222 Most Important English

Grammar Rules for IB ACIO

2024
- @sscpreparations - 9555065590
Topic: English Grammar || Section: English (20 marks)
VERB (SUBJECT - VERB AGREEMENT) them as different persons and things and
we use plural verb with them.
Rule-1 –Always identify the subject before Eg- The director and the Actor are shooting
deciding on proper verb form to use. It is in Rajasthan (not ‘is’ shooting)
not mandatory that the subject will always
be placed exactly before verb. But When two nouns joined by ‘and’ do not
Eg.: - Where are the pieces of my puzzle have their own articles then we considers
(The subject is not this puzzle but it is the them as one person and thing and we use
pieces of my puzzle so subject is plural) singular verb with them. Eg- The principal
The study of Plants and animals is very and director of the school is on the leave (
important for you study (Subject here is not ‘are’ on leave)
study)
Rule-4 - ‘Nothing but’ , ‘Unlike’, ‘No less
Rule-2 – (A) When two singular nouns are than’, ‘together with’ ‘As well as’,
connected by ‘and’ the verb will be plural. ‘with’, ‘along with’, ‘and not’, ‘in addition
Eg – The cow and the pig are jumping over to’, ‘but’, ‘besides’, ‘except’, ‘rather than’,
the wall ‘accompanied by’, ‘like’. If these words are
(B)- But If two different singular nouns the connecting words that join two subjects
express one idea, the verb should be in the then the verb used will be according to the
singular form. Or the two singular nouns/ first subject.
uncountable nouns are used in pairs then
the verb will be singular. E.g. 1- My brother unlike my sisters wishes
Eg 1– The law and order situation in the to have a career in engineering. 2-The
state is under control (not are under Actor, along with his manager and some
control) friends, is invited to the function.
2-Profit and loss is a part of business. ( Profit
and loss – usually used in pairs) Rule-5- When two or more subjects are
connected by or, nor, either…or,
Rule-3- When two nouns joined by ‘and’ neither…nor, the verb is according to the
have their own articles then we consider subject that falls close to the verb.
Eg-1.Either Ravi or Shyam is to be promoted Rule-7 – When ‘not only….but also’ is used
( not are to be promoted ) to combine two subject, the verb agrees
2.Neither the girls nor he is to take up this with the subject close to it.
project ( not ‘are’ to take up this project) Ex- Not only Platinum, but also gold are
3.Either you or I am responsible for this mined in the country (Wrong) Not only
blunder ( not I ‘are’ ) Platinum, but also gold is mined in the
country. (Right)
Rule-6- Usage of either of, neither of, none
of, one of, both/not etc. Rule-8- Majority can be singular or plural. If
it is alone it is usually singular , if it is
Neither of - It is only used in case of two followed by a plural noun , it is usually
things or persons but when there are more plural.
than two involved then we use ‘None of’. Eg- 1. The majority believe that the country
For Eg- can progress (wrong)
1.Neither of the two brothers went to
England (Correct) The majority believes that the country can
2.Neither of his five sons settled in India progress (right)
(Incorrect)
3.None of his five sons settled in India 2. The majority of the Teachers believes
(correct) that the girl has not copied in the exam
(wrong)
Either of – It means the choice is between The majority of the Teachers believe that
two persons and things and one of the two. the girl has not copied in the exam (right)
Eg- Either of the two boys has broken the
window Rule 9 – (Collective Noun) Many words
indicating a number of people or animals
One of – It is used to select one out of are singular. The following nouns are
something that has more than two. Eg- One usually singular.
of the six girls admitted before the Class, Crowd, Family, group, committee,
invigilator that they had all cheated in the team, organisation, army club,
examination. government, jury, minority, public etc
Eg- The family was happy with the wedding
Both/not – We do not use both and not in arrangements. ( not ‘were’ ) The committee
the same sentence. If we wish to state that has met and accepted the proposal.
out of the two things not even one of them The crowd was wild.
then use ‘neither of’ Eg- Both of the boys did
not reach the examination centre on time Note: - A collective noun is considered as
(Incorrect) Neither of the boys reached the plural when the group it names is
examination centre on time (Correct ) considered to be made up of individuals.
When members of the group act on their
own independently , the word is taken as Rule-13- When the ‘enemy’ is used in the
plural and take plural verb. sense ‘ armed forces’ of a nation with which
Eg- The jury have different reactions to the one’s country is at war, we use the plural
evidences. verb.
Eg – The enemy were forced to retreat.
Rule 10- When a lot of, a great deal of ,
plenty of, most of, and some of refer to Rule14- Structure none+ of+ the+
number ( countable noun ), a plural verb is uncountable noun+ singular verb
used. Eg- None of the counterfeit money has
Eg- a lot of people were present in road been found. (Not ‘have been found’)
show (not ‘was’)
Note – if these expressions refer to an Structure- None +of the+ plural countable
amount (uncountable noun), the singular noun + plural verb Eg- None of the boys
verb is used. have finished their project.
Eg- a great deal of work has been
completed. Rule15- ‘No’ can take either a singular or
plural verb depending on the noun which
Rule-11- Generally with a plural number we follows it.
use a plural verb. But nouns indicating a Structure- No+ singular noun + singular verb
specific time, money and measurements Eg- No class is going to be held
(weight, distance and height) used as a Structure- No+ plural noun+ plural verb Eg-
whole are singular and take a singular No Classes are going to be held.
verb.
Eg- Thirty-five is not such big amount ( not Rule16- A number of / The number of.
‘are’) Four miles is going to be tedious for Observe the following two structures:-
him ( not ‘are’) 1.A number of +plural noun + plural verb
2.The number of + plural noun + singular
Note – but when they are not used as a verb
whole and are further subdivided into
smaller units we use a plural verb. Eg- A number of students are going to the
picnic ( not ‘is going to’) The number of
Rule-12- Names of countries are always days in a month is thirty ( not ‘are thirty’ )
singular. Certain countries like united states
end with‘s’ and seems to be plural but they Rule 17 – Sometimes the pronoun ‘who,
are singular. But in sports that, or which’ is the subject of a verb in the
middle of the sentence. The pronouns
while referring to the players, the name of ‘who, that and which’ becomes singular or
the country is followed by plural verb. plural according to the noun directly in
Eg- Australia is a nice country front of them. So, if that noun is singular, use
Australia have won the Cricket Series (Here a singular verb and if it is plural use a plural
Australia is referred to as players) verb.
Eg- He is one of those who are convicted. Rule 21- Headphones, knickers, premises,
alms, ruins, archives, arrears, auspices,
Rule 18- The word ‘were’ replaces ‘was’ in fireworks, clothes, outskirts, particulars,
sentences that expresses a wish or are regards, riches, remains, savings,
contrary to the fact. surroundings, furnishings, earnings, troops,
Eg- If my dad were here, he would have tactics, valuables, wages, belongings,
beaten you. ( not ‘was’ here) braces, scissors, tongs, trousers, pants,
pajamas, shorts, goggles, binoculars,
Here dad is singular so ‘was’ seems to be eyeglasses.
correct here. But actually it’s a wish then we These nouns are always plural and a plural
must use ‘were’. verb is used with them. Eg- Have you seen
my glasses ?
Rule 19 – The following are considered as Your clothes are dirty
singular
‘Every, somebody everyone, someone, Note- Some of these nouns are often used
none, nobody, one, any, many, many a with the expression ‘a pair of’. A pair of
, more than one’ are treated as singular. We trousers, a pair of glasses etc
use a singular verb, singular pronoun and But here singular verb will be used.
singular noun with them
Eg- Each boy and each girl has to finish her Rule 22- These nouns appear to be plural
project. Each man was handcuffed. but are actually singular and we use a
Note- But if each , every, one is followed by singular verb with them.
‘of’ then it is followed by plural noun/ News, innings, Politics, summons,
pronoun. But the verb will be singular linguistics, Billiards, Athletics etc
Eg- one of the boys has topped in the class.
Names of subjects ending in ‘s’
Note – if ‘one’ is the subject of the sentence Physics, economics, ethics, mathematics.
then the pronoun used will be
one’s/oneself etc. Do not use him/himself. Names of diseases ending in ‘s’ Mumps,
measles, rickets etc
Rule 20- Furniture, advice, work, evidence,
equipment, news, information, luggage, Eg- Athletics is good for young people.
baggage, percentage, poetry, Linguistics is the study of language.
knowledge, traffic, electricity, music,
stationary, scenery, confectionary, pottery, Rule 23- These nouns appear to be singular
crockery, behaviour etc are uncountable but are plural and a plural verb is used with
nouns. So we use a singular verb with them. them.
Ex- The furniture you bought is very Cattle, cavalry, infantry, poultry, peasantry,
beautiful (Not ‘are very’) children, gentry, police, people etc
Rule 24- Deer, sheep, series, species, fish, Rule 29- Use of bare infinitives after modal
crew, team, jury, aircraft, counsel etc, auxiliaries (will, would, can, could, may,
These words are in the same form in might, hall should, must, dare not, need
singular and plural. not)
Eg- You must to study hard (incorrect) You
Rule 25 – In optative sentences, singular must study hard (correct)
subject takes plural verbs For eg- Long live
the king. Rule 30- Had rather, Had better, had as
soon..as.., had sooner, etc. are followed by
VERB ADVANCE (Infinitive, Gerund, Bare Infinitive ( Infinitive without to )
Participle) Eg- He had better to go there. (Incorrect)
He had better go there (correct)
Rule 26 – command, force, ask, allow,
advice, invite, encourage, compel, geg, Rule 31- Bare infinitive is used after
order, instruct, imagine, instruct, tell, conjunction ‘than’ Eg- He had better eat
require teach, persuade, permit, remind, than to drink. (incorrect)
teach, etc are followed by ‘Object +to+v1’ He had better eat than drink. (Correct)

