01

GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 391

SPOTTING
THE ERRORS
Generally, 10 to 15 questions based on spotting the errors are asked in NDA/NA exam. In this type of
questions, the given sentences are divided into three parts with each part marked as (a), (b) and (c). We
have to choose that part as our answer which has an error. If there is no error in any part, then choose
option (d) as your answer.

‘Spotting the errors’ is that area of English language, where the grammatical skills of the candidates are comprehensively
tested. Therefore, it can be said to be the most important part of the language proficiency test.
This is an integrated grammar exercise, so it covers all the grammatical parts. This includes
• Parts of speech • Number, gender, cases and degrees • Confusing words
• Usages of tenses • Non-finites • Determiners and articles
All these areas are to be studied thoroughly to score high in the NDA examination.

FORMAT OF THE QUESTION

Each question consists of a complex sentence, which is divided into three or four parts. One of the parts contains an error.
The candidate has to spot the error and mark the incorrect option/part. Incorrect part of the sentence is the right option. In
case, the sentence does not contain any error, option (d) needs to be selected.

Direction Which part of the following sentence is erroneous? In case there is no error, choose option (d).
Question The train should arrive at 7:30 in the morning but it was almost an hour late No error
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Ans. (a) In the given sentence, option (a) is given as ‘The train should arrive’. It should be ‘The train should have arrived’. Use of
Present Perfect Tense is required here for an obligation. So, option (a) has an error and it is the right option.
392 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 393

10. In a compound noun, a compound word is not used in e.g. (a) He gave me an information. (✗)
NOUN
–
plural if a noun does the work of an adjective. He gave me information. (✓)
Noun is the name of a person, place or a thing apart 5. Collective nouns take a plural verb and are substituted e.g. – He is pursuing a two year/ years diploma – (b) You should be true to your words. (✗)
from intangible things. by a plural pronoun when the group members do not course. You should be true to your word. (✓)
behave as a whole but take different directions. – He is a fifteen year/ years old boy.
Examples of Noun are Akshay, Neha, Delhi, New – (c) He was punished for committing (✗)
e.g. – The jury is / are divided in its / their decision. – I have got a hundred rupee note.
York, Cup, Chair, Truth, Charity, etc. many mischiefs.
– The Ministry are much divided in their opinion – He ran a five mile race.
He was punished for committing (✓)
Kinds of Noun regarding the foreign policy. – They went on a fifteen day tour.
– The diploma course he is pursuing, is of two
much mischief.
1. Common Noun It is a name given to every 6. Collective nouns, even when they denote living beings,
are considered to be of neuter gender. years. Numbers of Noun
person or thing of the same class or kind. – The boy is of fifteen years.
e.g. – Boy, girl, fan, chair, etc. e.g. – India has a big army and it is divided into three There are two kinds of numbers of nouns, which are as
– I have a note of hundred rupees.
major divisions. follow
2. Proper Noun Details of a common noun are – The race he ran was of five miles.
signified by proper noun. 7. Young children and lower animals are also referred to as Singular Noun It refers to one (single) person, thing,
– Their tour was of fifteen days.
e.g. – Amit, Amita, Polar fan, Supreme chair, etc. neuter gender. etc. e.g. boy, girl, table, man, etc.
e.g. – The baby started crying when it was hungry. 11. The following nouns are used only in plural.
3. Material Noun It is a substance, a material or an Plural Noun It refers to more than one persons, things,
– The lizard lost its tail when it was frightened. • Names of instruments, which have two parts forming
ingredient we can see and touch which is used for etc. e.g. cities, boys, girls, men, etc.
a kind of pair. Like scissors, spectacles, glasses, tongs,
making things. 8. When objects without life are personified, they are • Sometimes plurals are made by changing the inside
etc.
e.g. – Gold, coal, wheat, rubber, etc. considered either of masculine or of feminine gender. vowel.
Masculine Gender is used for strength, violence, anger e.g. – Scissors are / is used to cut.
4. Collective Noun It is the name of a group of – My pair of spectacles is very expensive. Singular Plural
and vengeance. It is used with sun, death, summer,
persons or things. winter. Here, we use singular form ‘is’ as the word ‘pair’ is Man Men
e.g. – Army, police, mob, crowd, parliament, e.g. – Nature has taken his vengeance by claiming lives added before the word ‘spectacles’. Woman Women
fleet, flock, team, etc. of 100 persons. • Certain articles of dress like trousers, shorts, jeans, etc. Foot Feet
5. Abstract Noun It is the name of a feeling, quality – The sun, with his brilliance, came out of the clouds. e.g. – Jeans are in vogue these days. Tooth Teeth
or a state. • Certain collective nouns (although they are singular in Mouse Mice
These sentences emphasise the strong masculine traits of
e.g. – Feeling Love, fear, hate, anger, respect, nature and the sun, ‘vengeance’ and ‘brilliance’, so the form). Police, cattle, gentry, peasantry, clergy, people, • Sometimes plurals are made by adding ‘s’ to the
pleasure, etc. masculine gender ‘his’ is used. company, poultry, majority, artillery, infantry, etc. principal word of a compound noun. e.g.
– Quality Strength, pitch, innocence, e.g. – Police have reached the crime scene.
Feminine Gender is used for beauty, gentleness and Singular Plural
gluttony, judgement, obedience, beauty, etc. gracefulness. It is used with earth, moon, spring, nature – Cattle are grazing in the field.
– State Weariness, tiredness, mercy, birth,
Brother-in-law Brothers-in-law
and even for sun. • Certain other nouns are thanks, assets, premises, alms,
death, etc. Vice-Admiral Vice-Admirals
e.g. – Nature offers its / her lap to those who seek it. proceeds, contents, refreshments, orders, repairs,
requirements, rations, statistics (collection of data), Court Martial Courts Martial
– The sun, with her warmth, provided relief from
Rules of Noun the bitter cold. credentials, etc. Commander-in-chief Commanders-in-chief
e.g. – Court should make it mandatory for the Runner-up Runners-up
1. Articles are not used before material nouns. The tender feminine traits of nature and the sun are
e.g. – The leather is used in making shoes. (✗) ministers to declare their assets. Looker-on Lookers-on
revealed. So, the feminine gender (her) is used.
– Alms were distributed in the beggars. • Some miscellaneous ones are as follow
– Leather is used in making shoes. (✓) 9. Units of counting, i.e., pair, dozen, score, hundred,
2. Material nouns and abstract nouns are not used in thousand, etc, when used after numbers retain their 12. Some plural forms are commonly used in singular like Singular Plural
plural. singular form. Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Economics (All subjects), Ox Oxen
Gymnastics, News, Innings, Series, Measles, Rabies, Datum Data
e.g. – Gold, Copper, Wood, Steel, etc. e.g. – Ten pair, Five dozen, Ten score, Five hundred,
Mumps, Rickets, Summons, Names of Books, etc.
– Cares of the old is necessary. (✗) Ten thousand, Five lakh, Ten crore, Five million, Medium Media
– Care of the old is necessary. (✓) Ten billion, etc. 13. Uncountable nouns are used in the singular forms only. Stratum Strata
– My friend bought two dozen / dozens eggs Indefinite article (a, an) is not used before them, nor are
3. Proper nouns are sometimes used as common Index Indices
from the market. they (a, an) used with plural verbs. ‘Much’ is used in
nouns. place of ‘Many’ for denoting plurality. Formula Formulae
e.g. – Samudragupta is the Napoleon of India. Here, the quantity is mentioned before the dozen, so we Lacuna Lacunae
have its singular form. Some of the important nouns of this category are as
– Kalidas is the Shakespeare of India. Alumnus Alumni
e.g. – My friend bought dozens of eggs from the follow
In these two sentences, the proper nouns Napolean Corrigendum Corrigenda
market. Advice, information, hair, luggage, business, work, word
and Shakespeare are used as common nouns. Erratum Errata
The quantity is not mentioned in the above sentence, so (promise), mischief, bread, scenery, abuse, vacation,
4. Collective nouns usually take a singular verb and evidence, employment, alphabet, poetry, furniture, Syllabus Syllabi
we use the plural form ‘dozens’.
are substituted by a singular pronoun. e.g. – Sunil Gavaskar scored thousands of runs in his baggage, trouble, fuel, wheat, rice, stationary are • Nouns like sheep, deer, offspring, cod, fish, salmon,
e.g. – The jury has given its verdict. career. material nouns. etc have the same form in both the numbers.
– The team has performed to its potential. The exact number of runs is not given in the above
sentence.
394 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 395

v. The words church, house, school, shop are often

Cases omitted after a possessive case.
Words Denoting Groups
There are three types of cases e.g. – Yesterday, I met my friend at St John’s. 1. An army of soldiers. 23. A course of lectures.
vi. The possessive case is chiefly used with the names 2. An alliance of states, powers, etc. 24. A consignment of goods.
1. Nominative Case
of living things. 3. An assembly of representatives. 25. A catalogue of books (i.e., their names).
A noun or pronoun is in the nominative case if it is used
as the subject of a verb. vii. The possessive case is also used with nouns 4. An attendance of servants, persons. 26. A circle of friends, acquaintances.
e.g. – Sachin Tendulkar scored a century. denoting time, space or weight.
5. An audience of listeners. 27. A clan of people.
Clue Put Who in active sentence and What in passive e.g. – Stone’s throw away distance
– A minute’s time 6. A band of musicians, followers. 28. A clique of persons (belonging to a body).
sentence before the verb.
– A day’s journey 7. A batch of pupils, candidates. 29. A commonwealth of bees.
2. Objective Case 8. A battery of guns. 30. A concourse of people.
A noun or pronoun is in the objective case if it is used as Confusing Nouns 9. A bench of judges or magistrates. 31. A confederacy of persons, nations, states.
the object of a verb.
Words Meaning Example 10. A block of houses, buildings. 32. A confederation of persons, powers, states.
e.g. – Sachin Tendulkar scored a century (Active).
– A century was scored by Sachin Tendulkar Advice Singular means an opinion or The teacher gave many 11. A body of men, soldiers, police, laws, etc. 33. A conference of preachers, delegates.
suggestion. pieces of advice to the
(Passive). students before the exam. 12. A brigade of cavalry, infantry or artillery. 34. A congregation of worshippers.
Clue Put What in active sentence and Whom in the
passive sentence after the subject and the verb. Advices Plural (Advices) means The invigilator gave advices 13. A bundle of hay. 35. A convoy of ships.
information. to the students before the
exam. 14. A bouquet of flowers. 36. A corporation of people.
3. Possessive Case 15. A board of trustees or directors. 37. A corps of soldiers, volunteers, police.
A noun is said to be in the possessive case if it denotes Cloth Singular means unfinished
product. We give cloth to tailor to get 16. A caravan of merchants. 38. A curriculum of studies.
possession, authorship, origin, kind. the clothes stitched.
e.g. – Amit’s house is at the back-side. Clothes Plural means garments. 17. A code of laws. 39. A crew of sailors.
How is Possessive Case Formed Colour Singular and plural means 18. A congress of representatives. 40. A herd of cattle (i.e. cattle pasturing).
red, green, etc.
i. By adding’s to a singular noun. A realist sees true colours of 19. A century of runs (in cricket). 41. An escort of soldiers.
a colour.
Colours (Plural only) implies ‘true
ii. By adding’s to plural nouns not ending in s. personality of someone’. 20. A cloud of locusts. 42. A fraction of people (engaged in politics).
e.g. – Children’s school, Men’s club. 21. A cluster of islands. 43. A family of plants, languages.
Force Singular means strength.
iii. By adding only an apostrophe to a plural noun ending Forces landed at the disputed 22. A constellation of stars. 44. A federation of states.
in s. Forces Plural means the military spot on time.
organisations for air, land
e.g. – Boys’, victims’, pilgrims’. and sea.
iv. By adding only an apostrophe to a singular noun when
there are hissing sounds.
Content Singular means satisfaction.
I am content with the
contents of this book.
SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 1
e.g. – Jesus’ blessings, for peace’ sake, for conscience’ Contents Plural means parts.
sake.
Rules of Possessive Case
Light Singular means radiance. There was a light on the
ascetic’s face.
ERRORS OF NOUN
i. In case of a compound noun, the possessive sign is Lights Singular and plural means Diwali is a festival of lights. Directions (Q.Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
lamps.
attached only to the last word.
e.g. – My brother-in-law’s marriage. People Singular is used when we are 1. Order has been issued (a)/ for his transfer to another 7. I shall not attend the meeting (a)/ since I have many
talking about masses. district (b)/ but he has not received them so far. (c)/ works to complete (b)/ within allotted time. (c)/ No
– The Queen-of-England’s residence.
People of India, Peoples of No error (d) error (d)
ii. When two or more nouns show joint possession, the Peoples Plural means people Europe.
belonging to different 2. Although she has studied (a)/ English for almost a 8. It is a pity (a)/ that even five years old boys (b)/
apostrophe sign is put with the latter only. cultures and ethnicities. year (b)/ she is yet to learn the alphabets. (c)/ No are engaged in hazardous factories. (c)/ No
e.g. – Dharmendra is Sunny and Bobby’s father. error (d) error (d)
Practice Singular means exercise of a It is compulsory for new
iii. The words his, hers, its, theirs, yours, ours are profession. doctors that they have a 3. There are two scores of books (a)/ which are lying 9. You should always be (a)/ true to your words (b)/ if
possessive and they are not written with the possessive practice in villages for 2 (b)/ unused in the library. (c)/ No error (d) you are to succeed in life. (c)/ No error (d)
Practices (Both singular and plural) years in the beginning of their
sign. means habit. career. 4. Children are prone (a)/ to making mischiefs (b)/ if 10. I gave him (a)/ two hundred rupees notes (b)/ for
e.g. – Neither did his efforts succeed nor your’s /yours. they have nothing to do. (c)/ No error (d) depositing. (c)/ No error (d)
Custom Singular means tradition. One should respect one’s
iv. The adverb ‘else’ combined with indefinite pronouns custom and traditions. 5. Sheeps are economically useful (a)/ and so they are 11. It is not my business (a)/ to give an advice to those
(somebody, anybody, etc) is expressed in possessive case reared (b)/ in the hills. (c)/ No error (d) (b)/who are not sensible enough to deal with their
Customs Plural means a department. The customs department
as ‘somebody else’s’ in place of ‘somebody’s else’. seized illegal goods at the 6. I have not gone through (a)/ the letter and so I am own problems. (c)/ No error (d)
e.g. – Is it your house? I thought it is somebody’s airport.
not aware (b)/ of its content. (c)/ No error (d) 12. I don’t think (a)/ it is your house (b)/ It is
else /somebody else’s? somebody’s else. (c)/ No error (d)
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13. She misplaced her spectacle (a)/ and is now feeling 17. The table’s wood (a)/ is infested with mite (b)/ and I
(b)/ great difficulty in studying. (c)/ No error (d) am likely to dispose it off. (c)/ No error (d) PRONOUN
14. Arabian Nights are (a)/ a collection of (b)/ very 18. The morale of the army (a)/ was high because the Words used in place of nouns are called pronoun. Generally, pronoun are words used in place of nouns. They are used to
interesting episodes of adventure. (c)/ No error (d) news (b)/ coming from the front are very avoid the repitition of noun word in a sentence. e.g. I saw a boy on the roof. He seemed to recognise me.
encouraging. (c)/ No error (d)
15. I hope to visit (a)/ my uncle only next year (b)/ In this example, the pronoun ‘he’ is italicised, used instead of repeating the noun ‘boy’ which is underlined.
19. I can’t come to you now (a)/ because a lot of works
during summer vacations. (c)/ No error (d)
(b)/ remains to be done. (c)/ No error (d)
16. Ration has run out (a)/ and the District Magistrate 20. A farmer was leading oxes (a)/ to his field for
Kinds of Pronoun
(b)/ has been informed. (c)/ No error (d) ploughing (b)/ early in the morning. (c)/ No error (d) Personal Pronouns
This pronoun refers or is related to the words which are used in place of nouns referring to person. Personal pronouns
have the following categorisations
EXPLANATIONS Ist Person : The one(s) speaking (I, me, my, mine, we, us, our, ours).
2nd Person : The one(s) spoken to (you, your, yours).
1. (a) When a person is assigned to a new station, he receives 9. (b) ‘True to your word’ means ‘promise’. In the given 3rd Person : The one(s) spoken about (he, him, his, she, her, hers, it, its, they, their, theirs).
his ‘orders’. This is a set of instructions, including where to sentence, the phrase ‘true to your words’ is incorrect.
be, when to be there etc. So, the correct sentence would be Nominative Case Objective Case Possessive Case
10. (b) In the given sentence, ‘two hundred rupees’ is used as an Persons
‘Orders have been issued ……… .’ Singular Plural Singular Plural Singular Plural
adjective of the noun ‘notes’. It should be ‘two hundred
2. (c) ‘Alphabet’ is the set of letters in a language. e.g. English rupee’. I Person I We Me Us My/Mine Our/Ours
alphabet has 26 letters from A-Z. In the given sentence, we 11. (b) As ‘advice’ is an uncountable noun, the article ‘an’ would
II Person You You You You Your/Yours Your/Yours
will use ‘alphabet’ instead of ‘alphabets’. not be used before it. III Person
3. (a) When a quantity is given before ‘score’ like ‘2’ or ‘5’ etc, 12. (c) The possessive pronoun in the given sentence Male He  Him  His 
‘score’ is not used in the plural form e.g., two score of   
‘somebody’s else’ is incorrectly used. Its correct usage will be Female She  They Her  Them Her/Hers  Their/Theirs
books.   
‘somebody else’s’. Neuter It  It  Its 
4. (b) The word ‘mischief ’ does not have a plural form. 13. (a) The correct usage of ‘spectacle’ is ‘spectacles’.
Hence, ‘mischief ’ would be used. 4. Objective case is used after the following words
14. (a) The book ‘Arabian Nights’ is a singular noun. So, ‘are’ Rules of Personal Pronouns
5. (a) The plural of ‘sheep’ is ‘sheep’. In the given sentence, the let, like, but, etc.
would be replaced by ‘is’. 1. A personal pronoun must be of the same number, gender
word ‘sheeps’ is incorrect. e.g. – It is no one else but he / him who has
15. (c) The correct use of ‘vacations’ is ‘vacation’. and person as the noun for which it stands, i.e.
6. (c) The word ‘content’ is used in its plural form ‘contents’ done the crime.
antecedent should agree with the noun.
when it is used to mean ‘something contained’. So, the 16. (a) ‘Rations have run out’ should be used. – He likes me.
e.g. – I am not one of those who believe everything
given sentence will have ‘contents’ instead of ‘content’. 17. (a) ‘The table’s wood’ does not seem appropriate. It should – Let him come inside.
I / they see.
7. (b) As ‘work’ is an uncountable noun we need to use ‘much be replaced by ‘The wood of the table’ which makes sense. – Every man must love his / her / their country. 5. Words such as as good as, as well as, as soon as, as
work’ instead of ‘many works’. 18. (c) ‘News’ is used as a singular noun. So, ‘coming from the – He is one of the best boys that have played here. beautiful as, as intelligent as, etc are followed by
8. (b) As we know that in a compound noun, a compound front is very encouraging’ would be used. 2. The component of the verb to be (is, am, are, was, were, nominative case.
word is not used in plural if a noun does the work of an 19. (b) As ‘work’ is an uncountable noun, ‘because a lot of work’ will, shall), when it is expressed by a pronoun, should be e.g. – When it comes to providing news, no one
adjective. would be used. in the nominative case. is as good as he.
In the given sentence, ‘five years old’ is an adjective of noun To be means – In studies he is as good as he.
20. (a) The plural of ‘ox’ is ‘oxen’. In the sentence, ‘oxes’ is used
‘boys’. So, ‘five year old’ would be used instead of ‘five years Is : He, She, It
instead of ‘oxen’ which is incorrect. 6. 2, 3, 1 Rule The second person should come before
old’.
Am : I the third and the third person before the first. This
Are : We, You, They case applies to singular pronouns only.
Was : I, He, She, It e.g. – I, You and He are good friends. (✗)
Were : We, You, They – You, He and I are good friends. (✓)
Will : You, He, She, It, They
7. 1, 2, 3 Rule 2, 3, 1 becomes 1, 2, 3 when we are
Shall : I, We
talking about plural pronouns.
e.g. – It is me / I.
e.g. – We, You, and They will go to the party.
– It will be he / him who is going to win.
– We, You and They will take dinner at
– Was it her / she who did it for you.
our/ their / your house.
3. If a pronoun is used as the object of the verb or of a
preposition, it should be in the objective case. Exception When it comes to confessing something
e.g. – He was shouting at I / me. or committing a crime, 2, 3, 1 gets changed to 1, 2,
– He was teaching he / him.
3 for all types of pronouns.
– The sweets are to be distributed among you, him e.g. – I, you and he will be punished for the
and me. crime.
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8. When a pronoun stands for a collective noun, it 2. With the following words, reflexive pronouns are not used Relative Pronouns 3. The relative pronoun should be placed as near as
must be in the neuter gender. But if the collective Bathe, break, feed, hide, turn, move, rest, qualify, stop, possible to its antecedent.
This pronoun refers or relates to some noun which comes
noun denotes separation or division, the pronoun etc. e.g. – The office was located in the heart of the (✗)
after this pronoun. Besides, it acts as a conjunction also
used is plural. e.g. – We bathed in the river. town which had beautiful interior
because it connects two sentences.
e.g. – The jury gave its decision unanimously. – We fed at the motel.
e.g. – Who, whom, which, where, etc. decoration.
– The jury were divided in their opinion.
3. A reflexive pronoun cannot be used as a substitute for the – He is the boy who has topped the class.
– The office, which had beautiful interior (✓)
9. When two or more nouns are joined by ‘and’, the subject. decoration, was located in the center of the
Rules of Relative Pronouns town.
pronoun used would be plural. e.g. – Amit and I / myself were present on the site.
1. ‘Who’ is used for subject and ‘Whom’ for object. 4. The relative pronoun ‘What’ is used without any
e.g. – Ram and Mohan went to their school. – I / Myself will see to it that you do not get the
e.g. – Who are you? antecedent.
– Suresh and members of his family have job.
– Whom were you talking to?
completed their work. e.g. – I mean that / what I say.
– She is the girl who / whom I met in the train.
Case I Separate persons, the pronoun used for Demonstrative Pronouns – That / What cannot be cured must be

them must be plural. The pronouns that are used to point out the objects to which 2. The relative pronoun that is preferred to ‘who’ or endured.
they refer are called demonstrative pronouns like these, that, ‘which’ in the following cases
Case II Same person, the pronoun used for them 5. ‘Whose’ is used to refer to persons only; ‘of which’
those, such, it, this, etc. Case I After adjectives in the superlative degree. is used while referring to lifeless objects.
must be singular.
e.g. – That is the book I was looking for. e.g. – It is the best movie which / that I have ever e.g. – I have a friend whose father is a doctor.
[Hint If a single Article is used before the nouns, seen.
Rules of Demonstrative Pronouns – I saw a watch, the dial of which was made
the verb and the pronoun are both singular, – It is the best food which / that I have had for
because the reference is to a singular person only]. 1. Do not commit the error of omission by forgetting to use of gold.
years.
e.g. – The Comptroller and Auditor General ‘that’ (for plural use ‘those’).
e.g. – The Mumbai Film Studio is bigger than Noida. (✗) Case II After the following words all, same, any, Interrogative Pronouns
has / have submitted his / their report.
– The Chairman and the Managing Director – The Mumbai Film Studio is bigger than that of (✓) only, nothing, the only, etc. The interrogative pronouns are used for making querries
has / have submitted his / their report. Noida. e.g. – It is the same book which / that I saw in the or asking questions. The pronoun ‘who’, ‘what’ and
market yesterday. ‘which’ are used as interrogative pronouns.
10. When two or more singular nouns are joined by 2. Pronoun ‘it’ comes before the phrase or clause to which it – All that glitters is not gold.
or, either-or or neither-nor, the pronoun and the refers, whereas ‘this’ follows the phrase or clause it refers Rules of Interrogative Pronouns
– It is not for nothing that he studied
verb should be singular. to. Psychology. 1. ‘What’ is used in broad sense, while ‘Which’ is used
e.g. – Either Raj or Amar is doing his duty. e.g. – This is true that India has won the match. (✗) in the specific sense.
Case III After the interrogative pronouns, ‘who’ and
11. Whenever one singular and one plural noun are – It is true that India has won the match. (✓) e.g. – What are you doing these days?
‘what’.
used with either-or or neither-nor, the plural – Which institute have you joined for that?
Indefinite Pronouns e.g. – Who is the girl which / that comes in your
noun always comes second. In this case, the verb dreams? 2. ‘Which’ is used in place of ‘who’ and ‘what’ when
and the pronoun both become plural. When a pronoun refers to a person or a thing in a general way, – What is it that you want? we are referring to a choice between two or among
e.g. – Neither Amit nor his friends was / were but not to any person or thing in particular, it is called more than two things or persons.
indefinite pronoun like any, anyone, none, someone, everyone, Case IV After two antecedents, one denoting a person
present in their house. and the other denoting an animal or a thing. e.g. – Of the two brothers who / which is more
everybody, one, etc.
12. While writing question tag, the subject and verb e.g. – The man and his dog that had entered the intelligent?
must be according to the main sentence. Rules of Indefinite Pronouns school were turned out. – Who / Which is your mother in the crowd?
e.g. – Our minister is intelligent, isn’t he? 1. One, if used in a sentence, always repeats itself.
– The boys are not enjoying themselves, are e.g. – One must respect his / one’s country for his /
they? one’s sake.
– They went to Delhi yesterday, didn’t – One must obey their / one’s elders. SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 2
they?

Reflexive Pronouns
2. When we are not talking specifically about females, only
masculine gender is used.
e.g. – Everyone was getting ready for his / her show.
ERRORS OF PRONOUN
Reflexive Pronouns are pronouns that refer back to the – Everyone of the Miss India contestants was getting Directions (Q. Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
subject of the sentence. They end in-self, as in singular ready for her show.
form, or-selves in plural form. 1. The master did not know (a)/ who of the servants (b)/ 5. It is not easy for anyone to command (a)/ respect
3. ‘Either’ is replaced by ‘anyone’ when we are talking about
e.g. – Myself, themselves, yourself, ourselves etc. broke the glass. (c)/ No error (d) from both one’s friends and critics (b)/ as Dr. Neil
more than two persons or things. Same is the case with did for his integrity and honesty. (c)/ No error (d)
Rules of Reflexive Pronouns ‘none’ or ‘neither’. 2. The ruling party stood (a)/ for implementation of the
1. The reflexive pronoun is used with the following e.g. – I couldn’t contact either / anyone of the three. bill (b)/ and was ready to stake their political 6. Mahatma Gandhi taught us (a)/ that one should
existence. (c)/ No error (d) respect (b)/ the religions of others as much as his
words absent, avail, apply, enjoy, pride, resign, – Anyone of the three can come in.
own. (c)/ No error (d)
acquit, revenge, exert, adapt, adjust, etc. – None / Neither of his body parts is defective. 3. Wherever they go (a)/ the Indians easily adapt to (b)/
e.g. – He absented himself from the class. local circumstances. (c)/ No error (d) 7. He, You and I (a)/ shall manage (b)/ this problem
– He acquitted himself admirably in the
4. ‘Each other’ should be used in speaking of two persons together. (c)/ No error (d)
or things, ‘one another’ in speaking of more than two. 4. He is not one of those (a)/ who will help everybody (b)/
meeting. whom he meets. (c)/ No error (d) 8. Was it him (a)/ who got injured (b)/ in an accident
e.g. – We should love one another. this morning? (c)/ No error (d)
400 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 401

9. As soon as he (a)/ saw his mother (b)/ he ran to her 15. Being a destitute (a)/ I admitted him (b)/ to an old
and embraced. (c)/ No error (d) people’s home. (c)/ No error (d) VERB
10. Due to me being a newcomer (a)/ I was unable to get 16. One should make (a)/ his best efforts if one wishes to A verb is a word (such as jump, think, happen or exist) (ii) Modal Auxiliary Verbs
a house (b)/ suitable for my wife and me. (c)/ No achieve (b)/ success in this organisation. (c)/ No that is usually one of the main parts of a sentence and that Modal Auxiliary verbs denote the mood/mode of the
error (d) error (d) expresses an action, an occurence, or a state of being. subject. They are can, could, may, might, should, used to,
11. The audience (a)/ are requested (b)/ to be in its 17. May I (a)/ know who you want (b)/ to see please? (c)/ need, dare, etc.
seats. (c)/ No error (d) No error (d) Classification of Verbs
12. A scientist must follow (a)/ his hunches and his data 18. Our is the only country (a)/ in the world that can Verb can be classified as follows Tenses
(b)/ wherever it may lead. (c)/ No error (d) boast of (b)/ unity in diversity. (c)/ No error (d)
1. Main Verbs There are three basic tenses : Present, Past and Future.
13. I am used to (a)/ many guests everyday (b)/ but 19. Last summer he went (a)/ to his uncle’s village (b)/
Main verbs have meanings related to actions, events and These can further be divided into the following segments
there was none today. (c)/ No error (d) and enjoyed very much. (c)/ No error (d)
states. Most verbs in English are main verb. e.g. go, show, 1. Simple The action is mentioned simply. Nothing is
14. The number of vehicles (a)/ plying on this road (a)/ 20. If I were him (a)/ I would have taught (b)/ those exist, etc.
is more than on the main road. (c)/ No error (d) cheats a lesson. (c)/ No error (d) said about whether the action is complete or not.
Main verb can be divided into two categories transitive and
2. Continuous The action is incomplete or going on at
intransitive, which are as follow
the time of speaking.
EXPLANATIONS (i) Transitive Verbs
A transitive verb is a verb that can take a direct object.
3. Perfect The action is finished or complete with
respect to a certain point of time.
1. (b) As the sentence refers to a choice among more than 11. (c) As the sentence refers to living beings (‘audience’) the e.g. She played the piano.
4. Perfect Continuous The action is going on
two persons (servants) ‘which’ will be used in place of pronoun ‘its’ will be replaced by ‘their’. continuously over a long period of time and is yet to
‘who’.
12. (c) The pronoun ‘it’ is incorrectly used in the sentence. It transitive direct be finished.
2. (c) When a pronoun stands for a collective noun (‘ruling should be replaced by ‘they’ as the sentence refers to ‘his verb object
party’ in the sentence) it must be in the neuter gender. hunches’ and ‘his data’. Simple Present
Hence, ‘its’ will be used in place of ‘their’.
13. (c) The sentence refers to ‘many guests’ (plural) so the verb (ii) Intransitive Verbs (He, She, It, Single name — V1 + s, es)
3. (b) As the sentence refers to a particular set of people used with it should be plural. Hence, ‘was’ should be An Intransitive verb has two characteristics. First, it is an
(Indians), it will contain a reflexive pronoun ‘themselves’ (They, you, I, Plurals—V1 )
changed to ‘were’. action verb expressing a double activity like arrive, go, lie,
after ‘adapt’. • To express a habitual action.
14. (c) The sentence does not have ‘that’ after ‘than’. So, to sneeze, sit, die, etc. Second, unlike a transitive verb, it will
4. (c) The given sentence compares the subject ‘he’ with a
make the sentence meaningful ‘that’ should be added after not have a direct object receiving the action. e.g. –He goes for a walk in the morning.
number of people ‘those’. Hence, at the end of the sentence, It rains in winter in Tamil Nadu.
‘than’. Intransitive verbs have the pattern N + V (Noun + Verb). –
‘he meets’ would be replaced by ‘they meet’. – He often gets late for dinner.
15. (a) The sentence does not convey the intended meaning as The clause is complete without anything else.
5. (b) In this sentence, the pronoun ‘one’s’ is missing before e.g. – John smiled. • To express universal truths.
the word ‘critics’. Hence, we will add ‘one’s’ before ‘critics’. it has ‘He’ missing in the beginning. So, the correct
sentence would start as ‘He being a destitute ......... .’ – Nothing happened. e.g. – The sun rises in the east.
6. (c) The given sentence has an indefinite pronoun ‘one’. As – Two and two make four.
16. (b) As the sentence begins with an Indefinite pronoun ‘one’, Here, ‘smiled’ and ‘happened’ are intransitive verbs.
per the rule, ‘his’ should be replaced with ‘one’s’ to make the
it should not have ‘his’ in the sentence. • In exclamatory sentences beginning with ‘here’ and
sentence grammatically correct.
Hence, we replace ‘his’ by ‘one’s’ to make the sentence Linking Verbs ‘there’, to express what is actually taking place in the
7. (a) As per the rule, the second person should come before Some main verbs are called Linking verbs. These verbs are present.
correct.
the third and the third person comes before the first. not followed by objects. Instead they are followed by e.g. – Here he comes!
So, the correct order will be : ‘You, he and I……’ 17. (b) The pronoun ‘who’ would be replaced by ‘whom’ to
phrases which give extra information about the subject. – There goes the train!
make it meaningful.
8. (a) As per the rule, the component of the verb ‘to be’ (was) Linking verbs include appear, feel, look, seem sound, smell, • To indicate a future event that is part of a plan or an
when expressed by a pronoun should be in the nominative 18. (a) The reflexive pronoun ‘ours’ will be used in the sentence taste, become, etc. arrangement.
case. Hence, ‘him’ in the sentence will be replaced by ‘he’. instead of ‘our’ to make the sentence correct. e.g. – A face appeared at the window. e.g. – PM comes to the town next month.
9. (c) The sentence is incomplete as it does not answer the 19. (c) The reflexive pronoun ‘himself ’ would be used after the In this sentence, ‘appeared’ is the linking verb and ‘at the – The Indian team goes to England this month.
question ‘whom did he embrace?’ So, we will add ‘her’ at word ‘enjoyed’ to make the sentence meaningful. window’ is the phrase.
the end of the sentence. • To introduce quotations.
20. (a) The verb ‘were’ when expressed by a pronoun should be e.g. – Gita says, “Give your best and do not worry
10. (a) The pronoun ‘me’ used in part (a) of the sentence is in the nominative case. Hence, ‘he’ would be used instead 2. Auxiliary Verbs
for the results”.
incorrect. It should be replaced by ‘I’. of ‘him’. Auxiliary verb can be divided into two categories primary
– Pope says, “A little knowledge is a dangerous
and modal auxiliary verbs, which are as follow
thing”.
(i) Primary Auxiliary Verbs
Primary auxiliary verbs can further be divided as follow Present Continuous
i. Verbs ‘to be’ : is, am, are, was, were (Is / Am / Are + V1 + ing)
ii. Verbs ‘to have’ : have, has, had • To express an action going on at the time of speaking.
iii. Verbs ‘to do’ : do, does, did e.g. – I am studying in the class.
iv. Verbs ‘shall’ and ‘will’
402 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 403

• To express a temporary action which may not be Present Perfect Continuous Past Perfect (Had + V3 ) Future Continuous (Shall be / Will be + V1 + ing)
actually happening at the time of speaking.
e.g. – I am preparing for the competition. (Have been/Has been + V1 + ing) • To describe an action completed before a certain moment • To express an action going on at some time in the
– I am working on a project. • To express an action which began at sometime in the in the past. future.
past and is still continuing. e.g. – I met him in New Delhi in 2000. I had (✓) e.g. – I shall be earning when I shall be 21. (✗)
• It also represents future action or a definite arrangement
e.g. – He is playing since 8 o’clock. (✗) seen him last five years before. – I shall be earning when I am 21. (✓)
in the near future.
– He has been playing since 8 o’clock. (✓) – It had rained yesterday. (✗)
e.g. – I am going to Mumbai tomorrow.
– He is coming tonight.
– He has been playing for the last four hours. (✓) – It rained yesterday. (✓) Future Perfect (Shall have / Will have + V3 )
– My friend had come to visit me. (✗) • To indicate the completion of an action by a certain
• When the reference is to a particular obstinate habit, the Simple Past ( V2 ) – My friend came to visit me yesterday. (✓) future time.
present continuous is used instead of present simple. An
• To indicate an action completed in the past at a definite • Past perfect should be used only when we wish to say e.g. – We shall have completed our syllabus by next
adverb, like always, constantly, etc, is also used.
e.g. – It is no use scolding him, he always does / is time. that one action completed before the other started. It month.
always doing what is forbidden. e.g. I did this.
– (✗) should never be used at all in any other sense. – I shall have done this work by tomorrow.
I have done this.
– (✓) e.g. – I went to Mumbai. (✗)
• The following verbs are normally used in the present
simple instead of present continuous
– I did this yesterday. (✓) – I had gone to Mumbai (✗) Future Perfect Continuous
(a) Verbs of Appearance Look, appear, seem. • Denoted by last, ago, yesterday, back, before, formerly, – Ravi had walked two miles by lunch time. (✓) (Will have been / Shall have been + V1 + ing)
any fixed time, etc. – I had gone to Mumbai when he came to (✓) • To indicate an action which is in progress over a period
(b) Verbs of Emotion Want, wish, desire, feel, meet me.
e.g. – We heard a terrifying news last night. of time and will be in progress at a certain time in
like, love, hate, hope, prefer, etc. – They celebrated the occasion two days ago. future.
(c) Verbs of Perception See, hear, smell, taste, – He inherited his father’s business after his
Past Perfect Continuous (Had been + V1 + ing)
e.g. – Tendulkar will have been playing for India
notice, recognize, etc. father’s demise. • To express an action that began before a certain point of for 20 years when he completes the age
(d) Verbs of Possession Belong to, consist of, – The train didn’t arrive on time yesterday. time in the past and continued upto that time. of 35.
contain, own, etc. – She didn’t go there in the morning. e.g. – He had been studying for two hours when his – Time will have been clocking for ages in the
(e) Verbs of Thinking Agree, believe, consider, • To indicate past habits, indicated generally by the words girlfriend came. coming moments.
forget, imagine, know, mind, remember, etc. like often, seldom, never, normally, generally, always, – Tendulkar had been playing for eleven years

frequently, rarely, daily, used to, etc. when his toe got injured. Subject-Verb Agreement
Present Perfect (Has / Have + V3 ) e.g. – As a kid, I often went to school on foot. • If there is Past tense in the Principal clause, it must be 1. If two subjects together express one idea, one being
• It is used to indicate completed activities in the – My friend frequently visited his home town in followed by a past tense in the Dependent clause. In an added to the other for the sake of emphasis or
immediate past. It is a mixture of present and past. It the past. Indirect narration, the Simple Past in the Dependent clarification, the verb is singular. No plurality is left
always implies a strong connection of past with the – I seldom wrote a cheque even when there was clause is changed to Past Perfect, if the Principal clause is to exist in such a case.
present. balance in my account. in the Past tense. e.g. – Slow and steady wins the race.
e.g. – He has just gone out. – Whenever I called on him he pretended to be e.g. – He told me that he intended to start a (✗) – Bread and butter is essential for one’s
ill. business.
• The most important point is that it is used with the past existence.
– He always carried a stick when he went for a – He told me that he had intended to start a (✓)
actions whose time is not given and not definite. 2. When the plural noun denotes some specific quantity,
walk. business.
e.g. – He came here. (✗) distance, time or amount considered as a whole, the
• After ‘it is time’.
– He hinted that he tried to save him. (✗)
– He has come here. (✓) verb is generally singular.
e.g. – It is time Indian cricket team starts / started
– He hinted that he had tried to save him. (✓)
– He came here yesterday. (✓) e.g. – Six miles is not a long distance for me.
winning test matches. • The exception to the above rule is if some universal,
• It is used with the adverbs like ever, just, recently, – Ten lakh is equivalent to a million.
habitual or generally recognised fact is mentioned in the
already, yet, so far, of late, lately, by the time, for, etc. Dependent clause, the Present tense must be retained in 3. Two or more singular subjects connected by
●
The conjunction since denotes present time dating back
e.g. – He has already finished the work. to some event. It is therefore, followed by a Simple Past all conditions. ‘either-or’, ‘neither-nor’, take a verb in singular (third
– Recently, he has started working on a new person singular verb).
Tense and preceded by some form of Present Perfect e.g. – He told me that the earth moves round the
project. Tense. sun. e.g. – Either Vivek or Vimal is absent today.
– I have just seen that film. e.g., Many things have happened since I have left the – His illness convinced me that all men are – He asked me if either of the applicants was
– It is the best book that I have ever read. school. (✗) mortal. suitable.
– I have known him for twenty years. ●
Many things have happened since I left the school. (✓) – Either you or I shall / will go to the party.
– He has started coming late lately. Simple Future (Shall / Will + V1 )
4. When the subjects joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’ are of
– He hasn’t paid the bill so far. Past Continuous (Was/Were + V1 + ing ) • To express an action that is still to take place. different numbers, the verb must be plural and the
• It can never be used with the words like last, ago, • To denote an action going on at some time in the past. e.g. – I shall go for the preparation when I shall (✗) plural subject must be placed next to the verb.
yesterday, before, back, formerly, fixed time, etc. e.g. receive the call letter. e.g. – Either Amit or his parents are coming to the
When I went to his house, he was playing.
–
e.g. – He has come here yesterday. (✗) I shall go for the preparation when I (✓) party.
I was studying yesterday.
– –
– He came here yesterday. (✓) receive the call letter.
• For persistent habits in the past.
– India has won last year. (✗)
e.g. – He was always mooching around.
– India won last year. (✓)
404 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 405

5. Any noun qualified by ‘each’ or ‘every’ is followed e.g. – He has not and will not marry in near (✗) ii. Present unlikely condition 6. Do not forget to use the preposition whenever the infinitive
by a singular verb. Even if two nouns so qualified future. e.g. – If I had a house, I would not have ‘to’ is made to qualify a noun.
are connected by ‘and’, the verb must still be – He has not married and will not marry in (✓) rented yours. e.g. – I have no pen to write. (✗)
singular. near future. – If he tried, he would succeed. – I have no pen to write with. (✓)
e.g. – Each one of these boys has the potential to – She is intelligent but her sisters dull. (✗) – If I were you, I would marry this girl.
get selected.
– Every man and woman was filled with joy.
–
–
She is intelligent but her sisters are dull.
She is intelligent but her sister is dull.
(✓)
(✓)
iii. Past condition THE GERUND (V1 + ing)
e.g. – If he had studied, he would have got A verb which does the action of a noun.
– Every day and each hour teaches us 14. Use of ‘shall’ and ‘will’. the call letter last year itself. e.g. – Drinking four litres of water a day keeps you in
something. To express simple future action ‘shall’ is used in the – If she had brought money, she could
l

good shape.
6. Verb is according to the first subject when they are first person, and ‘will’ in the second and third person. have bought the jewellery. – Running tap makes a lot of noise.
connected with and not, with, as well as, in addition e.g. – I shall come.
• After, ‘as if/as though’. – Smoking isn’t a good habit.
to, along with, besides, like, together, etc. – You will come.
e.g. – He behaves as if he were the owner of
e.g. – Rahul and not his friend was absent. – He will come.
– Amit, like his friends, is always late. l
Shall is used in the second and third persons to
this place. Rules of Gerund
– He came in looking as though he had
– He as well as you is a good boy. express Command, Promise, Threat, Determination. 1. The following words are followed by gerund
seen a ghost.
7. When two nouns or pronouns are joined by ‘not
l
Will is used in the first person to express Willingness, Avoid, dislike, enjoy, help (in the sense of avoid), mind,
Promise, Threat, Determination. prevent, risk, stop, etc.
only....but also’, the verb agrees with the second
noun or pronoun. e.g. – You shall not steal. (Command) THE INFINITIVE (To + V1) e.g. – I cannot help looking at you.
– You shall have a holiday tomorrow. (Promise) – I do not mind going there.
e.g. – Not only the officer but also the soldiers
were awarded. – You shall be punished for this. (Threat) Rules of Infinitive – I enjoy myself studying for long hours.
– You shall do it for your country. – Stop doing that silly thing.
8. If the subject is ‘the number of’, the singular verb is 1. In negative sentences, ‘dare not’ and ‘need not’
(Determination) are used without to. 2. The following phrases are followed by a gerund
used and the noun is plural. – I will send you my book. (Willingness).
e.g. – The number of one-dayers played these days e.g. – You dare not to leave India. (✗) Accustomed to, fed-up with, habitual to, addicted to, is no
– I will try to do better next time. (Promise).
has / have led to the deterioration of the – How dare you to fail in the exam? (✗) good, is used to, looking forward to, tired of, is worth, with
– I will punish you if you do that again.
game. – You dare not fail in the exam. (✓) a view to, owing to, object to, given to, taken to, etc.
(Threat).
e.g. – I am accustomed to talking for hours.
9. A ‘great many’ is always followed by plural verb – I will succeed or die in this attempt. 2. Prepositions ‘but’ and ‘except’ take the – I am fed up with his useless accusing.
and a plural noun. (Determination). infinitive without to.
– It is no good scolding him.
e.g. – A great many students have passed this year. l
In asking questions ‘shall’ is used in the first person e.g. – He did nothing but cry.
– A great many fish are there in the pond. and ‘will’ in the third person. In the second person, – There is no alternative except this offer. 3. A gerund, and not an infinitive is used after such verbs and
‘shall’ and ‘will’ are used according to the answer participles as are followed by their appropriate prepositions.
10. ‘Many a’ is always followed by a singular verb and 3. Expressions like would rather, had rather,
expected. e.g. – desirous of disqualify from
a singular noun. rather than, had better, as soon as, etc are – refrain from
e.g. – Shall we go? prevent from
e.g. – Many a soldier has got medal this year. followed by infinitive without to. – debar from
– We shall go. desist from
– Many a student has passed this year with e.g. – I would rather to go for picnic. (✗)
– Will he come tomorrow? – restrain from prohibit from
flying colours. – I would better to sleep. (✗) – dissuade from
– He will come tomorrow. abstain from
11. A singular or a plural verb is used with words as – Will you do this for me? – I had better go / gone there. (✓) – intent on bent on
pains, a lot of, means, variety, plenty, rest, wages, – I will do it for you. – I would as soon walk as to ride. (✗) – keen on aim at
according to the sense in which they are used. – confident of insist on
e.g. – A large number of girls were absent on 4. The infinitive without to is used after Auxiliary
– persist in succeed in
account of bad weather. UNREAL PAST/ verbs such as shall, will, can, may, did, should;
– fond of successful in
but ought is an exception.
– The number of admissions has gradually
fallen off.
SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD e.g. – I should go.
– justified in hesitate in
– a hope of fortunate in
– A variety of books on the subject are A wish, desire, purpose, supposition contrary to fact or – I ought to go.
– harm in assist in
available. condition is expressed in subjunctive mood. 5. The to of one infinitive can be made to do – confidence in chance of
12. A verb should agree with its subject and not with In subjunctive mood, ‘were’ and ‘had’ are used as the case duty for to of another infinitive in the sentence, – feel pleasure in interested in
may be. The sentence basically goes in the past tense. provided that the verbs in the two infinitives
the complement. But in the case of sentence 4. The noun or pronoun governing a gerund must be in the
beginning with ‘The’, the verb is according to the e.g. – I wish I had a car. are synonymous. If two separate ideas are
– I wish I had not met him. better expressed by two infinitives, to of the possessive case.
predicate/complement. e.g. – I am tired of his accusing. (✓)
e.g. – Our only guide was the stars. There are three types of conditional clauses. Each kind latter infinitive should be omitted.
contains a different pair of tenses. e.g. – He helped me to progress and prosper.
– Please excuse me being late. (✗)
– The stars were our only guide.
– It lies in my power to succeed or to
– Please excuse my being late. (✓)
13. In a compound sentence, both auxiliary verbs and i. Present likely condition – I remember him winning the race. (✗)
e.g. – I shall go for the preparation when I get the call fail.
principal verbs should be mentioned separately if – It is a nice feeling to rejoice and to
– I remember his winning the race. (✓)
they differ in number, form or voice. In such cases, letter. – I like my friend coming on time.
weep with others. (✗)
– You will pass if you work hard.
one verb cannot act for both the clauses. – I like my friend’s coming on time. (✓)
406 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 407

SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 3 15. (a) As the students demanded the same thing i.e., declaring
a holiday. So the students would be taken as a singular
18. (a) ‘Never I have’ in the given sentence should be replaced
by ‘Never have I’ to make it grammatically correct.

