Error Corrections (HS 2nd year, Alternative English) - Harmony

 HS 2024

(a) Don’t make noise.

Don’t make a noise. (“Noise” is a countable noun in this sense, so ‘a’ article is needed)

(b) Furnitures were bought.

Furniture was bought. (“Furniture” is an uncountable noun, so no plural form and singular verb is used)

(c) She sings delightful.

She sings delightfully. (An adverb (“delightfully”) should describe the verb “sings,” not the adjective “delightful.”)

(d) He had a strong headache.

He had a severe headache. (“Severe” is the correct collocation with “headache”)

(e) Hemingway is one of my favourite author.

Hemingway is one of my favourite authors. (After “one of,” we always use a plural noun.)

(f) Whom, according to you, will the prize?

Who, according to you, will win the prize? (“Who” is subject here; also, the verb “win” is needed.)

(g) He is much younger than me.

He is much younger than I. (Correct usage in formal English is “than I” (understood: than I am).

(h) At last the detective founded the clue

At last the detective found the clue. (“Founded” means “established.” The past tense of “find” is “found.”)

HS 2025

(a) I cannot continue my study anymore.

I cannot continue my studies any longer. (“Studies” (plural) is correct; “any longer” is better than “anymore” in formal use.)

(b) She likes vegetable.

She likes vegetables. (“Vegetables” is plural because it refers to kinds of food.)

(c) His wonder knew no bound.

His wonder knew no bounds. (The idiom is “knew no bounds.”)

(d) Every boy and every girl are present today.

Every boy and every girl is present today. (“Every” takes a singular verb.)

(e) Mr. Bose, accompanied by his wife and children, were present there.

Mr. Bose, accompanied by his wife and children, was present there. ( The subject is “Mr. Bose” (singular), so singular verb “was.”)

(f) He has five brother-in-laws.

He has five brothers-in-law. (The plural is formed on the main noun: “brothers-in-law.”)

(g) Fire broke out in our flat.

A fire broke out in our flat. (The article “a” is required before a singular countable noun.)

(h) I wish I were him.

I wish I were he. (After “be,” subject pronoun is grammatically correct: “he” (though in informal English, “him” is common).

HS 2026

(a) One of the man was killed in stampede.

One of the men was killed in a stampede.

(b) I prefer badminton than tennis. 

I prefer badminton to tennis.

(c) My uncle is a MA in Sanskrit. 

My uncle is an MA in Sanskrit.

(d) King Ashoka was a courage man.

King Ashoka was a courageous man.

(e) Mr. Das, as well as his wife, were invited.

Mr. Das, as well as his wife, was invited. (The verb agrees with the first subject when using phrases like "as well as").

(f) My brother is smarter than me. 

My brother is smarter than I. (Formal English requires the subject pronoun here, as it is short for "than I am").

(g) I have known him since three months.

I have known him for three months. (Use "for" with a duration or period of time).

(h) The Jury were supposed to pronounce the verdict today. 

The jury was supposed to pronounce the verdict today. (When a collective noun like a jury acts as a single unanimous unit, it takes a singular verb).

Probable Questions

(1) He is the braver of the three.

He is the bravest of the three. Superlative degree is used when comparing more than two.

(2) She has submit the project on time.

She has submitted the project on time. Present perfect tense requires past participle “submitted.”

(3) My teacher is unwell for five days.

My teacher has been unwell for five days. Present perfect continuous state, not simple present.

(4) One of the team member has to take the responsibility.

One of the team members has to take the responsibility. “One of” is always followed by a plural noun.

(5) He came latter than expected.

He came later than expected. “Later” is the correct comparative of “late.”

(6) The luggages were loaded onto the conveyor belt.

The luggage was loaded onto the conveyor belt. “Luggage” is uncountable, so no plural form.

(7) Each of the participants get a certificate.

Each of the participants gets a certificate. “Each” takes a singular verb.

(8) She sings delightful.

She sings delightfully. Adverb required to describe the verb.

(9) Of all the eleven players Virat played more skillfully.

 Of all the eleven players, Virat played the most skillfully. Superlative degree is correct when comparing all.

10. Mathematics are my favourite subject.

Mathematics is my favourite subject.

Explanation: The word Mathematics is singular in form (though ending with -s). It takes a singular verb (is), not are.

11.  When asked for the reason for his absence, he said me a long story.

When asked for the reason for his absence, he told me a long story.

Explanation: The verb say is not followed by an object pronoun (me). We use say to me or simply told me.

12.  The jury were divided in its opinion.

The jury were divided in their opinion.

Explanation: Jury is a collective noun. When showing division, we treat it as plural and use their, not its.

