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Sentence Improvement

Description: Diction, Verb Tenses, Articles and Modals
Number of Questions: 20
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Tags: Diction Verb Tenses Articles and Modals Parts of Speech Articles and Determiners Sentence Improvement Others Structural Errors Tenses Preposition and Conjunction
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Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first option as your answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The religious conflict of the 16th and the 17th centuries leap up to the growth of national religion in our period.

  1. the 16th and the 17th centuries leap up to

  2. the 16th and 17th centuries leap up to

  3. the 16th and the 17th century leap into

  4. the 16th and the 17th centuries leap on to

  5. the 16th century and the 17th century leap up to

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Justification for (2): The sentence has error of incorrect use of article. Definite article ‘the’ should be used only before 16th century because ‘16th and 17th centuries’ is functioning as a single unit. This option corrects the error.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

When he returned to the office the visitors left and the peon was sitting idle.

  1. When he returned to the office the visitors left and the peon was sitting idle.

  2. When he returned to the office the visitors had left and the peon had been sitting idle.

  3. When he returned to office he found that the visitors had left and the peon had been sitting idle.

  4. When he returned to the office he found the peon sitting idle, while the visitors had left.

  5. When he returned to the office the visitors had left and the peon was sitting idle.

Show answer
Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Justification for (5): 'The visitors left' is past indefinite tense, whereas the ‘visitors had left’ before he returned.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Luck served him so well that what shots were wildly aimed at him, as he dashed by, went wide of striking him.

  1. Luck served him so well that what shots were wildly aimed at him

  2. Luck served him so well that whatever shots were wildly aimed at him

  3. Luck served him so well that what shots were aimed wildly at him

  4. Luck served him well enough that what shots were wildly aimed at him

  5. Luck served him so well that what shots were aimed at him wildly

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has error of incorrect diction. 'What' needs to be replaced with 'whatever'.

Justification for (2): 'What' needs to be replaced with 'whatever'. This option rectifies the error.

Explanation for (3): The option does not rectify the error of idiomatic usage and also introduces error of modifier (by replacing 'wildly aimed' by 'aimed wildly').
Explanation for (4): The option changes the structure of the sentence but does not rectify the error of idiomatic usage. Explanation for (5): The option changes the order of words but does not rectify the error of diction.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

He told his boss to pardon him for what he said.

  1. He told his boss to pardon him for what he said.

  2. He asked his boss to pardon him for what he said.

  3. He asked his boss to pardon him for what he had said.

  4. He told his boss to pardon him for what he had said.

  5. He requested his boss to pardon him for what he said.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

 

Justification for (3): The reporting verb is in simple past tense, and so the reported speech, ‘he said’ in indirect form should be changed to,’ he had said’. Also tell is as good as ‘order’ in the context, which is incorrect address to a boss. ‘Asked’ is acceptable address if one is asking for a favor.
 

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Believing in his client and in the justice of the claim, he pressed the matter in court and was about to obtain a judgment when he had accidentally discovered, among his client's papers, a receipt which the plaintiff had signed for the very claim under consideration.

  1. when he had accidentally discovered, among his client's papers

  2. when he discovered accidentally, amongst his client's papers

  3. when he had accidentally discovered, amongst his client's papers

  4. when he accidentally discovered, among his client's papers

  5. when he had accidentally discovered, among his clients papers

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

 

Justification for (4): The sentence bears the error of tense. Both the actions are concurrent (he pressed … he discovered), so they should be in the same tense. This option corrects the tense error by deleting ‘had’ before ‘accidentally’.
 

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Were the politicians to assess themselves honestly, they would find that they have lost their credibility.

  1. they have lost their credibility.

  2. they had lost their credibility.

  3. they were lost their credibility.

  4. they lost their credibility.

  5. their credibility was lost.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The sentence bears an error of tense. ‘They would find that’ should be preceded in time by ‘had lost’, not ‘have lost’. This option rectifies the error by changing ‘have’ to ‘had’.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

With the onset of summer, the hot air began to blow we had been soon forced to remain indoors most of the time.

