NOUN
WHAT IS A NOUN
Definition: A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.
Concrete nouns name people, places, or things that you can touch, see, hear, smell, or taste.
Examples:
Person – man, Mrs. Jones, doctor, Maddie
Place – river, Paris, mountains, home
Thing – dog, book, sports car
Abstract nouns name ideas or emotions. They are intangible, which means you cannot touch, see, hear, smell, or taste them using your five senses.
Idea – love, intelligence, justice
Emotion – happiness, anger, excitement
Hint:Remember, pronouns are not nouns.
Common and Proper Nouns
Common nouns name any person, place, thing, or idea. Proper nouns are the names of individual people, places, things, or ideas. Proper nouns should always be capitalized.Examples:
Common | Proper
boy | James
river | Mississippi
car | River
Hint:Don't forget to capitalize all parts of proper nouns. Many people forget to capitalize words like river and county in proper nouns like Ohio River and Orange County.
Singular and Plural Nouns
Definition: Singular means only one. Plural means more than one.
The basic rule is to add s to make a noun plural.
There are many irregular nouns that add es. There are several rules to remember when spelling plural nouns. The rules are based on the letters at the end of the word. They are easiest to remember in categories
Most nouns Add s to form the plural.
cat ⇒ cats
truck ⇒ trucks
book ⇒ books
Nouns that end in s, sh, x, ch, or z Add es to form the plural.
Hint:It is too hard to pronounce the words without the e. Try it – buss, brushs, foxs... you sound like a snake.
bus ⇒ buses
brush ⇒ brushes
fox ⇒ foxes
Nouns ending in f or fe Some nouns ending in fe and some nouns ending in f just add s. Some nouns that end in fe or f change the f or fe to v and add es.
Hint:Check a dictionary if you are unsure which rule a noun follows.
roof ⇒ roofs
safe ⇒ safes
shelf ⇒ shelves
wife ⇒ wiv
1.Irregular nouns form plurals in unusual ways. Dictionaries will give you the plural spelling if it is irregular.
one fish ... two fish
one sheep ... two sheep
one deer ... two deer one child ... two children
one foot ... two feet
one tooth ... two teeth
one man ... two men
Nouns from Latin and Greek make plurals in strange ways. Nouns with similar endings form plurals in similar ways. Some have changed to just add s because most people don't know any better. Impress your friends and family by knowing the correct forms.
amoeba ⇒ amoebae
antenna ⇒ antennae
alumna ⇒ alumnae
alumnus ⇒ alumni
cactus ⇒ cacti
fungus ⇒ fungi nucleus ⇒ nuclei
octopus ⇒ octopi
die ⇒ dice
analysis ⇒ analyses
axis ⇒ axes diagnosis ⇒ diagnoses
hypothesis ⇒ hypotheses
parenthesis ⇒ parentheses
criterion ⇒ criteria
phenomenon ⇒ phenomena
pants, binoculars, shorts, tweezers, scissors ...
A's, 2's, CDs, M.D.s
As, 2s, CDs, M.D.s
Definition: A compound noun is a noun made up of two or more words. Each word makes up part of the meaning of the noun.
A single word: Haircut, Drop cloth
Two words: Rain forest,Ice cream
Hyphenated: Self-esteem,Brother-in-law
Hint:Single-word compound and hyphenated compounds are easy to spot. Two-word compounds can be tricky. Often they can be confused with adjectives describing nouns. Ask yourself, "Would I find that word in the dictionary?" For example, cold water is water that is cold. Ice cream is not cream that is ice. To check the spelling of a compound noun, check the dictionary.
Hint:A compound noun is the sum of its two parts. Just because you can divide a word into two other words doesn't make it compound.
one director general ... two directors general (there are two directors, not two generals)
one mother-in-law ... two mothers-in-law (there are two mothers, not two laws)
Irregular Plural Nouns
1.Irregular nouns form plurals in unusual ways. Dictionaries will give you the plural spelling if it is irregular.
one fish ... two fish
one sheep ... two sheep
one deer ... two deer one child ... two children
one foot ... two feet
one tooth ... two teeth
one man ... two men
Nouns from Latin and Greek make plurals in strange ways. Nouns with similar endings form plurals in similar ways. Some have changed to just add s because most people don't know any better. Impress your friends and family by knowing the correct forms.
amoeba ⇒ amoebae
antenna ⇒ antennae
alumna ⇒ alumnae
alumnus ⇒ alumni
cactus ⇒ cacti
fungus ⇒ fungi nucleus ⇒ nuclei
octopus ⇒ octopi
die ⇒ dice
analysis ⇒ analyses
axis ⇒ axes diagnosis ⇒ diagnoses
hypothesis ⇒ hypotheses
parenthesis ⇒ parentheses
criterion ⇒ criteria
phenomenon ⇒ phenomena
- Some nouns exist only in the plural form.
pants, binoculars, shorts, tweezers, scissors ...
- Making letters, numbers, and abbreviations plural follows different rules depending on the style manual you are using.
- Some style manuals have you add a lowercase s. An apostrophe is used for letters to distinguish between the letter and a word (a versus as). Some manuals also use an apostrophe for numbers.
A's, 2's, CDs, M.D.s
- Newer manuals have you add an italic, lower-case s without the apostrophe for letters.
As, 2s, CDs, M.D.s
Compound Nouns
Definition: A compound noun is a noun made up of two or more words. Each word makes up part of the meaning of the noun.
- Compound nouns can be written three ways:
A single word: Haircut, Drop cloth
Two words: Rain forest,Ice cream
Hyphenated: Self-esteem,Brother-in-law
Hint:Single-word compound and hyphenated compounds are easy to spot. Two-word compounds can be tricky. Often they can be confused with adjectives describing nouns. Ask yourself, "Would I find that word in the dictionary?" For example, cold water is water that is cold. Ice cream is not cream that is ice. To check the spelling of a compound noun, check the dictionary.
- Proper nouns such as names and places can also be classified as compound nouns.
Hint:A compound noun is the sum of its two parts. Just because you can divide a word into two other words doesn't make it compound.