13.  Neither Sumit not his brother were present in court today.

Neither Sumit nor his brother was present in court today.

Explanation: Correct correlative is neither…nor. Since the subject is singular (neither…nor his brother), the verb should be singular (was).

14. If you will approach the secretary, he will help you.

If you approach the secretary, he will help you.

Explanation: In conditional sentences, the if-clause takes simple present (approach), not will.

15.  I have received this email a week ago.

I received this email a week ago.

Explanation: Ago refers to a finished time in the past, so we use simple past (received), not present perfect.

16. I paid hundred rupees for this shirt.

I paid a hundred rupees for this shirt.

Explanation: Singular countable nouns like hundred require an article (a hundred).

17. He insisted on me to accompany him.

He insisted that I should accompany him. / He insisted on my accompanying him.

Explanation: Insist on is followed by a gerund (my accompanying), or we can use insisted that + clause.

18. Let us hear his speech.

Let us listen to his speech.

Explanation: We listen to a speech. Hear is used for passive reception, listen implies attention.

19. I know him for a long time.

I have known him for a long time.

Explanation: An action continuing from the past to the present needs present perfect (have known).

20. That boy does not even know the alphabets.

That boy does not even know the alphabet.

Explanation: Alphabet means the set of letters. The plural alphabets refer to different languages’ scripts, not letters of one language.

21. We reached the station timely.

We reached the station on time.

Explanation: The natural phrase is on time, not timely in this context. Timely is used as an adjective (e.g., a timely help).

22. They left the hostel with bag and baggage.

They left the hostel bag and baggage.

Explanation: The idiom is bag and baggage (meaning completely), not with bag and baggage.

23.  If it will rain, we will not go out.

If it rains, we will not go out.

Explanation: In conditional sentences, the if-clause uses simple present (rains), not will rain.

24. He offered me a ten-rupees note.

“ten-rupees note” → “ten-rupee note”

 (When used adjectivally before a noun, “rupee” is singular.)

25. One of his family member lives in Chennai.

 “One of his family members” (not “member”) because “one of” is followed by a plural noun. Verb remains singular: “lives.”

26. Tell me where is the post office.

In indirect questions, word order changes: subject + verb (“the post office is”), not “is the post office.”

27. I am going to school by bus every day.

“am going” → “go” (for habitual action). Also “everyday” (adjective) → “every day” (adverbial phrase).

28. Oranges are good to be eaten.

“to be eaten”  → “to eat”  (natural and idiomatic usage).

29. The matter was informed to the police.

“informed to the police”  → “reported to the police”  (we report/inform the police, not inform to).

30. The train will leave in time.

“In time” (means ‘before it is late’) → “on time” (punctual).

31. You have less books than I have.

“less” → “fewer” (countable noun “books” needs “fewer”).

32. Do you repent for your misdeed?

“Repent for” → “repent of” (correct preposition with “repent”).

33. You should not do such mistakes.

“Do such mistakes” → “make such mistakes” (collocation: “make a mistake”).

34. I asked him how far was it to the nearest town.

Natural order → “how far it was,” not “how far was it.”

35. In her first book she describes her childhood.

“describes” → “described” (past tense needed with “first book”).

36. I can’t go out because I have too many work to do.

“Too many work” → “too much work or a lot of work” (work = uncountable).

37. He loves the music and playing the guitar.

“The music” (music in general → no article). Correct: “He loves music.”

38. The opposite of ‘increase’ is ‘decrease.’

Sentence is correct (no change needed).

39. He thinks that the price of oil is bound to increase.

“increase” (used transitively). Natural word = “rise” when subject is “price.”

40. My ambition is to become engineer.

“Become engineer” → “become an engineer” (article required).

41. You must stop write now.

“Stop to write” → “stop writing” (verb form difference: stop + -ing = cease an action).

42. It is you who has done wrong.

“Has done” → “have done” (subject = “who” refers to “you,”)

43. We can’t look in the dark.

“Look in the dark” → “see in the dark” (we “see,” not “look,” in darkness).

44. Oranges are good to eat.

 Same as Q.28 (repetition). Correction already explained.

45. He prefers coffee than tea.

“than tea” → “to tea” (correct usage with “prefer”).

46. He learnt the poem by his heart.

He learnt the poem by heart.

Explanation: The idiom is “learn by heart,” not “by his heart.”

47. I do exercise in the morning.

I take exercise in the morning. OR I exercise in the morning.

Explanation: In standard usage, we say “take exercise” or simply use the verb “exercise.”

48. Either this is true or false.

Either this is true or it is false.

Explanation: “Either…or…” requires parallel structure with two clauses.

49. He is not capable to do it.

He is not capable of doing it.

