Stop Memorizing! Understand Active and Passive Voice | Active VS. Passive Voice - Master the Rules for SSC CGL, Banking, UPSC & All Competitive Exams

Active & Passive Voice: A Complete Guide

For Competitive Exams (2026)

Learn Active & Passive Voice in 15 Minutes

Thousands of aspirants preparing for competitive exams and struggle with one subtle yet critical area:

Understanding the difference between active and passive voice.While both are used for building blocks of sentences, comprehension, and writing tasks - costing valuable marks. So, what exactly sets them apart?

Active and Passive Voice is one of the most important pillars of the English Grammar section for SSC CGL aspirants. At the same time, active and passive voice are not just exam topics—they

are widely used in our everyday communication. Therefore, understanding their rules is essential

not only for scoring well in competitive exams but also for improving your spoken and written English.

In this article, we will learn Active vs Passive Voice in a simple, exam-oriented way with rules, formulas, examples, and shortcut tricks. But before we begin,

as you do not have much time before

the exam, make a proper study plan

and revise the syllabus thoroughly before taking mock tests.

Here are some important topics for competitive exams. Revise them carefully, and if you have any doubts, consult your mentor.

In this blog, we will cover the topic active and passive voice.

(Active & Passive Voice): Important Topic for all Competitive Exams

Perfect for Beginners

📚What You'll Learn in This Blog

What is Voice?
What is Active Voice?
What is Passive Voice?
Difference between Active and Passive Voice
Subject–Object Pronoun Conversion Chart
Tense-wise Active to Passive Voice Rules
Modal Verbs in Passive Voice
Imperative, Interrogative, and Negative Sentences in Passive Voice
Double Object Conversion
Verbs That Cannot Be Changed into Passive Voice
Common Mistakes to Avoid
SSC CGL Previous Year Pattern & Exam Tips
Practice Questions with Answers
Quick Revision Chart

Are you still memorizing long Active and Passive Voice rules? 🤔

Stop memorizing every formula separately. Start understanding the pattern.

In this article, I have explained a simple and consistent strategy to change Active Voice into Passive Voice without making common mistakes.

✔ Identify the object

✔ Move it to the subject position

✔ Use the correct form of be + V3

✔ Add by + subject only when necessary

Learn the concept, understand the structure, and practise with examples.

Read the complete article here 👇

Basic English Grammar for SSC CGL 2026 (competitive Exams)

In this blog, we will cover the topic, "Active and Passive voice".

First of all, let's know:

What is voice in Grammar?

Voice in English Grammar describes whether a subject of the verb performs an action or receives the action.

Types of Voice in English Grammar

There are three types of voice in English Grammar:

Active Voice
Passive Voice
The Middle Voice

What is active voice?

In the above image, a person is drawing a picture.

In active voice: Subject does the action.

🧑‍💼 ✍️ 🖼️

Formula: Subject + Verb + Object

Subject: He
Verb: draws
Object: a picture.

Subject does the action.

What is passive voice?

In passive voice, the focus is on the action.

🖼️ ✍️ 🧑‍💼

Formula: Object + Verb + Subject

Object: A picture
Verb: is + drawn
Subject: by + him.

Subject receives the action.

You can easily understand through this image:

Always remember:

While changing into passive:

Most important (Don't skip)

Don't change the subject and the object, it only shifts from subject to object.
Transform only verb - change it according to tense

Write auxiliary verb according to subject + third form of the verb.

Master Active & Passive Voice 🎯
Write ✍️ Like a Pro

In this image, you observe that the third sentence," The children clapped merrily. "

Have you noticed that there is no object?
You cannot change it into passive voice.

Let's us know the reason:

Why don't you transform it into passive voice?
The main cause is - it has an intransitive verb.

There are two types of sentences:

Transitive: This kind of sentences require a direct object to receive the action.

For example: She writes an email. Here the verb "writes" and "an email " is a direct object. Without direct object the sentence in passive voice is not possible.

While intransitive verb does not require a direct object. It can stand alone and still convey the complete thought.

For example: "The baby crawls", here the verb "crawls" is an intransitive verb, and it doesn't need an object to make sense.

Direct and indirect objects are necessary in understanding transitive verbs. A direct object is the noun or pronoun that directly receives the action of the verb.

On the other hand, indirect object is the noun or pronoun that benefits from or is affected by the action.

For example:

👧 👨 🎁

She gave him a gift. (Active Voice)

You can transform it into passive voice in two ways:

🎁 👨 👧

A gift was given to him by her.

👨 🎁 👧

He was given a gift by her.

Here " a gift " is the direct object and "him" is the indirect object.

In this sentence a verb in the active voice takes two objects - a direct one (thing) and the indirect one (person).

Types of Voice:

Mainly there are two kinds of voice:

Active and Passive Voice, but there is one more that is " The Middle Voice ".

It is used when subject does the action on itself for its own interest. It often uses reflexive pronoun like myself, yourself, himself, ourselves, themselves etc.

For examples:

The middle voice is a grammatical voice that indicates the subject of the verb is both the doer and the receiver of the action, or that the action is reflexive or benefits the subject in some way. It is less common in English than in other languages like Greek or Sanskrit, where it is more explicitly marked. However, some examples in English can give a sense of how the middle voice functions:

1. The door opened.

Here, the door is both the thing that opens and the thing being opened.

The subject “the door” is involved in the action without an external agent explicitly mentioned.

2. The book reads well.

In this sentence, the book is the subject and is passively involved in the action of reading, suggesting it is easy or enjoyable to read.

3. She dresses quickly.

This implies she is dressing herself, where the action reflects back on

the subject.

The middle voice often involves reflexive or intransitive verbs, where the subject is performing an action that directly affects themselves.

In English, the middle voice can be expressed in various ways, often using reflexive pronouns (e.g., “He washed himself”), but it can also be implied through context and the structure of

the sentence as shown in the examples.

Difference Between Active vs. Passive Voice

🎯Master English, Express Better!

While changing active voice to passive voice, always keep in mind:

You change the word order
Change the verb

👉The delivery boy sends an OTP. (Active Voice)
👉An OTP is sent by the delivery boy. (Passive Voice)

Here, (Object becomes Subject) while changing active voice to passive voice.

👉Verb: Sends becomes "is sent" (be + past participle).

👉Subject becomes Agent: "The delivery boy" moves to an end, introduced by "by".

Cracking the Code: Active vs. Passive Voice for Competitive Exams

Active Voice

The structure of active voice: (Revise the structure)

Subject + Verb + Object

Learn difference between active and passive voice through visual image because visual image never fade away from our mind.

Passive Voice

Subject + auxiliary verb + past participle.

The tense of the verb changes, but the meaning remains the same.

Struggling to remember,' Active & Passive Voice'?

Don't worry,

Follow this simple and consistent strategy,and understanding Active and Passive Voice will become much easier.

Points to remember:

Omit "by + Subject" when the doer is unknown and unimportant.

For instance:

Someone delivered the parcel. (Active Voice)
The parcel was delivered. (Passive Voice)

Explanation: Words such as (Someone, Somebody, everybody, people and everyone) are indefinite subjects, that is why "by someone" is generally omitted as the doer is either unknown or unimportant.

Know the Basic Rule to Identify the Subject and the Object:

The teacher explained the chapter.(Active Voice)
The chapter was explained by the teacher. (Passive Voice)

Here,

👩‍🏫

the teacher: doer (Subject)

📖

the chapter: the receiver of the action (Object)

🎯Main difference

Master the Difference: Why Active & Passive Voice Matters for Your SSC CGL Success

Active Voice

Focuses on who performs the action:

Who did the action?

The teacher 👩‍🏫

Passive Voice

Focuses on:

What happened to the receiver of the action.

📖

The chapter was explained by the teacher.

Basic Pattern

Active Voice: Someone does something.

👩‍🏫 ✍️ 📔

The teacher + writes + on the notebook.

Here, the

Passive Voice: Something is done by someone.

📔 ✍️ 👩‍🏫

The notebook is written on by the teacher.

Note: The sentence "The teacher writes on the notebook." has no direct object.

Therefore, it becomes," The notebook is written on by the teacher", where the

preposition "on" remains with the verb.

Easy Trick to Remember:

Active Voice: The subject performs the action.

Passive Voice: The subject receives or is affected by the action.

Let's know the difference between active and passive voice through this visual flowchart:

Let's know how pronoun change from subject to object:

While transforming sentences from active to passive, we have to be cautious

about the use of personal pronouns:

I told her about the latest news.

(Subject form of the pronoun " I ")

She was told about the latest news by me.

(Object form of the pronoun " I ")

Let's take another example:

👴

Your grandfather gave us some 📚storybooks. (Active Voice)

📚

Some story books were given to us by your grandfather. (Passive Voice)

📚

Here, "Some storybooks" becomes the subject, "were given" is the passive verb phrase,

and "to us by your grandfather" identifies the subject.

Active Voice:

Your grandfather gave us some storybooks.

Here:

Subject: Your grandfather
Indirect object: us (recipient)
Direct object: some storybooks (thing given)

The verb "give" takes two objects.

When changing to the passive, you have two possible passive sentences:

We were given some storybooks by your grandfather. ✅

Here, us becomes the subject, so it changes to "we".

Some storybooks were given to us by your grandfather. ✅

Here, "some storybooks" becomes the subject.

"Us" remains after the preposition to, so it stays in the objective case (us).

Why doesn't "us" change in the second sentence?

Because "us" is no longer the subject. It is the object of the preposition "to."

Let's Compare:

We were given some storybooks. ✅ (Subject → subjective pronoun)

Some storybooks were given to us. ✅ (Object of preposition → objective pronoun)

Rule to remember

If the pronoun becomes the subject in the passive voice, use the subject form:

me → I
us → we
him → he
her → she
them → they

If the pronoun remains an object (usually after to or for), do not change it:

to me
to us
to him
to her
to them

This is why

"Some storybooks were given to us by your grandfather." is correct. ✔️

"Some storybooks were given to we." is incorrect.❌

Subject - Object Pronoun Transformation Chart:

Here's a simple chart that illustrates the conversion between subject pronouns and object pronouns in English:

Subject Pronouns change into Object Pronouns

I → Me
You → You
He → Him
She → Her
It → It
We → Us
They → Them

Subject pronouns are used as the subject of a sentence, while object pronouns are used as the object of a verb or preposition.

Pronoun rule in Active → Passive

If the pronoun becomes the subject of the passive sentence, use the subject form: I, we, he, she, they.

If the pronoun remains an object (after a verb or a preposition such as to/for/by), keep the object form: me, us, him, her, them.

Let's us know how pronouns change from subject to object through the following visual image, because visual things never fade away from our mind.

