Best Sites for Competitive Exams - Online Mock Test
Top Free Websites Every Aspirant Should Know!
Study Smarter, Not Harder!
There are so many websites where we can understand the exam pattern, syllabus and each mock test consist of PYQ (previous year papers), several mock test sites provide us free online mock test. After completing 60% syllabus, start doing mocks twice a week.
Let's know the best site for Competitive Exams:
First and foremost,
I would like to suggest you to use free resources like:
Textbook
It is a free online mock test and most of the aspirants like this because it has detailed solutions.
Adda 247
Lots of students prefer this because this is a free online test series for SSC CGL Teir 1 and Teir 2.
Both of them are free sites for mock test.If you are preparing for SSC CGL or any type of government exam, these two sites are good to opt. They are the most trusted sites, and they provide us more than 1000+ mocks based on real exam pattern.
Besides this, Grade up, Olive board, Unacademy, Crack u, Byju's, KhanAcademy & Embibe offer free trials,help you to decide which one best matches your preparation strategy.
Choosing the best best website for compatitive exam preparation depend specific exam target (e.g.,UPSC , Banking ,SSC ,JEE/NEET, or CAT).
Best All Rounders (UPSC, Banking, SSC, Railways, State Exams)
Unacademy: Offers comprehensive and recorded classes from top educators covering nearly every exam in India (UPSC, Banking, JEE, NEET, CA, GATE).
Textbook: Widely considered one of the best platforms for mock tests, previous year papers, and performance analytics.
Excellent for SSC, Banking, Railway, and State PSCs.
Byju's Exam Prep: (Formerly Grade up): Features visual learning, daily practice quizzes, and structured test series across multiple Government and entrance exams.
Adda247: A top platform for Banking, Insurance, Railway, and SSC exams. Offers content in multiple regional languages.
Best for Civil Services (UPSC and State PSCs)
Drishti IAS: Known for simplified study material, current affairs coverage, and answer writing practice in both English and Hindi.
Vision IAS: A premier site for UPSC prep, known for daily current affairs, monthly magazines, and mains test series.
Insights on india (Insights IAS): Great for daily secure answer writing challenges, statics syllabus coverage, and prelims test series.
IASbaba: Famous for daily current affairs, 60 - day prelims programs, and TLP answer writing.
Best for banking, Insurance and Regulatory Exams
Olive board: Excellent for high level mock tests tailored for RBI Grade B, SEBI, NABARD, SBI PO, and IBPS PO.
PracticeMock: Highly regarded for detailed mock test analytics, sectional tests, and free current affairs PDFs.
Bankers adda(by Adda 247): Site for banking alerts, daily quizzes, and exam focus study kits.
Best free and Government Initiatives
Khan Academy India: Free Foundation building for quantitative aptitude, Mathematics and Science subjects.
NPTEL: Free engineering and technical course lectures developed by IITs and IISc.
Swayam and Swayam Prabha: Free government - backed platforms providing university - level courses, lectures and video material.
Quick Recommendation Based on Focus Area:
For Live Classes and Mentorship: Unacademy and Byju's
For Current Affairs: Drishti IAS, Insights IAS, study IQ
For Mock Tests and Practice: Testbook, PracticeMock, Olive board
Importance of Mock Test:
Benefits of Doing Mock Test
Provide accessible and flexible exam preparation.
Assessment of current knowledge and identification of improvement areas.
Familiar students with exam format and time constraints.
Reduce anxiety and enhance time management skills.
Offer convenience of anytime, anywhere availability.
Enable integration into busy schedules.
Provide instant feedback for prompt mistake correction.
Serve as an invaluable resource effective exam preparation.
But without revision, you cannot perform well in mock test so, revision is necessary before doing mock test.
We know,"Revision is the key to success".
But mock test are mandatory to improve speed, time management and question selection.
Mock Test for competitive exams with answers and explanations:
Ans: (4) My grandmother always picks holes in my cleaning.
Pick holes means to find faults or weaknesses in something.
Masculine gender of " Doe"
Lad
Drake
Buck
Earl
Ans: (3) Buck
Spot the error:
The quality of the books are not satisfactory.
The quality
of the books
are not
satisfactory
Ans: (3) are not Explanation: The subject of the sentence here is ' quality ' that is singular so, the must be singular which is 'is'. In the sentence, 'of the books' is a prepositional phrase, the verb should agree with the main subject (Quality) not the object of the preposition (of the books).
Here are 10 multiple choice questions along with answers and explanations:
Which of the following is a synonym for "benevolent"?
Malevolent
Kind
Aggressive
Answer: Kind
Explanation: "Benevolent" means showing kindness or goodwill, making "kind" a correct synonym."Malevolent"
is an antonym, and "aggressive" does not relate to kindness.
Which word is an antonym of "ascend"?
Rise
Fall
Climb
Answer: Fall
Explanation: "ascend" means to go up or rise, so "fall" is the opposite, making it an antonym.
Direct and indirect speech
Convert the following sentence to indirect speech
She said, "I am going to the store"
She said that she was going to the store.
She said that she is going to the store.
She said I am going to the store.
Answer: She said that she was going to the store.
Explanation: In indirect speech, the present tense "am going" changes to pass tense "was going". Remove comma and inverted comma and add conjunction "that".
Convert this sentence to direct speech:
He said that he would call me.
He said, "I will call you".
He said, "He will call me".
He said, "I would call you".
Answer: He said, "I will call you".
Explanation: "Would"in indirect speech of often translates back to "will" in direct speech.
Active and Passive Voice
Choose the passive voice form of the sentence
The Chef cooked a delicious dessert.
A delicious desert cooked by the chef.
A delicious desert is cooked by the chef.
The Chef was cooking a delicious desert.
Answer: A delicious desert was cooked by the chef.
Explanation: In passive voice, the object (a delicious desert) becomes the subject, and verb form changes accordingly.
Identify the active voice form:
The song was sung by the choir.
The choir sings the song.
The choir sung the song.
The choir sang the song.
Answer: The choir sang the song.
