Top Grammar Mistakes to Watch Out For in CAT VARC
- rahulsirclasses1
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
Don’t let grammar errors silently drag down your VARC accuracy!
You might be reading fast and attempting more VARC questions—but are grammar errors silently dragging down your accuracy? In CAT’s Verbal Ability section, small grammar slips can cost big marks—especially in para-summary, sentence correction, and odd-one-out questions.
While Reading Comprehension often takes center stage, a solid grasp of grammar is fundamental to excelling in the Verbal Ability part of VARC. It's not just about knowing rules; it's about applying them to spot subtle errors and ensure clarity and precision.
At Rahul Sir Classes, we emphasize that mastering grammar is a critical component of a high VARC percentile. This guide breaks down the most common grammar mistakes CAT aspirants make and how to avoid them, helping you boost your accuracy and confidence for CAT 2025.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA): The Most Common Trap
This is arguably the most frequent grammar error in competitive exams. The rule is simple: a singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. The trap lies in complex sentences.
Trap: Long phrases between the subject and verb, collective nouns (e.g., "committee," "team"), or indefinite pronouns (e.g., "everyone," "none," "each").
Example: The list of items on the shelf are extensive. (Incorrect)
Correction: The list (singular subject) is extensive.
Tip: Identify the true subject of the sentence. Ignore intervening phrases.
2. Pronoun Ambiguity & Agreement
Pronouns (he, she, it, they, which, that, whom) must clearly refer to a specific noun (antecedent) and agree with it in number and gender.
Ambiguity Trap: When a pronoun could refer to more than one noun, making the sentence unclear.
Example: When John visited Peter, he was tired. (Who was tired? John or Peter?)
Correction: Rephrase to clarify: John was tired when he visited Peter.
Agreement Trap: Mismatch in number or gender.
Example: Every student should bring their own book. (Incorrect - "Every student" is singular).
Correction: Every student should bring his or her own book. (Or rephrase to plural: All students should bring their own books.)
3. Incorrect Modifier Placement
Modifiers (words, phrases, or clauses that describe other words) must be placed as close as possible to the word they modify. Misplaced modifiers can create awkward, confusing, or even humorous sentences.
Dangling Modifiers: A modifier that doesn't clearly or logically modify anything in the sentence. The subject it's supposed to modify is missing or unclear.
Example: Running quickly, the bus was missed. (The bus wasn't running quickly).
Correction: Running quickly, I missed the bus.
Misplaced Modifiers: A modifier placed incorrectly, making the sentence confusing.
Example: She saw a dog with one eye in the park. (Implies the park has one eye).
Correction: In the park, she saw a dog with one eye.
4. Tense Consistency
Verbs in a sentence or paragraph should maintain a consistent tense unless there's a clear reason for a shift (e.g., indicating a change in time frame).
Trap: Unnecessary shifts between past, present, or future tenses.
Example: She walks to the store and bought some groceries. (Inconsistent: present "walks" and past "bought").
Correction: She walked to the store and bought some groceries. OR She walks to the store and buys some groceries.
Tip: Establish the main time frame of the sentence/passage and ensure verbs align with it.
5. Redundant Words & Wordiness
Clarity and conciseness are highly valued in CAT. Using more words than necessary to convey a meaning makes sentences verbose and often less precise.
Trap: Using words that repeat meaning or add no new information.
Example: She returned back home. ("Returned" already implies "back").
Correction: She returned home.
Common Redundancies: "Past history," "final outcome," "basic fundamentals," "advance planning," "new innovation."
Tip: Always aim for the most concise way to express an idea without losing meaning.
6. Preposition Errors & Idioms
Prepositions are small words (in, on, at, for, with, by) that significantly affect meaning. Idioms are fixed phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from individual words. Both are common sources of error.
Incorrect Prepositions: Using the wrong preposition in an idiomatic expression or fixed phrase.
Example: He is capable in doing the work. (Incorrect)
Correction: He is capable of doing the work.
Idiom Misuse: Misusing common idiomatic phrases.
Example: He insisted on going there. (Correct) vs. He insisted to go there. (Incorrect)
Tip: Familiarize yourself with common prepositional phrases and idioms. Reading quality English helps build an "ear" for correct usage.
How Rahul Sir’s VARC Book Helps You Master Grammar
At Rahul Sir Classes, our VARC study material, especially Rahul Sir’s VARC Book, is meticulously designed to help you overcome these grammar challenges:
Covers all important grammar rules for CAT: From foundational concepts to advanced nuances, the book provides comprehensive coverage tailored to the exam's demands.
Shortcut tips and examples to spot errors quickly: Learn efficient techniques to identify errors without getting bogged down, crucial for time-bound sections.
Practice questions with detailed explanations: Apply concepts immediately with a wide range of practice questions, each accompanied by clear, step-by-step explanations for both correct and incorrect options.
Helps you build intuition for sentence structure and clarity: Beyond rote memorization, the book focuses on developing an inherent understanding of correct English usage, allowing you to instinctively spot errors and choose the most precise and concise options.
Grammar: Your Silent Score Booster in VARC!
While RC often gets the spotlight, a solid command of grammar is a quiet but powerful determinant of your VARC success. By understanding and systematically eliminating these common grammar mistakes, you can significantly boost your accuracy in Sentence Correction, Para Summary, and even improve your overall reading comprehension.
Make grammar practice a consistent part of your CAT 2025 preparation. It's an investment that pays dividends across the entire VARC section, helping you achieve that high percentile!
Ready to Master Grammar for CAT VARC?
Join Rahul Sir Classes today! Get access to comprehensive grammar modules, Rahul Sir’s VARC Book, and expert mentorship to help you eliminate grammar errors and ace the VARC section of CAT 2025.
FAQs
Q1. How much weight does grammar carry in CAT VARC?
While there isn't a direct 'grammar section' with fixed marks, grammar rules are implicitly tested in Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, and Para Summary questions. Strong grammar also aids in better RC comprehension and WAT performance, making it indirectly very important.
Q2. Is it enough to just read grammar rules, or do I need to practice?
Reading rules is a start, but extensive practice is crucial. Grammar is about application. Solve numerous Sentence Correction questions and analyze explanations to internalize rules and spot errors instinctively.
Q3. How can I improve my intuition for correct sentence structure?
Consistent reading of high-quality English literature, newspapers (editorials), and academic articles helps build an 'ear' for correct sentence structure. This passive learning combined with active grammar practice is highly effective.
Q4. What's the best way to tackle Pronoun Ambiguity?
Always ensure that every pronoun clearly refers to a single, unambiguous noun. If there's any doubt, rephrase the sentence to make the antecedent explicit. Practice identifying pronouns and their potential antecedents in complex sentences.
Q5. Does Rahul Sir Classes provide specific grammar practice?
Yes, Rahul Sir Classes offers dedicated grammar modules, practice exercises, and sectional tests focusing on common error types. Our study materials, including Rahul Sir’s VARC Book, provide comprehensive coverage and detailed explanations for all grammar concepts relevant to CAT.
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