  1. the hot air began to blow, we had been soon forced to remain indoors

  2. the hot air began to blow, we had soon be forced to remain indoors

  3. the hot air had begun to blow; we had been soon forced to remain indoors

  4. the hot air began to blow; we were soon forced to remain indoors

  5. None of these

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Justification for (4): The two clauses signify concurrent action in the indefinite past. The hot air began to blow’ should be followed by ‘we were soon forced’. This option rectifies the error.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

I cannot forgive a man who fails to return a book he had taken from me.

  1. to return a book he had taken from me.

  2. returning a book he had taken from me.

  3. to return a book he had taken out from me.

  4. to return a book he has taken from me.

  5. to return a book he took from me.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Justification for (4): The sentence has error of tense; the first part of the sentence is in present tense, so the latter part should also be in present (perfect) tense and not in past (perfect) tense (forgive : had taken). This option corrects this error.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The badge of honor is to be conferred upon all who, by genius, self-denial, and toil, had won renown.

  1. The badge of honor is to be conferred upon all

  2. The badge of honor is to be conferred on all

  3. The badge of honor was to be conferred upon all

  4. The badge of honor is conferred on all

  5. The badge of honor was conferred on all

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Justification for (3): This option corrects the error of tense. It changes the underlined part of sentence to past tense, since the latter part of sentence is already in past perfect tense. Hence, the correct answer.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

The country could have become a superpower if its economy reached great heights.

  1. if its economy reached great heights

  2. if its economy were to reach great heights

  3. its economy could have reached great heights

  4. if its economy would have reached great heights

  5. had its economy reached great heights

Show answer
Correct Option: E
Explanation:

 

Explanation for (5): The sentence bears error of past subjunctive mood and should be preceded by past perfect tense only. The option corrects the error of past subjunctive mood.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

If she will fall back into the bad habit or out of the good habit now and again, she will just go back to her change plan.

  1. If she will fall back into the bad habit or out of the good habit now and again, she will just go back to her change plan.

  2. If she falls back into the bad habit or out of the good habit now and again, she will just go back to her change plan.

  3. If she will fall back into the bad habit or out of the good habit now and again, she just goes back to her change plan.

  4. If she falls back into the bad habit or out of the good habit now and again, she just goes back to her change plan.

  5. If she fell back into the bad habit or out of the good habit now and again, she will just go back to her change plan.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (2): The given option rectifies the error of usage of double future. ‘Will fall’ has been converted to ‘falls’.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

When scientists say that, on average, the global temperature had increased by a few degrees centigrade, they are talking about a very large increase and a tremendous amount of heat produced.

  1. the global temperature had increased by a few degrees centigrade, they are talking

  2. the global temperature has increased by a few degrees centigrade, they are talking

  3. the global temperatures have increased by a few degrees centigrade, they are talking

  4. the global temperature had increased by a few degrees centigrade, they were talking

  5. the global temperature has increased by a few degree centigrade, they talk

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (2): ‘Had increased’ and ‘are talking’ are incompatible. The simple present ‘are talking’ renders the usage of ‘had’ incorrect, to be substituted by ‘has’.    

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

When British Empire partitioned the Bengal into its two administrative units for the purpose of greater efficiency, it overlooked the language and religious groupings within the area.

  1. When British Empire partitioned the Bengal into its two administrative units

  2. When British Empire partitioned the Bengal area into two administrative units

  3. When the British Empire partitioned the Bengal into two administrative units

  4. When British Empire partitioned Bengal into two administrative units

  5. When the British Empire partitioned Bengal into two administrative units

Show answer
Correct Option: E
Explanation:

 

Explanation for (5): The usage of article, ‘the’ before Bengal is incorrect. We do not use ‘the’ before proper nouns. But we do use article before adjectives followed by nouns. This option corrects both the errors.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

If the creator of evil, call him by whatever name you like, had brought evil into this world, he must have created it simultaneously with God; otherwise it would be impossible for God to create good, which can exist only in relation to evil.

  1. it would be impossible for God to create good, which can exist only in relation to evil.

  2. it would be impossible for God to create good, which can exist only in relation with evil.

  3. it would have been impossible for God to create good, that exists only in relation with evil.

  4. it could be impossible for God to create good, which can only exist in relation to evil.

  5. it would have been impossible for God to create good, which can exist only in relation to evil.