Eg- He forced to do it by me (incorrect) Rule 32- When ‘but’ is used as preposition

He forced me to do it (Correct- and is preceded by any form of verb ‘do’,
object+to+v1) then after ‘but’ bare infinitive will come.
Ex- He did nothing but to sleep. (Incorrect)
Note- Above form is applicable if sentence He did nothing but sleep. (Correct)
is in active voice, If it is in passive voice
then they (command, force………) are Rule 33 – Every participle must have a
followed by just ‘to+v1) subject of reference.
Eg- She was compelled to finish the task. Ex- Being a rainy day ramu decided not to
go outside. (incorrect) It being a rainy day
Rule 27- ‘Know’ is followed by ramu decided not to go outside. (Correct)
how/where/when/why and ‘infinitive’. Ex- I
know to make coffee (Incorrect) Rule 34- Participles like judging,
concerning, considering, referring,
I know how to make coffee. (Correct) regarding, viewing, broadly speaking, etc.
do not take any subject of reference.
Rule 28- After let, behold, watch, bid, see,
make, feel etc. we use Bare- infinitive Ex- Considering the situation, I took the
(infinitive without to) decision. (Here for considering there is no
subject of reference still the sentence is
Eg- I let him to go (Incorrect) I let him go correct.)
(correct)
 ADVERBS Sentence - He is too weak to walk.
(Correct) Incorrect- He is too weak so that
Rule 35- To modify a Verb, an Adjective or he cannot walk. Correct- He is so weak that
another Adverb, we use an Adverb. he cannot walk
Incorrect- She writes very careful.
Correct- She writes very carefully. Rule 39- ‘Quite’ and ‘all’ are never used
together.
Careful is an Adjective which cannot For example,
modify the Adverb very, therefore carefully Incorrect- She is quite all right.
(Adverb) must be used in place of Correct- She is quite right. Or She is all right
Adjective careful.
Rule 40- Usage of the format -> A/An +
Rule36- ‘Too’ means more than required Fairly + Adjective + Noun or Rather + A
and we used that with Unpleasant + Adjective For example,
Adjective. (i) a fairly good Novel
So, we cannot use too glad, too happy, too (ii) Rather a difficult situation.
pleasant, too healthy. For example,
Incorrect- I am too glad to meet you. But we cannot use Pleasant Adjective with
Correct- I am very glad to meet you. rather and Unpleasant Adjective with fairly.
For example,
Correct Usage -It’s too cold to swim in Incorrect- It was a rather good trip.
Correct Usage – I can’t sleep .It’s too hot Correct- It was a fairly good trip.

