Common Errors – 20 Questions [SSC CGL Exam. 2015]

Common Errors – 20 Questions [SSC CGL Exam. 2015]

Directions for questions (1 to 20): In the following questions, some parts of the sentences have errors and some are correct. Find out which part of a sentence has an error. The number of that part is the answer. If a sentence is free from error, your answer is ‘No error’.

(SSC CGL Tier-II Exam 2015)

1. There be a long queue for entry into the exhibition ground.
(a) For entry into
(b) No error
(c) There be a long queue
(d) The exhibition ground

Explanation: The verb ‘is’ or ‘was’ is missing in the given sentence. Be is a linking verb but ‘is or was’ needs to be used. ‘There is or was a long queue’ is the right usage.
Hence, the correct option is (c).

2. Until you are in the habit of putting off things you cannot ensure yourself of a good future.
(a) No error
(b) The habit of putting off things
(c) You cannot ensure yourself of a good future.
(d) Until you are in

Explanation: ‘Put off means’ to postpone or delay. Use of “of” preposition is incorrect.
Hence, the correct option is (c).

3. Let us vie to one another in doing good.
(a) To one another
(b) Let us vie
(c) In doing good
(d) No error

Explanation: It is a preposition-linked error. ‘Vie’ means to compete, so vie agrees with ‘with’. Screaming fans vied to get closer to their idol. Therefore, “with each other” or “one another” should be used here.
Hence, the correct option is (a).

4. The article suggests that when a person is under unusual stress you should be especially careful to eat a well-balanced diet.
(a) The article suggests that when a person is under unusual stress
(b) You should be especially careful
(c) To eat a well-balanced diet.
(d) No error

Explanation: Here, ‘he or she should be especially careful’ should be used. The use of the second person is inappropriate.
Hence, the correct option is (b).

5. The results of the survey were fairly disappointing.
(a) Of the survey were
(b) The results
(c) Fairly disappointing
(d) No error

Explanation: The word ‘fairly’ is an adverb which means in a fair and reasonable way. Therefore, very or rather disappointing should be used here.
Hence, the correct option is (c).

6. Some members of the committee were opposed to use the club members’ money to redecorate the meeting hall.
(a) The club members’ money to redecorate the meeting hall
(b) No error
(c) Some members of the committee
(d) There opposed to use

Explanation: The word ‘opposed’ means dissenting with something. Here, gerund form is required, so ‘were opposed to using’ should be used.
Hence, the correct option is (d).

7. I forbid you not to go there again.
(a) There again
(b) No error
(c) Not to go
(d) I forbid you

Explanation: The word ‘forbid’ means to prevent from doing something. Therefore, ‘a positive word to go’ should be used.
Hence, the correct option is (c).

8. He received much help from the neighbours.
(a) He received
(b) Much help
(c) No error
(d) From the neighbours

Explanation: ‘A lot of’ or ‘lots of help’ is the correct usage.
Hence, the correct option is (b).

9. He looked upon me eye to eye for a few moments before he spoke.
(a) Before he spoke
(b) No error
(c) Eye to eye for a few moments
(d) He looked upon me

Explanation: The phrase ‘look upon’ means to regard someone in a particular way. When someone directs their eyes to something, we say ‘look at’.
Hence, the correct option is (d).

10. As per the invitation card Rahim marries with Sayra on 13th December Monday.
(a) As per the invitation card
(b) No error
(c) On 13th December Monday.
(d) Rahim marries with Sayra

Explanation: Here, ‘Rahim will marry Sayra’ should be used. The simple future ‘will marry’ is appropriate as the event has not yet occurred.
Hence, the correct option is (d).

11. I was convinced that the only thing I wanted to do ever is to write novels.
(a) I was convinced that
(b) No error
(c) The only thing I wanted to do
(d) Ever is to write novels

Explanation: The reporting verb is in past tense. Therefore, ‘was to write novels’ should be used.
Hence, the correct option is (d).

12. This book is different than that.
(a) Is different
(b) This book
(c) No error
(d) Than that

Explanation: It is a preposition-linked error. Therefore, ‘different from’ should be used. When comparing two objects, ‘from’ should follow ‘different’.
Hence, the correct option is (d).

13. Riches are uncertain things and the fame that power give or is won by foul means is as short-lived as the dewdrop.
(a) Is as short-lived as the dewdrop
(b) That power give or is won by foul means
(c) Riches are uncertain things and the fame
(d) No error

Explanation: Here, the singular verb ‘gives’ should be used, so it should read ‘that power gives or is won by foul means.’
Hence, the correct option is (b).

14. The doctor asked his patient to regularly take his medicine.
(a) Asked his patient
(b) To regularly take his medicine.
(c) No error
(d) The doctor

Explanation: It should be ‘to take the medicine regularly.’
Hence, the correct option is (b).

15. Did you hear many news about the political situation while you were in that country?
(a) About the political situation while you were in that country?
(b) Many news
(c) Did you hear
(d) No error

Explanation: ‘News’ is an uncountable noun, so ‘many’ should not be used with it.
Hence, the correct option is (b).

16. I meant to repair the radio but hadn’t time to do it today.
(a) No error
(b) To do it today
(c) I meant to repair the radio
(d) But hadn’t time

Explanation: In this context, ‘but I have no time’ should be used instead of ‘hadn’t time.’
Hence, the correct option is (d).

17. The heavyweight fighter was knocking out in one punch.
(a) The heavyweight fighter
(b) In one punch
(c) That’s knocking out
(d) No error

Explanation: In passive voice, ‘V + Past Participle’ should be used. Therefore, ‘was knocked out’ should be used.
Hence, the correct option is (c).

18. Thanks to an insight and persistence of the local doctor, hundreds of victims have been able to resume normal life.
(a) No error
(b) And persistence of the local doctor
(c) Hundreds of victims have been able to resume normal life.
(d) Thanks to an insight

Explanation: ‘Insight’ is an abstract noun, so the definite article ‘the’ should be used before it.
Hence, the correct option is (d).

19. In twenty wrecks five lives were fortunately lost.
(a) In twenty wrecks
(b) Five lives were
(c) No error
(d) Fortunately lost

Explanation: Death or loss of life is unfortunate, not fortunate. Hence, ‘unfortunately lost’ should be used.
Hence, the correct option is (d).

20. Do you think you could lend me good pair of gloves to wear to the wedding?
(a) Do you think you could lend me
(b) To wear to the wedding?
(c) A good pair of gloves
(d) No error

Explanation: The indefinite article ‘a’ should be used before ‘good pair of gloves.’
Hence, the correct option is (c).