Explanation: After “capable,” we use of + gerund.

50. This carpet is feeling smooth.

This carpet feels smooth.

Explanation: “Feel” is a stative verb here, not used in the continuous tense.

51. Don’t do anything in hurry.

Don’t do anything in a hurry.

Explanation: The article “a” is needed before “hurry.”

52. We need some furnitures.

We need some furniture.

Explanation: “Furniture” is an uncountable noun; it has no plural form.

53. The both parents were present at the function.

Both parents were present at the function.

Explanation: “Both” does not take “the” before it.

54. When you do your homework?

When do you do your homework?

Explanation: In questions, auxiliary verb “do” comes before the subject.

55. Please tell me who is your headmaster.

Please tell me who your headmaster is.

Explanation: In indirect questions, subject comes before verb.

56. I have visited the zoo last year.

I visited the zoo last year.

Explanation: Past time expressions (“last year”) take simple past, not present perfect.

57. He is a MRCP and his brother is a FRCS.

He is an MRCP and his brother is an FRCS.

Explanation: “MRCP/FRCS” begins with a vowel sound; we use “an.”

58. Six miles are a long distance.

Six miles is a long distance.

Explanation: A measurement/amount is treated as singular.

59. All his kiths and kins are against him.

All his kith and kin are against him.

Explanation: Correct idiom is “kith and kin” (no plural forms).

60. He is my cousin brother.

He is my cousin.

Explanation: “Cousin” itself implies the relation; “brother” is unnecessary.

61. I go to school by foot.

I go to school on foot.

Explanation: The correct preposition is “on foot.”

62. Money isn’t the solution for every problem

Money isn’t the solution to every problem.

Explanation: The correct phrase is “solution to.”

63. This hotel provides fooding and lodging.

This hotel provides food and lodging.

Explanation: “Fooding” is incorrect in English; use “food.”

64. Mr. Das deals with tea.

Mr. Das deals in tea.

Explanation: The correct idiom is “deal in” (for trade).

65. She came back with bag and baggage.

She came back bag and baggage.

Explanation: The idiom is “bag and baggage” (no preposition).

66. We spent the evening listening music.

We spent the evening listening to music.

Explanation: “Listen” takes the preposition “to.”

67. I saw a strange dream last night.

I had a strange dream last night.

Explanation: We say “have a dream,” not “see a dream.”

68. He is a coward person.

He is a coward. OR He is a cowardly person.

Explanation: “Coward” is a noun; “cowardly” is the adjective.

69. His uncle sells second hand furnitures.

His uncle sells second-hand furniture.

Explanation: “Furniture” is uncountable; “second-hand” needs a hyphen.

70. The sceneries of Arunachal Pradesh is charming.

The scenery of Arunachal Pradesh is charming.

Explanation: “Scenery” is uncountable, singular.

71. She narrated the story shortly.

She narrated the story briefly.

Explanation: “Shortly” means “soon”; “briefly” means “in short.”

72. I don’t know to do it.

I don’t know how to do it.

Explanation: Expression is “know how to.”

73. It is you who is to be blamed.

It is you who are to be blamed.

Explanation: Verb must agree with antecedent “you.”

74. He told me that his brother is writing that letter.

He told me that his brother was writing that letter.

Explanation: Reported speech (past tense reporting verb) usually shifts tense.

75. He asked me where do I live.

 He asked me where I live.

Explanation: Indirect question uses subject–verb order, not interrogative order.

76. The sceneries of Arunachal Pradesh is charming.

The scenery of Arunachal Pradesh is charming.

Explanation: Same as Q. 70.

77. I am feeling cold.

I feel cold.

Explanation: Stative verb “feel” is not normally used in continuous form.

78. Bread and butter make a good breakfast.

Bread and butter makes a good breakfast.

Explanation: “Bread and butter” is considered a single item (singular).

79. The news are true.

The news is true.

Explanation: “News” is uncountable singular.

80. Nitu is my cousin sister.

Nitu is my cousin.

Explanation: “Cousin” already conveys the relationship.

81. She prefers tea than coffee.

She prefers tea to coffee.

Explanation: After “prefer,” we use “to,” not “than.”

82. I gave him a few rupees I had.

I gave him the few rupees I had.

Explanation: “The few” means all that were there.

83. He is working hardly.

He is working hard.

Explanation: “Hard” = diligently; “hardly” = scarcely (wrong meaning here).

84. He took out his shoes.

He took off his shoes.
Explanation: Correct phrasal verb is “take off.”

85. I do not know who are you.

I do not know who you are.

Explanation: Indirect clause requires subject before verb.

