General English MCQs
Topic Notes: General English
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
121
Identify the segment containing an error: 'This is the best of the two.'
Answer:
the best
When comparing only two items, the comparative degree must be used, not the superlative. Correct: 'the better of the two'.
122
Identify the segment containing an error: 'He denied that he was not guilty.'
Answer:
not guilty
'Denied' is a negative word. Adding 'not' creates a double negative meaning he admitted guilt. To say he claimed innocence: 'He denied that he was guilty'.
123
Identify the segment containing an error: 'Please excuse me being late.'
Answer:
me
The gerund 'being' should be preceded by a possessive pronoun, not an objective one. Correct: 'Please excuse my being late'.
124
Identify the segment containing an error: 'They went to the market for buying vegetables.'
Answer:
for buying
To express purpose, the infinitive is preferred over 'for + gerund'. Correct: 'to buy vegetables'.
125
Identify the segment containing an error: 'Many a man were present.'
Answer:
were
The phrase 'Many a' takes a singular noun and a singular verb. Correct: 'Many a man was present'.
126
Identify the segment containing an error: 'He is the most perfect gentleman.'
Answer:
the most
'Perfect' is an absolute adjective and cannot be compared. Remove 'most'. Correct: 'He is a perfect gentleman'.
127
Identify the segment containing an error: 'We are awaiting for the results.'
Answer:
for
'Await' is a transitive verb and does not take 'for'. 'Wait' takes 'for'. Correct: 'awaiting the results' or 'waiting for the results'.
128
Identify the segment containing an error: 'I am ill since last week.'
Answer:
am
With 'since', the Present Perfect (or Perfect Continuous) tense is required. Correct: 'I have been ill since last week'.
129
Identify the segment containing an error: 'My mathematics is weak.'
Answer:
is
While 'Mathematics' as a subject is singular, when used to denote ability or calculations of a person (possessed 'My'), it is treated as plural. Correct: 'My mathematics are weak'.
130
Identify the segment containing an error: 'She said that she is happy.'
Answer:
is happy
Sequence of tenses rule: If the reporting verb is in the past ('said'), the verb in the reported speech must also be in the past. Correct: 'she was happy'.