The General English section is a crucial and highly scoring component of major competitive examinations, including SSC, IBPS, NDA, CDS, and various state public service commissions. It evaluates a candidate’s fundamental grasp of English grammar, vocabulary breadth, and reading comprehension abilities. Key assessment areas typically include error spotting, sentence improvement, active/passive voice transformations, direct/indirect speech, and vocabulary constructs like synonyms, antonyms, and one-word substitutions. Consistent practice with objective questions helps candidates quickly recognize grammatical patterns and structural rules, significantly improving both accuracy and time management during the actual examination.
1. What is the closest synonym for the word 'Mitigate'?
Correct Answer: b) Alleviate
Explanation:
'Mitigate' means to make something less severe, harmful, or painful. 'Alleviate' has the exact same meaning, whereas 'Aggravate' and 'Intensify' are antonyms.
2. Choose the correct synonym for 'Candid'.
Correct Answer: c) Frank
Explanation:
'Candid' means truthful and straightforward. Therefore, 'Frank' is its closest synonym.
3. Which word is synonymous with 'Ephemeral'?
Correct Answer: c) Transient
Explanation:
'Ephemeral' refers to something that lasts for a very short time. 'Transient' shares this meaning.
4. What is the synonym of 'Obscure'?
Correct Answer: a) Unclear
Explanation:
To be 'Obscure' means not discovered or known about; uncertain. Thus, 'Unclear' is the correct synonym.
5. Find the synonym for 'Diligent'.
Correct Answer: b) Hardworking
Explanation:
'Diligent' refers to having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties, which is synonymous with 'Hardworking'.
6. Choose the synonym for 'Tenacious'.
Correct Answer: c) Persistent
Explanation:
'Tenacious' means tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely. 'Persistent' captures this meaning perfectly.
7. What is the synonym of 'Lethargic'?
Correct Answer: b) Sluggish
Explanation:
'Lethargic' means affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.
8. Identify the synonym for 'Pragmatic'.
Correct Answer: c) Practical
Explanation:
'Pragmatic' means dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
9. Choose the correct synonym for 'Ambiguous'.
Correct Answer: b) Vague
Explanation:
'Ambiguous' means open to more than one interpretation or not having one obvious meaning, which aligns with 'Vague'.
10. Which word is synonymous with 'Abundant'?
Correct Answer: c) Plentiful
Explanation:
'Abundant' means existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.
11. What is the antonym of 'Cursory'?
Correct Answer: b) Thorough
Explanation:
'Cursory' means hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed. Thus, 'Thorough' is its exact opposite.
12. Choose the correct antonym for 'Benevolent'.
Correct Answer: b) Malevolent
Explanation:
'Benevolent' means well meaning and kindly. 'Malevolent' means having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
13. Which of the following is the antonym of 'Frugal'?
Correct Answer: c) Extravagant
Explanation:
'Frugal' means sparing or economical with regard to money or food. 'Extravagant' is its antonym, meaning lacking restraint in spending money.
14. What is the antonym of 'Arrogant'?
Correct Answer: d) Humble
Explanation:
'Arrogant' refers to having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. 'Humble' is the direct opposite.
15. Select the antonym for 'Opaque'.
Correct Answer: b) Transparent
Explanation:
'Opaque' means not able to be seen through; not transparent. Hence, 'Transparent' is its antonym.
16. What is the antonym of 'Fickle'?
Correct Answer: a) Stable
Explanation:
'Fickle' means changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection. 'Stable' is its antonym.
17. Choose the correct antonym for 'Barren'.
Correct Answer: b) Fertile
Explanation:
'Barren' refers to land that is too poor to produce much or any vegetation. 'Fertile' is the opposite, meaning capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops.
18. Which word is the antonym of 'Optimistic'?
Correct Answer: c) Pessimistic
Explanation:
'Optimistic' means hopeful and confident about the future. 'Pessimistic' means tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
19. What is the antonym of 'Condemn'?
Correct Answer: c) Praise
Explanation:
'Condemn' means to express complete disapproval of, typically in public. 'Praise' is to express warm approval or admiration of, serving as its antonym.