ERRORS OF VERB entity. Therefore, ‘were’ in the sentence would be replaced

by ‘was’.
19. (a) As the given sentence is in the present tense, ‘will be’ in
the sentence would be replaced by ‘is’.
16. (d) The sentence is correct. 20. (b) In the given sentence, ‘majority’ means a collection of
Directions (Q.Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d). people who have the same point of view (vote). Therefore,
17. (c) ‘Everyone of ’ uses a singular verb.
this will be considered as a single entity. It will take a
1. Each of these players (a)/ have been warned (b)/ not 12. He, like the other members (a)/ of his family, were Hence, the verb ‘need’ in the given sentence should be singular verb and hence ‘are’ in the given sentence will be
to repeat the silly mistake. (c)/ No error (d) left shelterless (b)/ as a result of flood in the town. replaced by ‘needs’. replaced by ‘is’.
2. Lime and soda (a)/ is (b)/ a digestive drink. (c)/ No (c)/ No error (d)
error (d) 13. In old age none of the relatives (a)/ are prepared to
come (b)/ to the help of the old and the sick. (c)/ No
3. The mother as well as her children (a)/ were
brought (b)/ to the police station for interrogation. error (d) ADJECTIVE
(c)/ No error (d) 14. I don’t think (a)/ five thousand rupees are a large
sum (b)/ for the work you are going to undertake. (c)/ An adjective is a word used with a noun or a pronoun to (b) Indefinite Numeral Adjective Few, many, less, more,
4. His benevolence and kindness (a)/ are (b)/ admired
by his friends. (c)/ No error (d) No error (d) add something to its meaning. some, any, etc.
5. She never has and never will (a)/ allow her only son 15. It were the students (a)/ who wanted the teacher (b)/ Use of Less, Little and Fewer
l

(b)/ to join politics. (c)/ No error (d) to declare holiday. (c)/ No error (d) Kinds of Adjective ‘Less’ denotes quantity and ‘fewer’ denotes number.
6. Intelligence, as well as knowledge of the subject (a)/ 16. So fast did he drive motor car (a)/ that even the best e.g.
driver (b)/ could not overtake him. (c)/ No error (d) 1. Proper Adjectives
are required to grasp (b)/ the meaning of the book. – Not less than / No fewer than 10000 persons
(c)/ No error (d) 17. Everyone of the new Nursing Homes (a)/ coming up They are derived from proper noun.
died in the Gujarat earthquake.
7. Twenty officers have been dismissed (a)/ and thirty in the urban areas (b)/ need a lot of improvement. (c)/ Proper Nouns Proper Adjectives
No error (d) (c) Distributive Numeral Adjective Each and Every
left (b)/ on their own. (c)/ No error (d) India Indian
18. Never I have come across (a)/ a man (b)/ who is ‘Each’ is used in speaking of two or more things.
l

8. Every word and every line (a)/ in the poems of China Chinese
Wordsworth (b)/ sings the blessings of nature. (c)/ foolish to such an extent. (c)/ No error (d) The important point is that the things should be
No error (d) 19. He will be likely (a)/ to take part in the ceremony (b)/ Turkey Turkish limited in number.
9. So honestly he worked (a)/ that he was rewarded (b)/ provided he is granted leave. (c)/ No error (d) America American ‘Every’ is used in speaking of more than two
l

by the chairman of the company. (c)/ No error (d) 20. Two thirds of the majority (a)/ are needed to pass (b)/ Shakespeare Shakespearian persons or things, where the things are not limited.
10. Four miles (a)/ are not a long distance (b)/ for a the resolution for the impeachment of the President. e.g. – Each / Every day is important for
young person like you. (c)/ No error (d) (c)/ No error (d) 2. Possessive Adjectives someone or the other.
11. No sooner he was brought (a)/ here than he began My, our, your, his, their, her, its are called possessive Confusing Words
(b)/ to feel uneasy. (c)/ No error (d) adjectives.
Words Meaning Example
3. Adjectives of Quality Other ‘Other’ means second of the Call the other boy who is with
EXPLANATIONS It shows the traits of a person or a thing. two. you.

e.g. – Flowers were plucked fresh. (✗) Another ‘Another’ means additional There is another boy also who
one. wants to meet you.
1. (b) The phrase ‘Each of ’ takes a singular verb. So, ‘have’ 7. (b) The sentence would be grammatically incorrect unless we – Fresh flowers were plucked. (✓)
would be replaced by ‘has’. add ‘have’ after ‘thirty’. (Explanation same as answer 5).
2. (d) There is no error in the sentence. 8. (d) The sentence is correct.
Confusing Words 5. Adjectives of Quantity
9. (a) The sentence should start with ‘So honestly did he work
Words Meaning Example It shows how much of a thing is meant.
3. (b) The phrase ‘as well as’ takes the verb as per the noun
before it. As ‘mother’ is singular, ‘were’ would be changed ……’ to make it grammatically correct. Verbal It pertains to words. His verbal words spoken orally are e.g. – Any, some, little, etc.
more dangerous than his figures
to ‘was’. 10. (b) In the sentence ‘four miles’ is some specific distance Oral It means mouth. Confusing Words
on paper.
4. (b) As per the rule, if two subjects together express one considered as a whole. Hence, a singular verb ‘is’ would be
Common Shared by all concerned. It is common to everyone that Words Meaning Example
idea, one being added to the other for the sake of used instead of ‘are’.
Mutual In relation to each other. India and Pakistan do not share a
emphasis or classification, the verb is singular. 11. (a) The correct usage of ‘No sooner’ in the sentence will be Little ‘Little’ has a negative meaning He has little hope of recovery.
very good mutual understanding. and it means hardly any. (i. e ., he is not likely to recover).
Hence, ‘are’ in the sentence would be replaced by ‘is’. ‘No sooner was he brought……’
A Little ‘A little’ has a positive He has a little hope of
5. (a) The verb ‘allowed’ will be added after ‘has’ to make the 12. (b) When using ‘like’, the verb in the sentence should agree 4. Adjectives of Number meaning. It means some, recovery. (i.e. he may possibly
sentence grammatically correct. This is because as per the with the subject ‘He’. Hence, ‘were’ in the given sentence though not much. recover).
would be replaced by ‘was’.
It shows how many persons or things are meant or in what
rule that in a compound sentence both auxiliary verbs and
order a person or thing stands. The Little ‘The little’ means not much The little money that Bihar had
principal verbs should be mentioned separately if they 13. (b) As per the rule, ‘None of ’ takes a singular verb. but all there is. has gone to Jharkhand.
differ in number, form or voice. Hence, we would replace ‘are’ by ‘is’ in the given sentence. It is of three types which are as follows
Any ‘Any’ is used in negative or/and I shall not buy any material
6. (b) The phrase ‘as well as’ takes a singular verb. Hence, we 14. (b) In the sentence ‘five thousand rupees’ is some specific (a) Definite Numeral Adjective These adjectives denote interrogative sentences. from this shop.
would replace ‘are’ in the given sentence by ‘is’ to make it amount considered as a whole. Hence, we would use ‘is’ exact number or order of persons/things.
Some ‘Some’ is used in affirmative I shall buy something from this
grammatically correct. instead of ‘are’ in the given sentence. e.g. – The first three benches of this class. sentences. shop.
408 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 409

However, if the question is a request or a command, ‘some’ Farther Geographical distance Mumbai is farther than 6. Similar things should be compared when we compare 10. The adjectives ‘little’ and ‘few’ are not made to qualify
replaces any. (comparative degree). Its Gwalior. (O) two things. the nouns, ‘quantity’ and ‘number’. Instead ‘small’
superlative is ‘farthest’.
e.g. – Can I buy something from your shop? Mumbai is farther than e.g. – The climate of Dehradun is better than (✗) should be used to qualify these nouns.
Gwalior from Meerut. (P)
– Can I have some money? Further Besides (in addition to) Meerut. e.g. – Would you please lend me a few /small
Kanyakumari is the farthest number of books for a month ?
– Why don’t you take something? place in the South. (P)
– The climate of Dehradun is better than (✓)
that of Meerut. – I asked him not to waste even a little /small
I would like to add further
6. Exclamatary Adjectives meaning to the studies. (P) – The pollution in Delhi is greater than any (✗) quantity of food.
It is used to express surprise like other city in India. 11. Do not say ‘two first’ for ‘first two’.
Nearest It shows distance The nearest post-office is
e.g. – What an idea! next to the college.
– The pollution of Delhi is greater than (✓) e.g. – I saw only the two first episodes of the (✗)
– What a piece of work! that of any other city in India. serial.
7. The comparative degree is generally followed by – I saw only the first two episodes of the (✓)
7. Interrogative Adjectives Rules of Degrees ‘than’, but the following comparative adjectives are serial.
These adjectives are used to ask questions. 1. Double comparatives and double superlatives are followed by the preposition ‘to’.
12. When two adjectives in different degrees of
e.g. – Which picture do you like the most? not used together. e.g. – Superior, inferior, junior, senior, prefer, comparison are used in the same sentence, each should
e.g. – She is the most prettiest girl. (✗) preferable, elder, younger, prior, etc. be complete in itself.
8. Demonstrative Adjectives – She is the prettiest girl. (✓) – He is senior to me.
e.g. – He is as good if not better than his brother. (✗)
It points out which person or thing is meant. – This boy is more sweeter than that boy. (✗) – I prefer tea to coffee.
– He is as good as if not better than his (✓)
e.g. – This boy is intelligent. – This boy is sweeter than that boy. (✓) – The Jallianwala massacre happened prior to
brother.
the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• The plural forms ‘these’ and ‘those’ are often wrongly used 2. The Adjective ending in –er (e.g. wiser) should be 13. Worth + V1 + ing is placed after the same noun it
with the singular nouns ‘kind of’ and ‘sort of’. used as ‘more wise’ while comparing two qualities 8. If there is a gradual increase, it is expressed with two qualifies.
e.g. – These sort /sorts of questions are frequently of the same person or thing. comparatives and not with positives. e.g. – Taj Mahal is a monument worth visiting.
asked in the exam. e.g. – He is wiser /more wise than strong. e.g. – Indian fielding is getting better and better – Computer is a commodity worth buying.
– He is more wise /wiser than his brother. day-by-day.
Comparison of Adjectives 3. In comparative cases, ‘other’ is used with than.
– He became more and more intelligent while Confusing Words
studying.
1. Positive Degree When only one case is there. e.g. – He is more intelligent than his (✗) Words Meaning Example
e.g. – Meerut is a big city. classmates. 9. When two adjectives qualify the same noun, both
Hard Difficult, tough He studies hard. (i.e. works very hard in
– He is more intelligent than his other (✓) the adjectives should be represented in the same studies)
2. Comparative Degree When two cases are there. degree.
e.g. – Meerut is bigger than Ghaziabad. classmates. Hardly Rarely, a little He hardly studies. (i.e. he rarely studies)
– He is stronger than any person in the (✗) e.g. – Taj Mahal is the most beautiful and the most
– She is better than anybody else in the school. sought-after place in India. Late Delay
class. Lately he is coming late from the office.
3. Superlative Degree When more than two cases are there. – He is stronger than any other person in (✓)
– He is the best and honest minister of our (✗) Lately Now-a-days
e.g. – Meerut is the biggest city of West Uttar Pradesh. the class. time. Near Close Although he was near the truck, he nearly
– He is the most corrupt politician of all in the – This boy (who has come from outside) (✓) – He is the best and the most honest (✓) Nearly Almost escaped.
country. is more intelligent than any other boy in minister of our time.
the class.
Confusing Words – The Nile is longer than any river in the (✗)
world.
Words Meaning Example
– The Nile is longer than any other river (✓) SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 4
Later / ‘Later’ and ‘latest’ refer to time. Tempest was the last/latest play
in the world.
Latter /
Latest /
Last
‘Latter’ and ‘last’ refer to
position.
Latter : Former (opposite)
Last : First (opposite)
of Shakespeare.
What is the last/latest news?
He came latter/later than me.
4. In superlative cases, other is not used.
e.g. – Samudragupta was the most powerful of all
ERRORS OF ADJECTIVE
Later : Earlier (opposite) The first half of the movie was kings of his time. Directions (Q. Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
Latest : Earliest (opposite) very entertaining but the latter
wasn’t.
5. Adjectives expressing qualities, that do not have
different degrees, cannot be compared. 1. There were (a)/ no less than fifty persons (b)/ 5. Even the most perfect person (a)/ in the world is said
Elder / For blood relations only. I am his elder brother. present in the room. (c)/ No error (d) to have erred (b)/ when there was time to perform.
e.g. – Perfect, complete, circular, finish, square,
Eldest (c)/ No error (d)
empty, impossible, enough, full, unique, 2. Few remarks (a)/ that he made were (b)/ offensive to
Old / For both persons and things. My friend is older than I am. wonderful, marvelous, excellent, ultimate. my friend. (c)/ No error (d) 6. The meeting was postponed (a)/ because only a few
Older / number of persons (b)/ were present there. (c)/ No
Oldest – This glass is more full than that glass. (✗) 3. It is a (a)/ worth watching documentary (b)/ & you error (d)
– I have had more than enough. (✗) must not miss it. (c)/ No error (d)
7. The tiger is (a)/ as swift as (b)/ any animal. (c)/ No
4. Of all the students (a)/ Rita was less worried (b)/ error (d)
when the date for the annual examination was
announced. (c)/ No error (d) 8. In the opinion of everyone (a)/ she is wiser (b)/ than
beautiful. (c)/ No error (d)
410 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 411

9. He had to cut a sorry figure (a)/ when he realised

that he had (b)/ no any money in his purse. (c)/ No
15. Your essay (a)/ should not exceed more than (b)/
hundred words. (c)/ No error (d) ARTICLES
error (d) 16. My brother is elder (a)/ than me although (b)/ he Articles are the members of determiners family. The word (b) Before the names of physical features in Geography.
10. Of the three ministers (a)/ who do you think (b)/ is looks younger. (c)/ No error (d) ‘a, an and the’ are articles. Articles are used before nouns. e.g. – The Himalayas, The Ganges, The Indian
going to prove more successful? (c)/ No error (d) 17. Could you (a)/ give me any money (b)/ to buy food? e.g. My brother is a businessman. Ocean, etc.
11. Neither she is intelligent (a)/ nor hard working (b)/ (c)/ No error (d) l
However, if the reference is to a Single Island or a
and still she expects to secure first class. (c)/ No
error (d)
18. Privatisation offers the most ideal situation (a)/ for Indefinite Articles Single Mountain, ‘the’ is not used.
consumers because private sector (b)/ is very • Indefinite article ‘A’ is used before the words starting e.g. – The Kanchenjunga is the highest peak of (✗)
12. I requested him (a)/ to lend me few books (b)/ that conscious of quality. (c)/ No error the Himalayas in India.
with the consonants.
might help me in my studies. (c)/ No error (d) 19. Little care on your part (a)/ would have made you (b)/ • Indefinite article ‘An’ is used with the words starting – The North Andaman is a part of the (✗)
13. He is the tallest (a)/ than anybody (b)/ in the school. more successful than your friend. (c)/ No error (d) Andaman group of islands.
with the vowel sound. (a, e, i, o, u)
(c)/ No error (d) 20. He is as intelligent if not more intelligent (a)/ than e.g. – An umbrella is kept there. (c) Before common nouns which are names of things
14. I was surprised (a)/ to see her speak (b)/ with his brother who has qualified (b)/ for this post. (c)/ – A European lives in our colony. unique of their kind.
somewhat anger. (c)/ No error (d) No error (d)
– Meerut has a university. e.g. – The Sun, The Moon, The Earth, The Sky.
– An honest and hardworking person always (d) Before the names of countries which show federation.
succeeds in life.
EXPLANATIONS – An hour is left.
e.g. – The United States of America, The United
Kingdom, The Republic of Korea, The
– An MA, An SP, An LLB Republic of South Africa, etc.
1. (b) ‘No less than’ is used for quantity while ‘no fewer than’ 10. (c) ‘More successful’ is going to be replaced by ‘most
is used for number. Hence, in the given sentence ‘no fewer successful’ to make the sentence meaningful. Use of Indefinite Articles Exception The Netherlands, The Hague
than’ should be used. (a) Before a common noun in singular to suggest the
11. (a) The sentence is starting with ‘Neither she is intelligent (e) Before the names of religious and mythological books,
2. (a) The word ‘few’ means ‘none’ and ‘a few’ means ‘some’. ……’ which is not the correct way. Hence, we change the sense of one. newspapers, magazines, journals, etc.
So, ‘A few’ would be used in the sentence instead of ‘few’. sentence to the following ‘Neither is she intelligent nor e.g. – Twelve inches make a foot. e.g. – The Bible, The Dainik Jagran, The India
3. (b) The usage of ‘worth watching documentary’ is incorrect. hard working …… .’ – There is a fan in the room. Today, The Times of India, etc
The correct usage will be ‘documentary worth watching.’ 12. (b) ‘Few’ means ‘nothing’. So, we will use ‘a few’ in the – A man is standing on the road.
(f) Before Superlatives.
4. (b) The superlative degree of the adjective ‘worried’ i.e., given sentence to make it meaningful. (b) Before a common noun in singular to suggest the e.g. – I am the best.
‘least worried’ should be used in the sentence to make it 13. (b) ‘Than anybody’ in the sentence does not make sense vague sense of a certain or any. – He is the cleverest.
grammatically correct. with ‘tallest’. So, ‘of all’ is used instead of ‘than anybody’. e.g. – A book is kept there.
(g) As an adverb with a comparative.
5. (a) ‘Perfect’ is an adjective expressing qualities and does not 14. (c) ‘Somewhat’ does not make sense with ‘anger’. So, we (c) To make a common noun of a proper noun. e.g. – The more, the merrier.
have any degree. So, ‘most perfect’ used in the sentence is would use ‘some’ instead of ‘somewhat’.
incorrect. In this case, both definite and/or indefinite article can – The sooner, the better.
15. (b) ‘Exceed hundred words’ itself means that the essay be used according to the case. – The higher you go, the colder it is.
6. (b) As per the rule, the adjectives ‘little’ and ‘few’ are not should not be more than hundred words. Hence, we remove e.g. – Ajay is a Sherlok Holmes of our class.
made to qualify the nouns, ‘quantity’ and ‘number’. Hence, ‘more than’ from the sentence. (h) Before terms denoting Nationality, Community and
– Samudragupta was the Napoleon of India. Castes.
‘small’ should replace ‘a few’ in the given sentence. 16. (b) ‘Elder to me’ would be the correct usage.
(d) In the sense of each, every or per. e.g. – The Australians, The Indians, The Hindus, etc
7. (c) The sentence is erroneous. To make it grammatically 17. (b) ‘Any money’ does not make sense as ‘any’ is used in
correct, we need to add ‘other’ after the word ‘any’ in the e.g. – The doctor advised the patient to take the (i) Before historic events.
negative sense. So, we will replace ‘any’ by ‘some’. medicine twice a day.
sentence. e.g. – The Ist Battle of Panipat, The Revolt of 1857,
18. (a) Adjectives like ‘ideal’ do not have degrees. So, we would – He studies for two hours a day. The Quit India Movement, The Gulf War, etc.
8. (b) According to the rule, adjectives ending in-er (wiser) remove ‘most’ from the sentence.
should be used as ‘more wise’ while comparing two qualities (e) In exclamations before singular countable nouns. (j) Before musical instruments.
of the same person or thing. So, ‘wiser’ in the given 19. (a) ‘Little’ means ‘no’ or ‘negligible’. Hence, it should be e.g. – What a shot! e.g. – I can play the flute very well.
sentence should be replaced by ‘more wise’. replaced by ‘A little’. – What a beautiful girl! – Ustad Amjad Ali Khan plays the sarod.
9. (c) The ‘any’ in the given sentence is not needed. So, we 20. (a) The correct usage ‘is as intelligent as’. So, part (a) of the
(k) Before an adjective when it represents a class of a
will delete ‘any’ from the sentence. sentence is erroneous. Definite Article person.
Use of Definite Article ‘The’ e.g. – The rich should help the poor to come up.
– The old should be respected by the young.
(a) When we speak of a particular person or thing or one
already referred to. (l) Before a unit of measurement.
e.g. – The book is kept there. e.g. – Cloth is sold by the metre.
– The cassette of that movie is available in the – Bananas are sold by the dozen.
market. (m) Before a common noun to give the force of
– The book you mentioned is available in the superlative.
store. e.g. – He is the man.
– The pleasant weather is inviting us outside. – This is the thing to do.
412 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 413

(n) Before the adjectives ‘same’ and ‘whole’ and after the
adjectives ‘all’ and ‘both’.
(e) Before uncountable nouns.
e.g. – He gave me advice.
SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 5
e.g. – He is the same person that I saw yesterday.
– The whole class performed splendidly.
– All the boys passed with flying colours.
– He passed on information to me.

(f) Before school, college, home, church, temple, sea,

ERRORS OF ARTICLES
work, bed, table, hospital, market, prison, court.
– Both the friends were present there. Directions (Q. Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
However, when their purpose is thought of rather
(o) Before a common noun to give it the meaning of an than the actual building, ‘the’ is used. 1. The road (a)/ to famous monument (b)/ passes 11. This town isn’t very well known (a)/ and there isn’t
abstract noun. e.g. – I go to church every Sunday. through a forest. (c)/ No error (d) much to see (b)/ so a few tourists come here. (c)/ No
e.g. – The moralist in Gandhi revolted against – I go to bed early these days. error (d)
injustice. 2. Our Housing Society comprises of (a)/ six blocks and
(g) Before names of diseases. (b)/ thirty three flats in an area of about thousand 12. He took to (a)/ reading Times (b)/ for better
– The judge in him prevailed upon the father knowledge of the facts. (c)/ No error (d)
e.g. – AIDS can be prevented using safety measures. sq. metres. (c)/ No error (d)
and he sentenced his son to death.
– Cancer can be treated if detected early. 3. Now that she is living in her own flat, (a)/ she cleans 13. The accelerating pace of life in our metropolitan
(p) Before various Cups and Trophies. the windows (b)/ twice a week in the summer and city (a)/ has had the tremendous effect (b)/ on the
e.g. – Sri Lanka has won the Asia Cup. (h) Before regular meals except when preceded by an culture and life-style of the people. (c)/ No error
once a week in the winter. (c)/ No error (d)
– Almost all countries participate in the
Adjective. (d)
e.g. – I usually take breakfast at 9 o’clock. 4. With little imagination and enterprise, (a)/ the
Olympics. tournament could have been transformed (b)/ into a 14. Both the civilians (a)/ and armymen (b)/ joined the
– We should take dinner atleast two hours First World War. (c)/ No error (d)
(q) Before comparative degree in case of a choice. major attraction. (c)/ No error (d)
before the sleeping time to avoid indigestion. 15. The school is (a)/ within hundred yards (b)/ from my
e.g. – He is the stronger of the two friends. – They gave us a sumptuous lunch. 5. These display (a)/ the (b)/ remarkable variety. (c)/ No house. (c)/ No error (d)
error (d)
Omission of Articles (i) Before modes of travel. 16. The majority of the computer professionals
6. If you have faith in Almighty (a)/ everything will recommends (a)/ that effective measures (b)/ should
e.g. – He will go by air. turn out (b)/ to be all right. (c)/ No error (d)
(a) Before proper noun. – Journey by road takes time.
be taken against software piracy. (c)/ No error (d)
e.g. – The New Delhi is the capital of India. (✗) 7. According to the Bible (a)/ it is meek and humble 17. The famous Dr. Chandra (a)/ is only dentist (b)/ in
(j) Before names of relations like uncle, mother, father, etc. (b)/ who shall inherit the earth. (c)/ No error (d) our village. (c)/ No error (d)
(b) Before material noun and abstract noun used in e.g. – Uncle will come tomorrow.
general sense. 8. I am not wealthy (a)/ so I cannot afford (b)/ to buy a 18. This candidate lacks (a)/ an experience (b)/ otherwise
– Father is working on a project. expensive car. (c)/ No error (d)
e.g. – The building is made up of the brick and (✗) he is well qualified. (c)/ No error (d)
the stone. (k) Before adjectives used as nouns signifying a language 9. My father is (a)/ in bad mood (b)/ today. (c)/ No error (d) 19. The person I met (a)/ in the theatre (b)/ was the
– I have the love for you. (✗) or colours. 10. On my request (a)/ Lalit introduced me to his playwright himself. (c)/ No error (d)
– The care of the old is necessary. (✗) e.g. – He doesn’t know Hindi, but he knows friend (b)/ who is singer and a scientist. (c)/ No 20. The war of Mahabharata (a)/ is the full length
English. error (d) illustration (b)/ of a righteous war. (c)/ No error (d)
l
However, if the material noun and abstract noun
– I like red and blue.
show some specific cases, article should be used.
e.g. – The stone of Kota is of good quality. (l) When two or more descriptive adjectives qualifying
– The love I have for you is unconditional and the same noun are connected by ‘and’, the Article is EXPLANATIONS
infinite. used before the first adjective only.
e.g. – It is a Hindi and English Dictionary. 1. (b) The Article ‘the’ should be used before ‘famous’ as the 8. (c) The article ‘a’ in the given sentence should be replaced
(c) Before a noun used in its widest sense. (Here, the dictionary is one). sentence refers to a particular thing i.e., ‘monument’. by ‘an’.
e.g. – The science is a subject based on facts. (✗) 2. (c) Article ‘a’ is used before a common noun to suggest the 9. (b) The article ‘a’ should precede the word ‘bad’ as it starts
(m) When two or more adjectives qualify different nouns,
– The man is immortal. (✗) sense of ‘one’. Therefore, ‘a’ would be used before ‘thousand with a consonant.
expressed or understood, the Article is used before sq. metres’ to suggest that it refers to one thousand square
– The tiger is the national animal of India. (✗) 10. (c) The article ‘a’ should precede the word ‘singer’.
each adjective. metres.
(d) Before the noun following ‘kind of’. e.g. – The inner and the outer wall were both 11. (c) ‘A few’ means some and ‘few’ means ‘hardly any’.
3. (c) The season e.g., summer, winter, etc are abstract nouns.
e.g. – What kind of a person you are? (✗) strongly defended. As per the sentence structure, ‘few’ should be used instead
So, articles are not used with them. So, we would remove of ‘a few’.
– What kind of a book is it? (✗) – He possesses a black dog and a white bitch. ‘the’ before ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ and change them to
‘summers’ and ‘winters’. 12. (b) In the given sentence, ‘Times’ is the name of a
newspaper. Therefore, it should be written as ‘The Times’ .
4. (a) ‘Little’ means ‘none or negligible’. Thus, we should use
article ‘a’ before ‘little’ as ‘a little’ means ‘some’. 13. (b) The sentence is incorrect as ‘the’ is used before the
adjective ‘tremendous’. So, to correct the sentence we would
5. (b) In the given sentence, ‘the’ used with ‘remarkable’ is use ‘a’ instead of ‘the’ before ‘tremendous’.
incorrect. Instead of ‘the’ we should use the article ‘a’.
14. (b) As per the rule, ‘the’ should come before an adjective
6. (a) In the given sentence, the article ‘the’ would come which represents a class of people. Therefore, we should add
before ‘almighty’. This is done because ‘almighty’ in the ‘the’ before ‘armymen’.
given sentence refers to ‘God’.
15. (b) In the given sentence, the article ‘a’ should come before
7. (b) The given sentence implies to represent a class of
‘hundred yards’ to convey the meaning that the school is
persons i.e., ‘the meek’ and ‘the humble’. Therefore, ‘the’
within one hundred yards from the house.
should be used before the adjectives ‘meek’ and ‘humble’.
414 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 415

16. (a) The verb ‘recommends’ is used incorrectly. It should be replaced by ‘recommend’ to make the sentence grammatically correct. 10. ‘Only’ and ‘even’ should be placed immediately before 19. Adverb ‘as’ should not be used to introduce
17. (b) The sentence wants to emphasise the fact that Dr. Chandra is the only dentist in the village. So, we would use ‘the’ before the the word intended to modify. predicative of the verbs such as name, elect, think,
word ‘only’ to convey the desired meaning. e.g. – I worked only two sums. (✗) consider, call, appoint, make, choose.
18. (b) As per the rule, articles are omitted before abstract nouns used in general sense. In the given sentence, ‘experience’ is an
– I only worked two sums. (✓) e.g. – He was considered the best dancer of his time.
abstract noun. So, it should not be preceded by an article. 11. An adverb can be placed at the beginning of a – He was appointed Governor by the President.

19. (d) No error. sentence, when it is intended to qualify, not any word – Saurav Ganguly was chosen the captain.
in particular, but sentence as a whole. – He was called dynamic by his mates.
20. (a) ‘The’ should be added before ‘Mahabharata’ as it is a mythological book.
e.g. – Fortunately, he was not present at that time.
– Interestingly, the PM went in the metro. 20. Negative Adverbs should not be used with the words
that are already negative in sense. So two negatives
ADVERB 12. ‘Ever’ is sometimes misused for ‘never’. ‘Seldom or
never’ and ‘seldom if ever’ are both correct, but
should be avoided. Seldom, nowhere, never, nothing,
hardly, scarcely, neither, barely, rarely, are some of
An adverb tells more about a verb, an adjective or another (b) ‘Very’ is used with V1 + ing. ‘seldom or ever’ is incorrect. In the same manner,
adverb. little if anything is correct, but little or anything is the Adverbs. The verbs in such category are ‘deny’,
‘Much’ is used with V 3 . ‘forbid’, while the conjunctions are ‘unless’, ‘until’,
e.g. – He is running fast. wrong.
e.g. – The match became much / very ‘lest’ and ‘both’.
e.g. – He seldom or never passes in the examination
Here ‘fast’ is the adverb which tells how he is running. interesting.
with fair means. e.g. – No one scarcely practises all the exercises. (✗)
– The crowd became much / very interested – He seldom if ever parties.
Kinds of Adverb in the match.
13. ‘Else’ should be followed by ‘but’, and not by ‘than’.
– Scarcely anyone practises all the exercises. (✓)
– I rarely went to meet nobody /anybody in my
1. Adverb of Time Answers the question ‘when’. 3. Some words retain their form when they become
adverbs : Fast, first, next, back, ill, better, best, etc. e.g. – It is nothing else than / but his carelessness childhood.
e.g. – I shall meet you tomorrow. which has led to his failure. – She hardly knows anything/ nothing about
– We were late by two hours. 4. Adverbs ending in -ly form the comparative by – Aishwarya Rai is nothing else but a statue of
– The clock struck twelve. adding ‘more’ and superlative by adding ‘most’. me.
beauty.
e.g. – This work is more beautifully done than that – He does nothing without ever/ never
2. Adverb of Place Answers the question ‘where’. 14. ‘Rather’ and ‘Fairly’ can mean moderately. But ‘fairly’
work. consulting me.
e.g. – I shall meet you in the market. – The scenery of Kashmir is most lovely of all.
is used with favourable adjectives and adverbs while
‘rather’ is used with unfavourable adjectives and – He has denied that he was not going there.
– I shall meet you there.
– We were studying in the institute.
5. Adverbs of manner, place and time are generally adverbs. – Walk steadily, lest you should not fall.
placed after the verb or after the object of the verb. e.g. – She is fairly intelligent but my sister is rather – Both of them are not coming. (✗)
3. Adverb of Manner Answers the question ‘how’. e.g. – We visited Kashmir last year. stupid. – Neither of them is coming. (✓)
e.g. – He is sitting quietly. – He is talking on and on. – He did fairly well in her exams but his sister
– He is dancing like Hritik Roshan. – He is sitting quietly. did rather badly. 21. Consider the following cases
4. Adverb of Frequency These tell us ‘How often’ an 6. MPT RULE If adverbs of manner, place and time are – He grew up in rather unusual circumstances. (a) ‘Coward’, ‘miser’, ‘niggard’, ‘rogue’ are Nouns.
action takes place. used in a single sentence, then the sequence followed 15. ‘Rather’ can also be used when we are correcting ‘Cowardly’, ‘miserly’, ‘niggardly’, ‘roguish’ are
e.g. – Delhi Police is with you, always. is that of MPT. something that we have just said. Adjectives.
e.g. – I read the book yesterday meticulously (✗) e.g. An officer is trained never to fight
5. Adverb of Degree or Quantity These tell us ‘how e.g. – The process is not a circle but rather a spiral. –
at home.
much’ or ‘in what degree’ or ‘to what extent’. 16. ‘Rather’ is also used in case of preference–would cowardly /in a cowardly manner.
– I read the book meticulously at home (✓)
e.g. – We have studied enough. yesterday. rather, had rather, rather than are used to express – Although he seems brave, he is actually a
– There is something fishy out here. preference. coward.
7. When an adverb modifies an adjective or another
– There is little doubt of his success.
adverb, the adverb comes before it. e.g. – I would rather study than sleep. – It was a sheer cowardly act of violence.
– I prefer getting up early rather than sleeping
e.g. – Her dress was ready nearly. (✗) (b) ‘Fast’ retains its form in both Adjective and
Rules of Adverbs – Her dress was nearly ready. (✓)
late. Adverb.
1. So and Too They should not be used without their – He is sitting quietly. (✓) 17. We use ‘rather’ before verbs that introduce our e.g. – He is fast (Adjective).
co-relatives ‘that’ and ‘to’. thoughts and feelings, in order to express our opinion – He is running fast (Adverb).
8. Adverbs of frequency such as always, ever, never,
e.g. – He is so rich (✗) seldom, frequently, etc, are always placed before the politely, especially when a different opinion has been
expressed. (c) ‘Direct’ and ‘Directly’ are adverbs. Direct
– He is so rich that he can buy anything. (✓) verb they modify. means straight and Directly means at once.
e.g. – He sometimes comes late. e.g. – I rather think that he was telling the truth.
– He is too intelligent (✗) e.g. Don’t stop anywhere, return home direct.
– I rather like the decorative effect. –
– He is too stupid to pass any exam. (✓) – She always looks beautiful.
18. Adverb ‘as’ should be used to introduce predicative of
– Don’t stop now, return home directly.
2. Difference between very and much 9. ‘Enough’ is both an Adjective and an Adverb. As an
adverb, it is always placed after the adjective it the verbs such as regard, describe, define, treat, view, (d) ‘Manly’, ‘masterly’, ‘slovenly’, ‘monthly’,
(a) ‘Very’ is used in positive degree and ‘much’ is modifies. As an adjective it is placed before the noun. know. ‘weekly’, ‘sickly’, ‘friendly’ are Adjectives and
in comparative degree. e.g. – He is enough intelligent. (✗) e.g. – I regard him as my elder brother. should not be confused with Adverbs.
e.g. – He is much intelligent. (✗) – He is intelligent enough to win the (✓) – The newspapers described the situation as e.g. – He is earning fifty thousand rupees
– He is very intelligent. competition. horrible. monthly /a month.
He is much intelligent than his brother. (✓) – He has enough money to spend. – Biology is defined as the study of nature.
He is a friendly old man.
–
–
416 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 417

22. The use of ‘never’ for ‘not’ is incorrect, because 23. No sentence should begin with ‘Due to’. It must be 8. (c) ‘Decided’ is incorrect and does not make sense with the 14. (b) ‘Enough kind’ does not make sense. It should be changed
‘never’ means not ever. used after some form of the verb ‘to be’. sentence. It should be changed to its adverb form to ‘kind enough’.
e.g. – I never remember having met him. (✗) e.g. – Due to bad weather, the match was (✗) ‘decidedly’ . 15. (b) ‘Than’ used in the sentence is incorrect. It should be
– I do not remember ever having met him. (✓) abandoned. 9. (a) ‘Careful’ in the given sentence should be changed to changed to ‘but’.
– It was due to bad weather, the match was (✓)
– We met the other day, but he never (✗) ‘carefully’ to convey the right meaning of the sentence. 16. (c) ‘Satisfactory’ does not make sense with the sentence. It
abandoned. should be changed to ‘satisfactorily’ (adverb form).
referred to the matter. 10. (a) ‘Very’ is used in positive degree. Instead of ‘very’ we
– We met the other day, but he did not (✓) 24. Cent-per cent It should be hundred per cent. should use ‘too’ to convey the correct meaning of the 17. (b) ‘Anyone’ should be replaced by ‘someone’ to make the
refer to the matter. 25. Do the needful It should be do what is necessary. sentence. sentence meaningful.
11. (b) ‘Direct’ means straight and ‘directly’ means ‘at once’. 18. (b) ‘Too’ and ‘much’ are not used together. It should be ‘too
Hence, we would use ‘direct’ in the sentence instead of heavy’.
‘directly’. 19. (b) ‘More’ should be used after ‘esteem’ to make the sentence
SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 6 12. (d) The sentence is correct. meaningful.

ERRORS OF ADVERB 13. (c) ‘Hardly won freedom’ means ‘negligibly won freedom’
and does not make sense in the sentence. It should be
changed to ‘hard won freedom’.
20. (c) ‘Never’ in the given sentence should be replaced by ‘did
not’ to make the sentence meaningful.

Directions (Q. Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
1. Firstly, you should think (a)/ over the meaning of 11. On hearing the news (a)/ he went directly (b)/ to the
the words (b)/ and then use them. (c)/ No error (d) Manager’s room. (c)/ No error (d) CONJUNCTIONS
2. The driver tried his best (a)/ to avert the accident by 12. They reached home (a)/ safely (b)/ although they These are the words that merely join together sentences 5. The conjunctions ‘though’ (or although) and ‘but’ do
bringing the car (b)/ to a suddenly stop. (c)/No error started late. (c)/ No error (d) or words. the work of setting one statement against another by
(d) 13. It is the duty of every citizen (a)/ to do his utmost to way of oppositions or contrast and therefore the
3. The Sunshine hotel was fully equipped (a)/ to offer defend (b)/ the hardly won freedom of the country. Rules of Conjunctions correlative of ‘though’ is ‘yet’ or a comma (,).
leisure stay (b)/ to its clients. (c)/ No error (d) (c)/ No error (d) e.g. – Though he worked hard, yet he could not top
1. ‘Scarcely’ and ‘Hardly’ should be followed by when
the class.
4. The technician reminded them (a)/ to have a 14. The principal was (a)/ enough kind to (b)/ grant me and not by then.
thoroughly cleaning (b)/ of the machine after each scholarship. (c)/ No error (d) e.g. – Scarcely had I started for the institute, when 6. After the adjective ‘other’ (which is regarded as a kind
use. (c)/ No error (d) 15. It is nothing else (a)/ than foolishness (b)/ that led to / then the rain started. of comparative), the only word that can be correctly
5. I am (a)/ much glad (b)/ that you have won the his downfall. (c)/ No error (d) – Hardly had he arrived, when he had to leave used for contrasting one thing with another is ‘than’.
trophy. (c)/ No error (d) again. The prepositions from, but, except in such a connection
16. I shall give you a reward (a)/ if you do your work (b)/ are wrong.
6. He is too coward (a)/ to make it (b)/ happen. (c)/ No satisfactory. (c)/ No error (d) 2. ‘No sooner’ is followed by than and not by when. e.g. – He had no other option but / than to fight.
error (d) 17. The tried travellers were bundled off (a)/ to the e.g. – No sooner had I started, than / when the – He had another reason from / than what he
7. People invent new machines (a)/ when they think nearby cop house till anyone (b)/ could come and rain started. professed.
(b)/ different. (c)/ No error (d) vouch for their credentials. (c)/ No error (d) – No sooner did he arrive, then / than he had
– She had no other claim to the post except /
8. A man entered the tavern (a)/ and asked for some 18. I advised my brother to engage two coolies instead to leave. than her good looks.
bread and cheese (b)/ with a decided foreign accent. of one (a)/ because the luggage was too much heavy 3. ‘Seldom or never’ and ‘seldom if ever’ are both
(c)/ No error (d) (b)/ for a single coolie to handle. (c)/ No error (d) 7. Conjunction ‘that’ is not used in the following cases
correct, but ‘seldom or ever’ is incorrect.
(a) Direct narration.
9. Watch how careful (a)/ the sparrow knits the straws 19. There is no one else (a)/ whom I esteem (b)/ than e.g. – He seldom or never goes to see movies in
(b)/ into one another to form a nest. (c)/ No error (d) your father. (c)/ No error (d) theatre. e.g. – He said, “I am smart”.
10. He is very (a)/ blind to read (b)/ the smallest of 20. Although I was (a)/ in Delhi last month (b)/ I never (b) Indirect speech, if the sentence is interrogative.
4. ‘Either-or’, ‘Neither-nor’, ‘not only-but also’,
prints. (c)/ No error (d) meet him. (c)/ No error (d) e.g. – He asked who he was?
‘both-and’, ‘whether-or’ etc., should be followed by
the same parts of speech or of the same function. 8. In a ‘not only......but also’ sentence, the verb should
e.g. – He neither agreed to my proposal nor (7) agree with the noun or pronoun mentioned second,
because this is the part being emphasised.
EXPLANATIONS to his.
– He agreed neither to my proposal nor (✓) e.g. – Not only the teacher but also the students are
1. (a) ‘Firstly’ is used to introduce a first point or reason. It 4. (b) ‘Thoroughly cleaning’ is incorrect. It should be to his. enjoying themselves.
does not make sense in the given sentence. So, we would ‘thorough cleaning’. – Neither he helps his mother by money (✗) 9. ‘Such as’ is used to denote a category, whereas ‘such
use ‘first’ instead of ‘firstly’. 5. (b) ‘Much’ is used in comparative degree and ‘very’ is used nor by other means. that’ emphasises the degree of something by
2. (c) ‘Suddenly stop’ in the sentence does not make sense. in positive degree. So, we should use ‘very’ in place of – He helps his mother neither by money (✓) mentioning its consequences.
Hence, we would change it to ‘sudden stop’ to make the ‘much’ in the given sentence. nor by other means. e.g. – Yuvraj played such an innings as played by the
sentence meaningful. 6. (d) The sentence is correct. – He helps his mother not only by money (✓) best batsman.
3. (b) ‘Leisure’ is an adjective and does not make sense in the 7. (c) ‘Different’ in the sentence does not convey the right but also by other means. – Yuvraj played such an innings that it took the
sentence. It should be changed to its adverb form i.e. meaning of the sentence. It must be changed to ‘differently’. match away from the opposition.
‘leisurely’.
418 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 419

10. ‘Both’ is followed by and not by as well as. Besides, 13. When ‘suppose’ is used in the beginning of a
both has positive sense and cannot be used in negative sentence to denote a command or a request, it is not EXPLANATIONS
sentences. followed by if.
e.g. – Both Amit as well as / and his friends are e.g. – Suppose if you are caught, what will happen (✗) 1. (b) The correlative of ‘Although’ is ‘yet’ and not ‘but’. 12. (b) ‘That at once’ needs to be deleted from the sentence and
coming. to your parents? Hence, we should remove ‘but’ and use ‘yet’ in place of it. should be replaced by ‘when’.
– Both Amit and his friends are not coming. (✗)
– Suppose you are caught, what will happen (✓) 2. (d) The sentence is correct. 13. (b) In the given sentence, ‘as’ should be used in place of
– Neither Amit nor his friends are coming.
to your parents? ‘equally’ as ‘equally’ is an adverb.
(✓) 3. (b) As the sentence starts with ‘Most of ’, ‘because’ will
14. Avoid the error of using ‘than’ for ‘from’ after the not be used. We would replace it by ‘so that’. 14. (c) ‘On either’ is not the correct usage. As per the rule ‘Either
11. ‘Unless’ means if not and therefore, it should not be adjective different.
4. (b) As per the rule, ‘such…that’ is used for mentioning …or’ should be followed by same parts of speech.
used in a sentence or clause which is already negative. e.g. – He took a different role than / from the ones
consequences. Hence, we would use ‘that’ in place of ‘as’. Hence, the sentence should be : ‘He will return either on
e.g. – Unless you do not work hard, you will (✗) he has been doing for long. Monday or on Tuesday.’
fail. 5. (b) As per the rule, ‘that’ is not used in Indirect speech if
15. ‘Nothing else’ should be followed by but, not by the sentence is interrogative. Hence, we would remove 15. (b) Instead of using ‘not’ two times in the given sentence, we
– Unless you work hard, you will fail. (✓) than. should use ‘neither…nor’. So, part (b) would become ‘neither
‘that’ from the sentence.
12. ‘Lest’ expresses a negative sense and therefore cannot e.g. – It is nothing else but/than your carelessness, honest nor’.
6. (b) The conjunction ‘such’ is not needed in the sentence.
be used with not. ‘Should’ is always used with ‘lest’. that you have failed in the exam. 16. (b) As per the rule, after ‘other’ the only word that can be
We need to delete it from the sentence.
e.g. – Walk steadily, lest you should not fall. (✗) 16. The use of Present tense after as if and as though correctly used for contrasting one thing with another is ‘than’.
7. (d) The sentence is correct. Hence, we should use ‘than’ in place of ‘but’.
– Walk steadily, lest you should fall. (✓) should be avoided. [Subjunctive Mood].
8. (c) In the given sentence, ‘that’ would be used in place of 17. (c) The correct usage is ‘not only …but also’. Hence, we
e.g. – He looks as if he suspects something. (✗)
‘as’. (For explanation refer to Ans. 4) would use ‘but’ in place of ‘and’.
– He looks as if he suspected something. (✓)
9. (b) As a comparison is made in the given sentence, we 18. (b) As per the rule, ‘hardly’ should be followed by ‘when’.
would use ‘but’ in place of ‘and’. Hence, we would use ‘when’ in place of ‘where’.
SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 7 10. (d) The sentence is correct. 19. (c) ‘Till’ does not make sense in the sentence. It should be
changed to ‘since’.
ERRORS OF CONJUNCTION 11. (b) We would use ‘but’ in place of ‘than’ as ‘but’ is used
for the work of setting one statement (‘He has no
chance’) against another (‘to start his own business’).
20. (c) ‘Between’ takes ‘and’ and not ‘to’. So, we would replace ‘to’
by ‘and’ in the sentence.

