English Grammar for Competitive Exams

Parts of Speech

• Nouns: A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.
• Pronouns: A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun.
• Verbs: A verb is a word that describes an action or state of being.
• Adjectives: An adjective is a word that describes a noun.
• Adverbs: An adverb is a word that describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
• Prepositions: A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence.
• Conjunctions: A conjunction is a word that connects two words, phrases, or clauses.
• Interjections: An interjection is a word that expresses strong emotion.

Sentence Structure

• Subject: The subject of a sentence is the person, place, or thing that is doing the action or being described.
• Predicate: The predicate of a sentence is the part of the sentence that tells what the subject is doing or being.
• Object: The object of a sentence is the person, place, or thing that is being acted upon.
• Complement: A complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb.
• Modifier: A modifier is a word or phrase that describes or limits the meaning of another word.

Tenses

• Present tense: The present tense is used to describe actions or events that are happening now.
• Past tense: The past tense is used to describe actions or events that happened in the past.
• Future tense: The future tense is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future.

Moods

• Indicative mood: The indicative mood is used to make statements or ask questions.
• Imperative mood: The imperative mood is used to give commands or make requests.
• Subjunctive mood: The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, hopes, or possibilities.

Voices

• Active voice: The active voice is used when the subject of a sentence is doing the action.
• Passive voice: The passive voice is used when the subject of a sentence is being acted upon.

Punctuation

• Period: A period is used to end a declarative sentence or an imperative sentence.
• Question mark: A question mark is used to end a question.
• Exclamation point: An exclamation point is used to end an exclamatory sentence.
• Comma: A comma is used to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.
• Semicolon: A semicolon is used to join two related sentences or to separate items in a list.
• Colon: A colon is used to introduce a list, a quotation, or an explanation.
• Dash: A dash is used to set off a phrase or clause that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
• Parentheses: Parentheses are used to enclose additional information or comments.
• Brackets: Brackets are used to enclose information that is not part of the original text.
• Ellipsis: An ellipsis is used to indicate that something has been omitted from the text.

Capitalization

• Proper nouns: Proper nouns are capitalized.
• Titles: Titles of people, places, and things are capitalized.
• The first word of a sentence: The first word of a sentence is capitalized.

Spelling

• Use the correct spelling of words.
• Pay attention to homonyms (words that sound the same but have different meanings) and homophones (words that are spelled the same but have different meanings).

Vocabulary

• Build your vocabulary by reading widely and using a dictionary.
• Learn new words and their meanings.
• Use new words in your writing and speaking.

Grammar and Usage

• Follow the rules of grammar and usage.
• Avoid common grammar and usage errors.
• Proofread your writing carefully before submitting it.

General English Syllabus for Competitive Exams

1. Verbal Ability

1.1 Reading Comprehension

• Understanding and analyzing different types of texts, such as essays, articles, editorials, and poems
• Identifying the main idea and supporting details
• Drawing inferences and making deductions
• Summarizing and paraphrasing
• Identifying tone and mood

1.2 Vocabulary

• Building a strong vocabulary through word lists, context clues, and root words
• Understanding the nuances of word meanings
• Using words correctly in context

1.3 Grammar

• Mastering the rules of English grammar, including parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation
• Identifying and correcting grammatical errors

2. Writing Ability

2.1 Essay Writing

• Planning and organizing an essay
• Developing a clear thesis statement
• Supporting the thesis with evidence and examples
• Using effective language and style
• Revising and editing

2.2 Precis Writing

• Summarizing a text in a concise and accurate manner
• Identifying the main points and omitting unnecessary details
• Using clear and concise language

2.3 Letter Writing

• Writing formal and informal letters
• Following the correct format and tone
• Using appropriate language and style

English Grammar For Competitive Exams FAQs

What is English grammar?

English grammar is the set of rules that govern the structure of the English language. It includes rules for word formation, sentence structure, and punctuation.

Why is English grammar important for competitive exams?

A good understanding of English grammar is essential for competitive exams because it helps you to:

• Communicate effectively in writing and speaking
• Understand and interpret written text
• Identify and correct errors in grammar and usage

What are some common grammar mistakes that people make?

Some common grammar mistakes that people make include:

• Using the wrong verb tense
• Misplacing modifiers
• Using the wrong pronoun case
• Using the wrong punctuation
• Making subject-verb agreement errors

How can I improve my English grammar?

There are a number of things you can do to improve your English grammar, including:

• Reading widely and paying attention to how authors use grammar
• Writing regularly and getting feedback on your writing
• Using grammar checkers and other tools
• Taking a grammar course or workshop

What are some grammar topics that are commonly tested on competitive exams?

Some grammar topics that are commonly tested on competitive exams include:

• Verb tenses
• Subject-verb agreement
• Pronoun case
• Adjectives and adverbs
• Clauses and phrases
• Punctuation

How can I prepare for the grammar section of a competitive exam?

To prepare for the grammar section of a competitive exam, you should:

• Review the grammar topics that are commonly tested
• Practice identifying and correcting grammar errors
• Take practice tests to assess your grammar skills

Conclusion

English grammar is an important skill for competitive exams. By understanding the rules of English grammar, you can improve your communication skills and increase your chances of success on competitive exams.