English Grammar Lessons for competitive exams

We use each, every, all, both, most, some, none in different sentence patterns.

1.       each/every + singular noun + singular verb.

·        We use each when we are thinking of each person/item individually. "Every" is used when referring to all the members of a group of three or more (it is more usual for a large number). We use "every" to generalize and it is always followed by a noun.

a.     Give each child some chocolate cake.(= to each individual child)

b.     You should make notes to help you remember each word separately. (= one by one)

c.      I have been to every country in Europe.

d.     Each employee was given a bonus. (= to each individual employee)

e.     Last week it rained each day. (In this sentence we use "each" because the number of days in a week is limited.)

f.       She has read every book in the library. ("Every" is used when the number is indefinite.)

In this format, four parts of each sentence are given as A, B, C, D. These are in a sequence. One has to point out which part is not acceptable in standard English. In other words, we can say that it is spotting error in vertical form.

Question-1

1. Many a man
2. have realised that real happiness
3. lies in making sacrifices
4. and not in personal gains.

Answer : 2

Explanation :  ‘Many a man’ is a singular subject – notice the indefinite article ‘a’ (= one); hence the verb that follows should also be singular – ‘has’ instead of ‘have.’

Question-2

1. Honestly speaking
2. I like him not because
3. he is handsome but that
4. he is kind.

Answer : 3

Explanation : When a reason is being given, the word ‘that’ is erroneous. The word ‘because’ should be used once again – but because…

Question-3

Find the errors in these sentences.

One of the most expensive store in our city is the Heritage.

My mother is one of the most beautiful women in the world.

One of my friend is doctor.

The quality of mangoes are not good.

A bouquet of yellow roses lend color and fragrance to the room.

My aunt or my uncle are arriving by train today.

Neither Jay nor Julie is available.

Either Kishan or Kamini is helping today with stage decorations.

Either the father or the mother have to attend the meeting.

Neither Anu nor Meena is going to write the report.