Improving your Grammar-III

In this article, we shall continue to discuss some rules of Grammar and their applications. Do remember that these rules are not intended for learning by rote/ mugging up-you have to practice these in actual day-to-day speech, writing etc.

1. Collective nouns:

Collective nouns are singular. So whenever words such as 'team', 'Committee', 'group', 'family', 'cabinet', 'cluster of grapes', 'box of apples' etc are used, the verb needs to be singular

Examples:

1. The Committee is meeting tomorrow (not 'are meeting tomorrow')

2. The family is the primary unit (not 'are the primary unit')

3. The family is important (not 'are')

4. The team is in the field (not 'are in the field')

5. A box of apples is on the table (not 'are')

Related to what we said in an earlier point about the usage of phrases in a sentence, separated using commas or brackets:

1. The Committee, along with others, is meeting tomorrow

2. The Chairman, and his team, is coming tomorrow

Exception

However, when there is a division in the group, we use the plural form, to indicate the division.

Examples:

The jury are divided in opinion (not 'is')

2. Universal Truths

For 'Universal Truths' sentences are always in the present tense.

Examples:

1.'He said that the earth is round' (not 'was round')

2.'She said that the sun rises in the east' (not 'rose in the east')

3. Habitual action

For habitual action, the present indefinite tense needs to be used.

Examples:

1.'He always praises you' (not 'he is always praising you')

2.'He always speaks the truth'

4. Use of 'Will and Shall'

'Will' and 'shall' cannot be used twice in the same sentence.

Example:

1.'I shall meet him if he comes' is correct. ('I shall meet him if he shall/ will come' is not)

2.'I shall do this if he agrees' is correct (not 'I shall do this if he will agree')

- SIDHARTH BALAKRISHNA
The author, an alumnus of IIM Calcutta, is an MBA preparation expert and has been involved in MBA coaching for almost six years. He has written the best-selling 'An Introduction to CAT-Tips from an IIM Alumnus' published by Pearson Education as well as several articles for reputed publications. He has also held seminars across the country and can be contacted at: bsiddharth_2001@yahoo.co.in
Link to his book: http://www.pearsoned.co.in/web/books/9788131733400_An-Introduction-to-the-CAT_Sidharth-Balakrishna.aspx