Rule 37- ‘Much too’ is followed by an Rule 41- ‘Enough’, when used as an
Unpleasant Adjective, whereas ‘too much’ Adverb, is preceded by a positive degree
is followed by Noun. Adjective or Adverb.
For example, For example,
Incorrect- His failure is too much painful for Incorrect- He is greater enough to forgive
her mother. Correct- His failure is much too you. Correct- He is great enough to forgive
painful for her mother. you

Incorrect- His wife's rude behavior gives Rule 42- 'At present' means 'at the present
him much too pain. Correct- His wife's rude time', 'presently' means 'shortly'. These
behavior gives him too much pain should not be confused and must be dealt
cautiously.
Rule 38- A sentence which contains ''Too 1.Incorrect- Nothing more can be done
To" format, we cannot replace presently. Correct- Nothing more can be
,to’ with so that. If we replace ‘to’ with so done at present.
that, ‘too’ also must be replaced with
‘cannot’. 2.Incorrect- He will return your book at
For example present. Correct- He will return your book
presently. Incorrect- She has done this a month ago.
Correct- She did this a month ago.
Rule 43- Two negatives cancel each other.
Hence two negatives should not be used in Rule 47- ‘At present’ means at this moment
the same sentence unless we make an and it is used with Present Tense, whereas
affirmation. ‘presently’ and ‘shortly’ are used for future'
action and generally' used with Future
Incorrect-I have not got none. Correct- I Indefinite Tense.
have not got any For example,
Incorrect- Presently she is in the kitchen.
Rule44- 'Hard' means 'diligently', Correct- At present she is in the kitchen. He
‘judiciously’, strenuously' while 'Hardly' will be here shortly
means ‘Barely’, ‘Rarely’ 'scarcely at all'.
These two Adverbial forms of 'hard' must Rule 48- ‘Early’ means "just after the
not be confused. beginning of anything" and ‘soon’ means
1.Incorrect- He tried hardly to get the ‘just after a point of time’.
selection. Correct- He tried hard to get the For example,
selection. Roses blossomed early this spring.
She sold the house soon after her husband
2.Incorrect- Ram has eaten hard anything died
today. Correct- Ram has eaten hardly
anything today. Rule 49- The sentence which starts with
seldom, never, hardly , rarely or scarcely
Rule45- 'Much' is used before past takes an inverse structure, Le., Verb +
participles and Adjectives or Adverbs of Subject - Structure.
comparative degree. 'Very' is used before For example,
the present participles and Adjectives and Incorrect- Seldom I had seen such a
Adverbs of positive degree. For e.g.- beautiful sight. Correct- Seldom had I seen
1.Incorrect- The news is much surprising. such a beautiful sight
Correct- The news is very surprising.
Rule 50- Inversion is also used in a sentence
2.Incorrect-She was very surprised at which starts with here/there/
hearing about his selection. Correct- She away/out/up/indoor or outdoor and Main
was much surprised at hearing about his Verb, or Aux + Main Verb is used before the
selection. Subject.
For example,
Rule 46- Ago is always used with Past Incorrect- Away Sita went Correct- Away
Indefinite Tense. So, if ago is used in a went Sita.
sentence, that sentence must be in the Past
Indefinite Tense.
For example,
 ARTICLE Rule 59– ‘A’ is also used in following
The Indefinite Articles: A and An situations :-
The indefinite article ‘a’ is used before: •Half a KG , Half a dozen etc ( Half a ….. )
Rule 51- A word beginning with a letter •What a beautiful day , What a tough
having a consonant sound. Examples: a questions ( Exclamations )
book, a man, a dinner. •In phrases like – in a hurry , in a nutshell, in
a fix The indefinite article ‘an’ is used
Rule 52- A word beginning with ‘u’ or ‘eu’ before:
giving the consonant sound of ‘yu’.
Examples: a European, a university. Rule 60- A word beginning with a letter like
a, e, i, o, u having a vowel sound.
Rule 53- A word that begins with a letter Examples: an elephant, an egg, an
(like O) with the sound like ‘wa’ Examples: umbrella, an idiot, an apple etc.
a one-rupee note, a one-eyed man, a one
man army etc. Rule 61- A word beginning with ‘h’ but the
pronunciation starts with a vowel sound.
Rule 54- ‘A’ is used before indefinite Examples: an hour, an honest man, an heir
numbers. etc.
For Eg – a great deal of , a lot of, a large no
of , a quarter of etc Rule 62- An abbreviation, the first letter of
which is consonant but pronunciation starts
Rule 55- A is used before indefinite with a sound of vowel
collective numbers Examples: an M.P., an M.Com degree , an
For eg – a team of , a flock of , a gang of , X mas tree, an M.L.A
a herd of, a panel of etc
Rule 63 – If a noun is modified by an
Rule 56- When a verb is used as a noun, ‘A’ adjective and the initial sound of adjective
is used before it. For eg- She has gone for a is of a vowel then ‘an’ is used
ride. For eg – An unusual problem
I had a talk with her
The Definite Article: The
Rule 57- ‘A’ is used instead of ‘per’ Article "THE" is used in the following ways:
For eg – Oranges are sold at 50 RS a kg.
Rule 64 -Before the names of the historical
Rule 58 – If a noun is modified by an or public buildings:
adjective and the initial sound of adjective Ex- The HawaMahal, The Taj Mahal, the Red
is consonant then ‘a’ is used Fort, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, etc
For eg – A broken egg , a European country
etc Rule 65 -Before the name of Oceans: The
Antarctic ocean, the Indian Ocean, the
Atlantic Ocean, etc.
 Example: This is the book I wanted. (not
Rule 66 - Before the names of rivers: The any book, but a particular book)
Brahmaputra, the Krishna, the Ganga, the
Yamuna etc. Rule 75- Before a common noun to give it
the meaning of an abstract noun.
Rule 67 - Before the names of seas: The Examples: At last the father in him
Black sea, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea prevailed and excused him.
etc.
Rule 76- In special comparatives
Rule 68 - Before the names of certain
chains of Mountains: the Himalayas, the Examples:
Alps, etc. 1. The more you earn, the more you can
help the poor
Rule 69 – Before the names of deserts: the 2. The more, the better
Sahara, the Thar, etc.
Rule 77- Before musical instruments.
Rule 70 - Before the name of groups of Examples:
islands: the Andamans, the West Indies, Rajani can play piano very well (Incorrect)
etc. Rajani can play the piano very well.
(correct)
Rule 71 - Before the names of newspapers,
magazines etc: The times of India, the Rule 78- Before the names of certain
Hindustan Times, the Deccan Chronicle etc countries each of which is a union of
smaller units.
Rule 72 : The is used before certain Examples: the U.S.A., the west indies, the
adjectives to give a plural meaning. U.A.E., the U.S.S.R etc.
For Eg- The Blind, The Deaf, The rich, The Rule 79- Before some proper nouns
poor, The dead, The sick, the healthy etc. consisting of adjectives and noun or noun
•The rich = rich people + of + noun
•The Dead = Dead People Examples: the State Bank of India, the
•The poor = poor people Example: National Museum
•Wise think before they speak (Incorrect)
The wise think before they speak (correct Rule 80- Before north, south east, west etc
when these are used as nouns.
Rule 73 - Before the names of certain Examples: the north of India, the Middle
countries (This is an exception): the Yemen, East, the West Asia.
the Sudan, the Hague, etc
Rule 81- Before the names of political
Rule 74 - Before a noun when special parties. Example: the BJP, the Congress
emphasis is needed.
Rule 82 - Before the dates of months.
Examples: the 23rd Nov 1950, the 15th Oct Rule 86- Some nouns are always used in a
1947, etc. plural form and always take a plural verb.
•Trousers, scissors, spectacles, stockings,
Rule 83- Before ‘only’ and ordinal numbers, shorts, measles, goods, alms, premises,
such as first, second, millionth etc. and thanks, tidings, annals, chattels, etc.
adjectives of a number. (A) Where are my shorts?
Examples: (B) Where are my spectacles?
1.All the students of a first year are invited.
(Incorrect All the students of the first year Rule 87- There are some nouns that
are invited (correct) indicate length, measure, money, weight
or number. When they are preceded by a
2.Second question is tough (Incorrect) The numeral, they remain unchanged in form.
second question is tough. (correct) •Foot, meter, pair, score, dozen, head,
year, hundred, thousand, million.
3.He is only one in the class who got (A) It is a five year degree course. (not
selected for Google. (Incorrect) He is the ‘years’)
only one in the class who got selected for (A) I have seven dozen of shoes. (not
Google. (correct) dozens)