Directions (Q. Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
PREPOSITION
1. Although they listen to me (a)/ but their actions (b)/ 12. They had hardly finished (a)/ their meals that These are the words used with nouns/pronouns to show – The ball was hit by the batsman with his bat.
prove otherwise. (c)/ No error (d) at once (b)/ they resumed their duty. (c)/ No
their relationship. 5. ‘Ago’ refers to past time while ‘before’ denotes
2. He treats (a)/ us as (b)/ slaves. (c)/ No error (d) error (d)
precedence between two events.
3. Most of the girls are doing (a)/ their post graduation 13. I don’t know whether (a)/ Raj is equally (b)/ good
as Vimal. (c)/ No error (d)
Some Important Prepositions e.g. – Long ago, there was a king named Rama.
because (b)/ they may get good husbands. (c)/ No – Ram existed before Mahabharata was fought.
1. ‘In’ is used for bigger places (towns, cities,
error (d) 14. He (a)/ will return (b)/ on either Monday or
countries) while ‘at’ is used for smaller places. – He came before me.
4. Such was his pronunciation (a)/ as (b)/ I could not Tuesday. (c)/ No error (d)
e.g. – I live at Shastri Nagar in Meerut. – The train arrived before the scheduled time.
understand him. (c)/ No error (d) 15. He is (a)/ not honest and not (b)/ truthful. (c)/ No
2. In / Into ‘In’ is used in speaking of things at rest. – India achieved independence 69 years ago.
5. He asked (a)/ that who (b)/ I was. (c)/ No error (d) error (d)
‘Into’ is used in speaking of things in motion. 6. ‘Above’ and ‘below’ merely denote position while
6. I am interested (a)/ in such books (b)/ that are 16. He has no other business (a)/ but to play (b)/ with e.g. – He is shopping in the market.
computers. (c)/ No error (d) ‘over’ and ‘under’ also carry a sense of covering or
interesting. (c)/ No error (d) – He jumped into the well. movement.
7. Each member of the alliance (a)/ agrees to take such 17. Be smart (a)/ not only in dress (b)/ and also in – He has fallen in love. e.g. – We live below the roof.
action (b)/ that it deems necessary. (c)/ No error (d) action. (c)/ No error (d) – He is in the office. – Sky is above us.
8. She looked at him (a)/ in such distress (b)/ as he had to 18. Hardly had I reached the airport (a)/ where I – The snake crawled into the hole. – Train is running under the bridge.
look away. (c)/ No error (d) learned about (b)/ the powerful bomb explosion. – The cup broke-off into a hundred pieces. – The train is standing below the bridge.
(c)/ No error (d)
9. This film is interesting (a)/ and the previous one (b)/ 3. ‘On’ denotes position, ‘upon’ denotes movement. – The bird is flying over the pond.
was boring. (c)/ No error (d) 19. My book has been missing (a)/ from my room (b)/ e.g. – The cat is on the table. – A wire is passing above the building.
till yesterday. (c)/ No error (d) – The cat pounced upon the mouse. – I was wearing two sweaters under the jacket.
10. It is difficult to know (a)/ whether (b)/ you are selected
20. The manager of the bank was busy; (a)/ so he ‘Under’ is used before a noun to indicate that a
or not. (c)/ No error (d) 4. ‘With’ denotes the ‘instrument’ and ‘by’ denotes the l

asked them to come and see him (b)/ between two

11. He has no chance (a)/ than to start (b)/ his own ‘agent’. person or thing is being affected by something or is
to three in the afternoon. (c)/ No error (d)
business. (c)/ No error. (d) e.g. – The letter was written by him with his pen. going through a particular process.
– The music was generated by /with a guitar. e.g. – I’m rarely under pressure and my co-workers
– The murder was committed by him with a are always nice to me.
pistol.
420 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 421

l
‘Under’ can mean junior in ranks. – He accompanies with her wherever she goes. 16. Across / Through e.g. He will return in five minutes.
–
e.g. – He is under me. – The police are investigating into the case. e.g. – Walk across the road and pass through a He will return within five minutes.
–
l
If something happens ‘under’ a particular person or – The teacher emphasised on morality. tunnel. Some Usage
government, it happens when that person or – I don’t want to discuss about the problem 17. Between/Among ‘Between’ is used while referring to
Fire at : Not killed
government is in power. with you. two persons/things whereas ‘Among’ is used for more
e.g. – There will be no new taxes under his than two. Fire on : Killed
10. Omit ‘to’ after verb of communication such as advise,
leadership. tell, ask, beg, command, encourage, request, inform, e.g. – Between the two of you, who is stronger? Key of : A door
– The sweets are to be distributed among ten
l
If someone does something ‘under’ a particular order. Key to : A problem
name, he uses that name instead of his real name. e.g. – I advised to him to study hard. friends.
Deal with : Someone
e.g. – The patient was registered under a false – I commanded to him to leave. 18. Beside/Besides ‘Beside’ means by the side of, whereas
name. – I ordered to him to bring me something to ‘Besides’ means in addition to. Deal in : Business
l
‘Beneath’ has the same meaning as ‘under’, but it is eat. e.g. – Besides eating, he is also watching T.V. Die of : Any disease
better to use it for abstract meanings. – You were sitting beside him.
11. ‘Till’ is used in particular time while ‘until’ is used for Die from : Any other reason
e.g. – Beneath the festive mood, there is an indefinite time. 19. From/Between ‘From’ is normally used with to/till,
underlying apprehension. Buy in : A market
whereas ‘Between’ is used with and.
– Everybody thought that she was marrying But whenever ‘till’ and ‘until’ are being used as the Buy at : A shop
e.g. – He works from nine to six (or nine till six).
beneath her. first word of a sentence, only until is used.
– The meeting was scheduled to be held Come by : Any vehicle
– Many find themselves having to take jobs e.g. – We shall work until we fell down.
between 2 PM and 3 PM. Come on : Foot
– We shall work till 15 hrs.
far beneath them. 20. Within/In ‘Within’ means before the end of time,
– Till / Until 30, he was a bachelor. Come into : A conflict
7. Difference between On time, In time and In good whereas ‘In’ means at the end of time.
time. 12. ‘Till’ is used for time while to for place.
l
‘On time’ signifies absolutely right time, neither e.g. – We shall work till 5 pm.
before nor after. – We walked till /upto the station.

e.g. – The flight is on time. 13. The same preposition should not be used with two SPOTTING THE ERRORS SET 8
l

l
‘In time’ means you are not late for the event.
e.g. – I arrived just in time for my flight.
‘In good time’ means with comfortable margin.
words unless it is appropriate to each of them.
e.g. – It is different and inferior to the other.
– It is different from and inferior to the
(✗)
(✓)
ERRORS OF PREPOSITION
e.g. – I arrived at the airport in good time. other. Directions (Q. Nos. 1-20) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
– Her dress does not add but detract from (✗)
8. Difference between at the beginning/at the end and in her appearance. 1. The widely publicised manifesto (a)/ of the new 11. I was shocked to hear (a)/ that his father (b)/ died of
the beginning/in the end – Her dress does not add to but detract (✓) party is not (b)/ much different than ours. (c)/ No an accident. (c)/ No error (d)
l
‘At the beginning’ means literally at the beginning. from her appearance. error (d) 12. I must start at dawn (a)/ to reach the station (b)/ in
e.g. – India scored fast at the beginning of the 2. I was taken with surprise (a)/ when I saw (b)/ the time. (c)/ No error (d)
14. ‘Since’ and ‘from’ are used before a noun or phrase
match. glamorous Appu Ghar. (c)/ No error (d)
denoting some point of time but whereas ‘since’ is 13. I shall put on (a)/ a note in this regard (b)/ for your
l
‘At the end’ means literally at the end. preceded by a verb in some perfect tense, ‘from’ is 3. Man needs security (a)/ and leisure (b)/ of free consideration and necessary decision. (c)/ No error
e.g. – At the end of the book, you’ll find the used with other tenses except the perfect tense. For thinking. (c)/ No error (d) (d)
bibliography. refers to a period of time, not to a point of time, and 4. This watch is (a)/ superior and more expensive (b)/ 14. None could dare (a)/ to encroach (b)/ on his rights.
l
‘In the beginning’ (or at first) means in the early should not be replaced by since or from. than that. (c)/ No error (d) (c)/ No error (d)
stage. It implies that later there was a change. e.g. – I haven’t taken anything since yesterday.
– He has been here since nine o’clock.
5. It was apparent for everyone (a)/ present that if the 15. The father brought the sweets (a)/ and distributed
e.g. – Sachin was nervous in the beginning, later patient did not receive (b)/ medical attention fast he them (b)/ between his five children. (c)/ No error (d)
he settled down. – I started my work from 1st January.
would die. (c)/ No error (d) 16. Raman developed the habit (a)/ for sleeping late (b)/
l
‘In the end’ (or at last) means eventually/after – I shall start work from July.
6. He knows very well (a)/ what is expected from him when he was staying in the hostel. (c)/ No error (d)
sometime. – He will join the office from tomorrow.
(b)/ but he is not able to fulfil all the expectations. 17. It is the duty of every right thinking citizen (a)/ to
e.g. – At first he was scared, but in the end he – I have been practising for ten days. (c)/ No error (d) try to make (b)/ the whole world a happier place to
started enjoying. 15. Regarding the phrases of time, morning, afternoon and 7. My brother has (a)/ ordered for (b)/ a new book. (c)/ live. (c)/ No error (d)
9. No preposition is placed after the following verbs evening are preceded by the preposition ‘in’ whereas No error (d) 18. The top-ranking candidates (a)/ will be appointed in
when they are used in active voice. Order, request, dawn, daybreak, noon, midday and midnight are
8. That Brutus, who was his trusted friend (a)/ had senior jobs (b)/ in good companies. (c)/ No error (d)
reach, attack, resemble, emphasise, accompany, discuss, preceded by the preposition ‘at’. Besides, when these
attacked on him (b)/ caused heart break to Julius 19. My niece has been married (a)/ with (b)/ the richest
investigate, comprise, enter (come into), flee (a place), time phrases are qualified by ‘last’ or ‘next’, they are
Caesar. (c)/ No error (d) man of the town. (c)/ No error (d)
join, affect, board, etc. not preceded by any preposition.
e.g. – Our forces attacked on the enemy fort. e.g. – I like to roam around in the evening. 9. Rana Pratap was (a)/ blind with (b)/ one eye. (c)/ No 20. The venue of examination (a)/ is one mile (b)/ further
– We reached at the station on time. – I’ll see you at night. error (d) up the hill. (c)/ No error (d)
– We ordered for a cup of tea. – The sun is hottest at midday. 10. The doctor attended (a)/ to (b)/ the patient very
– He resembles to his father. – I met him last evening. quietly. (c)/ No error (d)
422 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 423

SPOTTING THE ERRORS

EXPLANATIONS
1. (c) In formal writing, ‘different from’ is generally preferred, to 11. (c) ‘Of ’ is used when the cause is a disease. In the given
COMPLETE EXERCISE
‘different than’. Hence, we would replace ‘than’ by ‘from’. sentence, we should use ‘in’ in place of ‘of ’.
2. (a) The preposition ‘with’ should be replaced by ‘by’ to make the 12. (d) The sentence is correct.
sentence correct. Directions (Q. Nos 1-119) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d).
13. (a) ‘Put on’ should be replaced by ‘put in’ to convey the
3. (c) ‘security’ and ‘leisure’ are needed ‘for’ free thinking. Hence, right meaning. 1. One of the most (a)/ widespread 16. If the teacher is good, (a)/ the 27. Either she or you (a)/ is to blame
we would replace ‘of ’ by ‘for’. 14. (c) ‘Upon’ is the right preposition that should be used bad habit (b)/ is the use of students will respond (b)/ (b)/ for the mismanagement of the
4. (b) The preposition ‘to’ must follow the word ‘superior’ in the with ‘rights’. Hence, we replace ‘on’ by ‘upon’. tobacco. (c)/ No error (d) positively to them. (c)/ No domestic affairs. (c)/ No error (d)
given sentence to make it grammatically correct. 15. (c) As per the rule, ‘among’ should be used when more 2. Recently I visited Kashmir (a)/ error (d) 28. It were the children (a)/ that
5. (a) The preposition ‘for’ in part (a) of the sentence does not than two persons are involved. Hence, we replace and found the sceneries (b)/ to be 17. It is not difficult to believe that caused a lot of problem to their
make sense. It should be replaced by ‘to’ to make the sentence ‘between’ in the given sentence by ‘among’. marvellous. (c)/ No error (d) a man (a)/ who has lived in this parents (b)/ during the long bus
correct. 16. (b) ‘For sleeping late’ does not make sense in the given 3. All the furnitures have been (a)/ city for a long time (b)/ he will journey. (c)/ No error (d)
6. (b) The preposition ‘of ’ should be used instead of ‘from’ in the sentence. It should be replaced with ‘of sleeping late’. sent to the new house (b)/ located never feel at home anywhere 29. He will be likely (a)/ to leave for
given sentence. in a village. (c)/ No error (d) else in the world. (c)/ No the United States (b)/ last year
17. (c) The sentence is not complete unless we add ‘in’ after error (d)
4. The crowd of angry students (a)/ to visit his brother. (c)/ No
7. (b) ‘For’ in part (b) of the sentence is not needed. It should be ‘live’.
deleted. ordered the (b)/ closing of shops. 18. Each girl was (a)/ given a error (d)
18. (b) The correct usage is ‘appointed to’. Hence, we bunch of flowers (b)/ which
8. (b) The preposition ‘on’ in the sentence is not needed. We need would replace ‘in’ by ‘to’.
(c)/ No error (d) 30. The soldiers along with the
pleased her very much. (c)/ No commander (a)/ was
to delete it to convey the correct meaning of the sentence. 5. They left (a)/ their luggages (b)/ error (d)
19. (b) As per the right usage, ‘you are married to someone’ court-martialled (b)/ for defying
at the railway station. (c)/ No
9. (b) ‘Blind in one eye’ is the correct usage. Hence, we should and not ‘with someone’. Hence, we replace the 19. As it was Rajan’s (a)/ first the orders. (c)/ No error (d)
error (d)
replace ‘with’ by ‘in’. preposition ‘with’ by ‘to’. interview, he dressed him (b)/
6. The bus could not (a)/ ascend 31. She is better than (a)/ any girl
10. (b) The preposition ‘upon’ is more appropriate than ‘to’. Hence, 20. (a) The preposition ‘of ’ needs to be replaced by ‘for’ to in his most formal suit. (c)/ No that studies (b)/ in our institute.
the steep hill (b)/ because it was error (d)
we replace ‘to’ by ‘upon’. make the sentence grammatically correct. (c)/ No error (d)
in the wrong gears. (c)/ No
error (d) 20. Gopal and myself (a)/ will take 32. The latest chapter of this novel
care of (b)/ the function on (a)/ is the most comprehensive
7. The Indian force (a)/ drove away Sunday. (c)/ No error (d)
(b)/ the Chinese. (c)/ No error (d) of all (b)/ the chapters in the
21. During freedom struggle (a)/ book. (c)/ No error (d)
8. His mouth watered (a)/ when he many a patriot (b)/ were filled
saw (b)/ a bouquet of grapes. (c)/ 33. She was not punished (a)/
with patriotism. (c)/ No though she came (b)/ latter than
No error (d) error (d) I. (c)/ No error (d)
9. My brother-in-laws (a)/ who live 22. There are a dozen (a)/ of
in Mumbai have come (b)/ to stay 34. She is the best (a)/ and beautiful
Geography books lying in the girl (b)/ of our class. (c)/ No
with us. (c)/ No error (d) shelf of my personal library (b)/ error (d)
10. These kind of shirts (a)/ are and you can use them
rather expensive (b)/ for him to whenever you like. (c)/ No 35. My notes are superior (a)/ than
buy. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) yours although I have prepared
(b)/ them in a hurry. (c)/ No
11. Those sort of people (a)/ usually 23. The number of amendments to error (d)
do not (b)/ earn fame in society. our Constitution (a)/ have been
(c)/ No error (d) very large (b)/ during the last 36. Of all other my neighbours (a)/
69 years of independence. (c)/ he is the kindest (b)/ and the
12. Being a very (a)/ hot day I (b)/ most considerate. (c)/ No
No error (d)
remained indoors. (c)/ No error (d)
error (d) 24. Just to the North of India (a)/
is the Himalayas (b)/ that were 37. The works of Shakespeare (a)/
13. Had I come (a)/ to know about are more famous than (b)/ any
once impregnable. (c)/ No
his difficulties (b)/ I would have other English dramatist. (c)/ No
error (d)
certainly helped. (c)/ No error (d) error (d)
25. She disappeared (a)/ and found
14. One of them (a)/ forgot to take 38. It is all the more better (a)/ if
dead (b)/ near a well outside
their bag (b)/ from the school. (c)/ you work (b)/ in my company.
the village. (c)/ No error (d)
No error (d) (c)/ No error (d)
26. I had been (a)/ to Delhi last
15. Mr. Sharma, our 39. A little quantity of sugar (a)/ is
week (b)/ to visit my friend. (c)/
representative,(a) / he will attend required to meet (b)/ the present
No error (d)
the meeting (b)/ on our behalf. demands. (c)/ No error (d)
(c)/ No error (d)
424 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 425

40. He doesn’t need (a)/ your help 55. Don’t stop (a)/ anywhere. Go 71. The doctor referred the patient (a)/ 87. After returning from (a)/ an 99. Let us congratulate him (a)/ for 110. Have you gone through
because (b)/ he is too intelligent. home (b)/ directly. (c)/ No for the OPD (b)/ without all-India tour (b)/ I had to his success (b)/ in the (a)/either of these three
(c)/ No error (d) error (d) examining him. (c)/ No error (d) describe about it. (c)/ No error (d) examination. (c)/ No error (d) chapters (b)/ that have been
41. The interviewer asked me (a)/ if 56. He has no time (a)/ to read 72. A man who always connives (a)/ 88. The teacher asked his students 100. Many people prefer to travel included in his volume? (c)/ No
I knew that Kalidas was the magazines (b)/ and no desire on the faults of his children (b)/ is (a)/ if they had gone through (b)/ (a)/ by the road (b)/ because it error (d)
greater (b)/ than any other poet. neither. (c)/ No error (d) their worst enemy. (c)/ No either of three chapters included is less expensive. (c)/ No 111. I am learning English (a)/ for
(c)/ No error (d) 57. He has not seldom (a)/ visited error (d) in the prescribed text. (c)/ No error (d) ten years (b)/ without much
42. The reason we have not been his parents (b)/ since he left 73. I do not understand (a)/ why (b)/ error (d) 101. She was beside herself in joy effect. (c)/ No error (d)
able to pay income tax (a)/ is this place. (c)/ No error (d) he is so angry at me. (c)/ No 89. Although they are living in the (a)/ when she came to know (b)/ 112. Ramesh has agreed (a)/ to
due to fact (b)/ that we did not 58. It was much hot (a)/ yesterday error (d) country (a)/ since they were that she had been selected for marry with the girl (b)/ of his
receive pay on time. (c)/ No and we (b)/ didn’t go out. (c)/ 74. I am hearing a lot (a)/ about the married (b)/ they are moving to the job. (c)/ No error (d) parents’s choice. (c)/ No
error (d) No error (d) problem (b)/ of AIDS these days. the town. (c)/ No error (d) 102. Mother tongue is as natural error (d)
43. Even now when I see the spot 59. I meet him often (a)/ near(b)/ (c)/ No error (d) 90. Do you know (a)/ how old were (a)/ for the development of 113. The pity is that (a)/ no sooner
(a)/ I am reminded of an unique the Town Hall. (c)/ No 75. Because of his innocence (a)/ he you (b)/ when you came here? (c)/ man’s mind (b)/ as mother's he had left the place (b)/ than
incident (b)/ that took place error (d) can not distinguish (b)/ a cheat for No error (d) milk is for the development of the fire broke out. (c)/ No
several years ago. (c)/ No an honest person. (c)/ No error (d) 91. Whenever a person losses the infant’s body. (c)/ No error (d)
error (d) 60. I told her (a)/ as blunt as I error (d)
could (b)/ but she was not 76. After opening the door we entered anything (a)/ the poor folk around 114. When he was arriving (a)/ the
44. As soon as the teacher entered convinced. (c)/ No error (d) (a)/ into the room (b)/ next to the (b)/ are suspected. (c)/ No error (d) 103. The Prime Minister as well as party was (b)/ in full swing. (c)/
(a)/ everyone fell (b)/ in a kitchen. (c)/ No error (d) 92. Still impressive is that (a)/ we his secretary were expected to No error (d)
silence. (c)/ No error (d) 61. No sooner did the sun rise (a)/ (a)/ arrive in Chennai (b)/ on
when we took a hasty breakfast 77. As the meeting was (a)/ about to achieve this selective attention 115. The Dean wrote that he
45. As he had taken only a few sips (b)/ through our latent ability to Saturday morning. (c)/ No constituted a committee of
(b)/ and resumed the journey. end (b)/ he insisted to ask several error (d)
(a)/ there was still little water (c)/ No error (d) questions. (c)/ No error (d) lip read. (c)/ No error (d) experts (a)/ comprising five
(b)/ left in the glass. (c)/ No 93. As I entered the famous gallery 104. The speaker was (a)/ not only members (b)/ before the next
error (d) 62. Because he is physically strong 78. The watchman was kind enough slow (b)/ but also inaudible as meeting took place. (c)/ No
(a)/ therefore he was selected (a)/ to inform us about the (a)/ my attention was at once
46. To perform this experiment (a)/ drawn to the large sculpture in well. (c)/ No error (d) error (d)
(b)/ for the school boxing team. conspiracy (b)/ but declined to
drop little sugar (b)/ into a glass (c)/ No error (d) name the person behind it. (c)/ No the corner. (c)/ No error (d) 105. The crowd surged forward (a)/ 116. I can’t help to sneeze as (a)/ I
of water. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) 94. Everyday before (a)/ I start work to have a glimpse (b)/ of their got drenched yesterday (b)/ and
63. The reason for his failure (a)/ favourite leader. (c)/ No have a bad cold. (c)/ No
47. It is written in Gita (a)/ that is because (b)/ he did not work 79. The captain and his wife (a)/ were for my livelihood (b)/ I do my
God incarnates himself (b)/ in prayer. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) error (d)
hard. (c)/ No error (d) invited for the cultural function
times of trouble. (c)/ No error (d) (b)/ at my home. (c)/ No error (d) 95. Pooja went to her friend’s house 106. There is a distinctive possibility 117. I have lived (a)/ from the hand
64. Arjun asked him (a)/ that (a)/ that he will leave the job to the mouth (b)/ for all these
48. Troy was taken by Greeks; (a)/ which was the way (b)/ to the 80. The engineer came out to a novel at the appointed hour ; but (a)/
this formed the basis of a story she was told (b)/ that her friend (b)/ once the investigation is fifty years though nobody know
post office. (c)/ No error (d) solution (a)/ which may even over. (c)/ No error (d) it. (c)/ No error (d)
(b)/ which has become famous. reduce (b)/ daily energy left half an hour earlier. (c) No
(c)/ No error (d) 65. Unless you do not listen to his error (d) 107. Many a star (a)/ are (b)/ 118. Both he as well as his friend
advice (a)/ I am not going (b)/ consumption. (c)/ No error (d)
49. These facts make it very clear 96. Rekha is (a)/ enough old (b)/ to twinkling in the sky. (c)/ No (a)/ worked in close harmony
to help you. (c)/ No error (d) 81. We are meeting today afternoon error (d) (b)/ on this same project. (c)/ No
(a)/ that he had hand in the (a)/ to discuss the matter (b)/ and get married. (c)/ No error (d)
murder (b)/ though he still 66. How do you say (a)/ that 108. We discussed the problem (a)/ error (d)
neither he or Raj has reach a compromise. (c)/ No 97. As far as I am concerned, (a)/ I
pleads innocence. (c)/ No error (d) shall do everything (b)/ possible so thoroughly that (b)/ I found 119. The Monk loved riding and
error (d) qualified (b)/ in the it easy to work it out. (c)/ No hunting (a)/ and refused to
examination ? (c)/ No error (d) 82. Either Ram or (a)/ you is to help you. (c)/ No error (d)
50. A nationwide survey has error (d) conform by rules and
67. We are not sure (a)/ if he is responsible (b)/ for this action. (c)/ 98. The person in the seat of justice regulations (b)/ of the ancient
brought up an (a)/ interesting No error (d) (a)/ should be absolutely partial 109. He hesitated to accept the post
finding (b)/ regarding infant coming (b)/ to the party. (c)/ (a)/ as he did not think (b)/ that monastic order. (c)/ No
No error (d) 83. The student flatly denied (a)/ that (b)/ and not treat his nearest and error (d)
mortality rate in India. (c)/ No dearest with favour. (c)/ No the salary would not be enough
error (d) 68. Sooner than he had arrived he had copied (b)/ in the for a man with a family of
examination hall. (c)/ No error (d) error (d)
51. When I got (a)/ home I was (b)/ (a)/ his friends arranged a three. (c)/ No error (d)
too exhausted. (c)/ No error (d) reception in his honour (b)/ in 84. By the time you arrive tomorrow
the best hotel in the town. (c)/ (a)/ I have finished (b)/ my work.
52. I did not know hardly (a)/ No error (d) (c)/ No error (d)
anyone in the city (b)/ and so
felt lonely. (c)/ No error (d) 69. Mrs Dhaka went to Delhi (a)/ 85. The speaker stressed repeatedly
because she might (b)/ see on (a)/ the importance of
53. I rarely find something (a)/ in Mrs Rai. (c)/ No error (d) improving (b)/ the condition of the
the movie (b)/ that is worth slums. (c)/ No error (d)
remembering. (c)/ No error (d) 70. Neither he gave him no
money (a)/ nor he helped him 86. The captain with the members of
54. You have (a)/ acted nobler (b)/ (b)/ in any way. (c)/ No his team (a)/ are returning (b)/
than all of us. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) after a fortnight. (c) /No error (d)
426 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 427

QUESTIONS FROM 38. I see her (a) most weekends

(b) but not very often between.
54. In spite of the fact (a)/ that the
meeting was about to end, (b)/ he
66. No sooner did I open the door
(a)/ when the rain, heavy and
(c) No error (d) insisted to ask several questions.
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016) 39. The chancellor (a) was present
(b) on both occasions. (c)/ No
(c)/ No error (d)
55. Hardly had he entered into the
stormy, rushed in (b)/ making
us shiver from head to foot. (c)/
No error (d)
error (d) room (a)/ and taken his seat, (b)/ 67. After opening the door (a)/ we
Directions (Q. Nos 1-95) Which part of the given sentences is erroneous? In case, there is no error, choose option (d). when the girls began to giggle. (c)/
40. The deliberations by (a)/the entered into the room (b)/ next
committee (b)/are completely No error (d) to the kitchen. (c)/ No error (d)
2012 (I) 14. Imagine living (a)/ with riot would not have occurred. (c)/ confidential. (c)/No error (d) 56. I was disappointed (a)/ when I 68. When the dentist came in (a)/
someone (b)/ who never No error (d) came for seeing you last evening
1. Let us (a)/ bring this discussion my tooth was stopped aching
(b)/ but could not find you at home.
(b)/to close. (c)/ No error (d) stops talk. (c)/ No error (d) 26. The flag is risen in the morning 2014 (I) (c)/ No error (d)
(b)/ out of fear that I might
15. I was shocked (a)/ when he (a)/ and taken down at night (b)/ 41. The pile of books(a)/ are(b)/ lose my tooth. (c)/ No error (d)
2. Each of them (a)/ have a different 57. The number of jobs (a)/that would
version (b)/of the crime. (c)/ No told me (b)/ that the old by the guards. (c)/ No error (d) missing. (c)/ No error (d) 69. Emphasis on equality of life
woman died by cancer. (c)/ be satisfactory in all respects (b)/
error (d) 27. I have seen him (a)/ going to the 42. Either he(a)/ or I(b)/ are are small. (c)/ No error (d) ensures (a)/ for the health and
No error (d) theatre (b)/ with his friends happiness (b)/ of every
3. I and Gopal (a)/ went to the wrong. (c)/ No error (d)
16. To the men who worked so yesterday evening. (c)/ No 58. I have found the man, (a)/ whom I individual. (c)/ No error (d)
meeting (b)/ together. (c)/ No 43. Please(a)/ tell to him(b)/ to do know (b)/ is the thief. (c)/ No
error (d) hard in the project, (a)/ error (d)
his work. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) 70. The students were (a)/
the news was (b)/ profound 28. He was charged of murder (a)/
4. Latin is not only hard to write (a)/ 44. Though he is good (a)/ he is awaiting for (b)/ the arrival of
disappointing. (c)/No though the evidence did every 59. There is no reason (a)/ why he
but also (b)/ to read. (c)/ No error (d) (b)/ mischievous. (c)/ No the chief guest. (c)/ No error (d)
thing (b)/ to convince the judge of should not come (b)/ since he is in
error (d) error (d) town and is free. (c)/ No error (d) 71. You will come (a)/ to my party
17. Even though she lost the his innocence. (c)/ No error (d)
5. In most villages (a)/ the roads are beauty contest, (a)/ she was 45. The thief (a)/ hit me (b)/ 60. It is high time (a)/ we cried a halt tomorrow, (b)/ isn’t it? (c)/ No
rough (b)/ isn’t it? (c)/ No error (d) 29. Neither he nor his brother (a)/ is a error (d)
still more prettier (b)/than good student (b)/ but both are good suddenly and hardly. (c)/ No to the existing corrupt practices
6. Despite of continuing pain (a)/ she the other girls. (c)/ No error players. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) (b)/ followed in the educational 72. Having read a number of
worked at her temporary summer (d) 46. The number of books (a)/ in sphere. (c)/ No error (d) stories (a)/ about space travel
job (b)/ most of the week. (c)/ No 30. He has taken charge (a)/ as
18. The novel is interesting, (a)/ our library (b)/ is less. (c)/ No 61. The situation is perilous (a)/ but if (b)/ his dream now is about to
error (d) principal of our college (b)/ three
informative (b)/ and it is years ago. (c)/ No error (d) error (d) we are prepared promptly to act, visit the Moon. (c)/ No error (d)
7. As soon the film started (a)/ I easy to read. (c) No error (d) 47. The general said (a)/ ‘soldiers (b)/ there is still one chance of 73. The meeting adjourned
developed (b)/ an irritating 19. The differential attractions do not fire (b)/ till I will give escape. (c)/ No error (d) abruptly (a)/ by the Chairman
headache. (c)/ No error (d) of the sun and the moon
2013 (II) the order’. (c)/ No error (d) after (b)/ about three hours of
8. He applied for an employment (a)/ have a direct effect (a)/ in 31. Suppose, if you were left alone (a)/
48. Neither of the candidates (a)/ 2015 (I) deliberation. (c)/ No error (d)
in (b)/ an office. (c)/ No error (d) the rising and failing (b)/ of to live on a deserted island
are (b)/ good. (c)/ No error (d) 62. Unless you stop to make noise at 74. Not one of the hundreds (a)/ of
the tides. (c)/ No error (d) (b)/what would you do? (c)/No
9. Though we drove fast, the train error (d) 49. The machine (a)/ is more once, (a)/ I will have no option but striking workers (b)/ were
left (a)/ before we could reach (b)/ 20. Despite of the pills (a)/which efficient (b)/ than any other to (b)/ bring the matter to the allowed to go near the factory.
the station. (c)/ No are available, (b)/ many 32. He wondered that what (a)/would attention of the police. (c)/ No
equipments in the workshop. (c)/ No error (d)
error (d) people still have trouble be the next move of his opponents error (d)
(c)/ No error (d) 75. If I had known (a)/ this earlier
sleeping. (c)/ No error (d) (b)/who had vowed to see him
10. One Indian virtue that has dislodged from power. (c) /No 50. The tin deposits in that area 63. He couldn’t but help (a)/ shed tears (b)/ I will have helped him. (c) /
impressed me greatly (a)/ and 21. None of the applicants have (a)/ would probably be at the plight of the villagers (b)/
error (d) No error (d)
touched me deeply (b)/ was the turned up (a)/ for the exhausted (b)/ into near rendered homeless by a devastating
Indian people’s freedom of interview (b)/ on time. (c)/ 33. The nation should be greatful cyclone. (c)/ No error (d) 76. Mr Smith was accused for
future. (c)/ No error (d)
rancour. (c)/ No error (d) No error (d) (a)/to the armed forces (b)/for murder (a)/ but the court found
protecting them. (c)/No error (d) 51. The operation of this machine 64. Since, it was his first election him not guilty (b)/ and
22. Her mother did not reply (a)/ (a)/ is different (b)/ to that of campaign, the candidate was
34. I do not know (a)/what is he acquitted him. (c)/ No error (d)
2012 (II) when I asked her (b)/ why
doing? (b)/to solve the problem.
other. (c)/ No error (d) confused; (a)/ none could clearly
was she weeping. (c)/ No understand (b)/ either the
11. If you will work hard (a)/ you error (d) (c)/No error (d) principles he stood for or the 2015 (II)
will always (b)/ succeed. (c)/ No
23. The oxygen content of Mars 35. For so many years (a) it is almost 2014 (II) benefits he promised. (c)/ No
error (d) 77. I am told (a)/John is ill (b)/
is not (a)/ sufficient enough his habit (b) to go to the bed at 52. It was nearly thirty years ago error (d)
since Monday. (c)/No error (d)
12. She has been teaching (a)/ the to support life (b)/ as we 10 pm daily. (c)/No error (d) (a)/ since this magazine (b)/ 65. It is an established fact that the
same lesson (b)/ since five days.(c)/ know it. (c)/ No error (d) was first published. (c)/ No 78. I shall leave school (a)/as soon
No error (d) 36. He took (a)/down after (b)/his transcendental American poets and
error (d) as (b)/ I shall find a job. (c)/ No
24. He told his friends that (a)/ father. (c)/No error (d) philosophers, (a)/ who lived in the
13. Many a boy were happy error (d)
each of them (b)/ should be 37. His honesty (a)/has never been 53. Ten years ago he was having latter half of the 19th century, (b)/
(a)/ dancing at the victory (b)/ of able to carry out the orders an income (a)/ of over ten were more influenced by Indian 79. He is a rich man (a)/ he is
our cricket team in Australia. (b)/called to question. (c)/No
oneself. (c)/ No error (d) thousand rupees a month; (b)/ philosophy, in particular by owning (b)/ a number of
(c)/ No error (d) error (d)
he must indeed be a wealthy Upanishadic Philosophy. (c) / No buildings in Bombay. (c)/No
25. If the police would have error (d) error (d)
man by now. (c)/ No error (d)
arrived (a)/ in time (b)/ the
428 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 429

80. We were able to make it (a)/ in

spite of (b)/ a bad weather. (c)/
No error (d)
2016 (I)
86. She said that she was
91. I not fallen ill, (a)/ I would have
sent you (b)/ my research paper
much earlier. (c)/ No error (d)
EXPLANATIONS
understanding (a)/ his point of
81. Neither of the letters of credit view (b)/ very well. (c)/ No 92. The barn owl helps the farmer
(a)/ were useful (b)/ when he error (d) by destroying (a)/ rats which
needed it. (c)/ No error (d)
87. All the houses having been
could, if left unchecked (b)/ do a Complete Exercise
82. Little he realised (a)/ that he lot of damage to the crops. (c)/
washed away (a)/ by the floods, No error (d) 1. (b) The phrase ‘one of the’ takes a 14. (b) As the sentence refers to one person 27. (a) As per the rule, second person
wouldn’t live (b)/ to see his (b)/ the villagers sought shelter plural noun. So, ‘bad habit’ should i.e. ‘One of them’ so it would have a must be followed by third person.
grandson married. (c)/ No in the Panchayat office. (c)/ No 93. He had gone (a)/ home three
be replaced by ‘bad habits’. singular pronoun. Hence, we would So, the sentence should start as
error (d) error (d) weeks ago and was expected (b)/
2. (b) The word ‘scenery’ is always
replace ‘their’ by ‘his’ to make the ‘Either you or she’ instead of ‘Either
83. A difficult syllabus (a)/ is 88. It is necessary for us to back yesterday, but he has not
used in a singular form. Hence, in sentence correct. she or you’.
supposed to hurt (b)/ juvenile familiarise with (a)/ and get used come yet. (c)/ No error (d)
the given sentence, ‘scenery’ 15. (b) The pronoun ‘he’ in the sentence is 28. (a) ‘The children’ in the given
mind. (c)/No error (d) to (b)/ the ways of the people 94. We must sympathise (a)/ for
among whom we live. (c)/ No should be used in place of not needed. Without ‘he’ the sentence sentence did a common thing
84. The voice of sanity and others (b)/ in their troubles. (c)/
error (d) ‘sceneries’. is self-explanatory. (action) of troubling their parents.
patriotism (a)/ are important to No error (d)
3. (a) The word ‘furniture’ is always 16. (c) The sentence refers to one teacher
So, ‘the children’ would be taken as a
dispel (b)/ the prevailing 89. The mother asked the child (a)/ 95. The scientists in America (a)/ single entity (singular) and hence
why did she cry out (b)/ in her used in a singular form. So, part i.e. singular form. Hence, it should
confusion. (c)/ No error (d) are trying for long (b)/ to would take a singular verb i.e. ‘was’.
sleep. (c)/ No error (d) (a) would become ‘All the accompany a singular pronoun.
85. You were going to explain (a)/ discover the genes responsible
furniture has been.’ Therefore, we will replace ‘them’ by 29. (a) As the sentence states an event
your late arrival, (b)/ isn’t it? 90. I asked him that (a)/ why he was for ageing. (c)/ No error (d)
4. (a) ‘Mob’ is a ‘group of people
‘him’. in the past tense (last year), ‘will be’
(c)/ No error (d) angry (b)/ but he did not answer.
with one common thought of 17. (c) The pronoun ‘he’ in the sentence is
should be replaced by ‘was’.
(c)/ No error (d)
criminal consequence’. Hence, in not needed. 30. (b) In the sentences with ‘along
the given sentence, ‘mob’ should 18. (c) ‘Each girl’ means a number of girls. with’, the verb should agree with the
ANSWERS be used in place of ‘crowd’. Hence, the pronoun used for it will be first subject. Therefore, the given
5. (b) The word ‘luggage’ is always plural. So, ‘them’ would replace ‘her’ in sentence will take a plural verb ‘were’
Complete Exercise used in a singular form. The the sentence. as ‘The soldiers’ is plural.
1 b 2 b 3 a 4 a 5 b 6 c 7 a 8 c 9 a 10 a correct sentence would be ‘They 19. (b) This sentence would contain a 31. (b) The word ‘other’ is missing in
left their luggage……’ reflexive pronoun. Hence, ‘him’ in the the sentence. Hence, we will add
11 a 12 a 13 c 14 b 15 b 16 c 17 c 18 c 19 b 20 a
6. (c) In this sentence, ‘gears’ is used sentence would be replaced by ‘himself ’. ‘other’ after ‘any’ in the sentence.
21 c 22 a 23 b 24 b 25 b 26 a 27 a 28 a 29 a 30 b incorrectly. It should be changed 20. (a) The pronoun ‘myself ’ used in the 32. (a) ‘Latest chapter of this novel’ does
31 b 32 a 33 c 34 b 35 b 36 a 37 c 38 a 39 a 40 c to ‘gear’. sentence is erroneous. Instead of not make any sense. Hence, we
41 b 42 b 43 b 44 c 45 b 46 b 47 a 48 a 49 b 50 c 7. (a) The sentence means to convey ‘myself ’, ‘I’ would be used. replace it by ‘last chapter’.
51 c 52 a 53 a 54 b 55 c 56 c 57 a 58 a 59 a 60 b the message that the Indian 21. (c) As per the rule, ‘many a’ takes a 33. (c) ‘Latter’ is not the correct word to
Military drove away the Chinese. singular verb. So, in the given sentence
61 b 62 b 63 b 64 b 65 a 66 b 67 b 68 a 69 b 70 a be used as per the sentence. Hence,
To convey this meaning, ‘force’ we would replace ‘were’ by ‘was’ to
71 b 72 b 73 c 74 a 75 c 76 b 77 c 78 b 79 b 80 a we would use ‘later’ instead of it.
needs to be changed to ‘forces’. make it grammatically correct.
81 a 82 b 83 d 84 b 85 d 86 b 87 c 88 c 89 a 90 a 34. (b) As per the rule, when two
8. (c) ‘Bouquet’ is used with flowers.
22. (a) In the given sentence, ‘dozen of adjectives qualify the same noun,
91 a 92 c 93 d 94 c 95 c 96 b 97 d 98 b 99 b 100 b For grapes, we use ‘bunch’. geography books’ is considered as a both the adjectives should be
101 a 102 c 103 a 104 c 105 b 106 a 107 b 108 c 109 b 110 b 9. (a) The plural of ‘brother-in-law’ single entity. Hence, the verb ‘are’ in the represented in the same degree.
is ‘brothers-in-law’. sentence would be replaced by ‘is’. So, we would change ‘beautiful’ in
111 a 112 b 113 b 114 a 115 a 116 a 117 b 118 a 119 b
10. (a) The sentence refers to a 23. (b) When the subject of the sentence is the given sentence to ‘the most
Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16) number of shirts. So, the word ‘The number of ’ is singular. Hence, beautiful’.
‘kind’ must be replaced by ‘kinds’. ‘have’ in the given sentence would be
1 c 2 b 3 a 4 c 5 c 6 a 7 a 8 a 9 a 10 c 35. (b) As per the rule ‘superior’ is
11. (a) As the sentence refers to a
replaced by ‘has’.
followed by ‘to’. So, we would
11 a 12 c 13 a 14 c 15 c 16 c 17 b 18 c 19 b 20 a number of persons i.e. ‘people’, 24. (b) ‘The Himalayas’ are a mountain replace ‘than’ by ‘to’.
21 a 22 c 23 d 24 c 25 a 26 a 27 a 28 a 29 d 30 a ‘sorts’ will be used instead of range and hence, should take a plural
verb. Therefore, ‘is’ in the given 36. (a) The word ‘other’ in the given
‘sort’.
31 a 32 a 33 a 34 b 35 c 36 b 37 c 38 c 39 c 40 a sentence would be replaced by ‘are’. sentence is not needed. So, we will
12. (a) The pronoun ‘It’ comes before remove it.
41 b 42 c 43 b 44 b 45 c 46 d 47 c 48 b 49 c 50 c 25. (b) In the given sentence, ‘was’ would
the phrase or clause to which it
51 c 52 a 53 d 54 c 55 a 56 b 57 c 58 b 59 b 60 c be used after ‘and’. 37. (c) ‘Those of ’ would be added before
refers. So, ‘It’ will come at the
starting of the sentence. ‘any other English dramatist’.
61 b 62 a 63 a 64 c 65 c 66 b 67 b 68 b 69 b 70 b 26. (a) As per the sentence structure, it
13. (c) The question ‘Helped whom?’ mentions an activity (going to Delhi) 38. (a) To make the sentence
71 c 72 c 73 a 74 c 75 c 76 a 77 b 78 c 79 b 80 d
remains unanswered until we add that has already completed. So, ‘had meaningful, we would remove ‘all the
81 b 82 a 83 c 84 b 85 c 86 a 87 b 88 a 89 b 90 a been’ in the sentence would be replaced more’ from the sentence.
‘him’ at the end of the sentence.
91 a 92 d 93 a 94 b 95 b by ‘went’.
430 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 431

