English Grammar | SSC / BPSC / BSSC Exam Prep
| Category | Sub-type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| H.V. (Helping Verb) | Primary — Be | Is/am/are, was/were, be/been/being |
| Primary — Have | has/have/had, Do-Does/did | |
| Modals | can/could, may/might, will/would, shall/should, dare/need, must, used to, ought to | |
| M.V. (Main Verb) | Finite | Transitive, Intransitive |
| Non-finite | Infinitive, Gerund, Participle |
| V1 | V2 | V3 | V4 | V5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be, am, are Have Do | was, were had did | been had done | being having doing | is has does |
| H.V. (Have) | M.V. (Have) |
|---|---|
| He has eaten lunch. | Possession |
| They have eaten lunch. | Relationship / Eat / Drink / Spend time |
✔ I had had breakfast before I left for work.
✘ I had breakfast before I left for work.
✘ I had had breakfast before I leave for work.
✘ I have had breakfast before I left for work.
Last weekend I just wanted to relax because I have had a busy week.
By the time they reached the theater, the movie ___ already ___.
✔ had, started
He did not had have any money to pay the college fees.
I was have perfectly healthy until now.
✔ He had already had dinner before we arrived.
(Not: "She had had already finished her project" / "They had had left the party early")
Before I met him personally, I admit that I have had a poor opinion about him.
She must had have completed her work by now because she is very punctual.
| V1 | V2 | V3 | V4 (-ing) | V5 (-s/es) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lie (to recline — intransitive) | lay | lain | lying | lies |
| Lay (to place something — transitive) | laid | laid | laying | lays |
She laid on the couch and read a book.
✔ "Laid" should be changed to "lay" (past tense of Lie, intransitive, no object)
He was laying lying comfortably on the bed.
✘ The cat likes to lay in the sun.
✔ The cat likes to lie in the sun.
I'm going to lay lie down in the room.
He lay laid the blanket out and sat. (takes object "blanket" → lay/transitive)
We are tired, let's lay lie in the shade for a while.
The plan is to lie the foundations for the new apartments in October.
She lay laid her head against my shoulder and fell asleep. (takes object "head" → lay/transitive)
| V1 | V2 | V3 | V4 | V5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise (intransitive — no object) | rose | risen | rising | rises |
| Raise (transitive — needs object) | raised | raised | raising | raises |
The price of the stock raised significantly yesterday.
✔ "Raised" should be changed to "rose" (no object)
It's a wonder we didn't rise raise our arms in surrender. (object: "our arms")
The balloon raised rose gracefully into the sky, carried by the gentle breeze.
Because of the incessant rain, the flood water is raising rising.
Against all odds, he rises rose above his challenges & achieved great success.
The teacher rose raised her voice to get the attention of the noisy students. (object: "her voice")
✔ They raised their concerns at the meeting.
✘ They rose their concerns at the meeting.
Considering the high demand for flights to gulf countries, airlines may rise raise prices. (object: "prices")
We have to let more women ___ to the top.
✔ have to let more women rise (bare infinitive "rise" after "let" — no object follows, intransitive)
| V1 | V2 | V3 | V4 | V5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall (intransitive — to drop down) | fell | fallen | falling | falls |
| Fell (transitive — to cut down) | felled | felled | felling | fells |
✔ The leaves fall from the trees in autumn.
✘ The leaves fell from the trees in autumn.
Silence felled fell between them and then he finally spoke.
✔ She had fallen asleep before the movie started.
The powerful earthquake fell felled buildings, bridges, and other structures. (transitive: felled buildings)
You tried to dance and fall fell upon the floor.
The strong wind gusts fell felled several power lines causing a widespread blackout. (transitive)
No one is allowed to fall fell the trees in the forest. (transitive, to cut down)
| V1 | V2 | V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overflow | overflowed | overflowed |
Correction: The bathtub has overflown overflowed, causing water to spill onto the floor.
| Meaning | V1 | V2 | V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hang (to suspend an object) | Hang | hung | hung |
| Hang (to execute by hanging) | Hang | hanged | hanged |
| Verb | V1 | V2 | V3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find (to discover) | Find | found | found |
| Found (to establish) | Found | founded | founded |
✔ The explorers found the hidden treasure.