NOUN Rule 88. Collective nouns such as jury,

Rule 84- Some nouns always take a public, team, committee, government,
singular verb. audience, orchestra, company, etc. are
•Information, Scenery, Advice, machinery, used both as singular and Plural. It depends
stationery, furniture, abuse, fuel, rice, gram, on the usage.
issue, bedding, repair, news, mischief, (A) The jury were divided in their opinion.(
poetry, business, economics, physics, ‘was’ not used as jury members had diff.
mathematics, classic, ethics, athletics, opinions and taken here individually)
innings, gallows.
(A) The scenery of haridwar is enchanting. (B) The team has not arrived yet. ( ‘Have’
(not ‘are’) not used as we are talking about team
(A) He has given advice to me. (not collectively)
‘advices’)
Rule 89- Some nouns have one meaning in
Rule 85- Some nouns look singular, but they the singular and another in the plural:
are used in plural form and always take a a.Advice = counsel, advices = information
plural verb. b.Air = atmosphere, airs = proud
•Cattle, gentry, vermin, peasantry, artillery, c. Authority = command, authorities =
people, clergy, company, police. For eg- persons in power
(A) The cattle are grazing in the ground. d. Good = wise , goods = property
(B) Police have controlled the law and f. Force = strength forces = army
order situation.
g. Content = satisfaction, contents = Rule 92- A pronoun must agree with its
things contained antecedent in person, number and gender.
h. Respect = regards, respects = Ex- Every student must bring his pen.
compliments All students must complete their project.
i. Work = job
works = compositions, factories,. Rule 93- The pronoun ‘one’ must be
followed by ‘one’s’.
Rule 90- People are often confused or they •One must finish his homework in time.
commit mistakes in the use of certain (Incorrect)
nouns. •One must finish one’s homework in time.
(A) Lecturership is wrong: lectureship is (Correct)
correct.
(B) Freeship is wrong; free – studentship is Rule 94 - Resign, acquit, drive, Enjoy, exert,
correct. avail, pride, absent, etc., when used as
(C) Boarding is wrong; boarding house is transitive verbs, always take a reflexive
correct. pronoun after them. When ‘self’ is added to
(D) Family members is wrong; members ‘my’, ‘your’, ‘him’, ‘her’, and ‘it’, and ‘selves’
of the family is correct. to ‘our’ and ‘them’ – they are known as
(E) English teacher is wrong; the teacher reflexive pronouns.
of English is correct. •He absented from the meeting.
(F) Cousin – brother or sister is wrong; •He absented himself from the meeting.
only cousin is correct.
(G) Wages means punishments when Rule 95- ‘Who’ denotes the subject and
used in the singular. Ex- The wages of sin is ‘whom’ is used for the object?
death. • who : It’s the subject of a verb—e.g.,
(H) It also means charges for the labour Who gave you that book?
when used in the plural sense. Ex- The Whom is an objective pronoun, which is a
wages of daily workers have been raised. pronoun that receives the action of a verb.
e.g., Whom should I meet?
Rule 91- While using ‘everybody’
‘everyone’, ‘anybody’, and ‘each’ the Rule 96- When two or more singular nouns
pronoun of the masculine or the feminine are connected by ‘either or’; ‘neither nor’, ;
gender is used according to the context. and ‘or’, the pronoun used is singular.
•Either Rohan or Sohan will give their bike.
I shall be happy to help each of the boys in (Incorrect)
his practice. •Either Rohan or sohan will give his book.
But when the sex is not mentioned, we use (Correct)
the pronoun of the masculine gender.
•Anyone can become member if he tries. Rule 97- When a singular and a plural noun
are joined by ‘or’, ‘nor’, the pronoun must
be plural.
•Either the student or his teachers failed in person(1) + second person(2) + third
his duty. (Incorrect) person(3). RULE-231
•Either the student or his teachers failed in •You, he and I have finished the work.
their duty. (Correct) (Normal idea)
•I, you and he are to blame. ( here
Rule 98- ‘Whose’ is used for living persons Confession of guilt is expressed , it’s a
and ‘which’ for lifeless objects. negative idea, hence order is 123)
•Which book did you opt?
•Whose shirt is lying there? Rule 102- ‘Some’ is used in affirmative
sentences to express quantity or degree.
Rule 99- ‘Each other’ is used when there are ‘Any’ is uses in negative or interrogative
two subjects or objects and ‘one another’ sentences.
when there are more than two. •I shall buy some oranges.
•Ram and Sita loved each other. •I shall not buy any oranges.
•Those five students, who are sitting there, •Have you bought any apples?
love one another. But ‘some’ may be correctly used in
interrogative sentences which are, in fact,
Rule100- When a pronoun is used for a requests.
collective noun; it must be in the singular •Will you please give me some water?
form and in neutral gender (Here collective
noun is viewed as a whole). But if it gives an Rule 103- Use of ‘less’ and ‘fewer’
idea of different parts/people which means ‘Less’ denote quantity and ‘fewer’ denote
it is not viewed as whole, plural pronoun is number.
used. •No less than sixty girls were selected.
•The jury gave ‘its’ verdict. (Incorrect)
Here the ‘jury’ gives the idea of one whole. •No fewer than sixty girls were selected.
If the collective noun conveys the idea of (Correct)
separate individuals comprising the whole, •There is no fewer than five litres of water in
the pronoun used for it must be plural. the bottle. (Incorrect)
•The jury were divided in their opinions. •There is no less than five litres of water in
In this sentence, the ‘jury’ gives the idea of the bottle. (Correct)
several individuals.
Rule 104- Use of little, a little, the little
Rule 101- If pronouns of different persons ‘Little’ means ‘hardly any’. It gives kind of
are to be used together in a sentence, the negative meaning. For eg-
serial order of persons should be as follows; •There is little hope of his recovery. (It
Second person(2) + Third (3)+ First means his recovery is not possible)
person(1) in normal sentences. But when ‘A little’ means ‘some’, though not much
mistake or fault is expressed in the but still manageable. It gives positive
sentence, the order should be; first meaning.
•I had a little milk in the morning.
‘The little means ‘not much but all there is’. •Ex- The climate of Delhi is better than
•Little water that is in the bottle may be Mumbai. (Incorrect)
used for the patient. (Incorrect) Here the comparison should be between
•The little water that is in the bottle may be the climate of Delhi and the climate of
used for the patient. (Correct) Mumbai.
•The climate of Delhi is better than the
Rule 105- Use of elder, older. climate of Mumbai. (Correct) Or
‘Elder’ is used for persons of same family. •The climate of Ranchi is better than that of
‘Older’ refers to persons (not related) as Gaya. (Correct) (Here, ‘That of’ means ‘the
well as things and is followed by ‘than’. climate of’)
•Sonu is elder than all other boys of this If the traits are in plural, it will be ‘those of’.
area. (Incorrect) •The products of Honda are better than
•Sonu is older than all other boys of this those of Nissan.
area. (Correct) •The scenery of Kashmir is better than
•Sabu is my older brother. (Incorrect) Shimla. (Incorrect)
•Sabu is my elder brother. (Correct) •The scenery of Kashmir is better than that
of Shimla. (Correct)
Rule 106- Normally ‘than’ is used in the
comparative degree, but with words Rule 109- ‘many a’ is always followed by
like superior, inferior, senior, junior, prior, the singular verb.
anterior, posterior and prefer ‘to’ is used. •Many a student were drowned in the river.
For e.g.- (Incorrect)
•Ranu is superior than Neena.( Incorrect) •Many a student was drowned in the river.
•Ranu is Superior to Neena. (Correct) (Correct)
•I prefer reading than walking. (Incorrect)
•I prefer reading to walking. (Correct Rule 110- If the subject is ‘the number of’
the singular verb is used. And when the
Rule 107- when a comparison is made by expression (‘a +number+of) is used, plural
using a comparative followed by ‘than’, the verb is used.
word ‘other’ must exclude the thing •The number of footballers are very small.
compared form the class of things with (Incorrect)
which it is compared. •The number of footballers is very small.
•He is better than any man. (Incorrect) (Correct)
•He is better than any other man. (Correct) •A number of boys has failed in the
‘Any man’ includes the man himself and examination. (Incorrect)
thus the sentences will be awkward. ‘Any •A number of boys have failed in the
other man’ is appropriate. examination.(correct)