If the subject is he, she, it, or a singular noun (like the principal or Nitin), the simple present tense MUST add an "-s" to the verb.

Tense-wise Active to Passive Voice Rules

Mastering Voice Conversion: A

Step - by - Step Guide for All Competitive Exams

Transformation from the Active voice to the Passive Voice:

As you know only eight types of tenses can be transformed from Active to Passive.

They are as follows:

Simple Present
Present Progressive
Present Perfect
Simple Past
Past Progressive
Past Perfect
Simple Future (will/shall)
Going to (Future Tense - is/am/are going to + verb)
Future Perfect

Note: Although this list contains nine forms, the 'going to ' future is not a separate tense.It is a future construction. Usually, grammar books often mention eight tenses can be changed into passive voice, while 'going to' future additional passive construction.

Point to remember

The following cannot be changed into the passive voice:

Present Perfect Continuous
Past Perfect Continuous
Future Continuous
Future Perfect Continuous

First and foremost, let's know the structure of active and passive voice:

Active Voice:

In active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb. This is the most common and direct way to write in English.

Key Structural Differences:

Active Voice: Subject + Verb + Object

Passive Voice: Object (becomes subject)

+ Helping Verb (be) + Past Participle + by + Original Subject (optional)

Structure:

Active Voice

Subject + Verb + Object

She + writes + a notice.

👧 ✍️ 🪧

It is an example of present indefinite tense.

Passive Voice:

In passive voice, the subject receives the action.

🪧 + ✍️ + 👧

A notice + is written + by her.

Object + Verb + Subject

Structure: Object + Auxiliary Verb + Past Participle (third form of the verb) + by + Subject

Basic Rules for Changing Active Voice into Passive Voice

Move the object of the active voice (sentence) to the subject position in the passive sentence.
Change the main verb to its Past Participle (third form of the verb) form.
Use the appropriate auxiliary verb based on the tense.
Add the preposition "by" before the new object (the agent doing the action), if it is necessary.

Point to Remember: If the doer is unknown, obvious, or unimportant,

the phrase "by + agent"is usually

omitted.

For example:

Someone took my backpack. (Active Voice)

My backpack was taken. (Passive Voice)

Here, the subject 'Someone' is an indefinite pronoun. When the doer is unknown, unimportant, or obvious, we usually omit ' by + agent' in the passive voice.

SSC Rule to Remember

When the active sentence has an indefinite subject such as:

people
somebody
everybody
anyone
everyone
somebody
someone

the phrase 'by +agent' is generally omitted in the passive voice unless there is a special reason to mention the doer.

Active to Passive Voice Rules for SSC CGL Aspirants:

Let's first revise the basic rules of active and passive voice in the following image:

Present Tense

Simple Present Tense

Active Voice

Root form of the verb, sometimes with "s"or "es"
Simple Present: Writes / Write (Is / Am / Are + Written)

Subject + V1(e/es) + Object

Passive Voice

Object + is/am/are + V3 + by + Subject

Example of Indefinite Tense:

Active Voice

My grandmother reads Ramayana every day.

Passive Voice

Ramayana is read by my grandmother every day.

First of all, identify the parts

Subject: She
Verb: reads (simple present tense)
Object: Ramayana
Adverb: every day

👉 Here is only one object, so only one passive form.

✅ Passive Voice

Ramayana is read by her every day.

Step-by-step change

Ramayana (object) will change into (subject)
reads (simple present) becomes (is read)
she (subject) changes into (her)
every day remains same (Adverb Placement does not change)

General Rule (From Active To Passive Voice)

Structure

Subject + V¹ / V² + Object
Object + is / am / are / was / were + V³ + by + subject

Tense Rule (Simple Present)

V¹ / V¹+s → is / am / are + V³

Singular object → is
Plural object → are

Important Rule (Proper Noun as Object)

Even if the object is a book / holy text / proper noun,

Another example:

He writes a message immediately. (Active Voice)
A message is written immediately by him. (Passive Voice)

A message is immediately written by him.

Here, you see that object becomes subject," A message "moves to the front.

Explanation:

Object becomes Subject: A message moves to the beginning of the sentence.
Verb Tense: writes (Simple Present) will change into 'by him'.
Subject becomes Agent: he → by him.
Adverb Placement: The adverb immediately usually remains in the same or is placed near the verb.

👉Verb Tense: "Writes":(Simple Present Tense) becomes " is written"(be + past participle).

Subject becomes Agent: "he" changes to " by him ".

Adverb Placement: "immediately" will not change and will be placed at the end or near the verb.

Learn grammar through visuals -

Present Continuous Tense

Present Continuous:

Active Voice

Is / Am / Are + Writing

Passive Voice

Is / Am / Are + Being+ Written

My grandmother is reading Ramayana.

(Active Voice)

Form of the verb:

is/am/are + Present Participle

(First form of the verb + ing)

Ramayana is being read by my grandmother. (Passive Voice)

is/am/are + being + Past Participle

(Third form of the verb)

Another example:

He is writing a message. (Active Voice)

A message is being written by him. (Passive Voice)

Object + is + being + V3

Present Perfect Tense

Rule:

Subject + have/ has + past participle +object.
has/have + been + Past Participle form of the verb

My grandmother has read Ramayana. (Active Voice)

Form of the verb:

has/have + Past Participle

Ramayana has been read by my grandmother. (Passive Voice)

Form of the verb:

has/have + been + Past Participle form of the verb

Another example

He has written a message. (Active Voice)
A message has been written by him. (Passive Voice)

Past Tense

Simple Past Tense

Active: Wrote
Passive: Was / Were + Written

My grandmother read Ramayana yesterday. (Active Voice)

Second form of the verb - read

Ramayana was read by my grandmother yesterday. (Passive Voice)

was/were + third form of the verb (read)

Another example

He wrote a message last week. (Active Voice)
A message was written by him last week. (Passive Voice)

Past Continuous Tense

Active: Was / Were + Writing
Passive: Was / Were + Being+ Written

My grandmother was reading Ramayana. (Active Voice)

was/were + Present Participle (First form + ing)

Ramayana was being read by my grandmother.

was/were + being + Past Participle (Third Form)

Another example

He was writing a message. (Active Voice)
A message was being written by him. (Passive Voice)

Past Perfect Tense

My grandmother had read Ramayana last month. (Active Voice)

Had + Past participle

Ramayana had been read by my grandmother. (Passive Voice)

Had + been + Past participle

Another example

He had written a message before. (Active Voice)
A message had been written by him before. (Passive Voice)

Future Tense

Simple Future Tense

My grandmother will read Ramayana in the evening. (Active Voice)

shall/ will + root form of the verb

Ramayana will be read by my grandmother in the evening. (Passive Voice)

shall be/ will be + Past Participle form of the verb

Another example

He will write a message. (Active Voice)
A message will be written by him. (Passive Voice)

Going to (Future Tense)

My grandmother is going to read Ramayana. (Active Voice

is going to + first form of the verb

Ramayana is going to be read by my grandmother. ( Passive Voice)

is going to be + past participle

Another example

He is going to write a message. (Active Voice)
A message is going to be written by him. (Passive Voice)

Future Perfect Tense

My grandmother will have read Ramayana before the end of the month. (Active Voice)

will/shall+ have been + past participle form of the verb

Ramayana will have been read by my grandmother before the end of the month. (Passive Voice)

will /shall + have been + past participle form of the verb

Another example

He will have written a message by Saturday. (Active Voice)

A message will have been written by him by Saturday. (Passive Voice)

Note: Here are two " by "

by him = shows the doer (agent).
by Saturday = shows the time limit (deadline).

So the correct passive voice is:

A message will have been written by him by Saturday. ✅

If the agent ("him") is not important or is obvious from the context, you may omit it:

A message will have been written by Saturday. ✅

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings:

A message will have been written by him by Saturday. → Emphasizes that he will write it.

shall be/ will be + Past Participle form of the verb

A message will have been written by Saturday. → Emphasizes only that the message will be completed by Saturday, without mentioning who writes it.

For SSC CGL and other competitive exams, if the active sentence contains the subject and there is no reason to omit it, writing "by him" is perfectly acceptable.

Modal Verbs in Passive Voice:

Don't just read grammar - see it,

understand it and remember it forever.

Modals in Passive Voice

Rule

A modal auxiliary verb is used in the active voice remains unchanged in the passive voice.

Common modal verbs are as follows:

can
could
may
shall
might
would
should
shall
must
ought to

Structure

Active Voice: Sub + Modal + V1 +Obj
Passive Voice: Obj + Modal + be + V3 +by + Sub

Example:

He should forward an email to his boss. (Active Voice)
An email should be forwarded to his boss by him. (Passive Voice)

Explanation:

An email becomes the new subject.
Modal "should" remains unchanged.
Forward changes "to be forwarded.
He changes to "by him".

Modal that is used in active voice always remain intact in the passive voice.

Rules of Active and Passive Voice

If there is modal auxiliaries in the active voice, the passive voice can be transformed as follows:

Can you solve this puzzle? (Active Voice)
Can this puzzle be solved by you? (Passive Voice)

Note: Can remains unchanged. We only add be before the past participle(solved).

Structure:

Rule to Remember:

Active Voice

The Modal Auxiliary + root form of the verb

Passive Voice

The Modal auxiliary + be + past participle form of the verb

Let's explore some more examples of "can", "must", "may", "should", "ought to" and "would" in the following image:

Points to remember:

"Modal Auxiliary Verbs" never change in the passive voice.

Only the sentence structure changes.
Add be after the modal.
change the main verb to its past participle.
Use by + agent only when necessary.

Keeping these points in mind, try to convert the following sentences into passive voice in the following image:

More examples of Modal Verbs are as follows:

We should obey our elders. (Active Voice)

Our elders should be obeyed by us.(Passive Voice)

Modal auxiliary + be + third form of the verb.

Here, form of the verb is the same as that of a verb in the simple future tense.

He could not play any outdoor game. (Active Voice)

No outdoor game could be played by him. (Passive Voice)

He could not play any outdoor games.

(Passive Voice)

This type of questions commonly asked in grammar exams like SSC CGL.

Formula

Modal + V¹ → Modal + be + V³

Examples:

can write → can be written
should complete → should be completed
must finish → must be finished
could play → could be played
ought to obey → ought to be obeyed

SSC CGL Exam Tip 💡

Questions based on modal verbs in passive voice are frequently asked in

SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, CPO, MTS, and other competitive examinations.

Always remember this shortcut:

Modal = No Change
Add "be" + V³
Object becomes Subject

This single rule helps you solve almost every passive voice question involving modal verbs accurately.

Visual Learning helps you to learn faster and remember longer.

