Banking English Book

[1]
Talent Sigma Professionals Pvt Ltd (TSPL), F-35 DS Infotech Chandaka Industrials Estate,
Chandrasekharpur, BBSR-751024
[2]
THE SENTENCE
Every language follows some rules called
Grammar. These rules are necessary to
communicate
effectively
in
that
language .Grammar is defined in the
dictionary as the rules by which words change
forms and are combined as sentences. To
speak and write correctly in English we must
learn English grammar. Let us start with the
basics.
A sentence is formed with:
WORDS/ PHRASES/ CLAUSES
THE WORD
When we speak or write, we use different
words.
A WORD is a preset arrangement of
letters which has some meaning. Look at
the following combination of letters. How many
of them can be called a word?
1.nanaba
2.banana
3.ringef
4.ighnles
5.promble
THE PHRASE
[3]
A sentence often contains a group of words

which may or may not make a complete
sense.
A group of words which makes some sense,
but not a complete sense is called, a
Phrase.
Examples:
1.
A beggar has no choice.
2.
He wants success at any cost.
THE CLAUSE
A group of words, which is part of the
sentence and which makes a complete
sense, is called a Clause.
Examples:
1.The Dean, who was our principal,
congratulated me.
2.The guard said that, Mr Bhuyan was
waiting for us.
[4]
THE SENTENCE
A SENTENCE is a group of words that
makes a complete sense.
When a group of words are arranged in such
a manner that its meaning is clear, we can say
that it is a sentence
Example:
1.Life is beautiful.
2.Do you have a dream?
3.What a catch!
A sentence has
1.WORDS
2.PUNCTUATION MARKS
A sentence always begins with a capital letter and
ends with one of these Punctuation Marks: Full stop
(.)/ Question mark (?)/ Exclamation mark (!).
KINDS OF SENTENCES
Based on the purposes they serve, sentences can be
classified as:
[5]
1.SIMPLE SENTENENCE
A sentence, that has only one principal clause i.e.
one subject and one predicate, is called
a Simple Sentence.
Examples:
a) Soldiers fight.
b)Sachin retired from cricket.
2. COMPOUND SENTENCE
A sentence, that has two or more principal
clauses, is called a Compound Sentence.
Examples:
a) I bought a pullover and he bought a
jacket.
b) Ekta directs and Tushar acts.
3. COMPLEX SENTENCE
A sentence, that has one principal clause and
one or more sub-ordinate clauses, is called
a Compound Sentence.
Examples:
a) Please give me the pen, which is on the
table.
b) Are you the same person who declined
the award?
4.
DECLARATIVE OR ASSERTIVE
SENTENCE
It makes a statement or an assertion.
Example:
A desert is a difficult place to live in.
5.
INTERROGATIVE SENTENCE
It asks a question.
Example:
[6]
How can I be a good speaker?

6.
IMPERATIVE SENTENCE
It expresses a command, or a request, or an
entreaty, or a wish, or a suggestion.
Example:
a)
Behave yourself. (Command)
b) Give me a lift please. (Request)
c)Leave us alone please. (Entreaty)
d) May God bless you with health, wealth
and happiness. (Wish)
e) Let us help you. (Suggestion)
7.
EXCLAMATORY SENTENCE
It expresses strong feelings such as anger,
joy, surprise, regret etc.
Example:
a) What a movie!
b) Oh no! India can not lose the match!
8. AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCE
It makes a sense of affirmation.
Examples:
a) Everybody was present.
b) Everest is the highest mountain in the
world.
9. NEGATIVE SENTENCE
It makes a sense of negation.
Examples:
a) Nobody was absent.
b) No other mountain is as high as
Everest.
SUBJECT AND PREDICATE
[7]
A sentence has two parts:

(1) The name of the person or thing we are
talking about i.e. the Subject.
(2) The part that says or predicates
something about the subject i.e. the
Predicate.
Example:
Love is a beautiful feeling.
subject
predicate
(3) Usually the Predicate follows the
Subject, but sometimes the case may be
reverse.
Example:
Here lies the beauty of nature.
(4) In Imperative sentences, the real subject
YOU is often missing.
Example:
Be patient. (You be patient)
[8]
PARTS OF SPEECH
A sentence is made up of many words. These
words are called Parts of Speech. According
to their uses in a sentence, they are named as:
1. Noun.
Adjective.
5. Adverb.
Conjunction.
2.
4.
6.
8.
Pronoun.
Verb.
Preposition.
Interjection
3.
7.
THE NOUN
A word that refers to a name of a person,
animal, place or thing (anything) is called a
Noun.
Example:
[9]
man,
Ram,
bird,
dove,
continent,
Antarctica, rice, sand, honesty, wisdom, etc.
KINDS OF NOUNS:
1. COMMON NOUN:
The name given to every person or thing
of the same class or kind is a common
noun.
Example:
man, girl, beast, bird, country, food, chair,
etc.
2. PROPER NOUN:
The name of some particular person or
place is a proper noun. It begins with a
capital letter.
Example:
Kareena, Frankfurt, Himalayas, etc.
3. ABSTRACT NOUN:
The name given to a quality, action or
state considered apart from the object to
which it belongs, is an abstract noun.
Example:
Quality - beauty, bravery, kindness,
wisdom.
Action - judgment, hatred, obedience,
laughter.
State - childhood, youth, sickness, death.
Abstract nouns are formed from:
i)
Adjectives Example: cruelty from cruel;
ignorance from ignorant.
[10]
ii)
Verbs Example: movement from move;

choice from choose.
iii)
Common nouns Example: heroism from
hero; priesthood from priest.
The names of Arts and Sciences
(grammar, music, Physics) are also Abstract
Nouns.
4. COLLECTIVE NOUN:
The name given to a collection of persons
or things taken together and spoken of as
one whole is a collective noun.
Example:
army, audience, bunch, congregation,
crowd, flock, group, herd, regiment etc.
These nouns can take either a singular or a
plural verb depending on the context.
Example:
The audience was stunned by the
performance.
The audience were forced to leave the
theatre.
Police is an exception to this rule as it
always takes a plural verb.
Example:
The police were held responsible for the
crime.
THE NOUN: Countable and Uncountable:
The names of objects, people, etc that we
can count are called Countable Nouns.
Example:
pen, table, dog, eye, tree, child, school,
etc.
[11]
The names of things which we can not

count are called Uncountable Nouns.
Example:
water, milk, oil, sugar, gold, honesty,
knowledge etc.
THE NOUN: Singular and Plural:
All nouns are used in two forms-the singular
and the plural. A noun which denotes one
person or thing is said to be in the
singular number. A noun which denotes
more than one person or thing is said to
be in the plural number.
There are certain rules for making the plural
form of a singular noun. They have been
illustrated below :
1. By adding s to a singular noun :
Singular
Plural
Pen
Pens
Cow
Cows
Dog
Dogs
Son
Sons
Book
Books
Door
Doors
Pencil
Pencils
Girl
Girls
2. By adding es to a singular noun if it
ends in s, sh, x, ch, z :
Singular
Plural
Touch
Touches
Gas
Gases
[12]
Box
Match
Church
Brush
Topaz
Boxes
Matches
Churches
Brushes
Topazes
3.
a)
By adding s to a singular noun if it
ends in y and y is preceded by a vowel
:
Singular
Plural
Holiday
Holidays
Journey
Journeys
Guy
Guys
Key
Keys
Boy
Boys
Ray
Rays
b)
If the noun ends in y and the y is
preceded by a consonant, then the
plural is formed by changing y to ies:
Singular
Plural
Army
Armies
Baby
Babies
Duty
Duties
Fly
Flies
Lady
Ladies
City
Cities
Story
Stories
4.Those singular nouns that end in f or fe
form their plural by changing the f or fe
into ves :
Singular
Plural
Half
Halves
[13]
Knife
Leaf
Life
Thief
Wife
Shelf
Self
Knives
Leaves
Lives
Thieves
Wives
Shelves
Selves
However, there are certain nouns ending in f

or fe which form their plural by simply adding
s:
Singular
Plural
Safe
Safes
Strife
Strifes
Fife
Fifes
Chief
Chiefs
Proof
Proofs
Grief
Griefs
Roof
Roofs
Puff
Puffs
Reef
Reefs
Stuff
Stuffs
Surf
Surfs
There are still some nouns ending in f which
form their plural by following both the above
methods and both forms of plurals thus
obtained are correct:
Singular
Plural
Hoof
Hoofs or Hooves
Staff
Staffs or Staves
Scarf
Scarfs or Scarves
[14]
Turf
Turfs or Turves
Wharf
Wharfs or Wharves
5.Those singular nouns which end in o
and the o is preceded by a consonant,
form their plural generally by adding es
to the singular :
Singular
Plural
Mango
Mangoes
Mosquito
Mosquitoes
Buffalo
Buffaloes
Negro
Negroes
Potato
Potatoes
Echo
Echoes
Volcano
Volcanoes
Hero
Heroes
However, there are some singular nouns of
the above description that do not follow the
above rule. Instead, they get their plural by
simply adding s :
Singular
Plural
Canto
Cantos
Piano
Pianos
Dynamo
Dynamos
Quarto
Quartos
Note: There are some singular nouns ending
in o and the vowel o is preceded by a
consonant such nouns form their plurals by
following both the above mentioned
methods.
Singular
Plural
Proviso
Provisos (or provisoes)
[15]
Memento
Mementos
(or
Mementoes)
Halo
Halos (or Haloes)
Manifesto
Manifestos
(or
Manifestoes)
Cargo
Cargos (Cargoes)
Motto
Mottos (Mottoes)
6. Such singular nouns which end in o
and have a vowel before that o form
their plural by adding s :
Singular
Plural
Studio
Studios
Folio
Folios
Cameo
Cameos
Radio
Radios
Cuckoo
Cuckoos
Embryo
Embryos
Note:
Although y' in embryo is not a
vowel sometimes it is treated as a vowel
because of its sound in a word. In words
like embryo, myth etc. y gives the
sound of i and is therefore treated as a
vowel.
7. Some nouns form their plurals by
changing the spelling and the vowel
sound of the singular :
Singular
Plural
Dormouse
Dormice
Man
Men
Foot
Feet
Mouse
Mice
Goose
Geese
[16]
Tooth
Teeth
Louse
Lice
Woman
Women
There are some nouns which are a
combination of two or more words. These are
known as compound nouns. Such nouns get
their plural by adding s to the main or the
principal word :
(a) In some cases, it is the first word that
forms the plural :
Singular
Plural
Daughter-in-law
Daughters-in-law
Hanger-on
Hangers-on
Commander-in-chief
Commandersin-chief
Sister-in-law
Sisters-in-law
Passer-by
Passers-by
Looker-on
Lookers-on
(b) Examples where the second word
forms the plural :
Singular
Plural
Book-case
Book-cases
Class-fellow
Class-fellows
Race-horse
Race-horses
Step-son
Step-sons
Cast-away
Cast-aways
Grand-father
Grand-fathers
Horse-race p
Horse-races
Maid-servant
Maid-servants
(c) Examples where both words make the
plural :
Singular
Plural
[17]
Man-servant
Men-servants
Woman-servant
Women-servants
Lord-Justice
Lords-Justices
8. Some nouns form their plural in en or
ne :
Singular
Plural
Child
Children
Ox
Oxen
Cow
Kine (or cows)
Brother
Brethren
Note:
The plural of brother is brothers
and also brethren. Brothers means sons of
the same mother; brethren means members
of the same society. Similarly the plural of
cow is cows as well as kine but kine is never
used in modem English.
BEHAVIOUR OF NOUNS:
Nouns can be put into ten groups.
Group 1:- This group is a family of those nouns
which are generally used in the singular.
Example:
[18]
The old furnitures were disposed of.

(incorrect)
The old furniture was disposed of.
(correct)
Other nouns are- poetry, offspring, abuse,
advice, information, machinery, cavalry, fuel,
alphabet, hair, bedding, scenery, issue,
stationery, luggage, rice, mischief, bunting,
infantry, gram.
Group 2- This group consists of nouns which
are generally used in the plural.
Example:
My
spectacle
has
been
missing.
(incorrect).
My spectacles have been missing. (correct)
Other nouns are- riches, premises, bowels,
valuables, proceeds, alms, movables, wages,
thanks, annals, trousers, goods, socks,
fetters, shorts, pantaloons, tidings, eatables,
scissors, stockings, surroundings, breeches,
arms (weapons), tongs, eaves, odds, bellows,
pincers, shears, drawers, trappings, pants,
nuptials, binoculars, pliers.
Group 3:- Some nouns have the same form
in singular and plural.
Example:
A series of lectures were delivered on the
subject.(incorrect)
A series of lectures was delivered on the
subject.(correct)
[19]
Other nouns are- sheep, fish, apparatus,

corps, cod, yoke, swine, deer, means,
species, amends, cannon, salmon, brace.
Group 4:- This group comprises of nouns that
look like plural, but are used in singular.
Example:
Politics are a game of compromise.
(incorrect)
Politics is a game of compromise.
(correct)
Other nouns are: mathematics, statistics,
economics, gymnastics, mechanics, physics,
news, innings, rickets, gallows, summons,
billiards, mumps, measles.
Group 5:- This group is a family of collective
nouns. These nouns are singular in form but
are generally used as plural.
Example:
Peoples should be loyal to their nation.
(incorrect)
People should be loyal to their nation.
(correct)
Other nouns are: Gentry, people, police,
clergy, vermin, public, cattle, peasantry, folk,
mankind, poultry, jury, army, flock.
There are some collective Nouns which are
used as singular:
Examples:
The army was ordered to open fire on
terrorists.
[20]
The jury was unanimous in its opinion (one

undivided whole)
The jury were divided in their opinion. (here
noun of multitude denotes the
individuals of the group; and hence verb is
plural although the noun is singular)
Generally public is followed by singular verb
but it can be used with plural verb. However,
this practice is not common.
Group 6:- There are some nouns that express
length, measure, money, weight, and number.
These nouns when preceded by a numeral
remain unchanged in form. Such nouns are the
members of this group.
Example:
It was a five-years project.
(incorrect)
It was a five-year project. (correct)
Other such nouns are: foot, thousand,
metre, pair, score, hundred, million, head,
dozen.
Group 7: Nouns with two meanings in the
singular and only one in the plural are
members of this group.
Noun
Its Meanings Noun In
in
(two)
Plural
Singular
Abuse
(i) Wrong use Abuses
(ii) Rude and
offensive
Its Meaning
(only one)
Wrong
practices
(Evils)
[21]
remarks
about
a
person.
Force
(i) Strength
Forces
Troops
(ii) Body of
armed men
Issue
(i) Topic for Issues
Topics
for
Discussion
Discussion
(ii) Offspring
Light
(i) Lamp
Lights
Lamps
(ii) Brilliance
Gain
(i) Profit
Gain
Profits
(ii)
Acquisition
of wealth
People (i) Persons
Peoples Nations
(ii) Nation
Powder (i) Dust
Powders Doses
of
(ii) A dose of
medicine
medicine in
fine
grains
like dust
Examples:
Wood is used in almost all modern houses.
(Timber)
He lives in a wood. (Forest)
Woods are fast disappearing from India
(Forests )
Group 8 : Nouns with one meaning in the
singular and two in the plural are members
of this group.
[22]
Noun in Its
Singular Meanings
(two)
Arm
Upper
limb /(Part
of the body
from
the
shoulder to
the hand)
Pain
Ache
Noun in Its
Meaning
Plural
(only one)
Arms
i) Upper limbs.
ii) Weapons
Pains
i) Aches
ii) Troubles
Custom Habit
Customsi) Habits
ii) Duties
on
goods
Spectacl Sight
Spectacl i) Sights
e
es
ii) Eye-glasses
Colour
Hue
Colours i) Hues
ii) Flags
Minute
A unit of Minutes i) Units of time
time (1/60
ii) Proceedings
of an hour)
of a meeting
Moral
Lesson
Morals i) Moral
lessons
ii) Conduct
Provisio Condition
Provision i) Conditions
n
s
ii) Supplies of
food
Effect
Result
Effects i) Results
ii) Personal
property
Number A quantity Number i) Quantities
s
ii) Verses
[23]
Premise Proposition Premisesi) Propositions

ii) Buildings
Quarter Fourth part Quarters i) Fourth parts
ii) lodgings
Examples:
Every letter of a language expresses a
particular sound.
(Alphabet)
Please write your telegram in capital letters.
(Alphabet)
He is a man of letters.
(Learning)
Group 9:- There are some nouns that change
their meaning when used in the plural form.
Such nouns are the members of this group.
Noun in Its
Noun in Its Meaning
Singular Meanings Plural
(only one)
(two)
Advice
Counsel
Advices
Information
or report
Air
Atmospher Airs
Proud
e
behaviour
Authority The power Authoriti Persons
in
to
give es
power
orders.
Good
Nice (well Goods
Property
behaved)
(things)
Iron
Metal
Irons
Fetters,
Chains
Content
Satisfied
Contents Things
[24]
Respect
Work
Earning
Quarter
Return
Pain
contained
Feeling of Respects Compliments
admiration
(for
somebody
).
Job
Works
Operations
involving
building
or
repair works,
Income
Earnings Savings
One-fourth Quarters Houses,
lodgings
To
come Returns
Earnings,
back
profits
Physical
Pains
Great efforts
suffering
Examples:
It is shameful for a man to use force on a
woman.
(Strength)
The forces on the border have been alerted.
(Troops)
Group 10:- There are nouns which have two
forms in the plural, each form with a separate
meaning of its own. Such nouns are the
members of this group. The following table
presents a list of some important nouns of this
type
Noun 1st
Its
2nd
Its Meaning
is
forms
meaning form in
Singul in the
the
[25]
ar
Plural
Brothe Brother Sons of
r
s
the same
parents
Cloth
Cloths
Plural
Brethre Members of
n
a
community
or society
Clothes Garments
Kinds or
pieces of
cloth
Index Indexes Tables of Indices Signs used
content
in Algebra
Fish
Fish
Considere Fishes Considered
d
separately
collectivel
y
Penny Pennie Plural for Pence Plural for
s
a U.S. or
new penny
Canadian
(a
cent
monetary
unit equal
to 1/100 of
a pound).
Formu Formul Rules of
Formul Methods of
la
ae
mathema as
application
( as in tics
scienti
fic use)
Die
Dies
Devices
Dice
Small
used for
marked
moulding,
cubes used
stamping
in games of
or for
chance.
shaping
[26]
Staff
Staves
other
pieces of
metal,
e,g. coins.
Sticks or
Staffs
poles
Groups of
officers
serving
military or
naval
commandin
g officers in
advisory
and
administrat
ive
capacity.
Salaried
employees
taken
collectively.
Examples:
The old man leant on a long wooden staff.
(staff-stick)
Senators and their staff all were present at the
senate. (staff-group of officers)
NOUNS OFTEN CONFUSED
The use of certain nouns needs special
attention. It is so because these nouns are of a
confusing nature. Such nouns are generally
[27]
studied in pairs. The following table will enable

you to understand the nature of such nouns :
Nouns
(in Their
Proper Example
Pairs)
Use
It belongs to Mohan is a
1.(a) Habit
(b) Custom the individuals. victim
of
It belongs to a many
bad
society
or habits.
country.
The Nigerians
have strange
customs.
It is a building This house is
2.(a) House
(b) Home
to live in.
made of brick
The
place and stone.
where
one You should go
lives especially home now.
with
ones
family.
India is the
Home
may home of the
also
denote Indians.
ones
native
place
or
country.
Cause
The scientists
3.(a) Cause
produces
a have
not
(b) Reason result.
been able to
tell the cause
Reason
of
an
explains
or earthquake.
justifies
a You have a
cause.
good reason
for going to
[28]
4.(a) Air
(b) Wind
5.(a) Men
(b) People
Air is what we
breathe.
Wind is the
current in the
air that makes
the leaves of
the
trees
move.
The plural of
man. It is used
in the ordinary
sense.
Persons.
Used in the
6.(a) Man
(b) Gentlem ordinary
an
sense.
Man
of
character.
7.(a) Cost
(b) Price
the court.
Water and air
sustain life.
A cold wind
was blowing
from
the
north.
Only men of
character can
make
a
nation great.
Most people
are
superstitious.
The man in
the blue suit
is my cousin.
Mr. Sohanlal
is
a
gentleman.
The cost of
production in
every
field
has gone up.
Amount
paid
by
the
shopkeeper or
amount spent
in producing or
manufacturing What is the
a commodity.
price of this
Amount
paid pen?
by
the
customer.
[29]
buyer
8.(a) Custome A
r
goods.
of Gandhiji used
to say that
the customer
(b) Client
One who avails is like God for
oneself
of a shopkeeper.
services.
That lawyer
has plenty of
clients.
A
place The peepal
9.(a) Shade
(b) Shadow sheltered from tree makes a
the sun.
nice shade.
(a) Ground The shade of a The lion saw
(b) Floor
distinct
form its shadow in
or object.
the
water
and roared at
It is outside it.
the house.
The
ground
It is a part of was slippery.
the room.
I
saw
my
books
lying
on the floor.
10.(a) Climate Refers to the The climate
regular pattern of England is
(b) Weather of
weather temperate.
conditions.
Refers to the The success
conditions
of of the crop
the
depends on
atmosphere at the weather.
a certain place
and time
11.(a) Accident A mishap or a Ram met with
[30]
(b) Incident
disaster.
Event,
occurrence.
a
serious
accident.
This is an
important
incident
in
my life.
Being
free The prisoner
12.(a) Liberty
from
was set at
(b) Freedom imprisonment, liberty.
slavery, undue
authority.
I
have
to
Personal
choose
liberty,
between
independence. freedom and
slavery.
THE NOUN: CASE

When a noun is used as the subject of a verb,
it is said to be in the NOMINATIVE CASE.
Example:
i) The baby loves the nurse.
ii) The school has a playground.
To find the subject, put who/ what before the
verb.
Examples:
i) Who loves toys? (the baby)
ii) What has a play ground? (the school).
[31]
When a noun is used as the object of a verb,

it is said to be in the OBJECTIVE or
ACCUSATIVE CASE.
To find the object, put Whom or What after
the verb.
Examples:
i) The baby loves whom? (the nurse)
ii)The school has what? (a play ground).
In the above sentences, the nouns- nurse and
play ground are the objects.
Further, objects can be Direct or Indirect.
A Direct object can be determined by putting
questions like what or whom
(Example : sentences- i & ii).
An Indirect object can be determined by
putting questions like to whom, to what, for
whom, for what.
Examples:
i) The cloud brings us rain. (sub- cloud; direct
object -rain; indirect object - us).
ii)Give Pallavi a pen. (sub-you; direct objectpen; indirect object- Pallavi).
iii)
Can you buy some medicine for
the old lady?
(sub -you; direct object - medicine;
indirect object - old lady).
[32]
Note that, Direct objects mostly appear in the

form of things. Indirect objects mostly appear
in the form of persons.
The form of the noun that shows ownership or
possession is said to be in the POSSESSIVE
or GENITIVE CASE.
Example:
My Uncles car is red.
The possessive case of a noun, both singular
and plural, is formed by adding:
i. 's to the noun, if the noun does not end with
the s sound ( s/es/sh)
Example:
Shoumyas diary, womens magazine,
childrens ward etc.
ii. Only an apostrophe (), if the plural noun ends
with s /es or if the singular noun has more
than ones sound.
Example:
parents room; for conscience sake etc.
[33]
THE PRONOUN
A word used instead of a noun is called a
Pronoun.
Example: Mahesh is good but he can do much
better. (Here he is the pronoun which stands
for Mahesh).
KINDS OF PRONOUNS:
1.
PERSONAL PRONOUN: These
refer to three persons:
PER NOMINAT OBJECTIVE
SON IVE CASE CASE
(subjec
( objec
t)
t)
SING PL SING PLU
ULA UR ULAR RAL
R
AL
st
1
I
WE ME
US
PER
SON
2ND
YOU YOU YOU
YOU
PER
SON
3RD HE/S THE HIM/H THE
PER HE/IT Y
ER/IT M
SON
POSSESSIVE
CASE
SING PLUR
ULAR AL
MY/MI OUR/O
NE
URS
YOUR/
YOUR
S
HIS/H
ER
YOUR/
YOUR
S
THEIR/
THEIR
S
Note the use of the pronouns:

[34]
Examples:
i) He drove me to the airport (sub-he;
object-me)
ii) I drove him to the airport. (sub-I; objecthim)
iii) This is our bungalow. This bungalow is
ours.
iv) That is my laptop. That laptop is mine.
2.
REFLEXIVE PRONOUNS: These
are used when the action done by the
subject, turns back (reflects) upon the
subject.
Example:
I will try to open the jar myself.
3.
EMPHATIC PRONOUNS:
These are
used to indicate emphasis.
Example:
He is determined to do it himself.
4.
DEMONSTRATIVE PRONOUNS:
These are used to point out the objects to
which they refer.
Examples:
This is the restaurant I often visit.
That is the book with beautiful
anecdotes.
5.
RELATIVE PRONOUNS: These
are used to refer back to some noun
(antecedent) placed before it.
Examples:
i) We are waiting for Gautami, who is a rockstar.
[35]
ii)
Mohit paints with an old brush which his

teacher gifted him.
Whoever; whosoever; whichever; whatever;
whatsoever
are
called
COMPOUND
RELATIVE PRONOUNS.
6.
INDEFINITE
PRONOUNS:
These refer to persons or things in a general
way; not to any person or thing in particular.
Examples:
i) One must not praise ones self.
ii)
I have many friends; some are good
speakers. (Similarly-all, others, nobody,
anybody ,etc)
Note that most of these words may also be
used as adjectives.
Examples:
One man stood there, solid and fearless.
Some passengers are sick.
7.
DISTRIBUTIVE
PRONOUNS:
These refer to persons or things one at a
time.
That is why they always take singular verbs.
Examples:
i) Each of the trainees gets a certificate.
ii) Either of the officers will go abroad.
iii) Neither of the William sisters could win
the title.
However, the
adjectives:-
followings
are
used
as
[36]
i) Each trainee gets a certificate.

ii) At either end was a mosaic pillar.
iii) Neither story could win a prize.
Each-other and one- another are called
COMPOUND /RECIPROCAL PRONOUNS.
8.
INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS:
These are used to ask questions and are
similar to relative pronouns in form.
Examples:
What is the matter?
Ask Ravi whose book is this. (Similarlywho, which, whom)
[37]
THE ADJECTIVE
A word which is used to qualify (say
something more about) a noun or pronoun is
called an Adjective.
KINDS OF ADJECTIVES:
1.
Adjectives
of
Quality/
Descriptive Adjectives: These show the
kind or quality of a noun or pronoun.
Example:
[38]
Madhabi Mudgal is a renowned dancer.

2.
Adjectives of Quantity: These
show how much of a thing is meant.
Examples:
some, any, little, few, many, much, all,
enough, whole, sufficient, etc
i) I have enough money.
ii) That man has no sense.
3.
Adjectives
of
Number/
Numeral Adjectives: These show how
many persons or things are meant
(cardinals)or in what order a person or
thing stands (ordinals).
Examples:
two, three, first, last, all, no, many, few,
certain, sundry, etc
i) The family has ten members. (definite,
cardinal).
ii) Dorothy is their second sister. (definite,
ordinal).
iii)
Several delegates arrived early.
(indefinite).
4.
Distributive Adjectives: These
refer to the number or distribution of
something.
Examples:
each, every, either, neither, etc.
i) Every dog has his day.
ii) Neither party is quite in the right.
[39]
5.
Demonstrative
Adjectives:
These are used to point out a particular
person/ thing.
Example:
this, that , these, those, etc.
i) This building needs restoration.
ii) How old are those trees?
6.
Interrogative
Adjectives:
These are used with the nouns to ask
questions.
Example:
what, which, whose.
i) Which pen do you prefer?
ii) Whose car is this? (pen and car are
nouns).
7.
Exclamatory Adjectives: Note
the use of WHAT in the following sentences.
i) What an idea!
ii) What rubbish!
iii) What a blessing!
DEGREES OF COMPARISION
Adjectives change in form to show
comparison. There are three degrees of
comparison.
Here is a table
Positiv Comparati Superlativ
e
ve Degree e Degree
Degree
Large
Larger
largest
Wealthy Wealthier
wealthiest
beautifu more
most
[40]
l
Polite
Little
Late
Up
beautiful
politer/mor
e polite
less/lesser
later/latter
Upper
beautiful
politest/mo
st polite
least
latest/last
upmost
/uppermost
Usage:
1.
Comparative Degree is used to
compare two things/ persons/ classes.
Example:
Between Radhika and Diya, the former is a
better dancer.
2.
Superlative Degree is used to
compare between three or more nouns.
Example:
Sachin is the best batsman India has ever
produced.
3.
The words- superior, inferior,
senior, junior, prior, anterior and posterior
take to instead of than. ( in comparative
degree, of course)
Example:
Mahak is junior to Piyush.
4.
Adjectives are sometimes used
as nouns and vice versa.
Examples:
i) The rich know not how the poor live.
(adjective as noun)
[41]
ii)
Who has seen the future? (adjective as

noun)
iii) I visited the college canteen. (noun as
adjective)
iv) They have a lovely oil painting. (noun as
adjective)
5.
Some adjectives are positive in
meaning while some are negative.
Examples:
i) Do you have any eggs? (question)
ii) Yes, I have some eggs in the fridge
(positive)
iii) No, I dont have any eggs in the basket
(negative)
Similarly, few/ little (negative) and a few/ a
little (positive)
[42]
THE VERB
A verb is a word which denotes an action or a
state of being.
Examples:
i) A cobbler mends shoes.
ii)The wrestler is strong.
However, all action words are not verbs.
Examples:
i) Fighting distracts us from our goal.
(what distracts us?)
ii) I am fond of swimming.
(fond of what?)
[43]
These ing forms of the words may look like

verbs but they do the work of a noun. They are
called noun-verbs or GERUND.
In the first sentence, the verb is distracts and
the gerund is used as a subject.
In the second sentence, the verb is am and
the gerund works as an object.
AUXILIARY OR HELPER VERBS: These are
the words which in association with the main
verbs, help in completion of the sense of the
sentences (particularly the meanings of the
verbs).They are of two types:
Primary Auxiliaries and Modal Auxiliaries
1.
Primary Auxiliaries
They are used with ordinary verbs to indicate
tenses, passive forms, questions, and
negatives : they do not have any meanings
of their own. They are affected by number of
the subjects. The verbs are- be( am, is,
are, was, were), has, have, had, do,
does and did.
Example:
The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of
jasmine.
(main verb-filled; aux verb- is).
2.
Modal Auxiliaries
They exhibit different modes or moods of
action. It is not essential that change of
[44]
number of the subject will change them.

They have meanings of their own.
The verbs are can/could, may /might, shall/
should, will/would, must, ought, dare, need,
used(to) etc.
Example:
The flight might land early.
Read the chapter Modals for their usages.
TRANSITIVE AND INTRANSITIVE VERBS:
A transitive verb is a verb that denotes an
action which passes over from the doer/
subject to the object.
Examples:
i) Ladies love shopping.
ii) We fried some potatoes.
In both the cases, you get an answer to- love
what? / fried what?, which means-each has an
object. Hence, the verbs are transitive.
An intransitive verb is a verb that denotes an
action which doesnt pass over to an object or
which expresses a state or being.
Examples
i) The flight landed safe.( action)
ii)The vase is broken.(state)
iii)
Ice is cold.(being)
[45]
Here are some verbs which are used both as

transitive and intransitive:
Transitive
Intransitive
1. I walk my dog.
The dog walks.
2. Fly my kite.
Kites fly.
3. We must speak to Speak
less;
listen
the Dean soon.
more.
4. Mother woke me I woke up early.
up.
5. Geet stopped me I stopped there for a
from dancing.
cup of coffee.
Forms of verbs
Verbs in English are used in three different
forms. They are :
1.Present or first or original form.
2.Past or second form
3.Past Participle or third form.
Examples
Present/Orig Past/Seco
inal form
nd form
Play
Go
Sleep
Played
Went
Slept
Past
Participle;
Third form
Played
Gone
Slept
Verbs can be divided into different types

according to their method of changing from
one form into another.
[46]
(i) Verbs with vowel change only, as :

First form
Second form
Third
form
Abide
Abode*
Abode*
Begin
Began
Begun
Come
Came
Come
Dig
Dug
Dug
Fling
Flung
Flung
Hold
Held
Held
Ring
Rang
Rung
Shine
Shone
Shone
Spin
Spun
Spun
Win
Won
Won
But the second and third form of abide is
abided when it is used to convey to live up
to (a promise, agreement etc.). He abided
by the rules and regulations of the game.
(ii) Verbs with a suffix (suffix is referred
to the letter or letters added at the
end of a word to form another word),
n, -ne or -en in the third form; as :
First form
Second form
Third
form
Arise
Blow
Bear
Bear
Born**
Drive
Eat
Fly
Arose
Blew
Bore
Bore
Arisen
Blown
Born
Borne
Drove
Driven
Ate
Flew
Eaten
Flown
or
[47]
Go
Went
Gone
Rise
Rose
Risen
See
Saw
Seen
Bear when it means to give birth to, has
forms in past participle: (i) She has borne
(him) six children. (ii) He was born in 2007.
Past participle born is only used in passive
voice.
(iii)Verbs which derive their 2nd and 3rd
forms by the addition of -d, -ed, or -t
and without a change in the vowel; as:
First form
Second form
Third
form
Walk
Walked
Walked
Talk
Talked
Talked
Prove
Proved
Proved
Shape
Shaped
Shaped
Wash
Washed
Washed
Writhe
Writhed
Writhed
Climb
Climbed
Climbed
Deal
Dealt
Dealt
Mean
Meant
Meant
Spoil*
Spoilt or- spoiled
Spoilt
or- spoiled
Hear
Heard
Heard
Burn
Burnt
Burnt
Dwell
Dwelt
Dwelt
(iv)Verbs that have a vowel change as
well as the addition of a suffix; as
First form
Second form
Third
form
Feel
Felt
Felt
[48]
Kneel
Knelt
Knelt
Bring
Brought
Brought
Sell
Sold
Sold
Can
Could
Could
Beseech
Besought
Besought
Seek
Sought
Sought
Tell
Told
Told
Think
Thought
Thought
(v) In some cases, the verbs retain their
original identity in all the three forms.
They end in -d or -t; as:
First form
Second form
Third
form
Bet
Bet
Bet
Burst
Burst
Burst
Cast
Cast
Cast
Cost
Cost
Cost
Cut
Cut
Cut
Hit
Hit
Hit
Hurt
Hurt
Hurt
Let
Let
Let
Put
Put
Put
Rid
Rid
Rid
Set
Set
Set
Shed
Shed
Shed
Spread
Spread
Spread
Shut
Shut
Shut
Slot
Slot
Slot
Split
Split
Split
Thrust
Thrust
Thrust
Note : There are no hard and fast rules by
which one can make out by looking at a verb,
[49]
how it is going to change its form. Therefore, in

order to be able to use verbs correctly in all
their forms, it is essential to develop familiarity
with them. This can be done by reading and if
possible memorizing the list of verbs, with their
different forms.
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

A VERB MUST AGREE WITH ITS SUBJECT IN
NUMBER AND PERSON.
Rules:1.
A singular subject takes a singular verb
and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
Examples:
(i) The mangoes of this tree are the
sweetest.
(ii) The state of his affairs is in a mess.
2.
Two or more singular nouns or pronouns
joined by and take a plural verb.
Examples:
(i) Ram, Seeta, and Laxman are worshipped
by the Hindus.
(ii) You and I are friends.
[50]
3.
If two singular nouns suggest one idea or
refer to the same person or thing the verb
should be singular.
Examples:
(i) Time and tide waits for none.
(ii) The writer and director lives in Pune.
(same person)
4.
Words joined to a subject by with, as
well as, along with, are parenthetical. The
verb depends on the number of the
subject.
Examples:
(i) The builder, with his architects, is visiting
the site.
(ii) The players, along with the officials, are
staying at the Taj.
5.
Two or more singular
subjects
connected by or/ nor take a singular verb.
Examples:
(i) No man or woman likes to die poor.
(ii) Either father or mother has to accompany
me.
BUT when one of the subjects is plural, the
verb should be plural and the plural subject
should be placed nearest to the verb.
Example:
Neither the driver nor the passengers were
hurt.
[51]
6.
When the subjects joined by or / nor is of
different persons, the verb agrees with the
nearer one.
Examples:
(i) Either he or I am at fault.
(ii) Neither you nor he is honest.
7.
Either, neither, each, everyone, many a,
must be followed by a singular verb.
Examples:
(i) Neither of my parents believes in
dishonesty.
(ii) Many a man does not know how to live.
8.
Two nouns qualified by each/ every, even
though connected by and, take a singular
verb.
Example:
(i) Every dog and every cat gets a home,
declared the volunteer.
9.
Some nouns which are plural in form but
singular in meaning, take a singular verb.
Examples:
(i) Mathematics is his favourite subject.
(ii) The news is true.
SimilarlyEconomics,
politics,
wages,
measles, mumps, billiards etc.
[52]
10. PAINS AND MEANS take either singular or

plural verb, but the construction must be
consistent.
Examples:
(i) Great pains have been taken.
(ii) The means to an end determines the
character of a person.
(iii) All possible means have been tried.
However, in the sense of income, means
always takes a plural verb.
Example:
The Ambanis means are unlimited.
11. Some Collective Nouns which are
singular in form but plural in meaning, take a
plural verb.
Example:
(i) These poultry are mine.
(ii) Whose cattle are these?
Similarly- vermin, people, gentry, etc.
PEOPLE, when used as a common noun and
means nation, may take a singular or plural
verb.
Example
(iii) The Indians are a tolerant people.
(iv) There are many different peoples in Africa.
12. None though singular takes a plural
verb.
Example:
(i) The rich man has many associates; none
are friends.
[53]
13. A Collective Noun takes a singular verb

when the collection is thought of as a whole;
plural verb when the individuals of which it is
composed of are thought of as separate.
Example:
(i) The committee is unanimous in its
decision.
(ii) The committee are divided on one minor
point.
14. When the plural noun denotes some
specific quantity or amount considered as a
whole, the verb is generally singular.
Examples:
(i) Ten lakh rupees is a huge amount for me.
(ii) Ten miles is a long distance to walk.
15. When the subject is a relative pronoun,
the verb agrees in number and person with
noun or pronoun to which the relative
pronoun refers.
Examples:
(i) Rajinder, who is my friend, has a thirst
for knowledge.
(ii) I, who am at your service, should not be
ignored.
[54]
THE ADVERB
The word that modifies the meaning of a
verb is called an Adverb.
KINDS OF ADVERBS:
1.
Adverb of Manner: (which show how
or in what manner)
Example:
Fast, hard, well, slowly, clearly, quickly
The villagers fought bravely.
2.
Adverb of Time: (which shows when)
Example:
Before, after, now, then, yesterday, yet,
still, daily, lately, etc
She has booked the tickets already.
[55]
3.
Adverb of Frequency: (which shows
how often)
Example:
Twice, seldom, often, frequently, always,
never, etc
The CMD visits the office occasionally.
4.
Adverb of Place: (which shows where)
Example:
Here, everywhere, up, out, near, within,
etc.
The horse walked backward.
5.
Adverb of Degree: (which shows how
much/in what degree/ to what extent)
Example:
very, too, enough, so, quite, rather, pretty,
fully, partly, etc.
He
is no more a poor man.
6.
Adverb of Affirmation or Negation :
( which asserts the action emphatically)
Example:
Certainly, definitely, surely, luckily, not,
etc.
Sudeshna, definitely will bring the trophy
home.
I
do not know him.
[56]
7.
Adverb of Interrogation: (which asks
questions like when? where? why?)
Example:
When are you leaving?
8.
Adverb of Relation :( which refers
back to its antecedent)
Example:
When, where, why, etc.
This is the reason why I could not come.
9.
Adverb of Reason:
Example:
Therefore, hence, etc
The Principal therefore called a meeting.
THE PREPOSITION
A preposition is a word placed before a noun
or pronoun to show in what relation the
person or thing denoted by it stands in
regard to something else( its object).
Examples:
[57]
i) The clerk is sitting on the chair.

ii) She has a customer at the counter.
iii) She is friendly with the customer.
Preposition can be
simple- in, out, under, from, by, with, etc;
compound- about, above, between, inside,
beside, around, outside, etc.;
phrasal- by way of, on account of, with
regard to, in front of, for the sake of, in
comparison
to, etc.
Use of Some Important Preposition
Among, Between
Among is used for more than two persons or
things; between is used only for two :
Examples
(i) Distribute these tokens among the
students.
(ii) Distribute the prize money between
Reena and Meena.
(iii) I lost my book somewhere between the
car and the house.
Among, In
Among is used before collective plural nouns,
in is used before collective singular nouns.
Examples
(i) I found him standing among the crowd.
(ii) I saw him in the crowd.
[58]
Beside, Besides
Beside means by the side of; besides means
in addition to.
Examples
(i) The daughter was sitting beside her
mother.
(ii) Besides his relatives, he invited his
friends also.
In, Within (in relation to time)
In means at the expiry of a period of time in;
within means before the expiry of a period of
time.
Examples :
(i) She will return in a week.
(ii) I shall finish my work within a week.
On, Upon
On is used for things at rest, upon is used for
things in motion or things about to happen.
Examples
(i) He is sitting on the floor.
(ii) The book is on the table.
(iii) The dog sprang upon the table. (Motion)
(iv) Diwali is upon us again. (About to
happen)
By, With
By denotes the agent or doer; with denotes
the instrument with which anything is done.
Examples
[59]
(i) Ravana was killed by Rama with an

arrow.
(ii) The bird was killed by the hunter with an
arrow.
(iii) He beat the dog with a stick.
By is used in future tense to express the time
limit (not later than).
Example
I shall reach here by five oclock.
With also means the following :
(a)
in the company or presence of :
I came to Delhi with a friend.
(b)
agreement or support :
Are you with us on this issue?
(c)
reason :
She trembled with fear.
(d)
opposition :
I had an argument with my landlord.
After, In (in relation to time)
After means at the end of a period of time in
the past, in means at the end of a period of
time in future.
Examples :
(i) He returned the book after a week.
(ii) I shall return your book in a week.
For, From, Since
For is used before a noun denoting a period of
time with all the tenses.
From is used before a noun or phrase denoting
a point of time; it is used in all the tenses.
[60]
Since is used before a noun or phrase

denoting some point of time and is always
preceded by a verb in the perfect/perfect
continuous tense.
From is generally followed by to or till.
Examples:
(i) We have been playing cards for two
hours.
(ii) My elder brother was ill for four days.
(iii) She has lived in Mumbai for four years.
(iv) We play from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
(v) Will your school remain closed from
tomorrow till the 25th of March?
(vi) I have been reading this book since
morning.
(vii)He has not heard from his uncle since
last Monday.
Over, Above
Over is used in the following four senses :
(i) In the sense of above:
At noon, the sun is over our heads.
There was a lamp over the table.
(ii) In the sense of beyond :
I cannot get over my disappointment.
(iii) In the sense of superiority :
God over all blesses for ever more.
(iv) In the sense of conclusion :
It is all over with me.
Above is used in the following senses :
(i) In the sense of higher than :
[61]
We flew above the clouds.