- When making a compound noun plural, if the noun is one word, add s to the end. If it is two words or hyphenated, add s to the part that is plural, not the whole noun.
one director general ... two directors general (there are two directors, not two generals)
one mother-in-law ... two mothers-in-law (there are two mothers, not two laws)
Collective Nouns
Definition: Collective comes from the same root as collection. A collective noun names a group, like a collection of something.
team, choir, jury, committee, herd, pod
Hint:Put the word in this test sentence to see if it works: One _____ is a group. For example: One team is a group. One jury is a group. One herd is a group.
- Beware of plurals! Students can be a group, but that doesn't make the word collective. It is plural.
One student is not a group.
Hint:It is important to be able to identify collective nouns because of the way they agree with verbs. We will cover this in the Verbs module.
A preposition is a word placed before a noun (or a pronoun) to show in what relation the person or thing denoted by it stands to something else.
Kinds of Preposition
1) Simple Prepositions : They are the simple words used as prepositions.
For example, at, by, for, from, in, of, off,on, out, over, through, till, to, under, up, with.
2) Compound Prepositions : They are generally formed by prefixing a preposition (usually a = on or be = by) to a
noun, an adjective or an adverb.
For example,about, above, across, along, amidst, among, around, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, inside, outside, underneath, within, without.
3) Phrase Prepositions : When a group of words is used with the force of a single preposition, it is known as a phrase preposition.
For example, He succeeded in spite of obstacles.
4) Participial Prepositions: When the present participle of a verb acts as a preposition, it is known as a participle preposition.
For example, There have not been too many celebrations in recent times barring those happened after Diwali.
Rules based on frequent asked questions
Rule : In is used with names of countries and large towns; at is more often used when speaking of small towns and villages.
Incorrect: He lives at Germany.
Correct: He lives in Germany.
Rule : In and at are used in speaking of things at rest; to and into are used in speaking of things in motion.
Incorrect : This week the song jumped at the top of the charts.
Correct: This week the song jumped to the top of the charts.
Rule : Till is used of time and to is used of place.
Incorrect: The office will remain open to six in the evening.
Correct: The office will remain open till six in the evening.
Rule : With often denotes the instrument used by the agent.
Incorrect: The ball was hit by the bat.
Correct: The ball was hit with the bat.
Rule : Both since and from are used before a noun denoting some point of time. However, while since is preceded by a verb in the perfect tense, from is used with the
non-perfect tense.
Incorrect: India has been playing Test cricket from 1932.
Correct: India has been playing Test cricket since 1932.
Rule : While since or from is used with a point of time, for is used with a period of time.
Incorrect: The parcel has been lying here since 10 days.
Correct: The parcel has been lying here for 10 days.
Rule : Beside means by the side of while besides means in additions to.
Incorrect: He sat besides the chair.
Correct: He sat beside the chair.
Rule : Between is used for only two things or persons while among is used for more than two.
Incorrect: You have to choose among tea and coffee.
Correct: You have to choose between tea and coffee.
Rule : Above and below merely denote position while over and under also carry a sense of covering or movement.
Incorrect: The bird flew above the lake.
Correct: The bird flew over the lake.
Rule : During is used when we are talking about the time within which something happens. For is used when we are talking about how long something lasts.
Incorrect: There were few incidents of irregularity for the Emergency years.
Correct: There were few incidents of irregularity during the Emergency years.
Rule: The preposition “off” denotes “separation”, “at a distance from” or “far from” whereas the preposition “of” denotes cause, origin, quality, possession.
Incorrect: He put of his coat.
Correct: He put off his coat. (Separation)
Incorrect: He died off cancer.
He died of cancer. (Cause)
Rule : The word compare is followed by to when it shows that two things are alike. It is followed by with when we look at the ways in which two things are like and unlike each other.
Incorrect: Sanath Jayasuriya's batting may be compared with the sales of a useful book: they score fast right from the beginning.
Correct: Sanath Jayasuriya's batting may be compared to the sales of a useful book: they score fast right from the beginning.
Rule : When we simply speak of a thing having got better, we talk of an improvement in it. When we compare two things, the second of which is better than the first, we talk of an improvement on the first thing.
Incorrect: There has been an improvement on the weather.
Correct: There has been an improvement in the weather.
Rule : In means at the end of, while within means before the end of, the said time duration.
Incorrect: We left at 5 o'clock expecting to come back in an hour and watch the 6 o'clock movie.
Incorrect: We left at 5 o'clock expecting to come back within an hour and watch the 6 o'clock movie.
Some important points about prepositions
1. The words “superior”, “inferior”, “senior”, “junior” etc. take the preposition “to” with them.
Incorrect: Ram is senior than Mohan.
Correct: Ram is senior to Mohan.
2. The words “prefer”, “preferrable”, “preferred” also take the preposition “to” with them.
Incorrect: I prefer tea than coffee.
Correct: I prefer tea to coffee.
3. The words “inspite of” and “despite” share the same meaning. The only difference is that inspite takes the preposition “of” whereas despite does not take any preposition.
Incorrect: Despite of bad weather, he went to school.
Correct: Despite bad weather, he went to school.
4. In the same way, the word “consist” takes the preposition “of” whereas “comprise” does not take any preposition.
Incorrect: The classroom comprises of twenty students.
Correct: The classroom comprises twenty students.
Following questions are based on the above concepts
Directions: Choose the most appropriate preposition in each of the following sentences.
1. The peasant refused to grovel _______ the feet of his master.
a) on
b) about
c) upon
d) at
e) None of these
2. He was killed _______ a highway man ______ a dagger.
a) by; for
b) by; with
c) in; for
d) with; for
e) None of these
3. Give an example pertinent ________ the case.
a) with
b) for
c) on
d) to
e) None of these
4. Are not these slums a disgrace ______ the civic authorities.
a) for
b) to
c) towards
d) on
e) None of these
5. Take this medicine and you will get rid _______ the bad cold.
a) from
b) over
c) at
d) of
e) None of these]
6. President Saddam Hussain has lived _______ the gun all his life.
a) with
b) for
c) by
d) on
e) None of these
7. He had to repent _______ what he had done.
a) at
b) of
c) over
d) for
e) None of these
8. The commentator seems to be enamoured _______ it.
a) with
b) over
c) for
d) on
e) None of these
9. The man died _______ fever last week.
a) with
b) from
c) of
d) by
e) None of these
10. He has not been cured _______ his disease.
a) of
b) from
c) by
d) through
e) None of these
Directions (Q.11-20). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will he in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is 'No error', the answer is 'e'.