Imperative, Interrogative, and Negative Sentences in Passive Voice

Imperative Sentences

Active Voice: Close the door.

Passive Voice: Let the door be closed.

Explanation: Imperative sentences in passive voice often use the structure

"Let + object + be + past participle."

May I use your mobile? (Active Voice)

May your mobile be used by me? (Passive Voice)

The active sentence is:

Active: Please give me a glass of lukewarm water.

This is a request, so there are multiple acceptable passive-like transformations depending on the style.

1. Most natural and commonly accepted

You are requested to give me a glass of lukewarm water. ✅

Sometimes in exams, the examiners ask to change the passive by using "Let".

Please give me a glass of lukewarm water.

Let me be given a glass of lukewarm water.
You are requested to give me a glass of lukewarm water.

The "Let me be given..." form is also grammatically correct and is often accepted while converting imperative sentences into the passive voice.

Interrogative Sentences

Active Voice: Did the artist paint the portrait?
Passive Voice: Was the portrait painted by the artist?

Explanation: In passive interrogative sentences, start with the auxiliary verb "was," followed by the subject ("the portrait") and past participle of the main verb ("painted"). The phrase "by the artist" indicates the doer of the action.

Interrogative Sentences

Questions starting with "Who" change to "By whom" in the passive voice.

Active: Who wrote this?

Passive: By whom was this written?

Are they singing a melodious song? (Active Voice)
Is a melodious song being sung by them? (Passive Voice)

Here, "melodious song" becomes (object) becomes the subject, and "them" (subject) becomes the agent. The present continuous form" are singing" changes to " is being sung"

to show the action is in progress. Sentence remains interrogative by starting with " is ".

Active Voice: Did the artist paint the portrait?
Passive Voice: Was the portrait painted by the artist?

Have/has + subject + past participle + (object)?

Has he played video games? (Active Voice)
Have video games been played by him. (Passive Voice)

Active Voice (Negative Sentences)

He did not forward an email to his boss.

Identify the parts🔍

Subject: He

Verb: did not forward (simple past - negative)

Object: an email

Prepositional phrase: to his boss

👉 Only one object, so only one passive form.

✅ Passive Voice

An email was not forwarded to his boss by him.

Step-by-step change

an email (object) changes into subject

did not forward (V²) changes into was forwarded (was + V³)

he becomes by him

to his boss remains unchanged

👉 General Rule (Active → Passive)

Structure

Subject + V² + Object

Object + was / were + not + V³ + by + subject

Tense Rule (Simple Past- Negative)

did not forward (Active Voice)
was not forwarded (Passive Voice)

For singular subject always use "was".

Active Voice: The team did not complete the project.

Passive Voice: The project was not completed by the team.

Explanation: For negative sentences in the passive voice, the auxiliary verb "was" is followed by "not" to maintain the negation. The main verb "complete" changes to "completed" (past participle).

She did not appoint anyone. (Active Voice)

Exam Tip:

When an active sentence contains "not...any", it is often better to change

it to "no" in the passive:

Some other examples to clarify the doubt

We did not celebrate any festivals.
No festivals were celebrated by us.

My friend cannot solve any puzzle.
No puzzle can be solved by my friend

Double Object Conversion:

Ditransitive verbs take two objects:

Direct object
Indirect object

In case, there are two forms in the passive voice, it is known as ditransitive verbs in active voice.

For example:

Mr. Rao teaches us Ancient History. (Active Voice)

1. Ancient History is taught by Mr. Rao. (Passive Voice)

2. We are taught Ancient History by Mr. Rao. (Passive Voice)

Suppose if the sentence is:

Mr Rao teaches Ancient History.

Then, "teach" is a mono transitive.

Now the question is:

why?

Because it has only one object.

But if the sentence is:

Mr. Rao teaches us Ancient History.

Here, "us" is the indirect object and "Ancient History" is direct object.

This sentence is the appropriate example of di-transitive.

Another example:

The manager elected Raman a representative.(Active Voice)

Raman was elected a representative by the manager. (Passive Voice)

The verb "elect" takes a complex object:

Object: Raman

Object complement: a representative

The two passive forms are:

1. Raman was elected a representative by the manager. ✅

2. A representative was elected for Raman by the manager. ❌

(Not acceptable as a passive transformation of the original sentence.)

In standard English grammar, only the first passive is considered correct. The noun "a representative" is not an independent direct object; it is an object complement describing Raman.

Therefore, it cannot normally become the subject of a passive sentence.

Rule

When a sentence has an object + object complement (e.g., elect, appoint, make, call, name, choose), the object becomes the subject in the passive, while the object complement remains after the verb.

Examples:

They appointed him captain.

He was appointed captain. ✅

We called her intelligent.

She was called intelligent. ✅

The manager elected Raman a representative.

Raman was elected a representative by the manager. ✅

There is only one standard passive form, not two.

Don't get confused, while changing the sentence into passive voice:

The manager elected Raman a representative.

Many learners think Raman and a representative are two objects.

Raman = Direct Object

a representative = Object Complement (it tells us what Raman was elected as)

You can verify this by asking:

Whom did the manager elect? → Raman ✅

What did the manager elect? → You cannot answer "a representative" alone. ❌

Compare this with a sentence having two genuine objects:

The teacher gave me a book.

Here:

me = Indirect Object
a book = Direct Object

So, it has two passive forms:

1. I was given a book by the teacher. ✅

2. A book was given to me by the teacher. ✅

But here in the sentence, a "representative" is not an object; it is an object complement.

Therefore, only one passive is possible:

Raman was elected a representative by the manager. ✅

This distinction—double object vs. object + object complement—is very important for SSC CGL voice conversion questions.

Some words can be mono and di transitive.

Let's us understand those words that have both: 1. Mono 2. Di - transitive

Take
Teach
Give
Write
Promise
Bring
Make
Get
Show
Offer

Verbs That Cannot Be Transformed into Passive Voice

1. Future Continuous Tense

As we know, we cannot convert Future Continuous Tense into Passive.

Example:

They will be playing football.

❌ No passive voice.

2. Verbs That Do Not Form Passive Construction Naturally:

resemble
belong
look
have (possession)

However:

have (possession), resemble, belong, lack normally do not form natural passive constructions.

3. "Look at the blackboard."

Look at the blackboard.
You are requested to look at the blackboard.

⚠️ This is not the passive voice of the original sentence.

The original sentence is an imperative with an intransitive verb ("look" has no direct object here).

Its passive cannot be formed directly.

"You are requested to look at the blackboard." is a different sentence,

not a passive transformation.

4. Verbs of movement

Examples:

He went home.

She arrived early.

The baby fell.

The old man died.

These are intransitive verbs, so no passive voice is possible.

5. Verbs showing possession

Verbs: No Passive is Possible

belong ❌ No passive.

consist of ❌ No passive.

Verbs: Passive is Possible.

contain Passive is possible.

The box contains books.

50 chocolates are contained in the box. (Grammatically correct though uncommon.)

comprise ✔️ Passive is possible.

The team comprises ten members.

Ten members are comprised by the team. (Rare and not preferred.)

own ✔️ Passive is possible.

She owns a bungalow.

The bungalow is owned by her.

So "own", "contain", and "comprise" should not be listed as verbs that cannot form the passive.

6. Verbs of perception

see
hear
prefer
notice
recognize
taste
smell

Examples:

I saw him.

He was seen by me. ✔️

We heard the noise.

The noise was heard by us. ✔️

Everyone recognized her.

She was recognized by everyone. ✔️

The police noticed the mistake.

The mistake was noticed by the police. ✔️

Even:

The soup tasted delicious.

Here taste is a linking verb, so no passive.

I tasted the soup. → The soup was tasted by me. ✔️

Example:

Many people prefer tea.

Tea is preferred by many people. ✔️

7. Intransitive verbs

No object → No passive.

Examples:

They were working hard. ❌

He slept well. ❌

She smiled. ❌

The children laughed in the evening. ❌

He slept peacefully. ❌

These are unquestionably intransitive.

Suggested rule for SSC Candidates

A sentence can be changed into the passive voice only if the verb is transitive (i.e., it has a direct object).

Some transitive verbs (such as own, contain, believe, prefer, see, hear, recognize, love, trust, want) can form passive constructions, though some are uncommon in everyday English.

Intransitive verbs (go, come, die, arrive, fall, sleep, laugh, etc.) and certain verbs like belong, resemble, consist of, and have (possession) normally do not form passive voice.

As we know, we cannot convert "Future Continuous Tense" into "Passive".

Verbs like think, remember, feel, look, appear, have, has etc.

I have a pet dog.🐶

A pet dog is had by me.❌ (Incorrect)

Verbs in general like look, refuse, appear, resemble, require, hope, seem, become etc.

Look at the blackboard.

You are requested to look at the blackboard.

Verbs of movement cannot be converted into passive voice like fall, go, die, come, arrive etc.

They went to the library before exams.

❌ no (passive voice)

For example:

You want a chocolate. (Active)

A chocolate is wanted by you. (Passive – grammatically correct, but very unnatural

in everyday English.)

Similarly:

Everyone loved the performance.

The performance was loved by everyone. ✔️

People believe the story.

The story is believed (by people). ✔️

They trust him.

He is trusted by them. ✔️

However, some stative verbs are normally not used in the passive because they do

not sound natural in ordinary English, for example:

have (possession)
resemble
belong (already intransitive, so no passive)
lack

Stative verbs (such as believe, love, like, trust, want, wish, etc.) can often be changed into the passive if they take a direct object. However, the passive form is frequently less natural than the active form and is therefore used less often. Some stative verbs (e.g., belong, resemble, lack) do not normally form

a passive voice.

So, "A chocolate is wanted by you" is grammatically correct but stylistically unnatural, not incorrect. This distinction is important, especially for SSC CGL and other competitive exams, where the focus is on grammatical correctness rather than everyday usage.

He resembles his grandfather.

His grandfather is resembled by him. ❌

The sentence does not convey the meaning if you change active sentence into passive voice.

Mastering Active and Passive Voice: Avoid These Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid These Common Mistakes - And How to Fix Them Fast

While changing passive voice, you neglect the rules and consequently, you do silly mistakes:

1. He will complete the project tomorrow.

( Active Voice )

The project would be completed by him tomorrow. ❌ (Incorrect )

In passive voice "will" = remains as it is.

The correct answer is:.