✔ The committee founded the new organization.
Such inequalities can be found in the constitutions of other countries also.
In a group you may found find one or two people who tend to be extremely vocal.
Our organization was found founded twenty years ago.
✔ She has found a solution to the problem.
✘ She has founded a solution to the problem.
| V1 | V2 | V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcast | Broadcast | Broadcast |
| Telecast | telecast | telecast |
| Forecast | forecast | forecast |
| V1 | V2 | V3 |
|---|---|---|
| Slay | Slew | Slain |
✘ The knight slayed the dragon with his sword.
✔ The knight slew the dragon with his sword.
✘ The monster was slay by the brave warrior.
✔ The monster was slain by the brave warrior.
He has slayed slain his rival.
| Finite Verb | Non-Finite Verb |
|---|---|
| Finite means "Bound" — a Finite verb must agree with the number and person of its subject. | Unlike Finite verb, non-finite verbs are not bound by tense, number, or person of the subject. |
| To Infinitive | Bare Infinitive |
|---|---|
| To + V1 | V1 (no "to") |
I would rather to wait for her.
I would rather go than to waste my time.
I would sooner spend my vacation at the beach than to go camping in the mountains.
You had better left leave the country and come to see me as soon as possible.
You had better gone go abroad for higher studies.
If I had the chance, I would sooner quit my job and pursues pursue my passion for painting.
If you see something you like you had better bought buy it.
She had better get get here soon or she'll miss the opening ceremony. (already bare — verify)
We would rather save our money for a trip than spend it on expensive gadgets.
If you're going to do a startup, ___.
✔ you had better be serious about it (bare infinitive "be")
Rahul is fond of eat eating.
He assisted me in do doing this work.
He is ambitious of become becoming the P.M. of India.
What did you do on see seeing your result?
I am interested in learn learning more.
You should not mind hers her coming late.
My teacher did not object to me my using the calculator.
Owing to him his being a newcomer, he was unable to get the job.
I am pretty confident of me my winning the case.
She was not sure of him his passing the examination.
Owing to ___, I was given fewer rights and facilities...
✔ Owing to my being a girl
He comes to me with a view to get getting some help.
Rahul is used to work working at night.
He is addicted to gamble gambling.
He looks forward to meet meeting his friends.
We are committed to withdraw withdrawing our troops by the end of the year.
I am looking forward to meet meeting you.
He has called a meeting with a view to form forming a national reconciliation government.
Sandy is addicted to collect collecting stamps.
It is no use cry crying over spilt milk.
Is it any use support supporting a corrupt leader?
It is no good help helping the terrorist.
It is no good hide hiding their mistakes. As a guardian, you should confront them.
| Sentence | Function |
|---|---|
| Studying is important for academic success. | Gerund (Subject/Noun) |
| The studying environment should be free from distractions. | Participle (Adjective) |
| The professor is passionate about studying human behavior. | Gerund (Object of preposition) |
| They are studying for the upcoming exam. | Participle (part of verb phrase — HV + MV) |
| I spent the whole day studying math. | Participle (Adverb) |
| He joined a singing competition and impressed the judges. | Participle (Adjective) |
| She enjoys singing in the shower. | Gerund (Object/Noun) |
| The children were singing their favourite songs at the concert. | Participle (verb phrase) |
| Singing brings joy to my heart. | Gerund (Subject) |
| She came down the street, singing happily. | Participle (Adverb) |
| ...is now fighting for his life. | Participle (Verb) |
| Many of his paintings show the setting sun. | Participle (Adjective) |
| The girl dancing on the stage is my sister. | Participle (Adjective) |
| Asking questions is a whole lot easier than answering them. | Gerund (Noun) |
| We found some money lying on the ground. | Participle (Adjective) |
| ...flying above the clouds was the most incredible experience... | Gerund (Noun) |
| ...the meeting looks fruitful. The magazine's cover, appealing to younger readers... I am looking forward to getting the statistics. | Meeting = Gerund (Noun); Appealing = Participle (Adj.); Looking = Participle (Verb) |
| Tom lost his keys walking through the park. | Participle (Adverb) |
| Do you mind my borrowing these supplies? | Gerund (Noun) |
| They enjoyed taking long walks on the trail. | Gerund (Noun) |
| If I catch you stealing my apples again... | Participle (Adjective) |
| Reading a good novel always gives me pleasure. | Gerund (Noun) |
| The man driving the car was not injured. | Participle (Adjective) |
Standing Having stood on the stage, the actor delivered a powerful monologue.