39. (a) As per the rule, the adjectives 53. (a) ‘Something’ is used in a positive 68. (a) Part (a) is incorrect. ‘No’ should 86. (b) The verb in the sentence should 100. (b) ‘By the road’ is incorrect. We 111. (a) ‘Am’ needs to be replaced by
‘little’ and ‘few’ are not made to sense. It should be replaced by be added before ‘sooner’. The agree with the noun ‘captain’. Hence, should use ‘by road’. ‘have been’ as the task in the
qualify the nouns ‘quantity’ and ‘anything’ in the given sentence to sentence would become ‘No sooner we should change ‘are’ to ‘is’. 101. (a) ‘In’ in the given sentence needs sentence (‘learning English’) is
‘number’. Hence, we would use ‘A convey the right meaning. had he arrived than ....... .’ 87. (c) The word ‘about’ is not needed in to be replaced by ‘with’. continuous.
small’ instead of ‘A little’. 69. (b) ‘Because’ is the incorrect the sentence. Hence, we would 102. (c) ‘The’ in the part (c) of the 112. (b) ‘With’ is not needed as ‘to marry
54. (b) ‘Nobler’ does not make sense. It
conjunction used in the sentence. It remove ‘about’. sentence should be replaced by ‘an’ as the girl’ makes right sense. Hence,
40. (c) ‘Too’ is not the correct word to should be replaced by ‘more nobly’ in
be used with ‘intelligent’ in the the given sentence. should be replaced by ‘so that’. 88. (c) ‘Either of ’ is used for two things. the next word ‘infant’s’ starts with a we would remove ‘with’.
sentence. Hence, we would use 70. (a) ‘No’ in the sentence should be
Hence, we would use ‘any of ’ in the vowel. 113. (b) ‘He had left’ needs to be changed
55. (c) ‘Direct’ means ‘straight’ and given sentence.
‘very’ instead of ‘too’. removed as it is not needed in the 103. (a) As per the given sentence, the to ‘had he left’ to make the sentence
‘directly’ means ‘at once’. Therefore,
sentence. 89. (a) ‘Had been’ should be used in verb ‘were’ should be replaced by grammatically correct.
41. (b) ‘The’ is not used before a we must use ‘direct’ instead of place of ‘are’ to convey the correct ‘was’ to make the sentence
comparative adjective like ‘greater’. ‘directly’ in the given sentence. 71. (b) The right usage is ‘referred to’ 114. (a) ‘Was arriving’ is not correct as
meaning of the sentence. grammatically correct.
So, we would remove ‘the’ before and not ‘referred for’. Hence, we per the sentence structure and tense.
56. (c) ‘Neither’ should be replaced by 90. (a) The word ‘know’ should be
‘greater’. would replace ‘for’ by ‘to’. 104. (c) ‘As well’ is not needed in the It should be change to past tense
‘either’ to make the sentence replaced by ‘remember’ to convey the sentence. Hence, we delete it. i.e., ‘When he arrived’.
42. (b) Here, ‘fact’ mentioned in the meaningful. 72. (b) The word ‘connive’ is used with proper meaning of the sentence.
given sentence is a particular fact ‘at’. Hence, we would replace ‘on’ by 105. (b) The right phrase to use is ‘catch 115. (a) The sentence refers to a past
57. (a) ‘Not’ in the given sentence is not 91. (a) ‘Losses’ is the incorrect word. It event. Hence, the verb ‘constituted’
that ‘we did not receive pay on ‘at’ to make the sentence a glimpse’. Hence, we replace ‘have’
needed as per the rule two negatives should be changed to ‘loses’. should be changed to ‘had
time’. So, we should use ‘the’ before grammatically correct. by ‘catch’ in the given sentence.
‘not’ and ‘seldom’ are not used in a 92. (c) ‘Through’ is not the right word. constituted’.
‘fact’. 73. (c) The right usage is ‘angry with’ 106. (a) We need to use ‘distinct’ in place
single sentence. Hence, we would It should be replaced by ‘with’.
and not ‘angry at’. Hence, we replace of ‘distinctive’ to make the sentence 116. (a) We should remove ‘to’ and
43. (b) ‘An’ is not used with unique, so remove ‘not’. 93. (d) The sentence is correct.
‘at’ by ‘with’ in the sentence. meaningful. change ‘sneeze’ to ‘sneezing’ to make
use ‘a’ with unique. 58. (a) ‘Much’ should be replaced by ‘very’ 94. (c) ‘Say’ should be used in place of 107. (b) ‘Many a’ uses a singular verb.
the sentence correct.
74. (a) ‘Am hearing’ should be changed
44. (c) As per the rule, articles are not in the sentence to make it ‘do’ as ‘do’ is not used with ‘prayer’.
to ‘hear’. Hence, we replace ‘are’ in the given 117. (b) ‘Hand to the mouth’ is incorrect.
used before abstract nouns. ‘Silence’ meaningful. sentence by ‘is’. The correct phrase/idiom is ‘hand to
95. (c) We need to add ‘had’ before ‘left’
in the given sentence is an abstract 75. (c) ‘Distinguish’ uses the preposition to make the sentence grammatically mouth’ which means ‘to have just
59. (a) As per the rule, it should be ‘often 108. (c) ‘Work it out’ does not convey the
noun. Hence, we would remove ‘a’ meet him’ instead of ‘meet him often’. ‘from’. Hence, we would replace ‘for’ correct. enough money to live on and
before ‘silence’. by ‘from’. right meaning it should be changed
96. (b) ‘Enough old’ should be changed to ‘work out’. nothing extra’.
60. (b) ‘Blunt’ needs to be replaced by the
45. (b) ‘Little’ means ‘no’. Hence, to 76. (b) As per the rule, no preposition is to ‘old enough’. 118. (a) As per the rule ‘as well as’ is not
adverb ‘bluntly’ to make the sentence 109. (b) ‘Did not think’ needs to be
make sense we would add the used after ‘enter’, so we would used in place of ‘and’. Hence, we
meaningful. 97. (d) The sentence is correct. replaced by ‘thought’ to make the
article ‘a’ before ‘little’. remove the word ‘into’ from part (b). replace ‘as well as’ by ‘and’ to make
61. (b) ‘No sooner’ is followed by ‘than’ 98. (b) We should use ‘impartial’ in place sentence correct.
46. (b) ‘Little sugar’ means ‘no sugar’. 77. (c) ‘To ask’ should be replaced by ‘on the sentence correct.
and not by ‘when’. Hence, we would of ‘partial’. 110. (b) ‘Either’ is used two things. For
Hence, to make sense, we would asking’ to make the sentence 119. (b) The preposition ‘by’ is incorrect.
replace ‘when’ by ‘than’. grammatically correct. 99. (b) ‘For’ should be replaced by ‘on’ to more than two, we use ‘any’. Hence,
add ‘a’ before ‘little’. It should be replaced by ‘to’ to make
convey the correct meaning of the we would replace ‘either’ by ‘any’ to
62. (b) The word ‘therefore’ is not needed 78. (b) ‘Inform of ’ means the the sentence meaningful.
47. (a) ‘Gita’ is a religious book of the sentence. make the sentence correct.
in the sentence. Hence, we would information about something and
Hindus. So, as per the rule, it
delete that. ‘inform about’ means the
should be written as ‘the Gita’.
48. (a) ‘Greeks’ in the sentence is
63. (b) ‘Because’ is not needed in the
sentence as the sentence starts with
information with the details. Hence,
we would use ‘of ’ instead of ‘about’.
Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)
written incorrectly. It should be 1. (c) ‘To close’ does not convey the 6. (a) ‘Despite’ is not followed by remove ‘will’ to make the sentence
stating the reason for failure. We 79. (b) ‘Invited to’ is the correct usage.
written as ‘the Greeks’ as it intends right meaning. It should be changed preposition ‘of ’ so to make the given grammatically correct.
should replace ‘because’ by ‘that’ to Hence, we would not use ‘for’.
to mention ‘people of Greece’ in to ‘to an end’ or ‘to conclusion’ to sentence correct, remove ‘of ’ from
make the sentence correct. part (a) of the sentence. 12. (c) As per the rule, ‘for’ is used to
the given sentence. 80. (a) ‘Came out with’ is the correct make the sentence meaningful. express duration while ‘since’ is used
64. (b) ‘That’ is not used in the indirect usage. Hence, we would replace ‘to’ 7. (a) ‘As soon as’ is the correct usage.
49. (b) To make the sentence correct, 2. (b) ‘Each of ’ takes a singular verb. for a starting point. Hence, we
speech when the sentence is by ‘with’ in the given sentence. Hence, we should add ‘as’ after
the article ‘a’ should be added Hence, ‘have’ in the given sentence would use ‘for’ in the sentence in
interrogative. Hence, we would ‘soon’.
before ‘hand’. 81. (a) ‘Today’ should not be used. It should be changed to ‘has’. place of ‘since’.
remove ‘that’. should be replaced by ‘this’. 8. (a) ‘For an employment’ should be
50. (c) In the sentence, we speak about 13. (a) ‘Many a’ takes a singular verb.
65. (a) As per the rule ‘unless’ is not used 3. (a) As per the rules, 3rd person changed to ‘for employment’. This is
a particular thing, ‘infant mortality 82. (b) The verb in the sentence must done because articles are not used Hence, we would use ‘was’ in place
with negatives like ‘not’. should come before Ist person.
rate’. So, we would use ‘the’ before agree with ‘you’. Hence, we would before abstract nouns. of ‘were’.
Hence, we would remove ‘do not’ Hence, part (a) of the sentence
it. change ‘is’ to ‘are’. 14. (c) The verb ‘talk’ is used incorrectly
from the sentence. would be changed to ‘Gopal and I’. 9. (a) In the sentence, ‘the train left’
51. (c) ‘Very’ should be used instead of 83. (d) The sentence is correct. would be changed to ‘the train had in the sentence. It should be
66. (b) ‘Neither’ is used with ‘nor’. Hence, 4. (c) The word ‘hard’ should be added
‘too’ as ‘too’ must be followed by ‘to’ left’. changed to ‘talking’ to make the
84. (b) ‘I have finished’ is incorrect as before ‘to read’ to make the sentence
to make the syntax correct. we would replace ‘or’ by ‘nor’ in the sentence correct.
per the sentence structure. It should meaningful. 10. (c) The sentence refers to present
sentence. 15. (c) ‘Died by cancer’ is incorrect as in
52. (a) ‘Did not know hardly’ should be be changed to ‘I will have finished.’ tense. Hence, ‘was’ in the sentence
5. (c) The question tag ‘isn’t it?’ should case of diseases we use ‘died of ’.
67. (b) The conjunction ‘if ’ needs to be should be changed to ‘is’.
replaced by ‘hardly knew’ to make 85. (d) The sentence is correct. be replaced by ‘aren’t they?’ to make
replaced by ‘that’. Hence, the word ‘by’ should be
the sentence grammatically correct. the sentence correct. 11. (a) ‘Will’ is not needed in part (a) of
changed to ‘of ’.
the sentence. Hence, we should
432 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Spotting the Errors 433

16. (c) The adverb form of the word 32. (a) ‘That’ is not needed in the 50. (c) Replace ‘into’ with ‘in the’. ‘Into’ 68. (b) ‘was’ would not be used in 78. (c) Remove ‘shall’ from the part of the 87. (b) Part (b) has error of use of
‘profound’ i.e., ‘profoundly’ should sentence. Hence, we should remove it. shows the motion of subject and part (b). sentence to make it correct. See the preposition. Instead of ‘by’ we
be used instead of ‘profound’ to 33. (a) ‘Greatful’ is incorrect. We should
here ‘in the’ will make sense. 69. (b) The verb ‘ensures’ does not take
syntax: should write ‘due to’.
make the sentence meaningful. use ‘grateful’ in place of ‘greatful’ to 51. (c) Replace ‘to’ with ‘from’. ‘for’ after it, so it has to be removed. sub+shall/will +…+sub+v1 /v1 + s /es... . 88. (a) ‘Ourselves’ should be used after
17. (b) ‘More’ is used incorrectly in the convey the correct meaning of the 52. (a) Use ‘about’ in place of ‘nearly’. 70. (b) ‘For’ would not be used in the 79. (b) ‘He is owning’ is to be replaced by ‘familiarise’.
sentence. It should be replaced by sentence. ‘Nearly’ is used when the sense is sentence. ‘He owns’. ‘Own’ is not used in 89. (b) Part (b) has error in usage of
‘much’ to make the sentence 34. (b) ‘Is he’ should be changed to ‘he is’ vague, incomplete and uncertain progressive form. tense ‘why did she cry out’ should
71. (c) ‘Isn’t’ is wrong as it should be
meaningful. to make the sentence grammatically but here the duration has been 80. (d) The sentence is correct. not be used. It should be ‘why had
‘won’t you’?
correct. (‘is he’ is used in interrogative definite as to be thirty years. she cried out’.
18. (c) ‘It is’ is not needed in the sentences.) 72. (c) ‘About’ should not be used here. 81. (b) ‘Neither’ is followed by singular
sentence. It should be deleted to 53. (d) The sentence is correct. verb. So, ‘was’ should be used in place 90. (a) Part (a) has error. ‘That’
35. (c) ‘The’ should not be used in the
Part (c) would be ‘his dream now is
make the sentence grammatically 54. (c) ‘Insisted on asking several to visit the Moon’. of ‘were’. should not be used.
correct. sentence. It should be ‘to go to bed at
10 pm daily’. questions’ should be used. 73. (a) ‘The meeting was adjourned 82. (a) Part (a) is erroneous. It should be 91. (a) Part (a) has error, the part (a)
19. (b) The preposition ‘in’ in the given 55. (a) Use of ‘into’ is not required abruptly’ is the correct sentence. ‘Little did he realise’. should be ‘Had I not fallen ill’.
36. (b) The word ‘down’ is not needed in
sentence is incorrect. It should be here as we know that ‘enter’ agrees 83. (c) ‘minds’ should be used in place of 92. (d) The sentence is correct.
the sentence. Hence, we should 74. (c) Here, subject one is singular so
replaced by ‘on’ to make the with no preposition. ‘mind’.
remove it. the verb should also be singular. 93. (a) Part (a) has error of use of
sentence meaningful.
56. (b) Use of infinitive is required Therefore, ‘were’ is incorrect and 84. (b) Use ‘is’ in place of ‘are’. When two Past Tense. Here, simple Past
37. (c) The phrase ‘call into question’
20. (a) The preposition ‘despite’ is not
means ‘to cause doubt about here, so according to the structure ‘was’ should be used. things are meant for same thing then Tense is to be used and it should
followed by ‘of ’. Hence, we delete something’. Hence, we would replace of sentence, use ‘to see’ in place of 75. (c) The sentence is an imaginative singular verb is used. be ‘He went home’.
‘of ’ from the given sentence. ‘called to question’ by ‘called into ‘for seeing’ to make the sentence sentence in past, so ‘will’ has to be 94. (b) Part (b) has error in usage of
85. (c) As per the rules of tag, we should
question’. completely correct. replaced by ‘would’. preposition. ‘With’ should be used
21. (a) ‘None of ’ uses singular verb. use ‘weren’t you’. A tag takes the verb
Hence, we would change ‘have’ to 57. (c) Here, subject is singular. So, we of the main sentence. Here, ‘were’ is in place of ‘for’.
38. (c) The part (c) of the sentence should 76. (a) ‘Accused of ’ is the right usage as
‘has’ to make the sentence correct. be changed to ‘but not very often in would use ‘is small’ in part (c). ‘accused for’ does not make sense in the verb of the main sentence. 95. (b) Present Continuous tense
22. (c) ‘Was she’ is incorrect as per the between’ to make the sentence 58. (b) Use ‘who’ in place of ‘whom’ as the given sentence. 86. (a) Part (a) has error of tense. As the should be used in part (b). Part
given sentence. It should be meaningful. the sentence is in need of adjective 77. (b) Use ‘John has been ill’ in place of sentence is in Past Tense, the part (a) (b) would become ‘have been
replaced by ‘she was’. 39. (c) ‘At’ should be used in place of ‘on’
clause to make it correct. ‘John is ill’ to make the syntax of the sentence would become ‘She trying for long’.
in the given sentence. 59. (b) ‘Why’ should be replaced by correct as there is a time reference. said that she had understood ...... .’
23. (d) The sentence is correct.
40. (a) ‘Of ’ is used with the word
‘that’ to make the sentence correct.
24. (c) ‘Oneself ’ is incorrectly used. It
‘deliberations’. Hence, we would use ‘of ’ 60. (c) Use ‘being’ before ‘followed’
should be changed to ‘themselves’.
in place of ‘by’. because a complete sense can be
So that it complements with the
41. (b) ‘Is’ will be used in place of ‘are’.
given only by using this word.
pronoun ‘them’ used in the given
sentence. Here subject ‘The pile of books’ is 61. (b) Use ‘prepared to act promptly’
singular. in place of ‘prepared promptly to
25. (a) ‘Would have arrived’ is not act’ which gives a proper meaning
correct as per the sentence structure. 42. (c) ‘Am wrong’ is to be used instead of
here.
It should be ‘had arrived’. ‘are wrong’. Helping verb is used
according to the nearer subject which 62. (a) ‘Unless you stop making noise
26. (a) ‘Risen’ is the incorrect form of is ‘I’ in the given sentence. at once’ is better expression. We
the verb ‘rise’. It should be changed have to remove ‘to make’.
to ‘raised’. 43. (b) Remove ‘to’ after ‘tell’. It is wrong
use of preposition. 63. (a) ‘But’ will come after ‘help’
27. (a) The sentence refers to a past because ‘but’ is the conjunction
event. Hence, ‘have seen’ should be 44. (b) Add ‘yet’ before he. ‘Yet’ is used in which add two words, sentences,
changed to ‘saw’. a sentence, starting with etc.
‘though/although’.
28. (a) ‘Charged with’ means ‘to place 64. (c) In this option ‘had’ should
criminal charges against someone’. 45. (c) Part (c) should be ‘hard suddenly’ to come in between ‘he’ and
Hence, ‘of ’ in the given sentence make the sentence meaningful. ‘promised’ i.e. the benefits he had
would be replaced by ‘with’. 46. (d) The sentence is correct. promised.
29. (d) The sentence is correct. 47. (c) ‘Till I give the order’ is the right 65. (c) Here, ‘in particular’ will be
30. (a) As per the sentence structure, usage. replaced by the adverb
‘has taken’ should be changed to ‘particularly’.
48. (b) Replace ‘are’ with ‘is’. Singular form
‘took’. is used after neither. 66. (b) In this part, only ‘when’ should
31. (a) ‘If ’ is not used with ‘suppose’. be replaced with ‘than’.
49. (c) Write ‘equipment’ in place of
Hence, we should delete ‘if ’ from 67. (b) Use of preposition (into) is not
‘equipments’. After ‘any other’ singular
the sentence. required with ‘enter’.
noun is used.
02
434 NDA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 435

Abeyance A state of not happening or Absurd Ridiculous, Unreasonable

A being used at present Synonyms Foolish, Ridiculous
Synonyms Abandon, Suspension, Antonyms Reasonable, Genuine
Aback Taken by surprise Discontinuation ●Political parties indulge in absurd
Synonyms Surprised, thrown off Antonyms Continuation, Resumption arguments before the election.
guard ●The old generator has been in
abeyance for six months. Abut To border upon
Antonyms Relax, Contended
Synonyms Adjoin, Lie next to,
●Everyone was taken aback by Abhor To feel hatred or dislike Adjacent
Sachin’s decision to quit. Synonyms Detest, Loathe Antonyms Far, Opposite
Abandon To leave something and Antonyms Like, Admire ●Our land abuts a nature preserve.

VOCABULARY never return to it The world would be like heaven if

●

all the people abhor none. Abysmal extremely poor or bad

Synonyms Desert, Leave
Synonyms Awful, Terrible
Antonyms Continue, Carry on Abide To accept something in Antonyms Good, Pleasant
●Railways has abandoned their outer accordance with ●The quality of her work is abysmal.
signal. Synonyms Obey, follow
Antonyms Flout, Reject Accede To agree
Abase To humiliate
Citizens have to abide by the rules. Synonyms Consent, Acceptance
Synonyms Degrade, Disregard, ●

Dishonour
Antonyms Disagree, Refusal, Denial
Abnegate To give-up; renunciation ●The business contract between the
Antonyms Regard, Honour, Respect Synonyms Discard, Reject two parties was acceded successfully.
●Abasing someone is immoral. Antonyms Accept, Take
Abnegating superstitions is Accentuate To emphasise or to make
Abashed Make someone feel ●

advantageous. noticeable
embarrassed or ashamed
Vocabulary comprises one of the most scoring bunch of questions in NDA/NA exam. A sound vocabulary Synonyms Highlight, Hype
Synonyms Embarrass, Humiliate Abound To exist in large numbers or
is always anticipated to crack the questions based on synonyms and antonyms. The following chapter Antonyms Shadowed, Downtrodden
Antonyms Unabashed, Undaunted amounts
gives you an edge in mastering the words that have importance in the examination. ●People often shout to accentuate
●He is abashed of his own mistakes. Synonyms Plenty, Suffice their opinion.
Antonyms Scarce, Scanty
Abate To make or become less strong Accessible Easy to obtain, approachable
Synonyms Weaken, Lessen
●Kiwis abound in New Zealand.
Synonyms Achievable, Acquiresome
Antonyms Strengthen, Intensify Abrasive Showing little concern for Antonyms Remote, Distant
●We waited for the wind to abate. feeling of others ●Everything is accessible with the
Vocabulary is a broad concept in itself. One can enhance one’s language skills by acquiring a good hold over vocabulary. Synonyms Rude, Annoying, Internet.
Abbreviate To shorten Unfriendly
To score high in the NDA/NA exam (English Paper), a candidate should improve his/her vocabulary skills. It helps one Synonyms To abridge, To curtail
in solving questions of Comprehension, Cloze Test, Antonyms and Synonyms etc. Antonyms Pleasant, Friendly Accessory A thing which can be
Antonyms Lengthen, Enhance Abrasive behaviour of employees added to something else in order to
Here, we illustrate some steps to enrich vocabulary. ●

●The voluminous book was may prove harmful to a firm. make it more useful, versatile or
Step I Identify the Word Whenever we come across a new word in a sentence while reading a textbook, abbreviated for the convenience of attractive
newspaper or a magazine, we should look up its meaning. This is the best way to enhance one’s vocabulary. the students. Abrogate To end a law, agreement or Synonyms Adornment, Retrofit
custom formally
Suppose you come across a word ‘Antique’ and you don’t know its meaning, you consult a dictionary and Abdicate To give up power Antonyms Subsidiary, Corroborative
find its meaning which is ‘old and often valuable’. Synonyms Abandon, Abort
Synonyms Relinquish, Renounce ● Cellular phones are incomplete
Antonyms Institute, Introduce
Antonyms Accept, Take without the accessories.
Step II Identify the Antonyms of that Word Along with the meaning of a word, its antonyms (words with ●Our country should abrogate
opposite meaning) to it should also be taken into consideration. A good knowledge of words and their ●The old king abdicated the throne. outdated laws. Acclaim Public approval and praise
antonyms is very beneficial from the examination point of view. e.g. Opposite of Antique is modern. Synonyms Praise, Applaud, Cheer
Aberrant straying from the right or Abstain Withhold or Refrain
Antique can also be replaced by Modern, Renovated and Recent etc. Antonyms Criticise, Remark upon
normal way Synonyms Avoid, Cease
Synonyms Deviant, atypical
●Sardar Patel was an acclaimed
Step III Identify the Synonyms of that Word The knowledge of words that are similar or closer in meaning to a Antonyms Do, Continue
leader.
word is very useful. It makes a student efficient enough to have a strong sense of the language. Example: Antonyms Normal, Usual ●It is worth while to abstain from
‘Antique’ can be replaced by Traditional or Ancient. ●Aberrant behaviour can be a sign of intoxicants. Accolade An award or an expression
rabies in an animal. of praise.
Step IV Form a Proper Sentence This is one of the most important parts in vocabulary building. It serves to Abstruse Difficult to understand,
Synonyms Appreciation, Honour,
stimulate memory by recalling the words as and when needed, apart from making the proper sense and the Abet To encourage someone to do obscure. Award
use of words clear. e.g. To be more familiar with a word, we should use it in sentence form. For ‘Antique’ a wrong Synonyms Esoteric, Perplexing
Antonyms Criticism, Critique
proper sentence is ‘People love to purchase the antique items.’ Synonyms Assist, Incite, Encourage Antonyms Clear, Obvious ●Getting success is a great accolade.
Antonyms Demotivate, Prevent ●You are not the only one who finds
●She abetted the thief in the robbery. Einstein’s theory abstruse.
436 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 437

Accord Be harmonious or consistent Adroit Very skilful Amalgamate To combine to form Antagonism A strong feeling of Apportion To divide something Bereavement The situation you are in
Synonyms Concord, Agreement Synonyms Expert, Proficient a larger group dislike or hatred among people when a close friend or a family
Antonyms Disagree, Contrast Antonyms Unskilled, Incompetent Synonyms To merge, Combine Synonyms Hate, Prejudice Synonyms Distribute, Allocate member has just died
●The board of directors could not ●The showroom needs an adroit Antonyms Separate, Disjoin Antonyms Love, Affection Antonyms Keep, Withhold Synonyms Death, Loss
reach an accord in the annual mechanic. ● Hutchison and Essar group ●Man cannot be an antagonist as he ●The property of the deceased man Antonyms Happiness, Zeal
meeting. amalgamated to form has to live in the society. was apportioned between his two I am deeply concerned at the
●

Afflict Affect adversely Hutchison-Essar. sons. bereavement caused by my father’s

Accost Approach and address angrily Antipathy A strong feeling of dislike
Synonyms Suffer, Bother death.
Synonyms Aversion, Dislike
or aggressively Antonyms Comfort, Aid Ambiguous Open to more than
Synonyms Annoy, Confront ●The flood has greatly afflicted the crops one interpretation, not having one
Antonyms Affinity, Cordiality
●Pakistan’s antipathy is open to
B Bestow To give or confer or honour
someone
Antonyms Aid, Help in this village. obvious meaning
India. Babble To talk or say something in a
●On the mistake of the son, father Synonyms Unclear, Confusing Synonyms Award, Give, Grant,
accosted him. Affluence Having a lot of money Antonyms Clear, Obvious Antithesis The direct or exact opposite quick, confused, excited or silly way Present
Synonyms Wealth, Prosperity ●Ambiguous answers must be Synonyms Counterpart, Converse Synonyms Chatter, Bumble Antonyms Deprive, Refuse, Take
Accrue To increase in number or Antonyms Scarcity, Poverty removed. Antonyms Same, Identical Antonyms Quiet, Sense ●A lot of awards are bestowed upon
amount ●Generally, affluent fathers have spoilt ●It seems that he has decided to be ●He seems to be babbling. him.
Synonyms To collect, To accumulate kids. Ameliorate Making a situation in antithesis of my opinion.
Antonyms Disperse, Dwindle better, less painful Badger To try to make someone do Bigotry Intolerance towards those who
Affront An action or remark that causes Synonyms Mitigate, Improve Aphorism A short, wise and true something by asking them many hold different opinion from oneself
●Crossing for a single run accrued the
outrage or offence statement times Synonyms Fanaticism, Prejudice
score of the team. Antonyms Worsen, Aggravate
Synonyms Insult, Offence Synonyms Adage, Maxim Synonyms Pester, Bother, Torment
●Government grant is Antonyms Tolerance, Impartiality
Adept Skilful Antonyms Honour, Compliment ameliorating the situation in Antonyms Nonsense, Absurdity Antonyms Aid, Delight
●A deeply ingrained bigotry
Synonyms Expert, Efficient Poor dressing sense often causes affront. the territory. ● “Honesty is the best policy” is a ●The peon had to be badgered to get
●
prevented her from even considering
Antonyms Unskilled, Inept very practical aphorism. the form signed by the principal.
the arguments.
Aggrandize Increase power, status or Amenable Open and responsive
●It seems that he is adept in Aplomb Confidence and style Baleful Full of evil intentions,
wealth of to suggestions Bizarre Strange and difficult to explain
computers. Synonyms Assurance, Poise menacing
Synonyms Exalt, Boost Synonyms Compliant, Synonyms Strange, Weird
Manageable, Antonyms Gaucheness, Synonyms Destructive, Malignant
Adjourn Temporary breaking-off Antonyms Abase, Degrade Antonyms Explainable, Normal
Persuadable Discomposure Antonyms Good, Helping,
Synonyms Suspend, Interrupt ●Its a movie that aggrandizes the bad The bizarre events taking place in
Antonyms Stubborn, Rigid, ●Continuous failure had a great Promising ●

Antonyms Carry out, Advance guys. the destered house led the people to
Non-compliant effect on his aplomb. ● His baleful behaviour was strange.
●Court is adjourned for the day. assume it was haunted.
Aggravate To make a problem worse ● A better way to resolve the Apocryphal Well-known but Banal Trite; something boring ;
Adjunct Something joined or added to Synonyms Worsen, Compound problems is being amenable. ordinary and not original Blabber Talk foolishly
probably not true
another thing but is not an essential Antonyms Soothe, Calm Amicable Friendly behaviour of a Synonyms Fictitious, Made-up Synonyms Common place, Trite, Synonyms Chatter, Babble
part of it ●The symptoms were aggravated by person Antonyms Authentic, Real Boring, Dull Antonyms Sense, Consciouness
Synonyms Supplement, Addition drinking alcohol. Synonyms Friendly, Antonyms Entertaining, Original Blabbering is what one can expect
●Existence of God is an apocryphal ●

Antonyms Subtraction, Lessening Good-natured fact to the people world wide. I hate the places that seem banal. from fools.
Agog very eager or curious to hear or see
●

●The witness of the case has adjuncted Antonyms Unfriendly, Hostile

something Apogee Most successful part of Bane A cause of great distress or Bohemian A socially unconventional
a new twist in it. ●Noble people are always
Synonyms Eager, Impatient something annoyance. person, especially an artist or a writer
Adjure To urge solemnly Antonyms Reluctant, Uninterested
amicable.
Synonyms The top, Apex Synonyms Ruin, Destruction Synonym Non-conformist
Synonym Request ●He was all agog on hearing the news of Annul To make something legally Antonyms Bottom, Base Antonyms Blessing, Boon, Advantage Antonym Conformist
Antonym Answer his promotion. void Romance is the apogee of a ●Keeping noise levels low is the bane
●
●The Bohemian attitude is considered
●On the continuous adjuring of Synonyms Cancel, Abolish, relationship. of airport administration. rebellious.
Altercation A noisy argument or Invalidate
students, a picnic was arranged.
disagreement, especially in public Appease to make someone pleased or Bashful Tending to feel Bolster To support or strengthen
Antonyms Accept, Validate
Admonish To warn Synonyms Quarrel, Bickering less angry by giving or saying uncomfortable with other people and
●The contract was annulled by something they desire be embarrassed easily; shy Synonyms Strengthen, Reinforce
Synonyms Scold, Reprove Antonyms Agreement, Harmony the second party. Synonyms To pacify, Placate Synonyms Diffident, Modest, Meek, Antonyms Discourage, Undermine
Antonyms Allow, Compliment ●A general political talk should not lead
Anomaly Deviation from the Antonyms Annoy, Irritate Coy, Nervous ●More money is needed to bolster the
The teacher admonished the student to an altercation.
●

standard Antonyms Open, Confident industry.

for his insolent behaviour. ● His appeasing behaviour is always
Altruism Disinterested and selfless Synonyms Oddity, Peculiarity appreciated. ●She feels bashful in my company. Boor A person who is rude and
Adorn Make more beautiful or concern for the well-being of others. Antonyms Conformity, does not consider other people’s
attractive Append To add something to the end Berate To criticise or scold severely
Synonyms Benevolence, Normality feelings
of a writing Synonyms Lash out, Tear into,
Synonyms To embellish, To decorate Humanitarianism We do not publish cheap
●
Synonyms Add, Attach Abuse Synonyms Lout, Rogue
Antonyms Malign, Deface Antonyms Greediness, Meanness quality books as it is an
Antonyms Disjoin, Detach Antonyms Praise, Compliment Antonyms Civilised, Decent, Modest
● The temple is adorned with flowers. ●Mother Teresa is known for her anomaly to our policy. Terrorists are nothing but boors.
●It is always advisible to append the ●Father berated his son for his ●
altruism.
hints to a mathematical problem. mistakes.
438 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 439

Bovine Relating to or affecting Canny Very clever and able to make Chaste Morally pure or decent Concomitant Naturally accompanying Convivial (Of an event or
cattle, looking or acting like a cow C intelligent decisions. Synonyms Decent, Pure or associated with something atmosphere) Friendly, lively and
Synonyms Cow-like, Cattle-like Synonyms Clever, Shrewd Antonyms Impure, Indecent Synonyms Linked, Associated enjoyable
●She stared at us with a stupid Cabal A group of people who secretly Antonyms Uncanny, Daft ●The chaste conduct of the austere Antonyms Disassociated, Unlinked Synonyms Jovial, Pleasant
bovine expression. work together ● Rohan is a canny card player. person commands respect. ●Loss of memory is a concomitant of Antonyms Sad, Unhappy
Synonyms Clique, Faction old age. The President of the club arranged
Brag To speak proudly of what you Cantankerous Bad tempered, Cherubic Good natured ●

Antonyms Individual, Single a convivial cocktail party.

have done or what you own argumentative and uncooperative Synonyms Innocent, Angelic
He was assassinated by a cabal of Concussion Temporary
Synonyms Swagger, Boast
●
Synonyms Bad tempered, Antonyms Demonic, Devilish Copious Ample, producing much
that place. unconsciousness or confusion caused by
Antonyms Modest, Polite Uncooperative ●His behaviour reveals his approach a blow on the head Synonyms Plentiful, Abudant
Cache A hidden store of provision, Antonyms Affable, Good-natured to be cherubic. Antonyms Scarce, Meager
●He was bragging about his Synonym Violent, Shaking
success. weapons, treasure; to hide weapons or ●Children are by nature Chide To express mild disapproval of Antonym Consciousness ●The storm produced a copious
other things cantankerous. someone, to scold someone gently amount of rain.
Brash Showing too much confidence ●The accident caused the man a severe
Synonyms Hoard, Store Capacious Having a lot of space Synonyms Rebuke, Scold concussion.
and too little respect
Antonyms Discard, Remove Synonyms Spacious, Open Antonyms Admire, Praise
Synonyms Arrogant, Brazen
Antonyms Diffident, Meek ●People must create a cache of
medicines for emergency.
Antonyms Small, Cramped
●Mother chided the son for his rude
behaviour with the guests.
Condone To accept behaviour that is
morally wrong
D
●A brash man has less friends. ●A bunglow is a capacious house to Synonyms Accept, Allow
live-in. Chronic Happening or existing Dabble Take part in an activity in a
Bumble To speak or move in a Cajole To persuade someone to do Antonyms Condemn, Punish
casual way.
something by coaxing or flattery Cardinal Of the greatest importance, frequently or most of the time
confused way Parents always condone the fault of
●
Synonyms Tinker, Dally, Trifle
fundamental. Synonyms Persistent, Long
Synonyms Lurch, Stumble Synonyms Persuade, Coax children.
standing Antonym Take seriously
Antonyms Dissuade, Discourage Synonyms Significant, Fundamental
Antonyms Efficient, Expert Antonyms Temporary, Mild Contentious Causing or likely to cause ●Rita dabbled in many things before
He knows how to cajole people into Antonyms Unimportant, Insignificant
●Bumbling persons create a doubt ●
●She suffers from chronic pain in disagreement she got married.
to security. doing what he wants. ●Cardinal facts of the case are her knees. Synonyms Controversial,
hidden. Dainty Small and graceful
Bungle To do something badly or Calamity An event that brings terrible Churlish Rude, unfriendly and Argumentative
Synonyms Elegant, Petite
unsuccessfully loss, lasting distress or severe affliction Careen To go forward quickly while Antonyms Agreeable, Pleasing
moving from side to side unpleasant Antonyms Crude, Ugly
Synonyms Mishandle, Mismanage Synonyms Tragedy, Catastrophe Synonyms Arrogant, ill-mannered ●The contentious issue may obstruct The house looks dainty and
Synonyms Lurch, Rock the development.
●

Antonyms Succeed, Managed Antonyms Blessing, Godsend Antonyms Gracious, Polite beautiful.
Antonyms Crawl, Creep
●He has bungled the whole work. ●The great calamity was brought to ●Churlish behaviour is his Contort To twist or bend out of
I saw the duck careening through
●
trademark. Dank Unpleasantly moist and cold
rest. normal shape
Buoyant Happy and confident the ponds. Synonyms Wet, Damp
Synonyms Happy, Joyous Callous Showing or having an Castigate To criticise severely Clout Power and influence Synonyms Distort, Twist Antonyms Arid, Dry
Antonyms Unhappy, Sad insensitive and cruel disregard for Synonyms Sway, Power Antonyms Straighten, Smooth
Synonyms Rebuke, Chide, Scold ●He shivered as he entered the dank
●He was very buoyant about the others. Antonyms Admire, Praise Antonyms Powerless, Uncontrol ●He contorted the instrument by room.
visit to Agra. Synonyms Insensitive; Unsympathetic ●Hitler was a man of great clout. rough handling.
●Odd behaviour of a person is a Deadlock A situation involving
Antonyms Sensitive, Sympathetic matter of castigation. Contrive To invent or make something
Burgeon To grow or develop Coalesce To grow together or unite opposing parties, in which no
quickly ●People often think that doctors are into one; to fuse in a clever or unusual way
Catalyst Stimulus; a person who causes progress can be made; stalemate
callous. Synonyms Fuse, Join Synonyms Create, Manufacture
Synonyms Expand, Swell change by his presence Synonyms Gridlock, Dilemma
Antonyms Shrink, Contract Calumny A false accusation Synonyms Impetus, Incentive Antonyms Split, Breakup Antonyms Destroy, Ruin Antonyms Solution, Agreement
●Terrorism is burgeoning across the Synonyms Defamation, Slander Antonyms Inhibitor, Preventer ● The ice-masses coalesced into a ● The Defence Ministry contrived a ●The mediator will help the opposing
border. Birbal was a catalyst in the courts of glacier over time. plan to tackle cross border terrorism. parties end the deadlock so the
Antonyms Eulogy, Praise ●

Akbar. contract can be signed.

Burly A large and strong person ●He is a victim of calumny. Cogent Very clear and easy for the Conundrum A confusing and difficult
Synonyms Tawny, Gigantic Catapult To suddenly put someone mind to accept and believe question or problem Debacle A complete failure; a crushing
Camouflage To disguise into an important position; to propel Synonyms Convincing, Compelling defeat
Antonyms Lean, Thin Synonyms Dilemma, Quandary
Synonyms Hide, Conceal Synonyms Excel, Marshal Antonyms Vague, Unconvincing Synonyms Fiasco, Failure
There must be a burly man for Antonym Easy-way
●
Antonyms Reveal, Show Antonyms To recede, Decline ●His ideas were cogent and sound. Antonyms Success, Accomplishment
the role of a demon. ●Competitive exams make you face
●The camouflaged players arrived at Someone cannot be catapulted to be ●He faced a debacle in yesterday’s
●
Conciliate To end a disagreement or conundrums.
Bustling If a place is bustling, it is the airport. the chief straight way. game.
someone’s anger by acting in a Convene To come together for a
full of busy activity Canard A false, report or story Debase To adulterate, to make poor in
Charismatic Possessing spiritual grace; friendly way or to slightly change
Synonyms Dashing, Scurrying meeting or activity
Synonyms Tale, Story inspiring your opinion quality or of less value
Antonyms Quiet, Inactive, Synonyms Summon, Call
Antonyms Truth, Fact Synonyms Charming, Fascinating Synonyms Appease, Placate Synonyms Degrade, Devalue
Dormant Antonyms Disperse, Leave
●The newspaper was sued for Antonyms Offensive, Frightening Antonyms Provoke, Kindle Antonyms Upgrade, Enhance
● The house, usually bustling with publishing a canard about a celebrity. We convened at the hotel for a
●
●Modi is a charismatic leader. ● The nagging child was conciliated ●Debased commodities are sold in the
activity, was strangely silent. seminar.
by the toys. market.
440 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 441

Debauch To destroy or damage Depravity The state of being morally Devolve 1. Transfer of power to a lower Effeminate Womanish; Feminine, Entropy Lack of order or Facetious Treating serious issues with
something so that it is no longer bad, or an action that is morally bad. level Unmanly predictability, gradual decline into deliberately inappropriate humour
considered good or moral. Synonyms Perversion, Criminality 2. Pass into a worse state; degenerate Synonyms Effete, Unmanly disorder Synonyms Flippant, Frivolous
Synonyms Abase, Corrupt Antonyms Goodness, Uprightness Synonyms Delegate, Pass on Antonyms Masculine, Manly Synonyms Break up, Collapse Antonyms Serious, Formal
Antonyms Ennoble, Uplift Antonyms Centralize, Improve He had a high and somewhat
●People were shocked by the ●
Antonyms Improvement, Order ●The facetious boy was chided.
depravity of her actions.
● In a democratic system, power is effeminate voice.
●Western culture has debauched ● The mishandling of the situation
devolved to the local level. Facile 1. Ignoring the true
the moral fabric of our society. Effete Weak and Powerless led to entropy.
Deprecate To criticise or express complexities of an issue; superficial
Diabolic Extremely evil Synonyms Unmanly, Effeminate
Debilitate To make someone very disapproval of something Ephemeral Existing only for a 2. A success which is easily achieved
Synonyms Cruel, Atrocious Antonyms Manly, Powerful
weak and infirm Synonyms Belittle, Detract short time Synonyms Superficial, Hasty
Antonyms Kind, Moral ●His effete body looks pale.
Synonyms Cripple, Disable Antonyms Approve, Commend Synonyms Fleeting, Transient Antonyms Thorough, Profound
●The police quickly mobilised to track
Antonyms Strengthen, Enable ●Everybody deprecated the death of down the diabolical serial killer. Effusive Expressing gratitude, approval Antonyms Enduring, Lasting ● This problem needs more than just a
●The virus debilitates the body’s the charitable man. or pleasure in a way that shows very ●Fame in the show business is facile solution.
immune system. Diffident Modest or shy because of a lack strong feeling ephemeral.
Deride To laugh at someone or of self-confidence Synonyms Gushing, Unrestrained
Factitious Artificial, not natural
Decadence Having low moral something in a way that shows you Synonyms Bashful, Meek Epoch A long period of time, Synonyms Fake, Bogus
Antonyms Restrained, Reserved
standards and behaviour think they are stupid or are of no Antonyms Bold, Confident especially one in which there are Antonyms Natural, Real
● The coach was effusive in praising
Synonyms Corruption, value. ●He is too diffident to work in a Tendulkar. new advances and great changes ●His explanations were all factitious.
Debauchery Synonyms Ridicule, Mock, Disdain company. Synonyms Era, Span, Age
Antonyms Ascent, Decency Antonyms Admire, Approve Emaciated Very thin and weak, usually Fallacious Based on a mistaken belief;
Disapprobation Strong disapproval, ●The development of the steam misleading
●Decadent people are not valued. because of illness or extreme hunger
●He was derided at for his strange typically on moral grounds engine marked an important
Synonyms Thin, Skeletal Synonyms Erroneous, False
Decimate To kill a large number of ways. Synonyms Deprecation, Disapproval epoch in the history of industry.
Antonyms Chubby, Fat Antonyms Genuine, True
(something) or to reduce very Desperado A desperate or reckless Antonyms Approval, Approbation ●Chronic diseases make one emaciated. Equitable Treating everyone fairly ●Someone is spreading fallacious
heavily person, especially a criminal ●Sherry was used to constant and in the same way. information.
Synonyms Annihilate, Exterminate Synonyms Bandit, Villain disapprobation of critics. Embodiment someone or something that
Synonyms Unbiased, Reasonable
Antonyms Bear, Build, Create represents a quality or an idea exactly Fastidious Very attentive to and
Antonyms Civilised, Refined Disconcert to make someone upset; Synonyms Personification, Incarnation Antonyms Partial, Biased concerned about accuracy and details;
● Populations of endangered Law must punish the desperado. unsettle
●
Antonym Exclusion ●He is fighting for a more very concerned about matters of
animals have been decimated. Synonyms Perplex, Baffle, Bewilder
Mother Teresa was often regarded as equitable distribution of funds. cleanliness
Despot A ruler who has total power Antonyms Assist, Calm
●

Decrepit Worn out or ruined and often uses it in cruel and unfair the embodiment of selfless devotion to Synonyms Painstaking, Meticulous
The whole experience had disconcerted Excruciating Intensely painful
because of age or neglect ●
others. Antonyms Careless, Sloppy
ways. him. Synonyms Acute, Agonising
Synonyms Dilapidated, Battered His culinary skills are fastidious.
Synonyms Tyrant, Oppressor Enervate to make someone feel weak Antonyms Painless, Calm
●

Antonyms Firm, Healthy and without energy

Antonym Democrat The Uttrakhand disaster was an
●
Fatuous Stupid, not correct or not
●The building was a decrepit
sample of bricks now.
●Hitler was one of the biggest
despots.
E Synonyms Debilitate, Devitalise
Antonyms Strengthen, Energise
excruciating experience for the
victims.
carefully thought about
Synonyms Silly, Foolish
Defalcate To steal or misuse funds ●We were enervated by the lengthy
Desultory Lacking a plan, purpose Earmark Designate funds or resources for discussion. Expatiate Speak or write in detail Antonyms Sensible, Intelligent
entrusted to one a particular purpose, procure
or enthusiasm Synonyms Expound, Lecture ●All his reasons appeared fatuous to
Synonyms Embezzle, Loot, Filch Synonyms Attribute, Designate Enjoin To instruct or urge someone to do me.
Synonyms Aimless, Chaotic Antonyms Compress, Abridge
Antonyms Appropriate, Receive Antonym Disallocate something or behave in a particular way
Antonyms Organised, Systematic It is useless to expatiate upon the Feckless Lacking initiative or strength
●Public funds are defalcated by ●The government earmarked a huge Synonyms Urge, Command, Insist ●

leaders.
●He wandered around, cleaning up beauties of nature to one who is of character; irresponsible
package for agriculture Antonyms Obey, follow
in a desultory way. blind. Synonyms Useless, Worthless
●The boss enjoined the workers to do
Demure (of a woman or her Ebullient Very happy and enthusiastic; the best. Antonyms Responsible, Competent
behaviour) Modest; shy; reserved
Detract Dimish the worth or
exuberant Country does not need feckless
value of something
F
●

Synonyms Meek, Bashful Ensconce To make yourself very people.