Explanation: Inactive voice, the subject ("the choir ") performs the action directly.
Idioms
What does the idiom "break the ice" mean?
To start a conversation in a social setting
To literally break a piece of ice
To fail at a task
Answer: To start a conversation in a social setting
Explanation: "breaking the ice" is used metaphorically to describe initiating conversation in a social situation.
Which of the following refers to an idiom meaning "to agree completely"?
See eye to eye
Hit the sack
Spill the beans
Answer: See eye to eye
Explanation: "See eye to eye" means to agree completely with someone.
Subject verb Concord
Which sentence demonstrates correct subject verb agreement?
The team are winning the match.
The team is winning the match.
The teams is winning the match.
Answer: The team is winning the match.
Explanation: "Team" is a collective noun, treating as singular in this context, thus "is" is the correct verb form
Homonyms
Which pair are homonyms?
Bear (animal) - Bare (naked)
Bear (animal) - Bear ( to carry)
Bare (naked) - Bear (to carry)
Answer: Bear (animal) - Bear (to carry)
Explanation: Harmonium are words that are the same and sound the same but have different meanings. Both "bear" (animal) and "bear" (to carry) fit this definition.
Importance of Mock Test
Revision is necessary but mock tests are mandatory. A candidate who takes 50 mocks but never analyses mistakes may usually improve less than someone who takes 20 mocks and carefully studies every mistake.
How do you analyse your score?
Always remember the following points:
Attempted: How many questions did you attempt?
Correct: Check (how many were correct)
Incorrect: Think and try to understand
(Why are they wrong?)
Unattempted: How many questions did you leave?
Then classify every mistake:
Conceptual mistake: You did not know the rule.
Application mistake: You knew the rule but applied it incorrectly.
Vocabulary mistake: You did not know the word /meaning.
Careless mistake: You knew the answer but made an avoidable error.
Time pressure mistake: You could not solve it within the available time.
The most important rule is:
Don't ask only, "what was my score"?
Ask:
Why did I lose these marks?
Note:
Your mock test analysis is more valuable than the score itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About, "The Best Sites for Competitive Exams".
What are some useful websites for the competitive exams?
Preparing for government exams like SSC CGL, banking and UPSC requires access to valuable resources. Such as Khan Academy offer free courses on a variety of subjects, perfect for foundational learning. For SSC and banking exam aspirants, Grade up and Textbook provide practice tests and study materials tailor to these exams. For UPSC preparation, platform inside IAS are excellent for current affairs and subject specific resources.Byju's and Embibe are also offer extensive resources and mock test for various Competitive Exams in India. Additionally, peer advice and study tips can be found on community forums like Reddit, which hosts discussions on exam strategies. These platforms offer tools to enhance your preparation and your confidence.
Which is the best website for the competitive exams questions?
For competitive exam preparation,
"Grade up" (now part of byju's exam preparation) is highly recommended.
It offers are comprehensive range of practice questions, mock tests, and
study materials for various exams
like SSC, Banking, Railways and more.
The platform also provides detailed
solutions and explanations, enhancing understanding and retention.
Additionally, users can benefit from interactive quizzes and life sessions
with experts, ensuring of well rounded preparation approach.
It is a user friendly platform that adapts to different learning styles.
Which is the best website for English Language (Section) for competitive exams?
For those preparing for competitive exams, websites like "British Council"
and "BBC learning English" are highly recommended. They offer a range of resources including grammar guides, vocabulary exercises and practice tests that cater to various proficiency levels. Additionally, "Grammar blog" provides inside full articles on common language issues, "Exam English" offers practice test specifically design for competitive exams. These platforms are trusted for their comprehensive, Valley structure content, which aids in enhancing language skills effectively.
When John met Tim, he was late. Specify who "he" refers to.
6. Misplaced Modifiers: Modifiers should be placed close to the word they modify to avoid confusion.
"She almost drove her kids to school every day" implies she didn’t complete the action, while "She drove her kids to school almost every day" is clearer.
7. Confusion Between Adjectives andAdverbs: Mixing up forms like "quick" (adjective) and "quickly" (adverb) is common.
For example,
She runs quick. ❌
She runs quickly. ✔️
8. Double Negatives: Using double negatives can reverse the intended meaning.
I don’t know nothing.❌
I don’t know anything.✔️
9. Overuse of Passive Voice: While not technically incorrect, overusing the passive voice can make sentences less direct.
For instance,
"The ball was thrown by John" is less direct than "John threw the ball."
Mistake: Distribute the study material between all five students.❌
Correction: Distribute the study material among all five students.✔️
Rule: Between when referring to two distinct items or people (or specific individual items regardless of number). Use among when referring to three or more items or members of a group.
Mistake: There are less questions left to attempt.❌
Correction: There are fewer questions left to attempt.✔️
Rule: Use fewer for countable nouns (questions, books, mistakes) and less for uncountable nouns or quantities (time, money, water, effort).
Incorrect use of "Neither....Nor"/ "Either....or"
Mistake: Neither the instructor nor the students was present.❌
Correction: Neither the instructor nor students were present.✔️
Rule: When two subjects are connected by neither ....nor or either.... or, the verb must agree with the subject closest to it (the students is plural, so use were).
Mistake: Although he worked hard, but he failed the test.❌
Correction: Although he worked hard, he failed the test. (or Although he worked hard, yet he failed....)✔️
Rule: Although and but are both conjunctions expressing contrast. Using both in the same clause creates redundancy. Pair although with a comma or yet, never but.
Rule: Avoid redundancy. Words like repeat, return, revert, reply, re-examine already contain the concept of "again" or "back".
Subject Verb Agreement is one of the most heavily tested topics in competitive exams ( such as SSC, Banking, NDA, CDS).
The basic principle is simple: A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb. However, exams target edge cases, tricky structures, and confusing noun phrases.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the major Subject Verb Agreement rules, along with common exam traps.
When subjects are connected by either...or, neither ... nor, not only .... but also, or the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.