Taking Having taken the breakfast, he went to the office.
Driving Having driven through the countryside, they admired the scenic views.
Having won the championship, the team celebrated their victory. ✔
Wandering through the museum, they admired the artwork on display. ✔ (simultaneous action)
Saving Having saved enough money, they planned a trip to their dream destination.
| Dangling Sentence | Correction |
|---|---|
| Walking in the park, a tree fell down. | Walking → While he was walking |
| Waiting for a bus, a brick fell on my head. | Waiting → While I was waiting |
| Being Sunday, I decided not to go out. | Being → It being |
| Being a rainy day, we did not go out. | Being → It being |
| Watching TV, somebody came to meet me. | Watching → while I was watching |
| Sitting on the chair, a ball hit him. | Sitting → while he was sitting |
| Sleeping in my room, a nurse came to check the temperature. | Sleeping → while I was sleeping |
| Standing near the gate, a scooter hit her. | Standing → while she was standing |
| # | Sentence | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Last weekend I just wanted to relax because I have a busy week. | had |
| 2 | By the time they reached the theater, the movie ___ already ___. | had, started |
| 3 | He did not had any money to pay the college fees. | have |
| 4 | I was perfectly healthy until now. | have |
| 5 | Before I met him personally, I admit that I have a poor opinion about him. | had |
| 6 | She must had completed her work by now. | have |
| 7 | She laid on the couch and read a book. | lay |
| 8 | He was laying comfortably on the bed. | lying |
| 9 | I'm going to lay down in the room. | lie |
| 10 | He lay the blanket out and sat. | laid |
| 11 | We are tired, let's lay in the shade for a while. | lie |
| 12 | The plan is to lie the foundations for the new apartments in October. | No Error |
| 13 | She lay her head against my shoulder and fell asleep. | laid |
| 14 | The price of the stock raised significantly yesterday. | rose |
| 15 | It's a wonder we didn't rise our arms in surrender. | raise |
| 16 | The balloon raised gracefully into the sky. | rose |
| 17 | Because of the incessant rain, the flood water is raising. | rising |
| 18 | Against all odds, he rises above his challenges & achieved great success. | rose |
| 19 | The teacher rose her voice to get the attention of the noisy students. | raised |
| 20 | They raised their concerns at the meeting. | No Error |
| 21 | Airlines may rise prices. | raise |
| 22 | We have to let more women rise to the top. | No Error (bare infinitive after "let") |
| 23 | The leaves fell from the trees in autumn. | fall (general truth = present) |
| 24 | Silence felled between them and then he finally spoke. | fell |
| 25 | She had fallen asleep before the movie started. | No Error |
| 26 | The powerful earthquake fell buildings, bridges, and other structures. | felled |
| 27 | You tried to dance and fall upon the floor. | fell |
| 28 | The strong wind gusts fell several power lines causing a widespread blackout. | felled |
| 29 | No one is allowed to fall the trees in the forest. | fell |
| 30 | The bathtub has overflown, causing water to spill onto the floor. | overflowed |
| 31 | People can hung all the gifts upon the Christmas tree. | hang |
| 32 | Four Indian men convicted... have been hung. The four were hung in the capital's high-security prison. | hanged, hanged |
| 33 | The coat was drenched in rain water, I hanged it on the hook. | hung |
| 34 | Hang your clothes on the line to dry. | No Error |
| 35 | The servant hanged the lamp on the wall. | hung |
| 36 | For his crime, the accused will be hung till death. | hanged |
