General English is a scoring section in most competitive exams, but many students lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. If you’re preparing using a general English book or practicing from objective general English resources, knowing these common errors can boost your performance. Here are the most asked questions and expert-level answers to help you prepare better.
What are the most common grammar mistakes made in General English exams?
Grammar-based errors are often the easiest to avoid but the most common. Here are a few examples:
|
Mistake Type |
Example |
Correct Usage |
|
Subject-Verb Agreement |
She go to school every day. |
She goes to school every day. |
|
Tense Confusion |
He seen the movie. |
He has seen the movie. |
|
Incorrect Prepositions |
She is good in English. |
She is good at English. |
|
Article Misuse |
He is a honest person. |
He is an honest person. |
|
Wrong Pronoun Usage |
Each of the boys brought their pen. |
Each of the boys brought his pen. |
Avoiding these errors is possible through regular practice with a general English book that offers rules and exercises.
How can spelling errors affect your score in General English?
Spelling errors can cost valuable marks, especially in objective-type questions. Words like accommodate, separate, definitely, and receive are often misspelled. The best strategy is:
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Maintain a personal spelling diary
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Revise tricky spellings weekly
-
Practice fill-in-the-blanks from objective general English materials
Read More: How to Prepare General English for SSC, RRB More?
Why do students struggle with vocabulary and synonyms?
Vocabulary-based questions test your understanding of context. Students often memorize words without context, leading to mistakes.
Avoid This By:
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Learning 5 new words a day with usage
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Reading newspapers and noting unfamiliar words
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Practicing synonym-antonym exercises regularly
What is the best way to handle comprehension passages?
Mistakes in comprehension come from rushing or not reading the passage properly. Some common issues include:
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Skipping keywords in questions
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Making assumptions not mentioned in the passage
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Not managing time correctly
How to Avoid:
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Skim the passage first, then read the questions
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Highlight key information
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Practice 2-3 passages daily from a general English book
How to avoid silly mistakes in sentence correction and error spotting?
These questions test your focus. Errors are often minor, like a missing article or tense mismatch.
Tips to Avoid Silly Errors:
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Don’t rush – read every word
-
Cross-check your answers
-
Practice mock tests using objective general English question patterns
Final Thought
Improving in General English is not about doing more—it’s about doing it smartly. Recognize your mistakes, revise regularly, and practice consistently with trusted resources like a general English book or objective general English workbook. With the right strategy, you’ll turn this section into your strongest one.
