Sentence Correction Questions for Placement 2026 (with Answers)

Last Updated: March 2026

Introduction

Sentence Correction is a crucial section in placement exams that tests your command of English grammar, vocabulary, and usage. Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, Accenture, and Capgemini include this section to assess candidates' communication skills, attention to detail, and language proficiency—essential qualities for professional success.

Why Sentence Correction Matters

Professional Communication: Error-free writing is essential in corporate environments
Attention to Detail: Spotting grammatical errors demonstrates precision
Grammar Mastery: Tests knowledge of sentence structure, agreement, and syntax
Vocabulary Skills: Identifies incorrect word usage and appropriate alternatives

Types of Errors Tested

Subject-Verb Agreement
Tense Errors
Pronoun Errors
Modifier Errors
Parallelism
Idiomatic Usage
Redundancy
Word Choice/Usage
Run-on Sentences and Fragments
Article Usage

Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations

Subject-Verb Agreement

Question 1: The list of items, along with their prices, are displayed on the website.

a) are displayed b) is displayed c) were displayed d) have been displayed

Explanation: The subject is "list" (singular), not "items." When phrases like "along with," "as well as," or "together with" intervene, they don't change the number of the subject. The verb should agree with "list," which is singular.

Question 2: Neither the manager nor the employees was aware of the policy change.

a) was aware b) were aware c) are aware d) have been aware

Explanation: With "neither...nor" and "either...or," the verb agrees with the nearer subject. Here, "employees" (plural) is closer to the verb, so "were aware" is correct.

Question 3: The jury were divided in their opinions about the case.

a) were divided in their opinions b) was divided in its opinion c) were divided in its opinion d) was divided in their opinions

Explanation: Collective nouns like "jury," "team," and "committee" can take singular or plural verbs depending on whether the group is acting as a unit (singular) or as individuals (plural). Here, "divided in their opinions" suggests individual members have different views, so plural is appropriate.

Tense Errors

Question 4: By the time we arrived, the movie already started.

a) already started b) was already started c) had already started d) has already started

Explanation: When one past action occurs before another past action, use past perfect (had + past participle) for the earlier action. The movie started before the arrival, so "had already started" is correct.

Question 5: I have visited Paris three years ago.

a) have visited b) visited c) had visited d) have been visiting

Explanation: "Three years ago" indicates a specific completed time in the past, which requires simple past tense. Present perfect cannot be used with specific past time expressions.

Question 6: The company is founded in 1995 and has grown steadily since.

a) is founded b) was founded c) has been founded d) had been founded

Explanation: "In 1995" is a specific past time, requiring simple past tense. The passive voice "was founded" correctly indicates the company was established at that time.

Pronoun Errors

Question 7: Each student must submit their assignment by Friday.

a) their assignment b) his or her assignment c) its assignment d) there assignment

Explanation: "Each" is singular and requires a singular pronoun. While "their" is increasingly accepted as a singular gender-neutral pronoun in informal usage, "his or her" remains the grammatically traditional choice in formal writing and most placement exams.

Question 8: The gift was meant for you and I.

a) you and I b) you and me c) yourself and me d) you and myself

Explanation: Pronouns after prepositions (like "for") should be in the objective case. "Me" is the objective form of "I." Test by removing "you and": "The gift was meant for I" is clearly wrong; "The gift was meant for me" is correct.

Question 9: My friend and myself went to the concert.

a) myself b) me c) I d) mine

Explanation: Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself) should only be used when the subject and object are the same person, or for emphasis. Here, "I" is needed as part of the compound subject: "My friend and I."

Modifier Errors

Question 10: Walking down the street, the building caught my attention.

a) the building caught my attention b) I was caught by the attention of the building c) I was attracted by the building d) my attention was caught by the building

Explanation: Dangling modifier error. The opening phrase "Walking down the street" must logically modify the subject that follows. Buildings don't walk—people do. The corrected sentence should have "I" as the subject after the participial phrase.

Question 11: After completing the project, it was submitted to the manager.

a) it was submitted to the manager b) submission was made to the manager c) the team submitted it to the manager d) the manager received the submission

Explanation: Dangling modifier. "After completing the project" implies a person or group completed it, so the subject should be "the team" (or similar), not "it" (the project).

Question 12: Known for his generosity, the charity's founder was beloved by all.

a) the charity's founder was beloved by all b) everyone loved the charity's founder c) people loved the charity's founder d) No error

Explanation: The participial phrase "Known for his generosity" correctly modifies "the charity's founder." The sentence is grammatically correct as written.

Parallelism

Question 13: She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride bicycles.

a) to ride bicycles b) riding bicycles c) rides bicycles d) bicycle riding

Explanation: Parallel structure requires the same grammatical form for items in a series. "Hiking" and "swimming" are gerunds, so "riding" (not "to ride") maintains parallelism.

Question 14: The manager asked the team to work efficiently, punctually, and with dedication.

a) with dedication b) to be dedicated c) dedicatedly d) be dedicated

Explanation: "Efficiently" and "punctually" are adverbs. To maintain parallel structure, we need the adverb "dedicatedly" rather than the prepositional phrase "with dedication."