Rule 108- In some cases, the comparison is Rule 111- When ‘as well as’, ‘along with’,
subtle and must be given proper attention. together with’, ‘no less than’, ‘in addition to’
and ‘not’ and ‘with’ join two subjects, the
verb will be used according to the first Rule 116- ‘Either’ of ‘neither’ is used when
subject. we are speaking of two persons or things.
•Sonu, as well as his three friends, are In case of more than two we use ‘any’, ‘no
going for a picnic.( Incorrect) one’ and ‘none’.
•Sonu, as well as his three friends, is going Ex- Anyone of these two T-shirts must be
for a picnic. (Correct) chosen. (Incorrect) Either of these two t-
•The teacher, along with the students, were shirts must be chosen. (Correct)
going.(Incorrect)
•The teacher, along with the students, was Ex- Neither of these three girls did her
going.(Correct) project. (Incorrect) None of these three
girls did her project. (Correct)
PRONOUN
Rule 117- When a gerund follows a pronoun
Rule112- When the pronoun is used as the then the pronoun must be in possessive
object of a verb or of a preposition, it case.
should be in the objective case. Ex-Please excuse me being late (Incorrect)
Eg-These chocolates are for you and I. Please excuse my being late. (Correct)
(Incorrect) These chocolates are for you
and me. (correct) Rule 118- A pronoun must agree with its
antecedent in person, number and gender.
Rule 113- The indefinite pronoun ‘one’ Ex- Each these girls has completed their
should be used throughout if it has been breakfast. (Incorrect) Each of these girls
used. has completed her breakfast. (Correct)
Eg-One must not brag about his own
success. (Incorrect) One must not brag Rule 119- When two or more singular nouns
about one’s own success. (Correct) are joined by ‘and’, the pronoun must be in
plural form.
Rule 114- Emphatic pronouns (Himself, Ex- Both ghanshyam and shyam have
herself, myself, ourselves, themselves etc.) done his project. (Incorrect) Both
cannot be used alone as subjects. ghanshyam and Shyam have done their
Ex- Himself did it (Wrong) He himself did it project.(correct)
(Correct)

