b) 'Apparently convincing' should be 'apparently convinced'.
193
26.We all seemed to forget (a)/ for a while that (b)/ something very strangely and terribly (c)/ had happened. (d)/ No error (e) [Vijaya Bank Clerk 2008]
26.(c) 'Very strangely and terribly' should be 'Very strange and terrible.
194
27.He was not (a)/ a leader who (b)/ was desiring of making (c)/ compromises with the rulers. (d)/ No error (e) [Vijaya Bank Clerk 2008]
27.(c) 'Was desiring' should be 'was desirous'.
195
28.When we heard the name (a)/ of our leader uttered (b)/ respectfully by the foreigners (c)/ we felt pride of him. (d)/ No error (e) [Andhra Bank Clerk 2008]
28.(d) 'We felt pride of' should be 'we felt proud of'.
196
29.It goes to his credit (a)/ that he was a clean man (b)/ in politics as well as (c)/ his person dealings. (d)/ No error (e) [Andhra Bank Clerk 2008]
29.(d) 'His person dealings' should be 'His personal dealings'
197
30.His strictly discipline (a)/ had made him (b)/ very unpopular among (c)/ all the employees. (d)/ No error (e) [Andhra Bank Clerk 2008]
30.(a) 'Strictly discipline' should be 'strict discipline'. Discipline is a noun which can be modified by an adjective only.
198
31.He avoids (a)/ taking the (b)/ prescribed medicine (c)/ at regularly intervals. (d)/ No error (e) [Allahabad Bank Clerk 2007]
31.(d) 'Regularly intervals' should be 'regular intervals'.
199
32.You must realise (a)/ how importance it is (b)/ to give away to the needy (c)/ whatever you possess in excess. (d)/ No error (e) [iOB Clerk 2007]
32.(b) 'How' modifies an adjective. Therefore, how importance should be 'How important'.
200
33.The new assignment is (a)/ more challenging than (b)/ much of the (c)/ earlier assignments. (d)/ No error (e) [iOB Clerk 2007]
33.(c) 'Much' should be 'many'. 'Many' is used with plural countables.
201
34.Which (a)/ do you prefer (b)/ more meat (c)/ or fish? (d)/ No error (e) [Andhra Bank Clerk 2007]
34.(c) 'More' is superfluous. 'Prefer' itself show priority.
202
35.All know (a)/ that Rani is (b)/ the most unique speaker (c)/ of her class. (d)/ No error (e) [Corporation Bank Clerk 2007]
35.(c) 'The most unique' should be 'a unique'. Unique is a non-gradable adjective. Therefore, it has no comparative or superlative form.
203
36.Ramesh has been both (a)/ a dishonestly person (b)/ and a gambler (c)/ since his childhood. (d)/ No error (e) [Corporation Bank Clerk 2006]
36.(b) 'A dishonestly person' should be 'a dishonest person'.
204
37.He advised me (a)/ to wait with patiently (b)/ for the next opportunity (c)/ and to grab it soon. (d)/ No error (e)
37.(b) Preposition should be followed by a noun or noun phrase. 'With patiently' should be 'with patience'.
205
38.Small farmers do not get (a)/ the require support (b)/ from outside (c)/ the farming sector. (d)/ No error (e)
38.(b) 'The require support' should be 'the required support'.
206
39.The economical condition (a)/ of our country is bad (b)/ and unlikely to improve (c)/ in the near future. (d)/ No error (e)
39.(a) 'The economical condition' should be 'The economic condition'.
207
40.Janet is determined (a)/ to be success (b)/ in whatever field (c)/ she chooses. (d)/ No error (e)
40.(b) 'To be success' should be 'to be successful'.
208
41.The cost of the new (a)/ machines is likely to (b)/ be so high as ten (c)/ times the existing ones. (d)/ No error (e) [Allahabad Bank Clerk 2008]
41.(c) 'So high as' should be 'as high as'. To express equality the construction 'as + positive degree + as' is used.
209
42. I'll give (a)/ you the advance (b)/ if you repay it as (c)/ soon as possibly. (d)/ No error (e) [SBI Clerk 2008]
42. (d) 'Soon as possibly' should be 'as soon as possible'.