| 37 | In a group you may found one or two people who tend to be extremely vocal. | find |
| 38 | Our organization was found twenty years ago. | founded |
| 39 | The eminent speaker's speech was broadcasted over all the major stations. | broadcast |
| 40 | It cannot be forecasted how society will emerge generations hence. | forecast |
| 41 | The knight slayed the dragon with his sword. | slew |
| 42 | The monster was slay by the brave warrior. | slain |
| 43 | He has slayed his rival. | slain |
| 44 | I would rather to wait for her. | (remove "to") |
| 45 | I would rather go than to waste my time. | (remove "to") |
| 46 | I would sooner spend my vacation at the beach than to go camping in the mountains. | (remove "to") |
| 47 | You had better left the country and come to see me as soon as possible. | leave |
| 48 | You had better gone abroad for higher studies. | go |
| 49 | I would sooner quit my job and pursues my passion for painting. | pursue |
| 50 | You had better bought it if you see something you like. | buy |
| 51 | We would rather save our money for a trip than spend it on expensive gadgets. | No Error |
| 52 | Why to play alone when we have a number of friends... | (remove "to") |
| 53 | Why to talk to him if he is not ready to act on the advice... | (remove "to") |
| 54 | Why not to go to a dentist, if all your teeth are decaying rapidly. | (remove "to") |
| 55 | Why to pay more at this shop when it is available for 500 rupees only... | (remove "to") |
| 56 | He knows to befool customers. | how to |
| 57 | She taught me to speak English. | how to |
| 58 | Rahul does not know to swim so he is afraid of water. | how to |
| 59 | Do you know to prepare balance sheet? | how to |
| 60 | I heard him to say so. | (remove "to") |
| 61 | I watched him to proceed to that location. | (remove "to") |
| 62 | I saw her to talk to her friend. | (remove "to") |
| 63 | She made me to laugh. | (remove "to") |
| 64 | I noticed him to make his way there. | (remove "to") |
| 65 | I was made ___ laugh. / She was seen ___ enter the office. / They were heard ___ say that they loved the movie. | insert "to" (passive voice) |
| 66 | Rahul is fond of eat. | eating |
| 67 | He assisted me in do this work. | doing |
| 68 | He is ambitious of become the P.M. of India. | becoming |
| 69 | What did you do on see your result? | seeing |
| 70 | I am interested in learn more. | learning |
| 71 | You should not mind hers coming late. | her |
| 72 | My teacher did not object to me using the calculator. | my |
| 73 | Owing to him being a newcomer, he was unable to get the job. | his |
| 74 | I am pretty confident of me winning the case. | my |
| 75 | She was not sure of him passing the examination. | his |
| 76 | Owing to ___ being a girl, I was given fewer rights and facilities. | my |
| 77 | He comes to me with a view to get some help. | getting |
| 78 | Rahul is used to work at night. | working |
| 79 | He is addicted to gamble. | gambling |
| 80 | He looks forward to meet his friends. | meeting |
| 81 | We are committed to withdraw our troops by the end of the year. | withdrawing |
| 82 | I am looking forward to meet you. | meeting |
| 83 | He has called a meeting with a view to form a national reconciliation government. | forming |
| 84 | Sandy is addicted to collect stamps. | collecting |
| 85 | It is no use cry over spilt milk. | crying |
| 86 | Is it any use support a corrupt leader? | supporting |
| 87 | It is no good help the terrorist. | helping |
| 88 | It is no good hide their mistakes. | hiding |
| 89 | Taking the breakfast, he went to the office. | Having taken the breakfast |
| 90 | Standing on the stage, the actor delivered a powerful monologue. | Having stood on the stage |