Rule 115- Use ‘Each other’ for two person or Rule 120- When two or more singular nouns
things. For more than two use ‘one another’ joined by ‘or’ , nor’ ‘either or’ ‘neither nor’
then the pronoun for them must be in
Ex- The two brothers hate one another singular form.
(Incorrect) The two brothers hate each Ex- Neither Seeta nor Geeta has eaten their
other (Correct) breakfast. (Incorrect) Neither Seeta nor
Geeta has eaten her breakfast. (Correct)
Rule 121- When two or more singular noun ADJECTIVE RULES
joined by ‘and’ refer to same person then
pronoun must be in singular form. Rule 125-Adjective of quantity like LITTLE,
Ex- The Principal and HOD of biology is not MUCH, ENOUGH, SUFFICIENT, WHOLE, etc.
good in their behaviour.(Incorrect) The must be used with uncountable nouns only
principal and HOD of biology is not good in as they express quantity and not number.
his behaviour. (correct) Ex.-Many (not much) girls are present in the
class today.
Rule 122- When two or more singular Correct usage – I had enough sleep (as
pronouns of different persons come sleep is uncountable noun)
together then the sequence should be –
First (You-second person), Second Rule 126- Adjective of number must be
(He/she- third person ) , third ( I- first used only with the countable nouns and
person) not with uncountable as they indicate
Ex- You, she and I have been appreciated number and not quantity.
for the completion of the science project. Ex-I have taken many milk today.
(Incorrect) I have taken much milk today.
Note- But in situation where we are (Correct)
reporting some unpleasant news we use
the order 1st person (I), 2nd person (You) Do not drink so many water. (Incorrect) Do
then 3rd person (He/She) not drink so much water. (Correct
Ex- I, you and she have been held
responsible for the failure of the software Rule 127- Some, All, Any, No, Most etc. may
launch. be used both as adjectives of number and
Adjectives of quantity as they can express
Rule 123- With superlative degree number as well as quantity.
adjectives, only, none, all etc we use ‘that’ Ex.-There are no girls in the auditorium (Adj.
as relative pronoun not ‘which/who’ of Number) There is no milk in the pot. (Adj.
Ex- All which glitters is not gold.(Incorrect) of quantity)
All big machines are imported from foreign
All that glitters is not gold (Correct) countries. (Adj. of number) All the sugar
was thrown into the sea. (Adj. of Quantity)
Rule 124- After ‘let’ if a pronoun is used , Give me some coke. (Adj. of Quantity)
then that pronoun must be in objective Some of these boys are brilliant. (Adj. of
case. Number)
Ex- Let he go there. (Incorrect) Let him go
there. (Correct) Rule 128- the comparative adjectives,
ending with like superior, inferior, senior,
junior, prior, anterior, posterior, exterior etc.
Take ‘to’ after them and not ‘than’.
Ex.-He is senior than me. (Incorrect) He is Ex.-He latter refused to come (Incorrect)
senior to me. (Correct) He later refused to come. (Correct)
Health is preferable than wealth.
(Incorrect) Health is preferable to wealth. The later part of the novel is not clearly
(Correct written (Incorrect) The latter part of the
novel is not clearly written. (Correct)
Rule129- Double comparative adjectives
or double superlative adjectives must not Rule 133- Use of (farther, further; farthest,
be used. furthest) Farther, Farthest - denote distance
(Incorrect) He is more senior than me. Further, Furthest - next, also (position)
(Correct) He is senior to me. Ex.-After this he made no farther statement.
Milk is more preferable than tea. (Incorrect) After this he made no further
(Incorrect) Milk is preferable to tea. statement. (Correct) Delhi is farther from
(Correct) Haridwar than Roorkee.
Ashoka was the most strongest of the kings.
(Incorrect) Ashoka was the strongest of the Rule 134- Before superlative adjectives
kings. (Correct) articles ‘THE’ must be (always) placed. Ex.-
He is the best boy of the district.
Rule 130- The comparative ending in ‘er’ Sita is the most intelligent girl.
must not be used when we compare two
qualities in the same person or thing. In that Rule 135- Use of (Nearest, next) Nearest
case we use ‘more’ before the Adjective. denotes distance.
Ex. - Sita is braver than wise. (Incorrect) Sita Next denotes position.
is more brave than wise. (Correct)
Ex.-He was sitting next to me.
Rule 131- Comparative degree must be Ram’s shop is nearest to my house.
used when the comparison is between two
persons or things and superlative degree This is the next post-office to my house.
when the comparison is among more than (Incorrect) This is the nearest post-office to
two things. my house. (Correct)
Ex.-Who is the smartest of these two sisters?
(Incorrect) Who is smarter of these two Rule 136- Use of (Elder, older; Eldest, oldest)
sisters? (Correct) Elder and eldest – are used of members of
the same family. Older and oldest are used
He is wise of all students in the class. for persons or things.
(Incorrect) He is the wisest of all students in Ex.-I have an older brother (Incorrect) I
the class. (Correct have an elder brother (Correct)
Mohan is the eldest boy in the town.
Rule 132- Use of (Later, Latter; latest, last) (Incorrect) Mohan is the oldest boy in the
Later and Latest – shows time town. (Correct)
Latter and last – shows position
Rule 137- Use of less and fewer He came to see us Each day. (Incorrect)
Less - Quantity Fewer - Number He came to see us every day. (Correct)
Ex.-There is fewer sugar in your tea than in
mine. (Incorrect) There is less sugar in your Rule 141- "Some" is used in the affirmative
tea than in mine. (Correct) sentence "any" is used in negative and
He should ask for fewer packets of salt. interrogative sentence.
She doesn’t want some candies.
Rule 138- Some adjectives like ( Ideal, Full, (Incorrect)
Chief, perfect, Unique, Complete, Infinite, She doesn’t want any candies. (Correct)
Extreme, Entire, Universal, Empty, I will have any tea. (Incorrect) I will have
Impossible, Unanimous, square, sound etc. some tea. (Correct)
are not compared as they express Did you go somewhere last night? Did you
meaning which do not admit of any go anywhere last night?
variation of degrees.
Ex.-This achievement was most unique. Rule 142- What’s the Correct Order for
(Incorrect) His achievement was unique. Multiple Adjectives in a sentence?
(Correct) OSASCOMP
OPINION – Great , Horrible , Fantastic SIZE-
Your skill is most perfect. (Incorrect) Your Big , Tiny etc
skill is perfect (correct) AGE – Young , Old , New SHAPE – Round ,
Square etc COLOUR – Red , Green etc
Rule 139- When a comparison is introduced ORIGIN – British Chinese etc MATERIAL –
and has ‘ANY’ after it, the things compared Wooden ,Silky etc PURPOSE-School ( shoes)
must always be excluded from the class of
things with which it is compared, by using CONJUCTIONS
‘OTHER’ Rule 143- when ‘along with’, ‘as well as’,
Ex.-London is larger than any city in ‘together with’ , ‘No less than’, ‘In addition
England. (Incorrect) London is larger than to’ and ‘Not’ and ‘with’ join two subjects,
any other city in England (Correct) the verb will be as per the first subject.
•Ex.-Sonu, as well as his Five friends, are
Sonu is smarter than any student in his class present. (Incorrect)
(Incorrect) Sonu is smarter than any other •Sonu, as well as his five friends, is present.
student in his class. (Correct) (Correct)