The project will be completed by him tomorrow. ✔️ (Correct )

2. Somebody stole my bunch of keys yesterday.

My bunch of keys were stolen yesterday.❌ (Incorrect)

The correct answer will be:

My bunch of keys was stolen yesterday.✔️(Correct)

3. This bag contains 30 chocolates.

30 chocolates are contained this bag. ❌(Incorrect)

30 chocolates are contained in this bag. ✔️ (Correct)

4. They are looking into the matter seriously.

The matter is looked into by them seriously.(Incorrect)❌

The correct answer will be:

The matter is being looked into by them. ✔️(Correct)

5. The invigilator gave me an answer sheet to write.

I was given an answer sheet write with by the invigilator.❌ (Incorrect)

The correct answer will be:

I was given an answer sheet to write by the invigilator. ✔️(Correct)

6. May I come in?

Am me allowed to come in? ❌ (Incorrect)

Am I allowed to come in? ✔️(Correct)

7. I did not ask anyone.

Anyone was not asked by me. ❌(incorrect)

Nobody was asked by me. ✔️(correct)

8. They know him.

He is known by them. ❌(Incorrect)

He is known to them. ✔️(correct)

9. Her conduct surprise everyone.

Everyone is surprised by her conduct. ❌(Incorrect)

Everyone is surprised at her conduct. ✔️(Correct)

10. People fly kites on Independence Day.

On Independence Day kites are flow by people. ❌(Incorrect)

On Independence Day kites are flown by people. ✔️(correct)

Quick Tips to Avoid Errors

Use passive when the action matters more than the doer.
Double check your past participles.
Practice converting between active and passive confidently.

Mastering these nuances boosts your grammar accuracy and strengthens your exam performance.

SSC CGL Previous Year Pattern & Exam Tips

SSC CGL: Active & Passive Voice - High Yield Notes

Most Important Question Types

SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO, MTS, GD and other Government exams commonly ask:

Active to Passive
Passive to Active
Interrogative sentences
Imperative (commands, advice, requests)
Sentences with modal verbs
Progressive (continuous) tenses
Verbs with prepositions
Infinitive structures
Sentences with two objects

Interrogative Sentences

Rule

If the active sentence begins with Do/Does/Did, the passive structure is:

Did they win the concert?

Was the concert won by them?

The form of the verb in passive voice is:

is/am/are or was/ were + third form of the verb.

If the question in the active voice is in the Simple Present/Past; the Wh-Word is followed by do/does/did, the passive form of the verb is; is/am/are/was/were + third form of the verb.

Important rule

"Who" changes into "By whom"

"Whom" changes into "Who"

Who teaches you at home?(Active Voice )

By whom are you taught at home? (Passive Voice)

Whom did you ask to go? (Active Voice)

Who was asked by you to go (Passive Voice)

When a verb has two objects, either objects can become the subject.

He gave his teacher a Parker pen.(Active Voice)

Here, are two objects

Passive Voice

1. A Parker pen was given to his teacher by him.

2. His teacher was given a Parker pen by him.

But in the following example, there is only one object.

Who teaches you in coaching?

(Active Voice )

By whom are you taught in coaching?

(Passive Voice)

Whom did you ask?

Who was asked by you?

Progressive Tense Trap:

Remember to keep the preposition.

For example

The spectators were laughing at the clown.(Active Voice)

The clown was being laughed at by them.(Passive Voice)

Need + V - ing

SSC frequently asks this pattern:

My beard needs trimming.(Active Voice)

My beard needs to be trimmed.(Passive Voice)

This house needs brooming.(Active Voice)

This house needs to be broomed. (Passive Voice)

Imperative, Commands & Suggestions

Advice, commands and requests are asked in competitive exams.

When the verbs expressing advice, command or request, use the verb "Let"

followed by the Passive Infinitive without "to", the form of the verb in the

passive voice is:

Let + be + third form of the verb.
Place the subject between "Let" and "be" after then use third form of the verb.

For example

Type this notice to circulate.

Let this notice be typed to circulate.

Stand up.

You are ordered to stand up.

Kindly go through the grammar notes.

You are requested to go through the grammar notes.

SSC usually tests passive forms where the verbs takes a preposition other than " by".

Fixed Preposition (satisfied with)

My parents are satisfied with my performance.

Fixed Preposition (knocked at)

The main gate was being knocked at by the guests.

Fixed Preposition (pleased with)

The instructor was pleased with my performance.

Fixed Preposition (known to)

I am known to her.

Fixed Preposition (contain in)

Contaminated water is contained in this jug.

Sentences With Modal Verbs:

The form of the verb is the same as that of a verb in the Simple Future Tense

Modal auxiliary+ be + third form of the verb.

She can explain this chapter perfectly.

(Active Voice)

This chapter can be explained by her perfectly. (Active Voice)

You ought to respect our elders.(Active Voice)

Our elders ought to be respected by you.

(Passive Voice)

May I have your mobile number? ( Active Voice)

Could your mobile number be given to me?

Sentences With Infinitive Structure:

Conversion of voice is made only through the change in Infinitive

(to + be + third form of the verb) and the main verb is not changed.

For example:

Young girls like to play with dolls.

To play with dolls is liked by young girls.

It is necessary to call his parents.

It is necessary for his parents to be called.

A pen is to write with.

A pen is used for writing.

Exam Tips and Tricks to Crack SSC CGL

Learn the passive structures of all tenses.
Memorize Modal + be + V3.
Remember Who converts into By whom and Whom will change into Who
Never omit preposition (at, with, to, on etc.)
Practice verbs with two objects ( give, teach, ask, offer, tell, send )
Pay attention to imperative and continuous tense questions - they frequently appear in competitive exams.

These pattern cover majority of Active and Passive questions asked in SSC CGL, CHSL, CPO and other Government exams.

Generally multiple-choice questions are asked but sometimes such type of questions also asked:

Read the instructions given below, then complete the passage by choosing correct answer from the options given below the passage:

Question 1

Take a metro train pass form.

Paste your photo on it.

Fill up your particulars - name, email, home address and mobile number etc.

Submit it to the office. Deposit the fare, collect the receipt. Show the receipt

to the concerned officer and collect your pass.

The process of getting a metro train pass issued is quite simple. First of all, a metro train pass form is taken and a photo of mine (a)..... on it. Then all the particulars such as name, email, home address and mobile number etc. (b).......After that it (c)...... to the office. Then it ..... (d) to the concerned officer and deposit the fare (e)....... and receipt........

(a) (i) is affixed (ii) are affixed (iii) were affixed

(b) (i) is filled up (ii) was filled up (iii) are filled up

(d) (i) was deposited (ii) are deposited (iii) is deposited

(e) (i) is collected (ii) was collected (iii) were collected

Answers

(a) is affixed

(b) are filled up

(d) is taken

(e) is collected

Question 2

Put a cup of water in an empty container.

Light the gas burner. Place the pan on the stove to boil the water. Add some sugar to boiling water. Turn off the gas burner. Take an empty cup. Put a spoonful of coffee powder. Stir the mixture. Add milk and some chocolate flavour.

For preparing a cup of hot coffee, water is poured in an empty vessel. After lightening the gas burner, the pan (a) ....... on the stove to boil the water. Then some sugar(b)....... After water has boiled, the gas burner is turned off. An empty cup (c)....... and a spoonful of coffee powder (d)....... in it. Finally, milk

and some chocolate flavour (e).......... as desired.

(a) (i) are placed (ii) were placed (iii) is placed

(b) (i) has added (ii) is added (iii) are added

(d) (i) is placed (ii) are placed (iii) was placed

(e) (i) are added (ii) is added (iii) to be added

Answers

(a) is placed

(b) is added

(d) is placed

(e) are added

Practice Paper to Ace SSC CGL Easily

Choose the correct option:

He appointed Prabha class representative.

Prabha is appointed class representative by him.

Prabha was appoint class representative by him.

Prabha was appointed class representative by him.

Ans: Prabha was appointed class representative by him.

Has the maid broken the bone china cup?

Has the Bone China cup broken by the maid?

Has the Bone China cup been broken by the maid?

Has been the Bone China broken by the maid?

Ans: Has the Bone China cup been broken by the maid?

Please do join us for brunch.

You are requested to join us for brunch.

You are invited to come for brunch.

You are suggested to join us for brunch.

Ans: You are requested to join us for brunch.

Have you seen my charger?

Have my charger been seen by you?

Has my charger been seen by you?

Had my charger been seen by you?

Ans: Has my charger been seen by you?

Who wrote the novel," A Noble Name"?

By whom had the novel, " A Noble Name " written?

By whom was the novel, "A Noble Name" written?

By whom was the novel, "A Noble Name" wrote?

Ans: By whom was the novel," A Noble Name" written?

Who are you going to invite to the housewarming party?

By whom is going to be invited to the housewarming party?

Who is going to be invited to the housewarming party?

Whom are you going to invite to the housewarming party?

Ans: Whom are you going to invite to the housewarming party?

Note: 'Who ' changes into 'By whom' and 'Whom' into 'Who'.

May you live prosperous life!

May you lived a prosperous life.

May a prosperous life be lived by you.

May a prosperous life be live by you.

Ans: May a prosperous life be lived by you.

Did the spectators cheer the T20 team?

Had the T20 team cheered by the spectators?

Were the T20 team cheered by the spectators?

Was the T20 team cheered by the spectators?

Ans: Was the T20 team cheered by the spectators?

Are you playing with the fidgets?

Are the fidgets being played with by you?

Is the fidgets being played with by you?

Have the fidgets being played with by you?

Ans: Are the fidgets being played with by you?

Where did you buy this gadget?

Where had this gadget bought by you?

Where was this gadget buy by you?

Where was this gadget bought by you?

Ans: Where was this gadget bought by you?

Is he still chatting with his friend on the mobile phone?

Was his friend still chatted with on the mobile phone by him?

Is his friend still chatted with on the mobile phone by him?

Is his friend still being chatted with on the mobile phone by him?

Ans: Is his friend still being chatted with on the mobile phone by him?

How will you pack the return gifts for the function?

How will the return gifts to be packed for the function?

How will the return gifts be packed for the function (by you)?

How is the return gifts be packed for the function?

Ans: How will the return gifts be packed for the function (by you)?

Frequently Asked Questions About Active and Passive Voice

How do I convert an active sentence into passive without making mistakes?

Follow this simple pattern to convert an active sentence to passive:

Identify the object in the active sentence.

Move it to the subject position.

Add the appropriate form of be + past participle of the main verb.

Optionally, include the doer with by.

Example:

Active Voice: The preacher delivered a sermon.

Passive Voice: A sermon was delivered by the preacher.

What if the sentence has two objects? Can I make two passive sentences?

If a verb has two objects

1. direct object

2. indirect object

You can create two passive sentences.

For example:

She gave him a tablet. (Active Voice)

A tablet was given to him. (Passive Voice 1)

He was given a tablet. (Passive Voice 2)

Note: 'By her' is optional and should be used only when the doer is important.

Are there tenses that do not work in passive voice?

