CGL English Language: Sentence Improvement — Complete Concept Guide with MCQs

Exam: CGL | Subject: English Language | Topic: Sentence Improvement | Year: 2026

Concept Overview

Sentence Improvement questions present a sentence with an underlined portion that may need correction. You choose the best replacement or 'No Improvement' if the sentence is already correct. SSC exams typically include 5-10 such questions.

Most Tested Error Types

  • Subject-Verb Agreement: Collective nouns (committee, jury), indefinite pronouns (each, either, neither), 'one of' constructions
  • Tense Errors: Since/for with perfect tenses, specific past time markers requiring simple past
  • Comparison Errors: 'More...than any other', double comparatives ('more better'), positive vs. comparative
  • Article Errors: 'a/an' usage, 'the' with superlatives, unique things, and specific references
  • Preposition Errors: Verbs requiring specific prepositions (insist on, interested in, good at)
⚡ Quick Tip: When you spot 'since' or 'for' in a sentence, immediately check if Perfect tense is being used. When you see a comparison ('more... than any'), check if 'other' is needed. These two rules alone solve 40% of SSC Sentence Improvement questions.

Practice MCQs (10 Questions)

Test your understanding of Sentence Improvement with these CGL level questions.

Q1. He is working in this firm since 2010.

  1. He has been working in this firm since 2010.
  2. He was working in this firm since 2010.
  3. He had been working in this firm since 2010.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: With 'since' indicating continuous action from past to present, the correct tense is Present Perfect Continuous: 'has been working'. This is a standard SSC error type.

Q2. Neither he nor I are ready.

  1. Neither he nor I am ready.
  2. Neither he nor I is ready.
  3. Neither he nor I was ready.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject ('I'). So 'am' is correct. 'Neither he nor I am ready.'

Q3. She is more beautiful than any girl in class.

  1. She is more beautiful than any other girl in class.
  2. She is most beautiful than any girl in class.
  3. She is more beautiful than all girls in class.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: When comparing a member with the rest of its group, use 'any other'. 'More beautiful than any girl' implies she is not in the class.

Q4. I saw him to cross the road.

  1. I saw him crossing the road.
  2. I saw him crossed the road.
  3. I saw him cross the road.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: After verbs of perception (see, hear, watch), use bare infinitive or -ing form. 'I saw him cross' (bare infinitive) is correct here. 'Crossing' is also acceptable but 'to cross' is wrong.

Q5. The news are shocking.

  1. The news is shocking.
  2. The news were shocking.
  3. The news have been shocking.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: 'News' is an uncountable noun and takes a singular verb. 'The news is shocking' is correct. A very common SSC grammar trap.

Q6. He is working in this firm since 2010.

  1. He has been working in this firm since 2010.
  2. He was working in this firm since 2010.
  3. He had been working in this firm since 2010.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: With 'since' indicating continuous action from past to present, the correct tense is Present Perfect Continuous: 'has been working'. This is a standard SSC error type.

Q7. Neither he nor I are ready.

  1. Neither he nor I am ready.
  2. Neither he nor I is ready.
  3. Neither he nor I was ready.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the nearer subject ('I'). So 'am' is correct. 'Neither he nor I am ready.'

Q8. She is more beautiful than any girl in class.

  1. She is more beautiful than any other girl in class.
  2. She is most beautiful than any girl in class.
  3. She is more beautiful than all girls in class.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: When comparing a member with the rest of its group, use 'any other'. 'More beautiful than any girl' implies she is not in the class.

Q9. I saw him to cross the road.

  1. I saw him crossing the road.
  2. I saw him crossed the road.
  3. I saw him cross the road.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: After verbs of perception (see, hear, watch), use bare infinitive or -ing form. 'I saw him cross' (bare infinitive) is correct here. 'Crossing' is also acceptable but 'to cross' is wrong.

Q10. The news are shocking.

  1. The news is shocking.
  2. The news were shocking.
  3. The news have been shocking.
  4. No improvement

Explanation: 'News' is an uncountable noun and takes a singular verb. 'The news is shocking' is correct. A very common SSC grammar trap.

Key Takeaways

  • Master the core concepts and formulas for Sentence Improvement before attempting questions
  • Practice elimination strategy — rule out clearly wrong options first
  • Review explanations for every question, including those you answered correctly
  • This topic appears consistently in CGL exams — expect 2-4 questions

Prepared for CGL 2026 examination by GPT Sir. Visit gptsir.in for more practice material and AI-powered study assistance.