20. Select the antonym for 'Zenith'.
Correct Answer: d) Nadir
Explanation:
'Zenith' is the time at which something is most powerful or successful (the highest point). 'Nadir' represents the lowest point.
21. What is the meaning of the idiom 'A blessing in disguise'?
Correct Answer: b) A good thing that seemed bad at first
Explanation:
This idiom is used to describe a situation that initially appears to be unlucky or negative but actually results in something good happening.
22. What does 'Beat around the bush' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To avoid talking about what is important
Explanation:
Beating around the bush means failing to get to the point, usually because the topic is difficult or uncomfortable.
23. Choose the meaning of the idiom 'Bite the bullet'.
Correct Answer: b) To endure a painful or otherwise unpleasant situation
Explanation:
To bite the bullet means to force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult, or to be brave in a difficult situation.
24. What does 'Break the ice' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To initiate a conversation in a social setting
Explanation:
Breaking the ice means to make people who have not met before feel more relaxed and comfortable with each other.
25. Identify the meaning of 'Call it a day'.
Correct Answer: c) To stop working on something
Explanation:
If you call it a day, you stop what you are doing because you think you have done enough or do not want to do any more.
26. What is the meaning of the phrase 'Cut corners'?
Correct Answer: a) To do a job poorly or incompletely to save time or money
Explanation:
Cutting corners means undertaking a task in a way that saves time or money but compromises on quality or safety.
27. What does 'Get out of hand' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To become uncontrollable
Explanation:
When a situation gets out of hand, it becomes impossible to control or manage.
28. Identify the meaning of 'Hit the nail on the head'.
Correct Answer: b) To do exactly the right thing or say exactly the right thing
Explanation:
Hitting the nail on the head means you have identified or described the exact cause of a situation or problem.
29. What does it mean to 'Let the cat out of the bag'?
Correct Answer: b) To reveal a secret by mistake
Explanation:
Letting the cat out of the bag means to accidentally reveal a secret or a surprise.
30. What does the phrase 'Once in a blue moon' mean?
Correct Answer: a) Very rarely
Explanation:
The idiom 'Once in a blue moon' is used to describe an event that happens extremely rarely.
31. What is the meaning of the idiom 'A piece of cake'?
Correct Answer: b) A task that is simple and easy to complete
Explanation:
If a task is a piece of cake, it means it is extremely easy to do.
32. What does it mean to 'Spill the beans'?
Correct Answer: c) To reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly
Explanation:
To spill the beans means to reveal a secret, much like letting the cat out of the bag.
33. What does 'Under the weather' mean?
Correct Answer: b) To feel slightly unwell or sick
Explanation:
If someone is feeling under the weather, it means they are feeling slightly ill.
34. What does 'Burn the midnight oil' mean?
Correct Answer: c) To read, study, or work late into the night
Explanation:
This idiom comes from the days of oil lamps and means to work late into the night.
35. Choose the meaning of 'A wild goose chase'.
Correct Answer: a) A foolish and hopeless search for or pursuit of something unattainable
Explanation:
A wild goose chase refers to a futile, complicated search or pursuit that is ultimately bound to fail.
36. What does 'Through thick and thin' mean?
Correct Answer: c) Under all circumstances, no matter how difficult
Explanation:
Supporting someone 'through thick and thin' means supporting them in good times and in bad times.
37. What does it mean 'To turn a deaf ear'?
Correct Answer: b) To refuse to listen or respond to a statement or request
Explanation:
To turn a deaf ear means to ignore someone when they complain or ask for something.
38. What does 'Apple of discord' mean?
Correct Answer: b) A cause of dispute or rivalry
Explanation:
The 'Apple of discord' refers to the core cause of a dispute, argument, or animosity between people or groups.
39. What does it mean 'To read between the lines'?
Correct Answer: b) To find hidden meanings or intentions in what someone says or writes
Explanation:
Reading between the lines means understanding the implicit or hidden meaning of a text or speech, rather than just the literal words.
