Sentence Correction & Grammar Rules Practice Questions for XAT: 125+ Solved Questions with Step-by-Step Solutions

    Solve 125+ Sentence Correction & Grammar Rules practice questions for XAT with answers and detailed solutions. Free sample questions below.

    Chapter Roadmap: Error Spotting in Sentence Correction

    Chapter Roadmap: Error Spotting in Sentence Correction

    A direct route from intuition to exam-ready checking.

    Orientation
    1
    Intuition
    Sentence correction is a scanning task, not a rewriting task.
    2
    Error zones
    Verbs, prepositions, pronouns, number words, and fixed phrases.
    3
    Method
    A three-pass elimination routine.
    4
    Traps
    Errors that sound formal, familiar, or translated from speech.
    5
    Readiness
    A short checklist for final revision.
    Chapter stop in this card set
    Identifying Grammatical Errors & Correct Sentences. This is the foundation for later sentence-correction work because it trains you to locate a definite rule violation instead of choosing by vague preference.
    By the end of the topic, you should be able to say: this sentence is wrong because it breaks a specific rule of standard written English.

    Topic Hero: Sentence Correction Is a Filter, Not a Rewrite

    Topic Hero: Sentence Correction Is a Filter, Not a Rewrite

    Build the core mindset before learning individual rules.

    Concept
    Core idea

    Sentence correction questions test standard edited English. The task is not to choose the most stylish sentence. The task is to reject sentences that contain a definite grammatical violation.

    Mental model
    • Read the sentence once for meaning.
    • If it sounds wrong, do not stop at instinct. Verify which rule is being broken.
    • If it sounds fine, still scan for quiet errors such as wrong prepositions, wrong pronoun case, or wrong verb patterns.
    • Eliminate an option only when you can identify the violation clearly.
    Exam mindset: One clear violation is enough to reject a sentence. Do not waste time defending a sentence that has one definite error.

    Sentence Correction & Grammar Rules: Solved Questions with Step-by-Step Explanations (5 Problems)

    Question 1 · Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) MCQ

    Select the sentence that uses the correct preposition with the given verb.

    1. A.

      The manager emphasized on the need for punctuality.

    2. B.

      The committee discussed about the budget deficit.

    3. C.

      The director ordered for new equipment immediately.

    4. D.

      The professor explained the theory clearly.

    Correct Answer:

    D

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Key idea: Redundant prepositions with transitive verbs. Many verbs commonly misused with prepositions are actually transitive and take a direct object.

    Step 1: Check 'emphasize'. It is transitive. We say 'emphasize something', not 'emphasize on something'. Option A is incorrect.

    Step 2: Check 'discuss'. It means 'to talk about'. Adding 'about' creates redundancy ('talk about about'). Option B is incorrect.

    Step 3: Check 'order'. When meaning 'to command/request goods', it is transitive. 'Order new equipment' is correct; 'order for' is incorrect. Option C is incorrect.

    Step 4: Check 'explain'. It is transitive. 'Explain the theory' is correct. Option D follows this rule perfectly.

    Answer: D

    Question 2 · Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) MCQ

    When evaluating options in a sentence correction question, you notice that the original phrasing is grammatically flawless but slightly wordy. Another option is more concise but subtly changes the original meaning. Which principle should guide your choice?

    1. A.

      Always prefer the most concise option to improve readability.

    2. B.

      Select the concise option, as brevity is a core grammar rule.

    3. C.

      Rewrite the sentence mentally and look for an option that matches your version.

    4. D.

      Discard both options and look for a completely different grammatical structure.

    5. E.

      Retain the original meaning, even if it requires a wordier but grammatically correct structure.

    Correct Answer:

    E

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Key idea: Sentence Correction is a Filter, Not a Rewrite. This question tests the fundamental philosophy of attempting sentence correction questions in MBA exams.

    Step 1: Understand the goal. The exam tests your ability to identify and fix grammatical errors, logical flaws, and structural ambiguities. It does not test your personal preference for style or extreme brevity.

    Step 2: Evaluate the conflict. Option 1 is wordy but grammatically correct and preserves meaning. Option 2 is concise but alters the meaning.

    Step 3: Apply the core rule. Meaning preservation is paramount. You must never select an option that changes the author's original logical intent, even if it sounds 'better' or 'shorter'.

    Step 4: Conclusion. You must retain the original meaning, accepting the wordier but grammatically correct structure.

    Answer: E

    Question 3 · Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) MCQ
    Choose the option that best replaces the underlined portion to make the sentence grammatically correct, fixing both the conditional tense pairing and the punctuation.

    Sentence: If the regulatory body would have approved the guidelines last month, the company is currently facing fewer compliance issues, but they failed to submit the required documentation.
    1. A.