11. I have been teaching a)/ in this school since b)/ several years but have c)/ never met such a hopless class as this. d)/ No error e)
12. I have an a)/ appointment on the b)/ 9th of September on c)/ five O’clock.d)/ No error e)
13. Despite of a good a)/ monsoon this year, the b)/ production of food grains in the country c)/ did not go up.d)/ No error e)
14. Ordinarily, when in a)/ difficulty Renu prefers b)/ keeping her counsel than c)/ running about taking advice.d)/ No error e)
15. The invitation card a)/ says that Satish b)/ marries with c)/ Sunita next month.d)/ No error e)
16. She looked very a)/ different from the b)/ photograph I c)/ had of her. d)/ No error e)
17. The bride said a)/ that she would not b)/ marry the man c)/ over thirty five.d)/ No error e)
18. The reason a)/ of his failure b)/ is due to c)/ his negligence.d)/ No error e)
19. The captain and his a)/ wife were invited b)/ for the cultural c)/ function at my home.d)/ No error e)
20. Yesterday, while a)/ crossing the b)/ road he was run out c)/ by a truck. d) No error e)
Answers :
1. d
2. b
3. d
4. b
5. d
6. c
7. d
8. a
9. c
10. a
11. b; Replace “since” with “for”.
12. c; Replace “on” with “at”.
13. a; Omit “of”
Important Rules of Prepositions
Accustomed of
• He was accustomed of working hard in his youth. (used to)
Accused of
• The man accused of stealing was sent to jail. (blamed of)
Acquainted with
• Please introduce him to me if you are acquainted with him. (know)
Afraid of
• Don’t get afraid of that dog. It won’t bite. (fear from)
Agree to (idea)
• The president agreed to the resolution and passed it. (accept)
Agree with (person)
• If you agree with me please support me. (have same opinion)
According to
• He was acquitted as he was innocent according to the jury. (in the opinion of)
Adapted to
• Man easily gets adapted to new environments. (change)
Along with
• The Prime Minister along with his retinue entered the hall. (together with)
Associated with
• He had long been associated with the organization before he retired. (worked with)
Averse to
• Initially people are averse to accepting their weakness, but with the passage of time they start realizing and correcting themselves. (unwilling to)
Believe in (faith)
• I believe in God. (have faith in)
Belong to
• As this country belongs to us, we belong to this country. (have a right over)
Clever at
• She is clever at painting and playing mu sic, but I am at mu sic. (skilled at)
Congratulate on
• I congratulated her on her great success. (greeted)
Cure for
• As man conquers a disease and find a cure for it, another pops up. (remedy for)
Depend on
• High rate of employment depends on growth of economy. (is related with)
Derived from
• Many English words are derived from Greek and Latin. (came/originate from)
Details of
• This new book contains de tails of her extensive journey. (description of)
Different from
• Village life is quite different from city life. (not same)
Divide into
• The property was divided into two parts and given to the two sons. (break into)
Dream of
• The henpeck husband could never dream of op pos ing his wife. (think of) Frightened of Those frightened of obstacles never proceed ahead for success. (having fear of)
Famous for
• The city of Benaras is famous for its teeming ghats. (known for)
Good at
• He is quite good at convincing people in his favour. (skilled at)
Ignorant of
• Being ignorant of the consequences, thenaives easily fall into bad habits. (not knowing)
Increase in
• There has been a tremendous increase in the multi-nationals in our country. (rise in)
Insist on
• The shopkeeper could not deny when she insisted on paying later. (said forcefully)
Interested in
• Work hard if you are interested in your progress. (want to)
Lack of
• Lack of money brings poverty and lack of knowledge ignorance. (devoid of, not having)
Fond of
• The mother was very fond of her youngest child. (loved/liked very much)
Aim at
• The shooter aimed at the tar get and shot accurately. (fix at the tar get)
Laugh at
• Don’t laugh at those who are deprived of God’s blessings. (ridicule, make fun of)
Listen to
• Hello! Please listen to me. (lend your ear, heed, pay attention to)
Look at
• What are you looking at? (see)
Look after
• The nurse looked after the child better than the mother. (to take care of, to rear)
Look for
• Have you lost anything? What are you looking for under the table. (to search for)
Look into
• I have requested the police commissioner to look into the matter of increasing crime in our locality. (investigate, to probe, examine)
A Preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show in that relation the person or Having denoted by the noun stands to something else.
Some–times it is used after the word it goners.
(a) Here is the boy (Whom) you spoke of.
(b) What are you looking at
(c) When the object is the relative pronoun ‘that’ the preposition is always placed at the end:
as This is the book that were looking far.
(d) When the object is a relative pronoun or and interrogative preposition is used at the end.
Sometimes a word takes a certain preposition after it in one context and a different preposition in another context. Some such words are given as under:
1.
Abide by a thing.
Abide with a person.
2.
Accuse of crime.
Accused by a person.
3.
Apply to a person
Apply for a thing.
4.
Appeal to a person.
Appeal against a thing.
5.
Angry with a person.
Angry at a thing.
6.
Annoyed at a thing.
Annoyed with a person.
7.
Apologize to a person.
Apologize for a thing.
8.
Accomplice with a person.
Accomplice in some crime.
9.
Agree with a person.
Agree to proposal.
10.
Attend to a thing.
Attend upon a person.
11.
Award for a thing.
Award to a person.
12.
Account for a thing.
Account to a person.
13.
Affiliated to a university.
Affiliated with a party.
14.
Burns into tears/ rage.
Burns upon a country.
15.
Feed on grass.
Feed a cow with grass.
16.
Accommodate oneself to circumstance.
Accommodate a person with lodging or loan.
17.
Ambitious for a thing.
Ambitious of getting fame.
18.
Disgusted at a thing.
Disgusted with a person.
19.
Displeased with a person.
Displeased at a thing.
20.
Die of disease.
Die for country.
21.
Differ from a thing.
Differ with a person.
22.
Enquire of a person.
Enquire into a matter.
23.
Eager for fame.
Eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
24.
Furnish a thing to a person.
Furnish a person with a thing.
25.
Familiar with a thing.
Familiar with a thing.
26.
Good at something.
Good for nothing.
27.