Question 15: The job requires someone who is intelligent, works hard, and has ambition.

a) has ambition b) is ambitious c) ambitious d) to have ambition

Explanation: The parallel elements should follow the same structure: "who is intelligent," "who works hard," and "who is ambitious." Using "is ambitious" maintains the parallel pattern.

Idiomatic Usage

Question 16: We need to comply by the new regulations.

a) comply by b) comply with c) comply to d) comply for

Explanation: The correct idiom is "comply with," not "comply by." Prepositions in idioms must be memorized.

Question 17: She is capable to complete the task on time.

a) capable to b) capable of c) capable for d) capable about

Explanation: The correct idiom is "capable of doing something," not "capable to do."

Question 18: I prefer tea than coffee.

a) tea than coffee b) tea over coffee c) tea to coffee d) tea against coffee

Explanation: The correct idiom is "prefer X to Y," not "prefer X than Y."

Question 19: The team is looking forward to meet the new CEO.

a) to meet b) for meeting c) to meeting d) at meeting

Explanation: "Look forward to" is followed by a gerund (noun form), not an infinitive. The "to" here is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Correct: "looking forward to meeting."

Redundancy

Question 20: The two twins are identical in appearance.

a) The two twins b) The twins c) The two twin brothers d) Both twins

Explanation: "Twins" by definition means two people born together. Saying "two twins" is redundant. Similarly, avoid phrases like "return back," "reason is because," or "free gift."

Question 21: Please revert back to me with your response.

a) revert back b) revert c) return back d) respond back

Explanation: "Revert" already means "to return" or "reply." Adding "back" is redundant. Simply say "Please revert to me" or "Please reply to me."

Question 22: The price was reduced by 50% off.

a) reduced by 50% off b) reduced by 50% c) reduced 50% off d) reduced to 50% off

Explanation: "Reduced by" and "% off" convey the same meaning. Either "reduced by 50%" or "50% off" is correct, but not both together.

Word Choice/Usage

Question 23: The weather has a great affect on my mood.

a) affect b) effect c) impact d) change

Explanation: "Effect" is a noun meaning result or consequence. "Affect" is typically a verb meaning to influence. Here, "great effect" (noun) is needed after the article "a."

Question 24: He has less friends than I do.

a) less friends b) fewer friends c) lesser friends d) few friends

Explanation: Use "fewer" for countable nouns (friends) and "less" for uncountable nouns (water, time). "Lesser" is an adjective meaning smaller in importance.

Question 25: She excepted the job offer immediately.

a) excepted b) accepted c) expected d) excerpted

Explanation: "Accept" means to receive willingly. "Except" means to exclude. "Expect" means to anticipate. "Accepted" is correct here.

Question 26: The principle of the school gave a speech.

a) principle b) principal c) principality d) principalship

Explanation: "Principal" means main or most important, or the head of a school. "Principle" means a fundamental truth or law. The head of a school is the "principal."

Question 27: Their going to visit us next week.

a) Their b) They're c) There d) They

Explanation: "They're" is the contraction of "they are." "Their" shows possession. "There" indicates location. The sentence needs "They're" (They are going).

Question 28: The company has a complement of 500 employees.

a) complement b) compliment c) complementary d) complimentary

Explanation: "Complement" means a complete set or something that completes. "Compliment" means praise. Here, "complement" (full staff) is correct.

Article Usage

Question 29: I am learning the English to improve my career prospects.

a) the English b) an English c) English d) a English

Explanation: Languages don't take articles. We say "I am learning English," not "the English" or "an English."

Question 30: She works as a unique consultant in the firm.

a) a unique b) an unique c) the unique d) unique

Explanation: Use "a" before words beginning with a consonant sound, "an" before words beginning with a vowel sound. "Unique" starts with a "y" sound (consonant), so "a unique" is correct.

Question 31: The Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.

a) The Mount Everest b) A Mount Everest c) Mount Everest d) An Mount Everest

Explanation: Don't use articles before proper nouns of mountains, lakes, and individual islands. We say "Mount Everest," not "The Mount Everest." However, we do use "the" with mountain ranges (the Himalayas) and groups of lakes (the Great Lakes).

Run-on Sentences and Fragments

Question 32: The meeting was postponed it will be held tomorrow.

a) postponed it will b) postponed, it will c) postponed; it will d) Both b and c are correct

Explanation: This is a run-on sentence (comma splice). It can be corrected with a semicolon, period, or coordinating conjunction. Both "postponed, it will" (with coordinating conjunction implied) and "postponed; it will" are acceptable corrections.

Question 33: Because the project was delayed. The team worked overtime.

a) delayed. The b) delayed, the c) delayed; the d) No correction needed

Explanation: "Because the project was delayed" is a dependent clause (fragment) that cannot stand alone. It should be joined to the independent clause with a comma: "Because the project was delayed, the team worked overtime."

