Core ConceptRead this first โ the foundation of the topic
Core Concept
Error spotting tests your knowledge of grammar rules. The sentence looks correct at first glance, but one part violates a grammar rule. Your job is to catch that violation
Subject-Verb Agreement
The subject and verb must match in number and person.
2
Tense Consistency
All parts of the sentence should follow logical tense sequence.
3
Preposition Errors
Wrong prepositions are commonly tested.
4
Article Errors
Incorrect use of a, an, the.
5
Pronoun Errors
Wrong pronoun forms or unclear antecedents.
6
Parallelism
Items in a series must follow the same grammatical structure.
Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask โ read before attempting PYQs
Check if verb agrees with THIS subject (ignore words in between)
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Common trap words: each, every, either, neither (always singular)
Shortcut Formula 2 - The 'Preposition Memory' Rule:
Different FROM (not different than)
Consist OF (not consist in)
Independent OF (not independent from)
Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1
Find the subject = 'Each' (singular)
2
Step 2
Find the verb = 'have submitted' (plural)
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Step 3
Check agreement = 'Each' is always singular, so verb should be 'has submitted'
4
Step 4
The error is in part (B)
Answer: (B)
Worked Example 2:
Sentence: 'The committee discussed (A)/ about the new policy (B)/ in great detail (C)/ yesterday (D)/ No error (E)'
Step-by-step Solution:
1
Step 1
Check each part for grammar violations
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Step 2
Part A: 'discussed' - correct tense
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Step 3
Part B: 'discussed about' - Wrong! 'Discuss' never takes 'about'
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Step 4
Should be 'discussed the new policy'
Answer: (B)
Shortcut Formula 3 - The 'Either-Neither' Rule:
Either/Neither + singular verb
Either...or/Neither...nor + verb agrees with the subject closer to the verb
The #1 Most Common Trap:
Students focus on the wrong subject! In complex sentences, there are multiple nouns. Always identify the MAIN subject that the verb should agree with. Ignore prepositional phrases and relative clauses when checking subject-verb agreement.
For example: 'The box of chocolates ARE delicious' - Students see 'chocolates' and think plural verb is correct. But the main subject is 'box' (singular), so it should be 'IS delicious'.
Time Management Tip:
Spend maximum 20 seconds per question. If you can't spot the error quickly, mark 'No error' and move on. Don't waste time overthinking.
Common Error Categories to Memorize:
- Countable vs Uncountable nouns (much/many confusion)
- Comparative degree errors (more better is wrong)
- Redundancy (ATM machine, PIN number)
- Idiom violations (take interest IN, not take interest ON)
The committee (A) have decided / (B) has decided / (C) have been deciding / (D) has been deciding that the new policy will be implemented next month. No error (E)
Practice 2easy
The committee (A) have decided / (B) has decided / (C) are deciding / (D) have been deciding that the new policy will be implemented next month. No error (E)
Practice 3easy
Neither the manager nor the employees (A) was / (B) were / (C) has been / (D) have been willing to compromise on the salary issue. No error (E)
Practice 4easy
The data (A) shows / (B) show / (C) are showing / (D) have shown that the sales figures (A) has / (B) have / (C) was / (D) were improved significantly last quarter. No error (E)
Practice 5easy
The report (A) submitted by / (B) submitted to / (C) submitted in / (D) submitted for the audit committee contains several important recommendations. No error (E)
Practice 6medium
The data suggests that the majority of customers prefers online shopping, and they have indicated their willingness to pay a premium for faster delivery.
Practice 7medium
The committee have decided to postpone the meeting because several members was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
Practice 8medium
Neither the supervisor nor the employees has agreed to the new working hours, and they are concerned about the impact on their personal lives.
Practice 9medium
The report, along with the supporting documents, were submitted to the board yesterday, but the chairman has not yet reviewed it.
Practice 10medium
The manager insists that every employee submits their reports on time, and he expects that they will be reviewed before the deadline.
Practice 11hard
The report, which was submitted last week and which contains sensitive information, (A) have been reviewed by the board members (B) who was appointed (C) to oversee the audit. (D) No error
Practice 12hard
The committee have decided that neither the manager nor the employees (A) is responsible for the delay, (B) and they will not be penalised. (C) No error (D)