| 91 | Driving through the countryside, they admired the scenic views. | Having driven through the countryside |
| 92 | Saving enough money, they planned a trip to their dream destination. | Having saved enough money |
| 93 | Walking in the park, a tree fell down. | While he was walking in the park... |
| 94 | Waiting for a bus, a brick fell on my head. | While I was waiting for a bus... |
| 95 | Being Sunday, I decided not to go out. | It being Sunday |
| 96 | Being a rainy day, we did not go out. | It being a rainy day |
| 97 | Watching TV, somebody came to meet me. | While I was watching TV... |
| 98 | Sitting on the chair, a ball hit him. | While he was sitting on the chair... |
| 99 | Sleeping in my room, a nurse came to check the temperature. | While I was sleeping in my room... |
| 100 | Standing near the gate, a scooter hit her. | While she was standing near the gate... |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| H.V. Primary (Be) | Is/am/are, was/were, be/been/being |
| H.V. Primary (Have) | has/have/had, Do-Does/did |
| H.V. Modals | can/could, may/might, will/would, shall/should, dare/need, must, used to, ought to |
| M.V. Finite | Transitive, Intransitive |
| M.V. Non-finite | Infinitive, Gerund, Participle |
| V1 | V2 | V3 | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lie | lay | lain | Intransitive — to recline |
| Lay | laid | laid | Transitive — to place something |
| Rise | rose | risen | Intransitive — no object |
| Raise | raised | raised | Transitive — needs object |
| Fall | fell | fallen | Intransitive — to drop |
| Fell | felled | felled | Transitive — to cut down |
| Overflow | overflowed | overflowed | Same in all forms |
| Hang (object) | hung | hung | For suspending objects |
| Hang (execution) | hanged | hanged | For death by hanging only |
| Find | found | found | To discover |
| Found | founded | founded | To establish |
| Broadcast | broadcast | broadcast | Same in all forms |
| Telecast | telecast | telecast | Same in all forms |
| Forecast | forecast | forecast | Same in all forms |
| Slay | slew | slain | Formal/literary — to kill |
| Tense | Structure |
|---|---|
| Simple Present | Sub + V1 + s/es |
| Simple Past | Sub + V2 |
| Present Perfect | Sub + has/have + V3 |
| Past Perfect | Sub + had + V3 (note: "had had" is correct when MV is "have") |
| Structure/Trigger | Infinitive Type |
|---|---|
| Would rather / Would sooner / Had better | Bare Infinitive |
| Why / Why not | Bare Infinitive |
| Ask/Explain/Teach/Know/Learn/Discover/Remember/Forget | How + To + V1 |
| Feel/Hear/See/Notice/Watch/Make + Object (Active Voice) | Bare Infinitive |
| Feel/Hear/See/Notice/Watch/Make + Object (Passive Voice) | Full (to) Infinitive |
| Help + Object | Full OR Bare Infinitive (both correct) |
| Structure/Trigger | Rule |
|---|---|
| Preposition + Object | Gerund (V+ing), never bare V1 |
| Possessive Adjective + ___ | Gerund (my/his/her/their + V+ing) |
| With a view to / Look forward to / Accustomed to / Habituated to / Addicted to / Be used to / Committed to / Averse to / Owing to / Devoted to / In addition to / Object to / Prone to / Conducive to | + Gerund (V+ing) |
| No use / No good / Any use / Any good | + Gerund (V+ing) |
| Type | Structure |
|---|---|
| Present Participle | V + ing (adjective/adverb/verb phrase) |
| Past Participle | V3 (adjective/verb phrase) |
| Perfect Participle | having + V3, or after + V+ing — used when first action is fully completed before second begins |
| Dangling Participle Fix | Convert to "While + subject + was + V-ing"; use "It being..." for weather/day/situation openers |
| Perception verb + bare infinitive | Complete action witnessed |
| Perception verb + present participle | Either incomplete or complete action |