Passive voice is not possible with intransitive verbs because they do not take an object.

For instance, we cannot say "she was arrived." The verb 'arrive' has no object.

Other common intransitive verbs include go, sleep, occur, sleep, arrive, die and happen.

That is why, passive voice is generally formed only with transitive verbs.

How can I identify passive voice quickly during exams?

Look for forms of 'be' (is, am, are, was, were, been, being) followed by a past participle.

In passive voice, the receiver of the action comes first.

Practicing this pattern regularly will help you identify passive voice quickly and accurately in competitive exams.

English Grammar #Active Passive Voice #SSCEnglish #EnglishForCompetitiveExams

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DSSSB ASO Exam Date 2026 for SSC, Exams 2026 Notification Out for 911 Vacancies I DSSSB ASO English Syllabus & Exam Pattern I Strategy to Learn Vocabulary

ASO Grade 2 Dates Out!

Check Official Exam Notice (941 Vacancies)

The Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board has officially Released the exam schedule for assistant Section Officer/ DASS Grade 2 (Post Code 804/26).

Details & Official information:

Exam window
September 21, 2026 - October 18, 2026
(Excluding October 2)

Exam Mode
Online Computer Based Test (CBT)

Shift Timings
Shift 1: 9.00 am - 11.00 am
Shift 2: 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Shift 3: 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm

Admit card
Expected one week prior to your specific shift date on DSSSB.delhi.gov.in

Key Preparation Reminders:

Tier - 1 Format: (200 questions) covering reasoning, General Awareness, Arithmetical and Numerical Ability, English and Hindi (2 hours).

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.

Detailed Syllabus of English & Topic Break down:

English language and comprehension(40 marks)

Grammar and Usage: Subject Verb Agreement, Tenses, Voice and Narration, Articles, Prepositions, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement (12 - 14 questions)

Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-Word Substitutions, Idioms and Phrases, spelling checks (12 - 15 questions)

Comprehension: Reading Comprehension Passages, Cloze Test, Para - Jumbles (10 - 12 questions)

Focus your on the most heavily tested, high yield English topics for competitive examinations: Grammar rules, Direct/ indirect and voice transformations, & Vocabulary Shortcuts.

🎯Follow this six week study plan ✨

High -Yield Grammar Rules Checklist:

You Can Master Grammar - One Rule at a Time

Rules of Subject Verb Agreement Every Exam Taker Must Master

Neither/ .... nor/or: Verb agrees with the subject with the first subject nearest to it.( Neither the manager nor the employees were present.)

Along with/ As well as/ Together with: Verb agrees with the first subject.( The teacher, along with the students, is going.)

Collective Nouns: Singular verb when acting as a unit; plural when divided. (The jury has reached a verdict vs The jury are divided in their opinions.)

Conditional Sentences:

Expert Tips to Tackle Conditional Questions like a Pro in SSC exam

Type 1 (Real): If + Present Simple, will + first form of the verb(If he works hard, he will pass.)

Type 2 (Hypothetical): If + Past Simple, would + first form of the verb/ were (if I were you, I would accept.)

Type 3(Past Unfulfilled): If + Past Perfect, would have + third form of the verb(if she had studied, she would have passed.)

Common Inversion Rules:

Master the Rules to Unlock Your Full Potential

Sentences beginning with negative adverbs (Hardly, Scarcely, Barely, No sooner) auxiliary verbs before the subject.

Hardly/Scarcely.... When, No sooner.... than (No Sooner had he left than it started raining.)

Sentence Transformation Quick Response:

Use this quick reference checklist to review reporting verb transitions, tense backshifts, and key warning areas for Direct/ Indirect speech transformations.

Direct & Indirect Speech - Revision Chart

Crack The Code, Score Full Marks!

Punctuation Marks

Quotation Marks

Key Differences Between Direct and Indirect Speech

Keep " ...."✔️(Direct Speech)
Remove Quotation Marks ❌ (Indirect Speech)

Pronoun Rule:

First Person - Subject
Third Person - No Change

Tense Rules

If reporting verb is in past tense - tense goes one step back (backshift)

Present - Past
Past - past perfect
Will - Would
Can - Could

Questions Rules

Use if/whether (yes/no)✔️
WH - word stays✔️
Statement word order ✔️
No question mark ❌

Time & Place Change

now - then
today - that day
tomorrow - next day
here - there

Imperative Rule

to + verb ✔️
not to + verb ✔️

Optative Rules

May - might
Wish/Prayed

Golden Rules for Transforming Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

Adjust pronoun - change time words
Remove Quotation - change the time
Change the tense - choose appropriate reporting verb

Checklist for SSC Exam Preparation

Direct to Indirect Made Easy

Most of the mistakes occur because:

Aspirants forget to check tense.
Candidates know the rules still at the time of exam they forget to adjust pronouns.
Most of the aspirants ignore time words
Don't let these Grammar mistakes cost you marks in competitive exams.

Active vs passive Voice Cheat sheet

Simple Present Tense: is/am/are + third form of the verb
Simple Past Tense: was/ were + third form of the verb
Present/ Past Continuous Tense: is /am/are/was/were + being + third form of the verb
Present/ Past Perfect Tense: has/have/ had + been + third form of the verb
Modals(can/may/must): modal + be + third form of the verb

High Frequency Vocabulary and Phrasal Verbs

Strong vocabulary today

Success in SSC Tomorrow!

Phrasal Verb: Put up with
Meaning: Tolerate
Context: I cannot put up with this type of disturbance any longer.

Phrasal Verb: Look down upon
Meaning: Consider inferior
Context: Do not look down upon the needy people.

One - Word Substitution: Altruist
Meaning: One who works for the welfare of others
Context: Selfless helper

One - Word Substitution: Omniscient
Meaning: Knowing everything
Context: Omni (All) + Scient (Knowing)

List of topmost frequently asked Idioms and Phrasal Verbs with meanings and usage

High Frequency Idioms

Learn Idioms Through Story Method:

This is the most effective way to learn idioms.

Idiom: A red letter day
Meaning: A very important or memorable day.
Sentence: Cracking the SSC exam made it a red-letter day for her family.

Frequent High Frequency Vocabulary and Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb: Put up with
Meaning: Tolerate
Context: I cannot put up with this type of disturbance any longer.

Phrasal Verb: Look down upon
Meaning: Consider inferior
Context: Do not look down upon the needy people.

One - Word Substitution: Altruist
Meaning: One who works for the welfare of others
Context: Selfless helper

One - Word Substitution: Omniscient
Meaning: Knowing everything
Context: Omni (All) + Scient (Knowing)

List of top most frequently asked Idioms and Phrasal Verbs with meanings and usage

Know the difference:

High Frequency Idioms

Idiom: Burn the midnight oil:
Meaning: work or study late into the night
Sentence: She had to burn the midnight oil for six months to complete the syllabus of SSC CGL exam.

Idiom: Leave no stone unturned
Meaning: Try every possible course of action
Sentence: The aspirant left no stone unturned to secure a top rank.

Idiom: A bolt from the blue
Meaning: A complete surprise or sudden shock
Sentence: The notification of the sudden policy change came as a bolt from the blue.

Idiom: Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely or infrequently
Sentence: She visits here only once in a blue moon due to her hectic schedule.

Idiom: Read between the lines
Meaning: Understand the hidden meaning
Sentence: If you read between the lines, the letter is actually a warning.

Idiom: At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Immediately, without any hesitation
Sentence: He is always ready to help the needy at the drop of a hat.

Idiom: To thick and thin
Meaning: Under all circumstances good or bad
Sentence: True friends stand by each other through thick and thin.

Idiom: Face the music
Meaning: Accept the unpleasant consequences of one's action
Sentence: After making errors in the report, he had to face the music before the committee.

Idiom: To turn a deaf ear
Meaning: Disregard or refused to listen
Sentence: The master turned a deaf ear to the repeated requests.

Idiom: Break the ice
Meaning: Initiate a conversation in a formal setting
Sentence: The anchor organized a short activity to break the ice on day one.

Idiom: Under the weather
Meaning: Feelings slightly ill or unwell
Sentence: He missed the class because he was feeling under the weather.

Idiom: Bury the hatchet
Meaning: Make peace or an old conflict
Sentence: The two rival parties decided to bury the hatchet and work together.

Idiom: At one's wits end
Meaning: To be extremely puzzled or overwhelmed
Sentence: I was at my wits end trying to fix the software glitch.

Idiom: Spill the beans
Meaning: reveal a secret prematurely
Sentence: Don't trust him with private messages; he will spill the beans.

High - Frequency Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb: Call off
Meaning: Cancel an event or agreement
Sentence: The organisers had to call off the outdoor event due to heavy rain.

Phrasal Verb: Carry out
Meaning: Execute, perform, fulfill a duty
Sentence: The team carried out the instructions without any delay.

Phrasal Verb: Look forward to
Meaning: Await something with anticipation
Sentence: She is looking forward to receiving her official admit card

Phrasal Verb: Bring about
Meaning: Cause something to happen
Sentence: The new policy brought about significant structural improvements.

Phrasal Verb: Breakdown
Meaning: Fail mechanically or lose emotional control
Sentence: The bus broke down halfway through the journey.

Phrasal Verb: Cut down on
Meaning: Reduce the quality or consumption of something
Sentence: Candidates are advised to cut down on screen time during exam week.

Phrasal Verb: Give in
Meaning: Surrender or yield to pressure
Sentence: Despite intense pressure, the negotiator refused to give in.

Phrasal Verb: Nip in the bud
Meaning: Stop or suppress problems at an early stage
Sentence: Bad habits should be nipped in the bud before they become permanent.

Phrasal Verb: Take to task
Meaning: Scold, rebuke
Sentence: The supervisor took the employee to task for missing the deadline.

Phrasal Verb::Put off
Meaning: Postpone or delay
Sentence: Never put off until tomorrow what you can complete today.

Phrasal Verb: Look into
Meaning: Investigate
Sentence: The officer assured that he would look into the matter as soon as possible.

Phrasal Verb: Back out
Meaning: Require or demand something
Sentence: The serious situation causes immediate administrative action

Phrasal Verb: Pass away
Meaning: Die ( used as a polite enthusiasm)
Sentence: The distinguished veteran author passed away peacefully last night.

Here is a set of exam style fill in the blanks based on high frequency and phrasal verbs, followed by detailed explanation for each answer:

Practice questions

Receiving the final appointment letter made it a real ______ day for his family.

once in a blue moon
red - letter
Under the weather

Answer: red - letter

Explanation: Red letter day signifies a highly important joyful occasion. Under the weather means feeling sick, once in a blue moon means very rare.

The servant left no stone ____ to please his master.

