Indian Geography

120 Grammar Rules

ExamWallet

Rules 001 – 012

  • Rule 001 (Each / Every): \text{Each / Every} + \text{Singular Noun} + \text{Singular Verb}
    • ❌ Incorrect: Each boys are playing.
    • ✔️ Correct: Each boy is playing.
    • 💡 Trick: Each / Every ke baad noun singular hota hai. (Each = individually, Every = in general)
  • Rule 002 (One of): \text{One of} + \text{Plural Noun} + \text{Singular Verb}
    • ❌ Incorrect: One of the student is absent.
    • ✔️ Correct: One of the students is absent.
    • 💡 Trick: One of ke baad always plural noun.
  • Rule 003 (Neither / Either): \text{Neither / Either} + \text{Singular Noun} + \text{Singular Verb}
    • ❌ Incorrect: Neither boys are ready.
    • ✔️ Correct: Neither boy is ready.
    • 💡 Trick: Neither / Either ke baad noun singular. (Neither = No one, Either = One of the two)
  • Rule 004 (None of): \text{None of} + \text{Plural Noun} + \text{Singular Verb}
    • ❌ Incorrect: None of the students are present.
    • ✔️ Correct: None of the students is present.
    • 💡 Trick: None of ke baad plural noun but verb singular. (None = Not any)
  • Rule 005 (Some / Any): Some \rightarrow positive, Any \rightarrow negative/interrogative
    • ❌ Incorrect: I don’t have some books.
    • ✔️ Correct: I don’t have any books.
    • 💡 Trick: Positive \rightarrow some; Negative/Question \rightarrow any.
  • Rule 006 (Much / Many): Much \rightarrow uncountable, Many \rightarrow countable
    • ❌ Incorrect: Many water is wasted.
    • ✔️ Correct: Much water is wasted.
    • 💡 Trick: Countable \rightarrow Many; Uncountable \rightarrow Much.
  • Rule 007 (Little / A little / Few / A few):
    • Little \rightarrow no/small (uncountable), A little \rightarrow some (positive)
    • Few \rightarrow no/small (countable), A few \rightarrow some (positive)
    • ❌ Incorrect: Few water is left.
    • ✔️ Correct: A few bottles are left.
    • 💡 Trick: A little / A few = some; Little / Few = almost none.
  • Rule 008 (Many a / More than one): \text{Many a} + \text{Singular Noun} + \text{Singular Verb}
    • ❌ Incorrect: Many a boys are hardworking.
    • ✔️ Correct: Many a boy is hardworking.
    • 💡 Trick: Many a \rightarrow always singular.
  • Rule 009 (The number of / A number of):
        • ❌ Incorrect: A number of student is present.
    • ✔️ Correct: A number of students are present.
    • 💡 Trick: The number of \rightarrow Singular; A number of \rightarrow Plural.
  • Rule 010 (No sooner … than): \text{No sooner} + \text{had} + \text{S} + \text{V3} + \text{than} + \text{S} + \text{V2}
    • ❌ Incorrect: No sooner he comes than it started raining.
    • ✔️ Correct: No sooner had he come than it started raining.
    • 💡 Trick: Use had + V3 after ‘No sooner’.
  • Rule 011 (Hardly … when): \text{Hardly} + \text{had} + \text{S} + \text{V3} + \text{when} + \text{S} + \text{V2}
    • ❌ Incorrect: Hardly he arrived when she left.
    • ✔️ Correct: Hardly had he arrived when she left.
    • 💡 Trick: Hardly = Almost not, use had + V3.
  • Rule 012 (As soon as): \text{As soon as} + \text{S} + \text{V2}, \text{S} + \text{V2}
    • ❌ Incorrect: As soon as he reach, I will call you.
    • ✔️ Correct: As soon as he reaches, I will call you.
    • 💡 Trick: Use present tense in time clauses.