Show answer
Correct Option: E
Explanation:

 

Justification for (5): The sentence bears the error of tense. The first part of the sentence is in perfect tense. The second part should also be in perfect tense. This option corrects the error.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Although nothing that could be called a spelling reform “movement” existed until the 19th century, there was earlier period when this subject was much in the air and a number of people were writing about it.

  1. there was earlier period when this subject was much in the air and a number of people were

  2. however, there was earlier period, when this subject was much in the air and a number of people was

  3. yet were there earlier periods when these subjects were much in the air and a number of people was

  4. yet there was an earlier period when this subject was much in the air and a number of people were

  5. yet there was an earlier period when it was much in air and a number of people were

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

 

Explanation for (4): The sentence bears the error of article. Before ‘earlier period’ an indefinite article ‘an’ is required. This option corrects the error.
 

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Not only speech enables man to handle and pass on more complicated ideas, it also enables him to accumulate them.

  1. Not only speech enables man to handle and pass on

  2. Not only does speech enable man to handle and pass on

  3. Not only is speech enabling man to handle and pass on

  4. Not only speech enables man to handle and pass off

  5. Not only speech enables a man to handle and pass on

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (2): The sentences beginning with negative words ought to use auxiliaries before the subject, as in the case of an interrogative sentence. The error is rectified by the introduction of ‘does’ in option (2).
 

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

He called the resulting system Thought Field Therapy and began training the therapists in using an algorithms and diagnosing the underlying problems before the treatment might begin.

  1. began training the therapists in using an algorithms and diagnosing the underlying problems before the treatment might begin

  2. began to train the therapists to use algorithms and diagnosing the underlying problems before the treatment would begin

  3. began training the therapists in using algorithms and diagnosing underlying problems before the treatment could begin

  4. began training the therapists in how to use algorithms and diagnose underlying problems before the treatment can begin

  5. began training the therapists in using algorithms and diagnosing underlying problems till the treatment should begin

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (3): The article “the” is used before therapists and treatments as we are talking about something definite, particular. The modal “could” is used because it carries an element of doubt towards attaining the objective.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

The immigration of the family from the mother country occurred at an early day when the settlements in New England were infrequent and weak.

  1. The immigration of the family from the mother country occurred at an early day when the settlements in New England were infrequent and weak.

  2. The immigration of the family from the mother–country occurred at an early stage when the settlements in New England were in frequent and weak.

  3. The emigration of the family from the mother country occurred at an early stage when settlements in New England were infrequent and weak.

  4. The emigration of the family occurred at an early date from their mother land when the settlements in New England were not frequent and weak.

  5. The emigration of the family to the motherland occurred from New England when the settlements were infrequent and were weak.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (3): The sentence has error of diction and error of inappropriate expression. Immigration is to come into a new country to settle there, but the sentence implies that people were leaving their country, so the correct word is ‘emigration’. And ‘early day’ is incorrect expression in the context. This option corrects both the errors. 

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

The White Cat, that we called it, lived at the back of a shelf at the darkest end of the inside attic which is nearly dark all over.

  1. that we called it, lived at the back of a shelf at the darkest end of the inside attic which is nearly dark all over.

  2. what we called it, lived at the back of a shelf at the darkest end of the inside attic which is nearly dark all over.

  3. as we called it, lived at the back of a shelf in the darkest end of the inside attic which is nearly dark all of the time.

  4. as we called it, lived at the back of a shelf at the darkest end of the inside attic which is nearly dark all over.

  5. That is what we called it, lived at the back of a shelf at the darkest end of the inside attic which is nearly dark all over the time.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (4): The sentence uses the pronoun ‘that’ to introduce the clause ‘we called it’. This option uses the correct conjunction ‘as’. 

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Such a consensus denotes a remarkable change of attitude as this very measure had run into trouble in the earlier stages.

  1. a remarkable change of attitude for this very measure had run into trouble

  2. a remarkable change of attitude for this very measure had ran into trouble

  3. a remarkable change of attitude because this very measure had run into trouble

  4. a remarkable change in attitude because this measure was run into very trouble

  5. a remarkable change of attitude as this measure was run of trouble

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Justification for (1): The sentence is correct as given.

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