Incorrect: Neither the teacher nor the students was present in the auditorium.❌
Correct: Neither the teacher nor the students were present in the auditorium.✔️
Correct: Either the students or the teacher was late. (teacher is closest to the verb).✔️
💡Exam Tip: Look at the noun directly preceding the verb slot to determine the verb's number.
Parenthetical Expressions & Additive Phrases
When a singular subject is followed by phrases such as along with, together with, as well as, in addition to, accompanied by, with, or besides, the verb remains singular. These phrases do not make the subject plural.
Incorrect: The captain, along with his team members, were awarded medals.❌
Correct: The captain, along with his team members, was awarded medals.✔️
(the core subject is "Captain", which is singular)
"One of the" vs. "The only one of the"
This is a high frequency exam concept involving relative pronouns (who, which, that).
Pattern A (One of + Plural Noun + Relative Pronoun + Plural Verb) :
Example: He is one of those officers who have served with distinction.
Reason: Who refers back to officers (plural), so the relative clause takes a plural verb.
Pattern B (The only one of + Plural Noun + Relative Pronoun + Singular Verb)
Example: He is the only one of those officers who has served with distinction.
Reason: The only one restricts the subject do a single individual.
Collective Nouns ( Unity vs. Division)
Collective nouns (such as jury, committee, team, audience, class, government) take us singular verb when acting as a unified body, but a plural verb when members Act individually or are divided.
Action: Unified action
Example: The committee has submitted its report.
Verb Type: Singular
Action: Divided action
Example: The committee are divided in their opinions.
Verb Type: Plural
🎯Exam Tip: If the sentence uses plural possessive pronouns like their, it indicates division, requiring of plural verb.
Distributive Pronouns (Each, Every, Either Neither)
Words like each, every, everyone, someone, nobody, either, and neither are grammatically singular and take singular verbs.
Incorrect: Each of the participants have submitted their entry.❌
Correct: Each of the participants has submitted his/ her entry.✔️
Incorrect: Neither of the two solutions are correct.❌
Correct: Neither of the two solutions is correct.✔️
Amounts, Distances, Time and Units
When a plural noun refers to a single unit, total sum, distance, time, or weight, it takes a singular verb.
Incorrect: 10 miles are a long distance to walk.❌
Correct: 10 miles is a long distance to walk.✔️
Correct: Fifty thousand rupees was donated to the cause.✔️
Exception: If the sum/units are spent
all treated individually: Fifty thousand rupees were distributed among the victims.
Quantifiers and Noun Types
(A number of vs. The number of)
My number of ( + Plural Noun) - Plural Verb (means "many")
A number of candidates have cleared the tier - 1 exam.
The number of ( + Plural Noun) - Singular Verb (Refers to the specific figure/count)
The number of applicants has increased this year.
Other Quantifiers
All, Most, Some, Plenty, Half depend on the noun following the preposition of:
Some of the milk was spilled.
(Uncountable - Singular)
Some of the books were missing.
(Countable Noun - Plural)
Inversion (Here, There, and Adverbial Openings)
When a sentence starts with here, there, or a negative adverbial clause (Hardly, Scarcely, Seldom), the subject
comes after the verb.
Incorrect: There is many reasons for his failure.❌
Correct: There are many reasons for his failure.✔️
Correct: Seldom has he seen such dedication. (Subject: he)✔️
Nouns Plural in Form but Singular in Meaning
Certain nouns and in -s but represent a single subject, discipline, or illness. They take singular verbs.
Example: Mathematics is a scoring subject in competitive exams.
Exception: Then fields of study refer to practical application or specific data, they become plural:
His mathematics are weak.(refers to calculation skills)
The statistics show a clear trend.
(refers to data points)
Always plural nouns
Certain nouns exist only in plural form (especially items with two symmetrical parts or compound tools) and take plural verbs unless preceded by "a pair of".
With "a pair of": A pair of spectacles has been found on the desk.
Small Mistakes Can Make a Big Difference!
Common Mistakes You Must Avoid
You and I ❌
You and me ✔️
Don't disclose this information. It should be between you and me.
The phrase "It should be between you and me" demonstrates the correct use of pronouns in a prepositional phrase. Here are the grammatical rules that apply:
1. Prepositional Phrases: In English, a prepositional phrase begins with a preposition (in this case, "between") and ends with the object of the preposition, which is typically a noun or pronoun.
2. Objective Case Pronouns: When pronouns are used as the object of a preposition, they should be in the objective case. The objective pronouns include: me, you, him, her, it, us, and them. In the phrase "between you and me," both "you" and "me" are correctly in the objective case.
3. Common Mistake: A frequent mistake is to use subjective pronouns (I, he, she, we, they) in these positions. For example, saying "between you and I" is incorrect because "I" is a subjective pronoun, not an objective one.
Example: Suppose you are discussing a secret or a private matter. You might say, "This information should remain between you and me," indicating that only the two of you should know about it.
By understanding these rules, you can ensure that your use of pronouns is grammatically correct in similar contexts.
Didn't played ❌
Didn't play ✔️
He didn't play mobile games.
The sentence "He didn't play mobile games" is a simple negative past tense sentence. Let's break down the grammatical rules and structure:
1. Subject: "He" is the subject of the sentence, indicating who performed the action. In English, subject pronouns like "he," "she," "it," "they," etc., are used to identify the doer of the action.
2. Auxiliary Verb: "Didn't" is a contraction of "did not," where "did" is the auxiliary verb used to form the negative past tense. The auxiliary verb "did" is used with the base form of the main verb to indicate actions that did not happen in the past.
3. Main Verb: "Play" is the base form of the verb, which follows "didn't" in negative past tense sentences. Note that the main verb remains in its base form when using "did" as the auxiliary verb.
4. Object: "Mobile games" is the object of the sentence, specifying what was not played. Objects can be nouns, pronouns, noun phrases, or clauses that receive the action
of the verb.
Example and Clarification:
Positive Sentence: "He played mobile games." Here, "played" is the simple past tense of the verb "play."