Rules 013 – 024

  • Rule 013 (Fewer / Less): Fewer \rightarrow countable, Less \rightarrow uncountable
    • ❌ Incorrect: Less students are present.
    • ✔️ Correct: Fewer students are present.
    • 💡 Trick: Use Fewer for countable, Less for uncountable.
  • Rule 014 (Older / Elder): Older \rightarrow age, Elder \rightarrow family members
    • ✔️ Correct: My father is older than me.
    • ✔️ Correct: My elder brother lives in Delhi.
    • 💡 Trick: Older for age, Elder for family members.
  • Rule 015 (Besides / Except): Besides \rightarrow in addition to, Except \rightarrow exclude
    • ✔️ Correct: I have no friend besides you.
    • ✔️ Correct: All are present except Ram.
    • 💡 Trick: Besides = extra; Except = not included.
  • Rule 016 (Between / Among): Between \rightarrow two, Among \rightarrow more than two
    • ✔️ Correct: The book is between the two bags.
    • ✔️ Correct: The teacher distributed sweets among the students.
    • 💡 Trick: Use between for two, among for many.
  • Rule 017 (Principal / Principle): Principal \rightarrow person (head), Principle \rightarrow rule
    • ❌ Incorrect: The principal of the school is strict. (Check spelling)
    • ✔️ Correct: Honesty is a noble principle.
    • 💡 Trick: Principal = head; Principle = rule.
  • Rule 018 (Accept / Except): Accept \rightarrow receive, Except \rightarrow exclude
    • ❌ Incorrect: I accept your advice.
    • ✔️ Correct: All are present except Sita.
    • 💡 Trick: Accept = take; Except = leave out.
  • Rule 019 (Compliment / Complement): Compliment \rightarrow praise, Complement \rightarrow complete
    • ✔️ Correct: She gave me a nice compliment.
    • ✔️ Correct: Tea and biscuits complement each other.
    • 💡 Trick: Compliment = praise; Complement = make complete.
  • Rule 020 (Advice / Advise): Advice \rightarrow noun, Advise \rightarrow verb
    • ✔️ Correct: He gave me good advice.
    • ✔️ Correct: I advise you to study daily.
    • 💡 Trick: Advice = suggestion (noun); Advise = give suggestion (verb).
  • Rule 021 (Affect / Effect): Affect \rightarrow verb (influence), Effect \rightarrow noun (result)
    • ✔️ Correct: Pollution affects health.
    • ✔️ Correct: The effect of pollution is serious.
    • 💡 Trick: Affect = action; Effect = result.
  • Rule 022 (Its / It’s): Its \rightarrow possessive, It’s \rightarrow it is / it has
    • ❌ Incorrect: The dog wagged its tail.
    • ✔️ Correct: It’s a beautiful day.
    • 💡 Trick: Its = belonging; It’s = it is.
  • Rule 023 (Your / You’re): Your \rightarrow possessive, You’re \rightarrow you are
    • ❌ Incorrect: This is your pen.
    • ✔️ Correct: You’re always on time.
    • 💡 Trick: Your = belonging; You’re = you are.
  • Rule 024 (Their / There / They’re): Their \rightarrow possessive, There \rightarrow place, They’re \rightarrow they are
    • ❌ Incorrect: Their house is big.
    • ✔️ Correct: The book is there.
    • ✔️ Correct: They’re good friends.
    • 💡 Trick: Their = belonging; There = location; They’re = they are.