Grateful to a person.
Grateful for a thing.
28.
Involve in a thing.
Involve with a person.
29.
Join with a person.
Join to a thing.
30.
Live on food
Live with a person.
1. Always: All the time
2. Belong: When someone has or possesses something.
3. Daily: Everyday
4. Enjoy / fond of / interested in: Like
5. Hers is a famous center: This means “Her center is famous”
6. Hobbies: Something that you do to relax yourself and enjoy when you are free
7. I am fine/I am good: Both can be used to answer the question “How are you?”
8. Introduce: To tell others about yourself so that the other person gets to know you better
9. Not much: Very little
10. Please have some: Say this when you offer something to someone.
11. Really: Truly
12. Remember: To keep something in your mind
13. Siblings: Brother or sister
14. Spare: Free
15. Spend: To pay money for something
16. Surfing: Visiting different websites on the Internet
17. Traveling to: Going to
18. Trekking: Long journey, on foot
19. Vacation: Holidays
20. Visiting: Going to some place
21. Wonderful: Something that is very good
1. Borrow: Take for some time
2. Can you: A question to ask if someone can do something or not
3. Chat: Talk
4. Entrance: Place from where one gets into a building
5. Facilities: Something to make life convenient
6. Fixed time: If something has a fixed time, it works only at that time.
7. For free: Free of cost
8. Helpful: Someone who helps others
9. Hometown: Town or city where one?s family lives
10. Indoor games: Games like chess and ludo, which can be played inside a room
11. It was my pleasure: A polite way to reply when someone says „thank you.?
12. Meals: Food
13. Nearby: Near a place
14. Offer: Give
15. Placement services: Services to help people get jobs
16. Reception: Place where one is welcomed on entering
17. Receptionist: The person who sits at the reception to welcome people
18. Recreation room: Room to relax
19. Show around: Show a place
20. Snacks: A small, light meal
21. Space: Place
22. Spacious: Has much space: is big: large
23. Training room: A room where training takes place
24. Ventilated: Has a lot of fresh air
1. Appear - To be present
2. Appropriate - Something that is suitable
3. Attentive - To listen carefully
4. Dialogue - Conversation between two or more people
5. Facilitator - Someone who helps in something
6. Impression - What people think about you when they meet you
7. Location - A place where something is present
8. Pre recorded voice - A voice recorded before hand
9. Polite - Showing good manners
10. Pronunciation - The way you say a word
11. Session – Class
12. Sequence - Order
1. Advanced: At a higher level than others
2. Basic: Simple
3. Colleagues: A fellow member or faculty
4. Complex: Difficult
5. Deposit: Submit, give at a particular place
1. Enroll: To enter or register in a roll, list, or record
2. Graduate: To get a degree in college
3. Procedure: A particular course or mode of action
4. Queue: A line of waiting people
5. Routine: A fixed way of doing things
6. Similar: The same as
7. Soon: In a little time
8. Specialized: Special in nature
1. Agree: To have the same views on something
2. Another: One more
3. Cafeteria: Place where people sit and eat
4. Coincidence: Something that is similar and happens by chance
5. Commute: To travel
6. Conveyance: Means of travel
7. Current: Most recent
8. Daily: Everyday
9. Enrol: To register in a list
10. Expect: To feel that something will happen
11. Expensive: Something that costs a lot
12. Fantastic: Something that is very good
13. Favourite: Something one likes the most
14. I agree: To have the same opinion
15. Involves: Includes
16. Involves: Includes
17. It seems: It looks as if:, i think
18. Journey: The act of traveling from one place to another, a trip
19. Long time/it has been a long time: We say this when we meet a friend after a long
time. You cannot use this with people in a higher position, like your boss.
20. Option: A choice between two or more things
21. Pass by: To cross the place
22. Pick you up: To take a person in a car or a bus along with you, to give a lift
23. Pleasant: Something that gives happiness
24. Popular: Something that is well known and famous
25. Prefer: Like something more than the other thing
26. Solve: To find an answer to a problem
27. Warm: High temperature
28. Weather: Different climatic conditions like- rain, wind, storm, snow
29. Wow/Really/What a coincidence: Words used to show interest. these words are
written
1. A lot: In large quantity or amount or number. It is used for things which can be
counted as well as those which cannot be counted.
E.g.: A lot of time / A lot of milk / A lot of sunlight / A lot of things / A lot of people
2. A few: Not many, some. It is used only for things that can be counted.
But not: A few sunlight / A few milk (sunlight and milk cannot be counted)
3. A little: Some, not much. It is used for things which cannot be counted.
4. Accordingly: To do a thing in a planned manner
5. Achieve: To begin doing something and complete it by getting a good
6. Advice: Giving suggestion/opinion
7. Always: All the time
8. Confident: To be sure of oneself
9. Constantly: All the time, regularly
10. Constantly: Happening again and again
11. Early: Before time
12. Follow the routine: Go by a routine
13. Habits: Something you do most of the times
14. I am sorry: To feel bad about something
15. I feel bad/I am sorry: Words to show you are not happy with something
16. I regret this: You say this to show you are very sorry about something
17. Immediately: To do something at that very moment
18. Normally: Most of the time, usually
19. Please suggest some way: Used to ask for an idea or suggestion to solve a problem
20. Punctual: To reach a place on time
21. Routine: All that is done by you in a day and how you follow it
22. Schedule: The manner in which you plan your day and work
23. Set a routine: Plan your day
24. Set routine: To plan out one?s day and follow it accordingly
25. Solve: To find an answer to a problem
26. That?s a good idea/that?s a wonderful idea: A polite way of saying thanks when
someone gives you a suggestion
1. Assistance: Help
2. Can: We can use Can in place of May, however, “may” should be used in all official
/formal situations
3. Could: A polite word to request for something
4. Could you please repeat that: A polite way of asking someone to repeat something or
to say the same thing again
5. Definitely: Surely
6. How may I help you: A polite way to ask someone if they need any help
7. I would like: A polite way of saying I want something
8. It was my pleasure: A polite way to reply when someone helps you
9. May: A way of asking for permission
10. May I take a message: Used to ask if there is anything that the caller wants you to
tell someone else.