(ii) In the sense of more than :
Applicants must be above the age of 18.
(iii) In the sense of greater importance or
quality :
A soldier values honour above life.
(iv) In the sense of too honourable or too
important to engage in bad activities :
He is above suspicion
At, Towards
At denotes the idea of aim; towards denotes
the idea of destination/direction.
Examples :
(i) He threw the stone at the cat.
(ii) Aim the ball at the hole.
(iii) He went towards the house.
(iv) He came running towards me.
At, In, On
At is used as follows :
(i) At is used with small towns and villages;
as,
He was born at Sonepat. (Sonepat is a
small town.)
He lives at Ramgarh. (Ramgarh is a
village.)
(ii) At is used a noun denoting a definite
point of time: as,
He will start six oclock in the morning.
[62]
He called on me at 9 p.m. yesterday.

In is used as follows:
(a)
In is used with the names of big cities,
provinces and countries, as,
(i) His father lives in England.
(ii) I live at Panipat in Haryana.
(iii) His younger brother lives in Kolkata.
(b)
In is used before the names of months
and years, as,
(i) His elder sister was born in 1972 in the
month of May.
(ii) He will go to Paris in April.
0n is used with dates and names of days,
as,
(i) I joined college an 26th April.
(ii) He will leave for Chandigarh on
Wednesday next.
(iii) He will come on Monday.
Note :
(i) At can be used before a big city when
one stays there for a short time en
route to some other place, as,
While going to Delhi, he will stay at
Pune for three days.
(ii) At is used in the following phrases :
At night, At midnight, At noon, At daybreak, At sunset, At sunrise, At home.
At the station, At work, At play.
(iii) In is also used in the following
phrases :
In the morning;
In
the
evening;
[63]
In the afternoon;
In winter;
In summer.
(iv) In also denotes a place inside anything,
as,
He travelled in a crowded bus.
Put it in a box.
Below, Beneath
Below means of lower level in position, dignity
and expectation, etc.; beneath means under.
Examples
(i) A sergeant in the police force is below an
inspector.
(ii) It is below my dignity to talk to her.
(iii) They found gold coins beneath a pile of
leaves.
In, Into, To
In expresses rest or motion inside anything.
Into expresses motion towards the inside of
anything or change from one medium to
another.
To denotes motion from one place to
another.
Examples:
(i) Sita is in bed.
(ii) The buys are in the room.
(iii) Rani jumped into the river.
[64]
(iv) He poured tea into the cup.

(v) Every morning, he goes to the temple.
(vi) They are going to France.
To is also used in the following senses :
(i) towards a condition, state of quality :
She tore the letter to pieces.
(ii) as far as :
The garden extends to the river bank.
(iii) of or belonging to :
He gave her the key to the doorman.
(iv) a moment in time or time before an exact
hour
The party continued from morning to
night.
Its quarter to six.
Till, By, Of, Off
Till means upto or not earlier than.
By means not later than.
Of shows cause, source, separation, quality,
contents, possession, apposition, point of
reference, space in time, etc. Off shows
separation at a near distance, and detached
condition.
Examples:
1.I shall work till 5 a.m.
2.By this time tomorrow, Ill have finished my
job.
3.Madhu died of cancer.
(Cause)
[65]
4.The nib of the pen is made of gold.

(Source)
5.He presented me a bottle of whisky.
(Contents)
6.He was deprived of luxury and comfort.
(Separation)
7.Our principal is a man of principle.
(Quality)
8.He lived in the house of his friend.
(Possession)
9.Mohan, the son of Mr. Ramlal, got married.
(Apposition )
10. We are talking about the school 5 miles
east of Delhi.
(Point of reference)
11. He came back within an hour of the
appointed time.
(Space in time)
12. My house is off the road. (separated
from the main road by a short distance)
13. The book fell of the table.
(Detached)
Across, Along, Through
(i) Across means from one side to the other
side of something, on or to the other side
of something.
Examples:
The ball rolled across the lawn.
The bas came towards them across the
bridge.
We use over rather than across when we talk
about reaching the other side of something,
which is higher than it is wide.
[66]
Example:
He jumped kind over the wall.
(ii) Along means from one end towards the
other. It also means close to or parallel
with.
Examples:
They walked along the footpath.
I saw him walking along the road.
They are planning to go for a picnic along
the river bank.
(iii)Through refers to movement in a three
dimensional space, with things all around.
It often suggests movement from one side
or end of the space to the other.
Examples :
He pushed his way through the crowd of
people to get to her.
She walked through the forest to get to her
friends house.
About, On
We can use about and on to mean concerning
or on the subject of
We use about, not on, after the verbs argue,
complain, find out, joke, know, protest, quarrel,
read,
teach
(someone),
worry,
ask,
enquire/inquire, learn, think, agree. hear,
laugh, care, wonder.
Examples :
[67]
Have you heard about it?

I know about it. ,
I care about other people and their problems.
On
We use on not about. after the verbs comment,
concentrate, focus, insist. reflect.
Examples :
He refused to comment on the car.
She found it difficult to concentrate on her
work.
We can use either about or on after some
other verbs. These verbs are advise, agree,
decide, disagree, lecture. speak, speculate,
talk, write.
Examples
I would not like to speculate on/about the
reasons for her resignation.
Mr. Sinha spoke on/about the issued
Prepositions are highly idiomatic words. Few of
them can be explained by logic. The evolution
of the language has given shape to them and
their current usage.Pl note that prepositions
can not be translated to another language as
they are unique to their mother language.
SOME COMMON WORD COMBINATIONS
WITH PREPOSITIONS
Prep to
ositi
ons
for
with
of
fro
m
in
on
[68]
acces apol
s
ogy
No
un
s
allian result deli

ce
vera
nce
antid cand comp want infe
ote
idate ariso
renc
n
e
subm com confo assur esca
ission pens rmity ance pe
ation
indif leisu intim obser digr
erenc re
acy
vance essi
e
on
encou pred acqu failur abst
rage ilecti ainta e
inen
ment on
nce
ce
Prepo
sition
s
to
for
wit
h
of
adap can bea

t
vas r
s
verb adhe car disa
s
re
e
gre
e
belo ato cop
ng
ne e
acq
uit
refer mo gra
urn ppl
e
fro
m
pre
ven
t
disp rec
ose ove
r
boa refr
st
ain
in
da
bbl
e
exc
el
inte
rest
Vie
w
con
fide
nce
prog
ress
Atta
ck
impr
essi
on
Fait dep
h
end
ence
part Pity
on
delib
erat
e
com
men
t
ind Impo
ulg se
e
com der em Emb
plai ive plo ark
n
y
[69]
contr yea part tast alig per Encr

ibute rn
e
ht
sist oach
Prep
ositi
ons
to
for
with
of
fro
m
in
adja desi acq

Adje cent gne uain
ctive
d
ted
s
cont cele con
&
rary brat vers
Parti
ed
ant
ciple disa peni con
s
stro tent vuls
us
ed
con qual fati
dem ified gue
ned
d
obli eag sati
ged er
ated
appr deta abso

ised che rbed
d
accu deri expe
sed
ved rienc
ed
rega disti profi
rdles nct cient
s
susp omit defic
iciou ted ient
s
wort sep inter
hy
arat este
ed
d
THE CONJUNCTION
on
Bas
ed
Inte
nt
dep
end
ent
A conjunction is a word which joins two

words or two sentences (often making them
more concise).
Examples:
i) Whether you like it or not, you have to
respect others opinion.
ii) Either the dog or the cat has eaten the
kebabs
[70]
KINDS OF CONJUNCTIONS:
Conjunctions are sub-divided into two main
classes:
1.
Co-ordinating: - They join words,
phrases or clauses of co-ordinate (equal)
rank.
Example:
i) He has power and purpose.
ii) He is not only rich but also humble.
iii)
2.
Subordinating:
-They
join
a
subordinate (dependent) clause with the
main clause.
Example:
I dont know why she lied.
i) Will you wait till I return?
1. Co-ordinating Conjunctions:
They are of four kinds:
(a)
Cu
mulative or Copulative:
They just
combine one statement with the other.
Example:
Our country is rich in culture and cuisine.
(b)
Ad
versative:
They show opposition or
contrast between two statements.
Example:
[71]
The winner of the quiz competition was

intelligent but proud.
(c)
Di
sjunctive or Alternative: They indicate a
choice between two options.
Example:
Either give up bad habits or get ready to
face the consequences.
(d)
Ill
ative: They imply an inference.
Example:
No one took timely care of the injured, so
he died for the lack of treatment in the
hospital.
2. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating
conjunctions
are
further
classified according to the sense they convey.
(iii)Comparison: History is easier than
Psychology.
(iv)Time: Police arrived at the crime scene
after the criminals had absconded.
(v) Condition: I can help if you promise to
mend your ways.
(vi)Cause or reason: They will come
forward to your aid as they are your
relatives.
(vii)
P
urpose: Let us leave our house early so
that we may reach the station on time.
(viii)
Re
sult or Consequence: The child was so
awe-stricken that he could hardly speak.
[72]
(ix)Concession: Although my uncle is quite

rich, yet he does not help anyone in need.
Uses of Some Important Conjunctions
1.
Su
ch as: It is made use of in the context of
like or speciality. It indicates someone or
something of a specific sort.
Examples:
(i) Citrus fruits, such as orange, are rich in
vitamin C.
(ii) Actors, such as Amitabh Bachchan and
Shahrukh Khan, have become role models
for millions.
2. As if: It indicates the sense of false
impression.
Example:
(i) He behaved as if nothing had happened.
(ii) The boy ate his lunch in great hurry as if he
had not eaten anything for months.
3. While: It serves three purposes: (a) time
duration, (b) at the same time, and (c)
whereas.
Examples:
(i) Make hay while the sun shines.
(ii) While my family had been away, some
thieves broke into my house.
(iii) Deeksha sang a patriotic song while Drishti
recited a poem.
[73]
4. Lest: Indicate some caution and also

indicates the outcome or the consequence for
not paying heed to the caution.
Examples:
(i) Put in your best efforts, lest you should
taste failure.
(ii) The thieves ran away after committing the
theft, lest they should be caught by the
police.
5. Or: Shows some alternative, alternative
name or synonym, and otherwise.
Examples:
(i) Do something productive or spoil your
whole life.
(ii) Do or die is the need of the hour.
6. If: shows (a) some condition, (b) assumably,
(c) whether, and (d) whenever.
Examples:
(i) If that is the case, you will not qualify the
examination.
(ii) Rahul will study if Rohan studies.
7. Althoughyet: Shows two contradictory
qualities or actions of someone or something.
Examples:
(i) Although Mohit was well-dressed, yet he
could not impress the interviewer.
Here, it is significant to know that yet
can be replaced with a comma.
(ii) Although the boy was very young, he won
the cross-country race.
[74]
Though can be placed in place of

although.
8. Eitheror: Indicates a choice of two
alternatives. It requires selection of one.
Examples:
(i) The quarrelsome man is either addicted to
liquor or insane (one person, two
attributes/actions).
(ii) Either you or I can avail of this opportunity
(choice between two persons).
9. As well as: Conveys the sense of also.
Example:
Katrina Kaif as well as Deepika Padhukone
is extraordinarily beautiful.
10. Since, Because, For, As
(A)
Since is used as follows :
(i) To express time.
Examples
It has been a year since I saw him.
Mohit has been staying with me since he
came here.
She has been crying since she came
here.
(ii) To show some cause or reason.
Examples
Since he is my father, I respect him.
Since he is rich, everybody wants to
make friends with him.
(B)
Because is used to specify some
reason.
Example
I respect him because he is my teacher.
[75]
Note: Normally, because is used to join

two clauses.
(C)
As is used as a subordinate conjunction
to specify some reason or cause.
Example
As he is my neighbour, I respect him.
THE INTERJECTION
An interjection is a word or a phrase that
expresses emotions like happiness, grief,
desperation, etc. Usually, it is followed by an
exclamation mark. It is not grammatically
related to any other part of the sentence.
Example
i) Wow! That is so beautiful.
ii)Oh no! India lost its 9th wicket.
iii) Hello ! What are you doing there?
iv) Alas ! he is dead.
v)Ah! Have they gone?
WORDS USED AS DIFFERENT PARTS
OF SPEECH
Here are some words which are used as
diferent parts of speech. Note and try to
use as many new words as possible.
Do
NO
UN
He
VERB ADJEC ADV PREPO CONJUN

TIVE
ERB SITION CTION
Down He
I
He went
[76]
wn has
seen
the
ups
and
dow
ns of
life
Ab I
ov recei
e
ved
an
orde
r
from
abov
e.
Ex
ce
pt
Ne
xt
Ther
e
alwa
ys is
a
next
.
with
slippe
corrup d
tion.
down
hill.
The
above
senten
ce
is
inspiri
ng.
knee down on
led
his
dow knees.
n.
The
heav
en is
abov
e.
If we
excep
t Neel,
all are
to be
blame
d.
He
is
above
all
senses.
Except
Neel, all
others
are
to
be
blamed.
He is
the
next
C.M.
of the
state.
Wha
t
next
?
I will not
let
thy
go
except(u
nless)
thou
bless
me.
The
puppy is
lying
next to
its
mother.
[77]
Th
at
Where I am
is that not
snake? that
good
.
You
sleep so
that
I
can
read.
[78]
THE ARTICLE
Articles are placed before nouns and are
essential in sentence construction. There are
two kinds of articles:
1.
Indefinite article -a/an;
2.
Definite article the
The Indefinite Article a/an
(i) A is used before singular nouns beginning
with a consonant sound.
Examples:
A flower; a European; a one-way road; a
university; etc
(ii) An is used before singular nouns
beginning with a vowel sound.
Examples:
An egg; an hour; an onion; an MBA; etc.
(iii) a/an is used to express certain quantity
and price.
Examples:
A great deal of; a dozen; 40rs a dozen; 50
kms an hour; half a kilo(not a half
kilo); one and a half kilos/ a kilo and a
half; a half shirt; etc.
The Definite Article the is used
(i) Before a particular person or thing, or
one already mentioned.
Examples:
The flight is late.
The college will have a new department.
[79]
(ii) Before names of things unique of their

kind.
Examples:
the earth; the equator; the sky; the ocean;
etc.
(iii) Before
superlatives
and
ordinal
adjectives and only.
Examples:
the hottest month; the first salary; the only
child; etc.
(iv) Before certain Proper Names of seas,
rivers, groups of islands, chains of
mountains, plural names of countries,
deserts,
regions,
famous
buildings,
classics, newspapers and abbreviations.
Example:
the Bay of Bengal, the Mahanadi, the UK;
the Sambad; the Taj; the Gateway of India;
etc.
Correct Use:
(i) a/an is not used before plurals.
Examples:
Girls are more disciplined than boys.
The flowers in the vase are old.
(ii) the is used as an adverb before adjectives.
Examples:
The more the merrier.
The great Kalidasa wrote the
magnificent Kumar Sambhabam.
(iii) the is usually not used before a proper
noun, if used it does the work of a common
noun.
[80]
Examples:
Madhuri Dixit is a popular actress.
My aunty is fondly called the Madhuri
Dixit of the town.
(iv) a may be placed before a proper noun if
the person is not known.
Example:
A Mrs. Aparna called on my mother.
OMISSION OF THE ARTICLE

The article is not used
1.
Before
uncountable
nouns( names of substances and abstract
nouns) used in general sense:
Examples:
ii)
Water is precious.
iii)
Mathematics is a difficult subject.
2.
Before plural countable nouns
used in general sense:
Examples:
i) Pens are used for writing.
ii)
Boys love cars; girls love dolls.
3.
Before
most
proper
nouns( except those referred to earlier),
namely, names of people( Kumar, Ameena),
names
of
continent(
Europe,
Africa),
[81]
countries(Sri Lanka, Japan), cities ( New

Delhi,
Manchester),
individual
mountains( Mount Everest),individual Islands,
lakes, hills etc.
4.
Before languages:
Examples:
i) I can speak French.
ii)
Sanskrit is a rich language.
5.
Before school, college, church,
bed, table, hospital, market, prison etc. when
these places are visited or used for their
primary purpose.
Examples:
(iii) My sister and I go to school together.
(iv) His mother is in hospital.
6.
Before names of relations like
father, mother, aunt, uncle, and also cook
and nurse.
Examples:
(i) Uncle is an army officer.
(ii) Nurse takes care of mother.
7.
Before
predicative
nouns
denoting a position that is normally held at
one time by one person only:
Example:
a.Mrs Sarita Joshi was appointed Vice
Chancellor of the university.
8.
In certain phrases consisting of a
transitive verb followed by its object:
Examples:
[82]
to bring word, to cast anchor, to catch fire, to

give ear, to lose heart, to set sail, to set foot,
to strike root, to take offence etc.
9.
In certain phrases consisting of a
preposition followed by its object.
Examples:
at home, at day break, at sunset, in debt, on
demand, by train, on foot etc.
PHRASES, CLAUSES, MODIFIERS

PHRASE: - A group of words that makes a
partial sense and lacks a verb is called a
phrase. It differs from a sentence, which is a
[83]
group of words that has a verb and it makes a

complete sense.
Example
as good as; a cup of coffee; great people,
etc.
KINDS:1.
Adjective Phrase: - (works as an
adjective)
Example:
(i) We like to see a smiling face at the
counter.(adjective)
(ii) At the counter we like to see a face with a
smile on it. (adjective phrase)
Similarly, the flag of India (Indian flag), a
page with no writing (a blank page), etc.
2.
Adverb phrase: - (works as an adverb)
Example:
(i) The boy answered very sweetly. (adverb)
(ii) The boy answered in a very sweet
manner. (adverb phrase)
3.
Noun Phrase :- ( works as a noun)
Example:
(i) The police wanted the culprit. (noun)
(ii) The police wanted to arrest the culprit.
(noun phrase as to arrest the culprit,
works as the object of the verb wanted)
CLAUSE:-A clause is either a whole
sentence (meaning has a subject and a
[84]
predicate), or in effect a sentence within a

sentence.
TYPES:1.
Main Clause: - It is the one which is
independent and conveys the meaning itself.
It can stand by itself as a grammatically
viable simple sentence.
Example
(i) The rain stopped the traffic
(ii) I accept your invitation.
Two or more such independent clauses can be
joined (usually with a comma and coordinating
conjunction) to form a compound sentence.
Example
(i) The night was dark and the sky was
heavy.( both the clauses are independent
with their own subject sand predicates.)
(ii) India won the match, the trophy was
handed over and we went to bed feeling
happy.( three independent clauses)
2.
Dependent/ Subordinate Clause: - It
cannot stand alone as a sentence and
depends on the main clause which it often
modifies.
It
usually
begins
with
subordinating conjunctions. A sentence
with at least one Independent clause and any
number of Dependent clauses is called a
complex sentence.
Example:
They started when the rain stopped. (main
clause+ subordinate conjunction when+ 1
[85]
dependent clause)
When a sentence has two or more independent
clauses and at least one dependent clause, it is
called a compound-complex sentence.
Example:
When they asked him (that) how he was
hurt, he closed his eyes and (he) did not
answer.
Main clauses - He closed his eyes; He did
not answer.
Coordinating conjunctions - and
Dependent clauses- they asked him; how he
was hurt.
Subordinating conjunctions- when, that
(understood)
Types of Dependent Clauses:1.
N
oun Clause: - (works as a noun) - He
predicted that India would win the World
Cup.
2.
Adjective Clause: - (works as an
Adjective) - Ram, who is a pilot, is my cousin.
3.
Adverb Clause: - (works as an adverb) His dog follows him wherever he goes.
MODIFIERS:They are words, phrases or clauses that refer
to a particular word or group of words and
tell us more about that word or group of
words.
[86]
Example
(i) The prisoners were released.
(without
modifier)
(ii) Proven innocent, the prisoners were
released. (with modifier)
The modifiers can be adjectives, adjective
clauses, adverbs, adverb clauses, participle
phrases,
prepositional
phrases,
infinitive
phrases. They, in fact, add life to a sentence.
Utmost care should be taken to choose them
and more importantly to use them at the right
place.
Here are some examples of dangling
modifiers and misplaced modifiers.
(i) Sensing trouble, the window was closed. (no
subject)
Sensing trouble, the children closed the
window. (makes a complete sense)
(ii) Walking back home alone, the scream made
her sweat like a shower. (no subject)
When she was walking back home alone,
the scream made her sweat like a shower.
(correct)
(iii) He was told that he had been selected to
the N.D.A. by his mother. (misplaced
modifier)
He was told by his mother that he had been
selected to the N.D.A. (correct)
(iv) There is a banyan tree in our village which
is 100 years old. (misplaced)
In our village, there is a banyan tree which
is 100 years old. (correct)
[87]
(v) Dev saw my friend buying a CD on his way

to the mall. ( misplaced)
On his way to the mall, Dev saw my friend
buying a CD. (correct)
[88]
TENSE
Tense shows the time of an action or state
of being expressed by a verb. The three
divisions of time are:--present, past, future.
PRESENT TENSE:
It indicates that the action or the condition
exists or is going on.
Examples:
i. I study at night.
ii. Alaska is cold.
PAST TENSE:
It indicates that an action or condition took
place or existed at some point of time in the
past.
Examples:
1) My sister studied medicine.
2) The night was cold.
FUTURE TENSE:
It indicates that the action will take place or the
condition will exist in future.
Examples:
[89]
1)
2)
My brother will study Nuclear Physics.

It seems the night will be cold.
Regular verb tenses

This table shows how the different tenses of
English verbs are formed. It also shows in
brackets how the negative form of each tense
is
used.
The
Words
continuous
and
progressive are both used for the names of
tenses because both words mean the same.
In all the examples below the regular verb
help is used for all tenses so that you can
compare the endings.
Simple tenses
Present Simple
used for actions in the
present, for things
that are always true
or
that
happen
regularly
and
for
opinions and beliefs
Continuous/progressive
tenses
Present
Continuous/Progressiv
e
used for actions or
events
that
are
happening or developing
now, for fixture plans, or
to show
that an event is repeated
I/we/you/they
help.
(do not help)
He/she/it
helps. I am helping.
(am
(does not help)
not helping)
we/you/they are helping
(are not helping)
[90]
Past Simple
Used for completed
actions and events in
the past
I/we/you/they helped.
(did not help)
He/she/it
helped.
(did not help)
He/she/it
is helping
(is not helping)
Past
continuous/progressiv
e
Used for actions or
events in the past that
were not yet finished or
that were interrupted
I
was helping.
(was not helping)
We/you/they
were
helping.
(were not helping)

He/she/it was helping.
(was not helping)
Future Simple
Future
used for actions and Continuous/Progressiv
events in the future
e
used for actions or
events in the future that
I/we/you/they
will will continue into the
help.
future
(will not help)
He/she/it will help.
I/we/you/they
will be helping.
(will not help)
(will not be helping)

He/she/it
will be helping.
(will not be helping)
[91]
Present Perfect
used to show that an
event happened or an
action was completed
at some time before
the present
Present
Perfect
e
used for actions or
events that started in
the past but are still
happening nom or for
past actions that only
I/we/you/they
have finished recently and
helped.
Whose effects are seen
( now
have not helped)
He/she/it
has I/we/you/they
have
helped.
been helping.
(
(
has not helped)
have not been helping)
He/she/it
has
been helping.
(h
as not been helping)
Past Perfect
Past
perfect
usually used to show Continuous/Progressiv
that
an
event e
happened
or
an used for actions or
action was completed events that happened
before a particular for a period of time but
time in the past
were completed before a
particular time in the
I/we/you/they
had past
helped.
I/we/you/they
had
[92]
(had not helped)

He/she/it
had helped.
been helping.
(bad not been helping)
He/she/it
had been helping.
(had not helped)

Future Perfect
used to show that
something
will
be
completed before a
future
I/we/you/they
have helped.
will
(wi
ll not have helped)
He/she/it
will
have helped.
(w
ill not have helped)
(had not been helping)

Future
Perfect
e
used for actions or
events that will already
be
happening
at
future
I/we/you/they
will
have been helping.
(will
not have been helping)
He/she/it
will
have been helping.
(will
not have been helping)
[93]
SEQUENCE OF TENSES
The Sequence of Tenses is a system by
which the tense of the verb in a
subordinate clause is governed by the
tense of the verb in the principal clause.
[94]
In order to understand this principle, grammar

prescribes certain rules. They are :
Rule
1.
If the tense in the principal clause
is present or future, it may be
followed
by
any
tense
in
the
subordinate clause required by the
sentence.
Examples
(i) She says that Radha is singing a song.
(ii) She will say that Radha sang a song.
(iii) You say that he is a dull student.
(iv) You will say that he was a dull student.
(v) I shall say that you will be of much help.
2.
A past tense in the principal clause
must be followed by a past tense in
the subordinate clause.
Examples
(i) I told him
that I was going to
office.
(Past Tense)
(Past Tense)
(ii) I knew
that he would deceive
me.
(Past Tense)
(Past Tense)
(iii) He hinted
that he wanted money.
(Past Tense)
(Past Tense)
(iv) She replied
that she felt better.
(Past Tense)
(Past Tense)
(v) He replied
that he would come.
(Past Tense)
(Past Tense)
Two exceptions to the above rule :
[95]
If the subordinate clause contains some

Universal Truth, Habitual Truth, a Quotation,
Scientific Law, etc., it will be in present tense
even if the tense used in the principal clause is
past.
Examples
(i) The teacher said that the earth moves
round the sun.
[Principal Clause in Past Tense]
[Subordinate Clause in Present Tense]
(Universal Truth)
(ii) He said
that he is an early riser.
(Habitual Truth)
(iii) Newton said
that for every action
there is an equal and opposite reaction.
(Scientific Law)
If the subordinate clause is introduced by
than, even if there is a past tense in the
principal clause, it may be followed by any
tense required by the sense in the
subordinate clause.
He liked you better
than he likes
me.
(Principal Clause in Past Tense)
(Subordinate Clause in Present Tense)
[96]
3.
If the subordinate clause is
introduced by as if or as though, past
tense is used for the present time and
past perfect tense for the past time.
Examples
(i) He talks as Q' he were mad.
In this sentence, the subordinate
clause has been introduced by as U
and the tense is present. Hence, past
tense has been used.
(ii) He loved me as though I had been
his son.
In this sentence, the subordinate
clause has been introduced by as
though and the time is past. Hence,
past perfect tense has been used.
4.
If
a
subordinate
clause
is
introduced by conjunction lest, it is
followed by should and not by may.
Examples
(i) Work hard lest you should fail.
(ii) Take care of your health lest you
should fall ill.
(iii) Walk slowly lest you should fall.
Note:
1.Lest always gives a negative sense.
Hence, not should not be used in such
sentences. For example, it will be wrong
to say : Walk slowly lest you should not
fall.
[97]
2.Lest is always followed by should

whatever be the tense of the verb in the
principal clause. You can say :
(a) He took exercises lest he should fall ill.
[Here, the principal clause is in past
tense.]
(b) He will take exercises lest he should fall
ill.
[Here, the principal clause is in future
tense.]
5.
If there is an idea of two actions
both taking place in the future one
after the other, the principal clause is
written in the future indefinite,
whereas the subordinate clause is
written in the present indefinite.
Mark the following sketch :
Sequence of Tense
Two Actions in Future
First action
Second action
Present Indefinite
Future Indefinite
If it rains
I shall not go to college.
If you work
hard you will pass.
6.
If two actions in a sentence are
shown happening in the past one
after the other, the principal clause is
written in the past perfect and the
subordinate clause is written in past
indefinite :
Sequence of Tense
Two Actions in Past
First action
Second action
[98]
Past Perfect
Past
Indefinite
The patient had died
before
the doctor arrived.
I had read my book
when
he called on me.
7.
If there are two actions in a
sentence, both in the past, the
principal action should be in future
perfect, whereas the subordinate
action should be in past perfect.
Examples
(i) If you had taken tea, I would have
also taken.
(ii) If you had been to Kolkata, I would
have also gone.
Note :
(i) In such cases, the conditional clause
is always the subordinate clause.
(ii) The above sentences can also be
written as follows :
(a)
Had you taken tea, I would
have also taken.
(b)
Had you been to Kolkata, I
would have also gone.
8.
A present or future tense in the
principal clause may be followed by
any tense required by the sense; as :
He thinks that she is there.
He thinks that she was there.
He thinks that she will be there.
He will think that she is there.
[99]
He will think that she was there.

He will think that she will be there.
But, in sentences where the subordinate
clause denotes purpose, if the verb in the
principal clause is present or future, the
verb in subordinate clause must be in the
present; as,
I eat that I may live.
I shall nurse him that he may live.
VOICE - ACTIVE AND PASSIVE
Voice is the form of verb which shows whether
the subject does something (active voice) or
something is done to it. (passive voice).
ACTIVE VOICE
1. He composes music.
2. The star inaugurated
the store.
3. The
CEO
is/was
visiting the campus.
4. That
black
cat
has/had eaten my
food.
5. We will take an oath
of secrecy.
6. Who did this?
PASSIVE VOICE
Music is composed by
him.
The
store
was
inaugurated by the star.
The
campus
is
being/was being visited
by the CEO.
My food has been/had
been eaten by that
black cat.
An oath of secrecy will
be taken by us.
By whom was this
done?
[100]
7. The
King
can
/could
/may/might
take more than one
queen.
8 Mrs.
Mohanty
teaches us English
grammar
(
2
objects-English
grammar; us)
More than one wife can

be/could be/ may be/
might be taken by the
King.
i) English grammar is
taught to us by Mrs.
Mohanty.
ii)We are taught
English grammar by
Mrs. Mohanty.
9. We prohibit smoking. Smoking is prohibited.
10 Somebody has stolen My hard-drive has been
.
my hard-drive.
stolen.
Note these changes in the passive voice:
i) The object of the verb in the active voice
becomes the subject (which implies that
only transitive verbs can be used in the
passive voice).
ii) The verb changes to its past participle
form, preceded by the suitable tense of the
verb.
iii) Either object (direct/indirect) in the active
voice may become the subject in the
passive voice.
iv) When the subject in the active voice is an
indefinite /vague noun/ pronoun or when
the agent is too obvious such assomebody, people, we, they etc, the
passive form is most preferred. (as in
9&10)
[101]
DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH

When we quote the actual words of a
speaker, it is called Direct Speech.
When we report someones speech, we call it
Indirect Speech.
[102]
RULES
1. Direct speech is indicated by inverted
commas.
Example:
Rahul said, Can you call me tomorrow?
2. Indirect speech involves change in pronoun
and tense.
Example:
Rahul asked me if I could call him the next
day.
3. In Indirect speech connectives (that) are
used in place of the inverted commas.
Example:
Direct- Mr. Chang said, My consignment
has arrived today.
Indirect- Mr. Chang said that his
consignment had arrived that day.
4. When the reporting verb is in past tense,
the direct speech changes to corresponding
past tense in Indirect speech.
Example:
Direct- Mother joked, Indias win saves
many heart-attacks.
Indirect- Mother joked that Indias
win saved many heart- attacks.
Similarly,
[103]
Direct
Is/ are saving
Has /have saved
Will/shall save
indirect
Was/were saving
Had saved
Would/
should
save
Will be saving
Would be saving
Will have saved
Would have saved
Has been/ have Had been saving
been saving
Was/were saving
No change
Had saved/ had No change
been saving
Saved
(simple Had saved (past
past)
perfect)
The only exception is - if the direct speech is
in simple past tense, it will change to past
perfect tense.
5. Tense will not change if reporting verb is in
the present tense/ in case of live telecast.
Examples:
Direct- Subrat says, Life has given me a
chance and Ill give my best shot.
Indirect- Subrat says that Life has given
him a chance and he will give his best shot.
Direct- The Prime Minister is saying, I am
glad to be here, this evening.
Indirect- The Prime Minister is saying that
he is glad to be here this evening.
6. Tense may not change if the statement is
still relevant or it is a universal truth.
Example:
Direct- Kajal said, I know her address.
[104]
Indirect- Kajal said that she knows/ knew

her address.(depends if it is still relevant.)
7. Words expressing nearness in time or place
change to words expressing distance.
Examples:
now--- then; here- --there; ago- --before;
thus--- so; this--- that;
to-day--that day; tomorrow--the next day;
yesterday--the day before;
last night--the night before.
8. When we report questions, the indirect
speech is introduced by words like asked/
enquired etc.
Example:
Direct- The son said, Father, does a
crocodile eat another crocodile?
Indirect- The son asked his father whether a
crocodile ate/eats another crocodile.
MODALS
Uses of Modal Auxiliaries
Can
Can is used in Present Tense to express:
1.
Ability
Examples:
Rashmi can understand
Urdu very well.
He can speak English fluently.
Mona can write a book.
I can solve this puzzle easily.
2.
Capability
[105]
Examples:
Zubaid can swim in deep
water.
A blind man cannot see at all.
3.
Power
Examples:
A donkey can carry a lot of
load on its back.
A bear can climb up a tree easily.
4.
Permission
Examples:
You can rest for a while
now.
Can I use your bike?
They cannot come to my house any
more.
5.
Possibility or Impossibility
Examples:
Accidents can take place
anywhere.
This news cannot be true and
reliable.
Can he murder anyone?
Can the small boy win the cycle
race?
6.
Theoretical Possibility
Examples:
Lemon juice can turn milk
sour.
Anybody can make mistakes.
7.
Used with Verbs of Feeling, which
cannot be used in -ing form
Examples:
I can smell something
burning.
We all can see the new movie
today.
This pill can taste bitter.
[106]
I can hear the bus approaching.