Turning
Unturned
Return

Answer: unturned

Explanation: The fixed idiomatic expression is "leave no stone unturned", which means to make every possible effort. Using turned or turning violates standard idiom structure.

The officer took the subordinate _____ for neglecting his daily duties.

In hand
for granted
On board
to task

Answer: to task

Explanation: To take someone to task means to scold or rebuke someone severely.

He promised to complete the project on time, but he _____ at the last moment.

Backed out
Carried out
Looked into
Took to task

Answer: backed out

Explanation: Back out means to withdraw from a promise or agreement.Carry out means execute and,

look into means investigate.

The professor refused to______ such undisciplined behaviour in the department.

Put off
Put up with
Call off
Bring about

Answer: put up with

Explanation: Put up with means to tolerate. Put off means postpone, call off means cancel, and bring about means cause to happen.

Strategy to Learn One word Substitution

Most substitutions are derived from Greek or Latin roots.

Instead of learning 10 separate words, learn one root that connects them all.

Master the Root Words for Competitive Exams

Categorize by Themes

People / Personalities:
Egotist, Altruist, Introvert, Misogynist

Medical Professionals: Dermatologist, Oncologist, Ophthalmologist

Places: Aviary, Apiary, Arsenal, Mint

Beliefs/Religion: Theist, Atheist, Fanatic, Agnostic

Events / Time: Perennial, Centennial, Ephemeral

The "Substitution" Exercise

Whenever you read a newspaper, magazine any article or a journal, try to think, " Can I replace this long phrase with one word?

Long Phrase: He is a person who has no money to pay off his debts.

Substitution: He is an insolvent.

Use Mnemonics:

Insolvent means unable to pay debts.

Mnemonic: Try to think " In - Solve" - he cannot solve his financial problems.

Next while doing PYQ, don't read the correct answer, pay attention to the 3 wrong

options also because the examiners often rotate these options.

High Frequency Drill:

Use four-day cycle for retention:

First Day: Learn only 30 new words.
Second Day: Revise Day 1 + 20 new words
Third Day: Revise Day 1 & 2 + 10 new words
Fourth Day: Revise all the 60 words.

Pro tip for All Aspirants:

Focus on words related to "Death / Killing" and "Government "as these are frequently asked in competitive exams.

Important for SSC, CGL conducted by Staff Selection Commission.

Importance of "One Word Substitution":

Score Booster
Time Saver
Vocabulary Master
Syllabus Covers All Types

Frequently Asked Questions About DSSSB ASO Exam

Is the DSSSB exam easy or hard?

The difficulty of the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board exam can vary depending on several factors, including the candidate's preparation, familiarity pattern, and some personal strengths in the subjects tested. For some, the exam may seem challenging due to the competitive nature and the breadth of the topics covered, includes general awareness, quantitative aptitude, reasoning and language skills. However, with diligent preparation, of the syllabus, and regular practice through mock tests and previous papers, many candidates find it manageable. Ultimately, whether the DSSSB exam is easy or hard is subjective and largely depends on an individual's preparation and confidence in the material.

Which is better, DSSSB or SSC CGL?

Choosing between the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board, the Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level exam depends on your career goal and preferences. DSSSB is primarily focused on for various positions the Government of the national capital territory of Delhi, again for those looking to work within the State Government frame.

On the other hand, SSC CGL is a national level exam that recruits candidates for various posts in ministries, department and organisations under the Government of India. It offers a broader range of career opportunities across the country, often a wider scope for advancement and relocation.

If you prefer a stable job within Delhi with opportunities in teaching clarical and administrative roles, the DSSSB might be suitable for you. However, if you are looking for a different career path potential for walking in different parts of the country, SSC CGL is the better choice. Consider factors such as job location, career growth, salary, and personal preferences when making your decision.

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Master the Degrees of Comparison with Simple Examples| English Language | MCQs Exercise for SBI, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, Railways 2026

Degrees of Comparison: Rules, Types, Examples

When preparing for competitive exams like SSC CGL, UPSC, and Banking, candidates often focus on a wide range of topics to enhance their proficiency in the English language section. The topic of adjectives and the degree of comparison is indeed an important component of English grammar and is often included in the syllabus of these exams. Understanding the degrees of comparison—positive, comparative, and superlative—is crucial for answering questions related to sentence correction, error spotting, and comprehension. While some aspirants might prioritize broader topics or those they find more challenging, a solid understanding of basic grammar, including adjectives and their degrees of comparison, can significantly aid in scoring well in English sections.

Therefore, candidates are encouraged not to skip this topic,as it lays the foundation for more complex grammatical concepts and ensures clarity and precision in language usage.

In this article, you will learn the concept of degrees of comparison, useful shortcuts to master them, and exam-oriented practice questions to improve your performance.

Apart from it, you'll explore:

How many types of degrees of comparison are there?
Adjectives vs. Adverbs
One - syllable adjectives
Two - syllable adjectives
More than two - syllable adjectives
Regular adjectives
Irregular adjectives
Correct use of some adjectives
Exercise to beat the competitive exam
Video

In English grammar, the degree of comparison refers to the form that adjectives and adverbs take to express varying levels of intensity, quality, or quantity.

There are three main degrees of comparison:

The positive
The comparative
The superlative

The positive degree is the basic form used to describe a single item or concept without any comparison, for example, "tall."

The comparative degree is used to compare two items or concepts, typically formed by adding "-er" to the adjective or adverb or using "more" or "less," as in "taller."

The superlative degree expresses the highest or lowest degree among three or more items, often formed by adding "-est" or using "most" or "least," such as "tallest." Proper use of these degrees helps provide clarity and precision in writing and speech.

In English grammar, both adjectives and adverbs can express degrees of comparison to show varying levels of intensity or quality. However, they differ in their usage and the elements they modify. Degrees of comparison for adjectives and adverbs are used to compare qualities or actions. Both adjectives and adverbs have three degrees of comparison: the positive, the comparative, and the superlative.

Adjectives: Degree of Comparison (SSC CGL, Banking & Other Government Exams)

The Degree of Comparison is used to compare the quality, quantity, or state of nouns and pronouns. It is a frequently tested topic in SSC, Banking, Railways, CDS, NDA, and other competitive exams.

1. Positive Degree

The Positive Degree shows a quality without making any comparison.

Structure:

Subject + Verb + Adjective

Examples:

Ram is tall.
This book is interesting.
She is intelligent

2. Comparative Degree

The Comparative Degree compares two persons, places, things, or groups.

Structure:

Subject + Verb + Comparative Adjective + than + Object

Examples:

Ram is taller than Shyam.
This book is more interesting than that one.
Delhi is larger than Jaipur

Rules

A. Add "-er" to short adjectives

Positive Comparative

Tall Taller

Small Smaller

Fast Faster

Long Longer

Old Older

Close Closer

Sweet Sweeter

Strong Stronger

B. Use "more" with longer adjectives

Positive Comparative

Beautiful More beautiful

Intelligent More intelligent

Difficult More difficult

Attractive More attractive

Interesting More interesting

Significant More significant

Courageous More courageous

Industrious More industrious

3. Superlative Degree

The Superlative Degree compares more than two persons, places, or things and shows

the highest degree of quality.

Structure:

Subject + Verb + the + Superlative Adjective

Examples:

Ram is the tallest boy in the class.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
She is the most intelligent student in the group.

Rules

A. Add "-est" to short adjectives

Positive Superlative

Tall: →Tallest

Small: →Smallest

Fast: →Fastest

B. Use "most" with longer adjectives

Positive →Superlative

Beautiful: →Most beautiful

Intelligent: →Most intelligent

Difficult: →Most difficult

Important Irregular Forms

Positive →Comparative →Superlative

Good: →Positive

Better: →Comparative

Best: →Superlative

Bad: →Positive

Worse: →Comparative

Worst: →Superlative

Little: →Positive

Less: →Comparative

Least: →Superlative

Much/Many: Positive

More: Comparative

Most: Superlative

Far: →Positive

Farther/Further: →Comparative

Farthest/Furthest: →Superlative

Old: →Positive

Older/Elder: →Comparative

Oldest/Eldest: →Superlative

Older and Oldest are used to denote age and they are used with both persons and things.

My colleague is older than me.

He is the oldest man in the colony.

Elder and eldest are used with close family relations like sons, daughters, brothers, sisters

and so on.

Note:

We don't write:

My colleague is elder than me.

She is the eldest daughter.

She is my elder sister.

SSC Exam-Oriented Rules

Rule 1: Comparative Degree requires "than"

✅ Raman is taller than Sohan.

❌ Mohan is taller to Rohan.

Rule 2: Use "one of the + superlative + plural noun"

✅ Sachin is one of the greatest players in cricket.

❌ Sachin is one of the greatest player.

Rule 3: Double comparison is incorrect

❌ More better

❌ Most tallest

✅ Better

✅ Tallest

Rule 4: Comparative can express Superlative meaning

✅ No other boy in the class is taller than Ram.

Ram is the tallest boy in the class.

Common Exam Transformations

Positive → Comparative

Positive: No other city in India is as large as Mumbai.

Comparative: Mumbai is larger than any other city in India.

Comparative → Superlative

Comparative: Ram is taller than any other boy in the class.

Superlative: Ram is the tallest boy in the class.

Superlative → Positive

Superlative: Ram is the tallest boy in the class.

Positive: No other boy in the class is as tall as Ram.

SSC Practice Questions

1. Rahul is _____ than his brother.

(A) tall

(B) taller

(D) more tallest

✅ Answer: (B) taller

2. This is the _____ building in the city.

(A) high

(B) higher

(D) more high

✅ Answer: (C) highest

3. She is one of the _____ students in the class.

(A) intelligent

(B) more intelligent

(D) intelligentest

✅ Answer: (C) most intelligent

Quick Revision

Positive: No comparison →Ram is tall.

Comparative: Compare two →Ram is taller than Shyam.

Superlative: Compare more than two →Ram is the tallest boy.

Shortcut for Exams:

Positive → No comparison

Comparative → Two entities + than

Superlative → More than two + the + highest degree

Adjectives describe nouns and have the following degrees:

1. Positive Degree: This is the base form of the adjective. It describes a quality without comparison.

Example: “She is tall.”

Explanation: “Tall” simply describes her height without comparing it to anyone else.

2. Comparative Degree: This form is used to compare two entities, typically ending in “-er”

or preceded by “more.”

Example: “She is taller than her brother.”

Explanation: “Taller” compares her height to her brother’s, indicating she is of greater height.

3. Superlative Degree: This form is used to compare more than two entities, typically

ending in “-est” or preceded by “most.”

Example: “She is the tallest in her class.”

Explanation: “Tallest” indicates that her height is greater than everyone else in the class.