Rule 140- ‘Each’ is used to indicate a Rule 144- If two subjects are joined by
limited number and ‘EVERY’ to denote an ‘Either-Or’, ‘Neither-Nor’, the verb must be
unlimited number in selection or choice. according to the subject that is near.
Ex.-Everyone of the two boys was given a •Ex.-Either Hrithik or I are to do this project.
prize. (Incorrect) Each one of the two boys (Incorrect)
was given a prize (Correct) •Either Hrithik or I am to do this project.
(Correct)
•Neither he nor his friends is swimming. •Hardly had he reached the auditorium
(Incorrect) when it began to rain.
•Neither he nor his friends are swimming.
(Correct) Rule 149- ‘No sooner’ is always followed by
‘than’. Ex-
Rule 145- ‘One of’ is always followed by a •No Sooner had I reached the airport than
plural noun. the plan took off.
•Ex.-It is one of the beautiful day in her life.
(Incorrect) Rule 150- ‘Lest’ must always be followed by
•It is one of the beautiful days in her life. ‘should’. Ex-
(Correct) •Work hard lest you will fail. (Incorrect)
•Work hard lest you should fail. (Correct)
Rule 146- Usage of (Not only – but also). It
is used in various situations Rule 151- ‘Such’ is always followed by ‘As’.
•Brijesh is not only wise but also intelligent. •Ex.-Such a boy as I know is at the party.
(Here one person – two qualities) He is Such a writer as everybody should
•Not only India but also Bangladesh is read his books
developing. (Here two persons – common
quality) Rule 152- ‘So’ is always followed by ‘That’.
When two subjects are joined by (Not only- Ex:-
but also) the verb must agree with the •He is so intelligent that he can clear any
‘second subject. Ex:- exam in first attempt.
•Not only the players but also the coach
are playing. (Incorrect) Rule 153- ‘Until’ denotes time. It has a
•Not only the players but also the coach is negative meaning and thus ‘not’ must
playing. (Correct) never be used with it. Ex:-
•Wait here until I do not return (Incorrect)
Rule 147- ‘Though’ is always followed by •Wait here until I Return.(Correct)
‘yet’ and not by ‘but’. For Eg-
•Though he is poor but he is honest Rule 154- ‘UNLESS’ denotes a condition, It is
(Incorrect) always used in the negative sense. Thus
•Though he is poor, yet he is honest. ‘NOT’ is never used with ‘unless’. Ex:-
(Correct) •Unless you do not work hard, you will not
pass (Incorrect)
Rule 148- ‘Scarcely’ and ‘Hardly’ are •Unless you work hard you will not pass
followed by ‘WHEN’ and not by ‘THAN’ Ex- (Correct)
•I had Scarcely entered the theatre WHEN
the light went off. Rule 155- ‘Since’ shows a point of time and
•Hardly had he seen his mother when he ‘for’ stands for the length of time.
stopped drinking. •Ex.-He had been reading this novel for
two hours.
•He has been working on this project since
1990. Rule 161- ‘ONLY’ as a conjunction means-
Except that
Rule 156- ‘As if’ is used to denote the sense • Ex.-A very pretty woman, only she
of pretension. squints a little
When ‘as if’ is used in this way, ‘were’ is
used, Even with third person singular. PREPOSITIONS
• Ex.-He behaves as if he was king. AT, ON & IN (When they are referring to a
(Incorrect) place)
• He behaves as if he were a king Rule 162- At is used, when we see
(Correct) something as a point in space.
For Example:
Rule 157- ‘BOTH’ is followed by ‘AND’ not I will meet you at Rohan’s place. There's
(as well as, but) someone at the door.
•Ex.-Ram is both tall and handsome.
Rule 163- On is used to refer to a surface.
Rule 158- Use of (Since, Because, For, As). For Example:
Ex:- •The book is kept on the table.
•It has been a year since I met her •There were lots of pictures on the walls.
•Since he is my father, I respect him.
•I respect him because he is my father. Rule 164- In is used, when we see
•As he is my neighbor, I respect him something as all around. For Example:
•As he was not feeling well, he did not eat It was hot in the auditorium.
anything I have a 50 rupees note in my pocket.

Rule 159- ‘OR’ is used to introduce an Rule 165- In general, we use in for a bigger
alternative. place like country or town and at for a
•Ex.-Do or die. smaller place.
•Stay as it is or leave this place. For Example:
OR’ is used to mean ‘otherwise’ I will meet you in Delhi.
•We must hasten or night will overtake us. I will meet you at Rohan’s place
OR is used to show several Alternatives
He may study maths or chemistry or AT, ON & IN (When they are referring to
Biology or he may enter into trade time)
Rule 166- We use at with a particular time
Rule 160- ‘WHILE’ IS USED TO MEAN- such as a clock time or meal time.
(i) During the time that, as long as For Example:
•While there is hope there is life. •at half past Nine,
•While he was sleeping, an enemy entered •at lunch (time),
in the house. (ii)At the same time that •at that time,
•The girl sang while the boys danced •at the moment
Rule 167- We also use ‘at’ with periods of Rule 173- Among refers to a larger group.
two or three days. For Example: For Example:
•at Diwali, •I saw her among the crowd.
•at Holi, •Pens were distributed among the
•at the weekend students.

Rule 168- We use ‘on’ with a single day. For TO & TOWARDS
Example: Rule 174- We use ‘to’ for a destination and
•on Thursday, ‘towards’ for a direction. For Example:
•on 10th August, •We're going on a trip to Ladakh.
•on Easter Sunday •We are going towards chandigarh.

Rule 169- We use ‘in’ with longer periods. DURING & OVER
For Example:
•in the next few days Rule 175- We use 'during’ with an event
•in the summer holidays (e.g. the festival) or a period which is a
•in august definite time. It means the whole period.
•in the 20th century For Example:
•Nobody was working during the festival.
Rule 170- We also use in with a part of the •The parcel arrived during the festival.
day. For Example:
•in the afternoon, Rule 176- But we cannot use during + length
•in the morning of time.
•For Example: The festival went on during a
BETWEEN & AMONG week. (Replace during with for)