Rules 025 – 036

  • Rule 025 (Whose / Who’s): Whose \rightarrow possession, Who’s \rightarrow who is / who has
    • ❌ Incorrect: Whose coming with you?
    • ✔️ Correct: Who’s coming with you?
    • 💡 Trick: Whose = belongs to; Who’s = who is/has.
  • Rule 026 (Than / Then): Than \rightarrow comparison, Then \rightarrow at that time
    • ❌ Incorrect: He is taller then me.
    • ✔️ Correct: He is taller than me.
    • 💡 Trick: Use than for comparison, then for time.
  • Rule 027 (So / Such): So \rightarrow adjective/adverb, Such \rightarrow noun phrase
    • ❌ Incorrect: It is such a beautiful.
    • ✔️ Correct: It is such a beautiful day.
    • 💡 Trick: So before adjective/adverb; Such before adjective + noun.
  • Rule 028 (Too / To / Two): Too \rightarrow also/excess, To \rightarrow preposition, Two \rightarrow number
    • ❌ Incorrect: I have two go there.
    • ✔️ Correct: I have to go there.
    • 💡 Trick: Check the meaning in context.
  • Rule 029 (Quite / Quiet): Quite \rightarrow completely, Quiet \rightarrow silent
    • ❌ Incorrect: Please be quite.
    • ✔️ Correct: Please be quiet.
    • 💡 Trick: Quite = degree; Quiet = sound.
  • Rule 030 (Brought / Bought): Brought \rightarrow past of bring, Bought \rightarrow past of buy
    • ❌ Incorrect: I brought a new phone. (if purchased)
    • ✔️ Correct: I bought a new phone.
    • 💡 Trick: Brought = something here; Bought = purchased.
  • Rule 031 (All / Whole / Entire): All \rightarrow more than two, Whole \rightarrow complete, Entire \rightarrow complete
    • ✔️ Correct: All the students are present.
    • ✔️ Correct: I read the whole book.
    • ✔️ Correct: She spent her entire life in teaching.
    • 💡 Trick: Use as per meaning.
  • Rule 032 (Each / Every / All): Each \rightarrow individually, Every \rightarrow in general, All \rightarrow together
    • ✔️ Correct: Each boy has a pen.
    • ✔️ Correct: Every day is important.
    • ✔️ Correct: All are happy.
    • 💡 Trick: Each = individual; Every = general; All = total.
  • Rule 033 (Few / A few / Little / A little):
    • Few \rightarrow not many (countable), A few \rightarrow some (countable)
    • Little \rightarrow not much (uncountable), A little \rightarrow some (uncountable)
    • ❌ Incorrect: Few students are present.
    • ✔️ Correct: A few students are present.
    • 💡 Trick: A few / A little = positive meaning.
  • Rule 034 (Bad / Worse / Worst): Bad \rightarrow positive, Worse \rightarrow comparative, Worst \rightarrow superlative
    • ✔️ Correct: He is a bad boy.
    • ✔️ Correct: He is worse than me.
    • ✔️ Correct: He is the worst in the class.
    • 💡 Trick: Use as per degree of comparison.
  • Rule 035 (Farther / Further): Farther \rightarrow physical distance, Further \rightarrow additional
    • ✔️ Correct: The market is farther from here.
    • ✔️ Correct: We need further discussion.
    • 💡 Trick: Farther = distance; Further = extra/more.
  • Rule 036 (Hanged / Hung): Hanged \rightarrow used for humans (death), Hung \rightarrow used for things
    • ❌ Incorrect: The picture was hanged on the wall.
    • ✔️ Correct: The criminal was hanged.
    • ✔️ Correct: The picture was hung on the wall.
    • 💡 Trick: Hanged = people; Hung = objects.

Rules 037 – 048

  • Rule 037 (Since / For): Since \rightarrow starting point (time), For \rightarrow period of time
    • ❌ Incorrect: I have lived here for 2010.
    • ✔️ Correct: I have lived here since 2010.
    • ✔️ Correct: I have lived here for 5 years.
    • 💡 Trick: Since = point (when); For = duration (how long).
  • Rule 038 (During / While): During \rightarrow for a period, While \rightarrow at the same time
    • ❌ Incorrect: I slept while the night.
    • ✔️ Correct: I slept during the night.
    • ✔️ Correct: He was reading while I was cooking.
    • 💡 Trick: During = time period; While = simultaneous action.
  • Rule 039 (In / Into): In \rightarrow inside (position), Into \rightarrow movement inside
    • ❌ Incorrect: He jumped in the river.
    • ✔️ Correct: He jumped into the river.
    • ✔️ Correct: She is in the room.
    • 💡 Trick: In = position; Into = movement.
  • Rule 040 (On / Upon): On \rightarrow surface, Upon \rightarrow formal/literary use
    • ❌ Incorrect: The book is upon the table.
    • ✔️ Correct: The book is on the table.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘on’ in normal English, ‘upon’ in formal writing.
  • Rule 041 (At / In / On – Time): At \rightarrow specific time, In \rightarrow months/years, On \rightarrow days/dates
    • ✔️ Correct: I will meet you at 5 pm.
    • ✔️ Correct: We will go in July.
    • ✔️ Correct: She was born on Monday.
    • 💡 Trick: Remember AT time, IN month/year, ON day/date.
  • Rule 042 (By / With): By \rightarrow means/method, With \rightarrow instrument/possession
    • ❌ Incorrect: I cut the paper by a knife.
    • ✔️ Correct: I cut the paper with a knife.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘with’ for tools, ‘by’ for method.
  • Rule 043 (Among / Between): Among \rightarrow more than two, Between \rightarrow two
    • ❌ Incorrect: The prize was distributed between five students.
    • ✔️ Correct: The prize was distributed among five students.
    • 💡 Trick: Between = two; Among = more than two.
  • Rule 044 (Beside / Besides): Beside \rightarrow next to, Besides \rightarrow in addition
    • ✔️ Correct: She is sitting beside me.
    • ✔️ Correct: Besides English, he knows Hindi.
    • 💡 Trick: Beside = side; Besides = extra.
  • Rule 045 (Like / Unlike): Like \rightarrow similar, Unlike \rightarrow not similar
    • ✔️ Correct: Both brothers look alike.
    • ✔️ Correct: Unlike his brother, he is serious.
    • 💡 Trick: Like = same; Unlike = opposite.
  • Rule 046 (Either … or): Either … or + singular verb (agrees with nearest subject)
    • ❌ Incorrect: Either you or he are wrong.
    • ✔️ Correct: Either you or he is wrong.
    • 💡 Trick: Either/or \rightarrow verb agrees with the nearest subject.
  • Rule 047 (Neither … nor): Neither … nor + singular verb (agrees with nearest subject)
    • ❌ Incorrect: Neither he nor I are going.
    • ✔️ Correct: Neither he nor I am going.
    • 💡 Trick: Neither/nor \rightarrow verb agrees with the nearest subject.
  • Rule 048 (Not only … but also): Not only … but also + verb (agrees with second subject)
    • ❌ Incorrect: Not only he but also I am happy. (Correct)
    • ❌ Incorrect: Not only I but also he are happy.
    • ✔️ Correct: Not only I but also he is happy.
    • 💡 Trick: Always check the second subject.