Mother can feel my pain.
Could
1.Could is used in Past Tense just like can in
the Present Tense. However, could is also
used in present tense to express polite
request.
Examples: The student could read the
chapter without stopping. (ability)
The truck could carry a thousand
bags of cement. (capacity)
I could run ten miles a day when I
was young. (power)
We could jog anywhere in the park.
(permission)
My friend could go to Mumbai by
plane. (possibility)
Could you pass on the salt? (polite
request)
2.
Incidents
Examples: It was so dark all around that I
could not find my way.
I was so restless that I could not
sleep last night.
3.
Past Possibility
Examples: You could have caught the train
if you had left early.
She
could
clear
high-school
examination in one attempt.
4.
Present Possibility
[107]
Examples: The road could be narrow

ahead, drive slowly.
We could call on him today.
May
May can be used to express the following
moods:
1.
Permission
Examples: May I take your leave now, sir?
You may move to your house now.
You may not follow all my orders.
Use of may is more formal than that of can.
2.
Ordinary Possibility or Probability
Examples: It may snow this month.
The news may be reliable.
3.
Wish/Curse
Examples: May you achieve what you
deserve and desire! (wish)
May God bless you with success!
(blessing)
May all sinners go to hell! (curse)
4.
Purpose
Examples: Walk faster so that you may
join others.
We eat so that we may live.
5.
Choice
Examples: Wherever she may go, she will
not forget me.
[108]
Whatever you may do, you cannot

reach Kolkata in one day.
6.
Guess
Examples: It is the most important
question, it may be asked in the
examination.
I have not seen this girl in this
locality, she may be a new
tenant here.
7.
Likelihood
Examples: Our team is playing well. It may
win the tournament.
The budding singer sings well. He
may become a star some day.
Might
Might is used to express:
1.
Past tense of May
Examples : He said to me, You may have
my laptop".
He told me that I might have his
laptop.
2.
Polite or Hesitant Permission
Examples: Might I move a proposal to go
on a picnic this weekend?
Might we stay at your house,
madam?
3.
Weak Possibility in the Past
Example: Your father might have become
a leader in his youth.
4.
Remote Possibility in Future
Examples: The sky is clear these days.
There might not be any rains now.
[109]
I am not certain; I might travel to

Dehradun next week.
5.
Purpose in the Past
Example: I took timely medicine so that I
might recover from soon.
Will
1.
Simple Future with 2nd and 3rd
Person Subjects
Examples: You will see a full moon tonight.
They will pay their fees tomorrow.
2.
Promise, Determination with I and
We
Examples: I will rank first in the class this
year. (determination)
We will stand by you in times of
difficulty. (promise)
3.
General
Instruction,
Request,
Possibility, Habit, Command with 2nd
and 3rd Persons
Examples: All the students will come in
the hall at 4 p.m. (instruction)
Will someone guide me to the Red
Fort? (request)
You will find a traffic inspector at
each traffic signal. (possibility)
He will talk nothing but politics
whenever he meets me. (habit)
Everyone will stand erect in the
assembly. (command)
Will you concentrate on your
studies? (command)
4.
Persistence, Obstinacy, Refusal
[110]
Examples : The naughty student will not

listen to anybody now.
(obstinacy)
The baby will not stop crying.
(persistence)
He will not obey you whatever you
do or say. (refusal)
5.
General Truth
Example: The water will freeze at O C.
6.
Result in Conditional Sentences
Examples: If you overload a vehicle, it will
breakdown on the way.
If you laugh, the whole world will
laugh with you.
7.
Threat or Warning with I Person
Subjects
Examples: Show me your I-Card, or I will
not allow you inside.
Be silent, otherwise I will turn you
out of the class.
Would
It expresses:
1.
Preference
Examples: He would rather starve than
beg.
I would rather be a simple man
than a cruel king.
2.
Past tense of Will
Examples: They said, He will not come
today.
They told that he would not go that
day.
[111]
3.
Polite Request in Present
Examples: Would you mind my coming
late by a few minutes?
Would you drop me at Connaught
Place, please?
4.
Past Habits which are not in
Existence at Present
Examples: Sometimes,
the
sparrows
would perch on the head of the farmer.
He would usually lose his temper.
5.
Offer or Invitation
Examples: Would you like to be my friend?
Would you like to have a cup of tea
or coffee?
6.
Refusal
Examples: My motorcycle would not start
in the cold mornings.
The postman would not deliver the
post regularly.
7.
Intention
Examples: I would even sacrifice my life
for the motherland.
I would serve my teachers ns I
serve my parents.
8.
Past Possibility
Examples: My grandfather would be
eighty when he passed away.
They would have covered two
hundred kilometers when they
reached Chandigarh.
[112]
9.
Incomplete
Condition
in
Conditional Sentences
Examples: If I were a bird, I would fly in
the open sky.
If you were me, you would realize
my pain.
Shall
It is used to express:
1.
Ordinary
Future
(plan
or
programme) with I and We
Examples: I
shall
return
from
the
university by evening.
We shall discuss this matter some
other day.
2.
Order/Command,
Threat
and
Promise with II and III Persons
Examples: He shall not enter my house at
any cost. (command)
You shall have bonus on Diwali.
(promise)
Martin shall be behind bars if he
does not mend his ways. (threat)
3.
Determination with II and III
Persons
Examples: They shall enjoy every bit of
the cultural programme tonight.
Abbas shall do everything for the
upliftment of the poor.
4.
Legal
Notices
Regulations
or
Official
[113]
Examples: The members shall elect their

leader in the house.
No thoroughfare, trespassers shall
be prosecuted.
5.
Offer
Examples: Shall I call in the doctor for
you?
Shall I arrange some money for
you?
6.
Proposal
Examples: It is too late now. Shall we go
home?
Our destination is very far. Shall we
hire a taxi?
Should
It expresses:
1.
Past tense of Shall
Examples: The minister said, "I shall visit
the flood-hit areas.
The minister told that he should
visit the flood-hit areas.
2.
Advice or Suggestion
Examples: You should not take short-cuts
to succeed.
They should listen more and talk
less.
3.
Moral or Ethical Obligation
Examples: Because you .are rich, you
should help the poor.
All should respect the feelings of
others.
4.
Conditioned Possibility or Result
[114]
Examples: If you should meet him, tell him

to see me.
If you put in your best efforts, you
should pass the
examination.
5.
Purpose when used with Lest
Examples: Walk cautiously lest you should
step into mud in the dark.
Dont talk in the class lest you
should miss an important
lecture.
Must
It expresses:
1.
Obligation, Compulsion, Urgent
Need, Command
Examples: All the examinees must reach
the examination hall in time.
(compulsion based on need)
One must have a valid driving
licence to drive a vehicle.
(regulatory obligation)
No one must break the silence of
the library. (command)
You are bleeding badly, you must
consult a doctor immediately.
(urgent need)
2.
Conclusion or Inference
Examples: Rahul is not here, he must be in
the park.
There is a knock on the door, it
must be a postman.
[115]
You have won a lottery, you must

be very happy.
3.
Strong Possibility
Examples: The sky is overcast. It must rain
heavily.
He has achieved everything. He
must be very laborious.
4.
Prohibition
Examples: Visitors must not enter the
temple with shoes.
Motorists must not overspeed.
Ought to
It can express:
Moral
or Ethical
Obligation More
Impressively than Should
Examples:
Elders ought to be respected
by all.
We ought not to tease animals.
Used to
It expresses:
Past Habit which is not there at present
Examples:
My grandmother used to sing
lullabies for me.
My sister used to run after butterflies in
her childhood.
Need to
It shows Necessity
[116]
Examples:
You need to keep your general
knowledge up-to-date.
You need not bother about my health.
We neednt keep the window open.
Dare
It expresses Courage
Examples:
How dare you all her names?
I dare not go out of the house in the dark.
The correct usage of the modals beautifies
and enriches our writing und interactive
skills.
[117]
MOODS AND CONDITIONALS

The manner in which one says something is
very important. If one wants to state a
condition or indicate a probability, it has to be
stated in a grammatically correct way. In order
to make ones language more graceful, one
should know the nuances in the meanings of
the same word. All these aspects have been
dealt with in this chapter in an easy and
informative way.
[118]
MOOD
A verb can be used in different ways, for
example, to indicate an action, to state the
time when the action has taken place, to
express a command, etc. A verb can also be
used to indicate the mode or manner in which
a statement is made. Therefore, mood is the
manner in which the action denoted by the
verb is put forth. There are three Moods in
English:
Indicative, Imperative, Subjunctive.
INDICATIVE MOOD
The indicative mood is used to
State a fact
Ask a question
Express a supposition
Examples:
Indian food is popular world wide. (fact)
Is there a solution to corruption? (question)
If the politicians want, India will lead the world.
(supposition)
IMPERATIVE MOOD
The imperative mood can be used to:
Give orders
Make a request
Advise someone
Entreat or plead
Express a supposition
Indicate giving away something absolutely
[119]
Examples:
Sit quietly. (order)
Please manage the show on my behalf.
(request)
Learn swimming; itll help to reduce
fat. (advise)
Help me, please! (plead)
Read more and your vocabulary will
improve. (supposition)
Give me your wallet. (absolute)
Note:
The imperative mood is used in the second
person because the person who is being
commanded is the person spoken to. When
used in the first and the third person, the
auxiliary verb let is added:
Examples:
Let me do it.
Let them go to the place.
Usually the subject of the imperative mood is
understood, hence omitted.
[120]
SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD
Subjunctive mood expresses a wish
uncertainty. There are two forms:
Present Subjunctive and Past Subjunctive
or
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE:
1.It occurs in traditional phrases where it
expresses a wish or hope.
Examples:
Long live the King!
God be with the departed soul!
2.It is used with verbs expressing desire,
intention, proposal, etc, followed by a noun
clause. This form is mainly used for situations
where the order or intention or the proposal
has not yet been carried out.
Examples:
It is suggested that he should be hanged
by the neck.
We recommend that the college admit
students on merit basis.
PAST SUBJUNCTIVE:
It is used
1.After the verb wish to indicate a situation
which is contrary to fact.
Examples:
I wish I were in England.
She wishes the flat belonged to her.
[121]
2.After if, to express improbability or

unreality in the present.
Examples:
If he came now he would find
the house empty.
If I were a singer, I would have
my own studio.
3.It is used after as if or as though, to
indicate an unreality or improbability.
Examples:
He behaves as if he were the
director of the company.
Romila walks as though she were in a
beauty pageant.
4.After it is time to indicate that it is late.
Example:
It is time we started.
5.After would rather + subject to indicate a
preference.
Example:
I would rather you act in the play. (I
would prefer you to act in the play)
In the past subjunctive, the verb is always
indicative of the past and in case of
hypothetical situations also, the verb were
implies would have been.
[122]
CONDITIONALS
Conditional in English grammar refers to a type
of structure used for talking about possibilities
in the present or future. The sentences have
two parts- the if clause and the main clause.
Example: if it rains I will stay at home.
Sometimes the if clause may follow the main
clause:
Example: You will be punished if you do not
finish your homework.
There are three types of conditionals:
Conditional 1:
Here a situation arises if a particular condition
is met.
Examples:
If I win the match, I will celebrate.
If I go there, I will meet him.
[123]
Here if the verb in the if clause is in the present

tense; the verb in the main clause is in the
simple future.
To indicate this type of conditional, we often
use unless which implies ifnot.
Examples:
He will be panelized unless he justifies
himself.
If he does not justify himself, he will be
penalized.
This type of conditional is formed by the use of
the present simple in the if clause + will + be
(base form) in the part that indicates the result.
Consider the following example:
If I am late, my mother scolds me.
I dont go to school if it rains.
This is a situation, which is always true if the
condition is fulfilled, i.e., it is indicative of a
habitual result. In such cases the verbs in
both the principal and the if clause are
denoted by the present tense.
This type of a construction can be reframed
using when.
Examples:
When I am late my mother scolds me.
I dont go to school when it rains.
Conditional 2:
[124]
This type of conditional is unreal or improbable

situations. It provides an imaginary result for a
given situation.
the past simple in the if clause + would +verb
(base form) in the part that indicates the result.
Note:
The to be form of the verb in the first person
is always conjugated as were in the second
conditional.
If I were the treasurer, I would use the money
for social welfare.
If he were the President, he would grant aid
to the educational institutions.
Conditional 3:
This type of conditional is also called the past
conditional because it refers to past situations
with hypothetical results. The condition cannot
be fulfilled because the time is past. The if
clause is in the past perfect tense and the main
clause is in the perfect conditional.
Examples:
If I had won the prize, my life would have
changed.
If we had met earlier, we could have spent
our life together.
the past perfect in the if clause + would have
[125]
+ past participle in the part indicating the

result.
THE INFINITIVE
The infinitives is a kind of noun with certain
features of the verb, especially that of taking
an object (when the verb is Transitive) and
adverbial qualifiers. In short, the infinitive is a
Verb-Noun.
Example:
He likes to watch live
matches.
1.The word to is frequently used with the
infinitive, but is not an essential part or sign
of it. Thus, after certain verbs (bid, let,
make, *need, *dare, see, hear), we use
the infinitive without to; as,
Bid him go there.
Let him sit here.
Make him stand.
We need not go to-day.
You dare not do it.
I saw him do it.
(*Except when they are conjugated with
do.)
2.The infinitive without to is also used with will,
would, shall, should, may, might, can, could
and must, as.
I will pay the bill.
You should work harder.
[126]
3.The infinitive without to is also used after

had better, had rather, would rather, sooner
than, rather than; as,
You had better ask permission.
I had rather play than work.
USE OF THE INFINITIVE
1. The infinitive, with or without adjuncts,
may be used, like a Noun(1)
As the Subject of a Verb; as,
To find fault is easy.
To err is human.
(2)
As the Object of a transitive verb; as,
I do not mean to read.
He likes to play cards.
(3)
As the Complement of a Verb; as,
Her greatest pleasure is to sing.
His custom is to ride daily.
(4)
As the Object of a Preposition; as,
He had no choice but (=except) to obey.
The speaker is about to begin.
(5)
As an Objective Complement; as,
I saw him go.
When the infinitive is thus used, like a Noun,
it is called the Simple Infinitive.
The infinitive is also used(1)
To qualify a Verb, usually to express
purpose; as,
He called to see my brother (=for the
purpose of seeing my brother).
We eat to live. (Purpose)
(2)
To qualify an Adjective; as,
Figs are good to eat.
[127]
This medicine is pleasant to take.

(3)
To qualify a Noun; as,
This is not the time to play.
You will have cause to repent.
(4)
To qualify a Sentence; as,
To tell the truth, I quite forgot my promise.
He was petrified, so to speak.
When the infinitive is thus used it is called the
Gerundial or Qualifying infinitive.
It will be seen that in 1 and 2 the Gerundial
infinitive does the work of an Adverb; in 3 it
does the work of an Adjective; in 4 it is used
absolutely.
2. The infinitive may be active or passive.
When active it may have a present and a
perfect form, and may merely name the act ,
or It may represent progressive or continued
action.
ACTIVE
Present :
to love
Perfect :
to have loved.
Present Continuous :
to be loving.
Perfect Continuous :
to
have
been
loving.
PASSIVE
When passive the infinitive has a present
and a perfect form.
Present :
to be loved.
Perfect :
to have been loved.
THE PARTICIPLE
i.
A participle is a Verbal Adjective.

[128]
ii.
Like a Verb it may govern a noun or

pronoun; as,
Hearing the noise, the boy woke up. [The
noun noise is governed by the participle
Hearing].
iii. Like a Verb it may be modified by an
adverb; as,
Loudly knocking at the gate, he
demanded admission. [Here the participle
knocking is modified by the adverb
Loudly.]
iv. Like an adjective it may qualify a noun or
pronoun; as,
Having rested, the men continued their
journey.
v. Like an Adjective it may be compared; as,
Education is the most pressing need of
our time. [Here the participle pressing is
compared by prefixing most.]
1.
Below are shown the forms of the
different Participles:
Active
Passive
Present : loving
Present : being
loved.
Perfect : having loved
perfect : having
been loved.
Past : loved.
ERRORS IN THE USE OF PARTICIPLES
1. Since the participle is a verb-adjective it
must be attached to some noun or pronoun;
[129]
In other words, it must always have a proper

subject of reference.
The following sentences are incorrect
because in each case the Participle is left
without proper agreement:
1.Standing at the gate, a scorpion stung him.
(As it is, the sentence reads as if the
scorpion was standing at the gate.)
2.Going up the hill, an old temple was seen.
3.Entering the room, the light was quite
dazzling.
We should, therefore, recast these
sentences as shown below:
1.Standing at the gate, he was stung by a
scorpion.
Or: While he was standing at the gate, a
scorpion stung him.
2.When we went up the hill, we saw an old
temple.
3.Entering the room, I found the light quite
dazzling.
Or: When I entered the room, the light was
quite dazzling.
2. Usage, however, permits in *certain cases
such constructions as the following where the
participle is left without a proper subject of
reference [The Participle in such cases is
called an impersonal Absolute.]
Taking everything into consideration, the
Magistrate was perfectly justified in issuing
those orders.
[130]
Considering his abilities, he should have

done better.
Roughly speaking, the distance from here to
the nearest railway station is two miles.
It will be noticed that in the above instances
the unexpressed subject is indefinite.
Thus, Roughly speaking = If one speaks
roughly.
3. Sometimes, as in the following examples,
the Participle is understood:
Sword (being) in hand, he rushed on the
Jailor.
Breakfast (having been) over, we went out
for a walk.
THE GERUND
A gerund is that form of the verb which ends in
ing, and has the force of a Noun and Verb.
1. As both the Gerund and the Infinitive
have the force of a Noun and a Verb, they
have the same uses. Thus in many
sentences either of them may be used
[131]
without any special difference in meaning;

as,
Teach me to swim.
To see is to
believe.
Teach me swimming.
Seeing
is believing.
2. The
following
sentences
contain
examples of Compound Gerund forms:
I heard of his having gained a prize.
We were fatigued on account of having
walked so far.
It will be noticed that Compound Gerund
forms are formed by placing a Past
Participle after the Gerunds of have and be.
3. The Gerund of a Transitive verb has the
following forms:
Active
Passive
Present: loving
Present: being loved
Perfect: having loved
Perfect:
having been loved
4. As both the Gerund and the Present
Participle end in ing, they must be
carefully distinguished.
The Gerund has the force of a Noun and
a Verb; it is a Verbal Noun.
The Present Participle has the force of an
Adjective and a Verb;
Examples of GerundHe is fond of playing cricket.
The old man was tired of walking.
Examples of ParticipleTalent Sigma Professionals Pvt Ltd (TSPL), F-35 DS Infotech Chandaka Industrials Estate,
[132]
Playing cricket, he gained health.

Walking along the road, he noticed a
dead cobra.
5. Read this sentence :
The indiscriminate reading of novels is
injurious.
Here reading is used like an ordinary Noun.
Notice that the is used before it and of
after it.
Further examples of Gerunds used like
ordinary Nouns.
The making of the plan is in hand.
The time of the singing of the birds has
come.
6. In such Compound nouns as
walking-stick
frying-pan
hunting-whip
fencing-stick,
writing-table
walking, frying, hunting, fencing, writing
are Gerunds.
They mean a stick for walking, a pan for
frying, a whip for hunting, a stick for
fencing, and a table for writing.
7. Compare the following two sentences:
1.I hope you will excuse my leaving early.
2.I hope you will excuse me leaving early.
In the first sentence the word preceding
the gerund is in the possessive case, while
in the second sentence it is in the objective
case. Both the sentences are correct. We
can use either the possessive case or
objective case of nouns and pronouns
[133]
before gerunds. The possessive is more

formal, and it is less usual in everyday
speech. Here are further examples:
We rejoiced at his/him being promoted
I insist on your/you being present.
USE OF THE GERUND
1.A Gerund being a verb-noun may be used
as(i)Subject of a verb; as
Seeing is believing.
Hunting deer is not allowed in this
country.
(ii) Object of a transitive verb; as,
Stop playing.
Children love making mud castles.
(iii) Object of a preposition ; as,
I am tired of waiting.
He is fond of swimming.
(iv) Complement of a verb ; as,
Seeing is believing.
What l most detest is smoking.
(v) Absolutely ; as,
Playing cards being his aversion, we
did not play bridge.
THE PUNCTUATION
Punctuation is a method by which the meaning
of written communication is made clear
through the use of certain marks. Each of these
marks is a sort of short-hand device, or road
sign that assists the reader.
[134]
Kinds of Punctuation:
The Comma:
The comma marks a rather close connection of
parts, a slight pause for the reader. The most
frequent uses of the comma are as follows:
1.
A comma is used to separate two
independent clauses connected by a
coordinating conjunction (and, but, for. or.
not).
Example:
I dont care, for the job isnt important.
Last week my mother was ill with a cold,
and my sister took charge.
2.
A comma is used to separate words,
phrases, and clauses in a series.
Example:
You will find him cooperative, intelligent,
and likeable.
3.
A comma is used to set off lengthy
dependent elements preceding the main
subject and verb.
Example:
When you have seen all the features of this
latest model, you will certainly want one.
4.
Commas
are
used
to
set
off
nonrestrictive clauses, introduced usually by:
who, which, that or where. A nonrestrictive
(nonessential) phrase or clause is not
necessary to the meaning of the sentence; it
merely supplies an additional piece of
[135]
information or adds a comment about

whatever it modifies.
Example:
A refrigerator, which is a necessity to
housewives in the developed countries, is a
luxury in most parts of the world.
A restrictive (essential) phrase or clause,
on the other hand, contains information
necessary to the meaning of the sentence.
Here a comma is not essential.
Example:
A refrigerator that gives fifteen years of
services is properly designed.
5.
Commas are used to set off appositives
and parenthetical expressions such as of
course however, as you know.
Example:
We do not, however, disagree too much.
6.
Commas are used to punctuate the
following conventional or routine situations
Complimentary close of a letter.
Example:
Yours sincerely, Cordially yours, Yours
very truly, Yours faithfully
Example:
Our nearest dealer is in Noida, U.P.
Example:
You might write to L.P. Sarkar, M.D., their
family physician.
7.
Commas are used to set off words in
direct address.
Example:
[136]
Mrs. Parekh, will you speak next?
[137]
[138]
NOUNS AND PRONOUNS

1. Words like book, table, flower and apple
are countable nouns: they are things that
can be counted. Such nouns can have plural
forms and are used with a/an.
Words like ink, milk, gold and wisdom are
uncountable nouns: they are things that
cannot be counted. Normally uncountable
nouns do not have plural forms and cannot
be used with a/an.
Note that the following nouns are usually
uncountable in English: advice, news,
information,
furniture,
language,
work,
business, weather, traffic, scenery, paper
(=writing material), bread. Most of these are
countable in Indian language and therefore
Indian students often wrongly use them with
a/an and in the plural.
However we may say,
a piece of advice, a piece of work, a
piece/bar of soap, a bottle of milk, a loaf of
bread etc.
Examples:
He gave me an advice. (incorrect)
He gave me some / apiece advice (correct).
[139]
The sceneries here are very good.

(incorrect )
The scenery here is very good. (correct )
2. The use of the Possessive (or Genitive) Case
should be confined to the following:
(1)
Names of living beings and personified
objects; as,
The Governors bodyguards; the lions
mane; Natures laws; Fortunes favourite.
(2)
A few stereotyped phrases; as,
For conscience sake, for goodness sake,
at his fingers ends, out of arms way, the
boats crew.
(3)
Nouns of space or time denoting an
amount of something; as,
A bays work, a hands breathe, in a years
time.
3. When two nouns in the possessive case are
in apposition the apostrophe with s is added
to the last only; as,
This is my sister, the engineers office.
My cousin Ajits fiancee.
4. When one noun is qualified by two
possessive nouns both must have the
possessive sign, unless joint possession is
indicated.
The King and Queens journey to India.
Huntley and Palmers biscuits.
[140]
5. Grammarians formerly recommended that

the complement of the verb to be, when it is
expressed by a pronoun, should be in the
nominative case. Today the use of the
nominative form is considered extremely
formal. We usually use the objective form.
It is me. (Rare: It is I.)
It was him.
6. The object of a verb or of a preposition,
when it is a pronoun, should be in the
objective form;
Examples:
Between you and me (not I) affairs look
dark.
There is really no difference between you
and me.
Let you and me (not I) do it.
Please let Jack and me go to the theatre.
Her (not she), who had been the apple of
his eye, he now began to regard with
something like distrust.
Him (not he), who had always inspired in
her a respect which almost overcame her
affection, she now saw the object of open
pleasantry.
He has given great trouble to my father
and me (not I).
7. A pronoun directly after than or as is
usually in the objective case unless there is a
verb after it. If a verb follows it, the
nominative form is used.
[141]
He is taller than me.

[Or] He is taller than I am. (More formal)
I swim better than him.
[Or] I swim better that he does. (More
formal)
I am as tall as her.
[Or] I am as tall as she is. (More formal)
The nominative form without a verb after it
(e.g. He is taller than I) is old-fashioned.
8. A Pronoun must agree with its Antecedent
in person, number and gender.
All passengers must show their tickets.
Every man must bear his own burden.
Each of the girls gave her own version of
the affair.
I am not one of those who believe
everything they (not I) hear.
9. In referring to anybody, everybody,
everyone, anyone, each, etc., the pronoun of
the masculine or the feminine gender is used
according to the context; as,
I shall be glad to help everyone of my boys in
his studies.
What pronoun should be used to refer back
to anybody, everyone, each, etc. when the
sex is not determined? Some grammarians
recommend that the pronoun of the
[142]
masculine gender should be used as there is

no singular pronoun of the third person to
represent both male and female, e.g.,
Anybody can do it if he tries.
Everyone ran as fast as he could.
In present-day English, anybody, everyone,
etc. are often followed by a plural pronoun
(they/them/their) except in very formal
speech or writing.
Anybody can do it if they try.
Everyone ran as fast as fast as they could.
Each of them had their share.
10. The indefinite pronoun one should be used
throughout, if used at all.
One cannot be too careful about what one
(not he) says.
One cannot be too careful of ones (not his)
good name.
One must not boast of ones own
success.
It is better to change the form of the
sentence than to keep on repeating one.
11. None is construed in the singular or plural
as the sense may require; as,
Did you buy any mangoes? There were
none in the market.
Have you brought me a letter? There was
none for you.
When the singular equally well expresses
the sense, the plural is commonly used; as
[143]
None of these words are now currently

used.
None of his poems are well known.
12. Anyone should be used when more than
two persons or things are spoken of; as,
She was taller than anyone (not either) of
her five sisters.
13. Each, either, and neither are distributive
pronouns calling attention to the individuals
forming a collection, and must accordingly be
followed by verbs in the singular.
Each of the scholars has (not have) done
well.
Each of the men was (not were) paid
twenty rupees.
Neither of them was invited to the party.
Either of the roads leads to the railway
station.
14. Be careful to use who (Nominative) and
whom (Objective) correctly.
Theres Mr. Dutt, who (not whom) they say is
the best portrait painter in the town.
Who (not whom) they were I really cannot
specify.
I was the man who (not whom) they thought
was dead.
There are some who (not whom) I think are
clever.
[144]
There are many who (not whom) we know

quite well are honest.
Who (not whom) do you think she is?
They were a people whom it was not
advisable to excite.
The student, whom (not who) you thought so
highly of, has failed to win the first prize.
Whom do you wish to see?
Note that today whom is not usual except in
formal English. Who replaces whom in
spoken English.
Who did you meet?
Who are you going with?
This is the man who I talked about this
morning.
As a relative pronoun who replaces whom
only in defining clauses.
15. When the subject of a verb is a relative
pronoun care should be taken to see that the
verb agrees in number and person with the
antecedent of the relative; as,
This is one of the most interesting novels
that have (not has) appeared this year
He is one of the cleverest boys that have
passed through the school.
It was one of the best speeches that have
ever been made in the Parliament.
This is the only one of his poems that is (not
are) worth reading.
[145]
[Here the antecedent of that is one. Of his

poems this is the only one that is worth
reading.]
16. A definite word as the antecedent of the
relative pronoun which make the sentences
easier to understand than is possible
otherwise. Thus the sentence, His foot
slipped, which caused him to fall heavily,
would be easier reading, and hence better,
as;
His foot slipped, and this caused him to fall
heavily.
Similarly we should say:
I went home for my umbrella, and this (rather
than which) prevented me from being in
time.
I gave him a bracelet, and this left me
penniless.
He fell heavily, and this caused him great
pain.
17. And which, but which the relative itself
fulfils the purpose of a conjunction; hence no
conjunction should be placed before it except
to join together two relative clauses referring
to the same antecedent ; as,
He possessed a sandalwood table which was
of excellent workmanship, and which had
been in his family for generation.
[146]
But the following sentences are incorrect:

He has a wardrobe of wonderful carving, and
which has been in his family for generation.
They wished me to drink with them, but
which I declined.
18. Sometimes a Pronoun is inserted where it is
not required; as:
The applicant, being a householder, he
entitled to a vote. (Incorrect)
Here the pronoun he is not required.
19. A noun or pronoun in the Possessive case
should not be used as the antecedents to a
relative pronoun ; as,
Do not forget his enthusiasm who brought
this movement so far. (Incorrect)
Change the construction to
Do not forget the enthusiasm of him who
brought this movement so far. (Correct).
20. The relative pronoun is sometimes wrongly
omitted when it is the Subject of the clause ;
as,
He has an impudence would carry him
through anything. (Incorrect)
Say:
He has an impudence that would carry him
through anything. (Correct)
21. When
the
antecedent
same,
consequent should be as or that.
the
[147]
That is the same man that (or as) we saw

yesterday.
I played with the same bat that you did.
22. Pronouns of the third person plural should
no t be used as antecedents to who and
that ; as,
They that are whole have no need of a
physician.
Here those is to be preferred to they.
23. Avoid the use of same as a substitute for
the personal pronoun.
When you have examined these patterns
please return them (not same) to us.
[148]
ADJECTIVES
1. The Adjective is correctly used with a verb
when some quality of the subject, rather than
of the action of the verb, is to be expressed;
as,
The flowers smell sweet (not sweetly).
[149]
She looks elegant.

That statement sounds queer.
It tastes sour.
He feels sad.
As a general rule, if any phrase denoting
manner could be substituted, the adverb
should be used ; but if some part of the verb
to be could be employed as a connective, the
Adjective is required.
The ship appeared suddenly.
The decision appears unjust.
His friends now began to look coldly upon
him.
He looks cold.
We feel warmly on the subject.
We feel warm.
He spoke angrily.
He looked angry.
2. The plural forms these and those are often
used with the singular nouns kind and sort ;
as,
These kind of things.
Some grammarians insist that we should say:
This kind of thing or, better, Things of this
kind.
3. The words, superior, inferior, senior, junior,
prior, anterior, and posterior, take to instead
of than, as,
As a novelist Jane Austen is superior to Mrs.
Henry Wood.
[150]
Hari is inferior to Rama in intelligence.

The death of King Edward VI was prior to
World War I.
He is senior to me.
4. In comparing two things or classes of things
the Comparative should be used; as,
Of the two suggestions, the former is the
better.
Of the two novels, this is the more
interesting.
Which is the cheaper of the two?
He is the taller of the two.
5. When a comparison is instituted by means
of a Comparative followed by than, the thing
compared must be always excluded from the
class of things with which it is compared, by
using other or some such words; as,
He is stronger than any other man living.
[The sentences He is stronger than any man
living suggests that the person referred to is
stronger than himself, which is of course,
absurd.]
Mussolini may be said to have done more for
the unity of Italy than any other man.
The Nile is said to be longer than all other
rivers in the eastern hemisphere.
The Taj is more beautiful than all other
mausoleums.
[151]
Solomon was wiser than all other men.

6. In a comparison by means of a Superlative,
the latter term should include the former; as,
Solomon was the wisest of all men (not all
other men.)
The crocodile is the largest of all reptiles.
Of all men he is the strongest.
7. Of any is often used incorrectly in
conjunction with a Superlative ; as,
He has the lightest touch of any musician.
( incorrect )
He has a lighter touch than any other
musician. (correct )
[Or] No other musician has so light a touch.
8. A very common form of error is exemplified
in the following sentences:
The population of London is greater than any
city in India. (incorrect)
The population of London is greater than that
of any city in India.(correct)
The comparison between:
(i) the population of London and
(ii) the population of any city in India.
9. Double Comparatives and Superlatives are
to be avoided, though their use was once
[152]
common in English. Thus, we have in

Shakespeare
It was the most unkindest cut of all.
The following sentence is incorrect:
Seldom had the little town seen a more
costlier funeral. [Omit more]
But lesser (a double comparative) is used
even by the best authors.
The lesser of the two evils.
10. Preferable has the force of a Comparative,
and is followed by to.
He has a scheme of his own which he thinks
preferable to that of any other person. ( not
more preferable)
11. Less (the comparative of little) is used
before uncountable nouns, while fewer (the
comparative of few) is used before plural
nouns. However, less is also often used
before plural nouns in informal English.
No fewer (or less) then fifty policemen were
killed in the explosion.
12. Certain adjectives do not really admit of
comparison because their meaning is already
superlative: as,
Unique, ideal, perfect, complete, universal,
entire, chief, square, round
Do not therefore say:
Most unique, quite unique, chiefest,
extramist.
[153]
But we still say, for instance:

This is the most perfect specimen I have
seen.
13. Older and oldest may be said either of
person or of things, while eider and eldest
apply to persons only, and confined to
members of the same family.
Her grand mother is older than her grand
father.
He will succeed to the title in the event of
the death of his elder brother.
Aicia is the eldest of the three sisters.
My mother-in law is the oldest inhabitant in
our village.
14. The two first is a meaningless expression,
for it implies that two things may be first. We
should say the first two.
The first two chapters of the novel are
rather exciting.
The first two boys were awarded gold
medals.
15. Few and a few have different meanings.
Few is negative, and equivalent to not many,
hardly any.
A few is positive, and equivalent to some.
Few persons can keep a secret.
You could have spoken a few words in her
favour.
[154]
Similarly little = not much : a little = some,

though not much.
There is little hope of his recovery.
A little tact would have saved the situation.
16. Latter is often wrongly used for last. Use
latter when there are two only, last when
there are more.
Of the three, tea, coffee and cocoa, the last
(not latter) is his favorite.
17. Verbal is often wrongly used for oral.
Verbal means of or pertaining to words; oral
means, delivered by word of mouth, not
written. Hence the opposite of written is oral,
not verbal.
His written statement differs in several
important respects from his oral (not
verbal) statement.
The lad was sent with an oral message to
the doctor.
There are a few verbal difference in the two
manuscripts (i.e., differences is words, not
in sense).
The photograph will give the reader a far
better notice of the structure than any
verbal description.
Were your instructions oral or written?
18. Do not say our mutual friend. The proper
expression is our common friend.
They were introduced to each other by a
common (not mutual) friend.
[155]
We happened to meet at the house of a

common friend.
[156]
VERBS
1. The subject of the sentence should not be
left without a verb. The following sentence is
incorrect:
He who has suffered most in the cause, let
him speak.
Recast as shown below:
Let him who has suffered most in the cause
speak.
[Or] He who has suffered most in the cause
should speak.
2. A verb should agree with its subject, and not
with the complement ; as,
What is wanted is (not are) not large houses
with modern conveniences, but small
cottages.
The details are a matter for future
consideration.
Our followers are but a handful.
3. In a compound sentences a single verb can
be made to do duty for two subjects, only
[157]
when the form of the verb is such as to

permit of it; as.
Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note
[was heard].
But the following sentence is incorrect,
because the subjects are not in the same
number.
Her face was pretty but her intentions cruel
and dangerous.
We should rewrite it as follows:
Her face was pretty but her intentions were
cruel and dangerous.
4. Two auxiliaries can be used with one
principal verb, only when the form of the
principal verb is appropriate to both the
auxiliaries ; as,
I never have hurt anybody, and never will.
No state can or will adopt this drastic
measure.
But
He never has and never will, take strong
measure. (incorrect)
He never has taken, and never will take,
such strong measures. (correct)
5. When there is only one auxiliary to two
principal verbs, it should be such that it may
be correctly associated with both; as,
Ten rioters have been sentenced, and five
acquitted.
But
[158]
Ten new members have been enrolled, and

seven resigned. ( incorrect)
Ten new members have been enrolled and
seven have resigned. ( correct)
6. Carefully distinguish between the verbs lay
and lie. The verb lay is transitive and is
always followed by an object; the verb lie is
intransitive and cannot have an object.
Lay, laid, laid.
Lie,
lay,
lain
Lay the child down to sleep.
Let
me lie here.
I laid the book on the table.
He lay
under that pipal-tree.
The hen has laid an egg.
7. An infinitive should be in the present tense
unless it represents action to that of the
governing verb ; as,
I should have liked to go (not to have gone.)
But we correctly say
He seems to have enjoyed his stay at
Mahabaleshwar.
8. A common blunder is to leave the Participle
without proper agreement or with no
agreement at all ; as,
Sitting on the gate, a scorpion stung him.
Here the word scorpion refers to the
participle sittingand this makes no sense.
[159]
The Participle is left without proper

agreement.
Therefore the correct sentence would be:
Sitting on the gate, he was stung by the
scorpion.
[Or] while he was sitting on the gate, a
scorpion stung him.
Similarly,
Being a very hot day, I remained in my
tent. (incorrect)
As it was a very hot day, I remained in my
tent. ( correct)
Or, It being a very hot day, I stayed in my
tent.
9. Usage, however, permits in certain cases
constructions like the following:
Considering his abilities, he should have
done better.
Roughly speaking, the distance from here
to the nearest railway station is two miles.
Taking everything into consideration, his lot
is a happy one.
It will be noticed that in each sentence the
unexpressed subject is indefinite. Thus :
Taking everything into consideration=if one
should take everything into consideration.
10. A present participle should not be used to
express
an
action
which
is
not
contemporaneous with the action of the
principal verb.
[160]
The following sentence is therefore:

He sailed for New York on Monday, arriving
there on Saturday. (incorrect)
He sailed for New York on Monday and
arrived there on Saturday.(correct)
11. The Subjunctive Mood is sometimes
wrongly used for the Indicative. When the
statement introduced by if or though is an
actual fact, or what is assumed as a fact, the
proper Mood to be used is the Indicative and
not the Subjunctive.
Though the war is over, there is much
discontent.
If he was there, he must have heard the
talk.
But the Subjunctive is correctly used in the
following sentence.
If I were you [but I am not].
I should agree.
Mere supposition if he were here, he would
support me.
Though he were the Prime
minister. I would say the same.
12. The
verb
make
is
followed
by
noun/pronoun + plain infinitive (=infinitive
without to). Many students wrongly use it
with the to-infinitive.
She made the boy do the whole work. (not:
to do the whole work.)
[161]
But when used in the passive, make is

followed by the to-infinitive.
The boy was made to do whole work.
13. The following verbs are often wrongly used
with the to-infinitive: enjoy, avoid, miss,
postpone, suggest. They should be used
with the gerund.
He enjoys swimming. (not: to swim)
She avoids meeting people. (not: to avoid)
We missed seeing the Prime Minister. (not: to
see)
Note the use of the following verbs:
The verb tell is followed by an indirect object
(me, him, her, etc.) without to.
1.Wrong: Suresh told to me about it.
Right: Suresh told me about it.
2.When used with a that-clause, tell takes an
indirect object, while say does not:
Wrong: She told she wouldnt come.
Right:
She told me she wouldnt
come/ She said she wouldnt come.
.
3.The verb want should not be used with a
that-clause. It is used with the to-infinitive.
Wrong: I want that you should meet him.
Right: I want you to meet him.
4.The verb suggest should be used with a
that-clause. It cannot be used with the toinfinitive Wrong: I suggest you to apply for
the post.
[162]
Right: I suggest that you (should) apply

for the post.
14. The verbs discuss, describe, order and
request are transitive verbs. Students often
wrongly use these verbs with a preposition.
Wrong: We discussed about the matter
yesterday.
Right: We
discussed
the
matter
yesterday.
Wrong: He
described
about
the
scenery.
Right: He described the scenery.
Wrong: I have ordered for three cups of
coffee.
Right: I have ordered three cups of
coffee.
Wrong: She requested for my help.
Right: She requested my help.
ADVERBS
1. Adverbs should be so placed in a sentence
as to make it quite clear which word or
words they are intended to modify. Hence
Adverbs should come, if possible, next to
the word or words they modify.
He had got almost to the top when the
tree broke.
2. As a general rule, only should be placed
immediately before the word it is intended
to modify ; as,
I could decipher only two codes.
[163]
Only my mother succeeded in persuading

my grandmother.
I praise him only when he deserves it.
In spoken English, however, it is usually put
before the verb. The required meaning is
obtained by stressing the word which the
only modifies; e.g.,
He only worked two sums.
3. The adverbs ever, never, scarcely, ever
are often misplaced, as in the following
sentence:
This is the most remarkable article I ever
remember to have read.( incorrect)
This is the most remarkable article I
remember ever to have read.( correct)
4. Two negatives destroy each other. Hence
two negatives should not be used in the
same sentence unless we wish to make an
affirmation. We should say:
I havent got any. (not none).
I could not find it anywhere (not
nowhere).
I have not got any (not no) paper for my
exercise.
I cant see any (not no) wit in her.
Scarcely any one believes in such ghost
stories nowadays. (not, No one scarcely
believes.)
5. Adjectives should not be used for Adverbs.
We should say, for instance:
He ate the sweets greedily (not greedy).
[164]
He will pay dearly (not dear) for his

mistake.
6. Ever is sometimes misused for never.
We seldom or never (not ever) take
advantage of the handicapped.
Such goods are made for export, and
seldom or never (not ever) used in the
country.
Note Seldom or never and seldom if
ever are both correct but seldom or ever is
incorrect.
7. Else should be followed by but.
It is nothing else but (not than) pride.
8. The use of never for not is incorrect.
We met the other day, but he never
referred to the matter. [Say : he did not
ever refer]
Kipling was never born in London. [Say :
Kipling was not born.]
I never remember having met him. [Say :
I do not remember ever having met him.]
9. Except colloquially, so as an adverb of
degree must not be used absolutely (i.e.,
without a correlative.) we should say:
He is very (not so) weak.
Cricket is very (not so) uncertain.
10. That should not be used instead of so
as an adverb. we should say:
He went only so (not that) far.
He was so (not that) tired that he could
scarcely stand.
[165]
He was so (not that) overjoyed that he

started screaming.
11. The adverb too means more than
enough and should not be used instead
of very or much. In the following
sentences too is used correctly:
The news is too good to be true.
My heart is too full for words.
The work is too much for any man to do
single-handed.
He is too much exhausted to speak.
12. Of course is often loosely used for
certainly,
undoubtedly.
Strictly
speaking, of course should be used to
denote a natural or an inevitable
consequence.
Does she sing well? Certainly (not of
course) she does.
CONJUNCTIONS
1. Except is not now used as a conjunction
equivalent to unless.
I shall not come unless (not expect) you
need me.
Do not trouble yourself about writing to
me, unless (not expect) you are quite in the
humour for it.
2. The use of without as conjunction
equivalent to unless is now bad English.
Unless (not without) you apologize I shall
punish you.
[166]
I shall not go unless (not without) you do.