11. Pass the message: Give the message to someone
12. Put you on hold: Used to ask someone on the phone to wait for sometime
13. Return a call: Call back
14. To call back: To call the caller (the person who has telephoned)
15. You are welcome: A polite reply when someone thanks you
NOTES:-
1. Manoj has a dog and a cat. What does this mean?
a) Manoj has two dogs.
b) Manoj has two animals.
c) Manoj likes dogs.
d) Manoj likes cats.
Answer: b
2. A plant is small. A flower is smaller. A tree is bigger than a plant and a flower. What does this mean?
a) The tree is biggest.
b) The plant is smallest.
c) The flower is bigger than the tree.
d) The tree is smaller than the plant.
Answer: a
3. Raju has two brothers. He has no sisters. He lives with his father, mother, grandfather and brothers. Raju is smaller than his brothers. What does this mean?
a) Raju has one sister.
b) There are six members in Raju’s family.
c) Raju is bigger than his brothers.
d) Raju’s father has four children.
Answer: b
4. You have to buy a ticket to see a film in a theatre. What does this mean?
a) You can see a film without a ticket.
b) You will see a film in the theatre today.
c) You have a film ticket.
d) You cannot see a film in a theatre without a ticket.
Answer: d
1. When someone is speaking to you, what should you do?
a) Pay attention
b) Make some noise
c) Interrupt
d) Do some other work
Answer: a
2. When someone is speaking to you what should you NOT do?
a) Pay attention
b) Listen carefully
c) Clarify if you do not understand something
d) Interrupt the person who is talking.
Answer: d
3. If you don’t understand something, what should you do?
a) Say “Excuse me” and ask the speaker to repeat.
b) Go away from there.
c) Don’t say anything.
d) Say “Thank you” and ask the speaker to repeat.
Answer: a
4. When you are speaking to someone, what should you NOT do?
a) Speak clearly.
b) Speak loud enough for the person to hear.
c) Shout and speak.
d) Speak slowly.
Answer: c
1. How should you solve a problem?
a) Ignore it
b) Apply logic
c) Ask someone to help you
d) Jump to a conclusion
Answer: b
2. What is Creative thinking?
a) Solving a problem with somebody’s help.
b) Creating problem with friends.
c) Drawing a picture.
d) Making a painting.
Answer: a
3. Select the correct statement.
a) Creative thinking helps you to solve problems.
b) Creative thinking helps you to make problems bigger.
c) Creative thinking helps you to create problems.
d) Creative thinking helps to remove problems.
Answer: a
4. What is the first step for solving a problem?
a) Find a solution
b) Ask someone to help you
c) Write down the problem
d) Try to understand the problem
Answer: d
1. What happens when you work for a long time in the same company?
a) You will get promotions
b) You will not get promotions
c) Your salary will not increase
d) You will have to learn the same things again
Answer: a
2. While you are at work and your supervisor is away, what should you do?
a) Talk on the phone
b) Drink coffee with your friends
c) Work normally
d) Go out of the office
Answer: c
3. During an interview, what should you NOT do?
a) You must not ask any questions to the people who are interviewing you.
b) If you want to know anything, you must ask question to the people who are interviewing you.
c) Be polite to the people who are interviewing you.
d) Greet the people who are interviewing you.
Answer: a
4. If a colleague is absent in office, what should you do?
a) Go out of office.
b) Do some extra work.
c) Take leave.
d) Leave the office early.
Answer: b
Prepositions
Kinds of Preposition
1) Simple Prepositions : They are the simple words used as prepositions.
For example, at, by, for, from, in, of, off,on, out, over, through, till, to, under, up, with.
2) Compound Prepositions : They are generally formed by prefixing a preposition (usually a = on or be = by) to a
noun, an adjective or an adverb.
For example,about, above, across, along, amidst, among, around, before, behind, below, beneath, beside, between, beyond, inside, outside, underneath, within, without.
3) Phrase Prepositions : When a group of words is used with the force of a single preposition, it is known as a phrase preposition.
For example, He succeeded in spite of obstacles.
4) Participial Prepositions: When the present participle of a verb acts as a preposition, it is known as a participle preposition.
For example, There have not been too many celebrations in recent times barring those happened after Diwali.
Rules based on frequent asked questions
Rule : In is used with names of countries and large towns; at is more often used when speaking of small towns and villages.
Incorrect: He lives at Germany.
Correct: He lives in Germany.
Rule : In and at are used in speaking of things at rest; to and into are used in speaking of things in motion.
Incorrect : This week the song jumped at the top of the charts.
Correct: This week the song jumped to the top of the charts.
Rule : Till is used of time and to is used of place.
Incorrect: The office will remain open to six in the evening.
Correct: The office will remain open till six in the evening.
Rule : With often denotes the instrument used by the agent.
Incorrect: The ball was hit by the bat.
Correct: The ball was hit with the bat.
Rule : Both since and from are used before a noun denoting some point of time. However, while since is preceded by a verb in the perfect tense, from is used with the
non-perfect tense.
Incorrect: India has been playing Test cricket from 1932.
Correct: India has been playing Test cricket since 1932.
Rule : While since or from is used with a point of time, for is used with a period of time.
Incorrect: The parcel has been lying here since 10 days.
Correct: The parcel has been lying here for 10 days.
Rule : Beside means by the side of while besides means in additions to.
Incorrect: He sat besides the chair.
Correct: He sat beside the chair.
Rule : Between is used for only two things or persons while among is used for more than two.
Incorrect: You have to choose among tea and coffee.
Correct: You have to choose between tea and coffee.
Rule : Above and below merely denote position while over and under also carry a sense of covering or movement.
Incorrect: The bird flew above the lake.
Correct: The bird flew over the lake.
Rule : During is used when we are talking about the time within which something happens. For is used when we are talking about how long something lasts.
Incorrect: There were few incidents of irregularity for the Emergency years.
Correct: There were few incidents of irregularity during the Emergency years.
Rule: The preposition “off” denotes “separation”, “at a distance from” or “far from” whereas the preposition “of” denotes cause, origin, quality, possession.
Incorrect: He put of his coat.
Correct: He put off his coat. (Separation)
Incorrect: He died off cancer.
He died of cancer. (Cause)
Rule : The word compare is followed by to when it shows that two things are alike. It is followed by with when we look at the ways in which two things are like and unlike each other.