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and also have similar degrees:

1. Positive Degree: The base form of the adverb that describes how an action is performed.

Example: “He runs fast.”

Explanation: “Fast” describes how he runs without comparison.

2. Comparative Degree: Used to compare two actions, typically ending in “-er” or preceded by “more.”

Example: “He runs faster than his friend.”

Explanation: “Faster” compares his running speed to that of his friend, indicating greater speed.

3. Superlative Degree: Used for comparing more than two actions, typically ending in “-est” or preceded by “most.”

Example: “He runs fastest of all the team members.”

Explanation: “Fastest” indicates that his running speed is greater than all other team members.

Understanding these degrees helps to clarify the extent of qualities or actions being compared, making communication more precise.

"Adjectives: Degree of Comparison"

Adjectives describe or modify nouns and pronouns, and their degrees of comparison include the positive, comparative, and superlative forms.

The positive degree is the base form, used when no comparison is made (e.g., "tall").

The comparative degree compares two entities, often formed by adding "-er" or using

"more" (e.g., "taller" or "more beautiful").

The superlative degree compares three or more entities, typically formed by adding

"-est" or using "most" (e.g., "tallest" or "most beautiful").

Adverbs: Degrees of Comparison

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, and they also have positive, comparative, and superlative forms.

The positive degree is the base form (e.g., "quickly").

The comparative degree compares actions or qualities between two scenarios, often formed by adding "-er" or using "more" (e.g., "quicker" or "more quickly").

The superlative degree compares three or more scenarios, typically formed by adding "-est" or using "most" (e.g., "quickest" or "most quickly").

In summary, while both adjectives and adverbs have degrees of comparison, adjectives relate to nouns and pronouns, whereas adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Degrees of Comparison for SSC CGL

Adjectives in English are used to describe or modify nouns, and they can exist in different degrees of comparison to show varying levels of qualities or quantities. There are three main types of degrees of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative.

1. Positive Degree: This is the basic form of the adjective, used to describe a single noun without making any comparison. For example, in the sentence “She is a tall girl,” the adjective “tall” is in its positive degree, simply describing the girl’s height without comparing it to anyone else’s.

2. Comparative Degree: This form is used to compare two nouns, indicating that one has a higher degree of the quality than the other. It is usually formed by adding “-er” to the end of the adjective or by using “more” before the adjective. For instance, “She is taller than her brother” uses the comparative form “taller” to compare her height to her brother’s. Alternatively, “more beautiful” can be used instead of “beautiful” to compare beauty, as in “This painting is more beautiful than that one.”

3. Superlative Degree: This degree is used when comparing three or more nouns, showing that one has the highest degree of the quality. It is typically formed by adding “-est” to the adjective or using “most” before it. For example, in “She is the tallest girl in the class,” the adjective “tallest” indicates that she has the greatest height among all the girls. Similarly, “most interesting” can be used, as in “This is the most interesting book I’ve read,” to show it surpasses all others in interest.

Understanding these degrees helps in expressing varying intensities of qualities and making

precise comparisons, essential for effective communication.

Adjectives can be categorized based on the number of syllables they contain, which can influence

how they are used in sentences, especially when forming comparatives and superlatives.

One-syllable adjectives are simple and concise, making them easy to identify. These adjectives often form their comparatives and superlatives by adding "-er" and "-est," respectively. For example, the adjective "big" is one syllable. In comparative form, it becomes "bigger," and in superlative form, it is "biggest."

Note: Syllables are units where a word is divided. They consist of vowel sound and usually one

or more consonants.

Here are eight examples of one-syllable adjectives with their degrees of comparison:

1. Tall

Positive: →Tall

Comparative: → Taller

Superlative: →Tallest

2. Fast

Positive: →Fast

Comparative: →Faster

Superlative: →Fastest

3. Short

Positive: →Short

Comparative: →Shorter

Superlative: →Shortest

4. Bright

Positive: →Bright

Comparative: →Brighter

Superlative: →Brightest

5. Strong

Positive: →Strong

Comparative: →Stronger

Superlative: →Strongest

6. Cold

Positive: →Cold

Comparative: →Colder

Superlative: →Coldest

7. Big

Positive: →Big

Comparative: →Bigger

Superlative: →Biggest

8. Old

Positive: →Old

Comparative: →→Older

Superlative: →Oldest

These adjectives follow the regular pattern of adding "-er" for the comparative form and "-est" for the superlative form.

Two-syllable adjectives can vary in how they form comparatives and superlatives. Some two-syllable adjectives, especially those ending in "-y," "-le," "-ow," or "-er," often use "-er" and "-est" as well. For example, "happy" becomes "happier" and "happiest." However, many other two-syllable adjectives use "more" and "most" to form comparatives and superlatives, such as "careful," which becomes "more careful" and "most careful."

Here are eight examples of two-syllable adjectives and their degrees of comparison in the positive, comparative, and superlative forms:

1. Happy

Positive: →Happy

Comparative: →Happier

Superlative: →Happiest

2. Simple

Positive: →Simple

Comparative: →Simpler

Superlative: →Simplest

3. Clever

Positive: →Clever

Comparative: →Cleverer

Superlative: →Cleverest

4. Quiet

Positive: →Quiet

Comparative: →Quieter

Superlative: →Quietest

5. Gentle

Positive: →Gentle

Comparative: →Gentler

Superlative: →Gentlest

6. Narrow

Positive: →Narrow

Comparative: →Narrower

Superlative: →Narrowest

7. Friendly

Positive: →Friendly

Comparative: →Friendlier

Superlative: →Friendliest

8. Tidy

Positive: →Tidy

Comparative: →Tidier

Superlative: →Tidiest

These examples illustrate how adjectives with two syllables often form their comparative and superlative by adding "-er" and "-est". However, some can also use "more" and "most" for their comparative and superlative forms, depending on the specific word.

More than two-syllable adjectives typically use "more" and "most" for their comparative and superlative forms. This is due to the increased complexity and length of the words, which makes it awkward to add "-er" or "-est." For instance, the adjective "beautiful" becomes "more beautiful" and "most beautiful."

Here are eight examples of adjectives with more than two syllables, including their positive, comparative, and superlative forms:

1. Beautiful

Positive: →Beautiful

Comparative: →More beautiful

Superlative: →Most beautiful

2. Intelligent

Positive: →Intelligent

Comparative: →More intelligent

Superlative: →Most intelligent

3. Interesting

Positive: →Interesting

Comparative: →More interesting

Superlative: →Most interesting

4. Expensive

Positive: →Expensive

Comparative: →More expensive

Superlative: →Most expensive

5. Generous

Positive: →Generous

Comparative: →More generous

Superlative: →Most generous

6. Important

Positive: →Important

Comparative: →More important

Superlative: →Most important

7. Comfortable

Positive: →Comfortable

Comparative: →More comfortable

Superlative: →Most comfortable

8. Popular

Positive: →Popular

Comparative: →More popular

Superlative: →Most popular

These examples illustrate how adjectives with more than two syllables typically use "more" and "most" for their comparative and superlative forms.

In English grammar, adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns. They can be categorized as regular or irregular based on how they form their comparative and superlative degrees.

Regular Adjectives follow a predictable pattern when forming comparatives and superlatives. Typically, for one-syllable adjectives, you add “-er” for the comparative form and “-est” for the superlative form. For example, the adjective “tall” becomes “taller” in the comparative form and “tallest” in the superlative form. For adjectives with two syllables ending in “-y,” you change the “y” to “i” and add “-er” or “-est” (e.g., “happy,” “happier,” “happiest”).

Here are eight examples of regular adjectives in their positive, comparative, and superlative degrees:

1. Happy

Positive: →happy

Comparative: →happier

Superlative: →happiest

2. Tall

Positive: →tall

Comparative: →taller

Superlative: →tallest

3. Bright

Positive: →bright

Comparative: →brighter

Superlative: →brightest

4. Strong

Positive: →strong

Comparative: →stronger

Superlative: →strongest

5. Fast

Positive: →fast

Comparative: →faster

Superlative: →fastest

6. Wise

Positive: →wise

Comparative: →wiser

Superlative: →wisest

7. Cold

Positive: →cold

Comparative: →colder

Superlative: →coldest

8. Small

Positive: →small

Comparative: →smaller

Superlative: →smallest

These examples illustrate how adjectives can change form to express different degrees of comparison.

Irregular Adjectives do not follow these typical patterns and instead have unique forms. For instance, the adjective “good” becomes “better” in the comparative and “best” in the superlative. Similarly, “bad” turns into “worse” and “worst.” These forms must be memorized as they do not adhere to the regular rules.

Here are eight examples of adjectives with irregular degrees of comparison:

1. Good

Positive: ➡️good

Comparative: ➡️better

Superlative: ➡️best

2. Bad

Positive: ➡️bad

Comparative: ➡️worse

Superlative: ➡️worst

3. Far

Positive: far

Comparative: farther/further

Superlative: farthest/furthest

4. Little

Positive: ➡️little

Comparative: ➡️less

Superlative: ➡️least

5. Many

Positive: ➡️many

Comparative: ➡️more

Superlative: ➡️most

6. Much

Positive: ➡️much

Comparative: ➡️more

Superlative: ➡️most

7. Old

Positive: ➡️old

Comparative: ➡️older/elder

Superlative: oldest/eldest

8. Well (as an adjective)

Positive: ➡️well

Comparative: ➡️better

Superlative: ➡️best

These adjectives do not follow the regular pattern of simply adding "-er" or "-est"

to form their comparative and superlative forms.

In summary, regular adjectives follow standard patterns when forming comparatives and superlatives, while irregular adjectives deviate from these norms and require memorization of their unique forms. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper adjective usage in English grammar.

Correct Use of Some Adjectives:

Understanding the use of adjectives and their nuances can be tricky, but with examples and explanations, it becomes clearer.

Use of "Much" and "Many"

'Much' is used with uncountable nouns.

Example: There isn’t much water left in the bottle.

Example: She doesn’t have much time to finish the project.

Example: Is there much sugar in the tea?

Example: He didn’t have much luck at the casino.

Example: How much information do you need?

Many is used with countable nouns.

Example: There are many books on the shelf.

Example: How many apples are in the basket?

Example: She has many friends in the city.

Example: Many students attended the lecture.

Example: He didn’t make many mistakes.

Use of "Some" and "Any"

Some is used in positive statements and offers or requests.

Example: I have some money in my wallet.

Example: Would you like some tea?

Example: She brought some cookies to the party.

Example: There are some problems with the plan.

Example: Can I have some help with this task?

Any is used in negative statements and questions.

Example: I don’t have any money left.

Example: Are there any apples in the fridge?