Rules 049 – 060

  • Rule 049 (No one / None / Nobody): \text{No one / None / Nobody} + \text{singular verb}
    • ❌ Incorrect: No one are ready.
    • ✔️ Correct: No one is ready.
    • 💡 Trick: Always singular verb. (No one = not a single person; None = not any; Nobody = no person)
  • Rule 050 (Both / Either / Neither): Both \rightarrow plural, Either \rightarrow singular, Neither \rightarrow singular
    • ❌ Incorrect: Both of the boy is absent.
    • ✔️ Correct: Both of the boys are absent.
    • 💡 Trick: Both = two (plural); Either = one of two; Neither = none of two.
  • Rule 051 (So … that / Such … that): So + adj/adv + that, Such + noun + that
    • ✔️ Correct: He is so tall that he can touch the roof.
    • ✔️ Correct: It is such a beautiful place that I want to visit again.
    • 💡 Trick: So before adjective/adverb; Such before noun.
  • Rule 052 (Neither … nor + Plural Subject): Verb agrees with plural subject if present.
    • ✔️ Correct: Neither Ram nor Shyam are coming. (when plural)
    • ✔️ Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.
    • 💡 Trick: Always use plural verb when second subject is plural.
  • Rule 053 (Whether … or): Whether … or + singular verb
    • ✔️ Correct: Whether he comes or not is not clear.
    • 💡 Trick: Use singular verb with whether … or.
  • Rule 054 (As … as / Not as … as): As … as \rightarrow equal, Not as … as \rightarrow not equal
    • ✔️ Correct: He is as tall as his brother.
    • ✔️ Correct: She is not as young as before.
    • 💡 Trick: Use positive with as … as, negative with not as … as.
  • Rule 055 (Used to / Would): Used to \rightarrow past habit (no longer), Would \rightarrow past habit
    • ✔️ Correct: I used to play cricket.
    • ✔️ Correct: When I was a child, I would visit my village.
    • 💡 Trick: Used to/would for past habits.
  • Rule 056 (Need / Dare): Need \rightarrow modal (no ‘to’ in negative/question), Dare \rightarrow ‘to’
    • ✔️ Correct: I need not worry.
    • ✔️ Correct: He dared to speak the truth.
    • 💡 Trick: Need (no to), Dare (to).
  • Rule 057 (Must / Have to): Must \rightarrow compulsion (speaker’s feeling), Have to \rightarrow compulsion (situation/rule)
    • ✔️ Correct: You must obey the rules.
    • ✔️ Correct: I have to attend the meeting.
    • 💡 Trick: Must (internal), Have to (external).
  • Rule 058 (Should / Ought to): Should/Ought to \rightarrow advice/suggestion
    • ✔️ Correct: You should exercise daily.
    • ✔️ Correct: You ought to respect your parents.
    • 💡 Trick: Both are similar, use either.
  • Rule 059 (May / Might): May \rightarrow possibility (more), Might \rightarrow possibility (less)
    • ✔️ Correct: It may rain today.
    • ✔️ Correct: He might come tomorrow.
    • 💡 Trick: Use may/might for possibility.
  • Rule 060 (Can / Could): Can \rightarrow present ability, Could \rightarrow past ability/polite request
    • ✔️ Correct: I can swim.
    • ✔️ Correct: I could swim when I was a child.
    • 💡 Trick: Use can for present, could for past/polite.