40. What does it mean 'To add fuel to the fire'?
Correct Answer: a) To make a bad situation even worse
Explanation:
Adding fuel to the fire means taking an action or saying something that exacerbates an already tense or bad situation.
41. Select the correct one-word substitution for: A person who completely abstains from alcohol.
Correct Answer: a) Teetotaler
Explanation:
A teetotaler is someone who never drinks alcohol. An ascetic practices severe self-discipline, but teetotaler is specific to alcohol.
42. What is the one-word substitution for: A place where birds are kept?
Correct Answer: c) Aviary
Explanation:
An aviary is a large enclosure for keeping birds in. An apiary is for bees.
43. What do we call a person who loves mankind?
Correct Answer: b) Philanthropist
Explanation:
A philanthropist is a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, usually through the generous donation of money to good causes.
44. Select the correct one-word substitution for: A speech delivered without any previous preparation.
Correct Answer: b) Extempore
Explanation:
An extempore speech is one that is spoken or done without preparation. A maiden speech is a person's first speech.
45. What is the one-word substitution for: One who is all-powerful?
Correct Answer: c) Omnipotent
Explanation:
'Omnipotent' means having unlimited power, able to do anything. 'Omniscient' means knowing everything.
46. What is a government by the wealthy called?
Correct Answer: c) Plutocracy
Explanation:
Plutocracy is a society or system ruled and dominated by the small minority of the wealthiest citizens.
47. Select the correct one-word substitution for: A person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain.
Correct Answer: a) Stoic
Explanation:
A stoic is a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.
48. What do you call the life history of a person written by himself?
Correct Answer: b) Autobiography
Explanation:
An autobiography is an account of a person's life written by that person. A biography is written by someone else.
49. What is the one-word substitution for: A thing no longer in use?
Correct Answer: c) Obsolete
Explanation:
Obsolete refers to something that is no longer produced or used; out of date.
50. Select the correct one-word substitution for: A collection of poems.
Correct Answer: a) Anthology
Explanation:
An anthology is a published collection of poems or other pieces of writing.
51. What is the one-word substitution for: Fear of water?
Correct Answer: c) Hydrophobia
Explanation:
Hydrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of water. Acrophobia is the fear of heights.
52. What do we call one who looks at the dark side of things?
Correct Answer: b) Pessimist
Explanation:
A pessimist is a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
53. Select the correct one-word substitution for: A person who walks in his sleep.
Correct Answer: b) Somnambulist
Explanation:
A somnambulist is someone who walks around while they are sleeping. A somniloquist is someone who talks in their sleep.
54. What is the one-word substitution for: A place where bees are kept?
Correct Answer: b) Apiary
Explanation:
An apiary is a place where bees are kept, specifically a collection of beehives.
55. What are animals that live both on land and in water called?
Correct Answer: c) Amphibians
Explanation:
Amphibians are cold-blooded vertebrate animals that are distinguished by having an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed (typically) by a terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage.
56. What is the one-word substitution for: A list of books?
Correct Answer: a) Catalogue
Explanation:
A catalogue is a complete list of items, for example, of things that people can look at or buy, such as a list of books in a library.
57. What do we call one who knows many languages?
Correct Answer: c) Polyglot
Explanation:
A polyglot is a person who knows and is able to use several languages.
58. What is the study of stars and celestial bodies called?
Correct Answer: b) Astronomy
Explanation:
Astronomy is the branch of science which deals with celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole.
59. What is a disease that spreads over a large area and affects many people at the same time called?
Correct Answer: b) Epidemic
Explanation:
An epidemic is a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
60. Select the correct one-word substitution for: Murder of a king.
Correct Answer: c) Regicide
Explanation:
Regicide is the action of killing a king. Homicide is the killing of one human by another, and fratricide is the killing of one's brother.
61. Fill in the blank: He is addicted ___ smoking.
Correct Answer: c) to
Explanation:
The word 'addicted' is followed by the preposition 'to'.
62. Fill in the blank: She is good ___ English.
Correct Answer: b) at
Explanation:
When expressing skill or proficiency in a particular subject or activity, the correct preposition is 'at' (e.g., good at, bad at).