Synonyms Cheerful, Exuberant
Antonyms Brazen, Shameless
Synonyms Belittle, Decrease comfortable or safe in a place or
Antonyms Unhappy, Depressed position
Her demure nature gets
Antonyms Commend, Compliment Fecund Very fertile
● ●The man seems to be ebullient on his Synonyms Settle, Install Facade The principal front of a
everybody’s attention. ●Numerous errors in the book success. Synonyms Fertile, Fruitful
detracted the reader’s attention. Antonyms Unsettle, Exhibit building that faces on to a street or Antonyms Unproductive, Infertile
Deplore To feel or express strong Edifice A large impressive building; a ●He ensconced in his new abode there. open space ●The soil of the plains is fecund.
condemnation of something Devious Showing a skilfull use of system that has been established for a Synonyms Front, Elevation,
underhand tractics to achieve goals Entree Admittance; the right to enter
Synonyms Abhor, Denounce long time Frontage Feisty Having or showing exuberance,
something
Antonyms Praise, Commend Synonyms Unfair, Fraudulent Synonyms Monument, Building Antonyms Rear, Back strong determination and lack of fear
Synonyms Entry, Ingress
Public deplored the causal steps Antonyms Honest, Fair ●The gallery’s 18th century facade Synonyms Courageous, Gutsy
● ●The glass edifice is an architectural Antonyms Exit, Refusal
taken by the administration for ●The minister was a devious wonder. attracted the visitors. Antonyms Cowardly, Dull
●Entree to the country club is through
the safety of women. politician. ● Mountaineering needs feisty people.
sponsorship.
442 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 443

Felicity 1. Intense happiness Fortitude Courage in pain or adversity Genial Friendly and cheerful Hector Talk to someone in a bullying Impertinent Rude and not showing
2. The ability to find appropriate Synonyms Courage, Bravery Synonyms Affable, Cordial H way respect towards someone older or in
expressions for one’s thoughts Antonyms Cowardice, Fear Antonyms Hostile, Unfriendly Synonyms Intimidate, Badger a higher position than you
Synonyms Bliss, Delight, ●Fortitude makes you a winner. ●His genial outpour surprised me.
Habituated Used to something, Antonyms Please, Assist Synonyms Disrespectful, Rude
Eloquence especially something unpleasant ●The senior guy was hectoring the Antonyms Polite, Mannered
Antonyms Sorrow, Unhappiness Frenzied Madly excited or uncontrolled Ghastly Unpleasant and shocking Synonyms Accustom, Adapt junior. ●Its impertinent to ask strangers
●Felicity is a bliss to be enjoyed. Synonyms Wild, Frantic Synonyms Terrible, Horrible Antonyms Avoid, Shun about their private lives.
Antonyms Controlled, Calm Antonyms Pleasant, Charming ●Bears can become habituated to people Heedless Not giving attention to a
Fester (of a problem or negative ●The office was a scene of frenzied ●The scene of the crime looks easily. risk or possible difficulty Implausible Not believable or
feeling) become worse or more activity this morning. ghastly. Synonyms Inattentive, Oblivious realistic
intense, especially through long Haggard Looking exhausted or unwell, Antonyms Needful, Attentive Synonyms Unbelievable, Doubtful
term neglect or indifference Giddy Having a sensation of whirling especially from fatigue, worry or ● He was driving heedlessly. Antonyms Reasonable, Convincing
Synonyms Smoulder, Aggravate and a tendency to fall or stagger. suffering She’s been making implausible
Antonyms Flourish, Grow G Synonyms Dizzy, Light-headed Synonyms Drained, Tired Heinous Outrageously evil; horrifying
Synonyms Wicked, Atrocious
●

claims.
● It is better to express your anger Antonyms Steady, Sensible Antonyms Fresh, Healthy
than let it fester inside you. He was walking giddily. The athletes looked haggard after the Antonyms Admirable, Delightful Impolitic Unwise words or actions
Gainsay To deny or contradict a fact or ●
●

that are likely to cause offence or

race. ●The man is facing charges over his
Fetid Smelling extremely bad, Foul statement
Gingerly In a careful or cautious heinous act. problems.
Synonyms Smelly, Putrid Synonyms Dispute, Oppose Haggle Dispute or bargain persistently
manner Synonyms Unwise, Imprudent
Antonyms Aromatic, Perfumed Antonyms Accept, Confirm
Synonyms Warily, Cautiously Synonyms Barter, Negotiate Herald To be a sign of something Antonyms Wise, Prudent
●The corpse of the dog has made
● There is no gainsaying the fact that Antonyms Carelessly, Rashly Antonyms Concur, Comply that is going to come or happen soon ●I thought it impolitic to ask any
the surroundings fetid. they have built a great building. Customers often haggle with the Synonyms Indicator, Sign
He did the work gingerly.
●
●
question about her ex.
seller. Antonym Aforeseen
Fidelity Honest or lasting support, Gall Bold and impudent behaviour Improvident Not giving thought to
Gratify To please someone or to ●The early flowers are heralds of
Loyalty, Faithfulness Synonyms Impudence, Insolence Hallowed Very respected and praised the future
satisfy a wish or need spring.
Synonyms Loyalty, Constancy Antonyms Cordiality, Politeness because of great importance or great age Synonyms Heedless, Inconsiderate
Synonyms Please , Gladden
Antonyms Dishonesty, Infidelity ●After borrowing my car, he had the
Antonyms Dissatisfy, Displease
Synonyms Holy, Sacred Horrendous Shocking; horrible Antonyms Provident, Farsighted
gall to complain about its seats. Antonyms Cursed, Unholy Synonyms Dreadful, Alarming
●Friendship survives on fidelity. ● I am gratified by his words. ●He is improvident about his
The site of the ancient temple is a Antonyms Pleasing, Wonderful career.
Fiend 1. Cruel, inhuman Gallant 1. Brave; heroic ●

2. (Of a man) polite and kind towards Grimace To make an expression of hallowed ground. ●Conditions in the refugee camps
2. An enthusiastic or devotee of a pain, strong dislike, etc in which the were horrendous. Inalienable Not subject to being
woman Hapless Having no luck; very
particular thing face twists in an ugly way taken away from or given by the
Synonyms Valiant, Unafraid unfortunate Humane Having or showing possessor
Synonyms Barbarian, Ogre Synonyms Scowl, Frown
Antonyms Timid, Rude Synonyms Unlucky, Ill-fated compassion Synonyms Absolute, Inviolable
Antonyms Angel, God Antonyms Smile, Content
● Although she lost, she made a gallant Antonyms Fortunate, Lucky Synonyms Compassionate, Kind Antonyms Changeable, Alienable
● His hands were trembling as if he After falling down, he started to
effort. ●
She plays the hapless heroine who is Antonyms Unkind, Inhumane
was some sort of fiend. stand up grimacing with pain.
●
●The group of women wanted
unlucky in love. It is not humane to treat animals equal inalienable rights as men.
Garble To make words or messages clear ●

Flack Strong criticism or opposition Grisly Causing horror or disgust cruelly.

and difficult to understand Harrowing Extremely upsetting because
Synonyms Criticism, Censure Synonyms Gruesome, Ghastly Incorrigible Beyond correction or
Synonyms Muddle, Jumble connected with suffering Hypothetical Based on a situation
Antonyms Appraisal, Praise change
Antonyms Obvious, Clear Antonyms Pleasant, Attractive Synonyms Torturous, Painful that is not real, but that might
●Dowry should be a matter of Synonyms Hardened, Hopeless
●The terrified child gave a garbled ●The grisly figure made the child Antonyms Calming, Comforting happen
flack. Antonyms Correctable, Changeable
account of the incident to the police. cry. ●The harrowing news reached the Synonyms Imaginary, Theoretical ●She is an incorrigible chatterbox.
Flagrant Too bad to be ignored Grubby Covered with dirt village. Antonyms Real, Actual
Garish Too bright or colourful
Synonyms Heinous, Shameless
Synonyms Filthy, Mucky, Grimy ●She described a hypothetical case to Incredulous Not able or willing to
Synonyms Gaudy; Bright Headstrong Very determined to do
Antonyms Magnificent, Wonderful clarify her point. believe something
Antonyms Dull, Unflashy Antonyms Clean, Tidy what one wants without listening to
●The killing of innocent villagers is Synonyms Mistrustful, Doubtful
●The decoration looked garish. ●One must clean off grubby hands others
an example of flagrant ways of Antonyms Believing, Credulous
Maoists. Gauche Awkward and uncomfortable
before eating. Synonyms Wilful, Strong-willed
Antonyms Undetermined, Tractable
I ●Everyone laughed at the
Foment To cause trouble to develop with other people, specially because Gruff (person’s voice) Low and incredulous stories of the old man.
unfriendly
●He made himself headstrong for the
young and lacking in experience Idolatry Very great admiration or
Synonyms Incite, Instigate coming project. Indigent Very poor
Synonyms Awkward, Gawky Synonyms Rough, Hoarse
Antonyms Deter, Discourage respect for someone, often too great Synonyms Penniless, Destitute
He was accused of fomenting
Antonyms Elegant, Sophisticated Antonyms Soft, Mellow Heady Having a strong exhilirating Synonyms Reverence, Adoration
● Antonyms Rich, Affluent
violence. ●She had grown from a gauche teenager ●He speaks in a gruff way, but is effect Antonyms Vilification, Condemnation ●The heavy losses he incurred
to a self assured young woman. really kind. Synonyms Exciting, Thrilling ●Newton was revered to the point of in business rendered him
Antonyms Boring, Dull idolatry. indigent.
● The party seems heady today.
444 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 445

Infallible Incapable of making mistakes Jocular Funny or intended to make Lackadaisical Lacking enthusiasm and Livid Extremely angry Miffed Annoyed at someone’s Nebulous (especially of ideas) not clear
or being wrong someone laugh determination Synonyms Infuriated, Irate behaviour towards you and having no form
Synonyms Unerring, Flawless Synonyms Funny, Humorous Synonyms Lazy, Unenthusiastic Antonyms Calm, Peaceful Synonyms Irritated, Angry Synonyms Ambiguous, Vague
Antonyms Fallible, Erring Antonyms Serious, Depressed Antonyms Enthusiastic, Excited ●The boss was livid when yet another Antonym Pleased Antonyms Clear, Certain
●I never claimed to be infallible. ●Someone made a jocular remark ●Efforts from the man seem deadline was missed. ●The miffed employees called up ●These philosophical concepts can be
to entertain the gathering. lackadaisical. a strike. nebulous.
Inimical Harmful or limiting
Synonyms Injurious, Harmful Laggard A person who makes slow M Minatory Expressing or Nefarious (especially of activities)
Antonyms Helpful, Advantageous
●A person with inimical behaviour is
K progress and lags behind others
Synonyms Loiterer, Lingerer
conveying a threat
Synonyms Aggressive,
morally bad
Synonyms Heinous, Odious
dangerous. Antonym Leader Macabre Horrible, because concerned Threatening Antonyms Delightful, Gentle
Kaput Broken; not working with death Antonyms Unthreatening
●A laggard can’t win the race of life. The man was found to be involved in
●
Iniquitous Very unfair or evil properly Synonyms Shocking, Gruesome ●The minatory situation is under nefarious activities.
Synonyms Wicked, Sinful Synonyms Faulty, Broken Lambaste To criticise severely Antonyms Pleasant, Pleasing control.
Antonyms Good, Virtuous Antonym Operational Synonyms Chastise, Castigate ●Even the police were horrified at the Nettle To annoy or irritate someone
This decision seems iniquitous. Antonyms Praise, Compliment macabre nature of the killings. Minuscule Extremely small Synonyms Irritate, Irk
●
●My fridge has gone kaput.
His work was lambasted by everyone. Synonyms Tiny, Minute Antonyms To please, Calm
Innate (of a quality) which you are Ken A person’s range of knowledge
●
Magnanimous Generous or forgiving Antonyms Huge, Vast ●His continuous questions nettled him.
born with or which is present naturally or understanding Languid Showing or having very little Synonyms Benevolent, Charitable
●The minuscule insects are
Synonyms Inborn, Ingrained Synonyms Knowledge, Awareness strength, energy or activity. Antonyms Selfish, Mean-spirited hidden there in the bush. Niggardly ungenerous with money,
Antonyms Acquired, Extrinsic Antonym Ignorance Synonyms Enervated, Unenergetic ●The king was magnanimous towards time etc; mean
●He is a person with innate wisdom. Antonyms Energetic, Active his subjects. Modicum A small amount, Synonyms Mean, Miserly
●Politics are beyond my ken.
especially of something good Antonyms Generous, Abundant
Insipid Lacking flavour; weak or ● He looked languid after a sleepless Magnate Successful businessman; tycoon
Kernel The central or most night. Synonyms Tycoon, Mogul
Synonyms Particle, Speck ●Rita is a niggardly woman, so don’t
tasteless Antonyms Lot, Entirety
important part of something Antonyms Pawn, Nobody expect a handout from her.
Synonyms Bland, Tasteless Lassitude A state of physical or mental
Synonyms Essence, Core Ratan Tata is a business magnate.
●Only a modicum of skill is
Antonyms Tasty, Delicious weariness
●

necessary to put the pieces Nihilism The belief that traditional

Antonyms Exterior, Periphery
● The dinner was insipid. Synonyms Fatigue, Lethargy Maladroit Awkward in movement or together. morals, ideas, beliefs have no worth or
●We are to write the kernel of the
story. Antonyms Freshness, Vigour, Energy unskilled in behaviour or action value
Synonyms Bumbling, Awkward Modish Fashionable Synonyms Negativity, Cynicism
Symptoms of the disease include
J
●

Kindle Arouse or inspire (an Antonyms Adroit, Skilful Synonym Stylish Antonyms Allowance, Approval
paleness and lassitude.
emotion or feeling) Antonym Traditional Young generation shows a great deal
●She can be a little maladroit in social ●

Jabber Talk in a rapid, excited and Synonyms Arouse, Rouse, Wake Leery Cautious or wary due to realistic situations. ●The showroom contains a lot of of nihilistic traditions.
often incomprehensible way Antonyms Douse, Put out suspicions modish clothes.
Synonym Careful Malodorous Stinking; foul-smelling Non-plussed So surprised and confused
Synonyms Prattle, Babble ●The trip kindled an interest in Mollify To make someone less
Antonym Careless Synonyms Noxious, Fetid that one is unsure how to react.
Antonyms Be silent, Speak clearly travel. angry
●They were leery of their neighbours. Antonyms Aromatic, Fragrant Synonyms Astonish, Astound
●The train was full of people Knave A dishonest man The malodorous drain is a problem for Synonyms Appease, Placate
●
Antonyms Calm, Comfort
jabbering into their mobile phones. Leviathan Extremely large and the locality. Antonyms Enrage, Agitate
Synonyms Fraud, Cheat ●I can’t say why he was non-plussed at
Jaded Not having interest or losing Antonym Honest powerful ●All attempts to mollify the my arrival.
Maverick An unorthodox or
interest as you have experienced A knave cheated me on the bus. Synonyms Titan, Huge extremists have failed.
●
independent minded person
something too many times. Antonyms Powerless, Tiny
Synonyms Non-conformist, Moor Wasteland
Synonyms Bored, Tired ●The old building is leviathan and Dissenter Synonym Upland O
Antonyms Fresh, Activated L imposing. Antonyms Orthodox, Conformist Antonym Cropland
● Flying is exciting the first time you Limber (of a person or body part) Able ●He was considered as something of a Obdurate Not willing to change your
●Government has decided to
do it, but you soon become jaded. maverick in the publishing word.
Labile Changing often or easily to bend and move easily and smoothly gentrify the moor. opinion or the way you do something
Jaunty Lively in manner or appearence Synonyms Adaptable, Reactive Synonyms Flexible, Nimble Mellifluous Pleasingly smooth and Synonyms Adamant, Hardened
Synonyms Merry, Cheerful Antonyms Balanced, Unreactive Antonyms Rigid, Stiff musical to hear Antonyms Amenable, Submissive
Antonyms Unhappy, Depressed ●Our culture is the most labile of ●His whole body is a limber of Synonyms Harmonious, Mellow N ●He is known for his obdurate
●Success makes a person jaunty. all. muscles. Antonyms Noisy, Cacophonous determination.
Limpid Clearly expressed and easily She has a rich and mellifluous voice.
●
Nadir The worst or lowest point
Jinx Bad luck or a person or thing that Laborious Tedious; needing a lot of Obfuscate To make something more
brings bad luck time and effort understood Mendacious Not truthful; lying of something difficult to understand
Synonyms Misfortune, Curse Synonyms Tough, Arduous Synonyms Lucid, Clear Synonyms Deceitful, Dishonest Synonyms Rock-bottom, Base Synonyms Obscure, Confuse
Antonyms Good Luck, Boon Antonyms Simple, Easy Antonyms Unclear, Unintelligible Antonyms Truthful, Honest Antonyms Zenith, Apex Antonyms Clarify, Enlighten
●His luck has been so bad he feels ●The project needs laborious ●The situation is a limpid one to get ●None of his statements are
●He is at the nadir on this ● This explanation has obfuscated
jinxed. people. through. mendacious. matter. everybody.
446 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 447

Obliterate 1. To destroy completely Onerous Difficult to do or needing a Parlous Very bad, dangerous or Plenary 1. Complete; full Quaint Attractive because of being Rankle To make someone annoyed or
2. To remove a thought, feeling or lot of effort uncertain 2. (of a meeting) To be attended by all unusual and especially old-fashioned angry for a long time
memory from someone’s mind Synonyms Arduous, Demanding Synonyms Bad, Dreadful participants, who otherwise meet in Synonym Bizarre Synonyms Anger, Embitter
Synonyms Demolish, Annihilate Antonyms Effortless, Easy Antonyms Good, Comfortable smaller groups Antonym Common Antonyms Calm, Comfort
Antonyms Create, Establish ● She found the duties of motherhood ●Relationship between the two Synonyms Absolute, Complete ●The writer talked about the quaint ●It still rankles me that she got
● An explosion obliterated the new onerous. countries have been in a parlous Antonyms Incomplete, Limited customs of the natives. promoted and I didn’t.
building. state for some time. ● A plenary session of the UN Security
Overweening Too proud or confident Quandary A state of not being able Raspy Unpleasantly rough
Council was held this month.
Obnoxious Very unpleasant or rude in yourself Parsimonious Very unwilling to to decide what to do about a Synonyms Gruff, Hoarse
Synonyms Repulsive, Offensive, Synonyms Brash, Haughty spend money or give something; Predicament A difficult, unpleasant or situation in which you are involved. Antonyms Soothing, Soft
Disgusting Antonyms Modest, Unassuming stingy embarassing situation Synonyms Impasse, Difficulty ●Her voice was raspy from yelling so
Antonyms Agreeable, Decent Synonyms Niggardly, Miserly Synonyms Crisis, Deadlock Antonyms Solution, Certainty much.
● Nobody wants to be friendly with
When she’s in a bad mood she is overweening people. Antonyms Advantage, Solution
●
Antonyms Extravagant, Generous ● The unexpected results of the test Ratify To make a treaty, agreement
obnoxious to everyone. ● Even the parsimonious Deepu went
●I have taken a loan to get out of my have created a quandary for the etc official by signing it or voting for
Overwrought In a state of being financial predicament. researchers. it.
Obstinate Unreasonably determined; to the cafe.
upset, nervous and worried
Prevaricate To avoid telling the truth Synonyms Sanction, Approve
stubborn Synonyms Frantic, Agitated and Paucity The fact that there is too little Querulous Complaining in an
or saying exactly what you think Antonyms Disapprove, Deny
Synonyms Adamant, Inflexible worried of something annoyed way.
Antonyms Flexible, Amenable Antonyms Calm, Collected about something Synonyms Petulant, Bemoaning
● Project was ratified by the officials.
Synonyms Shortage, Dearth
Synonyms Distort, Dodge Antonyms Cheerful, Easy-going
● He can be very obstinate at times. ●He was in an overwrought state for Antonyms Abundance, Sufficiency Ravishing Very beautiful
weeks after the accident. Antonyms Confront, Face
Wastage of water can cause its ●He is becoming a querulous person Synonyms Gorgeous, Stunning
Obstreperous Difficult to deal with ●
●The convict prevaricated before the day by day.
paucity. Antonyms Ugly, Hideous
and noisy court.
She looked ravishing in her
Synonyms Unruly, Boisterous
Antonyms Pacified, Tractable
P Pejorative Expressing disapproval or
suggesting that something is not good
Proclivity A strong natural liking for
Quibble To argue or complain about
small, unimportant things
●

wedding dress.
something or tendency to do Recondite (of a subject or knowledge)
The executive refused to help the or is of no importance Synonyms Protest, Argument
●
Palliate To reduce the bad effects of something that is usually bad. Not known by many people and
obstreperous clientele. Synonyms Disparaging, Deprecatory Antonyms Approval, Agreement
something; To reduce pain without Synonyms Predilection, Predisposition difficult to understand
curing its cause Antonyms Complimentary, Praising ●There is no point quibbling over a
Obverse Opposite or counterpart of a Antonyms Antipathy, Disinclination
couple of dollars. Synonyms Obscure, Esoteric
fact or truth Synonyms Alleviate, Soothe ●Make sure students realise that ‘fat’ Gambling is his main proclivity.
●
Antonyms Obvious, Simple
Synonyms Complement, Antonyms Aggravate, Agitate is a pejorative word. Quip A humorous and clever remark
Profligate Wasteful with money and ● Geochemistry is a recondite subject.
Counterpart ●The medicine palliated the pain of Synonyms Gag, Gibe
Pellucid Very clear in meaning and resources Recoup To get back money that one
Antonyms Reverse, Rear the patient Antonyms Seriousness, Praise
easy to understand Synonyms Extravagant, Wasteful has spent or lost
●The two brothers are of obverse They traded quips over a beer.
Pallid 1. Very pale, in a way that looks Synonyms Comprehensible, Antonyms Thrifty, Frugal
●
Synonyms Retrieve, Regain
nature.
unhealthy and not attractive Understandable ●She is well-known for her profligate Quisling A person who helps an Antonyms Forefeit, Lose
Obviate Remove (a need or difficulty); 2. Showing no enthusiasum or Antonyms Complex, Unclear spending habits. enemy who has taken over his ●The gambler recouped his losses in
avoid or prevent something excitement ●The pellucid language of the book country. the next game.
undesirable Synonyms Anemic, Feeble, catches the attention of everyone. Synonyms Collaborator, Betrayer Rectitude The quality of being honest
Synonyms Remove, Prevent
Antonyms Support, Allow
Uninspired
Antonyms Enthusiastic, Hearty,
Perky Cheerful and lively Q Antonyms
The ruler
Supporter, Loyalist
warned all the quislings.
and morally correct
Synonyms Bubbly, Lively ●
Synonyms Righteousness, Goodness
●A parachute can be used to obviate Strong
Antonyms Depressed, Gloomy Quagmire 1. An area of soft wet Antonyms Infamy, Dishonesty
disaster. ●His pallid face reveals the tension. Quixotic Having ideas or intentions
●His perky face looks elegant to ground which one sinks into if one that are impressive but not practical.
●Gandhiji was a man of
Occult Relating to magical powers and Pandemonium Wild and noisy me. tries and walks on it. unquestioned moral rectitude.
Synonyms Impractical, Idealistic
activities disorder or confusion 2. An awkward, complex or hazardous Redolent Strongly reminiscent or
Antonyms Practical, Pragmatic
Synonyms Psychic, Magical Synonyms Disorder, Chaos Pesky Causing trouble; Annoying situation. suggestive of; fragrant; odorous;
Synonyms Nettlesome, Troublesome
●They had quixotic dreams about
Antonyms Natural, Obvious Antonyms Calm, Order Synonyms Dilemma, Entanglement the future. suggestive of an odour
●Some books in the library were on ●Pandemonium reigned in the hall as Antonyms Pleasing, Untroubling Antonyms Solution, Agreement Synonyms Evocative, Suggestive
occult subjects. the election results were announced. ●I’ve been trying to get rid of this ● The quagmire he is in seems Antonyms Bland, Unsavoury

Offbeat Unusual and strange therefore Parched Dried out because of too
pesky cold. unavoidable.
R ●Rashi’s house seemed to be redolent
with the aroma of flowers.
surprising or noticeable much heat. Plaudits Enthusiastic approval; praise Quail Feel or show fear or
Synonyms Bizzare, Unconventional Synonyms Arid, Scorched Synonyms Accolade, Acclaim apprehension Rabid Having a very extreme opinion Reek (v/n) To smell strongly and
Antonyms Ordinary, Conventional Antonyms Wet, Damp Antonyms Blame, Censure Synonyms Blanch, Cringe about or interest in something unpleasantly; stink
●She decided to choose an offbeat It was the height of summer and
● ●She has received plaudits for her Antonyms Calm, Steady Synonyms Crazed, Fanatical Synonyms Stink, Smell
career in fine arts and was the land was parched and brown. work with homeless people. ●Students were quailing before the Antonyms Moderate, Liberal Antonyms Sweetness, Fragrance
successful. principal. ●Amit is a rabid cricket fan. ●Her breath reeked of garlic.
448 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Vocabulary 449

Renunciation The formal rejection Scoff To laugh and speak about a Slovenly 1. Untidy and dirty Throttle To attack or kill someone by Umbrage A feeling of being offended by Vanquish To defeat
of something, typically a belief, person or idea in a way that shows 2. (of a person or action) careless; choking or strangling; strangle what someone had said or done thoroughly
claim or course of action you think they are silly or stupid. excessively casual Synonyms Gag, Smother Synonyms Annoyance, Chagrin Synonyms Conquer, Trounce
Synonyms Repudiation, Synonyms Belittle, Deride Synonyms Messy, Scruffy Antonyms Release, Let go Antonyms Calmness, Comfort Antonyms Surrender, Yield
Abandonment Antonyms Approve, Compliment Antonyms Tidy, Neat ●A leader was throttled by the Will she take umbrage if she isn’t invited
● ●The school team was
Antonyms Agreement, Allowance ●The critics scoffed at his paintings. ● Change your slovenly habits right now. Maoists. to the party? vanquished in the match.
●The company renunciated the
agreement made by them. Sententious Trying to appear wise, Stalwart 1. Loyal, reliable and Tirade A long, angry speech of Unabashed Without any worry about Vaunt Boast about or praise
clever and important in a way that is hardworking criticism or accusation possible criticism or embarrassment something, especially
Repartee Conversation or speech annoying Synonyms Staunch, Dependable Synonyms Diatribe, Invective Synonyms Brazen, Unashamed excessively
characterised by quick, witty Synonyms Moralistic, Antonyms Non-reliable, Antonyms Compliment, Praise Antonyms Ashamed, Sheepish Synonyms Boast, Brag
comments or replies Self-righteous Undependable ● The coach directed a tirade at the ●He is an unabashed capitalist.
Antonyms Deprecate,
Synonyms Banter, Pleasantry Antonym Unimportant team after the loss. Condemn
● I have a bunch of stalwart friends.
Antonyms Seriousness, Question ●The document was sententious and Unassuaged Not soothed or relieved ● Even the noblest of fellows
●The two comedians engaged in pompous. Stodgy Dull and uninspired; lacking Titanic Extremely powerful, strong, Synonyms Annoyed, Complaining have been known to vaunt a
witty repartee. originality or excitement important or large Antonyms Contented, Pleased bit.
Servitude The state of being under Synonyms Boring, Dull Synonyms Colossal, Gigantic The customer is unassuaged with the
Replete Filled or well supplied the control of someone else and of
●
Vehement Expressing strong
Antonyms Interesting, Lively Antonyms Small, Puny services.
with something feelings; forceful, passionate or
having no freedom; slavery The company did not succeed in A titanic wave let the Titanic sink in.
● ●
intense
Synonyms Filled, Loaded Synonyms Bondage, Enslavement shedding its stodgy image. Unbridled Not controlled or limited
Titter To give a short, half-suppressed Synonyms Forceful,
Antonyms Lacking, Empty Antonyms Freedom, Mastery Synonyms Unrestricted,
Stouthearted Brave and determined Passionate
●The book is replete with ●In the past, the majority of women laugh; giggle Unrestrained
Synonyms Fearless, Courageous Antonyms Mild, Apathetic
photographs. were confined to a lifetime of Synonyms Giggle, Snigger Antonyms Controlled, Restrained
Antonyms Timid, Cowardly Antonym Cry
●The proposal has faced
servitude and poverty. ●The unbridled riot caused a lot of damage.
Reprieve To cancel or postpone a vehement opposition from
●The stouthearted soldiers won the battle. ● He was tittering on his joke.
punishment Sever To put an end to (a connection Undiscerning Lacking judgement, insight or many people.
Synonyms Abatement, or relationship); break off Stupor A state of near- unconsciousness or Toothsome (Especially of food) taste Venal Willing to do dishonest
Absolution Synonyms Detach, Disconnect insensibility attractive or pleasant Synonyms Obtuse, Indiscriminate things in return for money
Antonyms Charge, Punish Antonyms Unite, Connect Synonyms Coma, Trance Synonyms Tasty, Delicious Antonyms Insightful, Perceptive Synonyms Corrupt, Crooked
●He was sentenced to death but I severed myself from my Antonyms Consciousness, Wakefulness Antonyms Unpleasant, Unsavoury The situation showed undiscerning
● ●
Antonyms Honest, Ethical
was granted a last minute double-faced friends. ●He was lying under a table in a ● Pizza is a toothsome food for this character of the lady. ●The country wants to get rid
reprieve. drunken stupor. generation.
Sham Someone or something that is Unequivocal Leaving no doubt; of venal leaders.
Reproach To criticise someone, not what it pretends to be; pretence Torpid Having or showing very little unambiguous Venerable Valued and
especially for not being successful energy or movement; not active
or not doing what is expected
Synonyms Fake, Pretend
Antonyms Real, Genuine
T Synonyms Lethargic, Inactive
Synonyms Unambiguous, Absolute
Antonyms Ambiguous, Doubtful
respected because of old age,
long use etc
Synonyms Disgrace, Rebuke ●They claimed that the election had Antonyms Energetic, Active ●The church is unequivocal in its Synonyms Revered, Esteemed
Antonyms Approval, been fair, but really it was a sham. Taint To damage something, especially by ●The torpid boy is becoming obese condemnation of the violence. Antonyms Dishonourable,
Commendation adding something harmful or undesirable day-by-day. Disreputable
● His mother reproached him for Skullduggery Secret and dishonest to it Unexpurgated (of a text) Complete and
● The Hindu is a venerable
not eating his dinner. behaviour Synonyms Contaminate, Pollute Tout 1. To publicise; praise excessively containing all the original material;
newspaper.
Synonyms Trickery, Fraudulence Antonyms Clean, Improve 2. To sell tickets unofficially, usually at uncensored
Repugnant Causing a strong Antonym Honesty a much higher than the official price Synonyms Exhaustive, Entire Venerate To honour or
feeling of dislike or disgust
●A leaky pipe can taint the entire water
●Skullduggery is never appreciated. supply. Synonyms Laud, Praise Antonyms Censored, Abridged greatly respect a person or
Synonyms Repulsive, Abhorrent Antonyms Criticise, Blame thing
●Unexpurgated material was sent for
Antonyms Pleasant, Delightful Sleaze Activities especially business or Tangible Real or not imaginary; able to be ● A local car dealer was touting its proof-reading now. Synonyms Respect, Exalt
● The idea of cheating in an exam political, of a low moral standard shown, touched or experienced wares on the radio. Antonyms Denounce,
is morally repugnant to me. Synonyms Corrupt, Immoral Synonyms Palpable, Touchable Condemn
Antonyms Moral, Principled Antonyms Intangible, Abstract The Ganges is venerated in
V
●

●Molestation is an obvious sleaze. ●There is no tangible evidence to support U India.

S Slipshod Characterised by a lack of
her claim.
Vanity 1. Excessive pride in or admiration
Verity An important principle
care, thought or organisation; shabby Thrifty Using money and other resources Ubiquitous Existing everywhere; or fact that is always true
Scintillate Emit flashes of light, omnipresent of one’s own appearance or achievements. Synonyms Accuracy, Veracity
Synonyms Careless, Disorganised carefully and not wastefully
sparkle Synonyms Frugal, Prudent Synonyms Universal, Prevasive 2. The quality of being worthless or futile Antonyms Falseness,
Antonyms Careful, Meticulous
Synonyms Shine, Gleam Antonyms Extravagant, Generous Antonyms Rare, Scarce Synonyms Egotism, Conceit Falsehood
●She complained that the
Antonym Dull carpenter’s work had been Reliance Jio’s advertisements are Antonyms Modesty, Humility Revolution of Earth on its
●He is being thrifty in deciding his ● ●

●Stars are scintillating in the sky. slipshod. budget. ubiquitous. ● He is in a deep vanity about his abilities. axis is a verity.
 03
450 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 451

Verve Great energy and enthusiasm

Synonyms Vigour, Enthusiasm W X
Antonyms Lethargy, Inactivity
●She delivered her speech with Wallop To strike or hit very hard Xenophobic Extreme dislike or fear of
tremendous verve. Synonyms Bash, Batter foreigners, their customs, their religions
Antonym — etc.
Vindicate To clear someone of ●The peon was walloping the bell Synonyms Animosity, Chauvinism
blame or suspicion, to prove to be continuously. Antonyms Tolerance, Impartiality
right or reasonable, to justify ● Tourist guides cannot be xenophobic.
Synonyms Justify, Acquit Whimper To make a series of low,
Antonyms Blame, Charge feeble sounds expressive of fear, pain
● The investigation vindicated her
complaint about the newspaper.

Virulent 1. (of a disease or poison)

or discontent
Synonyms Sob, Whine
Antonyms Laugh, Chuckle
● The dog that met with the accident
Y
Yank To pull something with a quick
ANTONYMS
Extremely severe or harmful in its was whimpering in front of the
effects. movement
office.
2. Full of hate and violent Synonyms Jerk, Tug
opposition Whisk To take or move someone or Antonym Push
Synonyms Fatal, Malicious something somewhere suddenly and The man yanked at the zip of the bag.
●

Antonyms Harmless, Amicable quickly

● There is a virulent relation Synonyms Dart, Dash The importance of vocabulary brings the candidate to the questions based on antonyms. Generally, a
between India and Pakistan these
days.
Antonyms Drag, Slow
●The sacks of grain are taken by
Z good number of 8 to 10 questions are there in this type of question. The questions may be either in
direct format or in sentence format. If the question is in the sentence format, then answer must be
hungry people whiskly.
Vitiate To spoil or impair the Zany Strange, surprising or uncontrolled given according to the context there within.
quality or efficiency of something Whit A very small part or amount in an amusing way
Synonyms Annihilate, Spoil Synonyms Scrap, Bit
Synonyms Bizzare, Eccentric
Antonyms Fix, Mend Antonyms Lot, Whole
Antonyms Familiar, Sensible
●Mishandling has vitiated the ●The child accepted only a whit of ● His zany behaviour is beyond
quality of machines. the chocolate.
explanation.
Voracious Engaging in an activity Wistful Sad and thinking about An Antonym is a word that is directly opposite in meaning to a given word.
Zest Enthusiasm, eagerness, energy and e.g. The word ‘close’ has its antonym as ‘open’.
with great eagerness or enthusiasm something that is impossible or past
interest
Synonyms Insatiable, Synonyms Contemplative, Nostalgic Here, both the words are opposite in meaning to each other.
Uncontrollable Synonyms Enthusiasm, Gutso
Antonyms Cheerful, Happy
Antonyms Satiable, Controllable Antonyms Apathy, Indifference Questions on antonyms are based on direct and sentence format, which are as follow
●I thought about my childhood days
As a child, I had a voracious
● His humour added zest to the
●

appetite for books.

and grew wistful.
performance. 1. Direct Format
In this format a word is given and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which is opposite
in meaning to the given word.
e.g. Which of the given word is opposite in meaning of the words provided?
DEAD
(a) Moving (b) Life (c) Alive (d) Decease
Explanation (c) ‘Dead’ means no longer alive. To find the antonym of dead, we have to consider its opposite
meaning i.e., not dead or living. ‘Alive’ means ‘living or not dead’. So, option (c) is the correct choice.

2. Sentence Format
In this format one word of a sentence is highlighted and out of the given four options, a word is to be
selected which is opposite in meaning to that of the highlighted word.
e.g. Which of the given words is the antonym of the word written in capital letters?
Police took the ILL man to a hospital.
(a) decease (b) moving (c) life (d) healthy
Explanation (d) The opposite of ‘ill’ is ‘healthy’. So, the right answer is (d).
452 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 453

CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY 47. INCREDIBLE

(a) Hard to believe
58. ESCALATING prices are
causing hardship to the poor.
71. His behaviour at social
gatherings is LAUDABLE.
FIND THE ANTONYM OF GIVEN WORDS (b) Hard to understand
(c) Believable
(a) Fixed
(c) Falling
(b) Fluctuating
(d) Reasonable
(a) condemnable (b) impolite
(c) unpleasant (d) repulsive
(d) Conspicous 59. I have MALICE towards none. 72. The characters in this story are
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-50) In the 16. SULLEN 32. ELAN 48. ERSATZ (a) sympathy (b) goodwill not all FICTITIOUS.
following items, which of the given (a) Dirty (b) Cheerful (a) Inelegance (b) Stupidity (a) Genuine (c) friendship (d) attraction (a) common (b) factual
word is opposite in meaning of the (c) Clean (d) Risen (c) Obscure (d) Despair (b) Artificial (c) real (d) genuine
60. The boy comes of an
words provided. (c) Old
17. ASSURE 33. RECONDITE AFFLUENT family. 73. The RELUCTANCE of the officer
1. DETAIN (d) Outdated (a) poor (b) ordinary was obvious.
(a) Alarm (b) Reassure (a) Manifest (b) Flexible
(a) Release (b) Silence (c) Quiet (d) Unsure (c) Provident (d) Sociable 49. CANTANKEROUS (c) infamous (d) backward (a) eagerness (b) hesitation
(c) Forget (d) Prosper (a) Bad-tempered (b) Sleepy (c) enjoyment (d) unwillingness
18. FALLACIOUS 34. GAINSAY 61. What the critic said about this
2. FAMOUS (c) Affable (d) Polymath new book was ABSURD? 74. He is a GENEROUS man.
(a) Perfect (b) Truthful (a) Regret (b) Own
(a) Boring (b) Poor (c) Accidental (d) Disarming (c) Prudent (d) Prude 50. NEOPHYTE (a) interesting (b) impartial (a) stingy (b) uncharitable
(c) Obscure (d) Untalented (a) Expert (b) Beginner (c) sensible (d) ridiculous (c) selfish (d) ignoble
19. GUMPTION 35. EFFLUVIUM
3. COLOSSAL (c) Gardener (d) Introvert 62. The issue raised in the form 75. The officer EXAGGERATED the
(a) Seriousness (b) Apathy (a) Land (b) Essential
(a) Easy (b) Tiny (c) Levity (d) Despair (c) Fragrance (d) Solid can be IGNORED. damage caused by the rowdies.
(c) Graceful (d) Fool Directions (Q. Nos. 51-100) Each (a) removed (b) considered (a) underwrote
20. ECSTASY 36. PARSIMONY item in this section consists of a
4. FLUID (c) set aside (d) debated (b) condemned
(a) Gate (b) Agony (a) Generosity (b) Sinfulness
(a) Solid (b) Liquid capital word in given sentence. Each 63. After swallowing the frog, the (c) ignored
(c) Languor (d) Fatigue (c) Verbosity (d) Tenderness
(c) Afraid (d) Decent sentence is followed by four words. snake had become (d) underestimated
21. ASTUTE 37. TRUCULENT Select the word which is most
5. CONTINUE LETHARGIC. 76. The speaker was unable to
(a) Distraught (b) Careful (a) Faltering (b) Gentle opposite in meaning to the capital
(a) Curve (b) Argue (a) aggressive (b) dull PACIFY the crowd.
(c) Generous (d) Foolish (c) Facile (d) Submissive
(c) Carry (d) Pause word. (c) active (d) hungry (a) excite (b) antagonise
22. WINSOME 38. SPURIOUS (c) threaten (d) challenge
6. LABOUR 51. All care is FUTILE in a cureless 64. For the first time, I saw him
(a) Dour (b) Attractive (a) Disingenuous (b) Thoughtless
(a) Amuse (b) Cat case. speaking RUDELY to her. 77. His officer was a very STRICT
(c) Mysterious (d) Clever (c) Placid (d) Genuine
(c) Rest (d) Strive (a) waste (b) expensive (a) softly (b) gently person.
23. DROLL 39. WELTER (c) useful (d) cheap (c) politely (d) slowly (a) pleasant (b) open hearted
7. BRAWNY (a) Forget (b) Charm (a) Order (b) Freeze (c) lenient (d) indifferent
(a) Swift (b) Weak 52. REVELATION of facts became 65. Dust storms and polluted rivers
(c) Sedate (d) Absurd (c) Patron (d) Sustain
(c) Strong (d) Pale very easy when I investigated have made it HAZARDOUS to 78. SERVITUDE is not helpful for
24. ENIGMATIC 40. ECLAT the case. breathe the air and drink the mental growth.
8. FICKLE (a) Healthy (b) Watchful (a) Apathy (b) Dullness (a) Rejection (b) Elimination water. (a) Disservice (b) Retirement
(a) Steady (b) Kind (c) Disastrous (d) Obvious (c) Silence (d) Disinterest (c) Concealment (d) Introduction (a) convenient (b) risky (c) Freedom (d) Termination
(c) Please (d) Finagle (c) wrong (d) safe
25. OBTUSE 41. PESSIMISTIC 53. The story you have just told is 79. His attitude to poor people is
9. INEPT (a) Slim (b) Acute (a) Indifferent (b) Ascetic INCREDIBLE. 66. Only hard work can ENRICH DEPLORABLE.
(a) Clumsy (b) Infer (c) Opaque (d) Thick (c) Helpful (d) Hopeful (a) credible (b) fantastic our country. (a) commendable (b) miserable
(c) Competent (d) Foolish (c) probable (d) believable (a) impoverish (b) improve (c) equitable (d) desirable
26. OBSEQUIOUS 42. ANALOGOUS
10. PIVOTAL (a) Clear (b) Clever (a) Similar 54. His assignments have taken (c) increase (d) involve 80. The guest made DEROGATORY
(a) Turning (b) Wavy (c) Domineering (d) Dandified (b) Uncritical him to many EXOTIC locations 67. He is a man of remarks about the food he was
(c) Unimportant (d) Clear (c) Disproportionate around the world. EXTRAVAGANT habits. served.
27. DOLEFUL
11. CURSED (a) Empty (b) Rich (d) Dissimilar (a) wonderful (b) cosmopolitan (a) sensible (b) careful (a) interesting (b) complimentary
(a) Swore (b) Pious (c) Witty (d) Elated 43. EVIDENT (c) irrelevant (d) common (c) economical (d) balanced (c) unnecessary (d) cheerful
(c) Unfortunate (d) Lucky (a) Unnoticeable 55. He has given up his VICIOUS 68. They employ only DILIGENT 81. He has an AVERSION to milk.
28. WANTON
12. CANDID (a) Merciful (b) Repast (b) Observed habits. workers. (a) dear (b) loving
(a) Unkind (b) Blunt (c) Brilliant (d) Vicious (c) Seen (a) godly (b) virtuous (a) unskilled (b) lazy (c) liking (d) pet
(c) Valid (d) Dishonest (d) Calculated (c) sublime (d) friendly (c) careless (d) idle
29. BANAL 82. The PAUCITY of good teachers
13. FLAUNT (a) Sincere (b) Wealthy 44. THICK SKINNED 56. The doctor found the patient 69. His success in the preliminary is the chief reason for the
(a) Regard (b) Sink (c) Extraordinary (d) Trustworthy (a) Insensitive (b) Sensitive INERT. examination made him present condition of these
(c) Hide (d) Propose (c) Resolute (d) Different (a) active (b) lazy COMPLACENT. schools.
30. LUGUBRIOUS (c) strong (d) resolute (a) discontented (b) self-satisfied (a) presence (b) surplus
14. HEAL (a) Quick (b) Cheerful 45. ELEGANCE
(a) Balance (b) Savagery 57. The issue was raised (c) curious (d) militant (c) appointment (d) retention
(a) Sew (b) Foot (c) Salubrious (d) Dry
(c) Good (d) Maim (c) Dullness (d) Politeness TANGENTIALLY in the 70. In this competition, he has 83. Don’t you think his account of
31. PERSPICACIOUS negotiations. become the VICTOR. things was MONOTONOUS?
15. PACIFY (a) Calm (b) Easy 46. STERN
(a) Violent (b) Genial (a) partly (b) forcefully (a) beaten (b) frustrated (a) agreeable (b) acceptable
(a) Excite (b) Land (c) Dull (d) Winsome
(c) Great (d) Crowded (c) candidly (d) fitfully (c) disappointed (d) vanquished (c) varied (d) indecent
(c) Coddle (d) Unhand
454 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 455