3. The adverb like is often wrongly used as a
conjunction instead of as.
He speaks like his father. [Like is here a
preposition.]
But it is quite correct to say:
He speaks like his father. [Like is here a
preposition.]
4. Directly should not be used as a
conjunction where as soon as would in even
way be better.
As soon as [not directly] the session of
1999 commenced, the Government was
pressed to do
something
for
the
unemployed.
According to Fowler, the conjunctional use
of directly is quite defensible, but is chiefly
colloquial.
5. The conjunction that us sometimes
redundantly repeated; as,
He must remember that, although the first
people in Europe would like his society, and
place him on an equality with themselves,
[that] none of them would w=either give or
lend him a farthing.
6. Instead of repeating the conjunction used
in the preceding clause,. Some writers have a
trick of introducing a subsequent clause by
that; as:
If I do not speak of them it is because they
do not come within my subject, and not
[167]
that they are lightly esteemed by me. [Use

because instead of that.]
7. Scarcely should be followed by when, and
not by but.
Scarcely had he gone. When (not but) a
policeman knocked at the door.
8. No sooner is followed by than, and not by
but.
No sooner had he returned than (not but)
he was off again.
9. The
phrase
seldom
or
ever
is
meaningless. We should say seldom or
never.
Such goods are made for export, and are
seldom or never used in this country.
10. Say:
I gave on more than I could not help (not
than I could help).
11. Examine the following sentence:
This is as good if not better than that.
You will notice that as is omitted after as
good.
It is better to say:
This is as good as, if not better than, that.
But the best way to correct the sentence is to
recast it, thus:
This is as good as that, if not better.
12. Care should be taken, when using
correlative conjunctions, such as either.. or,
neither.. nor, not only but also, that they
are following by the same part of speech ; as,
[168]
He lost not only his ticket, but also his

luggage.
But the following is incorrect:
He not only lost ticket, but also his
luggage.
13. Neither is followed by nor, not by or.
He wasted neither his hands nor (not or)
his face.
PARALLELISM ERRORS
Parallel Construction in grammar refers to a
balance of two or more similar words, phrases
or clauses. The application of parallelism is
essential because it improves not only ones
writing style but also the readability of the
written matter.
Parallel Construction must be kept in
mind with respect to:
a.Degrees of Comparison or Contrast
b.Conjunctions
c.Tenses
[169]
d.Usage of infinitives and gerunds in

sentences
e.In the case of function words and words in
a series:
1. Degrees of Comparison or Contrast In
sentences where there is a comparison
between two things, one often makes a faulty
comparison.
Examples:
My income is less than my wifes /My
income is less than that of my wife.
(correct)
My income is less than my wife.
(income)
(My income is compared wrongly with
my wife, instead of her income!)
Unlike his friends, his performance
shows
a
thought
preparation.
(incorrect)
(His friends are contrasted wrongly
with his performance)
Unlike the performance of his friends,
his
performance
shows
thorough
preparation. (correct)
2. Conjunctions- Conjunctions are words
that connect two parts of a sentence related
to each other, thus making complete sense.
Example:
[170]
Gaurav is a tall and good-looking boy.

Ritesh is a good batsman but a poor
bowler.
You
are
neither
helpful
nor
understanding.
Either accept your crime or face the
consequences.
Special attention must be paid to
parallel
construction
when
using
conjunctions since there is an element
of parallelism in such sentences.
Look at the following example:
John wants either money or be famous.
(incorrect)
(Here, the use of a noun money and the
infinitive of a verb- to be famous, makes
the sentence wrong. One must use correct
parallelism by using either the noun forms
of both or the infinitive forms of both.)
John wants either money or fame.
(correct)
John wants to be either rich or famous.
(correct)
3.
Tenses- often, we change
incorrectly and unnecessarily, thus
grammatical mistakes. One must
moment and think about the logic
sentence.
Example:
tenses
making
take a
of the
[171]
He ran to the shopkeeper and was asking

him to change the shirt immediately.
(incorrect)
(The sentence is incorrect since it shows an
inconsistency in the use of tenses.)
He ran to the shopkeeper and asked him to
change the shirt immediately. (correct)
In parallel construction, it is also very
important to spot the key words that
indicate time and work around them.
Example:
Formerly languages were taught as per
theory, but now conversational skills are
taught as well.
(Note the change in tense as per the key
words- formerly-were taught, now-are
taught, shows a good understanding of
linguistic skills.)
4.
Parallelism
of
infinitives
and
Gerunds- sometimes, when ideas are
compared, one must remember to maintain
a parallel structure.
Example:
Sasha likes to study in the afternoon and
then playing later on in the evening.
This is an incorrect statement where two
ideas are compared, the use of an
infinitive- to study and a gerund plying is
used; thus bringing a little confusion in the
readability of the sentence.
Rule:
Infinitives & infinitive; Gerund & Gerund
[172]
So the correct sentences should be:

Sasha likes to study in the afternoon then
to play later on in the evening.
Sasha likes studying in the afternoon than
playing later on in the evening.
Another example of parallel construction in a
sentence is when compound verbs express
an action taking place at the same time or in
the same tense. When this happens, the
verb or the verb form ought to be
consistent.
Example:
Given sings and is playing the piano as
well. (incorrect)
Gavin sings and plays the piano as well.
(correct)
Gavin is singing and is playing the piano as
well. (correct)
5.
Parallelism is also important when there
are
1.many words in a series:
Example:
We liked the film Taianic because there
was action, love, romance and has songs
as well.
(There is no need to bring in the definer
word has since the words (nouns) are all
in a series.)
[173]
We liked the film Titanic because there

was action, love, romance and songs as
well. (Correct)
2.function words like: Prepositions (to, by,
in, for), Definite/ indefinite article (a, an,
the) and Introductory words (that, who,
which, because, when)
Examples:
Mrs. Mirza loves to complain about the
food and service in our hotel. (incorrect)
Mrs. Mirza loves to complain about the
food and the service in our hotel. (correct)
[174]
A CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU AVOID

PARALLELISM ERROR
Coming from a joint family and that I am the
youngest of the children, I have always been
pampered, (incorrect)
Coming from a joint family and being the
youngest of the children, I have always been
pampered. (correct)
My cousin who is young but very
responsibility takes pains to set the breakfast
table. (incorrect)
My cousin who is young but very responsible
takes pains to set the breakfast table.
(correct)
These girls are always arguing over whose
job it is to put the beds and cleaning the
kitchen.(incorrect)
These girls are always arguing over whose
job it is to put the beds and to clean the
kitchen. (correct)
People are usually affected by one of the
following - greed, joy, pain or they are poor.
(incorrect)
People are usually affected by one of the
followings - greed, joy, pain or poverty.
(correct)
[175]
The trainer advised the players that they

should get good sleep, that they should not
overeat and to do warm-up exercises before
the game. (incorrect)
The trainer advised the players to get good
sleep, not to overeat and to do warm-up
exercises before the game. (correct)
Carl picked up his boots, he picked up his
belt and jacket too before he left. (incorrect)
Carl picked up his boots, belt and jacket
before he left. (correct)
Peter went to work a bistro and to a mall, all
in one day. (incorrect)
Peter went to work to a bistro and to a mall,
all in one day. (correct)
The biologist was interested and excited
about the new advances in medicine.
(incorrect)
The biologist was interested in and excited
about the new advances in medicine.
(correct)
In psychotherapy, I think both talking and to
listen are equally essential. (incorrect)
In psychotherapy, l think both talking and
listening are equally essential. (correct)
This bike is not only fast but also it is safe to
ride. (incorrect)
[176]
This bike is not only fast but also safe.

(correct)
Joslyn is gifted not only as a guitarist but also
at writing songs. (incorrect)
Joslyn is gifted not only as guitarist but also
as lyricist. (correct)
Jennifer has both experienced the taste of
happiness and the pain of loneliness.
(incorrect)
Jennifer has experienced both the taste of
happiness and the pain of loneliness. (correct)
[177]
The word defining the two parallel

experiences follows the main verb)
The eminent journalist wrote a series of
articles on Dogri art and its people.
(incorrect)
The eminent journalist wrote a series of
articles Dogri art and on its people. (correct)
Melissa needs financial independence and to
find love. (incorrect)
Melissa needs financial independence and
love. (correct)
Melissa
needs
to
achieve
financial
independence and to find love. (correct)
In monsoons, summer or in winter
(incorrect)
In monsoons, summer or winter (correct)
In monsoons, in summer or in winter
(correct)
(Repeat the preposition for correct
parallelism)
The war was both expensive and very
damaging. (incorrect)
The war was both expensive and damaging.
(correct)
(Avoid using additional defining words)
[178]
Carls car is more spacious than Zeeshan.

(incorrect)
Carls car is more spacious than Zeeshans.
(correct)
In the film, we empathize with Billy more
than Patty. (incorrect)
In the film, we empathize with Billy more
than with Patty. (correct)
His father is stronger than Zoya. (incorrect)
His father is stronger than Zoyas / His father
is stronger than Zoyas father. (correct)
In the play Dog in the Manger, one doesnt
know whether the hero sees the original dog
or a new one. (incorrect)
In the play Dog in the Manger, one doesnt
know whether the hero sees the original dog
or he sees a new one. (correct)
The criminal not only stole all the money but
was
also
stabbing
the
housekeeper.
(incorrect)
The criminal not only stole all the money but
also stabbed the housekeeper. (correct)
Mr. Mehta is neither my father nor my fatherin-law. (incorrect)
Mr. Mehta is neither my father nor is he my
father-in-law. (correct)
[179]
In the Education Fair we read a lot of

interesting
material,
question
banks,
information handouts and some test series.
(incorrect)
In the Education Fair, we read a lot of
interesting
material,
question
banks,
information handouts and test series.
(correct)
Joseph does not like to study with Freda as
much as Reeta. (incorrect)
Joseph does not like to study with Freda as
much as he likes to with Reeta. (correct)
Vishal not only broke his family tradition but
also was destroying his mothers faith in him.
(incorrect)
Vishal not only broke his family tradition but
also destroyed his mothers faith in him.
(correct)
Vishal was not only breaking his family
tradition but was also destroying his
mothers faith in him. (correct)
Hal seems to be an irresponsible prince but
Hotspur was the traitor. (incorrect)
Hal seems to be an irresponsible prince but
Hotspur is the traitor. (correct)
Hal seemed to be an irresponsible prince but
Hotspur was the traitor. (incorrect)
[180]
Ingrid prefers to fight criminal cases than

preparing legal documents. (incorrect)
Ingrid prefers fighting criminal cases to
preparing legal documents. (correct)
The French, the Italians, Germans and
Portuguese love to eat meat. (incorrect)
The French, the Italians, the Germans and the
Portuguese love to eat meat. (correct)
[181]
[182]
READING COMPREHENSION
Introduction:
The
purpose
of
a
comprehension exercise is to test the
understanding ability of the candidate. Correct
answers to the questions based on the given
passage testify to the candidates grasping
power, his ability to comprehend and also to
read in between the lines.
A few guidelines:
3.Read the given passage hurriedly (keeping
in mind that you have a very limited time at
your disposal) to find out the subject
matter.
4.Read the questions that follow the given
passage.
5.Read the passage again keeping in view the
questions that you have to answer.
6. Mark the response (choice) that appears to
be the most appropriate.
PASSAGE 1
[183]
In former days, a teacher was expected to be a

man of exceptional knowledge or wisdom; to
whose words men would do well to attend. In
antiquity, teaching was not an organized
profession, and no control was exercised over
what they taught. It is true that they were often
punished afterwards for their subversive
doctrines. Socrates was put to death and Plato
is said to have been thrown into prison, but
such incidents did not interfere with the spread
of their doctrines.
In the middle ages, teaching became the
exclusive prerogative of the church, with the
result that there was little progress, either
intellectual or social. With the Renaissance, a
respect for learning brought back a measure of
freedom to the teachers.
19. In ancient times teaching was not
(a) a disorganized profession
(b) an
organized profession
(c) an independent profession
(d)
a
lucrative profession
20. But the teachers were often punished
afterwards for their
(a) submissive doctrines
(b)
subversive doctrines
(c) subjective doctrines
(d)
superficial doctrines
21. Socrates was
(a) rewarded
(b) put to death
(c) imprisoned
(d) tortured
[184]
22. In the middle ages, teaching became

the prerogative of
(a) the state
(b)
the
government
(c) the church
(d) the king
23. With the Renaissance, the respect for
learning brought in
(a) a measure of freedom
(b) a lack of
freedom
(c) interference of the state
(d)
high
handedness of the church
PASSAGE 2
The misfortunes of human beings may be
divided into two classes; firstly, those inflicted
by the non-human environment and, secondly,
those inflicted by other people. As mankind has
progressed in knowledge and technique, the
second class has become a continually
increasing percentage of the total.
In olden times, famine, for example, was due to
natural causes, and, although people did their
best to combat it, large number of them died of
starvation. At the present moment, many parts
of the world are facing threats of famine.
Although natural causes have contributed to
the situation, the principal causes are human.
The evils that men inflict on each other, have
their main source in evil passions rather than in
ideas or beliefs.
[185]
1. According
to
the
author,
the
misfortunes of human beings can be
divided into
(a) ten classes
(b)
numerous
classes
(c) five classes
(d) two classes
2. The first misfortune is that inflicted by
(a) human environment
(b) non-human
environment
(c) progressive environment (d)
supernatural environment
3. The second misfortune is that caused
by
(a) other people
(b) animals
(c) plants
(d) factories
4. At the present moment, the main
cause of the misfortune of mankind is
(a) science
(b) technology
(c) other human beings
(d) famine
5. The main reason for men exposing
each other to evils is
(a) ideas
(b) beliefs
(c) evil passions
(d) convictions
PASSAGE 3
Almost everybody allows himself or herself
some entirely unjustifiable generalizations on
the subject of women. Married men, when they
generalize on that subject, judge by their
wives; women judge by themselves. It would
[186]
be amusing to write a history of the views of

men on women.
In antiquity, when male supremacy was
unquestioned and Christian ethics were still
unknown, women were harmless, rather silly,
and a man who took them seriously was
somewhat despised.
Platos great objection to the drama was that
the playwright had to imitate women in
creating his female roles. With the coming of
Christianity, woman took on a new part, that of
the temptress; but at the same time, she was
also found capable of being a saint.
1. Some unjustifiable generalizations are
made on
(a) infants
(b) adolescents
(c) teenagers
(d) women
2. Married men judge women by their
(a) mothers
(b) sisters
(c) wives
(d) daughters
3. In antiquity, male supremacy was
(a) doubtful
(b) dubious
(c) unquestioned
(d) questionable
4. In those days, a man who took women
seriously was
(a) admired
(b) despised
(c) respected
(d) ignored
5. With the coming of Christianity,
women took on a new part of
(a) temptress alone
(b) saint alone
(c) protector
(d) temptress and saint
[187]
PASSAGE 4
The Ages of Faith, which are praised by our
neo-scholastics, were the times the clergy had
all the things their own way. Daily life was full
of miracles wrought by saints and wizardry,
perpetrated by devils and necromancers.
Many thousands of witches were burnt at the
stake. The sins of men were punished by
pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood and fire.
And yet, strange to say, they were even more
sinful than they are nowadays.
Very little was known scientifically about the
world. A few learned men remembered Greek
proofs that the earth is round, but most people
made fun of the notion that there are
antipodes. To suppose that there are human
beings at the antipodes was heresy. It was
generally held, though modern Catholics took a
milder view, that the immense majority of
mankind was damned. Dangers were held to
lurk at every turn.
1. Many thousands of witches were
(a) buried
(b) encouraged in their
work
(c) burnt at the stake
(d) revered
and
respected
2. The sins oil men were punished by
(a) sending them to the gallows (b) beating
them to death
[188]
(c) disease, death and despair

(d)
pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood and fire
3. Scientifically, very little was known
about
(a) mankind
(b) the plants
(c) the animals
(d) the world
4. A few learned men remembered that
(a) the earth is round
(b) the sun rises in
the east
(c) the sun sets in the west (d)
human
beings inhale oxygen
5. Most people, in those days made fun
of the notion that there are
(a) antipoles
(b) antipodes
(c) antibodies
(d) anti-Catholics
PASSAGE 5
I have spoken of liberty as good, but it is not an
absolute good. We all recognize the need to
restrain murderers, and it is even more
important to restrain murderous states. Liberty
must be limited by law, and its most valuable
forms can only exist within the framework of
law. What the world most needs are effective
laws to control international relations. The first
and most difficult step in the creation of such
laws is the establishment of adequate
sanctions and this is only possible through the
creation of a single armed force, which is in
control of the whole world.
[189]
But such an armed force, like a municipal

police force, is not an end in itself; it is the
means to the growth of a social system
governed by law, where force is not the
prerogative of private individuals or nations,
but is exercised only by a neutral authority in
accordance with rules laid down in advance.
There is hope that law, rather than private
force, may come to govern the relations of
nations within the present century.
1. According to the author, liberty is
good but
(a) always harmful
(b) always
stimulating
(c) not an absolute good
(d)
rarely
harmful
2. Liberty must be limited by
(a) autocracy
(b) dictatorship
(c) democracy
(d) law
3. Efective laws are needed to control
(a) disputes
(b) skirmishes
(c) disagreements
(d)
international relations
4. The first difficult step in the creation
of such laws is the establishment of
(a) effective team
(b)
political
disputes
(c) social evils
(d)
adequate
sanctions
5. A single armed force should be in
control
[190]
(a) of all the Asian countries

the European countries
(c) of the African continent
Whole world
(b)
of
all
(d) of the
PASSAGE 6
Mankind, ever since it has had civilized
communities; has been confronted with
problems of two different kinds. On one hand,
there has been the problem of mastering
natural forces; of acquiring the knowledge and
the skill required to produce tools and
weapons, and on the other hand, to encourage
nature in the production of useful animals and
plants. This problem in the modem world is
dealt with by science and scientific technique.
Experience has shown that in order to deal with
it adequately, it is necessary to train a large
number of rather narrow specialists.
But there is a second problem, less precise and
by some mistakenly regarded as unimportant.
It is the problem of how best to realize our
command over the forces of nature. This
includes such burning issues as democracy
versus
dictatorship;
capitalism
versus
socialism, international government versus
international anarchy; free speculation versus
authoritarian dogma.
1. The first problem which mankind
faced was
[191]
(a) getting sustenance

(b)
making shelter
(c) fighting the enemies
(d)
mastering the natural forces
2. He encouraged nature in
(a) giving him shelter
(b)
protecting himself
(c)getting acquainted with each other
(d)
the
production
of
useful animals and
plants
3. The second problem is
(a) more precise
(b) puzzling
(c) less precise
(d) clear as
crystal
4. The second problem deals with
(a) the evils of poverty
(b) the
curse of illiteracy
(c) how best to realize our command over
nature (d) the threat of nuclear warfare
5. Authoritarian dogma versus
(a) democracy
(b)
socialism
(c) international government
(d) free
speculation
PASSAGE 7
Philosophy means love of wisdom, and
philosophy in this sense is what men must
acquire if the new powers invented by
[192]
technicians, and handed over by them are to

be wielded by ordinary men and women;
without plunging mankind into an appalling
cataclysm. But the philosophy that should be a
pan of general education is not the same thing
as the philosophy of specialists. Not only in
philosophy, but also in all branches of
academic study; there is distinction between
what cultural value has and what is only of
professional interest. Historians may debate
upon what happened to Sennacheribs
unsuccessful expedition of 698 B.C., but those
who are not historians need not know the
difference between it and his successful
expedition three years later.
Academic education should aim at an overall
study of available knowledge
1. Philosophy means
(a) love of knowledge
(b) love of
education
(c) love of wisdom
(d) love of
intellect
2. Without philosophy the new powers
would plunge mankind into
(a) shocked stupor
(b) chasm
of despair
(c) forlom hopelessness
(d)
appalling cataclysm
3. Philosophy that is a part of general
education
(a) is not the same thing as philosophy of
specialists
[193]
(b) is different from the philosophy of

socialists
(c) is separate from the communist
philosophy
(d) is dissimilar to religious philosophy
4. There is a diference between what
cultural value has
(a) and what society conforms to
(b) and
what the youth adhere to
(c) and the realms of reality
(d)
and
what is only of professional interest
5. Academic education should aim at
(a) specialization in all fields
(b) cursory
study of all available knowledge
(c) acquiring hidden knowledge
(d) an
overall study of available knowledge
ANSWERS
[194]
Passage
profession
Passage
Passage
Passage
Passage
Passage
forces
1: 1.
(b)
an
organized
2. (b) subversive doctrines

3. (b) put to death
4. (c) the church
5. (a) a measure of freedom
2: 1. (d) two classes
2. (b) non-human environment
3. (a) other people
4. (c) other human beings
5. (c) evil passions
3: 1. (d) women
2. (c) wives
3. (c) unquestioned
4. (b) despised
5. (d) temptress and saint
4: 1. (c) burnt at the stake
2. (d) pestilence, famine,
earthquake, flood and fire
3. (d) the world
4. (a) the earth is round
5. (b) antipodes
5: 1. (c) not an absolute good
2. (d) law
3. (d) international relations
4. (d) adequate sanctions
5. (d) of the whole world
6: 1. (d) mastering the natural
2. (d) the production of useful
animals and plants
3. (c) less precise
[195]
4. (c) how best to realize our

command over nature
5. (d) free speculation
Passage
7: 1. (c) love of wisdom
2. (d) appalling cataclysm
3. (a) is not the same thing as
philosophy of specialists
4.
(d)
and
what
is
of
professional interest
5. (d) an over all study of available
knowledge
[196]
PASSAGE -1
From apparel to aerospace, steel to software,
the pace of technological innovation is
quickening. No longer can companies afford to
miss a generation of technology and expect
to remain competitive. Adding to the pressure,
innovations are increasingly crossing industry
boundaries: a new fibre developed by the
textile industry has potential for building
materials and medical equipment. Some
companies are adept at using a diversity of
technologies to create new products that
transform markets. But many others are
floundering because they rely on a
technology strategy that no longer works in
such a fast changing environment. The
difference between success and failure is not
how much a company spends on research and
development, but how it approaches it.
There are two possible approaches. Either a
company can invest in R & D that replaces an
older generation of technology
- the
breakthrough approach - or it can focus on
combining existing technologies into hybrid
technologies
the
technology
fusion
approach. It blends incremental technical
improvements
from
several
previously
separate fields of technology to create
products that revolutionise markets.
[197]
In a world where the old maxim one

technology one industry no longer applies, a
singular breakthrough strategy is inadequate;
companies
need
to
include
both
the
breakthrough and fusion approaches in their
technology strategy. Relying on breakthroughs
alone fails because it focuses the R & D efforts
too narrowly ignoring the possibilities of
combining technologies. Yet many western
companies still rely almost exclusively on the
breakthrough approach. The reasons are
complex: a distrust of outside innovations, a
not-invented-here engineering arrogance, an
aversion to sharing research results.
1. Which of the following is FALSE according
to the passage?
(a)
Technological innovations is happening
at a fast pace.
(b)
All technological innovations have
applicability in other industries.
(c)
Companies failing to adopt new
technology fail.
(d)
Companies which adopt technologies of
other industries have an advantage.
2. Which of the following would correctly
reflect position regarding the two approaches
to technology adoption?
(a)
Both the approaches are to be used at
the time.
(b)
Breakthrough approach is only to be
used
[198]
(c)
Technology fusion approach is only to
be used.
(d)
Breakthrough approach is preferable
for companies.
3. Which of the following features of
technology
been
highlighted
most
prominently by the author in the passage ?
(a)
Its improper utilisation by some
companies.
(b)
The speed at which innovations are
happening.
(c)
The expenses involved in developing
technology.
(d)
The two approaches to adopting
technology.
4. Which of the following has the SAME
meaning as the word generation as it has
been used in the passage?
(a)
family,
(b)
class,
(c)
offspring
(d)
phase
5. What does the author want to highlight by
using example apparel to aerospace and
steel to software?
(a)
Many industries are trying to improve
technology.
(b)
His knowledge about the various
industries.
(c)
The wide spread of technological
innovation.
[199]
(d)
The speed of the technological
innovation.
6. What, according to the author, is adding
to the pressure on the companies?
(a)
Applicability of technologies of other
industries to them.
(b)
Increasing speed of technological
innovations.
(c)
Work
load
on
their
R
&
D
departments. .
(d)
Finding funds for increased R & D
activities.
7. What is the immediate effect, according to
the passage, if a company does not
innovate?
(a)
It closes down.
(b)
It ceases to be competitive in the
market.
(c)
The prices of its products go up.
(d)
Its R & D departments close down.
8. What, according to the author, is the major
drawback of the breakthrough approach of
technological innovation?
(a)
It is expensive to innovate with this
approach.
(b)
It cannot give answer to modern
technological problems.
(c)
This approach has been overused.
(d)
It does not take in development in
other fields.
[200]
9. Which of the following is the correct way,

according to the author, of spending money
or research ?
(a)
Spend more money on breakthrough
research.
(b)
Spend no money on breakthrough
research.
(c)
Spend more money on technology
fusion research.
(d)
Spend no money on technology
fusion research.
meaning as the word floundering as it has
been used in the passage ?
(a)
changing,
(b)
failing,
(c)
unreliable,
(d)
fumbling
meaning as the word improvement as it
has been used in the passage?
(a)
betterment
(b)
reforms
(c)
advancement
(d)
corrections
12. Why do Western Companies avoid the
technology fusion approach?
(a)
Distrust of outside researchers.
(b)
Feeling that what one does alone is
right.
(c)
Failure to share results with others.
(d)
All of those stated above.
[201]
PASSAGE -2
Several suggestions have been advanced to
remove obstacles in the way of fast agricultural
growth. One such suggested policy measure is
to accord industry status to agriculture on the
premise that it would lead to eradication of
rural poverty through fuller utilization of the
vast potential of agriculture to generate
additional production, jobs and income. To what
extent would such a step serve the desired aim
and what would be its implications?
Agriculture and industry differ significantly in
some very important aspects. These references
are with regard to processes and techniques of
production and nature, marketing pattern and
pricing of products.
All farm products are good media for bacteria
and are, therefore, perishable. The life of
industrial products, on the other hand, is
relatively much longer as they are less
perishable.
Most farm crops come to maturity during a
relatively short and specific period and are
consumed throughout the year. Industrial
production, on the contrary, takes place
throughout the year and is hence less
seasonal. This and other special features of
[202]
agriculture subject it to the

storage and transportation.
problems
of
In agriculture, supply of commodities is less

controllable than in the industrial sector.
Industry
attempts
to
gauge
demand
continuously and match the supply accordingly.
In agriculture, the position is just the reverse.
The relationship between price and output is
strikingly different in the two sectors. Industrial
output is directly related to price. In
agriculture, the price is inversely related to
production. Also industrial prices are generally
more stable than agricultural prices.
Some apprehensions have also been
expressed that agriculture has not been
treated on par with industry in terms of prices.
The main objective of the agricultural price
policy in India is to provide an inducement to
the producer for adopting improved technology
and for maximum production and income. The
minimum support/procurement prices for major
agricultural commodities numbering about 20
are fixed each year on the basis of
recommendations of the Commission for
Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). They are
meant to enable the farmer to pursue his
activities with the assurance that the price of
his produce would not be allowed to fall below
the minimum.
[203]
The aim of price policy in the industrial sector

is not to support but control prices. The
industrial prices of certain selected products,
particularly basic consumer goods and
important industrial and agricultural inputs, are
controlled
and
regulated
on
the
recommendations of an expert body like the
Bureau of Industrial Costs and Prices (BICP) or
inter-ministerial committees or groups in the
case of certain public enterprises. The factors
taken into account in recommending the prices
include the cost of more efficient firms
accounting for a high percentage of total
output, the optimum norms of consumption of
raw materials and energy as well as capacity
utilizations and a fair rate of return on net
worth generally ranging between 10 to 14 per
cent depending on risks, priorities, growth
prospects etc.
1. Which of the following is true according to
the passage?
(a) Agriculture sector involves more nonskilled workers.
(b) Agriculture is a priority sector.
(c) There is no definite market policy
adopted by agriculture sector.
(d) Industrial sector is more organized than
Agricultural sector.
(e) None of these.
[204]
2. According to the passage which of the

following is the main purpose to give
industry status to agriculture?
(a) To improve conditions of rural poor.
(b) To produce more food.
(c) To create more jobs for rural
population.
(d) To
make
the
rural
population
economically sound.
(e) All of these.
3. According to the passages which of 'the
following is the most important hurdle in
giving industry status to agriculture?
(a) Less durability of agricultural products.
(b) Difficult mode of transportation.
(c) High production cost.
(d) Involvement of comparatively large
number of labourers.
(e) None of these.
4. Which of the following according to the
passages was the main factor of industrial
price policy set up by the Government?
(a) Supporting the industry to attain an
optimum price for its products
(b) Consumption of more raw material and
higher return
(c) Controlling of new industrial units
(d) Providing a favoured status to industry
(e) Higher output-input ratio.
5. Which of the following word has the same
meaning as the word gauge as used in the
passage?
[205]
(a) obtain
(b) qualify
(c) assess
(d) match
(e) support
6. What step, according to the passage, is
taken up by the government to improve the
situation of agricultural sector?
(a) Providing better facilities to farmers
(b) Providing electricity at a lower rate to
the farmers
(c) By giving industry status to agriculture
(d) Increasing the number of government
controlled procurement centres
(e) Providing minimum support prices to a
large number of agricultural products.
7. The authors writing style is :
(a) argumentative
(b) constructive
(c) analytic
(d) narrative
(e) verbose
8. Which of the following has the same
meaning as the word fair as used in the
passage?
(a) bright
(b) equal
(c)
considerable
(d) just
(e) extraordinary
9. Which of the following has the same
meaning as the word premise as used in
the passage?
(a) basis
[206]
(b) assumption
(c) argument
(d) position
(e) condition
10.
What according to the passage, is the
main reason for the absence of a fixed
pricing policy of agricultural products?
(a) Non-availability of structured marketing
policy
(b) Lack of competition among producers
(c) Agricultural output is not related to
demand
(d) Industrial outputs is directly related to
price
(e) None of these.
11.
What according to the passage is the
concern expressed by some quarters?
(a) Industry is preferred to agriculture in
terms of prices
(b) Providing comparatively better facilities
to industrial sector
(c) Lack of necessary equipments in the
agricultural sector
(d) Less flow of money in agricultural
sector
(e) None of these.
12.
What according to the passage has the
same meaning as the word inducement as
used in the passage?
(a) excitement
(b) opportunity
(c) obstacle
[207]
(d) incentive
(e) platform
13.
Which of the following has the same
meaning as the word accord as used in the
passage?
(a) honour
(b) offer
(c) provide
(d) bestow
(e) define
14.
What according to the passage, is the
main reason for a stable price for industrial
product?
(a) Its concentration in the urban sector
(b) Its mode of transportation
(c) Ease in formulating marketing policy
(d) Its nature of products as regards nonperishability and un-seasonability
(e) Employment of more skilled labourers.
15.
What according to the author is the
main objective of price policy of agricultural
products?
(a) To attain self-sufficiency in food
production
(b) To march agriculture to industry
(c) To induce producers to adopt modern
technology
(d) To help government in obtaining data
(e) None of these.
PASSAGE 3
[208]
Directions (Q. 1 8): Read the following

passage
carefully
and
answer
the
questions given below it. Certain words
are printed in bold to help you locate
them while answering some of the
questions.
In a reversal of the norm elsewhere, in India
policymakers and economists have become
optimists while bosses do the worrying. The
countrys Central Bank has predicted that the
countrys economy is likely to grow at a
double-digit rate during the next 20-30 years.
India has the capability with its vast labour and
lauded entrepreneurial spirit. But the private
sector, which is supposed to do the heavy
lilting that turns India the worlds tenth largest
economy to its third largest by 2030, has
become fed up. Business people often carp
about Indias problems but their irritation this
time has a nervous edge. In the first quarter of
2011, GDP grew at an annual rate 7.8 per cent;
in 2005-07, it managed 9-10 percent. The
economy may be slowing naturally as the low
interest rates and public spending that got
India thought the global crisis are belatedly
withdrawn. At the same time, the surge in
inflation caused by exorbitant food prices has
spread more widely, casting doubt over
whether India can grow at 8-10 per cent in the
medium term without overheating.
[209]
In India, as in many fast-growing nations, the

confidence to invest depends on the conviction
that the long term trajectory is intact and it is
that which is in doubt. Big Indian firms too,
sometimes, seem happier to invest abroad
then at home, in deals that are often hailed as
symbols of the countrys growing clout but
sometimes speak to its weakness-purchases of
natural resources that India has in abundance
but struggles to get out of the ground. In fact, a
future dip in investment could be self-fulfilling:
if fewer roads, ports and factories are built, this
will hurt both short-term growth figures and
reduce the economys long term capacity.
There is a view that because a fair amount of
growth is assured the government need not try
very hard. The liberalization that began in 1991
freed markets for products and gave rise to
vibrant competition. At the same time what
economists call factor markets, those for basic
inputs like land, power, labour etc, remains
unreformed and largely under take three to
four years and many employers are keen to
replace workers with machines despite an
abundance of labour force. This can be
attributed to labour laws which are inimical to
employee creation and an education system
that means finding quality manpower a major
problem. In fact, the Planning Commission
concluded that achieving even nine per cent
growth will need marked policy action in
[210]
unreformed sectors. Twenty years ago it was

said that the yardstick against which India
should be measured was its potential and it is
clear that there remains much to do.
1. Why are employers reluctant to hire Indian
labour force?
(A) Indias labour force is overqualified for
the employment opportunities available.
(B) High attrition rate among employers
stemming from their entrepreneurial spirit
(C) Labour laws are not conducive to
generating employment.
1) Only (C)
2) All (A), (B) and
(C)
3) Only (A) and (C)
4) Only (A) and (B)
(5) None of these
2. What is the state of Indias basic input
sectors at present?
1) These sectors attract Foreign Direct
Investment
because
of
their
vast
potential.
2) There sectors are lagging as projects
are usually awarded to foreign companies.
3) There sectors are stagnating and badly
in need of reforms.
4) There sectors are well regulated as
these are governed by the State.
5) None of these
3. Which of the following can be said about
the Indian economy at present?
[211]
1) It can comfortably achieve double-digit

growth rate at present.
2) High
food prices
have led to
overheating of the economy.
3) Citizens are affluent owing to laxity in
regulation.
4) Private sector confidence in Indias
growth potential in high.
5) Unreformed sectors are drag on
economic growth.
4. What impact has the GDP growth of 7.8 per
cent had?
(A) Indian Industry is anxious about Indias
economic growth.
(B) India has achieved status as the worlds
third largest economy at present.
(C) Foreign investment in India has drastically
increased.
1) Only (A)
2) All (A), (B) and
(C)
3) Only (A) and (C)
4) Only (A) and (B)
5) None of these
5. Which of the following is most opposite in
meaning of the word marked given in bold
as used in the passage?
1) Decreased 2) Ignored 3) Clear4)
Assessed 5) Imperceptible
6. What is the authors main objective in
writing the passage?
1) Showcasing the potential of Indias
growth potential to entice foreign
investors
[212]
2) Exhorting India to implement measures

to live up to its potential
3) Recommending
Indias
model
of
development
to
other
developing
countries
4) Berating the private sector for not
bidding for infrastructure development
projects
5) Criticizing the measures taken by India
during the global economic crisis
7. What measures do experts suggests to be
taken to ensure targeted economic growth?
1) Lowering of interest rates to help
industries hit by recession
2) Prolonged financial support for basic
input industries
3) Incentives to Indian companies to
invest in infrastructure
4)
Formulation of policies and their
implementation in factor markets
5) Stringent implementation of licensing
system
8. Which of the following is most similar
meaning to the word clout given in bold
used in the passage?
1) Strike 2) Standing 3) Force
4)
Launch
5) Achieve
Directions (Q. 9-15): Read the following
passage
carefully
and
answer
the
questions
given
below
it.
Certain
words/phrases are printed in bold to help
[213]
you locate them while answering some of

the questions.
In many countries, a combustible mixture of
authoritarianism, unemployment and youth has
given rise to disaffection with strongmen
rulers, which has, in turn, spilled over into
uprisings. Young people in these countries are
far better educated than their parents were. In
1990, the average Egyptian had 4.4 years of
schooling; by 2010, the figure had risen to 7.1
years. Could it be that education, by making
people less willing to put up with restrictions on
freedom and more willing to question authority,
promotes democratization? Ideas about the
links
between
education,
income
and
democracy are at the heart of what social
scientists have long studied. Since then plenty
of economists and political scientists have
looked for statistical evidence of a causal link
between education and democratization. Many
have pointed to the strong correlation that
exists between levels of education and
measures like the pluralism of party politics
and the existence of civil liberties. The patterns
are similar when income and democracy are
considered. There are outliers, of course-until
recently, many. Arab countries managed to
combine energy-based wealth and decent
education with undemocratic political systems.
But some deduce from the overall picture that
as China and other authoritarian states get
[214]
more educated and richer, their people will

agitate
for
greater
political
freedom,
culminating in a shift to a more democratic
form of government.
This apparently reasonable intuition is shakier
than it seems. Critics of the hypothesis point
out that correlation is hardly causation. The
general trend over the past half-century may
have been towards rising living standards, a
wider spread of basic education and more
democracy, but it is entirely possible that this
is being driven by another variable. Even if the
correlation were not spurious, it would be
difficult to know which way causation ran. Does
more education lead to greater democracy? Or
are more democratic countries better at
educating their citizens? A recent NBER paper
compared a group of Kenyan girls in 69 primary
schools whose students were randomly
selected to receive a scholarship with similar
students in schools which received no such
financial aid. Previous studies had shown that
the scholarship programme led to higher test
scores and increased the likelihood that girls
enrolled in secondary school. Overall, it
significantly increased the amount of education
obtained. For the new study, the authors tried
to see how the extra schooling had affected the
political and social attitudes of the women in
question. Findings suggested that education
may make people more interested in improving
[215]
their own lives but they may not necessarily

see democracy as the way to do it. Even in
established democracies, more education does
not always mean either more active political
participation or greater faith in democracy.
Poorer and less educated people often vote in
larger numbers than their more educated
compatriots, who often express disdain for the
messiness of democracy, yearning for the
kind of government that would deal strongly
with the corrupt and build highways, railway
lines and bridges at a dizzying pace of
authoritarian China.
9. Which of the following is most similar in
meaning to the word promotes given in
bold as used in the passage?
1) Upgrades 2) Prefers 3)
Recommends
4) Advocates 5) Publicises
10. In the context of the passage, which of the
following characterise(s) democracies?
(A) Active participation of majority of
educated citizens in electoral process
(B) Fast, paced economic growth and
accountability of those in power
(C) Better' standards of living and access
to higher education
1) All (A), (B) and (C)
2) Only (B) and
(C)
3) Only (C)
4) Only (A) and (B)
5) None of these
[216]
11. What, according to the author, has led to