Incorrect: Sanath Jayasuriya's batting may be compared with the sales of a useful book: they score fast right from the beginning.
Correct: Sanath Jayasuriya's batting may be compared to the sales of a useful book: they score fast right from the beginning.
Rule : When we simply speak of a thing having got better, we talk of an improvement in it. When we compare two things, the second of which is better than the first, we talk of an improvement on the first thing.
Incorrect: There has been an improvement on the weather.
Correct: There has been an improvement in the weather.
Rule : In means at the end of, while within means before the end of, the said time duration.
Incorrect: We left at 5 o'clock expecting to come back in an hour and watch the 6 o'clock movie.
Incorrect: We left at 5 o'clock expecting to come back within an hour and watch the 6 o'clock movie.
Some important points about prepositions
1. The words “superior”, “inferior”, “senior”, “junior” etc. take the preposition “to” with them.
Incorrect: Ram is senior than Mohan.
Correct: Ram is senior to Mohan.
2. The words “prefer”, “preferrable”, “preferred” also take the preposition “to” with them.
Incorrect: I prefer tea than coffee.
Correct: I prefer tea to coffee.
3. The words “inspite of” and “despite” share the same meaning. The only difference is that inspite takes the preposition “of” whereas despite does not take any preposition.
Incorrect: Despite of bad weather, he went to school.
Correct: Despite bad weather, he went to school.
4. In the same way, the word “consist” takes the preposition “of” whereas “comprise” does not take any preposition.
Incorrect: The classroom comprises of twenty students.
Correct: The classroom comprises twenty students.
Following questions are based on the above concepts
Directions: Choose the most appropriate preposition in each of the following sentences.
1. The peasant refused to grovel _______ the feet of his master.
a) on
b) about
c) upon
d) at
e) None of these
2. He was killed _______ a highway man ______ a dagger.
a) by; for
b) by; with
c) in; for
d) with; for
e) None of these
3. Give an example pertinent ________ the case.
a) with
b) for
c) on
d) to
e) None of these
4. Are not these slums a disgrace ______ the civic authorities.
a) for
b) to
c) towards
d) on
e) None of these
5. Take this medicine and you will get rid _______ the bad cold.
a) from
b) over
c) at
d) of
e) None of these]
6. President Saddam Hussain has lived _______ the gun all his life.
a) with
b) for
c) by
d) on
e) None of these
7. He had to repent _______ what he had done.
a) at
b) of
c) over
d) for
e) None of these
8. The commentator seems to be enamoured _______ it.
a) with
b) over
c) for
d) on
e) None of these
9. The man died _______ fever last week.
a) with
b) from
c) of
d) by
e) None of these
10. He has not been cured _______ his disease.
a) of
b) from
c) by
d) through
e) None of these
Directions (Q.11-20). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will he in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is 'No error', the answer is 'e'.
11. I have been teaching a)/ in this school since b)/ several years but have c)/ never met such a hopless class as this. d)/ No error e)
12. I have an a)/ appointment on the b)/ 9th of September on c)/ five O’clock.d)/ No error e)
13. Despite of a good a)/ monsoon this year, the b)/ production of food grains in the country c)/ did not go up.d)/ No error e)
14. Ordinarily, when in a)/ difficulty Renu prefers b)/ keeping her counsel than c)/ running about taking advice.d)/ No error e)
15. The invitation card a)/ says that Satish b)/ marries with c)/ Sunita next month.d)/ No error e)
16. She looked very a)/ different from the b)/ photograph I c)/ had of her. d)/ No error e)
17. The bride said a)/ that she would not b)/ marry the man c)/ over thirty five.d)/ No error e)
18. The reason a)/ of his failure b)/ is due to c)/ his negligence.d)/ No error e)
19. The captain and his a)/ wife were invited b)/ for the cultural c)/ function at my home.d)/ No error e)
20. Yesterday, while a)/ crossing the b)/ road he was run out c)/ by a truck. d) No error e)
Answers :
1. d
2. b
3. d
4. b
5. d
6. c
7. d
8. a
9. c
10. a
11. b; Replace “since” with “for”.
12. c; Replace “on” with “at”.
13. a; Omit “of”
Important Rules of Prepositions
Accustomed of
• He was accustomed of working hard in his youth. (used to)
Accused of
• The man accused of stealing was sent to jail. (blamed of)
Acquainted with
• Please introduce him to me if you are acquainted with him. (know)
Afraid of
• Don’t get afraid of that dog. It won’t bite. (fear from)
Agree to (idea)
• The president agreed to the resolution and passed it. (accept)
Agree with (person)
• If you agree with me please support me. (have same opinion)
According to
• He was acquitted as he was innocent according to the jury. (in the opinion of)
Adapted to
• Man easily gets adapted to new environments. (change)
Along with
• The Prime Minister along with his retinue entered the hall. (together with)
Associated with
• He had long been associated with the organization before he retired. (worked with)
Averse to
• Initially people are averse to accepting their weakness, but with the passage of time they start realizing and correcting themselves. (unwilling to)
Believe in (faith)
• I believe in God. (have faith in)
Belong to
• As this country belongs to us, we belong to this country. (have a right over)
Clever at
• She is clever at painting and playing mu sic, but I am at mu sic. (skilled at)
Congratulate on
• I congratulated her on her great success. (greeted)
Cure for
• As man conquers a disease and find a cure for it, another pops up. (remedy for)
Depend on
• High rate of employment depends on growth of economy. (is related with)
Derived from
• Many English words are derived from Greek and Latin. (came/originate from)
Details of
• This new book contains de tails of her extensive journey. (description of)
Different from
• Village life is quite different from city life. (not same)
Divide into
• The property was divided into two parts and given to the two sons. (break into)
Dream of
• The henpeck husband could never dream of op pos ing his wife. (think of) Frightened of Those frightened of obstacles never proceed ahead for success. (having fear of)
Famous for
• The city of Benaras is famous for its teeming ghats. (known for)
Good at
• He is quite good at convincing people in his favour. (skilled at)
Ignorant of
• Being ignorant of the consequences, thenaives easily fall into bad habits. (not knowing)
Increase in
• There has been a tremendous increase in the multi-nationals in our country. (rise in)
Insist on
• The shopkeeper could not deny when she insisted on paying later. (said forcefully)
Interested in
• Work hard if you are interested in your progress. (want to)
Lack of
• Lack of money brings poverty and lack of knowledge ignorance. (devoid of, not having)
Fond of
• The mother was very fond of her youngest child. (loved/liked very much)
Aim at
• The shooter aimed at the tar get and shot accurately. (fix at the tar get)
Laugh at
• Don’t laugh at those who are deprived of God’s blessings. (ridicule, make fun of)
Listen to
• Hello! Please listen to me. (lend your ear, heed, pay attention to)
Look at
• What are you looking at? (see)
Look after
• The nurse looked after the child better than the mother. (to take care of, to rear)
Look for
• Have you lost anything? What are you looking for under the table. (to search for)
Look into
• I have requested the police commissioner to look into the matter of increasing crime in our locality. (investigate, to probe, examine)
- HOW TO MAKE EASY USE OF PREPOSITIONS
A Preposition is a word placed before a noun or pronoun to show in that relation the person or Having denoted by the noun stands to something else.