Negative Sentence: "He didn't play mobile games." Here, "didn't" negates the action, and "play" remains in its
base form.
The use of "didn't" helps clarify that the action of playing mobile games did not occur in the past.
Open the fan. ❌
Turn on the fan. ✔️
Please turn on the fan, and open all the doors and windows.
The sentence “Please turn on the fan, and open all the doors and windows” follows several grammatical rules that help maintain clarity and coherence. Here’s a breakdown of these rules along with examples to clarify:
1. Imperative Mood: The sentence uses the imperative mood, which is employed to give commands or requests. The subject "you" is understood and not explicitly stated.
Example: “Close the window.” (The implied subject is "you.")
2. Parallel Structure: The sentence maintains parallel structure by using two imperative clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction “and.” Both clauses begin with
a verb phrase, ensuring consistency in style.
Example: “Wash the dishes, and sweep the floor.” (Both actions are expressed in the same format.)
3. Punctuation: A comma is used before the conjunction “and” to separate the two independent clauses, emphasizing the equal importance of both actions.
Example: “Turn off the lights, and lock the door.” (The comma helps to clearly separate the two commands.)
4. Politeness Marker: The word “please” is used at the beginning of the sentence to make the request polite and courteous.
Example: “Please hand me the salt.” (The use of “please” softens the command.)
By following these grammatical rules, the sentence effectively communicates a polite request for multiple actions to be taken.
Less friends ❌
Fewer friends ✔️
He has fewer friends in comparison to others.
The sentence “He has fewer friends in comparison to others” uses several grammatical rules that can be broken down as follows:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject “He” is singular, so it takes the singular verb form “has.” This agreement is essential for maintaining grammatical correctness.
2. Comparative Structure: The phrase “in comparison to others” is used to establish a comparison between the number of friends he has and the number of friends other people have. This structure highlights the comparative nature of the statement.
3. Use of “Fewer”: The word “fewer” is used with countable nouns, such as “friends,” to indicate a smaller quantity. It is important to distinguish “fewer” from “less,” which is used with uncountable nouns.
4. Prepositional Phrase: “In comparison to” is a prepositional phrase that helps to introduce the basis of comparison, providing clarity to the sentence.
Example to Clarify:
Consider the sentence, “She has fewer books than her classmates.” Here, “She” is the subject, “has” is the singular verb, “fewer” indicates a smaller countable quantity (books), and “than her classmates” is the comparative phrase, showing that the number of books she has is less compared to her classmates.
In both examples, the structure effectively communicates a comparison of quantities using the appropriate grammatical rules.
Here are 10 multiple choice questions focused on spotting
the error related to prepositions, conjunctions, subject verb agreement, articles, adverbs, verbs, pronouns and nouns:
Prepositions
Identify the error in the sentence:
She is waiting in the bus stop.
She is
waiting in
the bus stop.
No error
Answer: waiting in
Explanation: The correct preposition is "at", instead of "in". The correct sentence should read: She is waiting at the bus stop.
Conjunctions
Identify the error in the sentence:
I wanted to go for a walk, so it was raining.
I wanted
to go for a walk
so it was raining
No error
Answer: so it was raining
Explanation: The connection "so" implies a cause and effect relationship incorrectly. It should be " but", as in the following sentence:
I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining.
Subject Verb Agreement
Identify the error in the sentence:
The list of items are on the table.
The list
of items
are on the table
No error
Answer: are on the table
Explanation: The subject "The list" is singular, so the verb should also be singular:
The list of items is on the table.
Articles
Identify the error in the sentence:
He is a honest man.
He is
a honest
man
No error
Answer: a honest
Explanation: The Article should be "an" before of word starting with a vowel sound. The correct sentence is:
He is an honest man.
Adverbs
Identify the error in the sentence
She sings beautiful.
She sings
beautiful
No error
Answer: beautiful
Explanation: "Beautiful" is an adjective. The adverb "beautifully" should be used to modify the verb "sings".
The correct sentence is:
She sings beautifully.
Verb
Identify the error in the sentence:
She have completed her homework.
She have
completed
her homework
No error
Answer: She have
Explanation: The correct form is "has" to manage the singular subject "She".
The correct sentence should be:
She has completed her homework.
Pronouns
Identify the error in the sentence:
Everyone must bring their own lunch.
Everyone
must bring
their own lunch.
No error
Answer: their own lunch
Explanation: "Everyone" is singular, so the pronoun should also be singular: "his" or her own lunch". However, in modern usage, "their" is often accepted as a gender - neutral singular pronoun.
Nouns
Identify the error in the sentence:
The informations are not clear.
The informations
are not
clear
No error
Answer: The informations
Explanation: "Information" is an uncountable noun and should not have an "s".
The correct sentence is:
The information is not clear.
Conjunctions
Identify the error in the sentence:
Neither the teacher nor the students
was ready for the exams.
Neither the teacher
nor the students
was ready for the exam
No error
Answer: was ready for the exam.
Explanation: The verb should agree
with the subject closer to it, which is "students".
The correct sentence is:
Neither the teacher nor the students were ready for the exam.
Articles
Identify the error in the sentence:
She bought an apple and a orange..
She bought
an apple
and a orange
No error
Answer: and a orange.
Explanation: The article "a" should be "an" before a word starting with a vowel sound.
The correct sentence is:
She bought an apple and an orange.
Study Tips:
To avoid common English grammar mistakes in SSC CGL, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and ensuring that verbs match their subjects in number and tense.
Pay attention to pronoun-antecedent agreement, ensuring pronouns correctly refer back to their respective nouns.
Avoid common errors in verb tenses
by practicing consistency, especially in complex sentences. Brush up on punctuation rules, particularly the use of commas and apostrophes, to enhance clarity.
Expand your vocabulary to improve word choice and avoid redundancy. Finally, regularly practice writing and seek feedback to refine your grammar skills.
Abstract nouns are the foundation to complete exams english grammar, Vocabulary, and usage (e. g., SSC CGL CHSL, banking, NDA, state teaching exams).While direct questions like " Identify the Abstract noun" rare in advanced exams, the rules surrounding abstract nouns form the backbone of several major question types.