Question 34: Running through the park. The dog chased the ball.

a) park. The b) park, the c) park; the d) No correction needed

Explanation: "Running through the park" is a participial phrase that modifies "the dog." It should be connected to the main clause with a comma: "Running through the park, the dog chased the ball."

Comparisons

Question 35: This year's sales are higher than last year.

a) than last year b) than those of last year c) than last year's d) Both b and c are correct

Explanation: Comparisons must be parallel. You can't compare "sales" (a thing) with "last year" (a time). Compare sales with sales: "higher than those of last year" or "higher than last year's [sales]."

Question 36: Among the three candidates, she is the most qualified.

a) the most qualified b) more qualified c) the more qualified d) most qualified

Explanation: Use "the most" for comparisons among three or more items. Use "more" for comparisons between two items. Among three candidates, "the most qualified" is correct.

Question 37: Between the two options, this one is best.

a) is best b) is the best c) is better d) is the better

Explanation: For two items, use the comparative form (better), not the superlative (best). "Between the two options, this one is better."

Double Negatives and Confusing Words

Question 38: I don't know nothing about the incident.

a) don't know nothing b) don't know anything c) know nothing d) Both b and c are correct

Explanation: Standard English doesn't use double negatives. Either "don't know anything" or "know nothing" is correct, but not "don't know nothing."

Question 39: The team could hardly believe the good news.

a) could hardly believe b) couldn't hardly believe c) could barely not believe d) No error

Explanation: "Hardly" is a negative word meaning "barely." "Could hardly believe" is correct (could barely believe). "Couldn't hardly believe" would be a double negative and incorrect.

Question 40: Irregardless of the outcome, we will proceed.

a) Irregardless b) Regardless c) Irregular d) Regular

Explanation: "Irregardless" is not a standard word; it's a blend of "irrespective" and "regardless." The correct word is "regardless" or "irrespective."

Tips and Tricks for Sentence Correction

1. Read the Entire Sentence First

Don't jump to conclusions after reading half the sentence
Sometimes the error appears at the end
Context matters for identifying errors

2. Identify Common Error Patterns

Subject-verb disagreement
Incorrect verb tenses
Pronoun errors
Dangling modifiers
Parallelism issues

3. Use the Process of Elimination

Eliminate obviously wrong choices
Narrow down to 2-3 plausible options
Compare subtle differences

4. Trust Your Ear (But Verify)

If something sounds wrong, it probably is
However, don't rely solely on intuition
Some errors sound natural but are grammatically incorrect

5. Look for Signal Words

"Neither/nor" and "either/or" (subject-verb agreement)
Time markers (tense indicators)
"Which/that/who" (clause structure)
Comparatives and superlatives

6. Check for Conciseness

Shorter answers are often correct
Eliminate redundant options
Look for unnecessary words

7. Know Your Idioms

Memorize common idiomatic expressions
Prepositions matter (comply with, capable of, prefer to)
Practice with idiom lists

8. Watch for "No Error"

Don't assume every sentence has an error
If you can't find an error after careful analysis, select "No error"
Don't second-guess yourself unnecessarily

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Non-Underlined Portion

The error might depend on context outside the underline
Check agreement with non-underlined subjects
Consider overall sentence structure

2. Changing Meaning Unnecessarily

The correct answer should maintain the original meaning
Don't select grammatically correct options that alter the intended meaning
Watch for subtle shifts in meaning

3. Overlooking Subtle Differences

Small words matter (affect vs. effect, less vs. fewer)
Punctuation can change meaning
Prepositions are crucial in idioms

4. Grammar vs. Style Confusion

Some choices are grammatically correct but stylistically awkward
Select the clearest, most concise option
Don't sacrifice clarity for brevity

5. Forgetting Context

Tense must be consistent with time markers
Pronouns must agree with their antecedents
Modifiers must logically modify the right word

6. Rushing Through

Take time to analyze each option
Don't select the first answer that looks okay
Double-check before moving on

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What grammar topics are most important for sentence correction?

Focus on subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, pronoun usage, modifiers, parallelism, and idioms. These cover 80% of sentence correction questions in placement exams.

Q2: How can I improve my grammar for sentence correction?

Read quality English newspapers and books, practice with previous year papers, use grammar resources like Wren & Martin or online platforms like Khan Academy. Review your mistakes to identify weak areas.

Q3: Is "No error" a common answer?

"No error" appears in approximately 10-15% of questions. Don't avoid it out of fear, but don't select it without careful analysis. If you genuinely find no error after thorough checking, select it confidently.

Q4: How much time should I spend on each sentence correction question?

Aim for 30-45 seconds per question. If stuck, make an educated guess and move on. Don't let one question consume too much time.

Q5: Are British or American English rules tested?

Most placement exams use standard international English. However, some companies may prefer one variant. Generally, either is acceptable unless specified otherwise. Focus on universal grammar rules.

Master sentence correction through consistent practice and thorough understanding of grammar rules. Focus on patterns rather than memorizing individual questions. Good luck with your placement preparation!