63. Fill in the blank: I prefer tea ___ coffee.
Correct Answer: b) to
Explanation:
The verb 'prefer' is followed by the preposition 'to', not 'than', when comparing two nouns.
64. Fill in the blank: He died ___ malaria.
Correct Answer: c) of
Explanation:
When someone dies of a specific disease, the correct preposition to use is 'of'.
65. Fill in the blank: She is proud ___ her beauty.
Correct Answer: a) of
Explanation:
The adjective 'proud' is followed by the preposition 'of'.
66. Fill in the blank: He prevented me ___ going there.
Correct Answer: b) from
Explanation:
The verb 'prevent' takes the preposition 'from' followed by a gerund (verb+ing).
67. Fill in the blank: They congratulated him ___ his success.
Correct Answer: b) on
Explanation:
We congratulate someone 'on' their achievement or success.
68. Fill in the blank: The cat jumped ___ the table.
Correct Answer: b) upon
Explanation:
'Upon' is used to show motion towards a surface. The cat is moving and landing on the table.
69. Fill in the blank: He is jealous ___ my success.
Correct Answer: b) of
Explanation:
The adjective 'jealous' is followed by the preposition 'of'.
70. Fill in the blank: We must abide ___ the rules.
Correct Answer: b) by
Explanation:
The phrasal verb 'abide by' means to accept or act in accordance with a rule, decision, or recommendation.
71. Fill in the blank: I agree ___ you on this matter.
Correct Answer: b) with
Explanation:
You agree 'with' a person, and agree 'to' a proposal or 'on' a point.
72. Fill in the blank: The building is made ___ brick.
Correct Answer: a) of
Explanation:
When the material of which something is made remains unchanged, we use 'made of'. (e.g., made of wood, made of brick).
73. Fill in the blank: He has been living here ___ 1990.
Correct Answer: c) since
Explanation:
'Since' is used with a point in time in the past to show when an action started in perfect tenses.
74. Fill in the blank: I have been waiting for him ___ two hours.
Correct Answer: c) for
Explanation:
'For' is used with a period or duration of time (e.g., two hours, three days).
75. Fill in the blank: She was deprived ___ her rights.
Correct Answer: a) of
Explanation:
The verb 'deprive' is always followed by the preposition 'of'.
76. Fill in the blank: He deals ___ rice.
Correct Answer: b) in
Explanation:
'Deal in' means to buy and sell something (trade). 'Deal with' means to handle a person or situation.
77. Fill in the blank: How to deal ___ a difficult person.
Correct Answer: b) with
Explanation:
'Deal with' is used when talking about handling people, situations, or problems.
78. Fill in the blank: Do not laugh ___ the poor.
Correct Answer: a) at
Explanation:
The verb 'laugh' is followed by the preposition 'at' when indicating the target of the laughter or mockery.
79. Fill in the blank: He is eligible ___ this post.
Correct Answer: b) for
Explanation:
The adjective 'eligible' is followed by the preposition 'for' when referring to a position or opportunity.
80. Fill in the blank: The train is bound ___ Chennai.
Correct Answer: b) for
Explanation:
'Bound for' is a standard phrase meaning heading towards a specific destination.
81. Identify the correct verb to fill the blank: Neither of the boys ___ done it.
Correct Answer: a) has
Explanation:
The subject 'Neither of the boys' is singular because 'Neither' is an indefinite pronoun that takes a singular verb.
82. Identify the correct verb to fill the blank: One of my friends ___ going to America.
Correct Answer: c) is
Explanation:
The true subject of the sentence is 'One', which is singular. Therefore, the singular verb 'is' must be used.
83. Identify the correct verb to fill the blank: The jury ___ divided in their opinion.
Correct Answer: b) are
Explanation:
When a collective noun like 'jury' refers to the individual members acting separately or having differing opinions, it takes a plural verb.
84. Identify the correct verb to fill the blank: Fifty miles ___ a long distance.
Correct Answer: d) is
Explanation:
Distances, periods of time, and sums of money are considered as singular units and take singular verbs. Thus, 'is' is correct.
