Error detection and correction

 

A large set of practice questions on Error Detection (common in English grammar and competitive exams).

Generating 30 detailed questions with explanations in a single message is quite extensive, but I can provide you with a high-quality set of 10 questions right now to get you started. Each question includes a specific error, the correct version, and a clear explanation.

If you like these, I can provide more in subsequent batches!

1. The criteria for selection in the national team are becoming more stringent every year.

Error: None (Correct sentence).

Explanation: "Criteria" is the plural form of "criterion," so it correctly takes the plural verb "are."

2. Neither the captain nor the players was happy with the referee's decision during the final match.

Error: Replace "was" with "were."

Explanation: When using "neither/nor," the verb must agree with the closest subject. Since "players" is plural, the verb must be "were."

3. I have been living in this city since ten years, and I have seen it change significantly.

Error: Replace "since" with "for."

Explanation: "Since" is used for a specific point in time (e.g., 2014), while "for" is used to describe a duration of time (e.g., ten years).

4. Although he was ill, but he decided to attend the meeting to support his colleagues.

Error: Remove "but."

Explanation: "Although" is a subordinating conjunction that introduces a contrast; adding "but" creates a redundant double conjunction error.

5. Each of the students have submitted their assignment before the deadline.

Error: Replace "have" with "has."

Explanation: The word "Each" is a singular pronoun and always requires a singular verb ("has"), even if followed by a plural noun like "students."

6. She is one of those people who is always ready to help anyone in need.

Error: Replace "is" with "are."

Explanation: In the phrase "one of those [plural noun] who...", the relative pronoun "who" refers to the plural noun ("people"), so the verb should be plural ("are").

7. Unless you do not work hard, you will not be able to clear the examination.

Error: Remove "do not."

Explanation: "Unless" itself means "if not." Adding "do not" creates a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect. It should be "Unless you work hard..."

8. The furniture in the new office are modern and very comfortable to use.

Error: Replace "are" with "is."

Explanation: "Furniture" is an uncountable (mass) noun and is always treated as singular in English.

9. He had scarcely entered the room than the lights went out suddenly.

Error: Replace "than" with "when."

Explanation: The correlative pair for "scarcely" and "hardly" is "when," while "than" is used with "no sooner."

10. If I was you, I would have accepted the job offer immediately.

Error: Replace "was" with "were."

Explanation: This is a Type 2 conditional sentence (hypothetical). In the subjunctive mood, "were" is used for all subjects, including "I."

11. The news regarding the sudden resignation of the CEO were broadcasted late last night.

Error: Replace "were" with "is/was" and "broadcasted" with "broadcast."

Explanation: "News" is always singular. Also, the past tense of "broadcast" is traditionally "broadcast" (though "broadcasted" is becoming common, it is often marked wrong in formal exams).

12. He is more taller than his brother, although they both play on the same basketball team.

Error: Remove "more."

Explanation: "Taller" is already a comparative adjective. Adding "more" creates a "double comparative," which is grammatically redundant.

13. Between you and I, the new policy is likely to cause more problems than it solves.

Error: Replace "I" with "me."

Explanation: "Between" is a preposition. Pronouns following a preposition must be in the objective case ("me," "him," "them"), not the nominative case ("I," "he," "they").

14. I prefer coffee than tea when I am working late at the office.

Error: Replace "than" with "to."

Explanation: The verb "prefer" is always followed by the preposition "to" (e.g., I prefer X to Y).

15. Entering the room, the light was so bright that it blinded him for a moment.

Error: Dangling Modifier. Rewrite as: "As he entered the room, the light..."

Explanation: The phrase "Entering the room" implies that the subject of the sentence (the light) entered the room. Since "the light" cannot enter a room, the sentence needs a clear human subject.

16. The scenery of the Himalayas are truly breathtaking and soul-stirring.

Error: Replace "are" with "is."

Explanation: "Scenery" is an uncountable noun and always takes a singular verb.

17. He ran as fastly as he could, but he still missed the last bus home.

Error: Replace "fastly" with "fast."

Explanation: "Fast" is both an adjective and an adverb. "Fastly" is not a standard word in the English language.

18. Many a student have failed to realize the importance of consistent practice.

Error: Replace "have" with "has."

Explanation: The structure "Many a + singular noun" always takes a singular verb.

19. Supposing if it rains today, will the match be cancelled?

Error: Remove "if."

Explanation: "Supposing" and "if" mean the same thing in this context. Using both is redundant. You should use either "Supposing it rains..." or "If it rains..."

20. She has been working here for the last five years, isn't it?

Error: Replace "isn't it" with "hasn't she."

Explanation: A question tag must match the helping verb and the subject of the main sentence. Since the sentence uses "has been," the tag should be "hasn't she."

21. The teacher asked the students to discuss about the impact of climate change.

Error: Remove "about."

Explanation: The verb "discuss" is a transitive verb that directly takes an object. You "discuss a topic," you don't "discuss about" it.

22. He is the most cleverest boy in the entire class, according to the results.

Error: Remove "most."

Explanation: "Cleverest" is already a superlative adjective. Adding "most" creates a double superlative error.

23. If he would have worked hard, he would have passed the examination with flying colors.

Error: Replace "would have worked" with "had worked."

Explanation: In a third conditional sentence (past unreal), the 'if' clause uses the past perfect tense (had + V3), while the main clause uses would\ have + V3.

24. The jury were unanimous in their decision to convict the defendant.

Error: Replace "were" with "was."

Explanation: "Jury" is a collective noun. When the members are acting as a single unit (unanimous), the verb should be singular.

25. She has been waiting for you since two hours in the pouring rain.

Error: Replace "since" with "for."

Explanation: Use "for" for a duration of time (two hours) and "since" for a specific starting point (2 PM).

26. No sooner had he arrived at the station when the train started moving.

Error: Replace "when" with "than."

Explanation: The correlative conjunction "No sooner" always pairs with "than."

27. One should respect his elders regardless of the situation.

Error: Replace "his" with "one's."

Explanation: If a sentence begins with the pronoun "One," the possessive pronoun used later must also be "one's."

28. My friend lives in a five-floors building near the city center.

Error: Replace "five-floors" with "five-floor."

Explanation: When a number and a noun act as an adjective before another noun, the hyphenated adjective is always singular.

29. Scarcely I had finished my dinner when the doorbell rang.

Error: Replace "Scarcely I had" with "Scarcely had I."

Explanation: When a sentence begins with a negative adverb like "Scarcely," "Hardly," or "Never," we use Inversion (helping verb comes before the subject).

30. The manager, as well as the employees, are responsible for the project's success.

Error: Replace "are" with "is."

Explanation: When subjects are joined by "as well as," "along with," or "together with," the verb agrees with the first subject ("The manager").