uprisings in authoritarian countries?
1)
Lack of access to education
2)
Vast numbers of uneducated and
unemployable youth
3)
Frustration with the existing system of
governance
4)
Unavailability
of
natural
energy
resources like coal and oil
5)
Governments over-ambitious plans for
development
12. What does the phrase messiness of
democracy convey in the context of the
passage?
1) Democratic nations are chaotic on
account of individual freedoms.
2) Most democratic countries frequently
have violent revolts among their citizens.
3) The divide between the poor and the
educated is growing wider in democracies.
4) High levels of pollution on account of
frantic pace of infrastructure development
5) Resigned
acceptance
of
intrinsic
corruption in the education system
13. Which of the following is/are true about
China in the context of the passage?
(A) Chinas citizens are in favour of a more
representative form of government.
(B) China has made huge strides in
infrastructure development.
(C) China is in the midst of a political
revolution.
[217]
1) None
2) Only (A)
3) Only (A) and (C)
4) Only (B)
5)
All (A), (B) and (C)
14. What conclusion can be drawn from the
statistics cited about Egypts education
system?
1)
Job prospects have been on the rise in
Egypt in recent times.
2)
Authoritarian leaders have played a
vital role in reforming Egypts education
system.
3)
Egypt has one of the youngest and
best educated demographics in the world.
4)
Egypt is likely to be a successful
vibrant democracy.
5)
There has been a rise in education
levels in Egypt in recent times.
15. Which of the following most aptly describes
the central theme of the passage?
1)
Democratic nations are richer and have
a better track record of educating their
citizens.
2)
Education does not necessarily lead to
greater enthusiasm for a democratic form
of government.
3)
Educated societies with autocratic form
of government enjoy a better quality of life
than democracies.
4)
Citizens can fulfil their personal
aspirations only under a democratic form of
government.
[218]
5)
Democracy
makes
citizens
more
intolerant as it does not restrict personal
freedoms.
PASSAGE 4
Directions (Q. 1-5): Read the passage
carefully and answer the questions given
below it. Certain words/phrases are given
in bold to help you locate them while
answering some of the questions.
Internet has become one of the most
important technologies to organize people
socially. Present research contends that
internet and web 2.0 have given rise to a new
form of sovereignty to social actors who reject
any organization or state that fails to give its
prospective clients exactly what they want.
Social media has empowered the consumer as
a social actor to voice complaints with reduced
physical and psychological costs combined
with greater visibility and organization
facilitated through the social nature of these
[219]
technologies. Also, the rate of adoption of

internet
has
exceeded
most
mass
communications technologies, making it almost
indispensable for the modern consumer. The
growing popularity of social media has
coincided with the decline of the use of
traditional media, which has resulted in a shift
from the concept of traditional one-way
communication to a mode where people
interact with each other. These trends have
empowered citizens to be aware of the latest
happenings and also helped them effectively
communicate their opinion. On the other side,
it has also enabled leaders of political
organisations to get in touch and share
information about themselves without any
mediators.
Social medias role for leaders is important
from the perspective of instant information and
feedback about the people and also from the
viewpoint of building relationships. The power
of listening on social media can help leaders
effectively understand the needs of people.
This understanding can lead to better relational
development.
Relational
development
is
facilitated by reciprocated deeper disclosures
that increase trust, build credibility and
intimacy. These relationships can help citizens
understand their leader and can facilitate
emotional connections. Unfortunately, at
present in India, there has been an overTalent Sigma Professionals Pvt Ltd (TSPL), F-35 DS Infotech Chandaka Industrials Estate,
[220]
reliance and focus on Twitter, which by very

nature is a low-depth medium. A greater
reliance on text or video blogs can be far more
beneficial for deeper disclosures, which can
then be discussed through a more instant
medium like Twitter.
From the perspective of leader trying to win a
vote, it is important to understand influence on
social media. Aristotle, one of the pioneers on
the idea of persuasion, has talked about logos
(logic), pathos (emotion) and ethos (credibility)
as three modes of persuasion. Persuasion
through emotion is one area where social
media empowers leaders as opposed to the
traditional curated discourse. Instant replies
(reciprocity) to personal queries and thoughts
of people make social media a relevant and a
powerful tool for any leader.
16. How is the role of social media important
for leaders?
(A)
Leaders can get instant information
and feedback about people. .
(B)
They can build a good relationship,
with people through social media.
(C)
They can create harmony among
people through social media.
1)
Only (A) and (B)
2) Only (B) and
(C)
3) Only (A) and (C)
4) All (A), (B) and
(C)
5) Only (A)
[221]
17. Which of the following is not true in the

context of the given passage?
1)
Internet has successfully organized
people socially.
2)
Internet and web 2.0 have given rise to
a new form of sovereignty to social actors.
3)
Social
media
has
enabled
the
consumers to raise voice at low physical
and psychological costs.
4)
Despite relentless efforts, internet has
failed to overpower most of the other mass
communication media.
5)
Internet has helped develop good
relationships among people.
18. What is/are the reasons of growing
popularity of social media?
(A)
Two-way-communication facility
(B)
Easy and instantaneous access to the
latest happenings
(C)
No need of mediator to share ones
views with another
1)
Only (A)
(2) Only (B) 2
3) Only (A) and (B)
(4) Only (A) and (C)
(5) All (A), (B) and(C)
19. How has social media become a powerful
tool for leaders? Select the most suitable
answer.
1)
Leaders use social media for attacking
their opponents.
2)
Through social media they can
persuade people rationally.
[222]
3)
They can effectively reply to personal
queries and thoughts of people through
instantaneous both-way communication.
4)
They cannot give false assurance to
people while replying through social media.
5)
All of the above
20. What is/are the advantages of better
relationship between leaders and the people?
Give your answer in the context of the given
passage.
1)
Leaders can get favour from voters in
elections.
2)
Better relationship helps increase trust
and build credibility and intimacy between
leaders and the people.
3)
People
can
emotionally
connect
themselves with their leaders.
4)
Only 2) and 3)
5)
Only 1) and 2)
Directions(Q.
6 8): Choose the
word/group of words which is MOST
SIMILAR in meaning to the word printed
in bold as used in the passage.
21. Indispensable
1)
inevitable 2)
compulsory
4)
22. Persuasion
1)
agitation
2)
disturbance
4)
23. Intimacy
undefined
exclusive
3)
5) natural
influence
3)
illusion 5) situation
[223]
1)
enmity
disagreement
2) hatred 3)
4) complexity 5 ) affinity
Directions (Q. 9 10): Choose the

word/group of words which is MOST
OPPOSITE in meaning of the word printed
in bold as used in the passage.
24. Adoption
1)
assumption
2) maintenance
3)
endorsement 4) conviction
5) rejection
25. Instant
1)
current 2) prompt
3) direct
4)
delayed
5) prominent
ANSWER
Answer Passage- 1
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. b 11. b 12. a
b a d d c a b b c
Answer: Passage 2
1. b 2.e 3.e 4.e 5.c 6.e 7.c 8.d 9.b 10. c
11. a 12. d 13. d 14. d 15. c
[224]
Answer Passage 3
1. 2. 3. 5 4. 1 5. 5 6.
1
3
2
11. 12. 13. 4 14. 4 15. 2
3
1
Answer Passage- 4
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
21.
7.
4
22.
8.
3
23.
9.
4
24.
10.
5
25.
JUMBLED SENTENCE
In jumble Sentences, a sentence is broken up
into four segments, which are then jumbled up.
You have to sequence the segments correctly
so as to from a coherent sentence. This
requires you to know the principal aspects of
grammatical rules sentence correction and
syntax (the way words and phrases are put
together to from sentence in a language.)
Example:
Long ago, found a home alongside dogs
evolved from wolves a record, and never left
A
B
C
humans before history makes
D
Looking at all the segments, we can rule out A
as a possible beginning of the sentence, as the
verb in it (found) has no subject preceding it.
None of the options begin with C, so it can be
[225]
ruled out too. D may seem suitable, but the

only option beginning with D has B as its
second segment, which does not make any
sense. So B is the first segment, and A the
second, as both options beginning with B have
that arrangement. The final clue is therefore in
the last two options. DC is more logical than
CD, as D ends with makes, while C begins
with a record, which link up neatly together.
Thus, our rearranged sentence reads: dogs
evolved from wolves long ago, found a home
alongside humans before history makes a
recorded, and never left. Hence, (3)
Directions:
Each
of
the
following
sentences has split into four parts and
the parts have given in a jumbled form.
Choose the best order from among the
four options (a), (b), (c), (d) which
produces the original sentence.
1. (1) science has emerged (2) every great
advance in (3) from a new (4) audacity of
imagination
(a) 1,2,3,4
(b) 2,1,3,4
(c) 3,4,2,1
(d) 4,3,1,2
2. (1) experience (2) is the systematic (3)
science (4) classification of
(a)
1,2,3,4
(b) 4,1,2,3
(c) 2,3,4,1
(d) 3,2,4,1
[226]
3. (1) a statesman (2) of the next generation

(3) a politician (4) thinks of the next election
(a)
1,4,3,2
(b) 3,2,4,1
(c) 3,4,1,2
(d) 1,2,4,3
4. (1) of their passions (2) is a knowledge (3)
knowledge (4) of mankind
(a)
3,2,4,1
(b) 3,4,2,1
(c) 1,3,4,2
(d) 4,3,2,1
5. (1) the only creature (2) man is (3)
endowed with the power of (4) laughter
(a)
2,1,3,4
(b) 4,3,2,1
(c) 1,3,2,4
(d) 2,4,3,1
6. (1) hope has everything (2) and he who
has (3) health has hope (4) he who has
(a)
3,4,1,2
(b) 2,3,4,1
(c) 3,1,4,2
(d) 4,3,2,1
7. (1) this new method (2) evolved (3) it was
out of (4) his truthful way of living that
(a)
1,4,3,2
(b) 2,1,3,4
(c) 3,4,1,2
(d) 3,1,4,2
8. (1) even against (2) ill-will (3) opponents
(4) he never harbored
(a)
4,2,1,3
(b) 1,3,2,4
(c) 4,3,1,2
(d) 2,1,3,4
9. (1) where Gandhiji stood (2) our long
discussions about socialism (3) had left me
(4) rather bewildered and confused as to just
(a)
1,4,2,3
(b) 2,3,4,1
(c) 4,1,2,3
(d) 1,4,3,2
10. (1) methodology (2) an alternative (3)
under Lenin advanced (4) the communists
[227]
(a) 2,1,3,4
(b) 3,2,4,1
(c) 1,3,2,4
(d) 4,3,2,1
11. (1) to dispose off the waste matter (2) the
modernization would reduce (3)
provide
better sanitary facilities (4) manual labour
considerably and would also
(a)
1,2,4,3
(b) 2,4,3,1
(c) 3,2,4,1
(d) 4,2,1,3
12. (1) supported soft term loans (2) to supply
imported equipment worth Rs.8 crore (3) the
Hungarian Government has offered (4) with a
very low rate of interest
(a)
1,4,2,3
(b) 4,2,1,3
(c) 3,2,1,4
(d) 2,1,3,4
13. (1) environmental and psychological stress
and strain (2) he said that (3) the
development of positive attitudes to cope
with (4) what the world needed today was
(a)
1,4,3,2
(b) 2,3,4,1
(c) 4,2,1,3
(d) 2,4,3,1
14. (1) expresses itself in many diverse art
forms (2) ancient in origin (3) the essence of
the spirit of Bulgaria (4) of great creativity
(a)
3,2,1,4
(b) 1,3,2,4
(c) 4,2,3,1
(d) 2,1,4,3
15. (1) will normally be granted (2) candidates
should note (3) that no request for (4)
change of center
(a)
1,3,2,4
(b) 2,3,4,1
(c) 4,2,3,1
(d) 3,2,1,4
[228]
16. (1) accidents are still bound to happen (2)

occasionally
(3)
though
(4)
despite
everyones best efforts
(a)
3,1,2,4
(b) 1,2,3,4
(c) 4,1,3,2
(d) 3,2,4,1
17. (1) through the long, hot summer (2) if you
plan to train hard (3) continually (4) you will
need to acclimatize yourself
(a)
2,3,1,4
(b) 3,1,2,4
(c) 4,2,1,3
(d) 1,3,2,4
18. (1) it becomes difficult (2) satisfying our
desire (3) once we set about (4) if not
impossible to restrain them
(a)
1,3,2,4
(b) 3,2,1,4
(c) 4,2,1,3
(d) 2,1,3,4
19. (1) four degrees below normal (2) icy winds
lashed
Srinagar
(3)
with
minimum
temperature registering (4) which was
already in the grip of gruelling cold wave
conditions
(a)
2,4,3,1
(b) 2,1,3,4
(c) 3,2,4,1
(d) 4,2,3,1
20. (1) when a chemical substance (2) the food
poisoning
occurred
(3)
in
the
food
preparations (4) was mistakes for salt and
used
(a)
3,2,1,4
(b) 2,3,4,1
(c) 2,1,4,3
(d) 1,2,4,3
[229]
Answers
1. (b)
2,1,3,
4
6. (d)
4,3,2,
1
11. (b)
2,4,3,
1
16. (c)
4,1,3,
2
2. (d)
3,2,4,
1
7. (c)
3,4,1,
2
12. (c)
3,2,1,
4
17. (a)
2,3,1,
4
3. (c)
3,4,1,
2
8. (a)
4,2,1,
3
13. (d)
2,4,3,
1
18. (b)
3,2,1,
4
4. (b)
3,4,2,
1
9. (b)
2,3,4,
1
14. (a)
3,2,1,
4
19. (a)
2,4,3,
1
5. (a)
2,1,3,
4
10. (d)
4,3,2,
1
15. (b)
2,3,4,
1
20. (c)
2,1,4,
3
[230]
JUMBLED PARAGRAPHS
As a child you might have taken apart a LOGO
set or a toy and then from that jumbled mess.
Put it back again. The jumbled paragraph and
sentence arrangement question types are
similar exercises in verbal reasoning. They test
your ability to establish the right connections
within the text so as to arrive at a logical and
composite whole.
Steps:
(i) Read the given sentence as they are.
(ii) Try to find either the first sentence or the
last sentence.
(iii) Try to find a link between both the first
fixed sentence and any of the other
sentence or between the last fixed
sentence and the one which can precede
it.
(iv) Look for words like so, hence,
moreover, nevertheless which decide
the direction of your reading effort.
Example:
1.This is prime lion country.
[231]
2.Late February in Kuno Sanctuary, the

world is all sunshine, crisp air and
flowering trees.
3.But in the 1880s, lions vanished from this
open, rugged scrubland along the
Vindhyas.
4.Today, in an ambitious conservation step,
work is on here at a frenetic pace to bring
back the Lord of the Jungle.
1) ACBD
2) CADB
3) CABD
4)
BACD
Stop right there and see if any of the options
begin with that particular sentence. If there is
only one such option you are lucky. Here, for
instance, if you think that B is a likely starting
point, check the options; if you find that there
is only one option starting with B, it is therefore
likely to be the answer. However, read the
sequence according to the option to be doubly
sure. B introduces the subject, Kuno
Sanctuary and therefore starts the sequence.
Only option (4) begins with B and it has the
sequence BACD. This in A refers to the
country where Kuno Sanctuary is situated.
Thus we have the BA link. The conjunction but
in C introduces a contrary or opposing idea
which is elaborated in D- the fact that in spite
of being a prime lion country the lions have
vanished and therefore conservation work is
being carried out. Hence, (4).
[232]
Directions: In each of the following

passages, there are silt sentences. The
first and the sixth sentences are in the
correct position and are labelled S and
S
respectively.
The
middle
four
sentences in each have been jumbled up.
These are labelled P, Q, R and S. You are
required to tick mark the correct order
for the four sentences from among the
four options given at the end of each
passage.
1
S
1.
.
Charlie Chaplin, in a film, drew
attention to the dangerous influence of the
machine
on man.
P.
An endless belt passed in front of him
carrying slowly an endless line of articles.
Q. In the film, he got a job in a factory that
employed mass-production methods.
R. As each one passed, he tightened one nut
on one bolt with his spanner.
S. He had to stand by a machine with a
spanner in his hand.
S
.His work was done with one turn of
the wrist repeated throughout the day.
(a)
PRQS (b) PSQR (c) QSRP (d)
QSPR
S
2.
.
India has an enviable wealth of
natural areas, still teeming with wildlife.
1
[233]
P. Added to this fact is their remarkable

capacity to adjust to varied habitats ranging
from dense forests to swamps and
grasslands.
Q. The Indian tendency to sanctify life
has, to some extent, been directly responsible
for
the continued existence of several species.
R. Unfortunately, the elephant population
today has become isolated in four or five
disjointed zones.
S. Elephants, for instance, have always
been an integral part of our religious and
cultural heritage.
S .
An Asian elephant specialist group
has been set up to recommend appropriate
conservation measures.
(a)
PRSQ (b) QSPR (c) RSQP (d)
SQPR
6
3.
It is easy to prove that matter cannot be

destroyed.
P. Allow the flask to cool and weigh it
again.
Q. Weigh the flask and warm it gently until
the phosphorous catches fire.
R. Drop a small piece of white phosphorous
onto the sand and put the stopper tightly to
S1 .
[234]
the flask.
S. Put some sand in the bottom of the
flask.
S .
Compare the two weights and you will
'find they are the same and that nothing has
been destroyed by fire.
(a) SQRP (b) SRQP (c) SPRQ (d) QRSP
4.
S . The real value of Karate, Aikido, Kung Fu
and the other martial ans has little to do with
physical feats such as breaking bricks or
fighting.
P. It further tells us that our energy and
awareness, our capacity for courage and
compassion, are far greater than we have
been led to believe.
Q. It tells us that we need not fear.
R. The real value of martial arts study lies
in what it tells us about ourselves.
S. It tells us that our personal limits can,
therefore, be transcended.
S .
When that happens, it engenders the
feeling of attunement with universal forces, of
identification with the mysterious
power of life itself.
(a)
PQSR (b) PSQR
(c) RQPS
(d)
SPQR
5.
S . Man shares with birds and animals one
particular instinct, the instinct to build a
house to live in.
6
[235]
P. To visit an English house, and that too,

an old manor house, is to know what it means
to own a house.
Q. Mans idea of a house keeps changing
from age to age.
R. But in all other respects, the same
instinct finds a much richer and more complex
expression in man.
S. Of all people, perhaps, it is the English
who have the finest taste in this matter.
S .
The key is, real warmth and comfort, and
not mere show.
(a)
PQRS (b) SPQR (c) RQSP (d)
QPRS
6.
S . After working for some years in London, Mr.
Wilmot was transferred to a coast resort and,
of course, the family outings were often
made to the beach.
P. So, Mr. Wilmot hired a boat and with his
two children, rowed out into the bay.
Q. One day, his children pleaded to be
taken out into the bay in a boat.
R. Of course, they were tempted to go farther
than they had intended, past the
protecting cliffs and out to the open sea.
S. The sun was shining brightly, there was
little wind and the water was calm.
S .
At first, all went well, but when they
decided to turn back, they encountered
difficulties.
6
[236]
(a)
QSPR (b) SPRQ (c) PRSQ (d)
RQPS
7.
S .
Florence Nightingale rendered a unique
service when the call came to her from the
Government to help the wounded and the
suffering in the hospital at Scutari during the
Crimean war.
P. The hospital became an ideal place and
the wounded soldiers worshipped her like an
angel.
Q. There was dust, indifference and
inefficiency.
R. The Lady with the Lamp, as the soldiers
lovingly called her, became a national
heroine.
S. The conditions in the hospital were
horrible.
S
.The nation showed its gratitude to her
by raising a huge sum for her benefit, but
Florence showed herself to be greater
by contributing that sum for the setting up of
an institution for the training of
nurses.
(a)
QRPS (b) RPQS (c) SQPR (d)
PRQS
8.
S . Before Helen Keller was two years old, she
lost her sight and her hearing.
P. But eventually, Miss Sullivans efforts
were rewarded.
1
[237]
Q. Miss Sullivan arrived at the Keller home

when Helen was seven.
R. At times, the teacher became
frustrated.
S. Miss Sullivan worked closely with Helen,
her new student.
S
The deaf and blind Helen learned to
communicate verbally.
(a)
QSRP (b) QPSR (c) SRQP (d) RQPS
6
ANSWERS
1.
4.
6.
9.
(d) QSPR
2. (b) QSPR 3. (a) QRPS
(b) SRQP
5 (c) RQPS
(c) RQSP 7. (d) SPRQ
8. (a) QSPR
(c) SQPR 10. (a) QSRP
JUMBLED PARAGRAPH
Directions (Q. No. 1 to 5) : Rearrange

the following six sentences (A), (B), (C),
(D), (E) and (F) in the proper sequence
to from a meaning paragraph; then
answer the questions given below them.
(A)
In fact, today, social entrepreneurship
is no different from starting a profitmotivated company.
(B)
The major challenge they face is
employee selection and retention.
(C)
For decades social development in
India meant charity.
[238]
(D)
However,
the
challenges
social
organisations experience are tougher.
(E)
This is because while volunteering for
social work is not new, attracting talented
people and tapping their potential at lower
costs is difficult.
(F)
In recent years, however; economic
changes have brought business sense and
professionalism to the sector.
1.Which of the following should be the FIFTH
sentence in the paragraph?
1)
A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
2.Which of the following should be me SIXTH
(LAST) sentence in the paragraph?
1)
B
2)C
3)D
4)E
5)F
3.Which of the following should be the
SECOND sentence in the paragraph?
1)
B
2)C
3)D
4)E
5)F
4.Which of the following should be the FIRST
sentence in the paragraph?
1)
A
2)B
3) C
4)
D
5)E
5.Which of the following should be the
THIRD sentence in thee paragraph?
1)
A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
[239]
Directions (Q. 6-10): Rearrange the

following six sentences (A), (B), (C), (D),
(E) and (F) in the proper sequence to
form a meaningful paragraph; then
(A)
In this early period a good memory was
a prerequisite for success and poets like
Homer memorized their work before it was
ever written down.
(B)
If we have to remember everything will
it not increase the feeling of stress?
(C)
Today memory is widely regarded as a
useful aid to survival.
(D) However, it is not what we grasp but
what we fail to-forgetting a file, key points
at an interview-which causes stress.
(E)
Some people, however, are of the view
that having an exceptional memory in a
world of high pressure working is a
disadvantage.
(F)
To our ancestors, though, in the
absence of the printing press it was much
more it was the slate on which history
was recorded.
6.Which of the following will be the THIRD
sentences after rearrangement?
1)
A
2) B
3) C
4)
D
5)E
7.Which of the following will be the FIRST
sentence after rearrangement?
1)
A
2) B
3) C
4)
D
5) E
[240]
8.Which of the following will be the SECOND

sentence after rearrangement?
1)
B
2)C
3) D
4) E
5) F
9.Which of the following will be the SIXTH
(LAST) sentence after rearrangement?
1) B
2) C
3) D
4) E
5) F
10. Which of the following will be the
FIFTH sentence after rearrangement?
1)
A
2) B
3)C
4)D
5)E

following six sentences (A), (B), (C), (D),
(A)
One of them said, I never buy
imported goods.
(B)
Patriotism was the topic of discussion.
(C)
Well, said the third, I havent passed
the foreign, language ie English, since I
started my schooling.
(D) Some students were discussing among
themselves.
[241]
(E)
I never see foreign films, said
another.
(F)
In the discussion, everyone was trying
to prove how he was more patriotic than
the rest of them.
SECOND statement after rearrangement?
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5) E
FOURTH statement after rearrangement?
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
SIXTH (LAST) statement after
rearrangement?
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
FIRST statement after rearrangement?
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
FIFTH statement after rearrangement?
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
following six sentence (A), (B), (C ), (D),
[242]

(A)
It was a cycling race launched in 1903,
by Henri Desgrange, a magazine editor in
Paris.
(B)
The Tour de France is a test human
endurance.
(C)
His idea worked and the magazine
boomed.
(D) His aim was to boost the circulation of
his magazine.
(E)
He wanted to achieve this by covering
every stage of the three-week-long, 3,500kilometre-long cycling race.
(F)
Till today the race remains more
popular than he could a ever have
dreamed.
16. Which of the following should be the
FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
SECOND sentence after rearrangement?
1) A
2) B
3)C
4)D
5)E
THIRD sentence after rearrangement?
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)E
FIFTH sentence rearrangement?
[243]
1) A
2)B
3)C
4)D
5)F
SIXTH (LAST) sentence after
rearrangement?
1) B
2)C
3)D
4)E
5)F
2)
Directions (Q. 21 -25): Rearrange the
following sentences (A), (B), (C), (D),
(E), and (F) into a meaningful paragraph
and then answer the questions given
below it.
(A)
Moreover, salaries in public sector
enterprises are not as competitive as those
offered by private or foreign corporates.
(B)
This trend should be a wake-up call for
stakeholders to examine why employees
are seeking better opportunities with
private companies in India and abroad.
(C)
Public Sector Enterprises (PSE-s) have
been experiencing severe challenges in
attracting, motivating and retaining their
key staff
(D) Having identified these as the reasons
why employees leave PSEs, it is important
to empower stakeholders to find ways to
remedy the situation.
(E)
One reason is that young employees
lured away by private firms are more
willing to undertake professional risks.
[244]
(F)
Employees in specialist roles especially
have e increasingly difficult to retain.
FIRST sentence after rearrangement?
1)
A
2) B
3) C
4)
D
5) E
SECOND sentence after rearrangement?
1) B
2) C
3) D
4)E
5) F
THIRD sentence after rearrangement?
1) A
2) B
3) C
4) D
5) E
FIFTH sentence after rearrangement?
1)
A
2) B
3) C
4)
D
5) F
LAST (SIXTH) sentences after
rearrangement?
1)
A
2) B
3) C
4)
D
5) E
Answer:
1.(2)
2.(4) 3.(5) 4.(3) 5.(1)
CFAD
BE
[245]
6.(1)
7.(3) 8.(5) 9.(3) 10.

(2)
CFAE
BD
11. (2) 12. 13. 14. 15.
(1) (3) (4) (2)
DBFA
EC
16. (2) 17. 18. 19. 20.
(1) (4) (3) (5)
BADE
CF
21. (3) 22. 23. 24. 25.
(5) (2) (1) (4)
CFBE
AD
[246]
MISSING LINK IN A PARAGRAPH

In this type of question, a complete paragraph
is given, with certain words missing. The blanks
are numbered; for each blank, you have to
choose from among the four options given for
that question number. It is very important to
read the whole paragraph in order to get an
overall understanding of the message the
paragraph is trying to convey. All the options
given for a particular blank are often
grammatically correct for placement in that
blank, and even perhaps suitable for that
specific often grammatically correct for
placement in that blank, and even perhaps
suitable for that specific sentence. But if you
know the theme of the paragraph, all except
one could be ruled out.
Example:
[247]
The last surgical tools are certainly

fashionable.
Especially
lasers
and
laparoscopes. But their role in transforming
surgery is ____ (1) ____, as is the excitement
they generate. Dr. Sanjay C from Delhi
specializes in remodeling the ____ (2) ____
with what is called an excimer laser. Its like
etching on gold to design jewellery, he says.
The laser manages to either flatten or raise
the cornea, solving the problem of myopia.
Now watch Dr. Harshed P, in clinic as he
gazes not at his ___ (3) ___ but at a television
screen, which his patient too is ___ (4) ___
from the operating table. Controlled from the
outside, Dr. Harsheds laser is waltzing
through his patients prostrated; its called a
laser prostatectomy. A miniature camera and
a beam of light form a fiber-optic wire, both
at the end of a laparoscope, allow him to see
___ (5) ___ than with the naked eye.
1.1) questionable
2) discretionary
3) unpardonable
4) unquestionable
2.1) body
2) clinic
3) world
4)
eye
3.1) family
2) future
3) patient
4) awards
4.1) operating
2) diagnosing
3)
watching 4) criticizing
5. 1) tens of times better 2) not much
better
3) restricted vision 4) more colourfully
[248]
Solution:
On reading the whole paragraph, the central
theme become amply clear, i.e. exceptional
role being played by laser in the field of
surgery. Now we look at one blank after
another.
Blank 1: Obviously options (1), (2), and (3) do
not gel with the theme. Only option (4)
unquestionable, matches the exceptional role
of the laser. Hence, (4)
Blank 2: Doctor Sanja C. definitely remodels
the eye (Option (4)) as in the latter part he
talks about flattening or raising the cornea.
Hence, (4)
Blank 3: Doctor Harshed P. would be expected
to look at his patient (Option (3)) under
normal circumstances to diagnose the problem
or solve it. Hence, (3).
Blank 4: the patient cannot be operating,
diagnosing or criticizing lying on the operating
table. He can only be watching (option (3))
the projection on the TV screen. Hence,(3)).
Blank 5: Here only two options make sense,
i.e. Option (1) tens of times better and
Option (4) more colourfully seeing more
colourfully is not at all a desired advantage of
the laser sugary. Option (1), tens of time
better is the required property of the laser.
Example:
[249]
The popularity of rabbits as pets has increased

immensely over the last few years. Their value
as companion animals has ___ (1) ___ for
several reasons. Rabbits make relatively few
demands on an individuals or a familys life
style. They are quiet and peaceful animals by
nature. Their exercise __(2)__ are few, and they
respond beautifully to attention and affection if
they are handled frequently with gentleness
and love. Rabbits are very intelligent, and can
be __ (3) __ very easily. In general, rabbits are
__ (4) __ and gentle creatures who will fill your
world with more love and joy than you could
ever imagine.
1.1) burgeoned
2) waned
3)
depreciated
4) descended
2.1) patterns 2) requirements
3) covenant
4) preparations
3.1) habituated
2) subdued
3)
reclaimed
4) housetrained
4.1) vicious
2) determined
3)
docile
4) uncultivated
Solution:
1.Burgeoned refers to something which grows
and flourishes, which is also implied in the
[250]
following sentence. (2) and (3) are opposite

in meaning, and (4) is irrelevant. Hence, (1).
2.(1) does not agree with the sentence, and
(3) and (4) are irrelevant to the implication
of few following exercise, which suggests
something that can be measured. Hence,
(2).
3.Since the word must agree with intelligent,
(1), (2) and (3) are irrelevant. (4), which also
agrees with the notion of an easy process, is
the answer. Hence, (4)
4. Since the word agrees with gentle and is
obviously positive, judging by the meaning
of the sentence, (1) and (4) are ruled out.
(2) is irrelevant in the present case. Hence,
(3).
[251]
PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Direction (1-10): In the following passage,
there are blanks, each of which has been
numbered. These numbers are printed below
the passage and against each, five words are
[252]
suggested, one of which fits the blank

appropriately. Find out the appropriate word
in each case.
Around the world, forests are being (1) at a
rate of about thirteen million hectares a year
and deforestation accounts for an estimated
17%-20% of all global emissions. In addition,
forests and other terrestrial carbon sinks play
a (2) role in preventing runaway climate
change, soaking up a full 2.6 Gt of
atmospheric
carbon
every
year.
The
destruction of forests, therefore, not only
emits carbon- a staggering 1.6 Gt a year,
which severely (3) forests capacity to absorb
emissions from other sources-but also
drastically (4) the amount of forested land
available to act as a carbon sink in the
future.
However, the affects of deforestation
extend beyond carbon. Rainforests (5) a wide
variety of ecosystems services, from
regulating rainfall to purifying groundwater
and
keeping
fertile
soil
from
(6);
deforestation in one area can seriously
damage food production and (7) to clean
water in an entire region. The value of global
ecosystem services has been estimated at 33
trillion USD each year (almost half of global
GDP), but these services have been taken for
granted without a mechanism to make the
market reflect their value. Rainforests are
also a home and (8) of income for a huge
[253]
number of people in Africa, Asia, and South

America. (9) this, economic pressures
frequently drive both local communities and
national government in the developing world
to (10) these forests in ways that are
unsustainable, clear-cutting vast areas for
timber, mining, or agricultural land.
1.
1) ended
2) destroyed
3)
extinct 4) killed
5) wasted
2.
1) tough
2) important
3) vital
4) biggest 5) effective
3.
1) affects
2) diminishes 3)
increases 4) alternates
5) impairs
4.
1) plagues
2) develops 3) reduces
4) shortens 5) influences
5.
1) sell
2) offer
3) give
4) provide 5) earns
6.
1) transforming
2) decoding3)
erupting
4) draining 5) eroding
7.
1) handiness
2) excess 3)
availability 4) access 5) supply
8.
1) beginning
2) source 3) ways
4) reference
5) measure
9.
1) Despite
2) Also
3)
Inspite
4) Apart
5) Beside
10. 1) exploit
2) encompass 3)
nurture 4) work
5) improve
2. Directions (Q. 11-25): In the following
passage, there are blanks, each- of
which has been numbered. These
[254]
numbers are printed below the passage

and against each five words are
suggested, one of which fits the blank
appropriately. Find out the appropriate
word in each case.
Prima facie, there is much cause (11)
cheer. Provisional data gleaned from the
latest Census (12) that Indias literacy level
has soared: Indias effective literacy rate
jumped by 9.2% to (13) 74.04%.
Significantly, literacy rate improved sharply
among females compared (14) males. Thus,
while effective literacy rate for males rose
from 75.26% to 82.14% - a rise of 6.9%
literacy rates for females climbed from
53.67% to 65 .48%, an l 1.8% increase.
That is (15) news indeed. But this data
masks a few worrying concerns. First, the
data relates to effective literacy, and (16)
literacy. Measuring effective literacy in India
means (17) anyone who can read and write
his or her own name. (18), if Ram knows how
to read and write the three letters of his
name, and Sita knows how to (19) and write
the four letters of her name, they get
included in the (20) of effective literates. This
is not the way developed countries (21)
literacy.
Second, literacy becomes relevant if it (22)
to employability. Both the Confederation of
India Industry and the Boston Consulting
Group have estimated that India would face a
[255]
talent gap of more than five million by

2012, as (23) educational institutions do not
impart employable skills. Just 20% of the
engineering graduates are employable. A
McKinsey report finds only 25% engineers,
15% finance graduates and less than 10% of
the other graduates to be employable.
It is even (24) alarming when one takes into
account that graduates comprise only 3.5%
of Indias population. This includes graduates
in all streams such as Arts, Commerce,
Science, Engineering and Medicine. If 90% of
the graduates are unemployable, it means
that barely 0.5% of Indias population (25)
employable graduates.
11.
1) of
2) at
3) upon
4)
for
5) off
12.
1) show 2) speak
3) site
4)
seek
5) strive
13.
1) cross 2) decline 3) reach
4) increase 5) double
13. 1) to
2) against 3) for
4)
of
5) at
14. 1) worrying 2) expected3) new
4)
old
5) heartening
15. 1) also 2) nor
3) not
4)
ineffective 5) masked
16. 1) excluding
2) rejecting 3)
encouraging 4) including 5) subjecting
17. 1) Since
2) Thus
3) There
4)
Provided 5) Even
[256]
18. 1) speak
2) say
3) tell
4)
read
5) point
19. 1) process 2) dynamic 3) style
4)
entertain 5) define
20. 1) reduce 2) increase 3) enhance 4)
entertain 5) define
21. 1) succumbs
2) leads
3)
reduces
4) manages5) makes
22. 1) future
2) existing 3) overseas 4)
bad
5) best
23. 1) less 2) above
3) more
4)
significant 5) major
24. 1) comprises
2) provides 3) educates
4) postulates 5) predicts
[257]
[258]
Vocabulary is the total number of words in a

language. It is the collection of words known to
a person or used in a particular book, subject,
etc. A persons range of a language is known
by his vocabulary.
[259]
SYNONYMS
A Synonym is a word which conveys a
meaning similar to the given word.
1.Abandon
desertion,
defection,
secession, withdrawal.
2.Abash
embarrass,
ashamed,
humiliate.
3.Abate
- decrease, moderate, diminish.
4.Abhor
- loathe, abominate, detest,
hate.
5.Abode
- dwelling, residence, home.
6.Abnormal
unnatural,
aberrant,
freakish, eccentric, anomalous, irregular.
[260]
7.Abbreviate - shorten, abridge, condense.

