Question 1

In the following sentence, one part is underlined. Identify the part that contains a grammatical error.

If you (A) will study / (B) hard, / (C) you / (D) will pass the exam. / No error

Accepted Answer

The error is in part (A). In conditional sentences (if-clauses), the simple present is used, not the future tense. The structure is: 'If + simple present, + will + base verb.' Correct: 'If you study hard, you will pass the exam.' The clause 'will study' incorrectly uses future tense in the condition.

Question 2

In the following sentence, one part is underlined. Identify the part that contains a grammatical error.

She (A) has been working / (B) in this office / (C) since / (D) five years. / No error

Accepted Answer

The error is in part (D). The phrase 'since five years' is incorrect. 'Since' is used with a point in time (e.g., 'since 2019', 'since Monday'), not with a duration. The correct form should be 'for five years'. Rule: Use 'since' + point in time; use 'for' + duration of time.

Question 3

In the following sentence, one part is underlined. Identify the part that contains a grammatical error.

When he (A) arrived / (B) at the station, / (C) the train / (D) has already left. / No error

Accepted Answer

The error is in part (D). The tense is inconsistent. When the main clause uses simple past ('arrived'), the subordinate clause describing an earlier action should use past perfect ('had left'), not present perfect ('has left'). Correct: 'the train had already left.'

Question 4

In the following sentence, one part is underlined. Identify the part that contains a grammatical error.

She (A) has completed / (B) her project / (C) yesterday / (D) and submitted it on time. / No error

Accepted Answer

The error is in part (A). The verb 'has completed' is present perfect, but 'yesterday' is a definite past time marker that requires simple past. When a specific past time is mentioned, use simple past, not present perfect. Correct: 'She completed her project yesterday.'

Question 5

The students (A) have completed / (B) completed / (C) are completing / (D) have been completing their project last week, and they (E) are submitting / (F) will submit it tomorrow. No error.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is (B) 'completed'. The phrase 'last week' is a definite past time marker that requires simple past tense, not present perfect. The sentence should read: 'The students completed their project last week, and they will submit it tomorrow.'

Question 6

When the guests (A) will arrive / (B) arrive / (C) are arriving / (D) have arrived, the host (E) will prepare / (F) prepares the refreshments. No error.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is (B) 'arrive'. In a 'when' clause referring to a future event, the subordinate clause uses simple present tense, not future tense. The main clause uses future tense. The correct sentence is: 'When the guests arrive, the host will prepare the refreshments.'

Question 7

By the time the train (A) arrives / (B) will arrive / (C) arrived / (D) has arrived at the station, we (E) will have waited for three hours. No error.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is (A) 'arrives'. In a 'by the time' clause, the subordinate clause uses simple present tense, while the main clause uses future perfect. The sentence structure is: 'By the time + simple present, + future perfect.' The correct form is 'By the time the train arrives, we will have waited for three hours.'

Question 8

She (A) has been working / (B) has worked / (C) is working / (D) was working in this office since 2015 and she (E) loves / (F) has loved her job. No error.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is (A) 'has been working'. The phrase 'since 2015' indicates a period starting in the past and continuing to the present, which requires present perfect continuous tense. The second clause 'she loves her job' is correct in simple present because it expresses a general truth or habitual state.

Question 9

The report (A) was submitted / (B) has been submitted / (C) had been submitted / (D) is submitted yesterday, and the manager (E) reviewed / (F) has reviewed it this morning. No error.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is (A) 'was submitted'. The adverb 'yesterday' is a definite past time marker that requires simple past tense, not present perfect. The sentence should read: 'The report was submitted yesterday, and the manager reviewed it this morning.'

SSC GD Constable Tenses

Tenses— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Tenses — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Tenses