Rules 061 – 072

  • Rule 061 (Allowed to / Permitted to): Allowed to \rightarrow general permission, Permitted to \rightarrow formal
    • ❌ Incorrect: I am allowed go.
    • ✔️ Correct: I am allowed to go.
    • ✔️ Correct: We are permitted to use the lab.
    • 💡 Trick: Always use ‘to’ after allowed/permitted.
  • Rule 062 (Afraid of / Afraid to): Afraid of \rightarrow fear (noun), Afraid to \rightarrow fear (action)
    • ❌ Incorrect: I am afraid from dogs.
    • ✔️ Correct: I am afraid of dogs.
    • ✔️ Correct: He is afraid to speak.
    • 💡 Trick: Afraid of + noun, Afraid to + verb.
  • Rule 063 (Good at / Good in): Good at \rightarrow skill, Good in \rightarrow subject/field
    • ✔️ Correct: She is good at singing.
    • ✔️ Correct: He is good in mathematics.
    • 💡 Trick: Use good at for skills, good in for subjects.
  • Rule 064 (Interested in / Interested to): Interested in \rightarrow person/thing, Interested to \rightarrow action
    • ✔️ Correct: I am interested in history.
    • ✔️ Correct: I am interested to learn English.
    • 💡 Trick: Interested in + noun, Interested to + verb.
  • Rule 065 (Differ / Different): Differ \rightarrow verb, Different \rightarrow adjective
    • ✔️ Correct: Our opinions differ.
    • ✔️ Correct: This is a different book.
    • 💡 Trick: Differ = action, Different = describes a noun.
  • Rule 066 (Each other / One another): Each other \rightarrow two, One another \rightarrow more than two
    • ✔️ Correct: The two friends helped each other.
    • ✔️ Correct: The players encouraged one another.
    • 💡 Trick: Two \rightarrow each other; More than two \rightarrow one another.
  • Rule 067 (Lend / Borrow): Lend \rightarrow give, Borrow \rightarrow take
    • ✔️ Correct: Can you lend me your pen?
    • ✔️ Correct: I borrowed a book from the library.
    • 💡 Trick: Lend = give to others; Borrow = take from others.
  • Rule 068 (Say / Tell): Say \rightarrow words, Tell \rightarrow person
    • ✔️ Correct: He said, ‘I am fine.’
    • ✔️ Correct: He told me a story.
    • 💡 Trick: Say = words; Tell = person + words.
  • Rule 069 (Lie / Lay): Lie \rightarrow rest (no object), Lay \rightarrow place (with object)
    • ✔️ Correct: He is lying on the bed.
    • ✔️ Correct: She laid the book on the table.
    • 💡 Trick: Lie = rest (intransitive); Lay = place (transitive).
  • Rule 070 (Rise / Raise): Rise \rightarrow go up, Raise \rightarrow lift (something)
    • ✔️ Correct: The sun rises in the east.
    • ✔️ Correct: He raised his hand.
    • 💡 Trick: Rise = up (intransitive); Raise = lift (transitive).
  • Rule 071 (Borrow from / Lend to): Borrow from \rightarrow take from, Lend to \rightarrow give to
    • ✔️ Correct: I borrowed money from my friend.
    • ✔️ Correct: He lent his bike to me.
    • 💡 Trick: Borrow from (take); Lend to (give).
  • Rule 072 (Because / Because of): Because \rightarrow conjunction, Because of \rightarrow preposition
    • ✔️ Correct: I stayed at home because it was raining.
    • ✔️ Correct: I stayed at home because of the rain.
    • 💡 Trick: Because + clause; Because of + noun/gerund.