85. Identify the correct verb to fill the blank: If I ___ a bird, I would fly.
Correct Answer: c) were
Explanation:
In hypothetical or imaginary conditional sentences (subjunctive mood), 'were' is used for all subjects regardless of number.
86. Identify the correct verb to fill the blank: He ___ to the market yesterday.
Correct Answer: c) went
Explanation:
The word 'yesterday' indicates simple past tense. The simple past form of 'go' is 'went'.
87. Choose the appropriate article to fill the blank: He is ___ European.
Correct Answer: a) a
Explanation:
Although 'European' starts with a vowel letter, it begins with a consonant sound ('y' sound like in 'you'). Hence, 'a' is used instead of 'an'.
88. Choose the appropriate article to fill the blank: She is ___ honest girl.
Correct Answer: b) an
Explanation:
The word 'honest' begins with a silent 'h' and a vowel sound. Therefore, the article 'an' must be used.
89. Identify the correct pronoun to fill the blank: Between you and ___, he is a liar.
Correct Answer: c) me
Explanation:
The preposition 'between' must be followed by objective case pronouns. The objective case of 'I' is 'me'.
90. Identify the correct adjective form to fill the blank: He is the ___ of the two brothers.
Correct Answer: b) taller
Explanation:
When comparing exactly two people or things, the comparative degree ('taller') is used. The definite article 'the' is used before it in such specific constructions.
91. Select the correct passive form of the sentence: 'She writes a letter.'
Correct Answer: b) A letter is written by her.
Explanation:
The active sentence is in the simple present tense. The passive structure for simple present is 'is/am/are + past participle (V3)'. Thus, 'is written' is correct.
92. Select the correct passive form of the sentence: 'He is reading a book.'
Correct Answer: c) A book is being read by him.
Explanation:
The active sentence is in the present continuous tense. The passive structure requires 'is/am/are + being + past participle (V3)'.
93. Select the correct passive form of the sentence: 'They have completed the work.'
Correct Answer: d) The work has been completed by them.
Explanation:
The active sentence is in the present perfect tense. The passive structure is 'has/have + been + past participle (V3)'.
94. Select the correct passive form of the sentence: 'Who wrote this book?'
Correct Answer: a) By whom was this book written?
Explanation:
Questions starting with 'Who' in active voice change to 'By whom' in the passive voice. The tense is simple past, so 'was' is used.
95. Select the correct passive form of the imperative sentence: 'Open the door.'
Correct Answer: c) Let the door be opened.
Explanation:
For an imperative sentence indicating a command, the passive voice usually follows the structure 'Let + object + be + past participle (V3)'.
96. Select the correct indirect speech for the sentence: He said, 'I am busy.'
Correct Answer: c) He said that he was busy.
Explanation:
When the reporting verb is in the past tense ('said'), the present tense inside the quotation marks changes to the corresponding past tense ('was'). The pronoun 'I' changes to 'he'.
97. Select the correct indirect speech for the sentence: She said, 'I will go to Delhi tomorrow.'
Correct Answer: b) She said that she would go to Delhi the next day.
Explanation:
In indirect speech, 'will' changes to 'would', and 'tomorrow' changes to 'the next day' or 'the following day'.
98. Select the correct indirect speech for the sentence: He said to me, 'What are you doing?'
Correct Answer: a) He asked me what I was doing.
Explanation:
For interrogative sentences, the reporting verb changes to 'asked'. The question structure changes to a declarative structure ('what I was doing'), and 'that' is not used.
99. Select the correct indirect speech for the sentence: He said, 'The earth is round.'
Correct Answer: b) He said that the earth is round.
Explanation:
If the quoted speech expresses a universal truth or scientific fact, the tense inside the quotation marks remains unchanged.
100. Select the correct indirect speech for the sentence: The teacher said to him, 'Do not waste time.'
Correct Answer: b) The teacher advised him not to waste time.
Explanation:
For negative imperative sentences (commands or advice), the reporting verb changes to 'advised/ordered', and 'do not' changes to 'not to' followed by the verb.