84. SPURIOUS drugs can prove to 90. I was upset by his HOSTILE 95. His BOORISH ways entertained 13. My mother has been working 25. These people are sunk in 37. The railway lines are
be fatal. attitude. the group. hard for the last two weeks and abysmal ignorance and their EXTENDED and we are quite
(a) Virtuous (b) Inferior (a) friendly (b) negative (a) enthusiastic (b) funny she feels RUN DOWN. illiteracy is simply COLOSSAL. happy about it.
(c) Genuine (d) Contemptuous (c) positive (d) inimical (c) refined (d) magical (a) energetic (b) cold (a) intolerable (b) huge (a) protracted (b) widened
85. Kapil’s bowling yesterday 91. Yuvraj Singh is suffering from a 96. His performance was (c) emotional (d) morbid (c) small (d) silly (c) curtailed (d) elongated
proved very COSTLY. BENIGN cancer. CAPTIVATING. 14. The three states signed a pact 26. Previously per capita income 38. There was a fire this morning.
(a) economical (b) frugal (a) unfriendly (b) friendly (a) poor (b) excellent to have COLLECTIVE economy. used to INCREASE by seven They were lucky to ESCAPE it.
(c) thrifty (d) expensive (c) fatal (d) malignant (c) allergic (d) enthralling (a) distributive (b) disintegrative rupees per year. (a) arrest (b) elude
86. I cannot see much LIKENESS 92. He is a NOTED figure of film 97. A VIGILANT constable evaded (c) individual (d) divided (a) dwindle (b) diminish (c) evade (d) conceive
between the two boys. industry. the possible bomb blast in Delhi. 15. He was deeply hurt by her (c) mitigate (d) profit 39. Domestic violence is a very
(a) enmity (b) hatred (a) known (b) unknown (a) sleeping (b) incautious CURT reply. 27. In the modern times, we find INHUMAN act.
(c) difference (d) dislike (c) famous (d) infamous (c) coward (d) lazy (a) abrupt (b) short that most social relationships (a) indifferent
87. I am still DUBIOUS about that 93. SAGACIOUS decisions taken at 98. Please CONFIRM me whether (c) expansive (d) rude are rather ARTIFICIAL. (b) compassionate
plan. right time in career has long you are coming or not in the 16. He was asked to ACCELERATE (a) decent (b) genuine (c) terrible
(a) certain (b) doubtful effects. party. the pace of work. (c) excellent (d) adorable (d) ferocious
(c) docile (d) faithful (a) Foolish (a) inform (b) deny (a) slacken (b) control 28. Social LIBERTY may be 40. His ELOQUENT speech helped
(b) Intelligent (c) reject (d) avoid (c) speed (d) supervise instrumental in the emotional him bag the award.
88. The wise say that life is meant
(c) Thoughtful growth of a person. (a) lucid (b) vivid
not merely to ACCUMULATE 99. Raju is so TACTFUL that he 17. The child was ABDUCTED
(d) Intuitive (a) constraint (b) slavery (c) short (d) inarticulate
wealth but for self-realisation. would manage the loss. when he was going to school.
(a) amass (b) produce 94. The drug will have (a) unintelligent (b) slow (c) compulsion (d) obligation
(a) seized (b) set free
(c) scatter (d) gather PERNICIOUS effect on your (c) poor (d) rough (c) kidnapped (d) ransomed 29. Education is most ESSENTIAL 2014 (I)
health. for the all round development of
89. He will never TURN DOWN 100. It is a wrong NOTION that 18. The baby has a very DELICATE 41. FRAIL
(a) beneficial a person.
your request. everything depends on luck. body. (a) Strong (b) Big
(b) prolonged (a) unimportant (b) disdainful
(a) turn up (b) turn over (a) principle (b) reality (a) crude (b) strong (c) Old (d) Weak
(c) ruinous (c) customary (d) redundant
(c) reject (d) accept (c) fantasy (d) law (c) hard (d) bony
(d) poor 42. INDIGENOUS
30. He was extremely MODEST in
19. The government has (a) Genuine (b) Foreign
company.
ENHANCED the tuition fees in (c) Indigent (d) Indignant
(a) curious (b) virtuous
schools and colleges. 43. POVERTY
QUESTIONS FROM (a) magnified
(b) aggravated
(c) unassuming (d) immodest
(a) Prosperity (b) Adversary
(c) Adversity (d) Diversity
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016) (c) decreased
(d) augmented
2013 (II)
31. His CANDID remarks impressed
44. WHOLESOME
(a) Complete
20. He aims at PERFECTION in the authorities. (b) Unhealthy
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-73) Each item in this section consists of a capital word in given sentences. Each sentence is whatever job he undertakes. (a) blunt (b) guarded (c) Incomprehensible
followed by four words. Select the word which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capital word. (a) deficiency (b) immaturity (c) sincere (d) unconventional (d) Few
(c) badness (d) completeness
2012 (I) 5. A large number of designer 9. The accused emphatically
32. The guilty appealed to the jury
to CONDONE his punishment.
1. The COMPLAINANT was not clothes are REVOLTING. DENIED the charge in the court.
2013 (I) (a) accept (b) forgive
2014 (II)
supportive of providing all facts (a) inviting (b) beautiful (a) accepted (b) agreed 45. His short but pointed speech
(c) condemn (d) criticise
in the court. (c) fashionable (d) delightful (c) asserted (d) affirmed 21. Her illness ENERVATED the was APPLAUDED by all
(a) defendant (b) advocate whole family. 33. His family SEVERED ties with
6. Though they are twins, they 10. This cloth is a COARSE of touch. sections of the audience.
(c) indulgence (d) servant (a) enhanced (b) exhausted him for marrying inter-caste.
look very DIFFERENT. (a) delicate (b) rough (a) disapproved
2. Living in a SOLITARY place (c) weakened (d) energised (a) joined (b) included
(a) regular (b) same (c) painful (d) harsh (b) misunderstood
brings in some kind of (c) detached (d) disrupted
(c) similar (d) uniform 22. The teacher INSERTED another (c) praised
satisfaction. picture to illustrate the point. 34. It is easy to understand his (d) welcomed
(a) limited (b) exotic 7. RECESSION is a major cause 2012 (II) (a) deducted (b) added FUZZY thoughts.
(c) healthy (d) populous of unemployment. 46. In ancient India, scholars had
11. A small ALTERCATION between (c) removed (d) reclined (a) misty (b) vague
(a) Education no interest in political power or
3. They spent a DISTURBED the children started off a riot. (c) clear (d) useful
(b) Inflation 23. The committee rejected his MATERIAL growth.
night after hearing the tragic (a) quarrel 35. He drove his car through SLIMY
(c) Poverty LUDICROUS proposal. (a) internal (b) spiritual
news. (b) friendly discussion road to reach your office.
(d) Computerisation (a) absurd (b) reasonable (c) psychic (d) celestial
(a) restless (b) sleepless (c) contest (c) farcical (d) stupid (a) ugly (b) clean
(c) mournful (d) peaceful 8. He finally CONCEDED that he (d) race 47. A FRIENDLY dog met us at the
(c) beautiful (d) slippery
4. We have CREATED a beautiful was involved in smuggling. 24. Children ADORE the cricket farm gate.
12. He agreed reluctantly to sign the players. 36. We are ANXIOUS to avoid any (a) helpful
new house from out of the old (a) admitted
form but looked ILL AT EASE. (a) discuss (b) condemn problems with regard to this. (b) understanding
ruin. (b) accepted
(a) embarrassed (b) comfortable (c) benefit (d) check (a) cool (b) composed
(a) destroyed (b) built (c) denied (c) quiet
(c) welcome (d) easy (c) careless (d) worried
(c) constructed (d) planned (d) concealed (d) hostile
456 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 457

48. He is extremely INTELLIGENT 56. The new manager of the bank is 2016 (I) Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)
but proud. URBANE in his manners.
64. He handled the machine with 1 a 2 d 3 d 4 a 5 a 6 c 7 b 8 c 9 a 10 a
(a) dull (b) weak (a) civilised (b) slow
DEFT fingers.
(c) ignorant (d) arrogant (c) rude (d) foolish (a) delicate (b) sturdy 11 b 12 b 13 a 14 c 15 c 16 a 17 b 18 b 19 c 20 a
49. The young leader was 57. It is necessary to develop (c) quick (d) clumsy 21 d 22 c 23 b 24 b 25 c 26 b 27 b 28 a 29 a 30 d
RELUCTANT to shoulder the THRIFTY habits to be able to 65. I was deeply affected by his
responsibilities of the lead a comfortable life. 31 b 32 c 33 a 34 c 35 b 36 b 37 c 38 a 39 b 40 d
URBANE behaviour.
ministerial office. (a) expensive (b) extravagant (a) rural (b) rude 41 a 42 b 43 a 44 b 45 a 46 b 47 d 48 a 49 b 50 a
(a) wanting (b) willing (c) economical (d) good (c) irrational (d) indifferent
(c) anxious (d) eager 51 b 52 d 53 a 54 b 55 a 56 c 57 b 58 c 59 d 60 b
58. Many people suffer because of 66. His TIMIDITY proved costly.
50. He ABANDONED his family. PRIDE. (a) arrogance (b) boldness 61 b 62 d 63 a 64 d 65 b 66 b 67 b 68 b 69 a 70 c
(a) supported (b) encouraged (a) lowliness (b) submission (c) skilfulness (d) cunning 71 b 72 a 73 d
(c) pleased (d) saved (c) humility (d) obedience 67. Arrangements were made to
51. History ABOUNDS in instances handle the MAMMOTH
of courage. 2015 (II) gathering tactfully.
(a) shines (b) lacks (a) significant (b) small
(c) suffices (d) fails
52. ADVERSITY teaches man to be
59. He CONCEALED his thoughts
very cleverly.
(a) emphasised
(c) unruly (d) noisy
68. He was ENGROSSED in his
EXPLANATIONS
humble and self-reliant. work when I walked in.
(b) expressed
(a) Sincerity (b) Animosity (a) occupied (b) inattentive
(c) affirmed
(c) Curiosity (d) Prosperity (d) revealed
(c) engaged (d) absent
Check Your Vocabulary
53. Like poverty, AFFLUENCE can 69. These are the main points of the
60. The proposal was PRECEDING paragraph. 1. (a) Detain means hold or keep back 13. (c) Flaunt means show off, therefore 23. (c) Droll means to have a humorous
sometimes create its own DENOUNCED by one and all. then its opposite will be ‘release’ ‘hide’ is its opposite. or odd quality then its opposite will
(a) following (b) previous
problems. (a) renounced (c) first (d) last which means ‘let go’. be ‘sedate’ which means ‘unruffled
(a) indigence (b) opulence (b) recommended 14. (d) Heal means restore to health then
2. (c) Famous means widely known or serious’.
(c) sorrow (d) exuberance (c) announced 70. He made a SHREWD guess. its opposite will be ‘maim’ which
(a) clever (b) wild then its opposite will be ‘obscure’ means to ‘injure’. 24. (d) Enigmatic means mysterious or
54. The habit of SQUANDERING (d) commended which means ‘little known’. obscure, therefore ‘obvious’ is its
(c) incorrect (d) discriminating
money should not be 61. She was SKEPTICAL about the 15. (a) Pacify means soothe or calm, opposite.
71. He is suffering from a SEVERE 3. (b) Colossal means incredibly large, therefore ‘excite’ is its opposite.
encouraged. safety of the new drug. cough. therefore ‘tiny’ is its opposite. 25. (b) Obtuse means insensitive or
(a) discarding (b) hoarding (a) doubtful (b) certain 16. (b) Sullen means showing a
(a) violent (b) mild 4. (a) Fluid is a substance that flows stupid then its opposite will be
(c) donating (d) stealing (c) hopeful (d) sanguine disagreeable mood or lacking cheer, ‘acute’ which means ‘marked by keen
(c) bad (d) continuous then its opposite will be ‘solid’ which
62. The answers to the question therefore ‘cheerful’ is its opposite. perception or shrewd’.
72. CUMULATIVELY, the effect of means ‘does not flow’.
2015 (I) were COHERENT. these drugs is quite bad. 5. (d) Continue means act without
17. (a) Assure means make sure by 26. (c) Obsequious means ‘too eager to
55. John is always SHABBILY (a) relaxed (b) loose (a) Individually (b) Obviously removing doubt or worry then its help or obey someone important’,
interruption then its opposite will be
dressed. (c) consistent (d) disconnected (c) Clearly (d) Collectively opposite will be ‘alarm’ which means then its opposite will be
‘pause’ which means ‘stop
(a) decently 63. It was no ALTRUISTIC motive temporarily’. ‘to give warning or to arouse fear’. ‘domineering’ which means ‘play the
73. He was CONSPICUOUS
(b) beautifully that prompted him to help her. because of his colourful shirt. dictator or bully’.
6. (c) Labour means work then its 18. (b) Fallacious means not true or
(c) extravagantly (a) selfish (b) inhuman (a) charming (b) ugly accurate. So, ‘truthful’ is its opposite. 27. (d) Doleful means full of grief or
opposite will be ‘rest’ which means
(d) scantily (c) brutal (d) wicked (c) small (d) unnoticeable cheerless then its opposite will be
‘cease working’. 19. (b) Gumption means initiative or ‘elated’ which means ‘very happy
7. (b) Brawny means muscled or strong, drive then its opposite will be ‘apathy’ and excited’.
ANSWERS therefore ‘weak’ is its opposite. which means ‘a lack of interest or 28. (a) The meaning of wanton is
8. (a) Fickle means to lack steadiness, concern’. malicious or merciless, therefore
Check Your Vocabulary ‘merciful’ is its opposite.
therefore ‘steady’ is its opposite. 20. (b) Ecstasy means a state of
1 a 2 c 3 b 4 a 5 d 6 c 7 b 8 a 9 c 10 c 29. (c) Banal means trite or common
9. (c) Inept means to lack competence, rapturous delight then its opposite
11 d 12 d 13 c 14 d 15 a 16 b 17 a 18 b 19 b 20 b therefore ‘competent’ is its opposite. place, therefore ‘extraordinary’ is its
will be ‘agony’ which means ‘intense
21 d 22 a 23 c 24 d 25 b 26 c 27 d 28 a 29 c 30 b pain of mind or body’. opposite.
10. (c) Pivotal means very important or
31 c 32 d 33 a 34 b 35 c 36 a 37 b 38 d 39 a 40 b crucial, therefore ‘unimportant’ is its 30. (b) Lugubrious means mournful or
21. (d) Astute means shrewd or mentally
41 d 42 d 43 a 44 b 45 c 46 b 47 c 48 a 49 c 50 a opposite. dismal, therefore ‘cheerful’ is its
sharp or clever. So, ‘foolish’ is its
opposite.
51 c 52 c 53 a 54 d 55 b 56 a 57 c 58 c 59 b 60 a 11. (d) Cursed means a cause of trouble antonym.
61 c 62 b 63 c 64 c 65 d 66 a 67 c 68 b 69 a 70 d or bad luck. So, ‘lucky’ is its 31. (c) Perspicacious means quick in
22. (a) Winsome means cheerful and noticing, understanding or judging
antonym.
71 a 72 c 73 a 74 a 75 d 76 a 77 c 78 c 79 a 80 b engaging then its opposite will be things accurately therefore, ‘dull’ is
81 82 83 74 85 86 87 88 89 90 12. (d) Candid means to be frank or ‘dour’ which means ‘gloomy or
c b c c a c a c d a its opposite.
honest, therefore ‘dishonest’ is its sullen’.
91 d 92 b 93 a 94 a 95 c 96 c 97 b 98 b 99 a 100 b opposite.
458 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Antonyms 459

32. (d) Elan means vigorous spirit or 50. (a) Neophyte means novice. So, 69. (a) Complacent means too satisfied 85. (a) Costly’ means expensive. 90. (a) Hostile means ‘not friendly’. So, 96. (c) Captivating means charming. So,
enthusiasm then its opposite will be ‘expert’ is its antonym. with yourself or with a situation. So, ‘economical’ means ‘inexpensive’ or friendly will be its opposite word. ‘allergic’ is its antonym, which means
‘despair’ which means ‘an utter loss 51. (c) Futile means having no purpose. ‘discontented’ is its antonym. ‘low-priced’, so it is the opposite 91. (d) Benign means not harmful in unbearable.
of hope’. So, its antonym will be ‘useful’. 70. (d) Victor means the winner. Its of the costly. effect. So, ‘malignant’ is its antonym, 97. (b) Vigilant means cautious. So,
33. (a) Recondite means not understood 52. (c) Revelation means making people opposite will be ‘vanquished’ which 86. (c) Likeness means resemblence, which means harmful. ‘incautious’ is its antonym, which
or known by many people then its aware of something. So, its antonym means ‘defeated’. similarity, so ‘difference’ is the 92. (b) Noted means famous. So, means careless.
opposite will be ‘manifest’ which will be ‘concealment’. most appropriate opposite. ‘unknown’ is its antonym.
71. (a) Laudable means praiseworthy. Its 98. (b) Confirm is establish the truth or
means ‘easily understood or
53. (a) ‘Incredible’ means impossible or opposite will be ‘condemnable’ which 87. (a) Dubious means doubtful, 93. (a) Sagacious is having or shwoing correctness of something. So, ‘deny’ is
recognised’.
very difficult to believe. So, its means ‘insulting’. questionable. Its opposite will be keen mental discernment and good its antonym.
34. (b) Gainsay means deny then its antonym will be ‘credible’. judgement. So, ‘foolish’ is its antonym.
72. (c) Fictitious means something that ‘certain’ which means 99. (a) Tactful means having or showing
opposite will be ‘own’ which means
54. (d) Exotic means seeming exciting is not real. So, its antonym will be ‘unquestionable’ or ‘undoubting’. 94. (a) Pernicious means having a harmful skill and sensitivity in dealing with
‘to admit’.
and unusual, so ‘common’ will be the ‘real’. 88. (c) Accumulate means ‘to gather’. effect. So, ‘beneficial’ is its antonym, others or with difficult issues. So,
35. (c) Effluvium means an offensive opposite word of exotic. 73. (a) Reluctance means unwillingness So, scatter will be its opposite which means favourable. ‘unintelligent’ is its antonym.
smell then its opposite will be
‘fragrance’ which means ‘a sweet or 55. (b) Vicious means violent and cruel. to do something. Its opposite will be word. 95. (c) Boorish means rough and 100. (b) Notion means a conception of or
delicate odor’. So, its antonym will be ‘virtuous’. ‘eagerness’ which means ‘willingness bad-mannered. So, ‘refined’ is its
89. (d) Turn down means reject. So, belief about something. So, ‘reality’ is
56. (a) Inert means without power to to do something’. its opposite is ‘accept’. antonym, which means its antonym.
36. (a) Parsimony means thrift or
move or act. So, ‘active’ is its 74. (a) Generous means willing to give well-mannered.
stinginess, therefore ‘generosity’ is its
opposite. antonym. people more of your time or money.
37. (b) Truculent means cruel or savage, 57. (c) Tangentially means having slight
or indirect connection. So, its
Its opposite will be ‘stingy' which
means ‘not giving willingly or miser’.
Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)
therefore ‘gentle’ is its opposite.
antonym will be ‘candidly’, which 75. (d) Exaggerated means to make or 1. (a) Complainant is a legal 9. (a) Deny means do not admit or 18. (b) Delicate means easily damagable.
38. (d) Spurious means lacking genuine means outspoken or frank. expression that means a person accept. So, ‘accepted’ is the correct ‘Strong ’ is the obvious antonym of it,
qualities or false, therefore ‘genuine’ show something greater than usual.
58. (c) Escalating means increasing Its opposite will be ‘underestimated’ who makes a formal complaint in antonym. which means ‘tough’.
is its opposite. a court of law. In the given
rapidly. So, ‘falling’ is its antonym. which means ‘to diminish or lesson 10. (a) The word coarse here in this 19. (c) ‘Enhanced’ means to raise the value
39. (a) Welter means a state of wild choices, ‘defendant’ is its antonym.
59. (b) Malice means ill-will or desire to the quality of something or sentence, means rough. So, its antonym or price. Its opposite will be ‘decrease’
disorder or turmoil, therefore ‘order’ 2. (d) Solitary means unsociable or
do harm. So, its antonym will be someone’. would be ‘delicate’, which means ‘soft’. which means ‘to lessen something’.
is its opposite. lonely. Its antonym would be
‘goodwill’. 76. (a) Pacify means to make someone 11. (b) Altercation means a noisy argument 20. (a) Perfection means the state of being
40. (b) Eclat means a dazzling effect or ‘populous’.
60. (a) Affluent means having a lot of calm and silent. Its opposite will be or disagreement. So, ‘friendly discussion’ without fault. Deficiency is its opposite
brilliance, therefore ‘dullness’ is its 3. (d) Within the context of this
money and a good standard. So, ‘excite’ which means ‘to provoke is the obvious antonym of it. as it means ‘a failing or shortcoming’.
opposite. sentence, the antonym of disturbed
‘poor’ would be the antonym of this someone to do something’.
41. (d) Pessimistic is one who tends to word. would be ‘peaceful’. All other three 12. (b) Ill at ease means to be worried and 21. (d) Enervate means to weaken
see the worst aspect of things. So, 77. (c) Strict means hard or tough in not relaxed. Its antonym would be mentally or morally. Its opposite will
words have more or less negative
‘hopeful’ is its antonym. 61. (c) Absurd means not logical and attitude or action, but ‘lenient’ means meaning similar to that of ‘comfortable’ which means ‘without be ‘energise’ which means ‘to make
sensible. So, its antonym will be ‘soft hearted and friendly’. disturbed. difficulty’. someone enthusiastic’.
42. (d) Analogous is similar in some ‘sensible’.
way. So, ‘dissimilar’ is its antonym. 78. (c) Servitude means slavery, but
4. (a) Destroyed is the obvious 13. (a) Run down means very tired. Its 22. (c) Inserted means to put something
62. (b) Ignore means to pay no ‘freedom’ means ‘to make free from
43. (a) Evident means obvious or antonym of created, which means opposite will be ‘energetic’ which into something. Its opposite will be
attention. So, its antonym will be all bonds’.
noticeable. So, ‘unnoticeable’ is its ‘demolished’. means ‘full of energy’. So, they both ‘remove’ which means ‘to take
‘considered’, which means ‘to pay
antonym. 79. (a) Deplorable means deserving are antonyms to each other. something away’.
attention’. 5. (a) Within the context of this
strong condemnation, but
44. (b) Thick-skinned refers to a person 63. (c) Lethargic means not having any sentence, the antonym of 14. (c) Collective means forming a whole 23. (b) Ludicrous means very silly or
‘commendable’ means ‘deserving
who does not get upset or offended energy. So, its antonym will be revolting would be ‘inviting’. or combined together. Its opposite will ridiculous. Its opposite will be
praise’.
by things other people say. So, ‘active’. Revolting means disgusting be ‘individual’ which means ‘being ‘reasonable’ which means ‘fair and
‘sensitive’ is its antonym. 80. (b) Derogatory means showing a whereas ‘inviting’ means ‘attractive’.
64. (c) Rudely means showing lack of single’. So, they both are antonyms to sensible’.
45. (c) Elegance is the quality of being critical or disrespectful attitude, but
respect. So, its antonym will be 6. (c) In this sentence, the contextual each other. 24. (b) Adore means to love and admire
graceful and stylish in appearence or ‘complimentary’ means ‘showing
‘politely’. respect to other or praise someone’. meaning of different is not similar. 15. (c) Curt means short and not polite someone very deeply. Its opposite will
manner. So, ‘dullness’ is its antonym. So, ‘similar’ is the correct antonym.
65. (d) Hazardous means dangerous. So, and ‘expansive’ means ‘friendly’ or be ‘condemn’ which means ‘to criticise
46. (b) Stern means very serious 81. (c) Aversion means strong dislike for
its antonym will be ‘safe’. 7. (b) Recession means a temporary ‘polite’. So, they both are the opposite someone strongly’.
especially in an unfriendly way. So, something, but ‘liking’ means ‘a
66. (a) Enrich means to improve the feeling of fondness for something’. economic decline during which words. 25. (c) Colossal means extremely huge. Its
‘genial’ is its antonym.
quality of something. So, its trade and industry activity are opposite will be ‘small’ which means
47. (c) Incredible is difficult or 82. (b) Paucity means small amount of 16. (a) Accelerate means to make
antonym will be ‘impoverish’ which reduced. In the context of the ‘little’ or ‘not large.’
impossible to believe. So, ‘believable’ something, but ‘surplus’ means ‘more something happen more quickly. Its
means ‘to reduce the quality of given sentence, the antonym of
is its antonym. than what is needed’. recession is ‘inflation’. opposite will be ‘slacken’ which means 26. (b) The opposite of ‘increase’ is
something’.
48. (a) Ersatz is artificial or copied from 83. (c) Monotonous means lacking in ‘to make slower’. ‘diminish’ which means ‘to reduce
67. (c) Extravagant means lavish. Its 8. (c) The word concede means to something’.
something else. So, ‘genuine’ is its opposite will be ‘economical’ which variation, but ‘varied’ means ‘number 17. (b) Abducted means ‘to kidnap
admit, often unwillingly, that
antonym. means ‘not so costly’. of different types showing variety’. someone’. ‘Set free’ is the correct 27. (b) Artificial means not real. Its
something is true. Among the
49. (c) Cantankerous is bad-tempered. 84. (c) Spurious means false or fake, but options ‘denied’ is its antonym. antonym of it, which means ‘to release opposite will be ‘genuine’ which means
68. (b) Diligent means hardworking. Its
So, ‘affable’ is its antonym. ‘genuine’ means ‘authentic’. someone’. ‘something that is true’.
opposite will be ‘lazy’.
460 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms

28. (a) Liberty means freedom to do

something what you want. Its
opposite will be ‘constraint’ which
means ‘something that limits a person
or thing’.
29. (a) Essential means something that is
very necessary. Its opposite will be
‘unimportant’ which means ‘not
important’.
30. (d) Modest means not telling too
much about your own abilities.
‘Immodest’ has just opposite meaning
of ‘modest’.
31. (b) Candid means speaking openly
and honestly. Its opposite will be
‘guarded’ which means ‘not showing
41. (a) Frail means weak. So, its antonym
is ‘strong’ which means ‘powerful’.
42. (b) Indigenous means native or
belonging naturally to a place. So,
‘foreign’ is its antonym.
43. (a) Poverty means being poor or the
state of being poor. So, ‘prosperity’ is
its antonym.
44. (b) Wholesome implies healthy or
healthful. So, its opposite is
‘unhealthy’.
45. (a) Applauded means praised. So,
‘disapproved’ is its correct antonym
which means ‘not praised or
criticised’.
57. (b) Thrifty means economical or
money saving. Its opposite will be
‘extravagant’ which means ‘spend
much’.
58. (c) Pride here means the belief that
you are better or more important
than other people. So, ‘humility’ will
be its correct antonym, which means
humble feeling.
59. (d) Concealed means to hide. So, its
antonym will be ‘revealed’ which
means ‘to disclose’.
60. (b) Denounced means to criticise. So,
‘recommended’ is its antonym that
means ‘to praise’.
61. (b) Skeptical means doubtful, so
04
SYNONYMS
your feeling’. correct antonym will be ‘certain’.
46. (b) Material means earthly or related
32. (c) Condone means to accept to wealth. So, ‘spiritual’ is the correct 62. (d) Coherent means in connection to
behaviour that is morally wrong. Its antonym which means ‘divine’. one another. So, ‘disconnected’ is just
opposite will be ‘condemn’ which opposite in its meaning.
means ‘to express strong disapproval 47. (d) Friendly means kind and pleasant.
for moral reasons’. So, ‘hostile’ is the correct antonym 63. (a) Altruistic means not selfish, so its Another aspect of vocabulary is questions based on similar words. These questions are 8 to 10 in number
which means ‘unfriendly’. correct antonym is ‘selfish’. and may be either in sentence format or in direct format. To answer the questions based on sentence
33. (a) Severed means to completely end
a relationship with somebody. Its 48. (a) Intelligent means smart. So, ‘dull’ 64. (d) Deft means skillful and quick. Its format, the candidate is required to answer according to the context within.
opposite will be ‘join’ which means ‘to is its correct antonym which means opposite will be ‘clumsy’ which means
connect’. ‘stupid’. ‘doing something without skill’.
34. (c) Fuzzy means confused. It opposite 49. (b) Reluctant means unwilling. So, 65. (b) Urbane means confident and
will be ‘clear’ which means ‘easy to ‘willing’ is the correct antonym which well-mannered. Its opposite will be
understand’. means ‘ready’. ‘rude’ which means ‘being impolite’.
Synonyms are the words which have a similar meaning to that of a given word.
35. (b) Slimy means covered with 50. (a) Abandoned means to leave and 66. (b) Timidity means showing a lack of
unpleasant liquid or substance. Its courage or confidence. Hence, e.g. The synonyms of the word ‘reside’ is abode, dwell, to live, etc.
never return to someone who needs
opposite will be ‘clean’ which means ‘boldness’ is its opposite. Here, all the underlined words have the same meaning in context to the given word.
protection or help. So, ‘supported’ will
‘not dirty’. be its antonym. 67. (b) Mammoth means extremely large.
Therefore, ‘small’ is its opposite.
Questions on synonyms are based on direct and sentence format, which are as follow
36. (b) Anxious means ‘very eager or 51. (b) Abounds means exist in large
concerned to do something or for
something to happen’. Its opposite
numbers. So, ‘lacks’ is the correct 68. (b) Engrossed means absorb all the
attention or interest of someone. So,
1. Direct Format
antonym which means ‘deficit’.
will be composed, which means calm. ‘inattentive’ is its opposite. In this format a word is given and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which is the correct meaning
52. (d) Adversity means a difficult or of the given word.
37. (c) Extended means to make 69. (a) Preceding means coming before in
unlucky situation. So, ‘prosperity’ is its
something longer or larger. Its order. Its opposite will be ‘following’ e.g. Which of the given words is closest in meaning of the words provided?
correct antonym.
opposite will be ‘curtailed’ which which means ‘next in order’. REMOTE
means ‘to limit something or make it 53. (a) Affluence means state of richness.
shorter’. 70. (c) Shrewd means able to judge a (a) Automatic (b) Distant (c) Mean (d) Savage
So, ‘indigence’ is the correct antonym
situation accurately. So, ‘incorrect’ is
38. (a) Escape means to avoid something which means ‘extreme poverty’. Explanation (b) Remote means located far away and ‘Distant’ also means ‘far away in space or time’. While, Automatic
its opposite.
unpleasant or dangerous. Its opposite means done or occurring spontaneously, Mean means intend to convey or refer to and Savage means cruel and
54. (b) Squandering means wasting. So,
‘arrest’ which means ‘to be captured’. 71. (b) Severe means intense or serious’. vicious. So, the right synonym for ‘Remote’ is ‘Distant’. Hence, option (b) is the correct choice.
‘hoarding’ is its correct antonym So, ‘mild’ is its opposite.
which means ‘to collect’.
39. (b) Inhuman means lacking kindness
and pity. Its opposite will be 72. (a) Cumulatively means increasing or 2. Sentence Format
55. (a) Shabbily means ‘badly’. Its enlarging by successive addition. So,
‘compassionate’ which means ‘feeling opposite will be ‘decently’ which In this format one word of a sentence is highlighted and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which
or showing sympathy’. ‘individually’ is its opposite.
means ‘well sophisticated’. is similar in meaning to the highlighted word.
73. (d) Conspicuous means easy to see or
40. (d) Eloquent means able to use
56. (c) Urbane means polite. So, ‘rude’ is
e.g. Which of the given word have the same meaning to the word written in capital letters?
language and express your opinions get noticed. So, ‘unnoticeable’ is its
the correct antonym which means opposite. A person gets WEAK mobile signal in remote area.
well. Its opposite will be ‘inarticulate’
‘impolite’. (a) fluctuating (b) falling (c) low (d) distant
which means ‘not expressed clearly’.
Explanation (c) In this sentence ‘Weak’ is used as ‘Low’ mobile signal. While, Fluctuating (rise and fall), Falling (drop
down) and Distant (faraway) are different in meaning to the given word. Hence, option (c) is the correct choice.
462 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 463

CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY 48. EXPOSTULATE

(a) Protest (b) Agree
58. Teaching in universities is now
considered a LUCRATIVE job.
71. She is a woman of STERLING
qualities.
(c) Follow (d) Argue (a) risky (b) profitable (a) interesting (b) outstanding
FIND THE SYNONYM OF GIVEN WORDS 49. ABSURD (c) honourable (d) undignified (c) irritating (d) exciting
(a) Senseless (b) Clean 59. The committee conducted an 72. Although the boys in his class
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-50) In the 16. NEGLIGIBLE 32. BESPOKE (c) Abrupt (d) Candid EXHAUSTIVE inquiry. were naughty, he never resorted
following items, which of the given (a) Insignificant (b) Arguable (a) Gentle (b) Quiet (a) time-consuming to CORPORAL punishment.
words is closest in meaning to the 50. PHILANTHROPY (a) harsh (b) physical
(c) Careless (d) Dark (c) Tailored (d) Handsome (a) Generosity (b) Perversity (b) complicated
words provided. (c) renewed (c) unjust (d) general
17. PLACID 33. DIFFIDENT (c) Perjury (d) Flaunting
1. MODEST (d) thorough 73. He wanted to MITIGATE his
(a) Calm (b) Lazy (a) Apathetic (b) Shy
(a) Attractive (b) Clever 60. He is just LAYING UP a lot of burdens.
(c) Solemn (d) Devious (c) Arrogant (d) Quarrelsome Directions (Q. Nos. 51-100) Each of (a) lessen (b) increase
(c) Current (d) Humble trouble for himself.
18. RAKE 34. PROFFER the following items consists of a (c) postpone (d) leave
2. CUSTOM sentence followed by four words or (a) clearing (b) accumulating
(a) Thin (b) Scoundrel (a) Mendicant (b) Wastrel
(a) Dessert (b) Habit (c) accepting (d) removing 74. She adjusted quite well with her
(c) Gentleman (d) Shovel (c) Predict (d) Tender group of words. Select the synonym
(c) Ethic (d) Deliver husband’s IDIOSYNCRASIES.
of word (occurring in the sentence in 61. He fought the demon with all
19. DUPE 35. MORDANT (a) peculiar habits
3. PROLONG capital letters) as per the context. his MIGHT.
(a) Rancher (b) Trick (a) Dead (b) Gruesome (b) bad habits
(a) Extend (b) Inquire (a) heaviness (b) strength
(c) Simpleton (d) Drug (c) Fetid (d) Caustic 51. The engineer ROUGHED OUT (c) weaknesses
(c) Relax (d) Wait (c) density (d) popularity
20. STIGMA 36. CHURLISH his ideas on a piece of paper (d) stupid manners
4. HUSTLE while he talked. 62. Devotees believe that God
(a) Stain (b) Trial (a) Childish (b) Boorish 75. The Deputy Inspector General
(a) Dance (b) Hurry (a) shaped roughly DWELLS in their heart.
(c) Difficulty (d) Holiness (c) Tempestuous (d) Disorderly made a PERFUNCTORY
(c) Busy (d) Clean (b) rejected (a) lives (b) insists
inspection of the police station.
21. RESIDE 37. ANTEDILUVIAN (c) drew a quick plan (c) travels (d) enters
5. SOLEMN (a) thorough and complete
(a) Remain (b) Home (a) Antiquated (b) Parched (d) described inaccurately
(a) Amusing (b) Harmful 63. Not everyone can RESPOND TO (b) superficial
(c) Dwell (d) Sediment (c) Nonsectarian (d) Nonsensical
(c) Speech (d) Serious 52. He fell into an ABYSS of a difficult question quickly. (c) done as a routine but without
22. COVETOUS 38. PICAYUNE despair. (a) discuss (b) argue interest
6. IMPLY (a) Quiet (b) Sneaky (a) Petty (b) Spicy (c) answer (d) deny (d) intensive
(a) Suggest (b) Stab (a) well
(c) Lurking (d) Greedy (c) Paltry (d) Southern (b) deep pit
(c) Thick (d) Destroy 64. The sage did not want to be 76. The decision to drop the atom
23. ABIDE 39. SMITE (c) sea bothered with MUNDANE bomb on Hiroshima was a
7. RAMBLE (a) Endure (b) Hate (a) Flee (b) Speck (d) hollow concerns. GRAVE one.
(a) Knot (b) Confuse (c) Attendance (d) Live (c) Dirt (d) Strike (a) worldly (b) meaningless (a) serious (b) momentous
(c) Wander (d) Wonder 53. He had the AUDACITY to
24. SHREWD 40. WINNOW interrupt the Governor of the (c) trivial (d) superfluous (c) instinctive (d) impulsive
8. BENEFICIAL (a) Intractable (b) Mean (a) Carve (b) Wind State while the latter was 65. Mountaineering in bad weather 77. A scientist generally carries out
(a) Help (b) Advantageous (c) Astute (d) Intelligent (c) Weed (d) Carry addressing a gathering of is DANGEROUS. his investigations
(c) Charity (d) Wise academicians. (a) threatening (b) shaky EMPIRICALLY.
25. FETTER 41. EXPLOIT
9. FLARE (a) courage (b) authority (c) perilous (d) slippery (a) by intuitively
(a) Rancid (b) Praise (a) Utilise (b) Alert
(a) Judicial (b) Temper (c) foolishness (d) arroganace (b) by verbally
(c) Hamper (d) Persist (c) Support (d) Neglect 66. Stellar groupings tend to be
(c) Style (d) Blaze 54. After weeks of FRENETIC UNLIMITED. (c) by through written
26. FLAGRANT 42. DETRIMENTAL communication
10. NEGLIGENT activity, the ground was ready (a) lengthy (b) heavenly
(a) Vibrant (b) Glaring (a) Demolition (b) Aversion (d) by observation and experiment
(a) Pajamas (b) Morbid for the big match. (c) huge (d) infinite
(c) Vicious (d) Pleasant (c) Beneficial (d) Harmful
(c) Careless (d) Dark (a) strenuous (b) hurried 78. He is employed in an
27. MITIGATE 43. SHARP 67. One who rules with unlimited
(c) excited (d) hectic ORDNANCE factory.
11. ALOOF (a) Relieve (b) Blend (a) Bleakly (b) Bluntly power is called a DICTATOR.
55. The students took COPIOUS (a) anarchist (b) autocrat (a) orthodox
(a) Above (b) Tidy (c) Defend (d) Confuse (c) Exactly (d) Blond
notes during the lecture (c) egoist (d) sychophant (b) arms and ammunition
(c) Clever (d) Reserved
28. RAIL 44. CONDEMN delivered by the visiting (c) electrical and electronic
12. RESOLVE (a) Scold (b) Push (a) Censure (b) Approve 68. He was not ready with his (d) ordinary and common
professor.
(a) Turn (b) Puzzle (c) Try (d) Punish (c) Recommend (d) Praise ANNUAL accounts.
(a) extensive (b) exhaustive 79. He is a SYCOPHANT who tries
(c) Decide (d) Want (a) yearly (b) important
29. MELD 45. RELUCTANT (c) bounteous (d) abounding to win over
(c) monthly (d) permanent
13. CONGREGATE (a) Character (b) Distinction (a) Disinclined (b) Anxious 56. Very few people are politicians.
(a) Worship (b) Gather (c) Blend (d) Firmness (c) Refuse (d) Eager 69. Society cannot depend upon a (a) psychologist
IMPERVIOUS to criticism.
(c) Disturb (d) Hurry FANATIC for guidance. (b) opportunist
30. RALLY 46. INTRICATE (a) impenetrable (b) unaffected
(a) optimist (b) martyr (c) unscrupulous man
14. UTTER (a) Demonstrate (b) Muster (a) Complicated (b) Simple (c) unstoppable (d) unmindful
(c) bigot (d) anarchist (d) flatterer
(a) Express (b) Defer (c) Course (d) Truly (c) Colourful (d) Good 57. The policemen kept on
(c) Borrow (d) Laugh 70. A busy person cannot waste his 80. I cannot believe in the
31. ABJECT 47. PENURY questioning the criminal but
time on TRIVIAL issues. VERACITY of his statement.
15. FEARLESS (a) Indigent (b) Desire (a) Prompous (b) Luxury failed to ELICIT the truth.
(a) unimportant (b) rude (a) truth (b) usefulness
(a) Powerful (b) Cowardly (c) Deplorable (d) Extreme (c) Poverty (d) Punitive (a) evoke (b) wrest
(c) crude (d) tribal (c) sincerity (d) falsity
(c) Brave (d) Careful (c) obtain (d) extort
464 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 465

81. I never believed that it was the 87. Please do not INTERFERE with 94. His bad behaviour EVOKED 7. He is not CUT OUT to be a 17. She thought that RUNNING 28. By 1918, Gandhiji had
AUTHENTIC signature of the my work. punishment. teacher. INTO her old friend was a stroke established himself as a leader
Prime Minister. (a) meddle (b) help (a) escaped (a) trained (b) suited of fate. with a UNIQUE way of
(a) hand-written (b) genuine (c) object (d) copy (b) called for (c) selected (d) guided (a) meeting by chance protesting exploitation and
(c) proper (d) authoritative (c) produced (b) colliding injustice.
88. This job is very TEDIOUS. 8. The Chief Minister (a) different (b) exceptional
(d) summoned (c) travelling with
82. Valiant Vicky used to BOAST of (a) tiresome (b) dull REPRIMANDED the officers (c) excellent (d) good
(d) quarrelling with
his bravery to his beloved wife. (c) interesting (d) exciting 95. Please do not give any more for their methods of handling
(a) cry (b) abuse FLIMSY pretexts for not having the public. 18. He was a CHARISMATIC leader. 29. Your INTERVENTION was
89. She TAKES AFTER her mother. (a) exceptionally fascinating required.
(c) hate (d) brag done the work. (a) adulated
(a) follows (b) comes after (b) particularly popular (a) interference (b) interruption
83. I can no longer be satisfied with (a) insubstantial (b) strong (b) scolded severely
(c) resembles (d) lmitates (c) compulsively pleasant (c) disturbance (d) connection
FICTITIOUS good conduct. (c) justified (d) impulsive (c) disapproved of
90. He is very intelligent, but (d) suspended (d) strangely haunting 30. It is difficult to DISCERN the
(a) based on facts 96. He was the court appointed
ILL-FAVOURED by nature. 19. She was completely sample on the slide without
(b) based on imagination lawyer for fifty-six INDIGENT 9. Sin is the sole calamity that a
(a) unlucky ENGROSSED in her work. adjusting the microscope.
(c) based on hatred defendants. wise man should
(b) weak in health (a) disturbed (b) absorbed (a) discard (b) arrange
(d) based on feudal ties (a) indian men (b) poor APPREHEND.
(c) short-tempered (c) fatigued (d) successful (c) determine (d) debate
84. MASS MURDER is very often a (c) guilty (d) untried (a) give up
(d) ugly
result of communal frenzy. 97. The boy said that pain had (b) discourage 20. He is an INDEFATIGABLE
(a) Patricide (b) Fratricide 91. The song had a SOPORIFIC ABATED. (c) comprehend worker. 2013 (II)
(c) Regicide (d) Genocide effect on the child. (a) reduced (b) vanished (d) fear (a) tired (b) tireless 31. A wise man puts past
(a) soothing (c) increased (d) stabilised 10. We must be proud of our (c) brave (d) skilful RANCOUR behind and moves
85. The two EXECUTIONERS (b) terrific
approached the tree with a red 98. He became known as an cultural HERITAGE. ahead.
(c) supreme
mark on its side. (d) sleep-inducing IMPLACABLE foe of (a) things we make for ourselves 2013 (I) (a) dislike (b) hatred
(a) executive engineers fundamentalism. (b) things we have lost (c) division (d) criticism
21. One must live life with
(b) explorers 92. His ALLEGIANCE to the party (a) relentless (b) pleasing (c) things we have from the past 32. Many of the villagers were
DIGNITY.
(c) experimenters was suspect from the very (c) dangerous (d) courageous (d) things we do for others ISOLATED by heavy showers of
(a) nobility (b) eminence
(d) those who inflict capital beginning. (c) honour (d) rank rains.
99. The queen was aware of the
punishment (a) servility
INSOLENT behaviour of the 2012 (II) 22. Europe, America and Japan have
(a) destroyed
(b) obedience (b) separated from others
86. The MAIDEN SPEECH of the lords. 11. MOMENTOUS changes are taken to the field of science with
(c) loyalty (c) battered
young member of the Lok Sabha (a) violent (b) polite taking place in the social and SINGULAR vigour and activity.
(d) passivity (d) devasted
was very much appreciated by (c) insulting (d) frivolous economic life of India. (a) peculiar (b) outstanding
the people. 93. Sympathetic criticism has a (a) Notorious (b) Momentary (c) familiar (d) single 33. A series of COLUMNS
100. Modern man is PRAGMATIC in
(a) farewell speech SALUTARY effect. (c) Official (d) Enormous supporting a large porch is
his dealings. 23. Our age is pre-eminently an AGE
(b) short speech (a) premature (b) terrible typical of medieval architecture.
(a) practical (b) playful 12. His condition of science.
(c) first speech (c) disastrous (d) beneficial (a) statues (b) arches
(c) casual (d) clever DETERIORATED day-by-day. (a) era (b) date
(d) speech about women (c) pillars (d) murals
(a) went bad (b) grew worse (c) generation (d) moment
(c) went down (d) grew bad 34. Trees that BLOCK the view of
24. Ant is believed to be the most
oncoming traffic should be cut
QUESTIONS FROM 13. She is pretty INSIPID young
lady.
INDUSTRIOUS creature.
(a) sensible (b) successful
down.
(a) alter (b) obstruct

NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016) (a) clever

(c) dull
(b) lazy
(d) lean
14. It is the difficulty or
(c) diligent (d) punctual
25. The schools insist on giving
WHOLESOME food to the
(c) improve (d) spoil
35. The landscape changed
ABRUPTLY after the snowfall.
SCARCITY of a thing that children for the proper growth of
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-69) Each of the following items, consists of a sentence followed by four words or group of words. makes it precious. their mind and body.
(a) suddenly (b) sharply
Select the synonym of word (occurring in the sentence in capital letters) as per the context. (c) favourably (d) slightly
(a) poverty (b) absence (a) whole crops (b) nourishing
(c) insufficiency (d) disappearance (c) fit (d) sound 36. We saw a SCINTILLATING
2012 (I) 3. EXAGGERATION of facts would 5. He INDUCES human beings to fireworks display.
15. We should not allow 26. As I look around, I see the
1. The convict’s INGENUOUS always lead to confusion. want things they don’t want. (a) fascinating (b) unforgettable
ADVERSITY to discourage us. crumbling ruins of a proud
explanation brought tears in (a) Simplification (a) influences (c) beautiful (d) sparkling
(b) dictates (a) poverty civilisation strewn like a vast
every eye. (b) Negation 37. The PACT has been in effect for
(c) persuades (b) darkness heap of FUTILITY.
(a) candid (b) secret (c) Emancipation twenty years.
(d) appreciates (c) time of trouble (a) irrelevance (b) absurdity
(c) insincere (d) consistent (d) Amplification (a) treaty (b) monarchy
(d) unfriendly criticism (c) pointlessness (d) downtrodden
2. The ENORMITY of the 4. After his father’s death, he 6. His information is not (c) lease (d) trend
AUTHENTIC. 16. He is very OBLIGING by 27. Mark Antony’s EULOGY of
population problem is irksome. became INSOLVENT. 38. He had a reputation of being a
(a) real (b) reliable nature. Caesar is finely recorded by
(a) intensity (b) vastness (a) rich (b) poor PRUDENT businessman.
(c) believable (d) genuine (a) helpful (b) nice Shakespeare in his play.
(c) cruelty (d) fragility (c) bankrupt (d) nonchalant (a) skilful (b) wealthy
(c) thankful (d) compelling (a) prayer (b) honour
(c) praise (d) denunciation (c) careful (d) dishonest
466 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 467

39. There was a signpost where the 49. The story is too fantastic to be 59. He was FIRED for negligence on
two paths CONVERGE. CREDIBLE. duty. ANSWERS
(a) separate (b) intersect (a) believable (b) false (a) relieved of his job (b) scolded
(c) merge (d) diverge (c) readable (d) praiseworthy (c) rebuked (d) attacked Check Your Vocabulary
40. The violence erupted because of 50. Catching snakes can be 1 d 2 b 3 a 4 b 5 d 6 a 7 c 8 b 9 d 10 c
the ZEALOT. HAZARDOUS for people
untrained in the art.
2016 (I) 11 d 12 c 13 b 14 a 15 c 16 a 17 a 18 b 19 b 20 a
(a) enthusiastic (b) brave
(a) tricky (b) harmful 60. Suddenly there was a bright 21 c 22 d 23 a 24 c 25 c 26 b 27 a 28 a 29 c 30 b
(c) timid (d) fanatic
(c) difficult (d) dangerous flash, followed by a
31 c 32 c 33 b 34 d 35 d 36 b 37 a 38 a 39 d 40 c
DEAFENING explosion.
2014 (II) (a) dangerous (b) terrifying 41 a 42 d 43 c 44 a 45 a 46 a 47 c 48 d 49 a 50 a
41. We should always try to
2015 (I) (c) mild (d) very loud 51 c 52 b 53 d 54 c 55 b 56 b 57 a 58 b 59 d 60 b
maintain and promote 51. Democracy is not the 61. He showed EXEMPLARY
standardising of everyone so as 61 b 62 a 63 c 64 a 65 c 66 d 67 b 68 a 69 c 70 a
communal AMITY. courage during the crisis.
(a) bondage (b) contention to OBLITERATE all peculiarity. (a) usual (b) durable 71 b 72 b 73 a 74 a 75 b 76 a 77 d 78 b 79 d 80 a
(c) friendship (d) understanding (a) demolish (b) extinguish (c) commendable (d) some 81 b 82 d 83 b 84 d 85 d 86 c 87 a 88 a 89 c 90 c
(c) erase (d) change
42. Many species of animals have 62. When the new teacher entered 91 d 92 c 93 d 94 b 95 a 96 b 97 a 98 a 99 c 100 a
become EXTINCT during the
52. Divine grace is truly the classroom, he found the
INEFFABLE.
last hundred years. pupils RESTIVE.
(a) aggressive (b) non-existent
(a) describable (b) spiritual
(a) at rest (b) idle
Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)
(c) indescribable (d) nameless
(c) scattered (d) feeble (c) quiet (d) impatient 1 a 2 b 3 d 4 c 5 c 6 d 7 b 8 b 9 d 10 c
53. The convocation address was
43. True religion does not require very EDIFYING. 63. There is no DEARTH of talent 11 d 12 b 13 c 14 c 15 c 16 a 17 a 18 a 19 b 20 b
one to PROSELYTISE through in this country.
(a) tedious 21 c 22 b 23 a 24 c 25 b 26 c 27 c 28 b 29 a 30 c
guile or force. (a) scarcity (b) availability
(b) in need of editing 31 b 32 b 33 c 34 b 35 a 36 d 37 a 38 c 39 b 40 d
(a) translate (b) hypnotise (c) plenty (d) absence
(c) instructive
(c) attack (d) convert 64. The servants RETIRED to their 41 c 42 b 43 d 44 c 45 d 46 a 47 a 48 a 49 a 50 d
(d) exciting
44. That the plan is both inhuman quarters. 51 c 52 c 53 c 54 b 55 d 56 d 57 b 58 d 59 a 60 d
and PREPOSTEROUS needs no (a) entered (b) went away
further proof.
2015 (II) (c) ran away (d) mobilised 61 c 62 d 63 a 64 b 65 b 66 d 67 b 68 d 69 a
(a) heartless (b) impractical 54. Many of his acquaintances avoid
him because he is so
65. The navy gave TACTICAL
(c) absurd (d) abnormal support to marines.
GARRULOUS.
45. The attitude of the Western (a) unreasonable (b) talkative (a) sensitive (b) strategic
countries towards the (c) quarrelsome (d) proud (c) immediate (d) expert
third-world countries is rather 66. A genius tends to DEVIATE
CALLOUS to say the least.
(a) passive
(c) cursed
(b) unkind
(d) unfeeling
55. He bore the pain with great
FORTITUDE.
(a) resignation (b) defiance
from the routine way of
thinking.
EXPLANATIONS
(c) indifference (d) forbearance (a) dispute (b) disagree
46. Whatever the VERDICT of (c) distinguish (d) different
history may be, Chaplin will 56. He gave his TACIT approval to
67. He was greatly DEBILITATED
Check Your Vocabulary
occupy a unique place in its the proposition.
(a) full (b) loud by an attack of influenza. 1. (d) Modest means to be free of 7. (c) Ramble means move aimlessly 14. (a) To utter means to ‘express’ in
pages. (a) depressed (b) weakened conceit or pretension. So, ‘humble’ from place to place. So, ‘wander’ is words.
(a) judgement (b) voice (c) clean (d) implied
(c) worried (d) defeated is its synonym. its synonym. 15. (c) Fearless means lacking fear or
(c) outcome (d) prediction 57. In spite of hard work, the
farmers could only get a 68. His efforts at helping the poor 2. (b) Custom means long established 8. (b) Beneficial means causing benefit. ‘brave’.
47. He CORROBORATED the are LAUDABLE. practice. So, ‘habit’ is its synonym. So, ‘advantageous’ is its synonym.
MEAGRE yield. 16. (a) Negligible means very small or
statement of his brother.
(a) satisfactory (b) scanty (a) welcome (b) sincere 3. (a) Prolong means lengthen in time. 9. (d) Flare means a fire. So, ‘blaze’ is unimportant. So, ‘insignificant’ is its
(a) confirmed (b) disproved
(c) plenty (d) normal (c) good (d) praiseworthy So, ‘extend’ is its synonym. its synonym. synonym.
(c) condemned (d) seconded
58. He was EXHILARATED at the 69. His conduct brought him 4. (b) Hustle means to quickly move. 10. (c) Negligent means marked by 17. (a) Placid means free of disturbance.
48. Whatever opinion he gives is outcome of the election results. REPROACH from quarters. So, ‘hurry’ is its synonym. neglect. So, ‘careless’ is its synonym. So, ‘calm’ is its synonym.
SANE. (a) satisfied (b) surprised (a) rebuke (b) sympathy 5. (d) Solemn means very serious or 11. (d) Aloof means not friendly. So, 18. (b) A rake is a dissolute person. So,
(a) rational (b) obscure (c) disappointed (d) overjoyed (c) indifference (d) remorse formal in manner, behaviour or ‘reserved’ is its synonym. ‘scoundrel’ is its synonym.
(c) wild (d) arrogant
expression. So, ‘serious’ is its 12. (c) One meaning of Resolve is to 19. (b) Dupe means deceive. So, ‘trick’ is
synonym. ‘decide’. its synonym.
6. (a) Imply means express indirectly. 13. (b) To congregate means to ‘gather’ 20. (a) Stigma means a mark of shame
So, ‘suggest’ is its synonym. in a group. or discredit. So, ‘stain’ is its synonym.
468 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Synonyms 469

21. (c) Reside means occupy a place as 43. (c) Sharp means ‘precisely or 63. (c) Respond and ‘answer’ have the 81. (b) Authentic means conforming to 87. (a) Interfere means to enter into the something unpleasant has happened.
one’s home. So, ‘dwell’ is its exactly’. So, both are synonyms of same meaning which means ‘say fact and therefore worthy of trust, concerns of others. So, ‘meddle’ is its So, ‘beneficial’ is its synonym.
synonym. each other. something in reply’. reliance or belief. So, ‘genuine’ is its synonym. 94. (b) Evoked means to cause a
22. (d) Covetous means wanting to 44. (a) Condemn means ‘to express 64. (a) Mundane and ‘worldly’ both synonym. 88. (a) Tedious means boring and too particular reaction or response to
have something too much. So, complete disapproval of or censure’. means the same, i.e. ‘of this earthly 82. (d) Boast means to say (something slow or long. So, ‘tiresome’ is its happen. So, ‘called for’ is its synonym.
‘greedy’ is its synonym. So, condemn and censure are world rather than a heavenly or about oneself ) in a proud or synonym. 95. (a) Flimsy is not likely to be true or
23. (a) Abide means accept or bear synonyms of each other. spiritual one’. self-admiring way. So, ‘brag’ is its 89. (c) Takes after means to look the to be believed. So, ‘insubstantial’ is
someone or something bad, 45. (a) Reluctant means unwilling and 65. (c) Dangerous and ‘perilous’ both synonym. same as or similar. So, ‘resembles’ is its synonym.
unpleasant etc. So, ‘endure’ is its hesitant. So, ‘disinclined’ is its have same meaning, i.e. ‘likely to 83. (b) Fictitious means ‘imaginary’. its synonym. 96. (b) Indigent means ‘very poor’.
synonym. synonym. cause harm or injury’. 84. (d) Mass murder means the savage 90. (c) Ill-favoured is abstract. So, 97. (a) Abate is ‘to decrease in strength’.
24. (c) Shrewd means having or showing 46. (a) Intricate is ‘complicated’. 66. (d) Unlimited and ‘infinite’ both and excessive killing of many people. short-tempered is its correct So, ‘reduced’ is its synonym.
sharp powers of judgement. So, 47. (c) Penury is the state of being very means the same, i.e. ‘without any So, ‘genocide’ is its synonym. synonym.
‘astute’ is its synonym. limit’. 98. (a) Implacable means ‘unable to be
poor. So, ‘poverty’ is its synonym. 85. (d) Executioners means one who 91. (d) Soporific means ‘tending to appeased or placated’. So, ‘relentless’
25. (c) Fetter means restrain. So, 48. (d) Expostulate means to express 67. (b) Dictator and ‘autocrat’ both puts to death. So, ‘those who inflict induce drowsiness or sleep’. So, ‘sleep is its synonym.
‘hamper’ is its synonym. strong disapproval or disagreement. means the same, i.e. ‘a ruler with capital punishment’ is its synonym. inducing’ is its synonym.
total power over a country’. 99. (c) Insolent means showing a rude
26. (b) Flagrant means too bad to be Hence, ‘argue’ is its synonym. 86. (c) Maiden speech means the first 92. (c) Allegiance means ‘loyalty or and arrogant lack of respect. So,
ignored. So, ‘glaring’ is its synonym. 49. (a) Absurd means extremely silly, 68. (a) Annual and ‘yearly’ have the speech given by a newly elected commitment to a superior or to a ‘insulting’ is its synonym.
27. (a) Mitigate means to make less foolish or unreasonable. So, ‘senseless’ same meaning as ‘occurring once member of a Legislature or group or course’.
every year’. Parliament so, ‘first speech’ is its 100. (a) Pragmatic is ‘based on practical
severe or painful. So, ‘relieve’ is its is its synonym. 93. (d) Salutary means having a good or judgements rather than principles’.
synonym. 69. (c) Fanatic and ‘bigot’ both means synonym. helpful result especially after
50. (a) Philanthropy is the practice of So, ‘practical’ is its synonym.
28. (a) Rail means ‘scold’ in harsh, giving money and time to help make the same, i.e. ‘a person filled with
abusive language. life better for other people. So, excessive zeal’.
29. (c) Meld means merge. So, ‘blend’ is ‘generosity’ is its synonym. 70. (a) Trivial and ‘unimportant’ have Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)
its synonym. 51. (c) Roughed out is a phrasal verb the same meaning which means ‘of 1. (a) Ingenuous means frank. The 10. (c) Heritage means ‘things we have 20. (b) Indefatigable and ‘tireless’ both
means ‘to draw a rough draft’. So, little value or importance’. word ‘candid’ too means ‘frank’. So, from the past’. So, option (c) is the mean ‘a person who is not weary’.
30. (b) Rally means ‘muster’ for a
common purpose. ‘drew quick plan’ is its synonym. 71. (b) Sterling means (of a person or it is the right synonym. correct synonym. So, they both are synonyms.
52. (b) Abyss means ‘a deep pit’. So, their work or qualities) excellent or 2. (b) Enormity means very great in 21. (c) Dignity and ‘honour’ mean ‘the
31. (c) Abject means extremely bad or 11. (d) Momentous means very big or
options, ‘sea’ will be its synonym. valuable. So, ‘outstanding’ is its size’. So, ‘vastness’ is the right quality of being worthy of respect’.
severe. So, ‘deplorable’ is its synonym. great and ‘enormous’ means the
synonym. 53. (d) Audacity means the rashness or synonym as it means the same. same. So, they both are synonyms. So, they both are synonyms.
brashness to do something. So, 72. (b) Corporal means of or relating to 3. (d) Exaggeration is ‘making 22. (b) Singular and ‘outstanding’ both
32. (c) Bespoke means custom made; the body. So, ‘physical’ is its 12. (b) Deteriorated means became
‘tailored’ also means custom-made. ‘arrogance’ is its synonym. something seem larger, more worse, so ‘grew worse’ is the mean ‘extremely good’. So, they both
synonym. important, better or worse than it are synonyms.
33. (b) Diffident means lacking in 54. (c) Frenetic means wildly excited or synonym.
active. So, ‘excited’ is its synonym. 73. (a) Mitigate means to make less really is’. Its synonym is 23. (a) Age means ‘a period of time’ and
confidence. So, ‘shy’ is its synonym. severe or painful. So, ‘lessen’ is its ‘amplification’. 13. (c) Insipid means ‘not exciting or
55. (b) Copious means abundant or ‘era’ means the same. So, they both
34. (d) Proffer means put something synonym. boring,’ so ‘dull’ will be the perfect
plentiful. So, ‘exhaustive’ is its 4. (c) Insolvent means ‘not having are synonyms.
forward for acceptance. So, ‘tender’ is 74. (a) Idiosyncrasies means an unusual enough money to pay debts, buy synonym as it means the same.
its synonym. synonym. 24. (c) Industrious means ‘hardworking’
way in which a particular person goods’. Its synonym is ‘bankrupt’ as 14. (c) Scarcity means not enough and and ‘diligent’ means the same. So,
35. (d) Mordant means cruel and 56. (b) Impervious means not able to be behaves or thinks. So, ‘peculiar it means the same. ‘insufficiency’ means the same, so
influenced, hurt or damaged. So, they both are similar words.
criticising in a humorous way. So, habits’ is its synonym. 5. (c) Induces means ‘to persuade they are synonyms.
‘caustic’ is its synonym. ‘unaffacted’ is its synonym. 25. (b) Wholesome and ‘nourishing’
75. (b) Perfunctory and ‘superficial’ both someone to do something’. So, the 15. (c) Adversity means ‘difficulty or both are synonyms as they mean
36. (b) Churlish means impolite. So, 57. (a) ‘Elicit’ and ‘Evoke’ mean the mean the same, i.e. ‘carried out answer choice is obvious. problem’, so ‘time of trouble’ could ‘healthy food’.
‘boorish’ is its synonym. same i.e. ‘to cause a particular without real interest, feeling or
response to happen’. 6. (d) Authentic means ‘true or real’. be the synonym of it.
effort’. 26. (c) Futility and ‘pointlessness’ both
37. (a) Antediluvian means very old or Among the options, ‘genuine’ is the 16. (a) Obliging means ‘helpful are similar words as they mean
old-fashioned. So, ‘antiquated’ is its 58. (b) Lucrative and ‘profitable’ both 76. (a) Grave means making you feel obvious synonym.
mean the same, i.e. ‘attractive and behaviour’, so ‘helpful’ is the perfect ‘uselessness’.
synonym. worried so, ‘serious’ is its synonym. 7. (b) ‘Not cut out to be something’ is synonym of it.
full of profit’. 27. (c) Eulogy means ‘to appreciate
38. (a) Picayune means of little value or 77. (d) Empirically means based on an idiomatic expression that means somebody’, that means ‘praise’ is the
59. (d) Exhaustive and ‘thorough’ both 17. (a) Running into means ‘to meet
significance. So, ‘petty’ is its observation or experience, not on not to be the right type of person synonym of eulogy.
have same meaning as ‘fully someone by chance’. So, they both
synonym. theory. So, ‘by observation and for something. Here, ‘suited’ is the
comprehensive’. are synonyms. 28. (b) Unique and ‘exceptional’ both
39. (d) Smite means to ‘strike’ heavily experiment’ is its synonym. right synonym.
60. (b) Laying up and ‘accumulating’ 18. (a) Charismatic means very mean unusual. So, they both are
especially with the hand. 78. (b) Ordnance refers to ‘arms and 8. (b) Reprimanded means to express synonyms.
both have same meaning, i.e. ‘build ammunition’, which is its synonym. someone your strong official attractive and ‘exceptionally
40. (c) Winnow means to get rid of, like up’. fascinating’ has the same meaning. 29. (a) Intervention and ‘interference’
‘weed’. 79. (d) Sycophant means ‘a person who disapproval of them. So, here correct
61. (b) Might and ‘strength’ both mean synonym would be option (b) So, they both are synonyms. both mean ‘unwanted involvement’.
41. (a) Exploit means to make full use of praises powerful people in order to So, they both are synonyms.
the same, i.e. ‘impressive power’. get their approval’. So, ‘flatterer’ is its ‘scolded severely’. 19. (b) Engrossed means ‘getting
and derive benefit from a resource. involved in something with full 30. (c) Discern and ‘determine’ both
So, ‘utilise’ is its synonym. 62. (a) Dwells and ‘lives’ have the same synonym. 9. (d) The contextual meaning of the
meaning which means ‘to live’. word apprehend, here is ‘fear’. So, attention’, so ‘absorbed’ will be the mean ‘to decide’. So, they both are
42. (d) Detrimental means ‘harmful’. 80. (a) Veracity means ‘truth’, which is synonym as it means the same. synonyms.
its synonym. option (d) is the correct synonym.
 05
470 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 471

31. (b) Rancour and ‘hatred’ both 43. (d) Proselytise directly implies ‘to 56. (d) Tacit and ‘implied’ are synonyms
mean ‘bitterness or resentfulness’. convert or attempt to convert from one to each other as both mean ‘not
So, they both are synonyms. religion to another’. So, ‘convert’ is its understood’.
32. (b) Isolated means ‘to separate synonym. 57. (b) Meagre and ‘scanty’ both have a
somebody physically or socially 44. (c) ‘Preposterous’ means unreasonable meaning ‘less in amount’. So, these
from other people or things’. and ‘absurd’ is the nearest in the are synonyms.
Hence, option (b) is correct. meaning of the word, fitting best to 58. (d) Exhilarated and ‘overjoyed’ are
33. (c) Columns means tall, solid, the statement. the similar words as both have same
vertical post and ‘pillars’ has 45. (d) Callous means ‘not caring about meaning, i.e. ‘extremely happy.’
exactly the same meaning. So, other people’s feelings or suffering’. 59. (a) Fired means ‘relieved of his job’.
they both are synonyms. The best synonym to the word is Hence, option (a) is correct.

SENTENCE
34. (b) Block and ‘obstruct’ mean ‘to ‘unfeeling’ which means ‘lacking
sensitivity towards others’. 60. (d) Deafening means ‘very loud’.
stop from seeing’. So, they both
are synonyms. 46. (a) Verdict means a formal answer or 61. (c) Exemplary means very good and
decision of the jury given to the court. suitable to be copied by others.
35. (a) Abruptly and ‘suddenly’ mean ‘Commendable’ means ‘praise worthy’,
‘Judgement’ also means ‘the decision of

IMPROVEMENT
‘unexpectedly’ and ‘changing therefore, option (c) is its synonym.
without knowledge’. So, they a court’. So, it is the nearest in the
both are synonyms. meaning of the word verdict. 62. (d) Restive means ‘unable to stay still
47. (a) Corroborated means ‘to provide or being controlled’. Therefore,
36. (d) Scintillating and ‘sparkling’ option (d) ‘impatient’ is its synonym.
mean ‘twinkling and shining evidence to support a statement’. So,
brightly’. So, they both are ‘confirmed’ is the correct answer among 63. (a) Dearth means ‘a lack or scarcity
synonyms. the given options. of something’. Therefore, option (a)
48. (a) ‘Rational’ means ‘logical or sane’ is is its synonym.
37. (a) Pact and ‘treaty’ both mean ‘a
formal agreement’. So, they both the appropriate answer among the 64. (b) Retired means ‘to go to a place’.
are synonyms. given options. According to the context of the Generally, 10 to 15 questions based on sentence improvement are asked in NDA/NA exam. In these
49. (a) Credible directly relates to sentence option (b) ‘went away’ is
38. (c) Prudent and ‘careful’ both most similar in meaning to the word
questions, a part of the given sentences is underlined. Out of the given options, an option is chosen for
mean ‘showing care and thought ‘believable or convincing’. So,
‘retired’. underlined portion, which may improve the sentence.
for the future’. So, they both are ‘believable’ is the appropriate answer.
synonyms. 50. (d) Hazardous means ‘that can be 65. (b) Tactical means ‘careful planning
dangerous or cause damage’. in order to achieve something’.
39. (b) Converge and ‘intersect’ both Therefore, option (b) ‘strategic’ is
mean ‘to move towards each 51. (c) Erase is most suitable synonym most similar in meaning to the word
other and meet at a point’. So, here in the context of the sentence as tactical.
they both are synonyms. ‘obliterate’ and ‘erase’ both mean ‘wipe Questions based on sentence improvement are designed to test a candidate’s knowledge of English grammar and
out’. 66. (d) Deviate means ‘to be different
40. (d) Zealot and ‘fanatic’ both from the rest’. Therefore, option (d) vocabulary. A sound knowledge of grammatical rules is highly beneficial in solving such questions. Study of grammar
mean ‘a person who is extremely 52. (c) Here, ineffable means ‘too great to ‘different’ is its synonym. along with constant practice is sure to give the desired result.
enthusiastic about something’. So, be expressed in words’. Hence, option
they both are synonyms. (c) indescribable is correct. 67. (b) Debilitated means ‘to weaken as
a result of an illness’. Therefore, In the questions given below, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given alternatives to the underlined part
41. (c) ‘Amity’ is the exact and 53. (c) ‘Instructive’ as well as edifying both option (b) ‘weakened’ is most similar which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case, no improvement is needed, option (d) is the
appropriate synonym of mean ‘providing intellectual instruction’. to the word ‘debilitate’. answer.
‘friendship’. 54. (b) Garrulous as well as ‘talkative’ 68. (d) Laudable means ‘worth e.g. The girl is wise despite her age.
42. (b) ‘Extinct’ and ‘Non-existent’ means ‘one who talks much’. So, both appreciation’. Therefore, ‘praiseworthy’
both mean ‘having no living are synonyms. is its correct synonym. (a) is her (b) than her
members’ (like dinosaurs) which 55. (d) Fortitude and ‘forbearance’ are (c) for her (d) No improvement
is exactly what the statement is 69. (a) Reproach means ‘expressing
synonyms as both mean ‘mental blame or criticism’. Therefore, option Explanation (c) In the above given sentence underlined word is despite her, we have to choose the correct option which will
talking about. So, ‘non-existent’ is strength and courage to face danger,
its synonym. (a) ‘rebuke’ is its synonym. improve the sentence. Among the given options ‘for her’ is best option which improves the sentence and makes it
pain etc’.
grammatically correct while ‘is her’, ‘than her’ and ‘at her’ are incorrect choices that are not grammatically correct.
Hence, option (c) is the correct choice.
472 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 473

IMPROVE THE SENTENCES 23. He sent a word to me that

he would be coming late.
31. The greatest thing in style is to
have a use of metaphor.
41. While crossing the highway, a
five year old child was knocked
(a) sent word (a) knowledge (b) command out by a passing car.
Directions (Q.Nos. 1-85) In the questions given below, a part of the sentence is underlined. Below are given (a) away
(b) had sent a word (c) need (d) No improvement
alternatives to the underlined part which may improve the sentence. Choose the correct alternative. In case, no (b) up
(c) sent words
improvement is needed, option (d) is the answer. 32. Infact, if it hadn’t been for his (c) down
(d) No improvement
invaluable advice on so many
(d) No improvement
1. He could not look anything in 8. We were not the wiser for all 15. Not a word they spoke to the 24. It became clear that the occasions I wouldn’t have achieved
the dark room. this effort to explain the case unfortunate wife about it. strangers were heading into anything in life. 42. Every time I go in a lift to my
(a) look at to us. (a) did they speak a serious disaster. (a) remarkable advice sixth floor apartment, I
(b) see (a) none (b) they will speak (a) along (b) valuable advices remember the calm and serenity
(c) see through (b) neither (c) they had spoken (b) towards (c) priceless suggestion of my ancestral home in the
(d) No improvement (c) nevertheless (d) No improvement (c) for (d) No improvement village.
(d) No improvement 16. More than one person was killed in (d) No improvement (a) move in a lift
2. He was fined for careless 33. To get one’s name in the Rowland
accident. (b) ascend in a lift
driving. 9. If I stood alone in defence of 25. Fifty kilometres are not a Ward’s book of hunting records was
(a) were killed (c) take a lift
(a) got fined truth, and the whole world is great distance in these days the hot ambition of every serious
(b) are killed (d) No improvement
(b) fined banded against me and against of fast moving vehicles. hunter.
(c) was to be fined truth. I would fight them all. (c) have been killed
(a) is not a great distance (a) extreme (b) burning 43. He found a wooden broken chair
(d) No improvement (a) will be banded (d) No improvement (c) high (d) No improvement in the room.
(b) is no distance
(b) were banded 17. If he had time, he will call you. (c) aren’t a great distance (a) wooden and broken chair
3. We look forward to hear from 34. I have lived in Delhi since I was
(c) banded (d) No improvement (b) broken wooden chair
you. (a) would have four.
(d) No improvement (c) broken and wooden chair
(a) hearing (b) would have had 26. I am used to hard work. (a) am living (b) lived
(d) No improvement
(b) have heard 10. During his long discourse, he (c) has (c) had lived (d) No improvement
(a) work hard
(c) listen did not touch that point. (d) No improvement 44. If the room had been brighter, I
(b) work hardly 35. My friend was in hospital for a would have been able to read for
(d) No improvement (a) touch upon 18. His powerful desire brought about (c) hard working week after an accident.
(b) touch on a while before bed time.
4. When the examinations were his downfall. (d) No improvement (a) through (b) following
(c) touch of (a) If the room was brighter
over Anil and me went to our (a) His intense desire (c) for (d) No improvement
native town. (d) No improvement 27. It was indeed a shock for (b) If the room are brighter
(b) His desire for power
her, but she has later 36. I want you to clearly understand (c) Had the room been brighter
(a) me and Anil 11. He has not and can never be in (c) His fatal desire
recovered from it. that matters. (d) No improvement
(b) Anil and I the good books of his employer (d) No improvement
(c) I and Anil (a) since (a) you clearly to understand 45. Practically, every part of the
because he lacks honesty. 19. All, but her, had made an attempt.
(d) No improvement (b) then (b) you to understand clearly banana tree is used by man.
(a) has not and cannot be
(a) All, but she, (c) afterwards (c) to clearly understand you (a) each part
5. Will you kindly open the (b) has not and can never been
(b) All, but herself, (d) No improvement (d) No improvement (b) any part
knot? (c) has not been and can never be
(c) All, but hers, (c) most part
(a) untie (d) No improvement 28. There is dearth of woman 37. If you cross the line, you will be
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement
(b) break 12. This matter admits of no doctor in our state. We shall disqualified.
20. I hope you vividly remember the have to recruit some from (a) cross upon the line 46. Hoping not to be disturbed, I sat
(c) loose excuse. premier of the film when I, my wife the other states. (b) cross on the line
(d) No improvement (a) admits to down in my easy chair to read
and you were present in the hall. (a) women doctor
(b) admits from (c) cross out the line the book. I won as a prize.
6. Realising the significance of (a) my wife, I and you
(c) admits (b) woman doctors (d) No improvement (a) I had won as a prize
technical education for (b) you, I and my wife
(d) No improvement (c) women doctors (b) I have won as prize
developing country, the (c) my wife, you and I 38. No sooner he had returned home
(d) No improvement (c) I had to win as a prize
government laid aside a large 13. You have come here with a (d) No improvement then his mother felt happy.
29. The poor villagers have (a) had he returned home when (d) No improvement
sum on it during the last view to insult me.
plan-period. 21. With a thundering roar the huge waited in the bitter cold for (b) he had returned home than 47. His father won’t be able to leave
(a) to insulting me rocket soared up from the launching
(a) laid up more than four hours now. (c) did he return home than for Varanasi until they have
(b) of insulting me pad.
(b) set aside (a) have been waiting (d) No improvement arrived.
(c) for insulting me (a) flew up
(c) laid out (b) had waited 39. There is no more room for you in (a) until they arrive
(d) No improvement (b) went upwards
(d) No improvement (c) has been waiting this compartment. (b) until they will have arrived
14. For all powers of reason and (c) took off
(d) No improvement (a) There is no more seat (c) until they will arrive
7. Other countries have understanding, we know a (d) No improvement
(b) There is no more space (d) No improvement
eradicated this disease ten little about life’s secrets. 30. Most donors would seriously
22. My opinion for the film is that it (c) There is no more accommodation 48. The company goes to great
years ago. protest any effort to
(a) a little of love secrets will bag the national award. (d) No improvement
(a) eradicated extrapolate from such length to ensure that employees
(b) little about life’s secrets (a) opinion to
(b) had eradicated limited data. 40. Young men and women should get can be comfortable in their work
(c) nothing about life’s secrets (b) opinion about
(c) did eradicated (a) protest against habituated to reading and writing environment.
(d) No improvement (c) opinion on
(d) No improvement (b) protest at about current affairs. (a) are comfortable
(d) No improvement
(c) protest to (a) used (b) prepared (b) will be comfortable
(d) No improvement (c) trained (d) No improvement (c) should be comfortable
(d) No improvement
474 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 475

58. If you are living near a 66. The dissidents hold a great 75. The matter called up an 79. I hope you won’t object to me (c) by which he arrived
49. The reason why he wrote the
market place you should be problem in every political party. explanation of his conduct. watching while you work. (d) No improvement
letter was because he could not
contact him over the phone. ready to bear the disturbances (a) cause (a) out (b) in (a) against me watching 83. There is no alternate, so we
(a) why he wrote the letter was since caused by traffic. (b) give (c) for (b) me to watch must leave now.
(b) for which he wrote the letter (a) to bear upon (c) pose (d) No improvement (c) to my watching (a) altering
because (b) to bear with (d) No improvement 76. The end of the examinations is (d) No improvement (b) alternative
(c) why he wrote the letter was that (c) to bear away an opportunity for celebrating. (c) alternation
(d) No improvement
67. Not long back, in Japan, a 80. The accused refused having (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement mysterious nerve gas affected a (a) chance (b) moment murdered anybody.
50. I shall be grateful to you if you 59. I shall not go until I am large number of people. (c) occasion (a) disagreed 84. I cannot listen what she is
are of help to me now. invited. (a) effected (d) No improvement (b) denied saying.
(a) till I am invited (b) infected 77. Our office clock is not so correct (c) declaimed (a) hear what
(a) help (b) would help
(b) unless I am invited (c) infested as it should be, it is usually five (d) No improvement (b) listen for what
(c) helped (d) No improvement
(c) if not I am invited (d) No improvement minutes fast. (c) listen to that
51. Will you lend me few rupees in (d) No improvement
81. We need honest workers, not (d) No improvement
68. As she was suffering from high (a) right people of redoubtable integrity.
this hour of need? 60. I took the cycle which he fever, she could not face the (b) regular (a) doubting 85. He is still in vigorous health
(a) lend me any rupees
bought yesterday. examination. (c) accurate (b) doubtful although he is on the right side
(b) borrow me a few rupees
(a) that he bought yesterday (d) No improvement (c) doubtless of sixty.
(c) lend me a few rupees (a) bear
(b) that which he had bought 78. You cannot forbid him leaving. (d) No improvement (a) wrong
(d) No improvement (b) suffer
yesterday (a) he leaving (b) left
52. He should move on to the next (c) take 82. By the time he arrived, (c) negative
(c) that he had bought yesterday (b) his leaving
(d) No improvement everybody had gone home.
point and not harp one string (d) No improvement (c) him to leave (d) No improvement
69. As he is past his teens now, he (a) when he arrived
only. 61. If you had attended the (d) No improvement
can look for himself. (b) at which he arrived
(a) harp on string only meeting, you would have
(b) harp only one string benefitted a great deal. (a) after
(c) harp upon one string only (b) to
(d) No improvement
(a) could benefit
(b) would benefit
(c) around
(d) No improvement
QUESTIONS FROM
53. Please make it a point to send a (c) benefitted
letter at my address.
(a) on my address
(d) No improvement
62. The cloud of misfortunes
70. Either he or I am going.
(a) he or I are going
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016)
(b) to my address appears to have blown out. (b) he is going or I am
(c) in my address (a) over (c) I or he is going Directions (Q. Nos.1-57) In this section, look at the underlined part of each sentence. Below each sentence are given
(d) No improvement (b) up (d) No improvement three possible substitutions for the underlined part. If one of them (a), (b) or (c) is better than the underlined part, indicate
54. The demonstration passed off (c) away 71. It will be no good trying to find your response against the corresponding letter (a), (b) or (c). If none of the substitutions improves the sentence, indicate (d)
peacefully. (d) No improvement an excuse next time. as your response. Thus, a ‘No improvement’ response will be signified by the letter (d).
(a) passed out (b) passed away 63. We had nothing to eat since (a) to try to find
(c) passed on (d) No improvement 8’o clock, this morning. (b) to try finding 2014 (I) 4. He is definitely the cleverer (a) had been saved
(c) trying finding among the two. (b) may have been saved
55. This telephone number is not (a) have had nothing 1. I don’t remember exactly when
(d) No improvement (a) in (b) of (c) could have saved
existing. (b) has had nothing did I go to Shimla last year.
(c) than (d) No improvement (d) No improvement
(a) has not existed (c) did have nothing 72. We did not see this movie yet. (a) when I did go
(b) does not exist (d) No improvement 5. He is resembling his father. 9. He is living in this house for the
(a) have seen (b) when I was going
past ten years.
(c) has not been existing 64. If you are not clear about the (b) have not seen (c) when I went (a) has resembled
(a) was living
(d) No improvement meaning of a word, it is wise (c) has seen (d) No improvement (b) was resembling
(b) had been living
56. Whenever my students come to look into a dictionary. (d) No improvement (c) resembles
2. Even he worked hard, he failed (c) has been living
(a) look for (d) No improvement
across new words, I ask them to 73. If I were you, I would do it at in the examination. (d) No improvement
(b) look at
look for them in the dictionary. once. (a) Since 6. Would you mind closing the 10. He is knowing the secret.
(c) look up
(a) to look it up (a) was (b) Although window?
(d) No improvement (a) knows
(b) to look them up (b) am (c) For (a) to close (b) in closing
(b) has been knowing
65. They are social insects, living (c) would be (c) for closing (d) No improvement
(c) to look at them (d) No improvement (c) was knowing
in communities, regulated by (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement 7. I can be grateful if you could (d) No improvement
definite laws, each member of 3. He was asked to arbitrate with
74. They set a strong guard, lest write to me about it.
57. Please remind me of posting these society bearing well-defined two merchants in a dispute. 11. The meeting has been put off to
anyone could escape. (a) would be (b) should be
letters to my relatives. and separate part in the work (a) to arbitrate between Friday next.
(c) must be (d) No improvement
(a) by posting of a colony. (a) would (b) to arbitrate at (a) put on
(b) to post (a) who are living in communities (b) might (c) to arbitrate 8. A majority of the passengers (b) put out
(c) for posting (b) living among a community (c) should (d) No improvement
could have been saved if the (c) put for
(d) No improvement (c) who lives with a community (d) No improvement driver had applied the brakes in (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement time.
476 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 477

12. If you will come with me I shall 22. Everybody who finished 29. The workers are hell bent at 37. No one could explain how a 44. After I saved some money, I (a) seldom
be happy. writing can go home. getting what is due to them. calm and balanced person like shall go abroad. (b) hardly
(a) come with me (a) had finished (a) hell bent on getting him could penetrate such a (a) shall save (c) ever
(b) had come with me (b) have finished (b) hell bent for getting mindless act on his friends. (b) should have saved (d) No improvement
(c) came with me (c) has finished (c) hell bent to getting (a) perpetuate (c) have saved 51. Applications of those who are
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement (d) No improvement (b) perpetrate (d) No improvement graduates will be considered.
30. You are warned against (c) precipitate 45. Can you arrange the car to be (a) whom are graduates
committing the same mistake (d) No improvement
2014 (II) 2015 (I) again.
ready this evening? (b) whose are graduates
(c) whom are only graduates
(a) arrange with the car
13. As the parties failed to reach any 23. Although, India is still by far (a) to commit
agreement, the meeting broke a poor country, it can become (b) for committing 2015 (II) (b) arrange for the car (d) No improvement

(c) against to commit (c) arrange that the car 52. It is raining heavily all through
through. rich if its natural and human 38. Had she been hungry, she would
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement this week.
(a) broke out (b) broke away resources are fully utilised. have devoured the whole lot of
46. Hardly had he reached home (a) has rained
(c) broke up (d) No improvement (a) few and far between 31. While we would like that all it.
when the telephone rang. (b) rains
(b) by and large Indian children to go to school, (a) Unless she had been hungry
14. If I have reached there by this (a) he had reached (c) rained
(c) by and by we need to ponder why they do (b) However she had been hungry
time tomorrow, I will write to you (b) did he reach (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement not. (c) As if she had been hungry
immediately. (c) he reached 53. The sparrow took no notice
24. The more they earn, more (a) that all the Indian children (d) No improvement
(a) reached (b) reach (d) No improvement about the bread.
they spend. (b) if all the children of India 39. Until you don’t finish the work,
(c) am reaching (d) No improvement (a) notice of
(c) all Indian children you won’t be given leave. 47. He is likely to win the elections
(a) More they earn, more they (b) notice from
15. My friend met me, unexpectedly, (d) No improvement (a) Until you must finish by the sweeping majority.
spend (c) notice to
when I looked for a taxi, 32. Due to these reasons, we are all
(b) More they earn, the more (b) Until finishing (a) with the sweeping majority (d) No improvement
desperately. in favour of universal
they spend (c) Until you finish (b) in sweeping majority
(a) had looked compulsory education. 54. As he spoke about his
(c) The more they earn, the (d) No improvement (c) by a sweeping majority
(b) was looking (a) Out of these reasons achievements, his high claims
more they spend 40. The names of the defaulters (d) No improvement amused us.
(c) had been looking (b) For these reasons
(d) No improvement have been cut off the register. (a) big
(d) No improvement (c) By these reasons
16. Her learning makes up towards 25. But in all these cases, (d) No improvement
(a) cut out 2016 (I) (b) tall
conversion from one scale to (b) struck out (c) long
her want of beauty. 33. When it was feared that the 48. When he heard the rhetorical (d) No improvement
another is easy because scales (c) struck off
(a) for (b) to serfs might go too far and gain speech of the leader, he was
have well-formulated. (d) No improvement 55. We ought to stand for what is
(c) against (d) No improvement their freedom from serfdom, the carried along by his enthusiasm.
(a) can be well-formulated protestant leaders joined the 41. This is a matter I’d rather not right.
17. If he got his enemy in his hand, (b) are well-formulated princes at crushing them. talk about. (a) carried aloft (a) stand at
he would have crushed him to (c) well-formulated (b) carried down (b) stand on
(a) into crushing (a) of which I’d rather not talk about
death. (d) No improvement (c) carried away (c) stand up
(b) in crushing (b) I rather not talk about
(a) has got (b) was getting (d) No improvement (d) No improvement
26. Five years ago on this date, I (c) without crushing (c) than I’d rather not talk about
(c) had got (d) No improvement 56. He enjoys to tell stories to
am sitting in a small Japanese (d) No improvement (d) No improvement 49. After the heavy rains last week,
18. Please ask your son to turn off car, driving across Poland 34. In India, today many of our the water in the lake raised children.
the radio, so that it is not quite so 42. Only when you left I did sleep. (a) how to tell stories
towards Berlin. intellectuals still talk in terms (a) I slept another two feet.
loud. of the French revolution and the (b) telling stories
(a) was sitting (b) did I sleep (a) rose another two feet
(a) in (b) back Rights of Man, not appreciating (c) to narrate stories
(b) sat (c) had I slept (b) arisen another two feet
(c) down (d) No improvement that much has happened since (d) No improvement
(c) have been sitting (d) No improvement (c) would raise another two feet
19. He said that when I have worked then.
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement 57. In a few minutes time, when the
(a) much has been happening 43. I will be happy if you will buy
for him for six months I would clock strikes six, I would be
get a pay rise.
27. The old man felled some trees (b) much had happened me apples. 50. One can live and work in a town
(c) much might happen
waiting here for an hour.
in the garden with hardly no (a) buy without being aware of the daily
(a) had worked (a) shall be waiting on
effort at all. (d) No improvement (b) bought
(b) have had worked march of the sun across the sky (b) shall have been waiting
(a) hard effort 35. Taxpayers are to be conscious of (c) will be buying
(c) did work without never seeing the moon (c) shall wait
(b) hardly any effort their privileges. (d) No improvement
(d) No improvement and stars. (d) No improvement
(c) a hardly any effort (a) have to
20. I am looking forward to joining (d) No improvement (b) need
your organization. (c) ought to
(a) join (b) join in
28. She says she’s already paid
me back, but I can’t (d) No improvement
(c) having joined (d) No improvement
remember, so I’ll have to take 36. I would have waited for you at
21. I am not sure why she is wanting her word. the station if I knew that you
to see him. (a) to take her word true would come.
(a) she wants (b) to take her at her word (a) had known
(b) is she wanting (c) to take her word for it (b) was knowing
(c) she want (d) No improvement (c) have known
(d) No improvement (d) No improvement
478 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Improvement 479