Rules 073 – 084

  • Rule 073 (What / Which): What \rightarrow for things (general), Which \rightarrow for choice (limited)
    • ✔️ Correct: What is your name?
    • ✔️ Correct: Which book do you want?
    • 💡 Trick: Use what for general, which for specific choices.
  • Rule 074 (Who / Whom): Who \rightarrow subject, Whom \rightarrow object
    • ✔️ Correct: Who is knocking at the door?
    • ✔️ Correct: Whom did you meet?
    • 💡 Trick: Use who for subject, whom for object.
  • Rule 075 (Whose): Whose \rightarrow possession (for both people and things)
    • ✔️ Correct: Whose bag is this?
    • ✔️ Correct: Whose idea was it?
    • 💡 Trick: Always use whose for possession.
  • Rule 076 (Which … of): \text{Which} + \text{Noun} + \text{of} + \text{Plural Noun}
    • ✔️ Correct: Which color do you like?
    • ✔️ Correct: Which one of the books is yours?
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘of’ when options are more than one.
  • Rule 077 (Many / Much): Many \rightarrow countable, Much \rightarrow uncountable
    • ✔️ Correct: Many students are present.
    • ✔️ Correct: Much water is wasted.
    • 💡 Trick: Use many with countable, much with uncountable.
  • Rule 078 (Little / A little / Few / A few):
    • Little/Few \rightarrow small amount (negative), A little/A few \rightarrow some (positive)
    • ✔️ Correct: I have a little time.
    • ✔️ Correct: He has a few friends.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘a little/a few’ for positive sense.
  • Rule 079 (Farther / Further): Farther \rightarrow physical distance, Further \rightarrow additional/figurative
    • ✔️ Correct: He went farther down the road.
    • ✔️ Correct: We need further discussion.
    • 💡 Trick: Use farther for distance, further for more.
  • Rule 080 (Many a / More than one): \text{Many a} + \text{Singular Noun} + \text{Singular Verb}
    • ✔️ Correct: Many a student has succeeded.
    • ✔️ Correct: Many a girl dreams big.
    • 💡 Trick: Many a = singular, More than one = plural.
  • Rule 081 (Hardly … when / No sooner … than): Both are followed by past perfect + past simple
    • ✔️ Correct: Hardly had I reached when it started raining.
    • ✔️ Correct: No sooner had I sat than he left.
    • 💡 Trick: Use past perfect after hardly/no sooner.
  • Rule 082 (Scarcely … when): \text{Scarcely} + \text{had} + \text{Past Perfect} + \text{Past Simple}
    • ✔️ Correct: Scarcely had we left when it began to rain.
    • 💡 Trick: Use past perfect after scarcely.
  • Rule 083 (Prefer / Would rather): Prefer \rightarrow general preference, Would rather \rightarrow specific situation
    • ✔️ Correct: I prefer tea to coffee.
    • ✔️ Correct: I would rather stay at home.
    • 💡 Trick: Prefer + noun/gerund; Would rather + base verb.
  • Rule 084 (Used to / Be used to / Get used to):
    • Used to \rightarrow past habit
    • Be used to \rightarrow accustomed to (present)
    • Get used to \rightarrow become accustomed to
    • ✔️ Correct: I used to play football.
    • ✔️ Correct: I am used to waking up early.
    • ✔️ Correct: I am getting used to the new job.
    • 💡 Trick: Use correct form as per meaning.

