COMMON ERRORS
129. (2) to put his signature will replace to put his sign Adjectives — a particular order is followed. The order
because – is –
sign (Noun) an indication Determiner + Ordinal + Cardinal + Noun
Look at the examples given below : ̄ ̄ ̄ ̄
I was asked to sign the letter. the first two chapters
There was no sign of his returning from Bangalore. Hence, the first two chapters of the book
Hence, to put his signature is the right usage 137. (3) for will replace of because –
130. (4) No error. thirst (for something) (Noun) : a strong desire for
131. (1) are better off will replace could be better off something
because – Thirst agrees with for (Prep.) as in –
be better off is used for saying that somebody is/ a thirst for knowledge
would be happier/more satisfied if he was in a Hence, for knowledge is the right usage.
particular position or did a particular thing to have 138. (2) reached will replace had reached because –
more money.
When two actions take place in the Past, the earlier
Look at the examples given below : action is in Past Perfect and the later action in Simple
Families will be better off under the new law. Past Tense.
She is better off without him. Look at the example given below :
Hence, you are better off these days is the right I had written the letter before you came home.
usage ̄ ̄
132. (3) less will replace fewer because – earlier action later action
less (Det.) is used with uncountable Nouns to mean ̄ ̄
a smaller amount of as in-less better/time/impor-
Past Perfect Tense Past Tense
tance
Hence, when he reached is the right usage
and
139. (2) would will replace will because –
fewer (Det.) is used with Plural Nouns and a Plural
in Indirect speech will changes into would
Verb to mean not many as in –
as in –
Few people understand the difference.
She said, “I will teach you English.” (D.S.)
There seems to be fewer tourists around this year.
She said that she would teach me English. (I.S.)
Hence, less than ten bags of rice is the right usage
Hence, that he would never is the right usage.
133. (2) between 1980 and 1990/from 1980 to 1990 will
replace between 1980 to 1990 because – 140. (2) to cope with is the right usage.
between (Prep.) indicates a period of time that Look at the examples given below :
separates two days, years, events, etc. I can’t cope with your being late for work any more.
between is used with and He wasn’t able to cope with the stresses and strains
from (Prep.) is used for showing when something starts of the job.
from is used with to 141. (1) I were will replace I am
to is never used with between Wish is most commonly used in imaginary/unreal
situations. as in –
Look at the examples given below :
I wish (that) you were here. (But, you are not, and I
We shuttled between New York to Chicago. (×)
miss you).
We shuttled between New York and Chicago. (ü)
The tense of the Verb that follows I wish is mostly
We are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day
in Past Tense.
134. (3) is he will replace isn’t he because –
In Subjunctive form we use were and not was after
The statement is negative and it will use a positive tag. wish.
Look at the examples given below : Look at the examples given below :
It isn’t beautiful, is it ? I’m very fat. I wish I were thin.
They didn’t leave, did they ? I wish I were taller.
You can do it, can’t you ? I wish to be taller. (Present Time)
135. (1) to will replace into because – Hence, I wish I were is the right usage.
to (Prep.) indicates in a direction so as to reach 142. (2) of winning will replace to win because –
into (Prep.) indicates a position in/inside something Confident (Adj.) agrees with Prep.-of and + ing verb
Look at the examples given below : (Gerund)
I’m going with her to Australia. Look at the example given below :
I went into the yard. The team feels confident of winning.
Hence, I went to is the right usage. Hence, of winning the gold medal is the right usage
136. (2) First two will replace two first because – 143. (1) lay will replace laid.
in Numeral Adjectives – Ordinal and Cardinal lay is the Past Tense of lie (Verb) which means to
SEE–150