      If the regulatory body had approved the guidelines last month, the company would currently face fewer compliance issues;

    2. B.

      Had the regulatory body approved the guidelines last month, the company would currently be facing fewer compliance issues,

    3. C.

      Had the regulatory body approved the guidelines last month, the company would currently be facing fewer compliance issues;

    4. D.

      If the regulatory body would have approved the guidelines last month, the company would currently be facing fewer compliance issues,

    Correct Answer:

    B

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Key idea: This is a reverse-engineering question on mixed conditionals and punctuation boundaries. The sentence describes a past condition with a present result.

    Step 1: Analyze the conditional structure. The condition happened "last month" (past), but the result is "currently facing" (present). This requires a mixed conditional: Past Perfect in the if-clause, and Conditional Present ("would + base verb" or "would be + -ing") in the main clause.

    Step 2: Check the if-clause rule. The if-clause of a conditional NEVER contains "would have". It must be "If the regulatory body had approved" or the inverted form "Had the regulatory body approved". This eliminates Options A and D.

    Step 3: Check the main clause. "would currently be facing" correctly expresses the present continuous result of a past condition. Both B and C have this correct.

    Step 4: Check the punctuation. The sentence has two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction "but". The first independent clause ends at "issues". Therefore, a comma is required before "but". Option B uses a comma. Option C uses a semicolon, which is incorrect before a coordinating conjunction.

    Conclusion: Option B correctly fixes the mixed conditional tense and uses the correct punctuation before "but".

    Answer: B

    Question 4 · Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) MSQ

    Which of the following sentences correctly employ the subjunctive mood and sequence of tenses in a complex conditional structure? (Select all that apply)

    1. A.

      Had the board of directors been aware of the impending lawsuit, they would have demanded that the CEO resigns immediately.

    2. B.

      If the CEO were to resign, the board would require that an interim successor be appointed before the end of the quarter.

    3. C.

      It is essential that the new CEO, who was recommended by the shareholders, has the authority to restructure the firm.

    4. D.

      Were the market conditions to deteriorate further, the committee would insist that the project be halted until further notice.

    Correct Answer:

    ["B","D"]

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Key idea: This is a multi-concept synthesis question testing the subjunctive mood in both the conditional clause (or its inversion) and the subsequent 'that' clause.

    Step 1: Analyze Sentence A. The inverted conditional "Had the board... been" is correct. However, the subordinate clause "demanded that the CEO resigns" violates the subjunctive rule. After "demanded that", the base form "resign" must be used, not "resigns". Incorrect.

    Step 2: Analyze Sentence B. The conditional "If the CEO were" correctly uses the subjunctive "were". The subordinate clause "require that an interim successor be appointed" correctly uses the base form "be" (subjunctive). Correct.

    Step 3: Analyze Sentence C. The phrase "It is essential that" triggers the subjunctive mood. The verb should be the base form "have", not the indicative "has". Incorrect.

    Step 4: Analyze Sentence D. The inverted conditional "Were the market conditions" correctly uses the subjunctive. The subordinate clause "insist that the project be halted" correctly uses the base form "be" (subjunctive). Correct.

    Conclusion: Sentences B and D correctly apply all rules.

    Answer: B, D

    Question 5 · Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (VALR) MCQ

    Which of the following sentences is grammatically CORRECT?

    1. A.

      Each of the students have submitted their assignment.

    2. B.

      Each of the students has submitted his assignment.

    3. C.

      Each of the students have submitted his assignment.

    4. D.

      Each of the students has submitted their assignment.

    Correct Answer:

    B

    Step-by-Step Solution

    Key idea: Subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns. This is a direct recall question testing the rule for 'each'.

    Step 1: Identify the subject. The subject is 'Each', which is a singular indefinite pronoun. The phrase 'of the students' is a prepositional modifier and does not change the number of the subject.

    Step 2: Apply the agreement rule. Singular subjects take singular verbs and singular possessive pronouns in formal grammar. Therefore, 'has' is correct (not 'have') and 'his' is traditionally correct (not 'their').

    Step 3: Evaluate options. Option B uses both the singular verb 'has' and the singular pronoun 'his', making it the only fully correct sentence in formal written English.

    Answer: B

    More practice questions in this unit

    chapter
    Sentence Correction & Grammar Rules Practice Questions for XAT: 125+ Solved Questions with Step-by-Step Solutions

    Solve 125+ Sentence Correction & Grammar Rules practice questions for XAT with answers and detailed solutions. Free sample questions below.

    A question from this chapter

    Question 1

    Select the sentence that uses the correct preposition with the given verb.

    Question 2

    When evaluating options in a sentence correction question, you notice that the original phrasing is grammatically flawless but slightly wordy. Another option is more concise but subtly changes the original meaning. Which principle should guide your choice?

    Question 3
    Choose the option that best replaces the underlined portion to make the sentence grammatically correct, fixing both the conditional tense pairing and the punctuation.

    Sentence: If the regulatory body would have approved the guidelines last month, the company is currently facing fewer compliance issues, but they failed to submit the required documentation.
    Question 4

    Which of the following sentences correctly employ the subjunctive mood and sequence of tenses in a complex conditional structure? (Select all that apply)

    Question 5

    Which of the following sentences is grammatically CORRECT?

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