Example: She didn’t find any mistakes in the report.

Example: Do you have any questions?

Example: He didn’t receive any calls today.

Use of "Little", "A Little", "The Little"

Little implies not enough (negative connotation).

Example: There is little hope of winning.

Example: He has little interest in the subject.

Example: She showed little enthusiasm for the project.

Example: We have little time to spare.

Example: Little is known about the ancient civilization.

A Little suggests a small amount, but enough (positive connotation).

Example: There is a little milk left in the fridge.

Example: I have a little money saved up.

Example: She knows a little about astronomy.

Example: We have a little time before the meeting starts.

Example: He showed a little improvement in his studies.

The Little refers to a specific small amount.

Example: The little money he earned was spent on food.

Example: The little time we had was used wisely.

Example: She appreciated the little help they offered.

Example: The little information available was crucial.

Example: The little light remaining guided us home.

Use of "Later", "Latter", "Latest", "Last"

Later refers to a time subsequent to another time.

Example: I will call you later.

Example: We can discuss this matter later today.

Example: He arrived later than expected.

Example: I’ll see you later in the week.

Example: The meeting was postponed to a later date.

Latter refers to the second of two things mentioned.

Example: Between tea and coffee, I prefer the latter.

Example: She was offered a job in New York or London; she chose the latter.

Example: Of the two options, the latter is more feasible.

Example: He mentioned two books, and the latter is my favorite.

Example: Between summer and winter, I enjoy the latter.

Latest means the most recent.

Example: Have you seen the latest movie?

Example: She read the latest news online.

Example: I’m using the latest version of the software.

Example: This is the latest trend in fashion.

Example: He bought the latest model of the car.

Last refers to the final position or time.

Example: This is the last bus of the night.

Example: She was the last person to leave the room.

Example: The last chapter of the book was thrilling.

Example: We had one last chance to win.

Example: He finished last in the race.

Use of "Older", "Elder", "Eldest"

Older is used to compare ages in general.

Example: My brother is older than me.

Example: She is older than her cousin.

Example: This building is older than the one across the street.

Example: He is older than most of his classmates.

Example: The tree is older than the house.

Elder is used for people, often in familial contexts.

Example: My elder sister lives abroad.

Example: He is the elder of the two siblings.

Example: Her elder brother is a doctor.

Example: My elder cousin taught me to swim.

Example: The elder statesman gave a speech.

Eldest refers to the oldest in a group of people.

Example: She is the eldest daughter.

Example: He is the eldest of four siblings.

Example: The eldest member of the family made the decision.

Example: My eldest brother is getting married

Example: The eldest student received the award.

Use of "Nearest" and "Next"

Nearest refers to the closest in distance.

Example: Where is the nearest hospital?

Example: The nearest store is two blocks away.

Example: Please direct me to the nearest exit.

Example: The nearest station is within walking distance.

Example: She parked in the nearest available spot.

Next refers to the one following in order.

Example: The next train leaves in ten minutes.

Example: Who’s next in line?

Example: We’ll meet again next week.

Example: What’s the next step in the process?

Example: I’m looking forward to the next episode.

Comparative Adjectives Ending in "-or"

These adjectives are often irregular and require context.

Example: The auditorium was fuller than last year.

Example: He is cleverer than his classmates.

Example: This route is shorter than the other one.

Example: The weather today is cooler than yesterday.

Example: The situation has become trickier than before.

Hope these examples clarify the uses of these adjectives!

If you have any more questions or need further clarification,

feel free to ask me in the comment section.

Exercise to beat the exam: (SSC CGL Practice Test)

1. Which sentence uses the correct comparative form of the adjective?

A) She is the taller of the two sisters.

B) She is the most tall of the two sisters.

C) She is taller of the two sisters.

D) She is more taller of the two sisters.

Answer: A) She is the taller of the two sisters.

Explanation: When comparing two items, the comparative form of an adjective is used, typically by adding “-er” to the adjective. "Taller" is the correct comparative form.

2. Identify the superlative form of the adjective "happy."

A) Happiest

B) More happy

C) Most happy

D) Happyest

Answer: A) Happiest

Explanation: The superlative form is used to describe the extreme or highest degree of a quality

among three or more items. For "happy," the correct superlative is "happiest."

3. Which sentence uses the correct superlative adjective?

A) This is the more beautiful painting in the gallery.

B) This is the most beautiful painting in the gallery.

C) This is the beautifulest painting in the gallery.

D) This is the beautiful painting in the gallery.

Answer: B) This is the most beautiful painting in the gallery.

Explanation: "Most beautiful" is the correct superlative form for adjectives with three or more syllables.

4. Choose the correct comparative form of the adjective "good."

- A) Gooder

- B) Better

- C) More good

- D) Goodest

Answer: B) Better

Explanation: "Good" is an irregular adjective, and its comparative form is "better."

5. What is the superlative form of the adjective "bad"?

- A) Badder

- B) Worse

- C) Worst

- D) Baddest

Answer: C) Worst

Explanation: "Bad" is an irregular adjective, and its superlative form is "worst."

6. Identify the comparative form of the adjective "far."

A) Farther

B) Farest

C) More far

D) Farthest

Answer: A) Farther

Explanation: "Far" is an irregular adjective, and its comparative form is "farther."

7. Which of the following is the correct superlative form of "little" (in terms of size)?

A) Less

B) Lesser

C) Least

D) Littlest

Answer: D) Littlest

Explanation: When referring to size, the superlative form of "little" is "littlest."

8. Choose the sentence with the correct use of a superlative adjective.

A) She is the more intelligent than her siblings.

B) She is the most intelligent of her siblings.

C) She is the intelligentest of her siblings.

D) She is intelligent than her siblings.

Answer: B) She is the most intelligent of her siblings.

Explanation: "Most intelligent" correctly uses the superlative form to describe someone

among a group.

9. What is the comparative form of "expensive"?

A) Expensiver

B) More expensive

C) Expensivest

D) Expensive more

Answer: B) More expensive

Explanation: For adjectives with two or more syllables, "more" is used to form the comparative.

10. Identify the correct comparative form of "old."

A) Older

B) Oldest

C) More old

D) Most old

Answer: A) Older

Explanation: "Old" uses the regular "-er" ending to form the comparative, resulting in "older."

11. Which of these uses the correct superlative form of "young"?

A) Youngest

B) Most young

C) More youngest

D) Youngester

Answer: A) Youngest

Explanation: The superlative form of "young" is "youngest," following the regular pattern.

12. Determine the superlative form of "interesting."

A) Interestinger

B) Most interesting

C) More interesting

D) Interestingest

Answer: B) Most interesting

Explanation: For adjectives with three or more syllables, "most" is used to form the superlative.

13. Identify the correct comparative form of "beautiful."

A) Beautifuller

B) More beautiful

C) Beautifulest

D) Most beautiful

Answer: B) More beautiful

Explanation: Adjectives with three syllables or more use "more" to form the comparative.

14. What is the superlative form of "funny"?

A) Funnier

B) More funny

C) Most funny

D) Funniest

Answer: D) Funniest

Explanation: "Funny" follows the regular pattern for adjectives ending in "y," becoming "funniest" in the superlative.

15. Choose the correct comparative form of "late."

A) Latter

B) Later

C) Most late

D) Latest

Answer: B) Later

Explanation: "Later" is the correct comparative form, with "latest" being the superlative form.

16. Which of the following sentences uses the comparative form of the adjective correctly?

A) She is the tallest girl in the class.

B) This puzzle is more easier than that one.

C) He runs faster than his brother.

D) This is the most beautiful painting.

Answer: C) He runs faster than his brother.

Explanation: The comparative form of adjectives is used to compare two things, often

ending in "-er" or using "more." "Faster" is the correct comparative form for "fast."

17. Identify the sentence with the superlative degree of the adjective.

A) This book is more interesting than the other one.

B) She is the most intelligent student in the class.

C) He is taller than John.

D) This is a good movie.

Answer: B) She is the most intelligent student in the class.

Explanation: The superlative degree is used to compare more than two things or people,

indicating the highest degree. "Most intelligent" is the superlative form of "intelligent."

18. Which sentence uses the correct form of the adjective "bad"?

A) This apple is more bad than the other one.

B) This is the baddest idea I’ve ever heard.

C) This apple is worse than the other one.

D) This is the most worse movie I’ve seen.

Answer: C) This apple is worse than the other one.

Explanation: "Worse" is the correct comparative form of the adjective "bad."

19. Choose the sentence that uses the positive degree of the adjective.

A) He is the smartest in the group.

B) She is as tall as her sister.

C) This car is more expensive than mine.

D) This is the best cake I’ve ever had.

Answer: B) She is as tall as her sister.

Explanation: The positive degree of an adjective describes a noun without any comparison. "Tall" in "as tall as" is in the positive degree.

20. What is the superlative form of the adjective "happy"?

A) Happiest

B) More happy

C) Most happy

D) Happyest

Answer: A) Happiest

Explanation: The superlative form of one-syllable adjectives often ends in "-est." "Happiest" is the correct superlative form of "happy."

21. Which sentence uses the adjective "good" correctly in its comparative form?

A) She is the goodest of all.

B) This pizza is better than the last one.

C) He is more good than his brother.

D) This is the most good book I’ve read.

Answer: B) This pizza is better than the last one.

Explanation: "Better" is the correct comparative form of the adjective "good."

22. Choose the correct comparative form of the adjective "little".

A) Litter

B) Lesser

C) Less

D) Least

Answer: C) Less

Explanation: "Less" is the correct comparative form of "little" when referring to quantity or degree.

23. Identify the sentence that uses an incorrect degree of comparison.

A) She sings the best of all the contestants.

B) This is more easier than I thought.

C) He is as brave as a lion.

D) This is the worst day of my life.

Answer: B) This is more easier than I thought.

Explanation: "Easier" is already a comparative form; "more" is unnecessary and incorrect here.

24. Which of the following sentences uses the superlative degree incorrectly?

A) This is the most exciting match I’ve watched.

B) She is the tallest among her siblings.

C) He is the most tallest player on the team.

D) This is the least interesting book in the series.

Answer: C) He is the most tallest player on the team.

Explanation: "Tallest" is already in the superlative form; "most" is redundant and incorrect.

25 What is the comparative form of the adjective "far"?

A) Farthest

B) Further

C) Most far

D) Farer

Answer: B) Further

Explanation: "Further" is one of the correct comparative forms of "far," used to describe distance or metaphorical extent.

These questions and explanations should provide a comprehensive overview of the degrees of comparison for adjectives.

Understanding the syllable structure of adjectives is crucial for proper grammar usage, as it helps in forming accurate comparative and superlative forms, enhancing clarity and precision in communication.

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