How abstract nouns appear in competitive exams?
Examiners test abstract nouns across three main functional areas:
Abstract nouns are uncountable. Placing indefinite articles (a/an) before them or making them plural without modifying the structure in a frequent error spot.
He gave me an advice. ❌
He gave me a piece of advice. or he gave me advice.
She showed many braveries. ❌
She showed great bravery.
Verb Agreement: Because abstract nouns are uncountable, they always take a singular verb.
Knowledge about the subjects are essential. ❌
Knowledge about these subjects is essential. ✔️
Parallelism & Part of speech confusion:
Examiners often swap abstract noun
with an adjective of verb to create faulty parallelism.
The manager appreciated his honesty, dedication, and punctual. (Adjective used instead of noun) ❌
The manager appreciated his honesty, dedication and punctuality. ✔️
Exception: When qualified or made specific, "the" is required.
The honesty of this boy is commendable, specific honesty requires "the".
CommonNoun Acting as Abstract Nouns:
Is used to express feeling inherent to that role, it functions as an abstract noun and takes the article "the":
Her maternal instinct awakened when she saw a crying child.(The mother = motherly affection / maternal feeling).
Quick Checklist for Exam Preparation:
In exams like SSC CGL, you may be asked to choose the noun form of an adjective or identify which word in a sentence is an abstract noun based on the endings.
Abstract Nouns: An abstract noun is a noun representing a feeling, idea, or state..
The following are the suffixes used to convert adjectives into abstract nouns:
-ness: Used in Happiness ( from the adjective" happy").
Kindness (from "Kind")
Darkness (from "Dark").
-ery: Used in Bravery ( from the adjective " Brave".)
-ty: Used in Poverty ( from the adjective " Poor").
-th: Used in Youth ( from the adjective
"Young").
-dom: Used in Freedom ( from the adjective "Free").
-ity: Used for Purity ( from "Pure") and Ability ( from "Able").
-y/-ry: Used for Honesty (from "Honest" and Cruelty ( from "Cruel").
-ce: Typically used for adjectives ending in-t or -nt, such as:
Innocence (from "innocent")
Patience (from "patient").
Strategic Exam Tip
Recognising these suffixes is a critical "Exam Trick" for the SSC CGL. In error detection questions, the exam often incorrectly uses the adjective form when the abstract noun is required.
For example,
A sentence might incorrectly use the adjective "Brave" when the context requires the abstract noun "Bravery"
(a quality pillar).
Note: The suffixes that create nouns
from adjectives, it does not explicitly
list suffixes that form the adjectives themselves (such as -ful or -ous).
You may want to independently verify those for the broader vocabulary studies.
Common Suffixes for Abstract Nouns
-ness:
Kind → Kindness
Weak →Weakness
-ty/-ty:
honest → honesty
prosperous → prosperity
-ship:
friend → friendship
leader → leadership
-hood:
child → childhood
neighbour → neighbourhood
-tion/-sion:
Educate → education
decide → decision
-ance/-ence:
Perform → performance
silent → silence
-dom:
Wise → wisdom
Free → freedom
When we convert an adjective, verb, or concrete noun into an abstract noun, we are essentially taking an action, quality or state and turning into a concept or idea.
How the word shifts (without changing core meaning)
From Adjectives ( Quality - Concept of Quality)
When converting an adjective to an abstract noun, we stop describing and object/ person directly and instead talk about the quality itself.
Adjective: He is an honest police officer.
(Describes the officer)
Abstract Noun: His honesty is admirable.
( Refers to the concept of being honest).
Core Meaning: Both center around truthfulness and moral integrity.
From verbs (Action concept/ state of action results on)
When converting a verb, we shift from performing and action to referring to the act, process, or result of that action.
Verb: They decided to know the truth.
(Refers to the action of knowing)
Abstract Noun: Their knowledge helped them succeed. (Refers to the state or sum of what is known)
Core Meaning: Both deal with awareness and information.
From Noun: He was a playful child.
(Refers to the person)
Abstract Noun: He had a happy childhood. (refers to the period/ state
of being a child)
Core Meaning: Both relate to early life/youth.
Key Exceptions: Nuances and Multiple Forms
While the primary core meaning remains intact, a few nuances can cause apparent changes in meaning:
Multiple Abstract Nouns: The Same Root
Some base words can form different abstract nouns depending on which specific nuance or meaning is intended:
Base Word: Human (adjective)
Formed Abstract Noun : Humanity
Meaning: The human race/ quality of being humane
Formed Abstract Noun: Humanism
Meaning: A system of thought focusing
on human values
Base Word: Noble (adjective)
Form Abstract Noun: Nobility
Meaning: High moral character or the aristocratic class
Formed Abstract Noun: Nobleness
Meaning: The specific personal quality of being noble.
Base Word : Art (noun)
Form Abstract Noun: Artistry
Meaning: Artistic skill or ability
Formed Abstract Noun: Artifice
Meaning: Clever trickery or deceit
Broadening vs Specificity
Words are often specific (e. g., why is describes are specific person's mind), where is the derived abstract noun (wisdom) and compasses a broad, universal concept applicable across time and contexts.
Quick Conversion Summary
Adjective/Verb /Noun → Abstract Noun
Honest (adjective) → honesty (quality)
Free (adjective) → freedom (state)
Obey (Verb) → obedience (Act/Process)
Hero (Noun) → Heroism (Behavior)
The meaning remains anchored to the root word.
Classification and Categorisation:
To align with standard grammatical frameworks, abstract nouns should be categorised into 3 distinct areas.
For errors involving vocabulary choice (synonyms/ antonyms), use these memory hacks to recognise when an incorrect word " flips" the meaning of a sentence.
Pair Method:
Words in pairs (for example - antique modern, reveal conceal). The brain finds contextual contrast more memorable, making it easier to spot an antonym used where a synonym was needed.