20. (c) The correct sequence should be 40. (a) ‘Used’ can be used in place of 60. (c) ‘That he had bought yesterday’
ANSWERS 3rd person, 2nd person and 1st ‘habituated’ to improve the uses the correct tenses as per the
person. So, ‘my wife, you and I would sentence. given sentence.
Improve the Sentences be used.
41. (c) ‘Knocked out’ does not make 61. (d) No improvement
1 b 2 d 3 d 4 b 5 a 6 b 7 a 8 a 9 b 10 a 21. (c) ‘Took off ’ is the right phrase that sense with the given sentence. ‘out’
should be used with ‘rocket’. 62. (a) ‘Over’ would make right sense
11 c 12 d 13 b 14 b 15 a 16 a 17 c 18 b 19 a 20 c should be replaced by ‘down’. with ‘blown’.
22. (b) ‘Opinion about’ makes the right 42. (c) ‘Take a lift’ should be used in
21 c 22 b 23 a 24 b 25 a 26 d 27 a 28 b 29 a 30 a sense in the given sentence. 63. (a) ‘Have had nothing’ fits properly
place of ‘go in a lift’. as per the sentence structure.
31 a 32 d 33 b 34 d 35 b 36 d 37 d 38 c 39 b 40 a 23. (a) The phrase ‘send word to
43. (b) ‘Broken wooden chair’ conveys 64. (c) ‘Look up’ means ‘to find’. So,
41 c 42 c 43 b 44 c 45 d 46 a 47 a 48 a 49 c 50 b someone’ means to convey a message
the right meaning. ‘look up’ should be used in place of
to someone. So, ‘sent a word’ in the
51 c 52 c 53 b 54 d 55 b 56 b 57 b 58 b 59 b 60 c given sentence would be changed to 44. (c) ‘Had the room been brighter’ ‘look into’.
61 d 62 a 63 a 64 c 65 d 66 c 67 b 68 c 69 a 70 d ‘sent word’. makes the sentence grammatically 65. (d) No improvement
24. (b) ‘Towards’ is the right word to be correct.
71 a 72 b 73 d 74 c 75 c 76 c 77 c 78 c 79 c 80 b 66. (c) ‘Pose’ should be used in place of
used with ‘heading’. 45. (d) No improvement ‘hold’.
81 b 82 d 83 b 84 a 85 a
25. (a) ‘Is not a great distance’ should be 46. (a) The sentence refers to an 67. (b) ‘Infected’ makes sense with the
used as ‘fifty kilometres’ in the given event in the past (won as a prize).
Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16) sentence is taken as a whole (i.e. So, we would use ‘I had won as a
given sentence.
1 c 2 b 3 a 4 b 5 c 6 d 7 a 8 d 9 c 10 a singular). prize’. 68. (c) ‘Take’ goes with ‘examination’. So,
we would replace ‘face’ by ‘take’.
11 d 12 a 13 c 14 b 15 b 16 a 17 c 18 c 19 a 20 d 26. (d) No improvement 47. (a) ‘Until they arrive’ should be
used to make the sentence 69. (a) ‘After’ should be used in place of
21 a 22 c 23 b 24 c 25 b 26 a 27 b 28 b 29 a 30 d 27. (a) The sentence talks about a point
grammatically correct. ‘for’ to make the sentence meaningful.
31 c 32 b 33 b 34 d 35 a 36 a 37 b 38 d 39 c 40 c in time (‘It was indeed a shock for
her’). So, we would use ‘since’ in place 48. (a) ‘Are comfortable’ should be 70. (d) No improvement
41 a 42 b 43 a 44 c 45 b 46 d 47 c 48 c 49 a 50 c of ‘later’. used to make the sentence 71. (a) ‘To try to find’ should be used to
51 d 52 c 53 a 54 b 55 c 56 b 57 b 28. (b) ‘Woman doctors’ should be used meaningful. make the sentence meaningful.
to convey the correct meaning of the 49. (c) ‘Because’ would not be used in 72. (b) ‘Have not seen’ should be used
sentence. the sentence as it states a reason. instead of ‘did not see’.
29. (a) The sentence refers to a Hence, ‘why he wrote the letter

EXPLANATIONS continuous activity (waiting). So ‘have

been waiting’ should be used.
was that’ would be used.
50. (b) ‘Would help’ should be used to
73. (d) No improvement
74. (c) ‘Lest’ is always followed by
‘should’.
30. (a) ‘Protest’ does not make sense in convey the right meaning of the
the sentence. It should be replaced by sentence. 75. (c) ‘Call for something’ means ‘to
Improve the Sentences ‘protest against’. 51. (c) ‘Lend me a few rupees’ should
be used as ‘lend me few rupees’ is
need something’.
76. (c) ‘Occasion’ is the right word that
31. (a) ‘A use’ does not convey any
1. (b) ‘Look’ does not make sense in 8. (a) ‘None the wiser’ is an idiom 14. (b) ‘Little about life’s secrets’ makes equivalent to no money. should be used in the given sentence.
which means ‘to still be confused meaning. It should be replaced by
the sentence. It should be changed proper sense with the given sentence
about something even after it has ‘knowledge’. 52. (c) ‘Harp upon one string only’ 77. (c) ‘Accurate’ is the right word. It
to ‘see’. as it means ‘negligible’. So, remove
been explained to you’. So, we would 32. (d) No improvement should be used to convey the should be used in place of ‘correct’.
2. (d) No improvement ‘a’.
replace ‘not’ by ‘ none’. correct meaning of the sentence. 78. (c) ‘Him to leave’ makes sense with
15. (a) As the sentence is in the past 33. (b) ‘Burning’ goes with ‘ambition’.
3. (d) No improvement Hence, we would replace ‘hot’ by 53. (b) ‘To’ should be used in place of the given sentence.
9. (b) As the verb in the first part of tense, ‘did they speak’ would be used.
the sentence is in past tense, we ‘burning’. ‘at’. 79. (c) ‘To my watching’ makes correct
4. (b) ‘Me’ should be replaced by ‘I’ to
make the sentence grammatically would change ‘is banded’ to ‘were 16. (a) As the given sentence mentions 54. (d) No improvement sense.
plural (‘more than one person’), the 34. (d) No improvement
correct. banded’ to make the sentence 55. (b) ‘Does not exist’ makes the 80. (b) Refused should be replaced by
correct. plural verb ‘were’ would be used in 35. (b) As one activity in the given
5. (a) The word ‘untie’ is used with sentence (being in hospital) follows sentence meaningful. ‘denied’ to make it correct.
place of ‘was’.
‘knot’. So, we would replace ‘open’ by 10. (a) ‘Touch upon’ makes the correct another (accident), we would use 56. (b) ‘To look them up’ means ‘to 81. (b) It should be ‘doubtful’ in place of
‘untie’. sense in the given sentence. 17. (c) The sentence mentions an
‘following’. find their meaning’. So, we would ‘redoubtable’.
incident in present tense, so ‘has’
6. (b) ‘Laid aside’ does not make sense. 11. (c) ‘Has not been and can never be’ 36. (d) No improvement use option (b).
should be used in place of ‘had’. 82. (d) No improvement
It should be replaced by ‘set aside’. should be used as the incident in 57. (b) ‘To post’ is the right usage. It
the given sentence refers to a 18. (b) ‘His desire for power’ makes 37. (d) No improvement 83. (b) It should be ‘alternative’ in place
7. (a) As the sentence is in past tense,
should be used in place of ‘of of ‘alternate’.
continuous event in the past. sense with the given sentence. 38. (c) ‘No sooner’ is followed by ‘than’. posting’.
we will use ‘eradicated’ in place of Hence, we would use ‘did he return 84. (a) It should be ‘hear what’ in place
12. (d) No improvement 19. (a) In the given sentence, subject 58. (b) ‘To bear with’ should be used
‘have eradicated’. Because the time is home than’. of ‘listen what’.
also given of the completion of the 13. (b) ‘To’ should be replaced by ‘of ’ pronoun ‘she’ should be used in in place of ‘to bear’.
and ‘insult’ by ‘insulting’ to make the place of object pronoun ‘her’ to make 39. (b) ‘There is no more space’ would 85. (a) It should be ‘wrong’. Right
task. 59. (b) ‘Unless I am invited’ should be
sentence grammatically correct. the sentence grammatically correct. convey the correct meaning of the implies ‘less’.
used.
sentence.
 06
480 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion

Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-2016)

1. (c) ‘When I went’ will be used in 22. (c) We would use Present Perfect 40. (c) The correct verb to be used here is
the sentence in place of ‘when did I tense here. So, use ‘has finished’ in ‘strike off ’. ‘Strike off ’ means to erase
go’. place of finished. from a list. Its past tense is ‘struck off ’.
2. (b) ‘Although’ should be used in 23. (b) ‘By and large’ should be used 41. (a) We need a sentence connector. So,
place of ‘even’. in place of ‘by far’ as ‘by far’ does ‘of which’ is used here as a proper
3. (a) ‘To arbitrate between’ makes the not convey the right meaning. connector.
sentence grammatically correct. 24. (c) Use ‘The more they earn, the 42. (b) ‘Only when ...’ is an adverbial

SENTENCE
4. (b) ‘Of ’ will be used instead of more they spend’ which is phrase here and for this, we have to
‘among’. grammatically correct. use inversion form of the verb. So, ‘did
25. (b) ‘Are well-formulated’ should be I sleep’ is correct.
5. (c) ‘Resembles’ will be used instead
of ‘is resembling’. used in place of ‘have 43. (a) Use ‘buy’ here as the conditional

COMPLETION
well-formulated’. clause needs to be in Simple Present
6. (d) No improvement tense.
26. (a) The sentence is about past, so
7. (a) ‘Would be’ is the correct usage verb should also be in Past tense. 44. (c) ‘Saved’ should be replaced with
as ‘would’ is used for polite requests. Hence, ‘was sitting’ is correct. ‘have saved’ to show the consequence of
8. (d) No improvement 27. (b) ‘Hardly no effort’ is wrong. It the action.
9. (c) ‘Has been living’ will be used in should be replaced with ‘hardly any 45. (b) ‘Arrange for the car’ is suitable
place of ‘is living’. effort’. replacement for this sentence. ‘Arrange
28. (b) ‘To take someone at his/her for’ is an idiomatic expression which
10. (a) ‘Knows’ is the most appropriate means ‘to make plans for someone to Generally, 10 to 15 questions based on sentence completion are asked in NDA/NA exam. The question
choice. word’ means ‘to accept what
someone says on trust’. do something’. can be based on a sentence or on a paragraph format. The candidate has to choose the correct option to
11. (d) No improvement 46. (d) No improvement fill the blank from the given options.
29. (a) ‘Hell bent on getting’ is
12. (a) ‘Come with me’ will be used in correct, so it should replace ‘hell 47. (c) Use ‘by a sweeping majority’ which
the sentence. bent at getting’ in the sentence. is grammatically correct.
13. (c) If a meeting ‘breaks up’ it ends 30. (d) No improvement. 48. (c) From the given options, the idiom
and people leave. So, (c) is the right ‘carried away’ is appropriate. ‘carried
option. 31. (c) Remove ‘that’ before ‘all Indian
children’ to make it correct. away’ means ‘to become overly excited
14. (b) ‘Reach’ should be used in place or involved in something’. Sentence Completion comprises of filling up of the gaps given in a particular sentence individually or in a passage. The
of ‘have reached’ to make the 32. (b) ‘For these reasons’ is better sentence has a blank and is followed by four options. The candidate has to pick the correct option to fill the blank.
expression, so it should replace 49. (a) The sentence is in the past tense.
sentence grammatically correct. The past tense of the verb ‘rise’ is ‘rose’. A candidate should read the given sentence first and try to deduce the meaning of the statement. After that, the inferred
‘Due to these reasons’ in the
15. (b) Use of ‘was looking’ is sentence. Therefore, option (a) is correct. meaning should be matched with the given options. The close inferential word is to be selected as the choice.
appropriate here according to 50. (c) The word ‘ever’ is an appropriate
correct tense structure. 33. (b) Use of preposition ‘at’ is wrong,
option (b) i.e. ‘in crushing’ is substitution of ‘never’. Types of Questions
16. (a) ‘For’ should be used in place of correct expression. 51. (d) No improvement Generally, two types of questions are asked in the exam
‘towards’.
34. (d) The sentence cannot be 52. (c) The sentence is in past tense.
17. (c) Use of ‘had got’ is suitable here improved further. Therefore, option (c) is correct. Type 1 Single Sentence Completion
because here Past Perfect tense is Here only a single sentence is given with a blank. Candidate has to select the most appropriate word out of the given
required. 35. (a) ‘Have to’ should be used in 53. (a) The preposition ‘of ’ is used with
place of ‘are to’. the word ‘notice’ to form a meaningful choices. For Example
18. (c) ‘Turn off ’ means to switch the expression. The crows appear to behave ..........., actively helping one another to find food.
radio off. Here, there is a sense of 36. (a) If I ‘had known’ (past
low sound with radio still playing. imaginative case) is the correct 54. (b) ‘Tall claims’ is the correct (a) mysteriously (b) warily (c) aggressively (d) cooperatively
Hence, ‘turn down’ is suitable expression. expression. It means ‘over statement’. Ans. (d) Cooperatively as it stands for the quality of helping actively helping one another to find food.
because it means to lower the 37. (b) Use of ‘penetrate’ is wrong, 55. (c) The phrase ‘stand up for’ means to
volume. which means ‘to go inside’. It defend or support someone or Type 2 Sentence Completion in Passage
19. (a) ‘Had worked’ should be used in should be ‘perpetrate’ which means something. So, option (c) would be A small passage is given with many blanks. Each blank is to be filled with appropriate word. For each blank, three or four
the given sentence. ‘to commit a crime or a violent or used. choice words are given out of which correct word is to be chosen keeping in mind the context of the passage. e.g.
harmful act’. 56. (b) ‘Telling stories’ should be used in
20. (d) No improvement In recent years I’ve come across a number of instances in which students have developed devices and apps to help seniors
38. (d) No improvement place of ‘to tell stories’. and the disabled. But I was 1. (a) genuine impressed by a creation of a 12 2. (a) years old.
21. (a) ‘She wants’ should be used to
make the sentence grammatically 39. (c) Use ‘Until you finish’. We do 57. (b) The sentence is in future perfect (b) genuinely (b) ear
correct. not use ‘don’t’ when ‘until’ and continuous tense. Therefore, option (b) (c) gainly (c) year
‘unless’ are used in the sentence. should be used. Ans. 1. (b), 2. (c)
482 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 483

SENTENCE COMPLETION EXERCISE 29. Indications are that the

government has ……… to the
38. The Earth is at present in great
danger of becoming
49. The non-cooperative attitude of
the members can only ……… the

SET 1 SINGLE SENTENCE COMPLETION prospect of granting bonus to

the striking employees.
(a) relieved (b) aligned
uninhabitable because of ………
environmental pollution, which
is going on at an incredibly
image of the society.
(a) spoil
(c) degrade
(b) improve
(d) defame
(c) obliged (d) reconciled rapid pace. 50. If our friends are not able to take
Directions (Q.Nos. 1-83) Pick out 30. I was totally ……… by his line (a) gigantic (b) inhuman us in their car; we must make
10. We are not sure if their 19. The majority of village folk in (c) stupendous (d) colossal
the most effective word from the business is strictly ……… . India are illiterate and ……… of thinking and could not put ……… arrangements to go to the
given words to fill in the blank to (a) prudent (b) honest superstitious. forth any argument. 39. It was indeed unreasonable airport.
make the sentence meaningfully (c) judicious (d) legitimate (a) overtly (b) delicately (a) refuted (b) non-plussed ……… him to leave this job and (a) alternative (b) another
complete. (c) stubbornly (d) covertly (c) degraded (d) exhausted start business. (c) alternate (d) possible
11. The claims made by the (a) in (b) with
1. The two sisters look so ……… manufacturer of the product are 20. I must admit my parents stood 31. The ……… study on import of 51. Many ……… decisions were taken
natural gas from Iran through (c) upon (d) of at the meeting.
that it is difficult to tell one so extravagant that only the by me in my times of ……… .
from the other. ……… will accept them on face (a) passion (b) duress pipeline would be completed 40. Rohit behaves strangely at (a) hectic (b) historic
(a) same (b) similar value. (c) involvement (d) criticism
shortly. times and therefore, nobody (c) historical (d) historinic
(c) identical (d) alike (a) cynical (b) gullible (a) natural (b) economic gets ……… with him. 52. We had to pay more taxi fare
(c) rich (d) indifferent 21. Even if it rains all day I will not (c) feasibility (d) calculated (a) about (b) through
2. Since one cannot read every because the driver brought us by a
be able to ……… my journey. (c) along (d) up
book, one should be content 12. Justice should be ……… 32. Man is ………, however, he is ……… route.
(a) put by (b) put out
with making a ……… selection. even-handedly. more in need of mental 41. It was difficult to remove my (a) circular (b) circumscribed
(c) put off (d) put away
(a) normal (b) standard (a) discharged companionship than of feet as it had got stuck ……… (c) longest (d) circuitous
(c) sample (d) judicious (b) performed 22. Help yourself ……… whatever physical companionship. in the mud. 53. The team was well trained and
(c) declared you can use without wasting. (a) biological (b) egoistic (a) fairly (b) greatly strong, but somehow their ………
3. Success comes to those who are (a) with (b) to (c) gregarious (d) democratic (c) widely (d) firmly
(d) administered was low.
vigilant not to permit ……… (c) in (d) for
from the chosen path. 13. The leader of the opposition 33. Shivalal ……… classical music. 42. Due to security reasons, we (a) feeling (b) moral
(a) diversion (b) deviation party condemned the communal 23. Indigenous products are now He always prefers Bhimsen were ……… entry to the (c) consciousness (d) morale
(c) obstruction (d) alienation riots in ……… terms. comparable ……… imported Joshi to Asha Bhonsale and assembly hall. 54. The ……… brought against the
(a) unambiguous goods in quality. Pandit Jasraj to Kumar Sanu. (a) stopped (b) denied ministry was rejected by a vast
4. His actions had ……… pain and (a) adores (b) cares (c) warned (d) rejected
(b) unparliamentary (a) against (b) to majority in the Lower House of
suffering on thousands of (c) cultivates (d) apprehends
(c) unequivocal (c) than (d) from 43. ……… the arrival of the police, Parliament.
people.
(d) uncontrollable 24. The Director pointed out in 34. He is the best man for this job. nobody went near the victim. (a) bill (b) motion
(a) deplored (b) eliminated
(c) affected (d) inflicted 14. They should spend less time favour of the manager that the He has mental ……… to carry (a) Unless (b) Although (c) decree (d) suit
……… about and more with profitability of the plant had it out. (c) Even (d) Till 55. Owing to the power cut in the
5. He has good ……… over the (a) adroitness (b) durability
famous world languages. their children. ……… since he has taken over. 44. The car in which the minister area, factories are being forced to
(a) gallivanting (b) gravitating (a) added (b) arisen (c) persuasion (d) predilection was travelling ……… with an ……… men.
(a) authority (b) expertise
(c) hold (d) command (c) frisking (d) flirting (c) increased (d) declined 35. We still have not given our accident. (a) throw away (b) send off
15. The government’s handling of 25. Madan ……… the first prize in ……… to conduct the survey of (a) hit (b) drove (c) put off (d) lay off
6. The lions in the Gir forest are natural resources in our state. (c) crashed (d) met
protected as they come under the situation led to ……… this competition. 56. In a changing and ………
(a) consent (b) request 45. Divya always ……… the
……… species. violations of human rights. (a) have won (b) win unstructured business
(c) provision (d) projection permission of her father before
(a) dangerous (b) engendered (a) tumultuous (b) obvious (c) has won (d) is winning environment, creativity and
(c) enamoured (d) endangered (c) ostensible (d) flagrant 36. His party is solely to be going for movies. innovation are being ………
26. In large cities people are cut
blamed for the political ……… (a) seeking (b) seeks demanded of executives.
7. People who have an ……… 16. A bullet ……… his cheek. ……… from nature.
in the country. (c) sought (d) seeker (a) highly, extremely
reputation are often avoided by (a) grazed (b) glazed (a) down (b) out
(a) revival 46. It ……… that Punit will not be (b) progressively, increasingly
the rest. (c) grasped (d) screamed (c) off (d) away
(b) degradation selected for the post. (c) increasingly, moderately
(a) unsteady (b) unsavory 17. The injured man was still 27. As a general rule, politicians do (c) stalemate (a) feels (b) looks (d) excessively, rapidly
(c) unsafe (d) unsatisfied not ……… centre stage.
groggy and could only give a (d) devaluation (c) believes (d) seems
8. My father was too ……… to ……… account of the accident. (a) foster (b) forbid 57. Moreover, a fact finding mission
37. Now the management 47. Namrata was found to ……… ……… by BSN to India in
push open the heavy door. (a) garish (b) gangling (c) forgive (d) forsake graduate can expect to have a
(a) timid (b) faint (c) garbled (d) garrulous the required qualifications for January this year strongly
28. We cannot go on strike every prosperous life on a ……… the job. recommended that the French
(c) feeble (d) faltering income without having to
18. The teacher’s counsel had a year. Now that we have gone on (a) contain (b) disclose group should do it alone and not
9. He does not suffer from any ……… effect on the mischievous strike we must ……… this depend on finding a place in (c) posses (d) acquire hand over ……… to an Indian
……… disease at all. student’s conduct. issue. family business having to tend
(a) acute (b) chronic the paternal estates. 48. I purposely ……… meet you Partner.
(a) memorable (b) salutary (a) canvass (b) cross (a) organised, papers
(c) temporary (d) irregular (c) clinch (d) culminate (a) professional during my last visit to
(c) sudden (d) forceful (b) constituted, authority
(b) regular Kashmir.
(a) didn’t (b) won’t (c) sponsored, power
(c) meaningful
(c) hadn’t (d) wouldn’t (d) dispatched, control
(d) dependable
484 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 485

58. This partly explains how the

Mehta family has been able to
65. One major ……… between the
Election Commission and the
74. I am fully ……… the problems
facing the industry. SET 2 SENTENCE COMPLETION IN PASSAGE
……… its lavish lifestyle in Union Government is related to (a) alive with (b) alive to
recent times, despite the fact the powers of the former in (c) alive for (d) alive on Directions (Passages 1-62) In the following passages, at certain point, you are given a choice of three words marked (a),
that all its assets have respect of the deployment of
75. The Romans were ……… (b) and (c) or (a), (b), (c) and (d) one of which fits the meaning of the passage. Choose the best word out of the given ones.
been………. . central police forces at places
where elections are held. science.
(a) keep, removed
(b) afford, attached (a) irritant (b) conflict (a) bad in (b) bad to PASSAGE 1
(c) pain (d) culprit (c) bad for (d) bad at Once a tribal king went to a jungle for hunting. While hunting, he caught two parrots in his net. He was happy to
(c) develop, liquidated
(d) keep up, destroyed 66. Your present statement does not 76. Although, I was ........ of his catch the parrots as he could teach them to talk and then let his children play with the talking parrots.
……… what you said last week. plans, I encouraged him, But 1. (a) when the tribal king was returning home with his two parrots, one of the parrots escaped from the net
59. The Hubble Space Telescope will because there was no one else
search for planets around the (a) accord to (b) accord in (b) while
(c) accord with (d) accord for who was willing to help.
stars, a key to the ……… for (c) would
(a) sceptical (b) remorseful
extraterrestrial life and examine 67. I had a vague ……… that the (c) fearful (d) excited and 2. (a) flew away. The tribal king brought the other parrot home and taught it to 3. (a) squeak like him.
interstellar dust and gases out lady originally belonged to
77. You have no business to ........ (b) fly (b) cheat
of which stars are born. Scotland.
pain on a weak and poor person. (c) flown (c) speak
(a) perception (b) discovery (a) notion (b) expression
(c) enquiry (d) quest (c) imagination (d) theory (a) inflict (b) put Soon the parrot learnt to talk like a tribal man. The other parrot which had 4. (a) managed to escape, was caught
(c) direct (d) force (b) wanted
60. Soft minded individuals are 68. The prisoner showed no ………
……… to embrace all kinds of for his crimes. 78. Her uncle died in a car accident. (c) cried
superstitions. (a) hatred (b) obstinacy He was quite rich. She suddenly by a sage. The sage 5. (a) liked the parrot and taught him to recite holy hymns.
(a) disposed (b) eager (c) remorse (d) anger ........ all her uncle’s money. (b) strikes
(c) reluctant (d) prone (a) succeeded (b) caught
69. It is inconceivable that in many (c) wiped
(c) gave (d) inherited
61. He is a person of sound schools children are subjected to
character and ……… physical ……… in the name of 79. There was a major accident. The
disposition. discipline. plane crashed. The pilot ........ PASSAGE 2
(a) beneficent (b) morous (a) violation (b) exercise did not see the tower. The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest cat species, most recognisable for their pattern of dark vertical stripes on
(c) amiable (d) amicable (c) violence (d) security (a) likely (b) probably reddish-orange fur with a lighter underside. The largest wild tiger ever reported had a total body length of 3.38 m
(c) scarcely (d) hurriedly over curves and weighed 388.7 kg.
62. It being an ……… issue, it is 70. We have not yet fully realised
not correct to introduce the ……… consequences of the 80. The car we were travelling in Not only is tiger a beautiful animal but it is also the indicator of the 6. (a) forest’s health 7. (a) Blaming the tiger
questions of morality into the war. ........ a mile from home. (b) closet’s (b) Killing
debate. (a) happy (b) pleasing (a) broke off (b) broke down (c) man’s (c) Saving
(a) moral (b) immoral (c) grim (d) exciting (c) broke into (d) broke up
means we save the forest since tiger cannot live in places where trees have vanished and in turn secure food and
(c) amoral (d) irrelevant 71. Happiness consists in being 81. What are you ........ in the water for all. If we make sure tigers 8. (a) dive, we have to make sure that deer, antelope and all other animals
63. The communalist represents the ……… what we have. kitchen cupboard? (b) live
……… of everything noble that (a) contented to (b) contented with (a) looking in (b) looking on
(c) strive
we have inherited from our (c) contented for (d) contented in (c) looking to (d) looking for
culture and history. that the tiger eats (its prey base) live. To make sure that these 9. (a) carnivores live, we must make sure that all
72. His rude behaviour is a ……… 82. I did not see the point of ........
(a) antithesis (b) antidote (b) herbivores
his organisation. waiting for them, so I went
(c) immorality (d) antagonism home. (c) omnivores
(a) disgrace for
64. According to corporate circles (b) disgrace on (a) hanging around the trees, grass and other plants that these 10. (a) prey animals need for food are protected. In this way, the whole
data is pushing through the (c) disgrace upon (b) hang on (b) stray
merger to create financially ...... (d) disgrace to (c) hang together (c) gray
company in the processed foods (d) hanging up forest gets saved!
73. No child is ………
business, the group’s thrust understanding. One has to wait 83. He lost confidence and ........ of
area for the 1990’s. the deal at the last minute.
(a) acceptable (b) powerful
and provide proper guidance.
(a) dull to (b) dull in (a) backed out (b) backed on
PASSAGE 3
(c) leading (d) straight (c) dull of (d) dull for (c) backed down (d) backed onto If you’ve ever 11. (a) cloned a pet, you already know how much fun and affection they can bring. But did you know
(b) owned
(c) shoved
that pets also come with some 12. (a) pretty powerful mental and physical health benefits? Dogs in particular can
(b) gritty
(c) sunny
reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness and even 13. (a) improved
(b) imporves
(c) improve
486 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 487

your cardiovascular health. Caring for a dog can help children grow more secure and active or provide valuable PASSAGE 7 (47)…….. . Many of the King’s advisers turned against
companionship for 14. (a) older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a dog can add real joy and him and asked a powerful General (Chakri) to (48)…… .
The postal service is the government agency (32) .............
(b) oldest handles the mail. Its job is (33) ............. letters and Taksin and become the new King of Siam. General
(c) elder packages to people and businesses all over the world. Its Chakri overthrew Taksin and (49)…… himself King of
goal is to see that your mail gets to its destination (34) Siam. He was known as Rama and was the first ruler of
15. (a) conditional love to your life. the Chakri Dynasty. The Chakri Dynasty was (50)…. and
(b) provisional ............. possible. People (35) ............. the postal service to
deliver important letters and even valuables, (36) ............. it has (51)….. to the present day.
(c) unconditional
time and to the right person. 42. (a) became (b) insane (c) overthrow (d) called
PASSAGE 4 32. (a) the fact that
(c) of which
(b) whether
(d) that
43. (a) made (b) ruled (c) dynasty (d) became
Life began on earth millions of years ago. Though there are 16. (a) numbered forms of life, as we all know, human 44. (a) hereditary (b) insane (c) dynasty (d) called
(b) innumerable 33. (a) being delivered (b) to be deliver
(c) to have delivered (d) to deliver 45. (a) became (b) ruled (c) dynasty (d) hereditary
(c) numerous
34. (a) less quickly (b) too quickly 46. (a) hereditary (b) called (c) overthrow (d) insane
beings 17. (a) devolved to be most intelligent form of life. Yet almost all human beings fail to recognise this
(c) so quickly that (d) as quickly as 47. (a) hereditary (b) insane (c) overthrow (d) called
(b) evolving
(c) evolved 35. (a) back out (b) check out 48. (a) overthrow (b) ruled (c) dynasty (d) made
(c) come in (d) rely on
opportunity given by existence, by looking beyond their desires. Life can be used, misused or just 18. (a) wasted. 49. (a) before (b) ruined (c) dynamic (d) made
(b) superused 36. (a) to (b) for (c) at (d) on
50. (a) hereditary (b) established
(c) washed
(c) overthrow (d) called
Those who make good use of this opportunity not only are enlightened, but also bring light in others life. PASSAGE 8 51. (a) survived (b) insane (c) overthrow (d) called
19. (a) God Krishna, Gautama the Buddha, Vardhamana Mahaveera, Jesus Christ, Prophet Mohammed, A century ago the process of choosing a career was a
(b) Lord much simpler matter than it is today. A boy often
(c) Bard followed in his father’s footsteps. His sister learned the PASSAGE 10
Adi Shankara Charya, Shirdi Saibaba are some of them who have attained this 20. (a) means. Osho is also a great household skills that (37) ............. her to become a wife There once was an old woman who (52) .......... in a shoe.
(b) blend and mother. Now-a-days young people grow up in a much This must have been very cramped and difficult because
(c) end free society (38) ............. they enjoy almost unlimited living (53) .......... a shoe is not very comfortable, I expect.
career opportunities. In recent years, there (39) ............. One day, she went out and there (54) ........ some children
Master who belongs to this list. He has spoken volumes on topics such as ‘trust’, ‘freedom’, ‘miracle’ and ‘healing’.
However, he became extremely popular (unpopular as well, in the eyes of unwise) for his 21. (a) courses on sex. an enormous increase in the kinds of vocations from playing in the street nearby where she lived. They began
(b) discourses which it is possible to choose. In addition, many of the shouting (55) .......... her. “You silly old woman, why do
barriers to career opportunity that existed only a few you live in a shoe?”, they shouted and other things like
(c) forces
decades ago, such as (40) ............. based on sex or that. They were very insulting (56) .......... the old woman.
religion or ethnic origins are (41) ............. disappearing. I don’t know why the old woman had to live in a shoe,
but she (57) .......... have been very poor and it was not
PASSAGE 5 37. (a) had prepared
(c) was prepared
(b) may prepare
(d) would prepare nice to (58) .......... fun of the poor woman because she
Can we see (22) ......... the Earth is a globe? Yes, we can, when we watch a ship that sails out to sea. If we watch closely, was so hard up that she had nowhere (59) .......... to live.
we see that the ship begins (23) ........ . The bottom of the ship disappears first and then the ship seems to sink lower and 38. (a) where (b) when (c) why (d) whom
But children can be very cruel sometimes and this case
lower, (24) ......... we can only see the top of the ship and then we see nothing at all. What is hiding the ship from us? It 39. (a) had been (b) has been was (60) .......... exception. However, on this occasion the
is the Earth. Stick a pin most of the way into an orange and (25) ......... turn the orange away from you. You will see the
(c) will be (d) would have been old woman didn’t just (61) .......... their insults meekly,
pin disappear, (26) ......... a ship does on the Earth.
but became very angry and shouted “I will teach you a
25. (a) reluctantly (b) accidentally 40. (a) judgement (b) perception
22. (a) if (b) where (c) that (d) whether (62) ..........”, she chased them with a cane.
(c) slowly (d) passionately (c) goodwill (d) discrimination
23. (a) being disappeared (b) to be disappeared 52. (a) make (b) must (c) lived (d) else
(c) to have disappeared (d) to disappear 26. (a) the same (b) alike 41. (a) rapidly (b) incessantly
(c) just as (d) by the way 53. (a) whether (b) in (c) despite (d) within
24. (a) until (b) since (c) after (d) by the time (c) categorically (d) vigilantly
54. (a) were (b) was (c) are (d) had
55. (a) below (b) under (c) upon (d) at
PASSAGE 9
PASSAGE 6 King Mongkut (42)….. the King of Siam (Thailand) in the 56. (a) till (b) to (c) until (d) based on
After months of colder weather, the days get longer, the buds (27) ......... in the trees, birds sing and the world (28) .......... year 1851. Mongkut (43)…… Siam for seventeen years. 57. (a) ought to (b) need not (c) might (d) must
a green dress. Spring passes (29) ............ summer. Everyone knows that summer will not (30) ............ forever. The power Mongkut was a (44) …… . A dynast is a (45)…. ruler.
58. (a) make (b) create (c) cook (d) prepare
of all the wisest men and women in the world cannot keep it for us. The corn becomes ripe, the leaves turn brown and This means that Mongkut became king because his
then drop to the ground, (31) ............ the world changes its green dress for a dress of autumn colours. family had been ruling Siam before him. Mongkut was 59. (a) instead (b) from (c) however (d) else
27. (a) fall off (b) take up 29. (a) into (b) by (c) from (d) on the fourth member of his family to be king of Siam and 60. (a) no (b) not (c) neither (d) either
(c) put off (d) come out so he was (46)….. Rama IV. How did Mongkut’s family
30. (a) forego (b) evaluate (c) succumb (d) last 61. (a) lived (b) else
28. (a) looks after (b) puts on become the rulers of Siam?
31. (a) yet (b) therefore (c) take/accept/put up with (d) must
(c) carries on (d) comes round (c) since (d) and In the previous century, Taksin had been the King of
Siam and for a number of years he had slowly gone
62. (a) chapter (b) lesson (c) teaching (d) power
488 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 489

QUESTIONS FROM 27. The government is encouraging 34. To say that we were surprised 41. To explain his design to his
village upliftment ………… in at the cleverness of the child is visitors, the architect ............. a
NDA/NA EXAM (2012-2016) the country.
(a) programmes
an understatement; we were
really ………… .
simple plan on the blackboard.
(a) built (b) finalised
(b) designs (a) annoyed (b) astounded (c) sketched (d) arranged
(c) talks (c) flattered (d) confused
SET 1 SINGLE SENTENCE COMPLETION (d) propaganda 35. In spite of the old woman’s
42. Though Bonsai, a well-known
art form, originated in China, it
28. Satish was endowed ………… a repeated entreaties, he was ............ by the Japanese.
Directions (Q. Nos. 1-48) In this section, each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given natural talent for music. remained ………… . (a) cultivated (b) finished
after the sentence. Select whichever word you consider most appropriate for the blank space. (a) in (b) by (a) ashamed (b) docile (c) perfected (d) enlarged
(c) for (d) with (c) indifferent (d) lethargic 43. He is greatly admired for his
2014 (I) 10. When electricity failed, 19. Many of the advances of 29. Mr Ghosh is very happy ………… 36. There was ………… competition ............. behaviour.
emergency generators …… . civilisation have been conceived his son’s excellent result. for electoral seats. (a) decrepit (b) decadent
1. When the police arrived, the
(a) cut out (b) cut off by young people just on the (a) for seeing (b) to see (a) diligent (b) rapid (c) decarative (d) decorous
thief ......... away.
(c) cut on (d) cut in .......... of adulthood. (c) by seeing (d) see (c) cut-throat (d) sparse
(a) strolled (b) moved 44. Would you mind ............. to the
(c) galloped (d) ran 11. We need two more hands to (a) boundary (b) threshold
30. Sunlight filtering ………… the 37. The cricket team ………… Principal how the trouble
……… the heavy rush of work. (c) peak (d) horizon
2. His ...... as an officer was not stained glass window created a mainly of State players. started?
(a) cope up (b) cope with 20. The more your action and mosaic of colours on the floor. (a) composed (b) consist (a) remarking (b) saying
quite satisfactory.
(c) cope to (d) cope in thought are allied and ........, the (a) in (b) through (c) made with (d) comprises (c) explaining (d) talking
(a) acting (b) doing
(c) deed (d) record 12. Twenty-five candidates ……… happier you grow. (c) at (d) into 38. His love for money is the only 45. Vaccination will make people
each other for the first prize. (a) divergent (b) unravelled 31. Are you feeling doubtful ………… ………… that drives him to immune .............. certain
3. The two children stood at the (c) integrated (d) invincible
(a) compete for (b) compete with your decision? work so hard. diseases for a given period.
...... of the table.
(c) compete to (d) compete on 21. He ......... in wearing the (a) about (b) upon (a) programme (b) plan (a) against (b) to
(a) conclusion (b) terminal
(c) end (d) termination 13. We must eliminate the ……… old-fashioned coat in spite of his (c) at (d) for (c) reason (d) greed (c) with (d) for
rich and poor. wife’s disapproval. 32. I want to study Geology now for 39. According to ………… sources, 46. The two boys looked so alike
4. The old man was ........ weak to
(a) disparity between (a) insists (b) persists I ………… Zoology for the last the Chief Minister did not that it was impossible to
open the door.
(b) disparity for (c) desists (d) resists three years. consult his Cabinet Members ............. between them.
(a) very (b) far
(c) disparity in (a) am studying on this issue. (a) discriminate (b) discern
(c) much (d) too 22. It is not what you say that .........,
(d) disparity from (b) have been studying (a) intelligent (b) simple (c) distinguish (d) identify
5. Universities in Germany and but what you do.
14. As an innovator, he ……… the (a) matches (b) implies (c) had studied (c) reliable (d) fundamental 47. The campers ............ their tents
Denmark will have an input
beaten track and explored (c) matters (d) moves (d) had been studying at the base of the mountain.
……… the project.
(a) for (b) into
religions.
23. Physically we are now all 33. Increase in storage facilities has 2016 (I) (a) installed (b) dug
(a) deviated from (b) deviated to (c) pitched (d) established
(c) about (d) at neighbours, but psychologically made it possible to store goods at 40. When the bus was at full
(c) deviated in (d) deviated for
6. He gave me a leg ……… when we are ......... to each other. places ………… to people all over speed, its brakes failed and an 48. The enemy had captured him
I was completely new to the (a) primitives (b) complementary the country. accident was ........ . and his life was at stake, still he
business.
2014 (II) (c) strangers (d) cowards (a) safe (a) inevitable refused to .......... the state
(a) up (b) down 15. You haven’t had your lunch yet, (b) easy (b) undeniable secrets.
24. The old ‘Nature versus ..........’ (c) fatal
(c) off (d) for .......... you? (c) proper (a) divulge (b) divert
debate regarding crime continues (d) miserable
(a) are (b) aren’t (d) convenient (c) indulge (d) invert
7. You should have nothing to do even today.
(c) have (d) haven’t
with those criminals, they all (a) man (b) universe
have violent attitudes and long
records. They are men ………
16. Life is to death as pleasure is to
...... .
(c) culture (d) nurture
SET 2 SENTENCE COMPLETION IN PASSAGE
the same kidney. (a) poverty
(c) anguish
(b) suffering
(d) pain
2015 (II) Directions (Passages 1-37) In the following passages, at certain point, you are given a choice of three words marked (a),
(a) with (b) in
(c) of (d) on 25. Man has won his dominant (b) and (c) or (a), (b), (c) and (d) one of which fits the meaning of the passage. Choose the best word out of the given ones.
17. The French ...... reputed to have
position on this planet by his
8. He didn’t have the guts to a very good sense of humour.
………… of technology.
stand ……… his friend when (a) is (b) was
(a) command (b) emphasis
2013 (I)
he was in trouble. (c) are (d) will be
(c) belief (d) stress
(a) with (b) for 18. ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ are the PASSAGE 1
(c) by (d) beside little courtesies by which we 26. The day was extremely hot and,
In a few seconds, we ran the boat into a little bay, where we made her fast to a piece of coral, and running up the
keep the ......... of life oiled and in no time, my back was
9. He broke out of the prison beach, entered the ranks of the penguins armed with our sticks and spears.
……… dressing as a woman. running smoothly. drenched with ………… .
(a) prickly heat (b) perspiration We were greatly surprised to 1. (a) find that instead of attacking us or 2. (a) showing signs of fear at our
(a) in (b) as (a) path (b) machine
(c) sores (d) fatigue (b) learn (b) giving
(c) by (d) with (c) garden (d) river
(c) hear (c) revealing
(d) understand (d) conveying
490 NDA/NA Pathfinder GENERAL ENGLISH Sentence Completion 491

3. (a) arrival, these strange birds did not move 4. (a) in their places until we took hold 5. (a) off them, 2015 (I)
(b) entry (b) at (b) of
(c) approach
(d) alight
(c) from
(d) on
(c) from
(d) on
PASSAGE 3
After having slept for an hour, Bond decided to go out into the city and try to find his contact. After changing his
they merely 6. (a) opened their eyes on us 7. (a) with wonder as we passed. There 8. (a) lived one
suit, he carefully locked his room and stepped out of the hotel. No one was around. But he had walked only for a
(b) turned (b) out of (b) existed few minutes when it suddenly
(c) closed (c) in (c) was
(d) showed (d) on (d) persisted 32. (a) felt to him that he was being 33. (a) followed by someone. There was really no 34. (a) reason for it except
(b) occurred (b) shot (b) cause
old penguin, however that 9. (a) commenced to walk slowly towards the sea, and Peterkin 10. (a) carried
(c) happened (c) looked (c) evidence
(b) began (b) bore
(c) continued (c) took a very slight 35. (a) weight of footsteps. He was now walking 36. (a) from the main street, which was crowded
(d) stalked (d) thought (b) sound (b) down
it into his head that he 11. (a) would try to stop it, so he 12. (a) interposed between it and the sea (c) hurting (c) over
(b) could (b) ran 37. (a) with people. He became extremely aware of the danger of people threatening him.
(c) should (c) arrived (b) by
(d) won’t (d) jumped (c) in
and 13. (a) moved his stick in its face. But this 14. (a) appeared to be a determined old 15. (a) bird.
(b) pointed (b) happened (b) animal
(c) waved (c) proved (c) creature ANSWERS
(d) watched (d) seemed (d) pet
It would not go back; in fact, it 16. (a) should not cease to advance, but 17. (a) battled with Peterkin bravely,
Sentence Completion Exercise
(b) would (b) struggled Set 1 - Single Sentence Completion
(c) could (c) contested
1 c 2 d 3 b 4 d 5 d 6 d 7 b 8 c 9 b 10 d
(d) must (d) snugged 11 b 12 d 13 c 14 a 15 d 16 a 17 c 18 b 19 c 20 b
and 18 (a) chased him before it, until it 19. (a) touched the sea. 21 c 22 a 23 b 24 c 25 c 26 c 27 d 28 d 29 d 30 b
(b) drove (b) arrived at 31 c 32 c 33 a 34 a 35 a 36 c 37 b 38 d 39 d 40 c
(c) moved (c) reached 41 d 42 b 43 d 44 d 45 b 46 d 47 c 48 a 49 a 50 a
(d) lashed (d) jumped 51 b 52 d 53 d 54 b 55 d 56 b 57 d 58 b 59 d 60 d
61 c 62 d 63 a 64 b 65 b 66 c 67 a 68 c 69 c 70 c
71 b 72 d 73 b 74 b 75 d 76 a 77 a 78 d 79 b 80 b
2014 (I) 81 d 82 a 83 a

PASSAGE 2 Set 2 - Sentence Completion in Passage

Drobny defied the critics. He had played through the Wimbledon fortnight and reached the final. Could he win just 1 b 2 a 3 c 4 a 5 a 6 a 7 c 8 b 9 b 10 a
one more match and take the crown, or would be fail again at the last test and justify those who said that he lacked 11 b 12 a 13 c 14 a 15 c 16 b 17 c 18 a 19 b 20 c
the little something that makes the champion? His opponent was the Australian Ken Rosewall, 20. (a) that brilliant 21 b 22 c 23 d 24 a 25 c 26 c 27 d 28 b 29 a 30 d
(b) a 31 d 32 d 33 d 34 d 35 d 36 d 37 d 38 a 39 b 40 d
(c) the 41 a 42 a 43 b 44 c 45 d 46 b 47 b 48 a 49 d 50 b
youngster and already a master 21. (a) with worldwide experience behind him. Jaroslav Drobny, 22. (a) a son of a 51 a 52 c 53 b 54 a 55 d 56 b 57 d 58 a 59 d 60 a
61 c 62 b
(b) a (b) an
(c) that (c) the
Questions from NDA/NA Exam (2012-16)
Czech carpenter, who 23. (a) had started the boy off at the 24. (a) age of five with a wooden ‘bat’ in lieu 25. (a) for a Set 1 - Single Sentence Completion
(b) a (b) stage (b) of
(c) the (c) career (c) to 1 d 2 d 3 c 4 d 5 c 6 a 7 c 8 c 9 c 10 d
11 b 12 b 13 a 14 a 15 c 16 d 17 c 18 b 19 b 20 c
racquet, went on 26. (a) to the famous Centre Court at Wimbledon 27. (a) in day with the full knowledge that this
21 b 22 c 23 c 24 d 25 a 26 b 27 a 28 d 29 b 30 b
(b) a (b) on 31 a 32 b 33 d 34 b 35 c 36 c 37 d 38 c 39 c 40 a
(c) the (c) that 41 c 42 c 43 d 44 c 45 b 46 c 47 c 48 a
28. (a) can be the game of his 29 (a) life. He had kept on trying, and 30. (a) he could keep on trying, but
(b) must (b) age (b) one Set 2 - Sentence Completion in Passage
(c) would (c) day (c) you 1 a 2 a 3 a 4 c 5 b 6 b 7 c 8 c 9 b 10 c
31. (a) games would become fewer and fewer. He knew that he had to gain an advantage from the start, and he had 11 a 12 b 13 b 14 c 15 a 16 b 17 a 18 b 19 c 20 b
(b) matches 21 a 22 c 23 a 24 a 25 b 26 a 27 c 28 c 29 a 30 a
(c) opportunities 31 c 32 b 33 a 34 c 35 b 36 b 37 a
this young rival set off against him.