86.  She said that she will arrive at 6 p.m.

She said that she would arrive at 6 p.m.

In reported speech, “will” changes to “would.”

87.  She prefers milk than curd.

She prefers milk to curd.

After “prefer,” the correct preposition is “to.”

88.  It can rain tonight.

It may rain tonight.

We use “may” to show possibility, not “can.”

89.  The cattles were grazing in the field.

The cattle were grazing in the field.
 “Cattle” is plural by itself; no “s” is added.

90.  Each of the boys play cricket.

Each of the boys plays cricket

 “Each” is singular; verb must be singular (“plays”).

91.  How much money you need?

How much money do you need?

Question form requires helping verb “do.”

92.  When you do your homework?

When do you do your homework?

Auxiliary verb “do” is needed in questions.

93.  I do not know to do it.

I do not know how to do it.

Correct phrase: “know how to.”

94.  Her son-in-laws are rich men.

Her sons-in-law are rich men.

Plural of “son-in-law” is “sons-in-law.”

95.  It is raining since morning.

It has been raining since morning.

Present perfect continuous tense is correct here.

96.  How you know him?

How do you know him?

Question requires “do.”

97.  I and he are brothers.

He and I are brothers.

Convention: mention others first, self last.

98.  He is senior than me in age.

He is senior to me in age.

“Senior” is followed by “to,” not “than.”

99.  I do not know to do it.

I do not know how to do it.

Same mistake as Q.93.

100.  Haren was appointed in the post.

Haren was appointed to the post.

Correct preposition: “appointed to a post.”

101.  It is raining since last night.

It has been raining since last night.

Again, use present perfect continuous.

102.  How much money you need?

How much money do you need?

Same correction as Q.91.

103.  Five kilograms are not so heavy to carry.

Five kilograms is not so heavy to carry.

“Five kilograms” is considered singular quantity → verb “is.”

104.  The old man died from COVID-19.

The old man died of COVID-19.

Correct phrase: “die of a disease.”

Additional Important Questions

1.  Tell me where is your book.

Tell me where your book is.

In indirect questions, subject comes before verb.

2.  I prefer milk than tea.

I prefer milk to tea.

After “prefer,” use “to.”

3.  He told that he is hungry.

He said that he was hungry.

We use “said,” not “told,” without an object; tense changes to past.

4.  It is I who is to blame.

It is I who am to blame.

Verb must agree with “I” (subject).

5.  She works very hardly.

She works very hard.

“Hardly” means “almost not.” Correct form is “hard.”

6.  It is too hot to-day.

It is very hot today.

“Too hot” means excessively hot (negative). Better: “very hot.”

7.  This pen is superior than that.
 This pen is superior to that.
 “Superior” is followed by “to.”

8.  The birds are sitting on the tree.

The birds are sitting in the tree.

Birds stay “in” a tree, not “on.”

9.  The man is devoted to wine.

The man is addicted to wine.

Correct idiom is “addicted to.” “Devoted” is for noble causes.

10.  Compare Akbar to Rudra Singha.

Compare Akbar with Rudra Singha.

“Compare with” = show similarities/differences; “compare to” = liken.

11.  Take this medicine thrice a day.

Take this medicine three times a day.

Formal English prefers “three times” over “thrice.”

12.  He will work since tomorrow.

He will work from tomorrow.

Use “from” for future starting points.

13.  He purchased hundred books.

He purchased a hundred books.

Articles are needed before numbers.

14.  The cow is an useful animal.

The cow is a useful animal.

“Useful” begins with consonant sound “yoo,” so article is “a.”

15.  Amar does not like vegetable.

Amar does not like vegetables.

Vegetable is countable → plural form.

16.  I have received his letter yesterday.

I received his letter yesterday.

Past time marker “yesterday” requires simple past.

17.  Let us discuss about the matter.

Let us discuss the matter.

“Discuss” does not take “about.”

18.  There is no place in the bench.

There is no room on the bench.

Correct preposition is “on.”

19.  Bread and butter are good for health.

Bread and butter is good for health.

“Bread and butter” = one item, treated as singular.

20.  Ram can tell English.

Ram can speak English.

Correct verb is “speak,” not “tell.”

21.  Unless he does not come, I shall not go

Unless he comes, I shall not go.

“Unless” already means “if not,” so extra “not” is wrong.

22.  It is raining since last Monday.

It has been raining since last Monday.

Present perfect continuous tense required.

23.  It is you who is to blame.

It is you who are to blame.

Verb agrees with “you.”

24.  One of my friends have come to our school.

One of my friends has come to our school

“One” is singular → verb “has.”

25.  I know to swim.

I know how to swim.

Correct expression is “know how to.”