Story Method:
Connect opposite words in a short mental narrative. It helps you recognise if the logical flow of a sentence is broken by an ill - fitting word choice.
Are you struggling to remember abstract nouns, because there are so many of them? Learning a large number of abstract nouns in a short period of time can feel overwhelming, particularly when you want to retain them for your exam.
Instead of worrying, try to write down a short narrative story, it is very good idea especially for aspirants preparing for competitive exams. Instead of learning one abstract noun, make every short story a "Vocabulary Mining" exercise.
The story method is a hack used by toppers to learn antonyms faster and more effectively for competitive exams.
You create a short story to connect two opposite words.
This technique leverages the fact that the human brain finds contextual contrast much more memorable than isolated words.
Once there was an old man used to help everyone, often going beyond his limits. Gradually, people begin teasing him and taking his kindness for granted. As a result, his repeated disappointment made him lose his patience, and his kindness gradually gave way to cruelty.
You can extract:
Kind → kindness → adjective → abstract noun
Cruel → cruelty → adjective → abstract noun
Patient → patience → adjective → abstract noun
Generous → generosity → adjective → abstract noun
This make your method much more powerful vocabulary building.
Short story → spot the words → fromabstract nouns → use them.
Examples
Kind → Kindness
Cruel → Cruelty
Patient → Patience
Generous →Generosity
Honest →Honesty
Don't just memorize vocabulary. Discover vocabulary from stories it is more memorable and intellectually engaging than conventional vocabulary list.
In English grammar, a distinct set of uncountable abstract nouns (or concrete words used abstractly) change their meaning completely when forced into a plural form.
In competitive exams like SSC CGL, CHSL, UPSC and Banking, questions on error spotting often capitalize on this shift in meaning.
High - Frequency Nouns with Complete Meaning Shifts
Singular Noun: Good
Singular Meaning: Benefit, virtue, or well - being
Abstract/Concept: Goods
Plural Meaning: Merchandise, items or fright
(New/ Concrete Concept)
Singular Noun: Force
Singular Meaning: Strength, power, or physical intensity
Abstract/Concept: Forces
Plural Meaning: Armed troops or military units
Singular Noun: Air
Singular Meaning: atmosphere/mixture of gases
Abstract/Concept: Airs
Plural Meaning: Affected, proud, or arrogant behavior
Singular Noun: Return
Singular Meaning: Coming back or arrival
Abstract/Concept: Returns
Plural Meaning: Profit, income, or official tax fillings
Singular Noun: Abuse
Singular Meaning: Maltreatment, misuse, or insult
Abstract/Concept: Abuses
Plural Meaning: Corrupt practices or social evils (e.g., social abuses)
Singular Noun: Compass
Singular Meaning: Extent, reach, or boundary
Abstract/Concept: Compasses
Plural Meaning: A V shaped instrument used for drawing circles
Singular Noun: Custom
Singular Meaning: Habit, tradition, or social practice
Abstract/Concept: Customs
Plural Meaning: Taxes on imports/exports or the broader check authority
Singular Noun: Iron
Singular Meaning: A material/element or strength of spirit
Abstract/Concept: Irons
Plural Meaning: Fretters, chains, or handcuffs
Singular Noun: Physic
Singular Meaning: Medicine or the art of healing
Abstract/Concept: Physics
Plural Meaning: The branch of science studying matter and energy
Singular Noun: Manner
Singular Meaning: A way, method, or mode of doing
Abstract/Concept: Manners
Plural Meaning: Etiquette, politeness, or social behavior
Singular Noun: Quarter
Singular Meaning: A fourth part
Abstract/Concept: Quarters
Plural Meaning: Houses, lodgings, or residential accommodation
Singular Noun: Spectacle
Singular Meaning: An impressive visual display or sight
Abstract/Concept: Spectacles
Plural Meaning: Eyeglasses / reading glasses
Singular Noun:Wood
Singular Meaning:The timber/ substance of trees
Abstract/Concept: Woods
Plural Meaning: A forest or small area of trees
Singular Noun:Work
Singular Meaning: Labor, effort, or exertion
Abstract/Concept: Works
Plural Meaning: Literary (works ofShakespeare) or a factory (steel works) artistic creations
Nouns with Two Plural Meanings
Some abstract nouns have one meaning in the singular form but gain distinct meanings in the plural form (one carrying over the original sense, and one taking on a new meaning):
Colour means hue or shades
Colors means flag/ banner of a regiment
Effect means result or outcome
Effects means results/ consequences
Premise means a statement
Premises a building and its land
Ground means earth
Grounds means reasons/ motives (Enclosed land/ coffee dregs)
How exams frame error spotting questions
In competitive exams, errors are generated by replacing the required plural noun with the singular abstract form.
Exam pattern: Wrong contextual usage
The police cleared the quarter before entering the building. ❌
The police cleared the quarters before entering the building. ✔️
Exam pattern: Confusion between action and subject
He takes a special interest in reading physic. ❌
He takes a special interest in Physics. ✔️
Exam Pattern: Misusing material/ Abstract forms
The prisoner was bound in heavy iron. ❌
The Prisoner was bound in heavy irons. (Meaning: chains/handcuffs) ✔
Exam Trick:
An abstract noun is a feeling, idea, or state that we cannot touch or see but only feel.
Let's know how to identify Abstract Nouns:
Abstract nouns are words that represents intangible concepts, ideas, aur qualities rather than physical objects. To identify an abstract noun, consider whether the word present something you cannot perceive with your Five Senses. For example, "love", "freedom", "happiness", and "justice" are all abstract nouns because you cannot see, touch, hear, taste, or smell them. They describe experience is or qualities that exist in thought or theory. Additionally, abstract nouns often end such as "-ness", "-tion", "-ity", or "-ment", which can help in recognising them. However, contest is key as not all nouns with the suffixes are abstract, and practice with different examples will enhance your ability to identify them.
There are many things that we cannot touch.
Honesty
Love
Courage
Freedom
Happiness
Some other examples of abstract nouns are as follows:
In this sentence, we cannot see or touch Laughter.
