Welcome to our comprehensive guide on English Grammar. This blog post is specially designed for those preparing for the APDCL & AEGCL AAO Exam by APSC. English Grammar is crucial for these exams. We provide 30 detailed descriptive questions and answers. Each question is crafted to enhance your understanding. These questions are aligned with the latest syllabus. Mastering them will give you an edge. Our goal is to help you succeed. Read on to boost your grammar skills.
Descriptive Questions on English Grammar
1. Explain the difference between “affect” and “effect” with examples.
Answer: “Affect” is a verb meaning to influence something. Example: The weather can affect your mood. “Effect” is a noun meaning the result of a change. Example: The new law had a positive effect on the economy.
2. Discuss the use of the past perfect tense with suitable examples.
Answer: The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that was completed before another past action. Example: She had finished her homework before she went out to play.
3. Define a compound-complex sentence and provide two examples.
Answer: A compound-complex sentence has at least two independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
- Example 1: The dog barked when he saw the cat, and the cat ran away.
- Example 2: Although it was raining, we decided to go out, and we enjoyed the walk.
4. What are modal verbs? List five modal verbs and their uses with examples.
Answer: Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Examples: can, could, may, might, must.
Uses:
- Can: ability. Example: She can swim.
- Could: past ability or polite request. Example: Could you open the window?
- May: permission or possibility. Example: May I leave early?
- Might: possibility. Example: It might rain today.
- Must: necessity or strong recommendation. Example: You must wear a seatbelt.
5. Explain the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs with examples.
Answer: Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning. Example: She reads a book. Intransitive verbs do not require a direct object. Example: He sleeps.
6. Describe the role of conjunctions in English grammar. Provide examples of coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.
Answer: Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses.
- Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or. Example: I wanted to go, but it was raining.
- Subordinating conjunctions: because, although, since. Example: She left because she was tired.
- Correlative conjunctions: either…or, neither…nor. Example: Either you finish your work, or you will be in trouble.
7. What are the different types of adjectives? Provide examples for each type.
Answer:
- Descriptive adjectives: describe qualities. Example: The blue sky.
- Quantitative adjectives: indicate quantity. Example: Three apples.
- Demonstrative adjectives: point out specific items. Example: That car.
- Possessive adjectives: show ownership. Example: My book.
- Interrogative adjectives: used in questions. Example: Which pen?
8. Define and give examples of subject-verb agreement.
Answer: Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb must agree in number and person.
- Example: She writes daily. (singular subject and verb)
- Example: They write daily. (plural subject and verb)
9. Discuss the different types of pronouns and provide examples.
Answer:
- Personal pronouns: I, you, he. Example: He is my friend.
- Reflexive pronouns: myself, yourself. Example: I did it myself.
- Demonstrative pronouns: this, that. Example: That is mine.
- Interrogative pronouns: who, what. Example: What is your name?
- Indefinite pronouns: someone, anything. Example: Someone called you.
10. What is a gerund? Give examples of its use in sentences.
Answer: A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun.
- Example: Swimming is fun. (subject)
- Example: I enjoy reading. (object)
11. Explain the use of relative clauses with examples.
Answer: Relative clauses provide additional information about a noun.
- Example: The book that you gave me is interesting.
- Example: She is the teacher who helped me.
12. Differentiate between direct and indirect speech with examples.
Answer: Direct speech quotes the exact words spoken. Example: He said, “I am tired.” Indirect speech paraphrases the spoken words. Example: He said that he was tired.
13. What is the difference between active and passive voice? Provide examples.
Answer: Active voice: the subject performs the action. Example: The cat chased the mouse. Passive voice: the action is performed on the subject. Example: The mouse was chased by the cat.
14. Describe the different types of adverbs and provide examples.
Answer:
- Adverbs of manner: describe how an action is done. Example: She sings beautifully.
- Adverbs of place: indicate location. Example: He is here.
- Adverbs of time: indicate when something happens. Example: We will leave soon.
- Adverbs of frequency: indicate how often something happens. Example: She always smiles.
- Adverbs of degree: indicate the intensity of an action. Example: He is very tall.
15. What are phrasal verbs? Give five examples with their meanings.
Answer: Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs to create new meanings.
Examples:
- Look after: take care of. Example: She looks after her brother.
- Give up: stop trying. Example: He gave up smoking.
- Run into: meet by chance. Example: I ran into an old friend.
