1. when a comparison is made by using a comparative followed by ‘than’, the word ‘other’ must be exclude the thing compared form the class of things with which it is compared.
Uses -
He is stronger than any man. (Incorrect)
He is stronger than any other man. (Correct)
‘Any man’ includes the man himself and thus the sentences will be absurd.
2. In some cases, the comparison is subtle and must be given proper attention.
Uses -
The climate of Ranchi is better then Gaya. (Incorrect)
Here the comparison should be between the climate of Ranchi and the climate of Gaya.
The climate of Ranchi is better than the climate of Gaya. (Correct)
Or
The climate of Ranchi is better than that of Gaya. (Correct)
‘That of’ means ‘the climate of’
If the traits are in plural, it will be ‘those of’. The clothes of DCM are better than those of Mafatalal.
The scenery of Kashmir is better than Shimla. (Incorrect)
The scenery of Kashmir is better than that of shimla. (Correct)
3. ‘many a’ is always followed by the singular verb.
Uses -
Many a man were followed by the singular verb. (Incorrect)
Many a man was drowned in the area. (Correct)
4. If the subject is ‘the number of’ the singular verb is used.
Uses -
The number of students are very small. (Incorrect)
The number of students is very small. (Correct)
5. When ‘as well as’, ‘along with’, together with’, ‘no less than’, ‘in addition to’ and ‘not’ and ‘with’ join two subjects, the verb will be according to the first subject.
Uses -
Ram, as well as his ten friends, are going. (Incorrect)
Ram, as well as his ten friends, is going. (Correct)
The teacher, along with the students, were going. (Incorrect)
The teacher, along with the students, was going. (Correct)
6. ‘A great many’ is always followed by a plural noun and a plural verb.
Uses -
A great many student has been declared successful. (Incorrect)
A great many students have been declared successful. (Correct)
7. If two subjects are joined by ‘either or’, ‘neither nor’, the verb agrees with the subject that is near.
Uses -
Either Ramesh or I are to do this work. (Incorrect)
Either Ramesh or I am to do this work. (Correct)
Neither he nor his friends is reading. (Incorrect)
Neither he nor his friends are reading (correct)
8. When two singular nouns joined by ‘and’ point out the same thing or person, the verb will be singular.
Uses -
Bread and butter make a good breakfast. (Incorrect)
Bread and butter makes a good breakfast. (Correct)
The collector and the District Magistrate are on leave. (Incorrect)
The collector and District Magistrate is on leave. (Correct)
9. ‘One of’ always takes a plural noun after it.
Uses -
It is one of the important day in my life. (Incorrect)
It is one of the important days in my life. (Correct)
10. Use of ‘not only’ and ‘but also; examine the sentences given below:
Uses -
He not only comes for swimming but also for coaching the learners. (Incorrect)
He comes not only for swimming but also for coaching the learners. (Correct)
11. When, While, after, till, before: When these words are used in the subordinates clause with reference to some future events, they are not followed by a verb in the future tense.
Uses -
Before the rain would stop, they would have reached home. (Incorrect)
Before the rain stops, they would have reached home. (Correct)
When you will come to me, we will go to Ludhiana. (Incorrect)
When you come to me, we will go to Ludhiana. (Correct)
12. Until/Unless: Mistakes are generally committed in using these words. Until means time before and Unless shows condition and means if not.
Uses -
I cannot solve it unless you tell me its method.
Until she was informed officially, she had no idea about the plans.
13. On/Over: On suggests contact with something ; over suggests a higher position without actual contact.
Uses -
Keep this book on the table.
Place this cup on the table.
Keep the umbrella over your head.
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