Some–times it is used after the word it goners.
(a) Here is the boy (Whom) you spoke of.
(b) What are you looking at
(c) When the object is the relative pronoun ‘that’ the preposition is always placed at the end:
as This is the book that were looking far.
(d) When the object is a relative pronoun or and interrogative preposition is used at the end.
Sometimes a word takes a certain preposition after it in one context and a different preposition in another context. Some such words are given as under:
1.
Abide by a thing.
Abide with a person.
2.
Accuse of crime.
Accused by a person.
3.
Apply to a person
Apply for a thing.
4.
Appeal to a person.
Appeal against a thing.
5.
Angry with a person.
Angry at a thing.
6.
Annoyed at a thing.
Annoyed with a person.
7.
Apologize to a person.
Apologize for a thing.
8.
Accomplice with a person.
Accomplice in some crime.
9.
Agree with a person.
Agree to proposal.
10.
Attend to a thing.
Attend upon a person.
11.
Award for a thing.
Award to a person.
12.
Account for a thing.
Account to a person.
13.
Affiliated to a university.
Affiliated with a party.
14.
Burns into tears/ rage.
Burns upon a country.
15.
Feed on grass.
Feed a cow with grass.
16.
Accommodate oneself to circumstance.
Accommodate a person with lodging or loan.
17.
Ambitious for a thing.
Ambitious of getting fame.
18.
Disgusted at a thing.
Disgusted with a person.
19.
Displeased with a person.
Displeased at a thing.
20.
Die of disease.
Die for country.
21.
Differ from a thing.
Differ with a person.
22.
Enquire of a person.
Enquire into a matter.
23.
Eager for fame.
Eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
24.
Furnish a thing to a person.
Furnish a person with a thing.
25.
Familiar with a thing.
Familiar with a thing.
26.
Good at something.
Good for nothing.
27.
Grateful to a person.
Grateful for a thing.
28.
Involve in a thing.
Involve with a person.
29.
Join with a person.
Join to a thing.
30.
Live on food
Live with a person.
Vocabulary List
1. Always: All the time
2. Belong: When someone has or possesses something.
3. Daily: Everyday
4. Enjoy / fond of / interested in: Like
5. Hers is a famous center: This means “Her center is famous”
6. Hobbies: Something that you do to relax yourself and enjoy when you are free
7. I am fine/I am good: Both can be used to answer the question “How are you?”
8. Introduce: To tell others about yourself so that the other person gets to know you better
9. Not much: Very little
10. Please have some: Say this when you offer something to someone.
11. Really: Truly
12. Remember: To keep something in your mind
13. Siblings: Brother or sister
14. Spare: Free
15. Spend: To pay money for something
16. Surfing: Visiting different websites on the Internet
17. Traveling to: Going to
18. Trekking: Long journey, on foot
19. Vacation: Holidays
20. Visiting: Going to some place
21. Wonderful: Something that is very good
- Vocabulary List
1. Borrow: Take for some time
2. Can you: A question to ask if someone can do something or not
3. Chat: Talk
4. Entrance: Place from where one gets into a building
5. Facilities: Something to make life convenient
6. Fixed time: If something has a fixed time, it works only at that time.
7. For free: Free of cost
8. Helpful: Someone who helps others
9. Hometown: Town or city where one?s family lives
10. Indoor games: Games like chess and ludo, which can be played inside a room
11. It was my pleasure: A polite way to reply when someone says „thank you.?
12. Meals: Food
13. Nearby: Near a place
14. Offer: Give
15. Placement services: Services to help people get jobs
16. Reception: Place where one is welcomed on entering
17. Receptionist: The person who sits at the reception to welcome people
18. Recreation room: Room to relax
19. Show around: Show a place
20. Snacks: A small, light meal
21. Space: Place
22. Spacious: Has much space: is big: large
23. Training room: A room where training takes place
24. Ventilated: Has a lot of fresh air
- Vocabulary List
1. Appear - To be present
2. Appropriate - Something that is suitable
3. Attentive - To listen carefully
4. Dialogue - Conversation between two or more people
5. Facilitator - Someone who helps in something
6. Impression - What people think about you when they meet you
7. Location - A place where something is present
8. Pre recorded voice - A voice recorded before hand
9. Polite - Showing good manners
10. Pronunciation - The way you say a word
11. Session – Class
12. Sequence - Order
- Vocabulary List
1. Advanced: At a higher level than others
2. Basic: Simple
3. Colleagues: A fellow member or faculty
4. Complex: Difficult
5. Deposit: Submit, give at a particular place
1. Enroll: To enter or register in a roll, list, or record
2. Graduate: To get a degree in college
3. Procedure: A particular course or mode of action
4. Queue: A line of waiting people
5. Routine: A fixed way of doing things
6. Similar: The same as
7. Soon: In a little time
8. Specialized: Special in nature
- Vocabulary List
1. Agree: To have the same views on something
2. Another: One more
3. Cafeteria: Place where people sit and eat
4. Coincidence: Something that is similar and happens by chance
5. Commute: To travel
6. Conveyance: Means of travel
7. Current: Most recent
8. Daily: Everyday
9. Enrol: To register in a list
10. Expect: To feel that something will happen
11. Expensive: Something that costs a lot
12. Fantastic: Something that is very good
13. Favourite: Something one likes the most
14. I agree: To have the same opinion
15. Involves: Includes
16. Involves: Includes
17. It seems: It looks as if:, i think
18. Journey: The act of traveling from one place to another, a trip
19. Long time/it has been a long time: We say this when we meet a friend after a long
time. You cannot use this with people in a higher position, like your boss.