"Laughter" is an Abstract Noun as we can hear laughter or we can say we can see a person laughing, 'Laughter' represents here as the subject, so, we cannot touch laughter.
Systematic Word Family - Mapping
Instead of memorizing words in isolation, learn them complete word families across parts of speech:
Drop silent -e before adding vowel suffixes (create - creation)
Change final -y to - i - before suffixes
(happy - happiness)
Double final consonants after a short vowel (run - runner)
Phonetic Shifts: Note stress changes when suffixes attach.
Example: photograph - photography - photographic
Formation of Abstract Nouns:
From Greek & Latin Root Words:
A large percentage of formal, academic, and vocabulary - heavy abstract nouns tested in competitive exams (SSC CGL, UPSC, Banking etc.) Derive directly from Latin and Greek suffix origins.
Recognizing these words ending allows you to decipher unknown vocabulary and identify abstract nouns instantly during exams.
Latin vs Greek Classical Pairing in Competitive Exams
Examiners often test abstract concepts where Latin and Greek root form parallel terms:
Concept / Meaning: Love of humanity / Kindness
Latin Derived Abstract Noun: Benevolence (bene + -ence)
Here is a set of 20 mcq questions on Abstract Nouns with clear Context clues, detailed explanations, and key learning rules for SSC CGL Candidates:
True ____ on mutual trust and understanding.
Friend
Friendly
Friendship
Friendship
Answer: Friendship
Explanation: Friendship is an abstract noun formed by adding the suffix - ship ship to the concrete noun friend. It describe a relationship state.
The minister's _____ was praised by both the opposition and the public.
Honest
Honesty
Honestly
Honesties
Answer: Honesty
Explanation: Honesty is an uncountable abstract noun they not in the quality of being truthful. Abstract nouns denoting moral qualities really take plural forms contexts.
She showed immense _______ during the crisis and lead her team to safety.
Brave
Bravely
Braver
Bravery
Answer: Bravery
Explanation: Bravery is an abstract noun that represents the quality of being Brave. Option A is an adjective, option C is an adverb, and option d is a comparative adjective
The judge based is verdict on the entirely on the____ presented in court.
Evident
Evidence
Evidently
Evidential
Answer: Evidence
Explanation: Evidence is an abstract noun referring to facts all information indicating whether a belief is true. Option A is an adjective, option C is an adverb and option d is an adjective.
With years of experience comes ____, which helps in making sound decisions.
Wise
Wisely
Wisdom
Wiseness
Answer: Wisdom
Explanation: Wisdom is the Abstract noun derive from the adjective wise. (Note: "Wiseness" is obsolute/ non standard).
Her deep ____ for animal welfare inspired her twice chart are rescue shelter.
Passionate
Passion
Passionately
Impassioned
Answer: Passion
Explanation: Passion is an abstract noun strong emotion or devotion. The noun phrase requires a noun modified by the adjective deep.
The sudden ____ of the missing document raised several questions.
Disappear
Disappeared
Disappearance
Disappearing
Answer: Disappearance
Explanation: Disappearance is an abstract noun formed using the suffix -ance attached attached to the verb disappear.
The scientist explain the concept great___ so everyone could understand.
Clear
Clarity
Clearly
Clarify
Answer: Clarity
Explanation: Clarity is the Abstract noun denoting the quality of being clear. The prepositional phrase with great ___" requires a noun.
King was known throughout the realm for his generosity and____.
Kind
Kindly
Kindness
Kinder
Answer: Kindness
Explanation: Kindness is an abstract noun adding - ness to the adjective kind. It parallels noun generosity connected by and.
Economics stability is social for the____ of any nation.
Prosper
Prosperity
Prosperous
Prosperously
Answer: Prosperity
Explanation: Prosperity is an abstract noun ending in -ty that signifies I state of being successful or flourshing financially.
He could not hide his ____ when he heard about his rival's promotion.
Jealous
Jealously
Jealousy
Jealousness
Answer: Jealousy
Explanation: Jealousy is an abstract noun presenting and emotion/ feeling. Option A is an adjective, C is an adverb.
Children require proper guidance and____ during their formative years.
Educate
Educated
Education
Educational
Answer: Education
Explanation: Education is an abstract noun formed by adding -tion to the verb educate. It refers to the process receiving or giving systematic instruction.
The athlete's _____ was rewarded with a gold medal after years of hard training.
Persevere
Perseverance
Perceiving
Perseveringly
Answer: Perseverance
Explanation: Perseverance is an abstract noun denoting persistence in doing something despite difficulty.
Poverty and ______ are two measures social issues urgent attention.
Ignorant
Ignore
Ignorance
Ignorantly
Answer: Ignorance
Explanation: Ignorance is an abstract noun ending -ance noting a lack of knowledge or information. It balances poverty (abstract noun).
Without ____, no team cheese long term success.
Unite
United
Unity
Unit
Answer: Unity
Explanation: Unity is an abstract noun meaning the state of being joined as a whole.. (Option D, unit, is a concrete/ countable noun).
The ____ of the Mountain Summit astonished the trekkers.
high
height
Highly
Heighten
Answer: Height
Explanation: Height is the Abstract noun the adjective high. It measures and abstract spatial concept.
Taking unnecessary financial risk without research is pure ____.
Foolish
Foolishly
Foolishness
Fool
Answer: Foolishness
Explanation: Police Ne is an abstract noun describing the quality of of lacking good sense or judgement. (option D fool, is a concrete noun referring to a person).
They celebrated their wedding anniversary with great ___ and cheer.
Joy
Joyful
Joyfully
Joyfulness
Answer: Joy
Explanation: Joy is a primary abstract noun indicating a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Old man spoke about his ____ with nostalgic fondness.
Child
Childhood
Childish
Child like
Answer: Childhood
Explanation: Childhood is an abstract noun formed using the suffix - hood on the concrete noun child, denoting A period stage of life.
His levels of _____ can negatively impact both physical and mental health.