- Put off: postpone. Example: They put off the meeting.
- Take off: remove. Example: She took off her shoes.
16. Explain the use of articles in English grammar with examples.
Answer: Articles are used before nouns to indicate specificity.
- Definite article: “the” specifies a particular noun. Example: The cat is on the roof.
- Indefinite articles: “a” and “an” indicate a non-specific noun. Example: A dog is barking. An apple is on the table.
17. Discuss the rules for using commas in complex sentences with examples.
Answer: Commas are used to separate independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions. Example: I wanted to go, but it was raining. Commas are used after introductory elements. Example: After dinner, we watched a movie. Commas are used to set off non-essential clauses. Example: My brother, who is a doctor, lives in New York.
18. What is the subjunctive mood? Provide examples of its use.
Answer: The subjunctive mood expresses wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations.
- Example: I wish I were taller. (wish)
- Example: If I were you, I would apologize. (hypothetical)
19. Explain the difference between “who” and “whom” with examples.
Answer: “Who” is used as a subject. Example: Who is coming to the party? “Whom” is used as an object. Example: Whom did you invite?
20. What are the different types of conjunctions? Provide examples of each type.
Answer: Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or. Example: She likes apples and oranges.
- Subordinating conjunctions: because, although, since. Example: He stayed home because he was sick.
- Correlative conjunctions: either…or, neither…nor. Example: Either you come, or you stay home.
21. Define a participle and give examples of its use as an adjective.
Answer: A participle is a verb form used as an adjective.
- Present participle: The crying baby needs attention.
- Past participle: The broken vase was repaired.
22. Discuss the importance of parallel structure in writing with examples.
Answer: Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show equal importance.
- Example: She likes reading, writing, and swimming.
- Example: He enjoys playing football, watching movies, and traveling.
23. Explain the difference between “lay” and “lie” with examples.
Answer: “Lay” requires a direct object. Example: Please lay the book on the table. “Lie” does not require a direct object. Example: I lie down to rest.
24. What is an appositive? Provide examples of its use in sentences.
Answer: An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun.
- Example: My friend, a talented musician, plays the piano.
- Example: The insect, a large beetle, crawled on the floor.
25. Describe the use of conditionals in English grammar with examples.
Answer:
- Zero conditional: general truths. Example: If you heat water, it boils.
- First conditional: real future situations. Example: If it rains, we will stay home.
- Second conditional: hypothetical present/future. Example: If I were rich, I would travel.
- Third conditional: hypothetical past. Example: If I had known, I would have called.
26. Explain the difference between “less” and “fewer” with examples.
Answer: “Less” is used with uncountable nouns. Example: There is less water in the bottle. “Fewer” is used with countable nouns. Example: There are fewer books on the shelf.
27. What are subordinating conjunctions? Provide five examples with sentences.
Answer: Subordinating conjunctions connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Examples:
- Although: Although it was raining, we went out.
- Because: He left because he was tired.
- Since: Since you are here, let’s start the meeting.
- While: She was reading while he cooked dinner.
- If: If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
28. Discuss the use of infinitives in English grammar with examples.
Answer: Infinitives are the base form of a verb, often preceded by “to.”
- Example: To read is enjoyable.
- Example: She wants to learn Spanish.
29. What is the difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses? Provide examples.
Answer: Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence and are not set off by commas. Example: The book that I borrowed is interesting.
Non-restrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas. Example: My brother, who lives in London, is visiting.
30. Explain the use of the future perfect tense with examples.
Answer: The future perfect tense describes an action that will be completed before a specified future time.
- Example: By next year, I will have graduated.
- Example: She will have finished the project by tomorrow.
The Bottom Line
Mastering English Grammar is vital. Especially for the APDCL & AEGCL AAO Exam by APSC. Our 30 descriptive questions and answers offer deep insights. They are tailored to the exam’s needs. Regular practice is key. Keep revisiting these questions. Make sure you understand each concept clearly. This will enhance your performance in the exam.
We hope this guide aids in your preparation. Best of luck with your studies and exams.
Abdur Rohman is an Electrical Engineer from Charaideo, Assam, who wears multiple hats as a part-time teacher, blogger, entrepreneur, and digital marketer. Passionate about education, he founded The Assam School blog to provide free, comprehensive textbook solutions, MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), and other academic content for students from Class V to XII.