Sentence Correction for Bank Exams

By : Akash Mishra

Updated : Oct 5, 2020, 18:53

Sentence Correction is an important topic for any competitive exam, more so in banking exams. As a language topic, it tests the fluency of the candidate in the English language, which is among the important official languages in India. It is expected of all candidates appearing in exams to have a good knowledge of the same. Questions from this topic are asked in all-important banking exams like IBPS, Indian Bank, SBI, NIACL, IDBI clerk, executive and PO.

Preparing for this section is relatively easy if you are a fluent reader or writer in English. Even if you are not, regular practice in basic concepts should brush up your skills on time. Here, we will cover all the essential topics and tips that you need to understand for your preparation. You can check out BYJU'S Exam Prep for Sentence Correction quiz for bank exams

Important Sentence Correction Topics in Bank Exams

Topic Name

Explanation

Subject-verb agreement

The first rule of any sentence correction is that the verb should be present according to the subject in the sentence. For example- a plural subject should have a verb which denotes plurality.

Modifier errors

The role of the modifiers is to clarify the meaning of the sentence by putting them in the right format. In most of the cases, they should be present close to the subject noun.

Idioms and phrases

There are various idioms and phrases used in the English language which have tricky grammar schemes. One should be aware of all these phrases and not try to change them according to sentences.

Word Repetition

Many times, sentences use redundant verbs and adverbs, which causes repetition- it should be avoided when spotted. For example- return means going back. So we cannot say ‘return back’. 

Comparisons

There are three degrees of comparison in English, and they should be followed strictly in any sentence. Each degree implies a different sentence structure and the nouns, adverbs, and verbs should be placed accordingly.

Noun and pronoun agreement

When you are using a pronoun along with a noun, there should be a clear antecedent of the pronoun. One should be clear if it is a plural or singular form.

Choice of diction

There are specific phrases and words which can have a similar meaning, but different applications and the choice of diction will be essential to analyse. For example- affect v/s effect, few v/s less and adapt v/s adopt. 

Sentence Correction Tips for Bank Exams

  • Read as much as you can, and understand the usage of language. The newspaper is a great way to begin.
  • Solve previous question papers and exercise books and work on increasing your speed.
  • Take the effort to revise your concepts from time to time.
  • Learn idioms and phrases by heart, through books and online resources.

Importance of Sentence Correction Problems in Banking & Government Exams

  • Sentence Correction questions are a significant part of the Verbal Ability Section in Bank and government post-exams.
  • They are present in both the preliminary and mains exams.
  • It is a highly scoring section for most candidates.
  • The use of English is crucial in all the important posts as it is a major language used in offices.

Most Recommended Books for Sentence Correction

  • General English by S. Gupta (Arihant)
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • Wren & Martin- High School English Grammar and Composition
  • Objective English by R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand Publication)

Why prepare Sentence Correction topics for Bank Exams from BYJU'S Exam Prep?

BYJU'S Exam Prep is an online portal which provides many resources for all requirements for candidates in competitive exams. The platform has tons of online courses and test series, which will help you polish and evaluate your skills. Furthermore, there are a lot of free videos by experts which will help you clarify your concepts. You can also put up your questions and any point of confusion which will be explained by a team of experts. It is a community of hard-working students and teachers that encourages you to learn and perform well in your competitive exams.

FAQs

  1. How to find errors in a sentence?
    Make sure to read the entire sentence. First, check the verbs and pronouns, and then go for modifiers. Lastly, check the diction and spelling errors, if any.
  2. How can I check if my sentence is correct?
    At the time of the exam, you must estimate your choice against other possible alternatives and go for what you feel is the best.
  3. How do I start preparing for Sentence Correction?
    Begin by reading and practising from books. Always try to break down larger sentences into smaller chunks and apply your principles.
  4. Which apps can I use to study Sentence Correction?
    There are many grammar checker apps available like Grammarly, Oxford Grammar and Punctuation, and Grammar Checker.