20. Option: A choice between two or more things
21. Pass by: To cross the place
22. Pick you up: To take a person in a car or a bus along with you, to give a lift
23. Pleasant: Something that gives happiness
24. Popular: Something that is well known and famous
25. Prefer: Like something more than the other thing
26. Solve: To find an answer to a problem
27. Warm: High temperature
28. Weather: Different climatic conditions like- rain, wind, storm, snow
29. Wow/Really/What a coincidence: Words used to show interest. these words are
written
- Vocabulary List
1. A lot: In large quantity or amount or number. It is used for things which can be
counted as well as those which cannot be counted.
E.g.: A lot of time / A lot of milk / A lot of sunlight / A lot of things / A lot of people
2. A few: Not many, some. It is used only for things that can be counted.
But not: A few sunlight / A few milk (sunlight and milk cannot be counted)
3. A little: Some, not much. It is used for things which cannot be counted.
4. Accordingly: To do a thing in a planned manner
5. Achieve: To begin doing something and complete it by getting a good
6. Advice: Giving suggestion/opinion
7. Always: All the time
8. Confident: To be sure of oneself
9. Constantly: All the time, regularly
10. Constantly: Happening again and again
11. Early: Before time
12. Follow the routine: Go by a routine
13. Habits: Something you do most of the times
14. I am sorry: To feel bad about something
15. I feel bad/I am sorry: Words to show you are not happy with something
16. I regret this: You say this to show you are very sorry about something
17. Immediately: To do something at that very moment
18. Normally: Most of the time, usually
19. Please suggest some way: Used to ask for an idea or suggestion to solve a problem
20. Punctual: To reach a place on time
21. Routine: All that is done by you in a day and how you follow it
22. Schedule: The manner in which you plan your day and work
23. Set a routine: Plan your day
24. Set routine: To plan out one?s day and follow it accordingly
25. Solve: To find an answer to a problem
26. That?s a good idea/that?s a wonderful idea: A polite way of saying thanks when
someone gives you a suggestion
- Vocabulary List
1. Assistance: Help
2. Can: We can use Can in place of May, however, “may” should be used in all official
/formal situations
3. Could: A polite word to request for something
4. Could you please repeat that: A polite way of asking someone to repeat something or
to say the same thing again
5. Definitely: Surely
6. How may I help you: A polite way to ask someone if they need any help
7. I would like: A polite way of saying I want something
8. It was my pleasure: A polite way to reply when someone helps you
9. May: A way of asking for permission
10. May I take a message: Used to ask if there is anything that the caller wants you to
tell someone else.
11. Pass the message: Give the message to someone
12. Put you on hold: Used to ask someone on the phone to wait for sometime
13. Return a call: Call back
14. To call back: To call the caller (the person who has telephoned)
15. You are welcome: A polite reply when someone thanks you
NOTES:-
1. Manoj has a dog and a cat. What does this mean?
a) Manoj has two dogs.
b) Manoj has two animals.
c) Manoj likes dogs.
d) Manoj likes cats.
Answer: b
2. A plant is small. A flower is smaller. A tree is bigger than a plant and a flower. What does this mean?
a) The tree is biggest.
b) The plant is smallest.
c) The flower is bigger than the tree.
d) The tree is smaller than the plant.
Answer: a
3. Raju has two brothers. He has no sisters. He lives with his father, mother, grandfather and brothers. Raju is smaller than his brothers. What does this mean?
a) Raju has one sister.
b) There are six members in Raju’s family.
c) Raju is bigger than his brothers.
d) Raju’s father has four children.
Answer: b
4. You have to buy a ticket to see a film in a theatre. What does this mean?
a) You can see a film without a ticket.
b) You will see a film in the theatre today.
c) You have a film ticket.
d) You cannot see a film in a theatre without a ticket.
Answer: d
- Life Skills
1. When someone is speaking to you, what should you do?
a) Pay attention
b) Make some noise
c) Interrupt
d) Do some other work
Answer: a
2. When someone is speaking to you what should you NOT do?
a) Pay attention
b) Listen carefully
c) Clarify if you do not understand something
d) Interrupt the person who is talking.
Answer: d
3. If you don’t understand something, what should you do?
a) Say “Excuse me” and ask the speaker to repeat.
b) Go away from there.
c) Don’t say anything.
d) Say “Thank you” and ask the speaker to repeat.
Answer: a
4. When you are speaking to someone, what should you NOT do?
a) Speak clearly.
b) Speak loud enough for the person to hear.
c) Shout and speak.
d) Speak slowly.
Answer: c
- Logical Reasoning
1. How should you solve a problem?
a) Ignore it
b) Apply logic
c) Ask someone to help you
d) Jump to a conclusion
Answer: b
2. What is Creative thinking?
a) Solving a problem with somebody’s help.
b) Creating problem with friends.
c) Drawing a picture.
d) Making a painting.
Answer: a
3. Select the correct statement.
a) Creative thinking helps you to solve problems.
b) Creative thinking helps you to make problems bigger.
c) Creative thinking helps you to create problems.
d) Creative thinking helps to remove problems.
Answer: a
4. What is the first step for solving a problem?
a) Find a solution
b) Ask someone to help you
c) Write down the problem
d) Try to understand the problem
Answer: d
- Work Orientation
1. What happens when you work for a long time in the same company?
a) You will get promotions
b) You will not get promotions
c) Your salary will not increase
d) You will have to learn the same things again
Answer: a
2. While you are at work and your supervisor is away, what should you do?
a) Talk on the phone
b) Drink coffee with your friends
c) Work normally
d) Go out of the office
Answer: c
3. During an interview, what should you NOT do?
a) You must not ask any questions to the people who are interviewing you.
b) If you want to know anything, you must ask question to the people who are interviewing you.
c) Be polite to the people who are interviewing you.
d) Greet the people who are interviewing you.
Answer: a
4. If a colleague is absent in office, what should you do?
a) Go out of office.
b) Do some extra work.
c) Take leave.
d) Leave the office early.
Answer: b
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