Non-native Indian English examinees find it much easier to clear the quantitative sections of competitive exams such as GMAT, GRE, IELTS, etc. Meanwhile, scoring high marks in the English section becomes challenging.

Most non-native English grammar learners find it hard to grasp the rules. Preparing English grammar for competitive exams is much more difficult for self-learners that don’t even take online classes.

English Grammar for Competitive Exams:-

The English grammar section of competitive exams consists of various types of questions. These include spotting error, cloze test, tenses, prepositions, adjectives, conjunction, clauses, modals, reported speech, subject-verb agreement, para jumbles, and more.

If you have a good grasp of English grammar for competitive exams, it becomes less time consuming and offers more time for completing other sections. Examinees also require to score the highest marks in the grammar section to receive high grades and study or work abroad.

General English for Competitive Exams:-

Candidates preparing general English for competitive exams also get tested verbally. These involve active and passive voice, reporting speech, diction, conjunction, prepositions, adjectives, adverbs, nouns, tenses, and other topics.

Examinees with an adequate grasp on topics for general English for competitive exams can easily finish the verbal sections with self-confidence. Moreover, these exams also include a few basic error types.

Learners should focus on subject-verb agreement, parallelism, verb forms, modifiers, grammatical constructions, etc. while preparing general English for competitive exams. Other topics include diction, logical prediction, idioms, rhetorical construction, and vocabulary.

English Syllabus for Competitive Exams:-

The English syllabus for competitive exams like CAT, SSC, or others has a few common types of sub-topics. For example, vocabulary includes synonyms and antonyms, homonyms, cloze test, idioms and phrases, and one-word substitution.

Similarly, grammar includes active and passive voice, reported speech, conjunction, tenses, a list of prepositions, error spotting, multiple-meaning, and sentence correction. Likewise, reading comprehension consists of para jumbles, sentence rearrangement, and paragraph completion.

English Grammar Books for Competitive Exams:-

• Wren & Martin: High School English Grammar & Composition
• Raymond Murphy: English Grammar in Use
• Michael Swan: Practical English Usage
• Rod Thorpe: Objective English
• Online grammar resources like British Council LearnEnglish and Grammarly

How to Prepare English Grammar for Competitive Exams?

1. Make a Habit of Reading Newspapers

Setting a timer while reading a newspaper can help read between the lines, increase grasping power, and improve reading ability. You can find the most qualitative articles in the editorial section. While reading a newspaper, keep a marker or pen handy. Highlight the unknown words and find their meaning. 

2. Make Grammar Rules Easy to Remember

Flashcards and word games are not only meant for children but adults too. They can even help to polish the English language skills of native speakers. Moreover, you can carry them while traveling and revise different rules after regular intervals. Read CBSE or ICSE school books if you don’t know the basics.

3. Take an Online Class

Another method of improving grammar is by installing an English course app. By doing so, you can avail English classes from experienced trainers through a video call via Skype or WhatsApp. The tutor would provide personalized study material useful for cracking competitive English exams. The trainer would also clear doubts through individual classes.

English Grammar for Competitive Exams: MCQs with Answers

Here are some sample Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with answers to help with competitive exam preparation:

1. Identify the correct sentence:

A. She do not like coffee.
B. She does not likes coffee.
C. She does not like coffee.
D. She don’t like coffee.
Answer: C. She does not like coffee.

2. Choose the correct article to complete the sentence:

I saw ___ owl sitting on the tree.
A. a
B. an
C. the
D. no article needed
Answer: B. an

3. Fill in the blank with the correct preposition:

He is interested ___ learning new languages.
A. in
B. on
C. about
D. of
Answer: A. in

4. Select the correct verb form:

Neither of the boys ___ guilty.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C. is

5. Pick the correct synonym for the word ‘Abundant’:

A. Rare
B. Scarce
C. Plentiful
D. Insufficient
Answer: C. Plentiful

6. Find the antonym of ‘Appear’:

A. Arrive
B. Disappear
C. Present
D. Show
Answer: B. Disappear

7. Identify the error in the sentence:

He don’t know how to swim.
A. He
B. don’t
C. know
D. how to swim
Answer: B. don’t (It should be “doesn’t.”)

8. Choose the correct conjunction:

She is intelligent ___ hardworking.
A. or
B. but
C. and
D. yet
Answer: C. and

9. Select the correct tense:

He ___ to the park every morning.
A. goes
B. gone
C. go
D. going
Answer: A. goes

10. Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb:

You ___ wear a helmet while riding a bike.
A. must
B. can
C. may
D. might
Answer: A. must

FAQs

1. Why is English grammar is important for competitive exams?

Ans– Strong English grammar skills are essential for success in competitive exams for several reasons:

• Clarity and fluency: Proper grammar ensures your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand,allowing you to effectively convey your ideas and arguments.
• Accuracy and precision: Precise grammar usage helps avoid errors that can lead to deductions in marks.Many competitive exams assess your ability to identify and correct grammatical mistakes.
• Enhanced confidence: A strong command of grammar boosts your confidence when writing and communicating, allowing you to express yourself with greater clarity and conviction.

2. What are the basic English grammar concepts I should focus on for competitive exams?

Ans– Here are some of the fundamental English grammar concepts you should focus on:

• Parts of speech: Mastering the functions and roles of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns,conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in sentence structure.
• Sentence structure: Understanding subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, sentence types, and punctuation rules.
• Common grammatical errors: Identifying and understanding common errors like subject-verb disagreement, misuse of tenses, and misplaced modifiers to avoid them in your writing.

3. Are there any online English grammar courses for competitive exams?

Ans– Yes, numerous online English grammar courses cater specifically to competitive exams. These courses often offer:

• Detailed explanations of grammatical rules: Breakdown of complex rules into manageable sections for easier understanding and application.
• Interactive exercises: Ample practice opportunities through exercises, quizzes, and mock tests to test your knowledge and identify weaknesses.
• Personalized feedback: Some courses provide personalized feedback on your writing and grammar usage for targeted guidance and improvement.
• Flexible learning: Adapt to your schedule and learning pace with convenient online access.

4. How do I choose the right online English grammar course for competitive exams for me?

Ans– Consider the following factors when choosing an online English grammar course:

• Your learning style: Select a course that aligns with your preferred learning style, whether visual, auditory,or kinesthetic.
• Your level of proficiency: Choose a course suited to your current grammar knowledge and skill level.
• Course features: Evaluate the features offered, such as interactive exercises, personalized feedback, and mobile access.
• Course reviews: Read reviews from other students to gain insights into the course’s effectiveness and teaching style.