Rules 085 – 096

  • Rule 085 (Although / Though / Even though): Although/Though/Even though \rightarrow contrast + clause
    • ✔️ Correct: Although it was raining, we went out.
    • ✔️ Correct: Though he is poor, he is honest.
    • 💡 Trick: Use although/though/even though + subject + verb.
  • Rule 086 (So … that / Such … that): So + adjective/adverb + that, Such + noun + that
    • ✔️ Correct: He is so intelligent that he solves it easily.
    • ✔️ Correct: It is such a good book that I like it.
    • 💡 Trick: So before adjective/adverb, Such before noun.
  • Rule 087 (Prefer … to / Prefer … rather than): Prefer \rightarrow like one thing more than another
    • ✔️ Correct: I prefer tea to coffee.
    • ✔️ Correct: I prefer walking to driving.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘to’ or ‘rather than’ after prefer.
  • Rule 088 (Except / Besides): Except \rightarrow exclude, Besides \rightarrow in addition
    • ✔️ Correct: Everyone went except me.
    • ✔️ Correct: Besides English, he knows Hindi.
    • 💡 Trick: Use except for exclusion, besides for addition.
  • Rule 089 (Instead of / In place of): Instead of \rightarrow in place of (alternative)
    • ✔️ Correct: He took a bus instead of a train.
    • ✔️ Correct: She used a pen in place of a pencil.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘instead of’ or ‘in place of’ + noun/gerund.
  • Rule 090 (As soon as / No sooner … than): As soon as / No sooner … than \rightarrow immediately
    • ✔️ Correct: I will call you as soon as I reach home.
    • ✔️ Correct: No sooner had I reached than it started raining.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘as soon as’ or ‘no sooner … than’ for quick action.
  • Rule 091 (Less / Fewer): Less \rightarrow uncountable, Fewer \rightarrow countable
    • ✔️ Correct: There is less water in the bottle.
    • ✔️ Correct: There are fewer students in the class.
    • 💡 Trick: Use less with uncountable, fewer with countable.
  • Rule 092 (The fewer … the better): Comparative structure
    • ✔️ Correct: The fewer mistakes you make, the better.
    • ✔️ Correct: The more you study, the better you perform.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘the + comparative … the + comparative’.
  • Rule 093 (Either … or / Neither … nor): Either … or / Neither … nor \rightarrow with singular verb
    • ✔️ Correct: Either he or I am right.
    • ✔️ Correct: Neither he nor I am wrong.
    • 💡 Trick: Verb agrees with the nearest subject (usually singular).
  • Rule 094 (Not … until): Not … until \rightarrow time before which something doesn’t happen
    • ✔️ Correct: I will not leave until you come.
    • ✔️ Correct: She did not eat until 9 pm.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘not … until’ + subject + verb.
  • Rule 095 (Would / Used to): Would \rightarrow past habit, Used to \rightarrow past habit/state
    • ✔️ Correct: I would play football every day.
    • ✔️ Correct: He used to live in Delhi.
    • 💡 Trick: Use base verb after would/used to.
  • Rule 096 (It is time / It was high time): It is time \rightarrow present, It was high time \rightarrow past
    • ✔️ Correct: It is time to go.
    • ✔️ Correct: It was high time you studied.
    • 💡 Trick: Followed by ‘to + verb’ or ‘subject + past form of verb’.

Rules 097 – 108

  • Rule 097 (No sooner … than): \text{No sooner} + \text{had} + \text{subject} + \text{V3} + \text{than} \rightarrow \text{immediately}
    • ✔️ Correct: No sooner had I reached home than it rained.
    • ✔️ Correct: No sooner did he arrive than she left.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘had + V3’ after no sooner.
  • Rule 098 (Hardly … when): \text{Hardly} + \text{had} + \text{subject} + \text{V3} + \text{when} \rightarrow \text{immediately}
    • ✔️ Correct: Hardly had I sat than the phone rang.
    • ✔️ Correct: Hardly had he left when it started raining.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘had + V3’ after hardly.
  • Rule 099 (Would sooner / Had better): Would sooner \rightarrow preference, Had better \rightarrow advice
    • ✔️ Correct: I would sooner stay at home.
    • ✔️ Correct: You had better take rest.
    • 💡 Trick: Use base verb after would sooner/had better.
  • Rule 100 (Prefer to / Prefer doing): Prefer to + verb \rightarrow one time, Prefer doing \rightarrow regular
    • ✔️ Correct: I prefer to read books.
    • ✔️ Correct: I prefer reading books in my free time.
    • 💡 Trick: Use ‘to’ for specific action, ‘-ing’ for general.
  • Rule 101 (Stop … to / Stop … -ing): Stop to + verb \rightarrow pause for something, Stop -ing \rightarrow completely stop
    • ✔️ Correct: I stopped to drink water.
    • ✔️ Correct: I stopped playing football.
    • 💡 Trick: Stop to = pause, Stop -ing = end the action.
  • Rule 102 (Remember / Forget):
    • \text{Remember} + \text{to} + \text{verb} (future), \text{Remember} + \text{-ing} (past)
    • \text{Forget} + \text{to} + \text{verb} (miss), \text{Forget} + \text{-ing} (don’t remember)
    • ✔️ Correct: Remember to call me.
    • ✔️ Correct: I remember meeting him.
    • 💡 Trick: To = for future, -ing = for past.
  • Rule 103 (Regret): \text{Regret} + \text{to} + \text{verb} (present/future), \text{Regret} + \text{-ing} (past)
    • ✔️ Correct: I regret to inform you that you are not selected.
    • ✔️ Correct: I regret losing that opportunity.
    • 💡 Trick: Use to + verb for present/future, -ing for past.
  • Rule 104 (Try): Try + to + verb (make an effort), Try + -ing (experiment)
    • ✔️ Correct: I will try to help you.
    • ✔️ Correct: Let’s try solving this problem.
    • 💡 Trick: Try to = make an effort, Try -ing = experiment.
  • Rule 105 (Need): Need + to + verb (main verb), Need + -ing (passive sense)
    • ✔️ Correct: I need to go now.
    • ✔️ Correct: The car needs washing.
    • 💡 Trick: Need to = active, Need -ing = passive.
  • Rule 106 (Meaning of ‘Get’): Get + different forms \rightarrow different meanings
    • ✔️ Correct: I got a new phone. (receive)
    • ✔️ Correct: I am getting late. (become)
    • ✔️ Correct: Get well soon. (become healthy)
    • ✔️ Correct: He got the work done. (cause)
    • 💡 Trick: Get is a multi-purpose verb. Understand from context.
  • Rule 107 (Look / Look like): Look + adjective, Look like + noun/pronoun
    • ✔️ Correct: You look happy.
    • ✔️ Correct: He looks like his father.
    • 💡 Trick: Look = appearance, Look like = resemble.
  • Rule 108 (Seem / Appear): Seem/Appear + adjective (linking verb)
    • ✔️ Correct: He seems tired.
    • ✔️ Correct: She appeared happy.
    • 💡 Trick: Use adjective after seem/appear.