Anxious
Anxiously
Anxiety
Anxieties
Answer: Anxiety
Explanation: Anxiety is an abstract noun referring to a state or emotion of apprehension and worry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abstract Nouns:
Explain the main spelling rules and shifts words into abstract nouns
When converting base words (verbs, adjectives, or concrete nouns ) into abstract nouns, suffixes are attached to the root. However, attaching the suffixes often triggers specific spelling changes phonetic shifts.
Understanding these regular patterns makes word formation predictable for competitive exams and advanced writing.
When a base word ends in a silent -e and you add a suffix that starts with a vowel (such as -ion, - ity, - ance, -ence, -ure), draw the silent -e.
Root ending in Silent - e + Vowel Suffix - Drop -e
Create + ion = Creation
Arrive + al = Arrival
Expose + ure = Exposure
Pure + ity = Purity
Guide + ance = Guidance
Exception: When the suffix begins with a consonant (like - ment, -ness, -ful), keep the silent -e:
Achieve + ment = Achievement
Polite + ness = politeness
Exam Exception:
Judge + ment = Judgement/ Judgment - both preferred, but judgement is preferred in legal/ formal standards.
Final -y to - i - Mutation Rule
When a base word ends in a consonant + -y, change the - y to - i - before adding any abstract noun suffix.
Consonant + - y + Suffix - - i - + Suffix
Happy + -ness = happiness
Deny + -al = denial
Rely + - ance = Reliance
Holy + -ness = holiness
Necessary + -ty = necessity
Note: If the -y is preceded by a vowel ( vowel + - y), keep the -y:
Enjoy + - ment = Enjoyment
Double Consonant ( CVC) Doubling Rule:
When a 1 syllable base word (or stressed final syllable) ends in one consonant - vowel - one consonant
(CVC) double the final consonant before adding a vowel starting suffix.
Short Vowel + Single Consonant + vowel suffix - double consonant
Rob + ery = Robbery
Red + ness = Redness (Note: -ness with a consonant, no doubling)
Occur + ence = Occurrence
Forbid + en = Forbidden
The -d/ -de to -sion Softening Shift
Verbs ending in -d or -de undergo a soft phonetic shift, changing their final consonant to -s before adding - ion, resulting in the surface -sion.
Verb ending in -d/ -de = -sion
Decide - decision
Divide - division
Expand - expansion
Conclude - conclusion
Provide - provision
Persuade - persuasion
The -ate/ -ct/ -t to -tion Hard Shift
Verbs ending in -ate, -ct, or -t drop silent -e (if present) and take - ion to form - tion.
Verb ending in -ate, -ct, = -tion
Educate = Education
Act = Action
Protect = Protection
Isolate = Isolation
Infect = Infection
The "-ant", "-ent" to "-ance", "-ence" Shift
Adjectives ending in -ant or - ent change their final -t to -ce to form abstract nouns.
Adjective (-ant/ -ent) = Abstract Noun
(-ance/-ence)
Patient (Adj.) - patience (Noun)
Brilliant (Adj.) - Brilliance (Noun)
Innocent (Adj.) - Innocence (Noun)
Arrogant (Adj.) - Arrogance (Noun)
Silent (Adj.) - silence (Noun)
Major Vowel Changes (Tricky Exam Forms)
Some high frequency abstract noun undergo complete vowel or consonant shifts from their base words. These are favourite targets in competitive spell checks and vocabulary sections:
Greek frequency frequently appear in technical, scientific, psychological, philosophical, and literal terminology.
Prefix: A-, An-
Core Meaning: Without/ Lacking/ Not
High - Frequency Exam Vocabulary: Apathy, Amnesty, Anarchy, Amorphous
Meaning Break down: Amorphous = without a fixed shape.
Prefix: Anti-/ Ant-
Core Meaning: Against / Opposite
High - Frequency Exam Vocabulary: Antipathy, Antagonist, Antithesis
Meaning Break down: Antithesis = the exact opposite concept
Prefix: Syn-/Sym-
Core Meaning: Together with
High - Frequency Exam Vocabulary: Synergy, Symbiosis, Syndicate, Symmetry
Meaning Break down: Synergy = Working together for combined effect
Prefix: Para-
Core Meaning: Beside/Alongside/Contrary
High - Frequency Exam Vocabulary: Paradox, Paragon, Paramount
Meaning Break down: Paradox = Walking around from place to place.
Prefix: Meta-
Core Meaning: Beyond /Change /After
High - Frequency Exam Vocabulary: Metamorphosis, Metaphor, Metaphysics
Meaning Break down: Metamorphosis = placed under as a foundation
Prefix: Peri-
Core Meaning: Around /Surrounding
High - Frequency Exam Vocabulary: Peripheral, Periphrasis, Peripatetic
Meaning Break down: Peripatetic = Walking around from place to place
Prefix: Hypo-
Core Meaning: Under /Below /Deficient
High - Frequency Exam Vocabulary: Hypothetical, Hypochondria, Hypothesis
Meaning Break down: Hypothetical = placed under as a foundation
Difference between tangible and intangible abstract noun.
Tangible and intangible abstract noun the present to distinct categories of abstract nouns, which are words that name things perceivable by the senses.
Tangible abstract nouns referred to concepts that, while not physically touchable, are direct and observable impact on the world. Examples include freedom, justice, and happiness. These concepts often manifest in concrete ways, such as laws, societal structures, or personal experiences. On the other hand, intangible abstract nouns denote ideas or qualities that are more internalized and subjective such as thought, believe, or desire. The personal and often vary greatly between individuals, as the exist primarily within the mind. Both types of abstract nouns are crucial for expressing the nuanced aspects of human experience, allowing us to communicate complex emotions, philosophies and values.
Don't learn the abstract noun alone; learn the entire expression as one unit.
The goal is not to memorize 500 words.The goal is to master the 100 high frequency abstract noun patterns that repeatedly appear in competitive exams.So, a candidate does not need to memorize every abstract noun in English.The better approach is to master the common abstract nouns, understand their core meanings, and then learn the important combinations.
