Sentence corrections questions test your ability to spot grammar mistakes and choose the best version of a sentence. But you don’t have to be a grammar expert to ace them. With some key strategies and regular practice, you can solve them quickly and accurately—even under time pressure.
Here are 8 authentic, example-backed strategies to help you succeed:
1. Know What’s Being Tested
Most questions revolve around a few key grammar rules. Understand these before you begin practicing.
Example – Subject-Verb Agreement
“Each of the students have completed their assignments.”
Correct: “Each of the students has completed their assignments.”
Why? The subject “Each” is singular, so it takes a singular verb.
Example – Parallelism
“She likes dancing, to swim, and biking.”
Correct: “She likes dancing, swimming, and biking.”
Why? All elements must follow the same form (i.e., parallel structure).
2. Read the Sentence Carefully—Twice if Needed
Many students miss errors because they read too fast. Slow down and understand the meaning before spotting mistakes.
Example
“Running quickly, the bus was caught by him.”
Correct: “Running quickly, he caught the bus.”
Why? The modifier “Running quickly” must refer to he, not the bus.
3. Spot the Error, Don’t Just Trust What ‘Sounds Right’
Relying only on how a sentence “sounds” can be misleading. Stick to rules.
Example
“The number of people have increased drastically.”
Correct: “The number of people has increased drastically.”
Why? “The number” is singular, so the verb should be has, not have.
4. Eliminate Options Strategically
If you’re unsure about the right answer, eliminate incorrect ones.
Example Question:
“Either the manager or the employees is responsible for the error.”
A. is
B. are
C. have been
D. has
Correct Answer: B. are
Why? When using “either…or,” the verb agrees with the subject closest to it—here, employees (plural), so the verb should be are.
5. Practice with a Timer
Practicing under timed conditions trains your brain to work efficiently.
Example Practice Tip:
Set a timer for 6 minutes and try to solve 10 sentence correction questions. Repeat daily.
Track how many you get right and how long you take.
Let’s say you got 6/10 in 6 minutes on Day 1. By Day 7, your goal could be 9/10 in 5 minutes.
6. Maintain a Personal ‘Error Log’
Every mistake is a learning opportunity. Log it and learn from it.
Example Entry in Your Error Log:
- Question: “The committee have submitted their report.”
- Your Answer: (No change)
- Correct Answer: “The committee has submitted its report.”
- Error Type: Subject-verb agreement & pronoun agreement
- Rule Learned: Collective nouns take singular verbs and pronouns when acting as one unit.
7. Beware of Trap Options
Test-setters include attractive but incorrect choices. Stay alert.
Example
“Being a holiday, I decided to visit my parents.”
Correct: “Since it was a holiday, I decided to visit my parents.”
Why? The phrase “Being a holiday” wrongly suggests I was the holiday. That’s a misplaced modifier.
Trap: The sentence sounds okay but is grammatically illogical.
8. Solve from Trusted Sources
Don’t practice from random sources. Quality > quantity.
Example Sources:
- CAT & GMAT: Arun Sharma, Manhattan SC Guide, Official GMAT Guide
- SSC & Bank PO: Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh, Kiran’s Previous Year Papers
- Grammar: Wren & Martin with key
Doing questions from past year papers also shows you common traps and patterns examiners use.
Final Takeaway
Sentence corrections questions are not just about grammar—they’re about clarity, logic, and efficiency. With consistent practice and these smart strategies, you’ll soon start seeing improvements in both speed and accuracy.
Pro Tip: Make a “Quick Revision Sheet” of rules that you struggle with. Review it before every mock test.