8.Accelerate - intensify, speed up, step up,
stimulate, energize.
9.Accumulation
collection,
conglomeration, aggregation, concentration.
10.
Accuse
- blame, slander, malign,
denigrate, blacken, tarnish, sully.
11.
Adaptation conformation,
harmonization synchronization.
12.
Add
- sum, total.
13.
Adieu
farewell,
good-bye,
valediction.
14.
Adjust
fit,
suit,
adapt,
accommodate,
conform,
synchronize,
attune.
15.
All
- aggregate, total, whole, gross,
sum
16.
Annihilate destroy,
cancel,
extinguish.
17.
Apathetic
unenthusiastic,
unambitious,
unmoved,
unimpassioned,
uninspired
18.
Apt
applicable,
likely,
appropriate pertinent.
19.
Ascent
further,
proceed,
progress.
20.
Association
league,
alliance,
federation.
21.
Authoritarian masterful,
domineering,
lordly
bossy,
autocratic,
dictatorial.
[261]
22.
Babble
nonsense,
bombast,
jargon.
23.
Bandit
- robber, dacoit
24.
Barbaric
- wild, savage, brutish,
uncivilized uncultured, primitive.
25.
Bashful
- reserve, shy, coy,
demure.
26.
Bate
diminish,
decrease,
lessen, deduct.
27.
Beauty
- elegance, grace, charm
attractiveness.
28.
Bedevil
- confuse, confound,
complicate perplex, entangle.
29.
Behaviour demeanour,
conduct,
deponment.
30.
Bemoan
lament,
mourn,
grieve, weep over
31.
Beseech
appeal,
implore,
crave, beg.
32.
Bewitch
charm,
enchant,
fascinate.
33.
Bond
- chain, tie, band, yoke,
nexus, link
34.
Booty
- spoil, plunder, prey.
35.
Breeze
- zephyr, wind.
36.
Bizarre
- strange, curious, odd,
queer peculiar, grotesque.
37.
Burnished - polished, sleek, glossy.
38.
Cajole
- flatter, wheedle, coax,
persuade.
39.
Caress
- love, fondle, dandle, pat,
hug.
[262]
40.
Calamity
- disaster, affliction,
distress.
41.
Cease
- end, discontinue, stop,
halt.
42.
Celibacy
bachelorhood,
Chastity.
43.
Chaos
disorder,
confusion,
abysmal.
44.
Cheerless dejected,
gloomy,
mournful, sad.
45.
Cling
- stick, adhere, hug.
46.
Circumstance factor,
situation,
condition.
47.
Compensatory compensating,
countervailing balancing.
48.
Competent capable,
learned,
efficient, clever
49.
Complex
- intricate, complicated,
mazy.
50.
Comprehensive
omnibus,
encyclopaedic, all-embracing, complete
51.
Contend
combat,
strive,
struggle, fight, campaign, tussle, wrestle,
grapple.
52.
Continuity - cohesion, connectedness,
tenaciousness.
53.
Connect
- attach, annex, tag,
clip, contact.
54.
Constitute - compose, form, make,
construct, organise, build.
55.
Co-operation - reciprocity, teamwork,
collaboration.
[263]
56.
Copy
reproduction,
replica,
fascimile, tracing, transcription, impression.
57.
Curial
- judicial, inquisitional.
58.
Dandy
- coxcomb, fop.
59.
Dangerous dreadful,
fearsome,
awesome.
60.
Damn
- curse, swear, scold,
denounce.
61.
Deceit
fraud,
bluff,
guile,
knavety.
62.
Defiant
daring,
provocative,
bellicose, bold, disobedient.
63.
Degree
- proportion, ratio, scale.
64.
Degrading lowering,
demeaning,
ignominious, derogatory.
65.
Deity
- omnipotence, providence,
God.
66.
Delicacy
- smoothness, softness,
lightness, elegance.
67.
Demise
death,
decease,
etemal rest, expiry.
68.
Devil
- fiend, demon, satan.
69.
Devoid
- lacking, exempt from,
immune from, empty.
70.
Diligent
- careful, laborious,
attentive.
71.
Disclose
- reveal, expose, unveil,
unfold.
72.
Disfigure
deform,
cripple,
maim, deface.
73.
Disjoin
disunite,
dissociate,
divorce, pan, sever, disconnect, unplug.
[264]
74.
Dislike
-repugnance, detestation,
loathing, abhorrence, disfavour, disaffection.
75.
Disorder
- confusion, disarrange,
muddle, chaos, anarchy.
76.
Disinterested dispassionate,
impersonal, uninvolved, detached, impartial,
indifferent.
77.
Distant
remote,
far-away,
asunder.
78.
Divine
- holy, sanctified, sacred,
celestial, sublime, numinous, superhuman.
79.
Earnest
serious,
solemn,
impressive.
80.
Eccentricity
oddity,
anomaly,
peculiarity, exception.
81.
Ecclesiastical - ecclesiastic, churchly,
theocratic heavenly.
82.
Effulgence - arrogance, haughtiness
shamelessness.
83.
Enchant
- fascinate, bewitch,
captivate enrapture.
84.
Elevation
- eminence, loftiness,
sublimity height.
85.
Ending
final,
terminal,
last,
ultimate, extreme, conclusive, crowning.
86.
Endorse
- approve, pass, ordain,
ratify, agree.
87.
Enormous - immense, vast, colossal,
monumental.
88.
Enrage
- upset, discompose, ruffle,
irritate annoy, vex, anger.
[265]
89.
Equilibrium equipoise,
balance,
steadiness poise.
90.
Erotic
- aphrodisiac, erotogenic,
amatory.
91.
Excellent
overwhelming,
splendid extremely good.
92.
Existence
- at once, on the spur
of the moment impromptu.
93.
Extempore - far-ranging, far-flying, farreaching far-stretching, vast.
94.
Extensive
- life, being, presence.
95.
Ethnic
- racial, tribal, national,
clannish.
96.
Fame
- reputation, glory, renown.
97.
Fat
- stout, plump, obese. chubby,
fleshy
98.
Fatigue
weariness,
tiredness,
exhaust.
99.
Feeble
- frail, languid, faint, weak.
100. Feeling
emotion,
passion,
sentiment.
101. Fervent
- passionate, intense,
earnest impassioned.
102. Fickle
- changeable, wavering,
irresolute unsteady. amenable.
103. First
- initial, foremost, starting,
chief primary.
104. Flatterer
sycophant,
adulator,
hanger-on.
105. Forgiving placable,
condoning,
unresentful, forbearing.
[266]
106. Foreigner - alien, stranger, outlandish

expatriate.
107. Fragmentary
broken,
brashy,
crumbly, in bits and pieces.
108. Fraud
cheating,
impostor,
deception duplicity.
109. Frigid
- cold, unfeeling.
110. Fructify
- generate, impregnate,
multiply.
111. Gabble
- jabber, chatter, prattle,
twaddle.
112. Generalise broaden,
widen,
universalise.
113. Generous liberal,
bountiful,
magnanimous.
114. Gesticulate wink,
nod,
nudge,
gesture.
115. Given
bestowed,
gifted,
gratuitous, gratis
116. Gluttony
greediness,
rapacity,
insatiability voracity, gulosity.
117. Gratitude - thankfulness, gratefulness
indebtedness.
118. Grave
- serious, sober, solemn,
sedate, staid, demure, stern.
119. Grasp
- hold, seize, snatch, grip,
grab.
120. Greatness largeness,
bigness,
vastness, gigantism, enormousness.
121. Group
- herd, cluster, bevy, flock.
team.
[267]
122. Hallucination delusion,

illusion,
dream.
123. Handsome beautiful,
graceful,
elegant, exquisite.
124. Harass
- trouble, afflict, inflict.
125. Hard
harsh,
rigorous,
intolerant, severe, cruel, difficult.
126. Healthy
vigorous,
strong
robust.
127. Heap
- pile, mass, load, stock.
128. Heathen
- amoralist, materialist,
worldling, rude, barbarous.
129. Henpecked enslaved,
obedient,
dutiful faithful.
130. Hindrance - impediment, obstruction
restriction, hampering, barrier.
131. Hire
- rent, lease, charter.
132. Hoodwink - dupe, puzzle, deceive,
lead astray.
133. Humbled degraded,
withered,
tarnished.
134. Hymn
- religious lyric, psalm,
anthem paean.
135. Hypocrite - pretender, fake, disloyal.
136. Illegal
illegitimate,
illicit,
contraband impermissible.
137. Imitate
- ape, copy, mimic, echo,
mirror reflect.
138. Inaptitude unfitness,
inappropriateness incompetence.
139. Indict
impeach,
arraign,
denounce charge, accuse.
[268]
140. Inimical
unfriendly,
opposed,
,belligerent.
141. Innocent
blameless,
sinless.
guiltless.
142. Intact
- untouched, unaffected,
unbroken, unimpaired, unabridged.
143. Integrity
honesty,
sincerity,
probity, truthfulness.
144. Intolerable - insufferable, unendurable,
unbearable, extreme.
145. Insolence - impudence, arrogance,
naughtiness, loftiness.
146. Join
conjoin,
combine,
connect, assemble, unite.
147. Jollyg
- merry, jubilant, lively,
festive, gay, jovial, mirthful, hilarious,
joyous.
148. Justice
impartiality,
equity,
fairness, right, integrity, justness.
149. Keen
- sharp, acute, penetrating,
eager.
150. Kill
- murder, assassinate, destroy,
slay, massacre, execute, slaughter.
151. Kinship
- relationship, alliance, ties
of blood.
152. Knowledge information,
enlightenment,
learning,
attainments,
education.
153. Large
- substantial, considerable,
sizeable, bulky, massy, massive.
154. Lax
- loose, slack, disorganized.
[269]
155. Lenient
gentle,
tender,
merciful, tolerant mild.
156. Lifelike
- realistic, photographic,
exact natural.
157. Middle class
- bourgeois.
158. Miscarry
- abort, fail, fizzle out.
159. Mismatch mismate,
misadapt,
misfit. miscast.
160. Mixture
- mingling, blending,
combination.
161. Modern
- new, contemporary,
recent, current
162. Modesty
moderate,
unpretentiousness meekness, resignation,
selfdepreciation, self-effacement
humbleness.
163. Native
indigenous,
original,
inbred, real primitive, intrinsic.
164. Natural
- normal, usual, innge,
regular, inevitable.
165. Necessary - needful, indispensable,
expedient, requisite, essential, unavoidable
inevitable.
166. Neighbouring - adjacent, near to,
contiguous, bordering, close to, proximate.
167. Nervous
- timorous, shaky, timid,
hesitant.
168. Noble
lofty
dignified,
magnanimous, elevated, exalted.
169. Obstruct
- impede, hinder, retard,
clog.
[270]
170. Occultist
- mystic, transcendentalist,
esoteric, spiritualist, alchemist.
171. Offender
- wrongdoer, malefactor,
culprit, sinner.
172. Opponent opposer,
adversary,
antagonist, rival.
173. Opposition - resistance, disapproval,
contradiction.
174. Oppress
tyrannize,
overawe,
intimidate, terrorize.
175. Orderless - disordered, disorganised,
jumbled, in disarray, unarranged.
176. Ornamental
- decorative, fancy,
glamorous, picturesque, quaint.
177. Overstep - exceed, pass, surpass,
outshine, eclipse, overshadow.
178. Patience
- forbearance, endurance,
tolerance, sufferance.
179. Pietistic
fervent,
seraphic,
inspired, austere.
180. Plebeian
- common, simple, untitled,
ignoble.
181. Plenitude fullness,
plenty,
abundance.
182. Precursor predecessor,
leader,
forerunner.
183. Prodigal
- extravagant, spender,
waster, spendthrift, squanderer.
184. Profane
- unholy, unsanctified,
unsacred, impious.
185. Promote
- advance, boost, publicize.
186. Quantify
- measure, rate.
[271]
187. Quake
- shake, tremble, quiver,
shiver.
188. Queer
eccentric,
abnormal,
strange, whimsical, wayward, odd, quaint,
peculiar.
189. Referral
allusion,
mention,
citation, quotation.
190. Relation
affinity,
kinship,
connection.
191. Relinquish retire,
abandon,
surrender.
192. Remainder residue,
residuals,
remnant, balance.
193. Rumour
- hearsay, scandal, gossip.
194. Renounce - abandon, discard, leave,
abdicate.
195. Repentant contrite,
remorseful,
regretful.
196. Repulsive - ugly, repelling, disgusting,
offensive.
197. Retaliatory - retaliative, retributive,
revengeful.
198. Ridiculous sardonic,
derisive,
sarcastic, ironical, quizzical.
199. Ritualistic - ceremonious, formalistic
liturgical.
200. Scission
cutting,
cleavage,
division, fission
201. Spontaneous instinctive,
unrestricted, natural unchecked.
202. Secluded - isolated, secret, retired,
hidden.
[272]
203. Selfish
- ego-centric, egoistic, selfcentred
204. Sensual
- carnal, earthly, gross,
unspiritual.
205. Sequent
- following, succeeding,
subsequent ensuing, next.
206. Shortening - reduction, abbreviation,
curtailing
207. Similarity - resemblance, likeness,
similitude semblance.
208. Solemn
traditional,
devotional, pious.
209. Sorcery
- witchery, spell, magic.
210. Sort
- type, variety, kind.
211. Spontaneous instinctive,
unrestricted, natural unchecked.
212. Stimulate - provoke, urge, instigate,
incite.
213. Superficial - external, shallow, slight,
outward
214. Superiority - sublimity, transcendence
loftiness.
215. Suitable
appropriate,
eligible,
relevant befitting.
216. Suppress - check, impede, restrain,
bridle.
217. Tasteful
gracious,
dignified,
elegant.
218. Temperament temper,
humour,
disposition, mood, spirit.
219. Terminate conclude,
close,
determinate, finish.
[273]
220. Thankless - Rewardless, ungrateful,

unacknowledged.
221. Theory
doctrine,
hypothesis,
supposition,
belief,
speculation,
presumption
222. Tough
- tenacious, strong, firm,
stiff, fibrous, rigid, durable.
223. Tragedy
calamity,
disaster,
catastrophe, affliction.
224. Travel
- journey, voyage, tour,
roam, wander.
225. Tremble
- shiver, quake, quiver,
shudder, vibrate.
226. True
- exact, accurate, faithful,
authentic, veracious.
227. Trustworthy reliable,
dependable,
trusty, faithful, loyal.
228. Turmoil - turbulence, tumult, frenzy,
storm, upheaval, agitation.
229. Tyrant
oppressor,
despot,
persecutor autocrat.
230. Unbeaten unsubdued,
unvanquished, invincible, undefeated.
231. Unborn
uncreated,
unmade,
unconceived, undiscovered, unimagined.
232. Unconcerned - apathetic, indifferent,
cool disinterested.
233. Understand
- perceive, apprehend,
grasp discern, realise.
234. Unfair
unjust,
wrongful,
dishonest, partial.
[274]
235. Unfortunate
ill-fated,
unlucky,
untimely, doomed.
236. Unimitated - inimitable, transcendent,
unique, unplagiarized.
237. Unravel
- untangle, comb out,
unweave uncoil, untwist, untwine.
238. Urge
- spur, incite, prompt,
impel, goad stimulate, drive, force.
239. Use
- exercise, employ, utilise,
practice
240. Vacant
- empty, unoccupied, void,
unfulfilled.
241. Vain
- trivial, useless, empty,
hollow.
242. Value
- appreciate, usefulness,
worth.
243. Variegated diversified,
manycoloured embroidered.
244. Vibrate
- quiver, oscillate, swing,
sway, shiver, shake.
245. Vice
- fault, demerit, infirmity,
frailty foible.
246. Violent
- atrocious, brutal, fierce,
savage.
247. Vindicator defender,
avenger,
justifier.
248. Veracity
reality,
honesty,
truthfulness.
249. Virtuous
law-abiding,
honest,
scrupulous,
principled,
incorruptible,
stainless.
250. Vivid
- clear, apparent, bright.
[275]
251. Volunteer - proffer, tender, propose,

willing.
252. Vulgar
- indecent, unrefined.
253. Warmth
- fervour, ardour, affection.
254. Warlike militaristic,
bellicose,
aggressive combative, unpacitic, hostile.
255. Wealth
riches,
abundance,
fortune, plenty
256. Weighty
heavy,
important,
ponderous.
257. Wicked
- bad, unvirtuous, immoral
258. Whole
- total, complete, intact,
entire.
259. Wonderful - wondrous, marvellous,
remarkable superb.
260. Wooing
- courting, solicitation,
flirting.
261. Worship
- honour, revere, venerate,
adore.
262. Yield
captulate,
succumb,
relent, defer.
263. Yoke
- link, couple, sting.
264. Zenith
- summit, acme, pinnacle
culmination, top, apex, climax.
265. Zero
- nought, nil, nothing,
cipher.
[276]
SYNONYMS (OBJECTIVE MULTIPLE CHOICE

TYPE)
Directions from the four options (a), (b),
(c) and (d) choose the word which is
nearest in meaning to the given word:
1. Aberrate
(a) to deviate from
of the intellect
(c) mental lapse
2. Abstinence
(a) self-denial
control
(c) failure to be present
indifference
3. Abstract
(a) to take away
(c) to remove quietly
existing only in India
4. Accrue
(a) to keep hold of
overcome
(b)
wandering
(d) queer
(b)
lack
of
(d)
(b) to separate
(d) a thing
(b)
to
[277]
(c) to obtain secretly

accumulate
5. Accurate
(a) apprehend
(c) improve
6. Ambient
(a) going round
(d)
to
(b) guess
(d) exact
(b) surrounding
(c) that which encompasses

(d) the air
or sky
7. Amnesty
(a) approval
(b) acquittal
(c) eloquence
(d)
general
pardon
8. Annulment
(a) ignorance
(b) boredom
(c) abolition
9. Assiduously
(a) persistently
(c) hopefully
enthusiastically
10.
Beguile
(a) benefit
(c) deceive
11.
Berserk
(a) clever
(c) noisy
uncontrollably wild
12.
Boisterous
(a) wild
(c) noisy and cheerful
13.
Bravura
(d) numbness
(b) bitterly
(d)
(b) trust
(d) beware
(b) happy
(d)
(b) tolerance
(d) excited
[278]
(a) spirited
(b)
dashing
in
execution
(c) an impression of supreme ease
(d)
florid air
14.
Cacophony
(a) a disagreeable sound
(b)
discord of sounds
(c) harsh sounding
(d)
jarring
sound
15.
Candid
(a) frank
(b) excited
(c) overjoyed
16.
Capitulate
(a) emphasize
(c) overturn
17.
Catastrophe
(a) great destruction
development
(c) dependence
18.
Chastisement
(a) punishment
(c) harassment
19.
Circumspect
(a) curious
(c) cautious
20.
Concede
(a) demand
(c) benefit
(d) enthusiastic
(b) to rush
(d) to surrender
(b)
(d) danger
(b) opposition
(d) rudeness
(b) careful
(d) prudent
(b) approve
(d) admit
[279]
21.
Concomitant
(a) that which accompanies or attends (b)
agreeable friend
(c) contestant
(d) collaborator
22.
Consecrate
(a) to render holy
(b)
venerable
(c) to spoil
(d) devoted
23.
Craven
(a) cowardly
(b) a spiritless
fellow
(c) to surrender
(d) one who
gives in without fight
24.
Dastard
(a) a coward
(b) one who does a brutal
act without giving his victim a chance
(c) shrinking from danger
(d) lack
of courage
25.
Dearth
(a) abundance
(b) scarcity
(c) vogue
(d)end
26.
Debility
(a) carelessness
(b)
physical
weakness
(c) tenseness
(d)
awkwardness
27.
Decree
(a) an order by one in authority
(b) an
edict or law
(c) a judicial decision
(d)a
predetermined purpose
28.
Decrepit
[280]
(a) destroyed
(b) made weak
(c) awful
(d) dependent
29.
Dejavu
(a) unoriginal material
(b) old stuff
(c) an illusion of having experienced
something before actually doing so (d) first
time
30.
Deplete
(a) to flatten
(b) to conquer
(c) to finish
(d) to exhaust
31.
Deprecate
(a) to try to ward off by prayer
(b)
to
depreciate
(c) to invoke or beseech
(d)
to
regret deeply
32.
Desiderate
(a) long for
(b) earnestly desire
(c) want
(d) miss
33.
Discourse
(a) conversation
(b)
reasoning
faculty
(c) a treatise
(d) at process
of combat
34.
Ecstasy
(a) a state of temporary mental alienation
(b) altered or diminished consciousness
(c) excessive sorrow
(d) exalted
feeling
35.
Efeminate
(a) womanish
(b) unmanly
(c) weak
(d) voluptuous
36.
Empiric
[281]
(a) one who experiments

(b)
one
whose knowledge is got from experience only
(c) a quack
(d) not actually
conversant with the subject
37.
Encomium
(a) very economic
high praise
(c) enlighten
38.
Entail
(a) to win
(c) to weaken
behind
39.
Ennui
(a) a feeling of weariness
languor
(c) boredom
(d)
40.
Eschew
(a) imply
(c) control
(d)
41.
Fabricate
(a) oppose
(b)
(c) pretend
(d)
42.
Fascinate
(a) charm
(c) employ
(d)
43.
Faux Pas
(a) fox-like
(b)
(c) furious
(d)
44.
Ferocious
(a) dangerous
(b)
very
(d) devotion
(b) to involve
(d)
to
lag
(b)
tired
(b) avoid
prevent
make up
deceive
(b) encourage
exchange
passage
folly
(b) fierce
[282]
(c) threatening
45.
Garish
(a) beautifully decorated
hasty
(c) bold
(d)
gaudy
46.
Glabrous
(a) gloomy
(b)
(c) bald
(d)
47.
Grand
(a) optimistic
(c) generous
48.
Habitat
(a) habits
(c) area
(d)
49.
Hazard
(a) jarring noise
(c) hindrance
50.
Humdrum
(a) noisy
(c) dull
(d)
51.
Ideograph
(a) a graphic symbol
(c) opinion
(d)
52.
Impeach
(a) accuse
(b)
office
(c) to slander
53.
Incense
(a) to worship
(c) to stimulate
54.
Ingenuous
(d) horrible
(b)
unpleasantly
gaseous
gall
(b) impressive
(d) handsome
(b) home
locality
(b) blockade
(d) risk
(b) chaotic
harassing
(b) data
imagination
to remove for
(d) to put in jail
(b) to enrage
(d) to inhale
[283]
(a) skillful
(c) artless
55.
Insinuate
(a) pierce
(c) suggest
56.
Jocose
(a) humorous
(c) clumsy
57.
Jubilant
(a) joyful
(c) good looking
58.
Knit
(a) weave
(c) knot
59.
Knoll
(a) nil
(c) merit
60.
Labyrinth
(a) bewildering
(c) temple
61.
Leonine
(a) lotion
(c) lion like
62.
Levitate
(a) float
(c) levity
63.
Lucid
(a) clearly expressed
(c) melodious
64.
Macabre
(a) memorable
(c) gruesome
(b) intelligent
(d) genius
(b) sinful
(d) low
(b) fat
(d) foolish
(b) excited
(d) enticing
(b) mix
(d) rugged
(b) negative
(d) mound
(b) tunnel
(d) tomb
(b) lying
(d) submissive
(b) impose
(d) invite
(b) lucky
(d) detailed
(b) mysterious
(d) hateful
[284]
65.
Magnanimous
(a) magnified
(b) mobilize
(c) essential
(d) generous
66.
Manoeuvre
(a) mobilize
(b)
planned
movement
(c) mystify
(d) miniature
67.
Model
(a) parade
(b) procession
(c) paradigm
(d) idle
68.
Narcotic
(a) that which produces total insensibility
(b) that which frustrates
(c) annoying
(d) fulfilling
69.
Nescience
(a) knowledgeable
(b) absence of
knowledge
(c) noncommittal
(d)
numbness
70.
Nurture
(a) dependence
(b) training
(c) temperament
(d)
rumination
71.
Obfuscate
(a) abandon
(b) annoy
(c) defy
(d) bewilder
72.
Officious
(a) dealing with office work
(b)
office
routine
(c) too eager to help or advise
(d)
to
hinder smooth working
73.
Onerous
[285]
(a) honourable
(b) inquiring
(c) burdensome
(d) benign
74.
Pontificate
(a) to speak authoritatively
(b) to raise
to higher office
(c) to act clumsily
(d)
to
constitute
75.
Prodigious
(a) enormous
(b) extravagant
(c) persistent
(d) powerful
76.
Prolific
(a) skilful
(b) swift
(c) fertile
(d)
wearisomely verbose
77.
Quagmire
(a) rugged cliff
(b) bay
(c) soft wet ground
(d) whirlpool
78.
Quay
(a) lake
(b) wharf
(c) bay
(d) mouth of a river
79.
Quintessence
(a) over-fussiness
(b)
good
taste
(c) purest part
(d) vanity
80.
Recapitulate
(a) to recover property
(b) to sum
up
(c) to repeat oneself tiresomely
(d)
to
surrender again
81.
Replenish
(a) to spread around
(b) to fulfill
[286]
(c) to indulge
new supply for
82.
Rhetorical
(a) convincing
(c) satirical
(d)
showy oratorical effect
83.
Siesta
(a) farm
(b)
(c) East Indian Market
afternoon nap
84.
Spurious
(a) pertaining to heraldry
stubborn
(c) angry
85.
Supercilious
(a) foolish
(b)
(c) scornfully superior
aggressive
86.
Tantalize
(a) to delay
(b)
(c) to flatter
(d)
87.
Topography
(a) art of painting
features of a region
(c) soil chemistry
signaling by light
88.
Truculent
(a) tenacity
(b)
(c) inhuman
(d)
89.
Tutelage
(a) guardianship
following
(d) to provide a
(b) pleading
designed for
carnival
(d)
(b)
(d) not genuine
shallow-minded
(d)
to tease
to puzzle
(b) physical
(d)
aggressive
without pity
(b)
[287]
(c) teachings
(d) worship
90.
Unanimous
(a) showing complete agreement
(b)
lack of interest
(c) undecided
(d)
unconquered
91.
Usurp
(a) acquire
(b) achieve
(c) acquire wrongfully
(d) carry
92.
Vanquish
(a) threaten
(b) terrify
(c) defeat
(d) deceive
93.
Venerate
(a) regard suspiciously
(b) regard
humorously
(c) regard with deep respect
(d)
worship
94.
Whit
(a) grain
(b) least
(c) adorn
(d) amour
95.
Wreak
(a) to twist
(b) to emit an
unpleasant odour
(c) to inflict
(d) to sweat
96.
Yearning
(a) pleasing
(b) strong desire
(c) least possible
modified
97.
Yokel
(a) horn
(c) rustic
(d)
(b) plough
(d) devoid
[288]
98.
Zap
(a) guild
(c) mystify
99.
Zenith
(a) low
(c) highest point
100. Zest
(a) energy
(c) gain
(b) mourn
(d) defeat
(b) depth
(d) defeat
(b) weakness
(d) gusto
Answers:
1.
(a)
11.
(d)
21.
(a)
31.
(b)
41.
(b)
51.
(a)
2.
(a)
12.
(c)
22.
(a)
32.
(a)
42.
(a)
52.
(a)
3.
(a)
13.
(c)
23.
(a)
33.
(a)
43.
(d)
53.
(b)
4.
(d)
14.
(b)
24.
(a)
34.
(d)
44.
(b)
54.
(c)
5.
((d)
15.
(a)
25.
(b)
35.
(a)
45.
(d)
55.
(c)
6.
(b)
16.
(d)
26.
(b)
36.
(a)
46.
(c)
56.
(a)
7.
(d)
17.
(a)
27.
(a)
37.
(b)
47.
(b)
57.
(a)
8.
(c)
18.
(a)
28.
(b)
38.
(b)
48.
(b)
58.
(a)
9.
(a)
19.
(b)
29.
(c)
39.
(a)
49.
(d)
59.
(d)
10.
(c)
20.
(d)
30.
(d)
40.
(b)
50.
(c)
60.
(a)
[289]
61.
(c)
71.
(d)
81.
(d)
91.
(c)
62.
(a)
72.
(c)
82.
(d)
92.
(c)
63.
(a)
73.
(c)
83.
(d)
93.
(c)
64.
(c)
74.
(a)
84.
(d)
94.
(b)
65.
(d)
75.
(a)
85.
(c)
95.
(c)
66.
(b)
76.
(c)
86.
(b)
96.
(b)
67.
(c)
77.
(c)
87.
(b)
97.
(c)
68.
(a)
78.
(b)
88.
(b)
98.
(d)
69.
(b)
79.
(c)
89.
(a)
99.
(c)
70.
(b)
80.
(b)
90.
(a)
100.
(d)
SYNONYMS IN CONTEXT
In this section, you are required to spot
synonyms. Many words in English have more
than one meaning or have different shades of
meaning. The meaning differs according to the
use of the word in different contexts. Here, the
words for which you are required to find
synonyms; have been used in sentences and
are given in bold. The sentences are followed
by four options. Out of those, you are required
to tick mark the one which comes nearest in
[290]
meaning to the bold word in the particular

context. By way of illustration, one question
has been done for you.
* One should try to overlook the weakness of
fellow beings.
(a) Feebleness (b) frailty (c) shortcomings (d)
strength
The answer is (c). Although the word weakness
by itself means feebleness, in this particular
context, it refers to shortcomings or faults.
1. The sad news caused depression in the
family.
(a) debasement (b) hollowness
(c)
prostration
(d) dejection
2. The
managers
lascivious
ways
antagonized all of them.
(a) ambitious
(b) lustful
(c) erotic
(d) treacherous
3. The servant promised that he would be
back in a trice and left for the market.
(a) a trifle
(b) a triangle
(c) an
instant
(d) three minutes
4. Nobody paid much attention to the trite
remarks he kept passing.
(a) hackneyed (b) sharp
(c) illogical
(d) cutting
5. The motives behind the burglary could not
be ascertained.
(a) about
(b) before
(c) for
(d) after
[291]
6. The newspaper is an inexhaustible source

of news.
(a) impartial
(b) unending
(c)
authentic
(d) continuous
7. There can be different ways of solving the
same problem.
(a) routes
(b) manners
(c)
methods
(d) path
8. For all your efforts at sounding and
convincing, no one is going to buy your
story.
(a) purchase
(b) acknowledge
(c)
believe
(d) demand
9. Habitual consumption of hot food played
havoc with his health.
(a) warm
(b) cold
(c)
spicy
(d) sweet
10.
The subordinate had to mind the
business in the absence of his superiors.
(a) take offence (b) look after
(c)
think up
(d) neglect
11.
It had never been foreseen that the
audience would pass unsavoury comments
on your recitation.
(a) delicious (b) tasteless
(c) nasty
(d) pleasant
12.
Repeated attacks on his works has
rendered the author immune to criticism.
(a) exempt
(b) hostile
(c)
disturbing
(d) insensitive
[292]
13.
The man was so tall that his presence
seemed to dwarf the rest of the people in
the room.
(a) elongate (b) decrease
(c) dwindle
the height (d) render tall
14.
A successful leader remains cool in the
face of any adverse comments or situations.
(a) hot
(b) calm
(c)
unaffected
(d) quiet
15.
The scene in the play presents a
replica of the one in the novel by the same
author.
(a) copy
(b) original
(c) replacement
(d) double
16.
The clergy was instrumental in the
downfall of the government.
(a) cause
(b) responsible
(c)
indifferent
(d) ambivalent
17.
The changes in contemporary lifestyle
are being described as outrageous by the
older generation.
(a) shameful
(b) dreadful
(c)
horrible
(d) enraging
18.
Your involvement with undesirable
elements is bound to blemish your
reputation as an upright man.
(a) shocking (b) tarnish
(c) mystify
(d) brighten
19.
The
students
perseverance
ultimately brought him success after so
many futile attempts.
[293]
(a) steadfastness
(b) luck
(c)
blind faith
(d) goodness
20.
The lost child was restored to its
parents amidst smiles.
(a) united
(b) shown
(c) returned
(d) reinstated
21.
The ruin of his health was caused by
excessive drinking.
(a) destruction (b) perdition
(c)
debacle
(d) desolation
22.
The bomb blast mutilated the bodies
of the victims.
(a) annihilated (b) demolished
(c)
mangled
(d) dismantled
23.
It is good if all traces of the tragedy are
obliterated from the victims mind.
(a) overturned (b) perished
(c)
effaced
(d) liquidated
24.
Ultimately, one of the parties to the
dispute relinquished his claim to the
ownership of the property.
(a) yielded
(b) ceded
(c) resigned
(d) gave up
25.
Air, water and wind are all signs of the
bounty of nature.
(a) donation (b) contribution
(c) award
(d) largesse
26.
It is difficult to obtain a license for
owning gunfire.
(a) take
(b) receive
(c) procure
(d) gain
[294]
27.
The foreign settlers have refused to
adopt the lifestyle of the host country.
(a) borrow
(b) assume
(c)
appropriate
(d) simulate
28.
One cannot possess a human being
the way one can do a car or a house.
(a) seize
(b) contain
(c) annex
(d) own
29.
The
appearance
of
the
culprit
intensified the mood of expectation in the
people.
(a) heightened (b) abated
(c)
amplified
(d) magnified
30.
Steps were being taken to mitigate
the sufferings of the victims of earthquake.
(a) assuage (b) lessen
(c) discuss
(d) subdue
31.
The childs parents always cushioned
her against the harsh realities of life.
(a) rested
(b) Protected
(c)
relaxed
(d) eased
32.
The warring factions have decided
upon an immediate cessation of hostilities.
(a) resistance
(b) discontinuance (c)
recess
(d) stoppage
33.
Elegance of language outweighs all
other qualities in an individual.
(a) smartness
(b) distinction
(c)
aptness
(d) richness and grace
34.
A balanced piece of writing should
never digress from the subject matter.
[295]
(a) deviate
(b) expatiate
(c)
perorate
(d) develop
35.
Obedience of the court rulings is
mandatory for all according to the law of
the land.
(a) proper
(b) binding
(c)
perceptive
(d) demanding
36.
After being caught committing forgery,
the man was incarcerated.
(a) arrested (b) imprisoned
(c)
restrained
(d) pursued
37.
In the course of his freedom struggle,
the leader had to countenance many
hardships.
(a) suffer
(b) sanction
(c)
indulge
(d) permit
38.
All the parties have joined hands to
conspire and overthrow the government.
(a) collaborate (b) collude
(c) concur
(d) concert
39.
The hall reverberated with applause
from the audience when the performance
ended.
(a) reflected (b) sounded
(c)
resounded
(d) replied
40.
The food being dished out was insipid
to say the least.
(a) tasteless (b) weak
(c) unappealing
(d) unpromising
41.
The price of all commodities in the
market is exorbitant.
[296]
(a) exaggerated (b) preposterous

(c)
sumptuous
(d) excessive
42.
With the entry of the new brands, the
value of the product is bound to
depreciate.
(a) improve (b) slash
(c) devalue
(d) thrift
43.
No one is allowed to transgress
beyond the line of control.
(a) exceed
(b) trespass
(c)
wander
(d) confine
44.
Respect for individual dignity is held
sacrosanct by all religions.
(a) inviolable
(b) pure
(c)
good
(d) biased
45.
Lack of education has retarded the
nations progress.
(a) stopped (b) slackened
(c) eased
(d) accelerated
46.
Many people emulated Gandhiji by
embracing the principles of non-violence.
(a) hugging (b) enfolding
(c)
adopting
(d) clasping
47.
The manager of the hotel was asked to
see if he could accommodate two more
guests.
(a) equips
(b) provide
(c) lodge
(d) store
48.
In defence services. one is required to
accommodate in all sorts of circumstances.
(a) enjoy
(b) tolerate
(c) adjust
(d) equip
[297]
49.
The
governments
policies
have
alienated a large section of the people.
(a) estranged
(b) infuriated
(c)
roused
(d) degraded
50.
The mountain air coming from the
north has proved salubrious for the people
settled here.
(a) wholesome (b) toxic
(c)
virulant
(d) pleasant
ANTONYMS
An Antonym is a word which conveys a
meaning opposite to the given word.
1.Abandon
-continue, pursue, remain,
carry on.
2.Ability
-incompetence,
disability,
incapacity.
3.Abolish
-confirm,
uphold,
promote,
establish.
4.Above
-below, down, under.
[298]
5.Abridge
-enlarge,
prolong,
expand,
magnify.
6.Absolve
-punish, chastise, castigate,
penalise.
7.Absurd
-logical, wise, rational, sensible
reasonable.
8.Abundance -lack, dearth, shortage, want,
deficiency.
9.Accumulate -distribute, dissipate, scatter,
spread.
10.
Acquit
-charge, blame, accuse,
involve.
11.
Adapt
-differ, misfit, disagree,
irregularise.
12.
Admiration -hate,
condemnation,
disapproval.
13.
Ample
-meager,
scanty,
insufficient, limited.
14.
Amuse
-annoy, tire, bore, fatigue.
15.
Atrocious
-noble,
excellent,
worthy, laudable.
16.
Attract
-reject,
repulse,
repel,
rebuff.
17.
Awareness -ignorance,
innocence,
foolishness.
18.
Awake
-dormant, asleep, latent,
slumbering.
19.
Backward
-forward,
advance,
onward, prompt.
20.
Beautiful
-loathsome,
horrible,
ugly, unpleasant
[299]
21.
Before
-after,
subsequently,
succeeding.
22.
Beg
-challenge,
claim,
demand,
contend.
23.
Belief
-disbelief,
suspicion,
misgiving, distrust.
24.
Benevolence
-malice,
venom,
enmity, hatred.
25.
Beseech
-insist,
demand,
contend, claim.
26.
Bewilder
-illuminate,
edify,
enlighten.
27.
Bitter
-mellow, genial, sugary,
sweet.
28.
Blame
-extol,
praise,
applaud,
compliment.
29.
Bliss
-sorrow, affliction, woe,
distress.
30.
Bold
-fearful, diffident, timid,
afraid.
31.
Breed
-annihilates
murder,
destroy, kill.
32.
Brief
-long, detailed, extended.
33.
Bright
-dark,
cloudy,
dull,
tarnished.
34.
Brutal
-humane,
tender,
compassionate merciful, kind, sympathetic.
35.
Busy
-inactive, indolent, lazy,
idle.
36.
Calamity
-fortune,
peace,
happiness, joy.
[300]
37.
Calm
-excite, peiturb, agitate,
disturb.
38.
Cancel
-restore,
establish,
endorse, ratify.
39.
Careless
-careful,
cautious,
thoughtful, vigilant, attentive.
40.
Certain
-ambiguous,
dubious,
obscure uncertain, mindful, unclear.
41.
Charm
-repulse,
repel,
rebuff,
dislike.
42.
Cheap
-expensive. costly, dear,
worthy.
43.
Cheerful
-inactive, lifeless, inert,
sluggish.
44.
Claim
-renounce, forego, waive,
drop.
45.
Coarse
-refined, elegant, polite,
cultured.
46.
Cold
-hot, tepid, warm, scalding,
fiery.
47.
Co-operative
-non
co-operative,
rebellious.
48.
Competent -incompetent,
inefficient,
weak.
49.
Company
-individual,
isolated,
alone, single.
50.
Compliment
-criticism,
censure,
disapprobation.
51.
Confide
-suspect,
doubt,
apprehend, distrust.
52.
Dainty
-coarse, insipid, unsavory,
unpleasant.
[301]
53.
Decide
-hesitate, vacillate, waver,
falter.
54.
Defeat
-triumph, vanquish, prevail,
win.
55.
Delicacy
-roughness, robustness,
crudeness, heaviness.
56.
Delight
-grief, anguish, displeasure,
sorrow.
57.
Deny
-affirm, confirm, comply,
endorse.
58.
Desire
-detest,
hate,
despite,
loathe.
59.
Deviate
-abide, persist, converge,
perpetuate.
60.
Diligent
-idle, slack, slothful, lazy.
61.
Disclose
-conceal, veil, cloak,
suppress.
62.
Disgust
-please, delight, charm,
gratify.
63.
Dishonest
-honest, reliable, just,
fair, trustworthy
64.
Dispute
-consent, comply, agree,
accede.
65.
Dutiful
-defiant,
seditious,
rebellious.
66.
Enchanted -disgusted, repulsed.
67.
Encourage -discourage,
depress,
dishearten.
68.
Endanger
-protect, defend, shield,
safeguard.
69.
Entice
-rebuff,
repel,
repulse,
defer.
[302]
70.
Error
-accuracy,
correctness,
exactitude.
71.
Establish
-destroy,
demolish,
annihilate.
72.
Evasion
-defence,
non-avoidance,
response.
73.
Everlasting -transitory,
passing,
temporal momentary.
74.
Expand
-contract,
condense,
curtail, reduce
75.
Extraordinary -normal,
ordinary,
common, usual, habitual, customary.
76.
False
-true, accurate, uthentic,
reliable.
77.
Famous
-obscure,
unknown,
anonymous.
78.
Feeble
-robust, strong, vigorous,
brawny.
79.
Fertile
-infertile,
sterile,
arid,
barren.
80.
Flexible
-rigid,
stiff,
unbending,
strict.
81.
Foe
-friend,
ally,
comrade,
colleague associate.
82.
Foolish
-sane,
wise,
discreet,
rational.
83.
Generous
-mean, stingy, miserly,
parsimonious.
84.
Gloomy
-merry, jolly, bright, jocund.
85.
Graceful
-graceless,
awkward,
ungainly, clumsy.
[303]
86.
Great
-obscure,
humble,
unknown, trivial.
87.
Happiness
-sorrow, sadness, grief,
distress.
88.
Hard
-soft, flexible, pliable.
89.
Hasten
-impede, retard, hinder,
delay.
90.
Hatred
-liking,
love,
adoration,
affection.
91.
Hesitate
-decide, resolve, settle,
determine.
92.
Horrible
-agreeable,
pleasant,
delightful charming.
93.
Humble
-vain, proud, self-assertive,
immodest.
94.
Ignorant
-cultured,
educated,
literate knowledgeable.
95.
Impartial
-partial, biased, unjust,
unfair.
96.
Impede
-expedite, hasten, quicken,
urge.
97.
Impulsive
-cautious,
heedful,
thoughtful, wary
98.
Innocent
-wicked,
guilty,
criminal, culpable.
99.
Irritate
-calm, appease, soothe,
pacify.
100. Jolly
-gloomy, dismal, unhappy,
sad.
101. Just
-unjust, unfair, partial, biased
prejudiced.
102. Kind
-cruel, hard, callous, harsh.
[304]
103. Kill
-create, produce, originate.
104. Lasting
-transient,
transitory,
evanescent.
105. Lead
-mislead,
misguide,
misdirect deceive.
106. Liberty
-captivity,
bondage,
submission slavery.
107. Loyalty
-disloyalty,
pertidy,
treachery.
108. Majestic
-insignificant,
paltry,
abject.
109. Malice
-goodwill,
benevolence,
humanity.
110. Mild
-savage,
wild,
fierce,
ferocious.
111. Miserable
-joyous,
happy,
cheerful, blissful.
112. Modern
-old,
ancient,
obsolete,
primitive.
113. Modest
-arrogant, haughty, proud
disdainful.
114. Muscular
-feeble,
weak,
frail,
infirm.
115. Narrow
-wide,
spacious,
broad,
extensive.
116. Neat
-untidy, disorderly, slovenly
unkempt.
117. Nervous
-bold, fearless, valiant,
undaunted.
118. Noisy
-peaceful. quiet, placid.
119. Notorious
-reputable,
famous,
noted.
[305]
120. Obedient
-obstinate, disobedient,
stubborn recalcitrant.
121. Obstinate
-docile,
compliant,
yielding amenable.
122. Odd
-ordinary,
normal,
commonplace.
123. Oppose
-aid, assist, encourage,
support.
124. Organise
-disrupt, disintegrate,
disarrange.
125. Ordinary
-unusual,
rare,
uncommon, queer.
126. Order
-disorder, confusion, chaos,
anarchy
127. Own
-deny, renounce, disclaim.
128. Pacify
-irritate,
exasperate,
provoke, annoy.
129. Painful
-soothing,
pleasant,
agreeable.
130. Passionate -dispassionate, fair, calm.
131. Pathetic
-pitiless, cruel.
132. Peculiar
-natural, ordinary, usual,
normal.
133. Peevish
-cordial,
jovial,
genial,
hearty.
134. Permanent -temporary,
transient,
fleeting.
135. Persuade
-deter,
discourage,
dissuade, restrain.
136. Pleasant
-offensive, obnoxious,
horrible.
[306]
137. Please
-offend, outrage, affront,
injure.
138. Plenty
-Scanty, deficiency, dearth,
lack.
139. Polite
-rude,
uncivil,
churlish,
insolent.
140. Praise
-blame, censure, condemn,
reprove.
141. Precious
-cheap,
useless,
inferior.
142. Preserve
-destroy,
demolish,
eradicate desolate.
143. Pretty
-ugly,
loathsome,
uncomely.
144. Prevent
-help, assist, aid, abet.
145. Pride
-modesty,
humility,
humbleness.
146. Profuse
-scanty,
insufficient,
meagre, limited.
147. Prolong
-curtail, diminish, decrease,
shorten.
148. Proud
-humble,
modest,
unassuming.
149. Punctual
-late,
tardy,
slack,
unpunctual.
150. Punish
-reward,
compensate,
remuiierate.
151. Puzzle
-solution,
explanation,
elucidation.
152. Quarrel
-amity,
peace,
comply,
harmony.
[307]
153. Queer
-ordinary, common, usual,
normal.
154. Quick
-slow, lethargic, inactive,
tardy.
155. Quiet
-noisy, disturbing, agitating
clamorous.
156. Rambling
-methodical,
regular,
orderly.
157. Rare
-common, usual, frequent
commonplace.
158. Rash
-careful, discreet, cautious,
wary.
159. Real
-fanciful,
imaginary,
illusive, assumed
160. Reason
-folly, stupidity, foolishness
absurdity.
161. Rebuke
-praise,
applaud,
extol,
acclaim.
162. Reduce
-increase,
augment,
enhance.
163. Regal
-mean, humble, ignoble,
ordinary.
164. Regular
-irregular,
erratic,
inconsistent.
165. Rejoice
-mourn, bewail, lament,
grieve
166. Religious
-irreligious,
profane,
atheist, impious
167. Remarkable-ordinary, average, normal
commonplace.
168. Remove
-restore,
replace,
supersede, rehabilitate.
[308]
169. Repair
-damage, break, impair,
injure.
170. Resent
-like, love, fancy, esteem.
171. Resign
-hold, continue, remain,
retain, keep.
172. Respect
-humiliate,
disrespect,
disregard disdain, scorn.
173. Retain
-relinquish,
renounce,
forsake, give up.
174. Revenge
-forgive,
absolve,
pardon.
175. Reverence
-despise,
scorn,
disdain, contempt.
176. Reward
-penalty, punishment, fine
retribution.
177. Risk
-safety, secure, shelter,
defend.
178. Rival
-friend, chum, intimate,
ally.
179. Rough
-even, smooth, polished,
sleek.
180. Rude
-civil, polite, courteous,
genteel.
181. Rural
-urban, metropolitan, civic.
182. Sacred
-profane,
irreligious,
irreverent impious.
183. Sad
-cheerful,
happy,
joyous,
mirthful.
184. Scanty
-profuse, ample, sufficient,
abundant.
185. Scatter
-hoard,
amass,
store,
accumulate.
[309]
186. Scold
-compliment,
praise,
commend applaud.
187. Scorn
-revere, respect, esteem,
venerate.
188. Selfish
-generous, liberal, lavish,
charitable unselfish.
189. Serious
-gay,
cheerful,
jovial,
merry.
190. Shocking
-pleasant,
charming,
delightful.
191. Shy
-bold
confident,
audacious,
assuming.
192. Silence
-uproar. disorder, turmoil,
noise.
193. Similar
-different,
dissimilar,
diverse, differing.
194. Simple
-complex,
intricate,
complicated.
195. Sin
-virtue,
integrity,
purity,
morality.
196. Skilful
-clumsy,
incompetent,
awkward, unskillful.
197. Slander
-praise,
laud,
extol,
applaud.
198. Slender
-plump, fat, buxom, stout.
199. Slow
-fast, active, alert, prompt,
swift.
200. Smooth
-uneven, rough, wrinkled.
201. Soft
-hard, inflexible, rigid, firm.
202. Soothe
-irritate,
exasperate,
provoke, agitate
[310]
203. Spiteful
-benign,
benevolent,
benignant, beneficent.
204. Steady
-irregular,
inconsistent,
unstable, fickle, changeable.
205. Stiff
-flexible,
supple,
lissome,
elastic.
206. Stimulate
-discourage,
deter,
dissuade, hinder.
207. Stupid
-wise, sagacious, rational,
sensible.
208. Sublime
-ordinary,
common,
absurd, ludicrous.
209. Successful
-unachieved,
unfortunate, disastrous.
210. Sudden
-anticipated,
gradual,
progressive.
211. Suppress
-encourage,
excite,
provoke, incite, agitate.
212. Suspicious -unsuspicious,
trustful,
honest, straightforward.
213. Systematic -irregular,
casual,
occasional.
214. Talkative
-taciturn,
reserved,
silent, mute.
215. Tame
-wild, savage, ferocious,
untamed.
216. Tasteless
-tasteful,
savoury,
delicious, appetising.
217. Tear
-repair,
mend,
rectify,
restore.
218. Thin
-thick, fat, corpulent, stout,
obese.
[311]
219. Thoughtful -thoughtless,