Rule 171- Between is used to refer to a small Rule 177- We can also use ‘over’ for a
number of items which are separate from whole period of time. For Example:
each other. •Over a period of two months there was
For Example: sudden rise in the value of gold.
•This tournament is between him and me.
•This tri-series is between India, England & FOR & SINCE
South Africa. Rule 178- We use for + length of time and
since + time.
Rule 172- Each/Every cannot be used after For Eg:-
between. •for a week
For Eg:- •for two days
•Between Each girl. (It is wrong) •for a few seconds
•There are 10 millimeters between each •since 1988
centimeter. (Remove Each) •since last week
•since Monday
•since half past two Rule 183- Universal Truths: The sun rises in
the east (‘Rise/s’ is V1)
For Example:
•I just want to walk for five minutes. Rule 184- General Truths & Common
•I will stay at your place for a week. Understandings: Minerals are essential to
•It has been raining since Monday keep our body healthy (‘Are’ is V1)
morning.
•I haven't seen you since September. Rule 185- Feelings & Emotions: I like you
(‘Like/s’ is V1)
Rule 179- We do not normally use "for"
before a phrase with all or whole. Rule 186- Repetitive & Habitual Actions:
•It rained for the whole day. (Incorrect) Rohit goes to school daily. (‘Go/es’ is V1)
•It rained the whole day (Correct)
Rule 187- Future actions governed by a
Till/until schedule or timetable: The College
Rule 180- We use till/until to say when reopens after Diwali vacations. (‘Reopen/s’
something finishes. Till is not the contracted is V1)
form of until. They are usually
interchangeable. Present Continuous (Basic Structure: Is /
For Example: Am / Are + V1 + ing)
•The UP government will not pass any bill Rule 188- Actions which are in progress in
till/until next assembly session. present time: The Indian economy is
•I will be working in Infosys till/until next growing at a rapid pace.
January.
Rule 189- Actions which are in progress in
Beside/Besides the vicinity of present time: Nowadays, a lot
Rule 181- Beside and Besides have of students are preparing for Govt. jobs.
completely different meanings. One needs (The action may not be in progress at the
to be cautious during their usage. time of speaking, yet it is in continuation
Beside = at the side of Example somewhere in the vicinity of present time)
He was standing beside ram.
Rule 190- Personal plans of near future: I am
Rule 182- Besides = in addition to / as well meeting my friends in the evening.
as Example
He has a house besides a flat in gurgaon. Rule 191- A recurrent action, when it
becomes problematic and irritating: She is
TENSE always Kicking me without any reason.
PRESENT TENSE
Simple Present (Basic Structure: V1) Present Perfect (Basic Structure: Has /
Have + V3)
Rule 192- Past completed actions, when Ex- I was relishing a parantha, when
the time of the action is not relevant: someone knocked at the door.
Sharmaji has completed his project.
Rule 199- An action which was in progress
Rule 193- Recently completed actions in the past Ex-All evening, the kids were
(quite often with ‘just’): The policemen playing in the garden
have just arrested
Past Perfect (Basic Structure: Had + V3)
Present Perfect Continuous (Basic Rule 200- An action which got completed
Structure: Has / Have + Been + V1 + ing) by/before another past completed action:
Rule 194- An action that started in the past Ex- The thieves had robbed the bank by the
and continues in the present (quite often time the police arrived.
with ‘since’ & ‘for’ phrases):
(i)I have been waiting here for over an hour Rule 201-An action which got completed
(‘for’ shows the duration of the action) by/before a certain point of time in the past
(ii)It has been raining heavily since Ex- India had become a nuclear power
morning (‘since’ shows the start point of the much before the start of this century
action)
Past Perfect Continuous (Basic Structure:
PAST TENSE Had + Been + V1 + ing)
Simple Past (Basic Structure: V2) Rule 202-An action which started before a
certain point of time in the past and
Rule 195- Past completed actions, along continued up to it
with an adverb of past time showing the Ex- Ramesh had been studying
time of the action continuously until he finally dozed off.
Ex- Sita left for her trip yesterday.
(‘yesterday’ is an adverb of past time) Rule 203-The cause of something in the
past
Rule 196- Past completed actions, when Ex- Sahil was exhausted because he had
the time of the action has not been been swimming in the pool.
specified
Ex- Sardar Patel was our country’s first FUTURE TENSE
home minister. Simple Future (Basic Structure: Will / Shall +
V1)
Rule 197- Recurrent actions in the past Ex-
As a kid, I ate apples regularly. Rule 204- Future actions over which we
have no control
Past Continuous (Basic Structure: Was / Ex- Our horse will turn old in a couple of
Were + V1 + ing) years.
Rule 198- An action which was in progress,
when another action took place Rule 205- Promises
Ex- I will buy you a watch on your next Rule 213- Cause of a future situation
birthday. Ex- By next week, she will have been
travelling for 3 months and will need to take
Rule 206- Predictions: India will win the next rest.
ICC world cup.
QUESTION TAG
Rule 207- Instantaneous Decisions (on-the- Question tag making facts:-
spot decisions) 1.Both sentence and question tag must be
Ex- Ok! I will help you sort out this problem in same tense
2.Sentence and question tag are always
Future Continuous (Basic Structure: Will / opposite (If sentence is positive then
Shall + Be + V1 + ing) question tag has to be negative & vice
Rule 208- An action which will be in versa )
progress, in future, in the normal course of 3.In question tag always pronoun is used.
things 4.For negative question tag always use the
Ex- As per the plan, we will be staying here contracted form like hadn’t, won’t etc
till Sunday.
Rules for question tag:-
Rule 209- A future action in progress Rule 214 – For ‘am not’ there is no
Ex- In the evening, he will be playing the contracted form, here we use ‘aren’t’
piano. Ex- I am absolutely fine, aren’t I?

Future Perfect (Basic Structure: Will / Shall Rule 215- Everybody, each, no one, every,
+ Have + V3) none, nobody, everyone are singular and
Rule 210- An action which will get will take singular verb / Singular pronoun/
completed by/before a certain point of Singular adjective with them but their
time in the future question tag has to have plural verb and
Ex- They will have painted the fence before plural pronoun
the end of this week. Ex- Everyone has eaten their food, haven’t
they?
Rule 211- Duration in the future
Ex- By the next month, he will have worked Rule 216- With collective noun we use
with me for over 5 years. singular verb and similarly in question tag
also we use singular pronoun
Future Perfect Continuous (Basic Structure: Ex- The jury has given its verdict, hasn’t it?
Will / Shall + Have + Been + V1 + ing)
Rule 212- An action which will be in Rule 217- With words that have negative
progress over a period of time in future meaning
before finally coming to an end for e.g. - Scarcely, rarely, barely, Hardly
Ex- The professor will have been teaching etc we use positive question tag
for over 25 years by the time we graduate. Ex- He Hardly goes for picnic, does he ?
Rule 218- When sentence starts with ‘let us/
Let’s’, we use ‘shall we’ in the question tag
Ex- Let us drink tonight, shall we ?

Rule 219- In case of imperative sentence ,

we use ‘won’t you’ in the question tag
Ex- Go out, won’t you ?
But if something is offered to somebody or
someone is asked to do something then we
use ‘will you / would you’ in the question
tag
Ex- Have some more pasta, would you?

And when there is impatience involved we

use ‘can’t you’ in the question tag. Ex- Shut
your mouth, Can’t you ?

Rule 220- When ‘there’ is used in the starting

of the sentence then ‘there’ is used in the
question tag in the place of pronoun
Ex- There is no milk to drink, is there ?

Rule 221- When we talk about individual

members of the collective noun or there is
a difference in opinion among the
members of the collective noun, then
plural verbs and plural pronouns are used
and hence question tag will be used
accordingly.
Ex- The committee are divided in their
opinion, aren’t they?

Rule 222- Question tag should always be

made in accordance with the main part of
the sentence.
Ex- I think, she is wrong, isn’t she? (Here
main part is not ‘I think’ as it is not
important. Main part is ‘she is wrong’ so
question tag will be according to this only.