English Grammar Rules & Shortcuts for SBI PO Mains 2025

The English Language section in SBI PO Mains 2025 tests your understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Grammar-based questions, especially error spotting, sentence correction, and sentence improvement, are commonly asked. To solve these questions quickly and accurately, you need a strong hold on grammar rules and some smart shortcuts.

Importance of Grammar in SBI PO Mains

Grammar is the backbone of the English section. Questions related to sentence structure, correct usage, and spotting errors are based on grammar concepts. Without clarity on grammar, it becomes tough to understand and solve these questions confidently. In SBI PO Mains, where time is limited, shortcuts and rule-based understanding help you save time and avoid confusion.

Most Important Grammar Rules for SBI PO Mains 2025

Subject-Verb Agreement
Always ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number and person. For example, “He walks” (correct) not “He walk.”

Tense Consistency
Use the correct tense as per the context. Don’t mix past and present unnecessarily in one sentence unless needed for meaning.

Use of Articles (a, an, the)
Use ‘a’ before words starting with a consonant sound, ‘an’ before vowel sounds, and ‘the’ when talking about something specific.

Prepositions
Common preposition phrases like “interested in,” “good at,” or “depend on” must be used correctly. Wrong preposition use is a common error.

Pronouns and Nouns
The pronoun must match its noun in number and gender. For example, “Everyone should bring his or her book” is correct.

Modifiers
Modifiers must be placed next to the word they describe. Misplaced modifiers change the meaning and lead to errors.

Grammar Shortcuts and Tricks for SBI PO Mains 2025

Identify the Error Zones
Break down long sentences into parts. Usually, the error lies in subject-verb agreement, tense, preposition, or modifiers. Check these first.

Eliminate Options
In sentence correction or error spotting, rule out grammatically incorrect options quickly using your knowledge of rules.

Use of Helping Verbs
Be clear with the use of ‘is, am, are, was, were, has, have, had, will, shall’ as they often indicate tense or voice in a sentence.

Spot Repeated Error Patterns
Practice previous year papers to understand which types of grammar errors are repeated. Focus on mastering those first.

Learn Fixed Phrases
Certain preposition combinations and phrasal verbs always come together, like “accused of,” “capable of,” or “consist of.” Memorizing them helps spot errors quickly.

Use Elimination in Sentence Improvement
If confused, try each option in the sentence and check which one is grammatically and logically correct.

Practice Strategy
To do well in the English section of SBI PO Mains, follow this plan:

Revise Basic Grammar Rules
Study topics like tenses, articles, voice, speech, and subject-verb agreement from trusted sources.

Practice Error Spotting Daily
Solve 5-10 grammar-based questions every day. Focus on understanding why the wrong option is incorrect.

Attempt Mocks and Sectional Tests
Practice full-length mocks and review your grammar errors. Track improvement.

Read and Learn from Mistakes
Read editorials and pay attention to sentence construction. Review mistakes and understand the logic behind the correct answer.