carefree,
remiss, reckless.
220. Tie
-unfasten, loosen, disconnect,
unbind.
221. Timid
-bold,
courageous,
unafraid.
222. Torture
-allay, relief, ease, comfort.
223. Tough
-soft,
tender,
fragile,
delicate, feeble.
224. Tragic
-comic, farcical, propitious,
amusing.
225. Trained
-untrained.
unskilled,
inefficient, clumsy, inexpert.
226. Treacherous
-faithful, loyal, reliable,
devoted.
227. True -false,
untrue,
wrong,
incorrect.
228. Trust -doubt, distrust, suspicion
misgiving.
229. Tune -disharmony,
discord,
dissonance.
230. Try -quit,
leave,
relinquish,
drop.
231. Typical
-unusual, singular, peculiar
abnormal.
232. Trouble
-relief, joy, luck, prosperity.
233. Trembling
-steady, firm, stable,
still.
234. Teacher
-student, pupil, disciple,
learner.
235. Tire
-revive,
invigorate,
refresh,
relax.
[312]
236. Ugly
-lovely, beautiful, comely,
gracious.
237. Universal
-sectional,
factional,
sectarian.
238. Uncertain
-certain,
definite,
undoubted indisputable.
239. Unfair
-just, fair, honest.
240. Untidy
-neat, tidy, immaculate.
smart.
241. Unusual
-usual,
common,
everyday, hackneyed.
242. Utility
-worthless, useless.
243. Urgent
-unnecessary,
petty,
insignificant.
244. Usual
-unusual, uncommon, rare,
singular
245. Vain
-fruitful, effective, useful.
246. Valuable
-worthless,
cheap,
base.
247. Versatile
-static,
unskillful,
invariable.
248. Violent
-quiet, placid, peaceful,
calm.
249. Wakeful
-lethargic, asleep, inactive.
250. Yield
-resist, withhold, restrain,
oppose.
251. Zenith
-base, nadir, bottom.
ANTONYMS (OBJECTIVE MULTIPLE CHOICE
TYPE)
Directions: Below are given some words
followed by four answers. Tick the answer
[313]
which you believe gives the opposite

meaning of the word.
1.
Lewd
(a) lazy
(b) amusing
(c)
decent
(d) beautiful
2.
Knave
(a) jester (b) knight
(c) bachelor
(d) gentleman
3.
Impious
(a) holy
(b) mischievous
(c)
shrewd
(d) diplomatic
4.
Enigmatic
(a) displeased (b) simple
(c)
shortsighted
(d) learned
5.
Ascetic
(a) germ-free (b) artistic
(c) gloomy
(d) worldly
6.
Stigma
(a) obstinacy (b) honour
(c) disgrace
(d) vision
7.
Slacken
(a) to activate (b) to quench
(c)
to
delight
(d) to muse
8.
Rotundity
(a) erect
(b) deviate
(c) angular
(d) arch
9.
Salient
(a) chief
(b) insignificant
(c)
lend
(d) supernatural
10. Valorous
(a) discretion (b) parasite
(c)
fascinating
(d) timid
[314]
11. Opponent
(a) freedom
(b) liberation
(c)
restraint
(d) ally
12. Aggravate
(a) humorous (b) soothing
(c)
fragrance
(d) painful
13. Pensive
(a) penetrate (b) subject
(c) glum
(d) jubilant
14. Refinement
(a) spotless
(b) courage
(c)
vulgarity
(d) poverty
15. Optimism
(a) dread (b) pessimism
(c)
abandon
(d) straightforward
16. Sycophant
(a) psychic (b) elegant
(c) slanderer
(d) arrangement
17. Penitence
(a) penniless
(b) cowardice
(c)
naughty
(d) remorseless
18. Chastity
(a) injustice
(b) immortality
(c)
discourage
(d) enlighten
19. Veneration
(a) sacrilege
(b) static
(c) downfall
(d) religious
20. Inimical
(a) celebrity
(b) friendly
(c) speedy
(d) radiant
21. Toxic
[315]
(a) harmless
(b) swollen
(c) insulting
(d) tonic
22. Prolix
(a) common
(b) attractive
(c)
short and crisp (d) bulging out
23. Lucrative
(a) happy (b) illegal
(c) unprofitable
(d) unkempt
24. Puerility
(a) strength
(b) manliness
(c)
maturity
(d) calmness
25. Impair
(a) strengthen (b) injure
(c) repair
(d) spread
26. Gawky
(a) simple (b) decorated
(c)
distorted
(d) graceful
27. Fortitude
(a) forgetfulness
(b) generosity
(c)
cowardice
(d) simplicity
28. Transparent
(a) covered
(b) opaque
(c) clear
(d) black
29. Poignant
(a) sharp (b) sweet
(c) dull
(d) bland
30. Fragmented
(a) undivided or whole (b) temporary
(c) crumbled
(d) partial
31. Harmony
[316]
(a) discord
(b) similar
(c) peace
(d) differ
32. Pathetic
(a) sympathetic
(b) hale and hearty
(c) healthy
(d) farcical
33. Voluminous
(a) bulky
(b) slight
(c)
compulsory
(d) voluntary
34. Pastime
(a) entertain
(b) leisure
(c)
future
(d) work
35. Cupidity
(a) wine-worshipping
(b) atrocity
(c)
clarity
(d) generosity
36. Esoteric
(a) concentrid
(b) exoteric
(c)
meteoric
(d) categoric
37. Juvenile
(a) senile
(b) trope
(c)
delinquent
(d) kneel
38. Abridge
(a) summarise
(b) dilate
(c)
over-bridge
(d) curb
39. Nebulous
(a) stars
(b) curved
(c)
homesickness
(d)crystal clear
40. Erudite
(a) eradicate
(b) ignorant
(c)
pendant
(d) pauper
41. Appreciate
(a) high-sounding
(b) appealing
(c) despise
(d) poetic
[317]
42. Aversion
(a) up-to-date
(b) attraction
(c)
rise-up
(d) boasting
43. Brusque
(a) sweep
(b) sudden
(c) tactful
(d) immediate
44. Credulous
(a) innocent
(b) creditable
(c)
unbelieving
(d) worth
45. Churlish
(a) quarrelsome
(b) curly
(c) polite
(d) curvy
46. Cryptic
(a) wail
(b) manifest
(c)
underground
(d) rude
47. Disparage
(a) eject
(b) appreciate
(c)
compare
(d) jump
48. Debonair
(a) unelegant
(b) safe
(c)
fashionable
(d) fresh
49. Deviate
(a) stray
(b) conform
(c)
abide
(d) change
50. Diligent
(a) careful
(b) lazy
(c)
intelligent
(d) harmless
51. Efeminate
(a) virile
(b) feminine
(c)
philogynist
(d) misogynist
52. Ennui
[318]
(a) introduce
(b) excitement
(c)
powerless
(d) tiredness
53. Endemic
(a) epidemic
(b)t hateful
(c)
assaulting
(d) lethargic
54. Fatuous
(a) predestined
(b) impatient
(c)
purposeful
(d) silly
55. Fetish
(a) object of love
(b) object to hate
(c) object to harm
(d) object of
dispute
56. Feeble
(a) weak
(b) robust
(c)
meek
(d) emaciated
57. Ghastly
(a) pleasant
(b) frightful
(c)
spectral
(d) horrible
58. Graceful
(a) awkward
(b) Ugly
(c)
slim
(d) kind
59. Gumption
(a) rigidity
(b) guess
(c) courage
and initiative (d) sticking
60. Gullible
(a) fish
(b) credulous
(c)
shrewd
(d) traveller
61. Honorary
(a) professional
(b) unpaid
insulting
(d) permanent
62. Hunch
(c)
[319]
(a) slavery
(b) kingly
(c)
empirical
(d) hindrance
63. Humorous
(a) ludicrous
(b) serious
(c) dull
(d) funny
64. Idiosyncrasy
(a) insanity
(b) sanity
(c) normal
(d) singularity
65. Impede
(a) hinder
(b) expedite
(c)
insect
(d) stop
66. Infringement
(a) contravention
(b) compliance
(c) encroachment
(d) dislocation
67. Keen
(a) dull
(b) edge
(c)
sharp
(d) weak
68. Loyalty
(a) constancy
(b) perfidy
(c)
allegiance
(d) dishonesty
69. Momentous
(a) heavy
(b) short-lived
(c)
frivolous
(d) timely
70. Marine
(a) naval
(b) land
(c) bird
(d) none of the above
71. Noxious
(a) nasal
(b) sneezing
(c)
notary
(d) sanitary
72. Oversight
(a) omission
(b) observation
(c)
inattention
[320]
73. Particularise
(a) impartial
(b) dislike
(c)
generalize
(d) union
74. Pacify
(a) calm
(b) irritate
(c)
quarrel
75. Protege
(a) carnage
(b) patron
(c)
prototype
(d) producing
76. Parsimonious
(a) generous
(b) selfish
(c)
religious
(d) hereditary
77. Peremptory
(a) final
(b) debatable
(c)
ending
(d) introductory
78. Prototype
(a) favour
(b) canvass
(c)
repeat
(d) duplicate
79. Renegade
(a) negate
(b) novice
(c) loyal
(d) renewal
80. Rotund
(a) remaining
(b) girth
(c)
angular
(d) crammed
81. Robust
(a) automatic
(b) weak
(c)
restored
82. Rejoice
(a) lament
(b) make merry
(c)
dance
(d) hate
83. Repeal
[321]
(a) annul
(b) revoke
(c)
(d) apply
84. Sententious
(a) strident
(b) stem
prolix
(d) laxity
85. Surfeit
(a) superior
(b) fined
underfed
(d) tall
86. Sublime
(a) ordinary
(b) ridiculous
superb
(d) bright
87. Truant
(a) delinquent
(b) talkative
sedulous
88. Terrestrial
(a) earthly
(b) worldly
(c)
(d) celebrity
89. Foggy
(a) covered
(b) opaque
clear
(d) misty
90. Undulating
(a) smooth
(b) uneven
(c)
adulation
(d) respect
91. Urge
(a) incite
(b) deter
(c)
(d) power
92. Venial
(a) corrupt
(b) clean
nervous
(d) unpardonable
93. Vapid
(a) pungent
(b) tame
rapid
(d) slow
cancel
(c)
(c)
(c)
(c)
celestial
(c)
desire
(c)
(c)
[322]
94. Violent
(a) impetuous
(b) placid
ruthless
95. Vital
(a) trivial
(b) essential
significant (d) none of the above
96. Whimsical
(a) freakish
(b) staid
laughter
(d) normal
97. Wellbred
(a) coarse
(b) polite
(c)
98. Wilt
(a) weaken
(b) die
(c)
(d) to limp
99. Yield
(a) withhold
(b) abandon
denounce (d) distribute
100. Vulgar
(a) cheap
(b) expensive
refined (d) impure
(c)
(c)
(c)
ugly
revive
(c)
(c)
[323]
Answers
1.
(c)
11.
(d)
21.
(a)
31.
(a)
41.
(c)
51.
(a)
61.
(a)
71.
(d)
2.
(d)
12.
(b)
22.
(c)
32.
(d)
42.
(b)
52.
(b)
62.
(c)
72.
(b)
3.
(a)
13.
(d)
23.
(c)
33.
(b)
43.
(c)
53.
(b)
63.
(b)
73.
(c)
4.
(b)
14.
(c)
24.
(c)
34.
(d)
44.
(c)
54.
(c)
64.
(c)
74.
(b)
5.
(d)
15.
(b)
25.
(a)
35.
(d)
45.
(c)
55.
(b)
65.
(b)
75.
(b)
6.
(b)
16.
(c)
26.
(d)
36.
(a)
46.
(b)
56.
(b)
66.
(b)
76.
(a)
7.
(a)
17.
(d)
27.
(c)
37.
(a)
47.
(b)
57.
(a)
67.
(a)
77.
(b)
8.
(a)
18.
(b)
28.
(b)
38.
(b)
48.
(a)
58.
(a)
68.
(b)
78.
(d)
9.
(b)
19.
(a)
29.
(c)
39.
(d)
49.
(b)
59.
(c)
69.
(c)
79.
(c)
10.
(d)
20.
(b)
30.
(a)
40.
(b)
50.
(b)
60.
(c)
70.
(b)
80.
(c)
[324]
81.
(b)
91.
(b)
82.
(a)
92.
(d)
83.
(d)
93.
(a)
84.
(c)
94.
(b)
85.
(c)
95.
(a)
86.
(a)
96.
(d)
87.
(c)
97.
(a)
88.
(c)
98.
(c)
89.
(c)
99.
(a)
ANTONYMS IN CONTEXT
In this section, you are required to spot
antonyms. As you know, many words in English
have more than one meaning or have different
shades of meaning. The meaning differs
according to the use of the word in different
contexts. Here, the words for which you are
required to find antonyms have been used in
sentences and are given in bold. The sentences
are followed by four options. Out of these, you
are required to tick mark the one which
conveys the opposite of the meaning that the
bold word has in this particular context. By way
of illustration, one question has been solved for
you.
* Any over-indulgent mother is always blind
to her childs faults.
(a) unable to see (b) sensitive (c) ignorant
(d) aware
90.
(a)
100
. (c)
[325]
The answer is (b). Though the word blind in

itself means inability to see, in this context, it
means insensitive. It is not as if the indulgent
mother cannot see her childs faults. She sees
them, but is not sensible to their being faults at
all.
1. The news produced a sour expression on
her face.
(a) sweet
(b) pleasant
(c)
attractive
(d) amused
2. The temperature touched 40 degree
centigrade yesterday.
(a) affected
(b) contacted
(c) did
not reach (d) disconnected
3. The situation took an ugly turn in
yesterdays meeting.
(a) beautiful
(b) dry
(c)
lovely
(d) pleasant
4. The teacher always spoke to her students
in a sharp tone.
(a) soft
(b) blunt
(c) fine
(d) sweet
5. She forgets herself when she is among
friends.
(a) behaves properly
(b) remembers
(c) recalls
(d) improves
6. The child was singing in a sweet voice.
(a) bitter
(b) ugly
(c)
hoarse
(d) sourb
7. One should not always be hard on ones
subordinates.
[326]
(a) severe
(b) kind
(c) dull
(d) soft
8. They returned from the beautiful picnic
spot with a heavy heart.
(a) weightless
(b) light
(c)
sombre
(d) jovial
9. The issue of tax evasion generated a hot
debate.
(a) mild
(b) cold
(c) soft
(d) perverse
10. The boy laughed in order to cover his
nervousness.
(a) reveal
(b) conceal
(c)
erode
(d) expose to view
11. My friend has an agreeable disposition.
(a) amicable
(b) haughty
(c)
disagreeable
(d) charming
12. With deep sorrow, the principal
announced the ex-students death.
(a) profound
(b) mild
(c)
shallow
(d) pronounced
13. The man ordered his servant, in
a/rough voice, to leave.
(a) hoarse
(b) gentle
(c) smooth
(d) shrill
14. The well was so deep that it was
difficult to draw water from it.
(a) pronounced
(b) mild
(c)
shallow
(d) steep
15. His book won the first prize at the Book
Fair Contest.
[327]
(a) got
(b) gave
(c) lost
(d) captured
16. In that country, people are used to
wearing strange clothes.
(a) unusual
(b) familiar
(c) rare
(d) common
17. This canal was constructed during the
first Five Year Plan.
(a) destroyed
(b) made
(c)
erected
(d) fabricated
18. The lady spoke to her friend in a cold
voice after their quarrel.
(a) warm
(b) hot
(c)
friendly
(d) expressionless
19. The student gave a neat answer to the
puzzling question that was put to him.
(a) clever
(b) clumsy
(c)
confused
(d) dirty
20. Clear thinking can be done by a sound
mind.
(a) calm
(b) unreasonable
(c) noisy
(d) confused
21. His father was in a sombre mood.
(a) light
(b) gay
(c) sedate
(d) cheerful
22. The teacher gave some valuable advice
to the students.
(a) expensive
(b) invaluable
(c)
useless
(d) priceless
23. The actor gave a brilliant performance
at the function.
[328]
(a) dull
(b) uninteresting
(c)
joyful
(d) unexciting
24. Adult franchise has been hailed as a
progressive step.
(a) impeding
(b) regressive
(c)
obstructive
(d) slow
25. The solution put forward by you is
impracticable.
(a) feasible
(b) possible
(c)
plausible
(d) defunct
26. All the residents had gathered in the
field to hoist the flag.
(a) elevate
(b) lower
(c) exist
(d) examine
27. All the cosmetic aids made the model
look ghastly.
(a) horrible
(b) attractive
(c)
disgusting
(d) foul
28. The ability to see is natures best gift to
mankind.
(a) display
(b) aptitude
(c)
deprivation
(d) excitement
29. The latest issue of the magazine
carries very dull pictures.
(a) sleek
(b) Ventilating
(c)
obscene
(d) glossy
30. The latest measures of the government
may cause the economy to decay.
(a) grow
(b) descend
(c)
stagger
(d) expand
31. A cheap display of wealth was being
done through gaudy dresses.
[329]
(a) extravagant
(b) cheap
(c)
sober
(d) ornate
32. The party showed no disposition
towards breaking up.
(a) unwillingness
(b) temperament
(c) inclination
(d) sparking
33. A dull speaker is never able to
distinguish between an attentive and an
absorbed audience.
(a) applauding
(b) distrait
(c)
clever
(d) absent-minded
34. The construction will not complete on
time if the work is done by a bunch of
drowsy labourers.
(a) sleepy
(b) lazy
(c)
active
(d) alert
35. Due to keen interest in studies, he
came out with a brilliant performance in the
examination.
(a) cheerless
(b) dismal
(c) gay
(d) happy
36. Your recitation of the poem was looked
at with disdain by the rest of the class.
(a) haughtiness
(b) admiration
(c)
penitence
(d) hatred
37. All employers look for docile servants.
(a) dutiful
(b) insincere
(c)
unmanageable
(d) haughty
38. Both the parties to the conflict have
now adopted a conciliatory approach.
(a) appeasing
(b) enticing
(c)
friendly
(d) quarrelsome
[330]
39. Life on earth is no more as simple as it

used to be.
(a) easy
(b) difficult
(c)
complex
(d) hard
40. The woman brought forth all her
charms to captivate the gathering.
(a) release
(b) seize
(c)
repel
(d) reward
41. The students labour met with fervent
appreciation from her teachers.
(a) fiery
(b) lukewarm
(c)
sympathetic
(d) arduous
42. He made steady progress in life.
(a) irregular
(b) uniform
(c)
sudden
(d) adorable
43. The news of the teams victory brought
expressions of rapture on the faces of all
those present.
(a) happiness
(b) ecstasy
(c)
misery
(d) sorrow
44. The book glorifies dishonesty in all its
forms.
(a) debases
(b) adores
(c)
enthrones
(d) denounces
45. In the present state of affairs, war
seems inevitable.
(a) unnecessary
(b) uncertain
(c) intolerable
(d)
unpredictable
46. The awards were given out in a
ceremonial gathering.
[331]
(a) conventional
(b) informal
(c) sombre
(d) jovial
47. People tend to avoid loquacious
persons.
(a) garrulous
(b) reticent
(c)
fluent
(d) glib
48. The speakers eyes were equally
expressive of the vehemence of his
feelings.
(a) loftiness
(b) force
(c)
warmth
(d) mildness
49. Religious leaders are venerated in all
communities.
(a) defamed
(b) respected
(c)
criticised
(d) accused
50. Being polite to those who cannot
benefit her, is foreign to her policy.
(a) internal
(b) basic
(c)
inbuilt
(d) unnatural
IDIOMS AND PHRASES

IDIOMS AND PHRASES (MEANING AND
USAGE)
[332]
A phrase is a group of words without a verb,

especially one that forms part ofa sentence. In
short, it is a group of words forming a short
expression. An idiom is a phrase or group of
words, the meaning of which is not clear from
the meaning of its individual words and which
must be learnt as a whole unit.
Idioms and phrases are relative terms and
both terms imply almost the some meaning.
Idioms and phrases beautify and adorn a
sentence.
1. To back up (to support): He backed up
the ruling party to gain their favour.
2. Blow over (pass of):
The present
unfavourable tide will soon blow over.
3. To bear out (substantiate): The police
produced evidence to bear out the charge of
murder.
4. To dispose of (sell): I am going to
dispose off my furniture as soon as possible.
5. To close with (accept): I readily closed
with his offer.
6. To eat away (corrode):
Too many
chocolates have eaten away my teeth
completely.
7. To grow upon (have stronger and
stronger hold over): The habit of smoking
is steadily growing upon him.
[333]
8. Hear someone out (to hear upto the

end):
The teacher pleaded with the
students to hear him out.
9. To hit upon (to find): She hit upon the
perfect title for her new novel.
10.
To keep hanging about (loitering
about): Most of the students in our college
keep hanging about the campus even after
the completion of classes.
11.
Led up to (culminated in): The
continuous tension between the two groups
finally led up to a communal war.
12.
To shake of (get rid of): She has
been trying to shake off some of her weight.
13.
Long for (desire): Throughout his life,
he has longed for a good friend in whom he
could confide.
14.
Stave of (prevent, avert): He is the
only person who can stave off violent
encounter between the two brothers.
15.
Trump up (concocted, fabricated):
The details of his various escapades seem
trumped up.
16.
To be well of (in comfortable
circumstances): Despite her being so well
off, she thinks twice before spending even a
penny.
17.
Bear away (won): The soldier bore
away many prizes for bravery.
18.
To break into (enter by force): The
students broke into the Vice Chancellor`s
office and smashed all the windows.
[334]
19.
Break with (quarrel with): I gave
him no cause to break with me.
20.
Bring about (caused): The income
tax he paid, brought about his ruin.
21.
Bring in (to yield, to produce): His
agricultural output brings in at least a
thousand rupees a month.
22.
Call of (withdraw): The strike was
finally called off after a month with
everyone feeling contented.
23.
Come by (get): How did he come by
this book?
24.
Come to grief (sufer): He will
certainly come to grief if he does not mend
his ways now.
25.
Do to death (murdered): He was
done to death by the dacoits.
26.
Draw over (win over): The politician
was trying to draw over the votes of the
poor people.
27.
Get the better of (advantage
over): He got the better of his partner in
that business.
28.
Give out (proclaim): It was given out
that the fort had been captured.
29.
Given to (addicted): My uncle is
given to drinking.
30.
Go in for (to take an examination,
to compete for): Are you going in for the
M.A. degree?
31.
Hold to (adhere to): She always
holds to her principle.
[335]
32.
Intrude on or upon (encroach
upon) : Hope I am not intruding upon your
privacy,
33.
Keep back (conceal): My best friend
keeps back nothing from me.
34.
Look upon (regard): We look upon
her as our mother.
35.
Make over (transfer): I want to make
over my house to my daughter.
36.
Pull through (recover from illness):
The psychology of the patient helps him a
lot to pull through his illness.
37.
Put by (save): My grandmother
always urged my mother to put by
something for old age.
38.
Put of (postponed): The marriage
was put off owing to the sudden demise of a
close relative.
39.
Run through (waste): Do not run
through your savings.
40.
See through (discern): He was too
innocent to see through any of her tricks.
41.
Set about (begin): He set about his
job assiduously.
42.
Set in (start): Winter has begun to
set in.
43.
Take after (resemble): The baby has
taken after her grandmother.
44.
Take down (note): Please take down
these points.
45.
Turn down (reject): The officer
turned down my request.
[336]
46.
Work on (influence): We tempted
him with many promises, but nothing would
work on him.
47.
Work up (to develop, to improve): I
can not work up any enthusiasm for his
idea.
48.
Throw over (abandon or desert):
When he became rich, he threw over all his
old friends.
49.
Set apart (reserved): These seats
are set apart for ladies.
50.
Run up (increased): Recently, my
expenses have run up considerably.
51.
Done for (ruined): If this business
venture fails, then Im done for.
52.
A wild goose chase (fruitless
task/endeavour): His trying to go abroad
for studies is a wild goose chase.
53.
A red letter day (an important
day): 15th August is a red letter day in the
history of our nation.
54.
Kith
and
kin
(relatives
and
friends): I should look after my kith and kin
whatever be the circumstances.
55.
A hard nut to crack (difficult
thing/person to deal with): Our principal
is a hard nut to crack in matters concerning
discipline.
56.
A cold reception (a welcome,
lacking afection or warmth): He was
given a cold reception at the party.
[337]
57.
Black sheep (bad person): Black
sheep can easily be found in every society.
58.
A birds eye view (a general view):
I had a bird s eye view of the Himalayas
recently, while I was flying to Srinagar.
59.
A burning question (issue keenly
discussed):
The
budget
presented
recently, is a burning question now a-days.
60.
A
bed
of
roses
(easy
and
comfortable): Do not consider life to be a
bed of roses.
61.
Bad blood (a feeling of enmity):
The cricket match ended up creating bad
blood between the two teams.
62.
A bookworm (one who is always
busy with his studies): In spite of being a
bookworm, he barely manages to pass.
63.
A fair weather friend (a friend only
during the limes of prosperity): That fair
weather friend of mine was not to be seen
during my days of adversity.
64.
To add fuel to the fire (to
aggravate the matter): His blatant lies
after stealing the money only added fuel to
the fire.
65.
To be born with a silver spoon in
ones mouth (to be born in a rich
family): Not many are privileged to be born
with a silver spoon in their mouths.
66.
To blow ones own trumpet (to
boast): He keeps on blowing his own
[338]
trumpet and in the process, makes a fool of

himself.
67.
A
bolt
from
the
blue
(an
unexpected disaster): The news of his
brothers death was a bolt from the blue for
him.
68.
To beat black and blue (to beat
mercilessly): The pick pocket when caught
red-handed, was beaten black and blue by
the co-passengers.
69.
To
cast
an
aspersion
(bring
discredit to): The official`s involvement in
the corruption case has cast an aspersion on
the integrity of his character.
70.
To change hands (to pass to a
diferent
owner):
Soon
after
the
millionaires death, his bungalow changed
hands.
71.
To cry over spilt milk (to feel sorry
for what has already happened):
Brooding after failing in the examination is
like crying over spilt milk.
72.
To
die
hard
(to
change
or
disappear very slowly): Old habits die
hard.
73.
To end in smoke (fail): All his
proposals ended in smoke for want of
popular support.
74.
To cut a sorry figure (to make a
poor impression): She cut a sorry figure
when she could not speak correct English in
front of her teachers.
[339]
75.
To go to the dogs (to be ruined):
The institution will go to the dogs if
someone does not stop this corruption.
76.
To hang in the balance (to be
undecided): The fate of the accused will
hang in balance till the court resumes its
proceedings.
77.
To hit the nail on the head (to do
the right thing at the right time): By
accepting this job, you have hit the nail on
the head.
78.
To have the upper hand (to have
more say or influence): The English had
the upper hand in everything while they
ruled over India.
79.
To hold water (sound logical): His
explanation of late arrival in office does not
hold water any more.
80.
To leave no stone unturned (to try
ones level-best): He left no stone
unturned to secure a seat for his son in one
of the prestigious colleges in the city.
81.
To live from hand to mouth (with
just enough for immediate needs):
Many families in India have to live from
hand to mouth on account of economic
backwardness.
82.
To lose heart (to be disheartened):
Do not lose heart because you have lost
your job, you can always get another.
[340]
83.
To make up ones mind (decide):
She has to make up her mind about whom
she wants to marry.
84.
To make both ends meet (to
manage): He can hardly make both ends
meet with his present income.
85.
To move heaven and earth (to do
all that can be done): He moved heaven
and earth to see his son married to the
industrialists daughter.
86.
To see eye to eye with (agree): The
manager and the accountant do not see eye
to eye at the time when accounts are
prepared.
87.
To play ducks and drakes (waste):
The young man played ducks and drakes
with his inherited money.
88.
To put the cart before the horse
(to do a thing in a wrong way): Having a
baby first and getting married afterwards, is
like putting the cart before the horse.
89.
To have too many irons in the fire
(to have too many things in hand):
Studying, working and looking after the
house at the same time means she has too
many irons in the fire.
90.
To kill two birds with one stone (to
accomplish two tasks in one attempt):
If you are going Singapore for a business
meeting, you can kill two birds with one
stone because Singapore is a nice place to
visit and shopping festival is also going on.
[341]
91.
To read between the lines (to try
to understand the hidden meaning):
The letter is to be read between the lines.
92.
To turn over a new leaf (to change
for the better): After her defeat in the
match, Sania Mirza has turned over a new
leaf.
93.
To take the bull by the horns (to
face difficulty boldly): He is a young man
of great courage and will take the bull by
the horns.
94.
To
win
laurels
(distinguish
oneself): Sunil Gavaskar has won many
Laurels as one of the greatest cricketers.
95.
A storm in a tea cup (used
derisively to indicate a great fuss
about a trifle): A fight in the bus for a
window seat, is like raising a storm in a tea
cup.
96.
Not worth his salt (a good for
nothing fellow): He is not worth his salt if
he fails at this juncture.
97.
To play up (to try to make
something appear more important than
it is): She played up her past achievements
just to impress us.
98.
To put a spoke in ones wheel (to
obstruct progress, to prove a serious
barrier or hindrance): Brown was getting
on well in business till Robinson opened a
rival establishment, and that put a spoke in
Brown s wheel.
[342]
99.
To set Thames on fire (to do
something extraordinary or brilliant):
He is a steady worker, but never likely to set
Thames on fire.
100. To take people by storm (to
captivate): His singing took the audience
by storm.
101. To
fight
shy
of
(trying
or
attempting to avoid a person): He tried
to draw me into partnership with him in
business, but I fought shy of him.
102. To
gild
the
pill
(cover
a
disagreeable thing with something
pleasant): They demanded a large war'
indemnity from us and gilded the pill by
offering us two warships.
103. To nip in the bud (to destroy in
early stages of growth, to kill in
infancy): Diphtheria is a disease which
nips many a life in the bud.
104. Other fish to fry (more important
work to attend to): Please be as brief as
you can, I have other fish to fry.
105. Go to roost (retire for the night): I
am in the habit of going to roost early.
106. Pen and ink (in writing): Unless you
issue orders in pen and ink, no one is likely
to follow them.
107. Without
fear
and
favour
(impartially): At your position, it is
expected that you act without fear and
favour.
[343]
108. Judas kiss (false love): His wifes

love was after all a judas kiss.
109. On the knees of gods (yet
uncertain): In spite of doing much hard
work, success in examination is still on the
knees of gods.
110. Neck and crop (completely): The
earthquake has devastated the town neck
and crop.
111. Black ox (misfortune): His failure in
life can be attributed only to the black ox.
112. To be at the zenith of (to be at the
highest point of fame, glory, etc.):
Dhoni has been at the zenith of his career
for the past couple of months.
113. All and sundry (everyone without
distinction): She invited all and sundry to
the birthday party.
114. At deaths door (about to die): Her
grandfather is at death s door, so we must
go and see him.
115. Donkeys years (after a long time):
I have struggled for donkey s years to
come to this position.
116. Eagle-eyed (keen sighted): You
indeed are eagle eyed to be able to spot
Ramesh amidst the crowd.
117. An old flame (sweetheart): She was
an old flame of my brother.
118. Gate crasher (uninvited intruder):
Sorry for gate crashing like this but we could
not help it.
[344]
119. Gift of the gab (power of talking):

It was only through his gift of the gab that
he managed to win the elections.
120. Heart to heart (frank and free): It
was only after a heart to heart talk with
Leela that we were able to sort out our
differences.
121. Not cricket (unfair) : It is definitely
not cricket to cheat in exams.
122. To pick a quarrel (to seek fight): I
would rather not tell him about Aruns
behaviour for he is quick to pick a quarrel
with anyone.
123. Penny wise pound foolish (to
bother about small coins and to throw
bundles of rupees carelessly): Strange
it is but nevertheless true that there are
penny wise pound-foolish people in the
world.
124. Once in a blue moon (rarely): One
comes across a real good Hindi movie only
once in a blue moon.
125. Maiden speech (first speech of an
individual): Most people cut a sorry figure
in their maiden speech.
126. To while away (to spend time
uselessly): Those who while away time at
the sowing season cannot hope to reap the
harvest.
127. Yearn for (to crave for): The modern
youth badly yearns for recognition, which
certainly is not easy to get.
[345]
128. Yeomans service (excellent work

done):
Lincoln
certainly
rendered
yeomans
service
to
humanity
by
eradicating slavery from his country.
129. To tax ones patience (to test ones
patience): Dull and long speeches tax the
patience of the audience.
130. Ups and downs (bad and good
days): Almost everyone must have seen
ups and downs in life.
131. Utopian scheme (unpracticable,
unattainable idea): The scheme of
Family Planning Ministry to check the
population explosion in a year`s time,
appears utopian.
132. To throw mud at (to accuse
wrongly): Pakistan always keeps on
throwing mud at our country.
133. To take french leave (to take leave
without permission or information):
Gone are the days when the government
servants took french leave very often.
134. Through thick and thin (under all
circumstances): If you develop friendship
with an individual, you must stand by him
through thick and thin.
135. Spick and span (neat and clean):
Do you expect a bachelors flat to be spick
and span?
136. A square deal (justice): The youth of
the country must be given a square deal by
the government.
[346]
137. To save ones skin (to avoid harm

or injury) : Most of the invigilators do not
check the students from using unfair
means as they are only concemed about
saving their skin.
138. Small fry (ordinary): Nobody in life
cares for small fries.
139. Scapegoat (one who is made to
bear the blame): When something goes
wrong, everybody wants to make someone
else the scapegoat.
140. A stepping stone (source of
advancement): Your success in this
examination should only be a stepping
stone for your future plans.
141. A thankless task (a job with no
satisfaction or reward): Many lecturers
consider teaching to be a thankless task.
142. Snake in the grass (a hidden
enemy): One must be cautious in life, as
there are many snakes in the grass in this
world.
143. Lions share (major part): The
Punjab wants a lions share in the Beas river
water.
144. Lame excuse (false excuse): The
teachers generally do not pay heed to lame
excuses of the students.
145. To keep abreast of (to keep in
touch): One must keep oneself abreast of
the latest developments in the world.
[347]
146. Losing ground (becoming less

powerful
or
acceptable): All the
superstitious beliefs are losing ground with
technological advancements.
147. Jack of all trades (one who knows a
little about many things): In our world
of specialization, a jack of all trades cannot
be successful.
148. An
iron
will
(strong
determination): Our Prime Minister has
shown that he has an iron will.
149. A herculean task (a work which
needs tremendous eforts): Checking
population growth is really a herculean
task.
150. To hold ones tongue (to be quiet):
Many critics of the Prime Minister are
holding their tongues out of fear.
[348]
IDIOMS AND PHRASES (OBJECTIVE

MULTIPLE CHOICE TYPE)
Below are given idioms followed by four
alternative meanings, marked (a), (b), (c) and
(d). Tick the one which you think is the most
appropriate.
1. Fling away
(a) to have an affair
(b) to flare
up
(c) to throw aside violently
(d)
to
swing
2. Stick by
(a) to adhere closely
(b)
stand by someone
(c) to paste
(d) to pass by
3. Wink at
(a) to tease somebody
(b) to like
someone
(c) to pretend not to see
(d)
to
stare at
4. To be on the wane
(a) to complain
(b) to be sick
(c) to be on boat
diminishing
(d)
to
be
[349]
5. To give a person the cold shoulder.