Rules 109 – 120

  • Rule 109 (Since / For): Since \rightarrow starting point (time), For \rightarrow duration (period)
    • ✔️ Correct: I have lived here since 2018.
    • ✔️ Correct: I have lived here for 5 years.
    • 💡 Trick: Use since for starting point, for for duration.
  • Rule 110 (During / While): During \rightarrow period of time, While \rightarrow at the same time
    • ✔️ Correct: I slept during the class.
    • ✔️ Correct: I was reading while he was sleeping.
    • 💡 Trick: During + noun, While + subject + verb.
  • Rule 111 (Inside / In / Into): Inside \rightarrow within, In \rightarrow in a place, Into \rightarrow movement
    • ✔️ Correct: The cat is inside the box.
    • ✔️ Correct: He is in the room.
    • ✔️ Correct: She jumped into the pool.
    • 💡 Trick: Into shows movement, in shows position.
  • Rule 112 (Between / Among): Between \rightarrow two, Among \rightarrow more than two
    • ✔️ Correct: The book is between the two bags.
    • ✔️ Correct: He was popular among his friends.
    • 💡 Trick: Use between for two, among for three or more.
  • Rule 113 (Above / Over): Above \rightarrow higher position, Over \rightarrow directly on top or across
    • ✔️ Correct: The plane is above the clouds.
    • ✔️ Correct: He put a blanket over the baby.
    • 💡 Trick: Use above for height, over for covering.
  • Rule 114 (Alone / Lonely): Alone \rightarrow without anyone, Lonely \rightarrow feeling
    • ✔️ Correct: He is alone at home.
    • ✔️ Correct: He feels lonely today.
    • 💡 Trick: Alone = without people, Lonely = feeling sad.
  • Rule 115 (Enough): Enough \rightarrow comes after adjective but before noun
    • ✔️ Correct: He is old enough to drive.
    • ✔️ Correct: She has enough money.
    • 💡 Trick: Adjective + enough, enough + noun.
  • Rule 116 (Too / Very): Too \rightarrow more than needed (negative), Very \rightarrow degree (positive)
    • ✔️ Correct: This tea is too hot.
    • ✔️ Correct: She is very intelligent.
    • 💡 Trick: Use too for negative sense, very for positive.
  • Rule 117 (Also / Too / As well): Also \rightarrow before main verb, Too \rightarrow at the end, As well \rightarrow end
    • ✔️ Correct: I also like music.
    • ✔️ Correct: I like music too.
    • ✔️ Correct: I like music as well.
    • 💡 Trick: Also (formal), Too/As well (informal, at the end).
  • Rule 118 (Either / Neither): Either \rightarrow one of two, Neither \rightarrow none of two
    • ✔️ Correct: You can take either pen.
    • ✔️ Correct: Neither option is correct.
    • 💡 Trick: Either for one choice, Neither for none.
  • Rule 119 (Almost / Nearly): Almost \rightarrow very close (more common), Nearly \rightarrow very close
    • ✔️ Correct: I have almost finished my work.
    • ✔️ Correct: The train arrived nearly on time.
    • 💡 Trick: Use almost (common), nearly (also correct).
  • Rule 120 (Affect / Effect): Affect \rightarrow verb (influence), Effect \rightarrow noun (result)
    • ✔️ Correct: Smoking can affect your health.
    • ✔️ Correct: Exercise has a good effect on the body.
    • 💡 Trick: Affect = action, Effect = result.
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