(a) to offer someone ice-cream
(b)
to
be humble
(c) to threaten
(d)
to
treat
coldly
6. To get one s back up
(a) to become irritated
(b) to sit
straight
(c) to act proud
(d)
to
give
support
7. To feather ones nest
(a) to build ones house
(b)
to
enrich oneself when opportunity knocks
(c) to harbour ill feelings
(d)
to
acquire something in abundance
8. To strike oil
(a) to have found an oil well
(b)
to
have lucky success
(c) to have a close escape
(d)
to
be unsuccessful
9. To talk shop
(a) to talk a lot
(b)
to
use
phrases peculiar to one`s employment
(c) to like to shop
(d) to lie
10.
To draw a line
(a) to Fix a limit
(b) to caution
someone
(c) to be stern
(d) to insult
someone
11.
A swan song
(a) melodious song
(b)
disharmonious display
[350]
(c) utterance/statement made just before

death or retirement
(d)
concocted tale
12.
A white elephant
(a) precious thing
(b)
uncommon event
(c) unprofitable possession
(d)
a
rare phenomenon
13.
Knit ones brows
(a) to disappoint somebody
(b)
to
frown
(c) to have a headache
(d)
to
express discontentment
14.
To plough the sands
(a) to be extremely accomplished
(b)
to be resourceful
(c) to be dejected
(d) to busy
oneself in an
15.
unprofitable proposition To rip up
old sores
(a) to destroy something
(b)
to
act cruelly
(c) to reopen a quarrel
(d) to inflict
pain on someone
16.
To rate soundly
(a) to censure strongly
(b)
to
acquire heavy profits
(c) to be at peace
(d)
to
assure somebody
17.
To run in the same groove
(a) to have a pleasant time
(b)
to
run away from somebody
[351]
(c) to be in the same situation

(d)
to advance in harmony
18.
To be no chicken
(a) to be brave
(b)
to
be
honest
(c) to be no longer young
(d)
to
be childish
19.
To take to ones bed
(a) to be very attached to ones belongings
(b) to lie in bed due to illness
(c) to fight with ones husband
(d)
to
agree with someone
20.
To stand on ceremony
(a) to celebrate an occasion in a grand way
(b) to be extravagant
(c) to get married
(d) to treat
with cold rigid civility
21.
To be at sixes and sevens
(a) to be undecided
(b) to be a
great success
(c) to be certain
(d)
to
give
away generously
22.
To break the ice
(a) a strong man
(b) to start
a quarrel
(c) to break the awkward silence
(d)
to become violent
23.
Put one s foot down
(a) to demand
(b) to take rest
(c) to be firm about something
(d)
to
do something stupid
[352]
24.
Backstairs influence
(a) one who is easily influenced
(b)
influential person
(c) influence exerted secretly
(d)
wifes influence on her husband
25.
Long in the tooth
(a) distant journey
(b)
rather
old
(c) ailment
(d ) young
26.
A brazen-faced fellow
(a) cruel person
(b) ugly person
(c) dark-complexioned person
(d)
impudent fellow
27.
Crocodile tears
(a) hypocritical tears
(b) to use
something to sincerely
(c) to get hysterical
(d)
tears
caused due to presence of ammonia in
something
28.
Elbow room
(a) opportunity for freedom of action
(b) special room for the guest
(c) to give enough space to move or work in
(d) to add a new room to the house
29.
French leave
(a) a person who does not take leave
(b) leave without permission
(c) to take long leave
(d) to take
a day off and have fun
30.
To call a spade a spade
(a) to play cards
(b) to be
arrogant
[353]
(c) to speak plainly without mincing matters

(d) to be confident about everything one
does
31.
To commit to memory
(a) to learn by heart
(b) to tax
ones memory
(c) to be forgetful
(d)
to
commit oneself totally to a task
32.
To burn a hole in the pocket
(a) to steal from someones pocket
(b)
to destroy others belongings
(c) to be very miserly
(d) money
that is spent quickly
33.
To bury the hatchet
(a) to have found a treasure
(b)
to
make peace
(c) to purchase something without discretion
(d) to act in a suspicious manner
34.
To beggar description
(a) something of least importance
(b)
something beyond description
(c) to describe a beggar
(d)
an
accurate description
35.
To beat the air
(a) efforts that are vain, useless
(b)
to be satisfied with ones performance
(c) to be extremely relieved
(d)
to
be very happy
36.
To provide against a rainy day
(a) to provide plentiful
(b) to provide
for a possible future in time of difficulty or need
[354]
(c) to Store for the family

(d)
to
store for the rainy season
37.
A bone of contention
(a) area of agreement
(b) act of
submission
(c) act of gratitude
(d) subject
of dispute
38.
To be all eyes
(a) to be cautious
(b)
watching closely and attentively
(c) to be amazed
(d) to be
non-plussed
39.
Swollen headed
(a) to be suffering from illness
(b)
to
be conceited
(c) to be narrow-minded
(d) to be
dumb
40.
To be like a fish out of water
(a) to be face to face with death
(b)
to
be in a strange situation
(c) to be in want of a house
(d)
to
be determined to live
41.
To stir up a hornets nest
(a) to excite the hostility of people
to do some social service
(c) to be totally at a loss in a situation
(d) to be bankrupt
42.
My hands are full
(a) I am having a lot of things to carry
(b) I am having lots of money
(b)
[355]
(c) I am very busy

(d) I am
anxious
43.
To be at sea
(a) to be a sailor
(b) to be a
steward
(c) to be occupied
(d) to be
perplexed
44.
No love lost between them
(a) to have a fight
(b)
to
dislike each other
(c) to be as friendly as ever
(d)
to
be upset
45.
To be hand and glove with
someone
(a) to be social
(b)
to
be
playful
(c) to be annoyed
(d) to be
intimate
46.
To play fast and loose
(a) to deceive someone
(b) to be
agile
(c) say one thing and do another
(d)
to be efficient
47.
To take stock of
(a) to imagine
(b) to supply
(c) to survey
(d) to attract
48.
A man of straw
(a) a man of no substance
(b)
a
man without means
(c) a man of character
(d)
a
generous man
49.
Wolf in sheeps clothing
[356]
(a) to act on the sly

(b) to be a
good actor
(c) to be a hypocrite
(d)
to
be money-minded or materialistic
50.
To cut someone short
(a) to oblige someone
(b) to assist
someone
(c) to interrupt someone
(d)
to
insult someone
51.
To stick to ones colours
(a) to refuse to yield
(b)
to
be patriotic
(c) to be notorious
(d) to be
straightforward
52.
An old head on young shoulders
(a) to be old before ones age
(b)
to be wise beyond ones age
(c) to be youthful in spite of ones old age
(d) to maintain good health
53.
To snap ones fingers at
(a) to honour someone
(b) to greet
someone
(c) to beckon someone
(d) to be
careless
54.
By fits and starts
(a) irregularly
(b) mostly
(c) after a short time
(d)
regularly
55.
Falling foul of
(a) quarrelling with
(b)
becoming friends with
[357]
(c) being dishonest with

(d)
being
scared of
56.
To show a clean pair of heels
(a) to admonish
(b) to reject
(c) to announce
(d) to run away
57.
Harp on the same string
(a) to play music
(b) to dwell
tedious] y on the same subject
(c) to beat someone
(d)
to
acknowledge
58.
Keep a good table
(a) to have an artistic taste
(b)
to
throw a party
(c) to provide luxurious food
(d)
to
be extravagant
59.
Take up the cudgels
(a) to take notice
(b)
to
accept a present
(c) to defend someone vigorously
(d)
to accept a challenge
60.
Splitting hairs
(a) to be worried
(b) to be
venturesome
(c) to trouble someone
(d)
to
dispute over petty points
61.
A great hand at
(a) to be a good artist
(b) to be an
expert
(c) to be a good player
(d) to be
generous
62.
To make a pile
[358]
(a) to make a fortune

(b) to make
a mess
(c) to be absent-minded
(d) to be
corrupt
63.
Under someones wing
(a) to work under someone
(b)
to
be under someones protection
(c) to be alert
(d) to be in the
army
64.
To sow ones wild oats
(a) to swear
(b) to be at ease
(c) to engage in youthful excesses
(d)
to till the land
65.
An olive branch
(a) an offer of peace
(b) an
idea
(c) a lady
(d) a wicked
person
66.
Not worth a rap
(a) worth nothing
(b)
very
expensive
(c) worth a lot
(d)
modestly
priced
67.
In merry pin
(a) perplexed
(b)
merry
making
(c) embarrassed
(d)
in
a
merry humour
68.
To leap the pale
(a) to throw a bucket
(b) to get
into debt, to spend more than ones income
[359]
(c) to have much of fear

(d)
to
become pale
69.
To cut the gordian knot
(a) to perform the opening ceremony
(b) to be present at the opening ceremony
(c) to solve a difficult problem
(d)
to
get a sharp cut
70.
To sow the wind and reap the
whirlwind
(a) to enjoy the fruits of hard work
(b)
to be deprived of ones reward
(c) to act wisely
(d) to suffer for
ones foolish conduct
71.
To play possum
(a) to play hide and seek
(b)
to
feign ignorance
(c) to cheat somebody
(d) to play
seriously
72.
A grass widow
(a) a young widow
(b) widow
who has illicit relations with men
(c) a woman whose husband is temporarily
away from her (d) a working old woman
73.
Mad as a March hare
(a) sane
(b) intoxicated
(c) as mad as a hare in spring
(d)
slightly touched in the brain
74.
Halcyon days
(a) long days
(b) short days
(c) happy and peaceful days
(d)
disturbed days
75.
Mother wit
[360]
(a) to have an intelligent mother

(b)
university
(c) silly
(d) common sense
76.
A blind date
(a) a cloudy day
(b)
unknown future
(c) meeting with someone you do not know
(d) death-day
77.
Much ado about nothing
(a) to take something seriously
(b)
to
play false
(c) to make a fuss
(d) to add
78.
Judas kiss
(a) wooing
(b) a narrow
escape
(c) hypocritical affection
(d)
a
religious person
79.
To have no truck with
(a) have no means of conveyance
(b)
scientifically backward
(c) to have no trade with
(d)
to
have no dealings with
80.
To clean the Augean stables
(a) to purge the administration of its abuses
(b) to buy horses
(c) to sell horses
(d)
to
improve working conditions
81.
A fly in the ointment
(a) to clean a thing
(b)
to
sterilize
(c) a problem in a situation
(d) an
unsuccessful attempt
[361]
82.
Of the deepest dye
(a) of the worst type
the best type
(c) of the most colourless type
the colourless type
(b)
of
(d)
of
83.
To throw up the sponge
(a) to accept the challenge
(b)
to
forget the past offences
(c) to admit defeat
(d) to send
message
84.
To rule the roost
(a) to measure the height of something
(b) to measure the depth
(c) to strike with a stick
(d)
to
dominate
85.
Bats in the belfry
(a) to be mad
(b) something
needed cleanliness
(c) an impending danger
(d)
to
be deceived
86.
To have a jaundice eye
(a) to have jaundice
(b)
to
have fever
(c) to be prejudiced
(d) to lose
colour
87.
To go leeward
(a) to make up for the lost time
(b)
to
move in the direction the wind blows
(c) to think that law is unnecessary (d)
to
have a disregard for law and order and do as
one likes
[362]
88.
To egg on
(a) to egg on slowly
(b)
to
destroy slowly
(c) to give a walk over
(d)
to
instigate to proceed further
89.
To haul over the coals
(a) to walk over the fire
(b) to bum
(c) to scold for something done wrong
(d) to throw into tire
90.
To draw a bead on
(a) to say prayers
(b) to count
the beads
(c) to do ones best
(d) to take
careful aim at
91.
Fabian policy
(a) dictatorial policy
(b)
democratic policy
(c) systematic policy
(d) policy of
cautious persistence
92.
At ones beck and call
(a) to climb the back
(b)
to
call from behind
(c) to be always at ones service or
command (d) not to care for anybody
93.
To play to the gallery
(a) to try to get the appreciation from the
least intelligent people (b) to play in the
gallery
(c) to try to win appreciation of intelligent
people (d) to disturb people sitting in the
gallery
94.
On the Greek calendars
[363]
(a) the old calendar of the Greeks

(b)
the new calendar of the Greeks
(c) something within easy reach
(d)
something which is impossible
95.
Jog on
(a) to continue at a slow pace
(b)
sleep
(c) to neglect duty
(d)
to
mishandle the case
96.
To bite ones lips
(a) to feel sorry
(b) to be angry
(c) laugh at others
(d) to have
doubt
97.
Nail to the counter
(a) to expose publicly as false
(b)
to be firm
(c) to be unsure
(d) to touch the
exact point
98.
To cool ones heels
(a) to give a cold treatment to somebody
(b) to be kept waiting for sometime
(c) a closed chapter
(d) a hot
issue
99.
Bag of bones
(a) a bag full of bones
(b) a dead
person
(c) a person about to die
(d) an
extremely weak person
100. All moonshine
(a) show
(b) lighted only
by moon
[364]
(c) false
(d) far from
reality
101. To shake the dust of ones feet
(a) to wash feet
(b) to walk
fast
(c) to leave a place with a sense
of
resentment (d) to rest after a long journey
102. To worm oneself into favour
(a) to win favour by flattery
(b)
to
win favour by bribery
(c) to win favour slowly and gradually (d)
to win favour fast
103. A bird of passage
(a) a flying bird
(b)
an
unreliable person
(c) one who stays for a short time
(d)
bad time
104. Thanks to
(a) be grateful
(b)
of
(c) ceremonially
for the benefactor
105. With a string
(a) not to give any aid
unconditional aid
(c) gift or aid with condition
accept aid
106. To set stores by
(a) to value highly
a large quantity of something
as a result
(d) to wait
(b) to give
(d)
to
(b) to hoard
[365]
(c) to set up store

(d) fix a
price
107. To draw the long bow
(a) to shoot
(b)
to
exaggerate
(c) to criticize
(d) to admire
108. To know the ropes
(a) to recognize the lost things
(b)
to
do rigging
(c) to know the procedure of doing a job
(d) to log
109. To give the devil his due
(a) to be just to a person even though he
does (b) to surrender oneself willingly
not deserve such treatment when ones
mistake is detected
(c) to punish an innocent person
(d)
to punish a guilty person
110. In the swim
(a) knowing latest current things
(b)
to cross a river by a boat
(c) to cross a river by swimming
(d)
to be in the river
111. To knuckle under
(a) to be in a crisis
(b) to submit
(c) to take rest
(d) to go to bed
112. To have a dig at
(a) to criticize someone
(b)
to
sow seeds
(c) to weed out
(d) All to
praise someone
113. All the go
[366]
(a) in fashion
(b) fair
(c) smooth
(d) total absence
114. Three Rs
(a) radiogram, radiograph, radio telescope
(b) rabble, rattle, razzle
(c) reading, writing, arithmetic
(d) rail,
radar, raft
115. A wild goose chase
(a) foolish and useless Enterprise
(b)
to hunt
(c) a violent chase
(d)
to
speak harshly
116. To rest on ones laurels
(a) to cease to strive for further glory (b)
to be lazy
(c) to be proud of ones victory
(d)
to
die
117. Raw deal
(a) unjust treatment
(b) unripe
fruit
(c) early stage of business
(d)
contract not yet finally decided
118. A forlorn hope
(a) a plan which has remote chances of
success
(b) hope about unforeseeable
future
(c) hope of a single person
(d)
hope of a silly person
119. Printers devil
(a) an apprentice in a printing office
(b) blunder
[367]
(c) low type of printed material

(d)
delay in printing
120. To be on the carpet
(a) subject to criticism
(b)
under
consideration
(c) a heartfelt welcome
(d) on the
ground
121. To bring the house down
(a) to appeal greatly to the audience
(b) to pull down a building
(c) to defame ones family
(d)
to
pass a bill unanimously
122. To have an edge on
(a) to cut with a knife
(b)
to
threaten to wound
(c) to be slightly better than
(d)
to
be in a dangerous situation
123. In sackcloth and ashes
(a) to cremate
(b) in a state of
great mourning
(c) dirty clothes
(d)
cheap
clothes
124. To put two and two together
(a) to progress steadily
(b)
to
compare the debit and credit
(c) to conclude keeping in view the merits
and demerits
(d) to oppose as a last
resort
125. To weather the storm
(a) to face a crisis
(b)
to
survive a crisis
[368]
(c) to be the victim of a crisis

(d)
to
create crisis
126. To grease the palm
(a) to bribe
(b) to lubricate
(c) to cut down a tree
(d) to fly in
the sky
127. Lump in the throat
(a) to be hoarse
(b) a highly
emotional state
(c) food of low type
(d)
windpipe
128. To fight shy of
(a) to keep aloof from
(b) to fight
social evils
(c) to be bold
(d) to fight and
win
129. Hobsons choice
(a) lions share
(b) the best
choice
(c) option of taking the one offered or
nothing (d) the last chance
130. To hit it of
(a) to quarrel
(b) to be hostile
(c) to agree or be congenial
(d)
to threaten
131. To whitewash
(a) to clean a place
(b)
to
work
hard
(c) to retrieve damaged reputation
(d)
to use cosmetics
132. Within an ace of
[369]
(a) very close

(b) within ones
means
(c) within a narrow circle
(d)
near centre
133. To keep an open mind
(a) to remember
(b)
to
forget
(c) to come to no decision on a subject of
(d) to be clear-headed
discussion
134. Open question
(a) a question put to all
(b)
a
question without any generally agreed answer
(c) a permanent problem
(d)
a
clearly-written/expressed question
135. On ones mettle
(a) roused to do ones best
(b)
to
put on an overcoat
(c) to safeguard against attack
(d)
to
use ones own money properly
136. To keep the pot boiling
(a) to maintain interest
(b) to heat
(c) to show anger
(d) to do
experiments
137. Grist to ones mill
(a) grain to be ground
(b)
useful
for ones purpose
(c) income from will
(d) to work
ones machine
138. Kangaroo court
(a) a group of kangaroos
(b) the
young kangaroo
[370]
(c) unofficial court

(d)
unofficial
estimate
139. Wool gathering
(a) to become a shepherd
(b)
to
shear sheep
(c) to engage in idle or aimless day
dreaming (d) to live in the countryside
140. Between Scylla and Charybdis
(a) between two hills
(b)
between two rivers
(c) between two enemies
(d)
between two dangers
141. Achilles heel
(a) bare-foot
(b) to run fast
(c) to wait on somebody
(d)
ones vulnerable or susceptible spot
142. To know which side the bread is
buttered on
(a) to know where one`s interest lies
(b) to be a glutton
(c) to be fond of rich diet
(d)
to
know how to increase ones income
143. To eke out
(a) to subtract
(b)
to
supplement
(c) to etch
(d) to oust
144. To be in the doldrums
(a) to be in low spirits
(b) to be
within doors
(c) to praise loudly
(d) to be in a
crisis
145. Spick and span
[371]
(a) lean and thin

(b)
neat
and clean
(c) honest and true
(d) hale and
hearty
146. Wild cat strike
(a) a furious attack
(b) strike not
approved by the trade union
(c) a strike in which violence is committed
(d) to face a strong enemy
147. Blind alley
(a) blindness due to old age
(b)
a dark room
(c) unprofitable action
(d)
to
continue to make efforts in spite of confusion
148. Tied to the apron strings of
(a) be independent
(b)
to
be
dominated by
(c) to live together
(d) to fall in
love with
149. Brown study
(a) to study sincerely
(b) to study
uselessly
(c) deep in thought
(d)
practical
advantage
150. To see pink elephants
(a) to dream
(b)
to
anticipate luck
(c) to be afraid of
(d) to show
courage
[372]
Answers:
1.
(c)
11.
(c)
21.
(a)
31.
(a)
41.
(a)
51.
(a)
61.
(b)
71.
(b)
81.
(c)
91.
2.
(a)
12.
(c)
22.
(c)
32.
(d)
42.
(c)
52.
(b)
62.
(a)
72.
(c)
82.
(a)
92.
3.
(c)
13.
(b)
23.
(c)
33.
(b)
43.
(d)
53.
(d)
63.
(b)
73.
(c)
83.
(c)
93.
4.
(d)
14.
(d)
24.
(c)
34.
(b)
44.
(c)
54.
(a)
64.
(c)
74.
(c)
84.
(d)
94.
5.
(d)
15.
(c)
25.
(b)
35.
(a)
45.
(d)
55.
(a)
65.
(a)
75.
(d)
85.
(a)
95.
6.
(a)
16.
(a)
26.
(d)
36.
(b)
46.
(c)
56.
(d)
66.
(a)
76.
(c)
86.
(c)
96.
7.
(b)
17.
(d)
27.
(a)
37.
(d)
47.
(c)
57.
(b)
67.
(d)
77.
(c)
87.
(b)
97.
8.
(b)
18.
(c)
28.
(c)
38.
(b)
48.
(a)
58.
(c)
68.
(b)
78.
(c)
88.
(d)
98.
9.
(b)
19.
(b)
29.
(b)
39.
(b)
49.
(c)
59.
(c)
69.
(c)
79.
(d)
89.
(c)
99.
10.
(a)
20.
(d)
30.
(c)
40.
(b)
50.
(c)
60.
(d)
70.
(d)
80.
(a)
90.
(d)
100
[373]
(d)
101
. (c)
111
. (b)
121
. (a)
131
. (c)
141
. (b)
(c)
102.
(a)
112.
(a)
122.
(c)
132.
(a)
142.
(a)
(a)
103
. (c)
113
. (a)
123
. (b)
133
. (c)
143
. (b)
(d)
104
. (a)
114
. (c)
124
. (c)
134
. (b)
144
. (a)
(a)
105
. (c)
115
. (a)
125
. (b)
135
. (a)
145
. (b)
(b)
106
. (a)
116
. (a)
126
. (a)
136
. (a)
146
. (b)
(a)
107
. (b)
117
. (a)
127
. (b)
137
. (b)
147
. (c)
(b)
108
. (c)
118
. (a)
128
. (a)
138
. (c)
148
. (b)
(d)
109
. (a)
119
. (a)
129
. (c)
139
. (c)
149
. (c)
. (d)
110
. (a)
120
. (b)
130
. (c)
140
. (d)
150
. (d)
IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
Fill in the blanks in the following sentences
choosing appropriate idiomatic expressions
from those given below Make necessary
changes in the idioms to suit the sentences.
EXERCISE N0. 1
By and large; (to) carry weight; (to) cut a sorry
figure; (to) look into; (to) look for; (a) lions
[374]
share; (to) make both ends meet; (to) make

head or tail of; (a) man of straw; (a) man of
letters.
(A) He was informed that the police were
________ the matter.
(B) You do not care much for him. It means you
think him to be ________.
(C) Since morning, I have been _________ my
lost watch.
(D) Indian masses are ________ uneducated and
ill-informed.
(E) He spoke for about two hours, but I could
__________ what he said.
(F) Tagore is remembered as ___________.
(G) This argument of yours (not) __________.
(H) Being the eldest son, he is sure to get
___________; of his fathers property.
(I) He ________________ in his maiden speech.
(J) In these days of rising prices, an average
middle class family with its limited resources
finds it difficult__________.
Answers:
1.
He was informed that the police were
looking into the matter.
2.You do not care much for him. It means you
think him to be a man of straw.
3.Since morning, I have been looking for my
lost watch.
4.Indian masses are by and large uneducated
and ill-informed.
5.He spoke for about two hours, but I could
make neither head nor tail of what he said.
[375]
6.Tagore is remembered as a man of letters.

7.This argument of yours carries no weight.
8.Being the eldest son, he is sure to get the
lions share of this fathers property.
9.He cut a sorry figure in his maiden speech.
10. In these days of rising prices, an
average middle class family with its limited
resources finds it difficult to make both
ends meet.
EXERCISE NO. 2
(To) come of; (to) stand by; (to) play the second
fiddle; (to) burn the midnight oil; (a) man of
parts; by dint of; by and by; (to) take stock of;
(to) take to task; (to) throw mud at.
1. You are my friend. I shall you through thick
2. You cannot expect her to take such a mean
step. She ________ a royal family.
3. He is resolved to get first division marks.
So, he ________.
4. He is sure to make his mark in life because
he is____________.
5. Dont
lose
patience;
things
will
improve____________.
6. Modern educated wives are not prepared
____________ to their husbands.
7. He has made a fortune ____________ hard
work and, honesty.
8. A meeting of the students leaders will be
held at 10 A.M. ___________ the situation in
the campus.
[376]
9. You have to be cautious in dealing with

him. He is in the habit of ___________ others.
10.
You will ______________ for saying so.
Answers:
1.
You are my friend. I shall stand by you
through thick and thin.
2.
You cannot expect her to take such a
mean step. She comes of a royal family.
3.
He is resolved to get first division
marks. So, he burns the midnight oil.
4.
He is sure to make his mark in life
because he is a man of parts.
5.Dont lose patience; things will improve by
and by.
6. Modern educated wives are not prepared
to play the second fiddle to their husbands.
7.He has made a fortune by dint of hard work
and honesty.
8.A meeting of the students leaders will be
held at 10 A.M. to take stock of the
situation in the campus.
9.You have to be cautious in dealing with
him. He is in the habit of throwing mud at
others.
10. You will be taken to task for saying so.
EXERCISE NO. 3
[377]
(a) wet blanket; (a) past master; (a) fair play;

(an) oily tongue; (a) dog in the mangers
policy; (to) play truant; (a) queer fish; (to) call
off; (to) put off; (to) smell a rat.
a.The labour leaders have agreed __________
the strike.
b.I cannot understand why he sometimes
observes ________.
c. The students were making merry, but the
sudden arrival of the teacher proved
_______.
d._______ may often be concealing a wicked
heart.
e.It is really difficult to understand his
behaviour, he is _____________.
f. Your brother is really ______________ in
telling lies.
g.The idea of starting a school has been
____________.
h.You are advised not to develop intimacy
with him because he ___________.
i. We want _________ and no favour from the
principal.
j. This does not look like a natural death. I
________.
Answers:
1. The labour leaders have agreed to call off
the strike.
[378]
2. I cannot understand why he something

observes a dog in the mangers policy.
3. The students were making merry, but the
sudden arrival of the teacher proved a wet
blanket.
4. An oily tongue may often be concealing a
wicked heart.
5. It is really difficult to understand his
behaviour, he is a queer fish.
6. Your brother is really a past master in
telling lies.
7. The idea of starting a school has been put
off.
8. You are advised not to develop intimacy
with him because he plays truant.
9. We want fair play and no favour from the
principal.
10.
This does not look like a natural death.
I smell a rat.
EXERCISE NO. 4
Worth his salt; (to) worship the rising sun; (to)
take up the cudgels; an uphill task; a bone of
contention; tooth and nail; (to) take to heels; a
mares nest; the long and the short of;
crocodile tears.
1. The border has always been _________
between the two countries.
2. In the selfish world of today, everyone
seems ________.
[379]
3. Politicians shed __________ on the miserable

lot of the poor.
4. No sooner did he see his father, than he
_____________.
5. We
must
fight
against
corruption
___________.
6. He is a social worker. He always
___________on behalf of the poor.
7. The servant proved to be __________ when
his master was in trouble.
8. The information that many students had
been arrested proved to be ________.
9. Please tell me ___________ of his complaint.
10.
To root out evil from the society is
________________.
Answers:
1. The border has always been a bone of
contention between the two countries.
2. In the selfish world of today, everyone
seems to worship the right sun.
3. Politicians shed crocodile tears on the
miserable lot of the poor.
4. No sooner did he see his father, than he
took to his heels.
5. We must fight against corruption tooth and
nail.
[380]
6. He is a social worker. He always takes up

the cudgels on behalf of the poor.
7. The servant proved to be worth his salt
when his master was in trouble.
8. The information that many students had
been arrested proved to be a mares nest.
9. Please tell me the long and the short of his
complaint.
10.
To root out evil from the society is an
uphill task.
EXERCISE NO. 5
A turning point; trump card; through thick and
thin; up and doing; a wild goose chase; by hook
or by crook; by fits and starts; bag and
baggage; at sixes and sevens; to comply with.
1. Mohan works _____________, sometimes
working for fifteen hours a day and
sometimes doing no work for fifteen days.
2. Everything in his room was _____________.
3. I shall stand by you _________.
4. He refused to _____________ my orders.
5. The war of Kalinga proved ___________ in
the life of Ashoka. After that, he became a
messiah of peace.
6. You have achieved success in this field.
What was your ____________?
7. Every citizen of India should be __________
and serve the country.
[381]
8. To try to establish world peace is only

___________.
9. I must get this work done___________.
10.
The English have left India _________.
Answers:
1. Mohan works by fits and starts,
sometimes working for fifteen hours a day
and sometimes doing no work for fifteen
days.
2. Everything in his room was at sixes and
sevens.
3. I shall stand by you through thick and
thin.
4. He refused to comply with my orders.
5. The war of Kalinga proved a turning
point in the life of Ashoka. After that, he
became a messiah of peace.
6. You have achieved success in this field.
What was your trump card?
7. Every citizen of India should be up and
doing and serve the country.
8. To try to establish world peace is only a
wild goose chase.
9. I must get this work done by hook or by
crook.
10. The English have left India bag and
baggage.
[382]
ONE WORD SUBSTITUTION

Given below are a number of phrases and a
single word substitute for each of them
who
knows
many Linguist
1. One
languages.
2. Being unable to pay ones Insolvent
debts.
Notorious
3. Having an evil reputation.
[383]
4. One who leaves his country

to settle elsewhere.
5. A person who lives at the
same time as another.
6. A person who can neither
read nor write.
7. A person who spends his
money recklessly.
8. A person who lives by
himself.
9. A woman whose husband is
dead.
10. A man whose wife is dead.
11. A child whose parents are
dead.
12. A minister representing a
sovereign or state in a foreign
country.
13. A person sent on a mission
(usually official).
14. A person who is indifferent to
pleasure or pain.
15. One who defends or is
zealous for his countrys
freedom or rights.
16. One who makes an eloquent
public speech.
17. One who undergoes penalty
of death for sticking to his
faith.
who
abandons
his
18. One
religious faith.
Emigrant
Contempora
ry
Illiterate
Spendthrift
Recluse
Widow
Widower
Orphan
Ambassador
Emissary
Stoic
Patriot
Orator
Martyr
Apostate
[384]
who
is
given
to
19. One
questioning the truth of facts
and
the
soundness
of
inferences.
20. Belonging to all parts of the
world; a person familiar with
many different countries.
21. One who resides in a country
of which he is not a citizen.
22. One who comes as a settler
into a foreign country.
23. Being present everywhere.
Sceptic
Cosmopolita
n
Alien
Immigrant
Omnipresen
t
Omnipotent
24. Being all-powerful.
Omniscient
25. One who knows everything.
Infallible
26. Beyond making a mistake.
Cannibal
27. One who eats human flesh.
28. One who looks at the dark Pessimist
side of things.
29. One who looks at the bright Optimist
side of things.
30. Not suitable to be elected or Ineligible
selected under the rules.
31. One who loves and works for Philanthropi
his fellow men.
st
Misanthropi
32. One who hates mankind.
st
33. One who lives on vegetables. Vegetarian
34. One who has belief in the Theist
existence of God.
35. One who has no belief in the Atheist
existence of God.
[385]
36. One who believes in fate.

37. One who plays a game for
pleasure
and
not
professionally.
38. One who has grown old in or
has
long
experience
of
(specially military) service or
occupation.
39. One who lends money at
exorbitant rates of interest.
40. A member of a council.
41. The practice of having two or
more spouse.
42. A general pardon of political
offenders.
43. Fond of entertaining guests.
44. One who totally abstains from
alcoholic drinks.
45. One who walks on foot.
46. Taking of ones own life.
47. Murder of a king.
48. Murder of a new-born infant.
of
ones
own
49. Murder
father/mother/brother.
Fatalist
Amateur
Veteran
Usurer
Councillor
Polygamy
Amnesty
Hospitable
Teetotaller
Pedestrian
Suicide
Regicide
Infanticide
Patricide/Ma
tricide/Fratri
cide
Homicide
50. The killing of human beings.
51. A child born after the death of Posthumous
his father or a book published
after the death of its author.
52. Forbidden, prohibited by law. Illicit
53. A man whose manners are Efeminate
more like those of a woman.
[386]
54. A medicine to counteract the

effect of poison.
55. A speech made without
preparation.
56. A language that is no longer
spoken.
57. The word which is no longer
in use.
58. The motive merely to get
money.
59. Existing for ever - without any
beginning or end.
60. Subject to death.
61. Resulting in death.
Antidote
Extempore
Dead
Obsolete
Mercenary
Eternal
Mortal
Fatal
or
mortal
62. Property inherited from ones Patrimony
father or ancestors.
Manuscript
63. A paper written by hand.
64. The result of the match where Draw
neither party wins.
65. Animals which give birth to Mammals
babies and feed them with
their milk.
66. Method of sending messages Wireless or
without the help of wires.
radio
67. A place for burial of dead Cemetery
bodies.
Forgery
68. Counterfeiting of document.
Voluntary
69. Of ones own free will.
Retaliate
70. Give tit for tat.
71. The cessation of warfare Armistice
before a treaty is signed.
[387]
72. The science of reasoning.

73. Belonging to all parts of the
world.
74. A figure with many angles or
sides.
75. An instrument for measuring
temperature.
76. Compulsory enlistment for
military or other services.
77. A place where young plants
are reared.
78. The absence of government
in a country.
state
in
which
the
79. A
Government is carried on
nominally, and also, by the
people
or
their
elected
representatives without a
monarch.
80. Government carried on by an
absolute ruler.
by
the
81. Government
representatives of the people.
82. Government by officials.
83. An absolute government.
84. The life history of a person
written by another.
85. The life history of a person
written by himself.
86. Conferred as an honour, or
performed without pay.
87. The yearly return of a date.
Logic
Universal
Polygon
Thermomet
er
Conscription
Nursery
Anarchy
Republic
Dictatorship
Democracy
Bureaucracy
Autocracy
Biography
Autobiograp
hy
Honorary
Anniversary
[388]
88. Of unknown or unadmitted

authorship.
89. Allowing the passage of rays
of light.
90. Not allowing the passage of
light.
91. A substance that kills insects.
92. Occurring at the same time.
Anonymous
Transparent
Opaque
Insecticide
Simultaneou
s
93. An assembly of worshippers. Congregatio
n
Audience
94. An assembly of listeners.
95. A substance that kills germs. Germicide
Panacea
96. A cure for all diseases.
Unanimous
97. All of one mind.
Illegal
98. Contrary to law.
99. Not definitely or clearly Inexplicit
expressed.
which
cannot
be Inexcusable
100.That
excused.
101.That which cannot be taken Impregnable
by force of arms.
which
cannot
be Inadmissible
102.That
admitted or allowed.
which
cannot
be Inaccessible
103.That
reached.
which
cannot
be Imperceptib
104.That
perceived by sense.
le
which
cannot
be Indestructib
105.That
destroyed.
le
106.That which cannot be altered Irrevocable
or recalled.
[389]
which
cannot
be Indispensab
107.That
dispensed with.
le
Incombustib
108.That which cannot be burnt.
le
109.That which cannot be divided. Indivisible
which
cannot
be Irreconcilabl
110.That
reconciled.
e
which
cannot
be Irrecoverabl
111.That
recovered.
e
Invisible
112.That which cannot be seen.
Illegible
113.That which cannot be read.
114.That which cannot be heard. Inaudible
which
cannot
be Invincible
115.That
conquered.
which
cannot
be Invulnerable
116.That
wounded.
which
cannot
be Incredible
117.That
believed.
118.That which can be easily set Inflammable
on tire.
119.That which can not be Unavoidable
avoided.
which
cannot
be Inexpressibl
120.That
expressed in words.
e
Unique
121.The only one of its type.
122.A man who is the head of a Abbot
monastery or an abbey.
123.A form of a word, phrase, etc. Abbreviatio
that is shorter than the full n
form.
124.A quantity that is more than Abundance
enough.
[390]
125.A word formed from the first

letters of a group of words.
126.A public notice offering or
asking for goods, services,
etc.
127.The act of convening land
into a forest by planting many
trees.
128.A building without a roof
containing rows of seats
rising in steps round an open
space.
129.The loss of ability to feel pain
while still conscious.
130.A part of the sea, or of a large
lake, enclosed by a wide
curve of the shore.
131.A stretch of sand or stones
along the edge of the sea or a
lake.
132.The driver of a taxi cab.
Acronym
Advertiseme
nt
Aforestatio
n
Amphitheatr
e
Analgesia
Bay
Beach
Cabby.
Cabdriver
133.Entertainment provided in a Cabaret
restaurant or night club while
the customers are eating and
drinking.
134.A person who draws maps Cartographe
and charts.
r
135.A person, an animal or a Denizen
plant that lives, grows or is
often found in a particular
[391]
place.
136.The medical study of the skin
and its diseases.
137.A shopkeeper selling cloth
and clothing.
138.A sudden serious event or
situation requiring immediate
action.
139.A false or mistaken belief.
140.A long pole on which a flag is
flown.
141.All the plants of a particular
area or period of time.
state
of
extreme
142.A
excitement.
143.Injury to the nose, fingers or
toes, caused by extreme cold.
144.A room or building for
showing works of art.
145.To play games of chance, etc.
for money.
146.A drug that causes one to
hallucinate.
147.Existing only in the mind.
148.A manager or director of a
ballet, a concert. a theatre or
an opera company.
149.A newspaper or magazine
that deals with a particular
subject
or
professional
activity.
150.A person sent to teach the
Dermatolog
y
Draper
Emergency
Fallacy
Flagstaf
Flora
Frenzy
Frostbite
Gallery
Gamble
Hallucinoge
n
Imaginary
Impresario
Journal
Missionary
[392]
Christian religion to people

who are ignorant of it.

Banking English Book

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Banking English Book

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

[1]

A sentence often contains a group of words

How can I be a good speaker?

A sentence has two parts:

Verbs Example: movement from move;

The names of things which we can not

However, there are certain nouns ending in f

The old furnitures were disposed of.

Other nouns are- sheep, fish, apparatus,

The jury was unanimous in its opinion (one

Premise Proposition Premisesi) Propositions

studied in pairs. The following table will enable

THE NOUN: CASE

When a noun is used as the object of a verb,

Note that, Direct objects mostly appear in the

Note the use of the pronouns:

Mohit paints with an old brush which his

i) Each trainee gets a certificate.

Madhabi Mudgal is a renowned dancer.

Who has seen the future? (adjective as

These ing forms of the words may look like

number of the subject will change them.

Here are some verbs which are used both as

Verbs can be divided into different types

(i) Verbs with vowel change only, as :

how it is going to change its form. Therefore, in

SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT

10. PAINS AND MEANS take either singular or

13. A Collective Noun takes a singular verb

i) The clerk is sitting on the chair.

(i) Ravana was killed by Rama with an

Since is used before a noun or phrase

We flew above the clouds.

He called on me at 9 p.m. yesterday.

(iv) He poured tea into the cup.

4.The nib of the pen is made of gold.

Have you heard about it?

allian result deli

adap can bea

contr yea part tast alig per Encr

adja desi acq

appr deta abso

A conjunction is a word which joins two

The winner of the quiz competition was

(ix)Concession: Although my uncle is quite

4. Lest: Indicate some caution and also

Though can be placed in place of

Note: Normally, because is used to join

VERB ADJEC ADV PREPO CONJUN

(ii) Before names of things unique of their

OMISSION OF THE ARTICLE

countries(Sri Lanka, Japan), cities ( New

to bring word, to cast anchor, to catch fire, to

PHRASES, CLAUSES, MODIFIERS

group of words that has a verb and it makes a

predicate), or in effect a sentence within a

(v) Dev saw my friend buying a CD on his way

My brother will study Nuclear Physics.

Regular verb tenses

(were not helping)

(will not help)

(will not be helping)

(had not helped)