Error and Omission

To practice Error Correction (Editing) and Omission :

1. Build a "Rule Base" for Core Topics

Most errors and omissions fall into five categories. Practice one category at a time to build focus:

• Tenses: Ensure the passage follows a consistent timeline.

• Subject-Verb Concord: Check if singular subjects have singular verbs and plural have plural.

• Determiners & Articles: Look for missing or incorrect uses of a, an, the, some, any.

• Prepositions: Verify relationships of time and place (e.g., "good at" vs. "good in").

• Modals: Check the logic of ability, permission, or obligation (e.g., can, could, should). 

2. Systematic Practice Routine

• Step-by-Step Solving: Read the entire passage first to understand the context and tense before editing.

• Check One Error Type at a Time: In your first pass, look only for article errors. In the second, look for verb errors. This is more effective than trying to catch everything at once.

• Backward Reading: To spot spelling or wrong word forms, read sentences from the last word to the first. This forces your brain to see individual words rather than "predicting" the meaning.

• Format Your Answers Properly: For omission, always write the word before, the omitted word, and the word after. For editing, write the incorrect word and the correction side-by-side. 

1. How to Solve Error Correction (Editing)

Editing involves finding an incorrect word in a line and replacing it with the correct one. 

• Step 1: Read the Entire Passage: Do not edit line-by-line immediately. Read the full text to understand the overall tense and context (e.g., if the story is in the past, look for present-tense verbs that shouldn't be there).

• Step 2: Check Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure singular subjects have singular verbs and plural subjects have plural verbs (e.g., "The students were playing" instead of "was").

• Step 3: Verify Tense Consistency: This is the most common error source. Ensure the passage doesn't jump between past and present without a logical reason.

• Step 4: Inspect Articles and Prepositions: Check if 'a', 'an', or 'the' is used incorrectly before vowels or specific nouns. Look for incorrect prepositions like "good at math" vs. "good in math".

• Step 5: Use a "Backward Reading" Technique: To spot spelling or word-form errors more clearly, read sentences from the last word to the first to break the brain's automatic correction habit. 

Check in this order (VERY IMPORTANT):

1️⃣ Subject–Verb Agreement

• Singular subject → singular verb
• Plural subject → plural verb

 Example:

❌ The quality of apples are good.

✅ The quality of apples is good.

2️⃣ Tense Consistency

• Past → past
• Present → present

 Example:

❌ She was absent yesterday and does not inform me.

✅ She was absent yesterday and did not inform me.

3️⃣ Articles (a / an / the / Ø)

Ask:

First mention?

One / specific / general?

 Example:

❌ He is best player.

✅ He is the best player.

4️⃣ Prepositions (MOST COMMON ERRORS)

Learn common pairs:

• interested in
• good at
• afraid of
• depend on
• suffer from
• insist on
• prevent from
• succeed in
• congratulate on
• prefer to

Example:

❌ She is good in maths.

✅ She is good at maths.

5️⃣ Pronouns

Check:

• Reference
• Number
• Gender

one → his/her

One must do his duty

everyone / each → singular pronoun

 Example:

❌ Everyone forgot their book.

✅ Everyone forgot his/her book.

6️⃣ Adjectives vs Adverbs

• Verb → adverb
• Noun → adjective

 Example:

❌ She sings beautiful.

✅ She sings beautifully.

❌The beautifully song

✅ The beautiful song 

2. How to Solve Omission

Omission requires identifying where a word is missing and inserting the correct one. 

Step 1: Identify Incomplete Phrases: Read the sentence aloud. If a part sounds "jumpy" or incomplete, a word is likely missing.

Step 2: Look for Typical Missing Words: The omitted word is usually an article (a, an, the), preposition (to, in, for), helping verb (is, am, are, was, were), or conjunction (and, but, because).

Step 3: Format Your Answer: you must typically write the word before, the missing word, and the word after.

Example: "She saw eagle in sky" → Answer: saw / an / eagle. 

3. Common Error/Omission Checklist

Focus on these high-priority areas:

• Determiners: Check for missing or incorrect articles (a, an, the, some, any).

• Tenses: Ensure the verb forms (V1, V2, V3) match the timeline of the passage.

• Pronouns: Check if "he/she/it" matches the noun it replaces in number and gender.

• Modals: Look for errors in can, could, should, must, or may. 

OMISSION (Missing Word)

 Step 1: Read slowly

Ask:

“Does this sentence sound complete?”

 Step 2: Identify WHAT is missing

Commonly omitted items:

• Articles
• Auxiliary verbs
• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

 Step 3: Add ONLY ONE word (unless asked otherwise)

 Example:

• She interested learning English.

Corrected: She is interested in learning English.

 

SECTION A: FINDING ERRORS

Each sentence has ONE error. Identify and correct it.

1. The quality of mangoes are not good this year.
2. She did not knew the answer to the question.
3. My father, along with his friends, were invited to the function.
4. He is senior than me in the office.
5. Each of the players have been rewarded.
6. She prefers tea than coffee.
7. The teacher advised me to work hardly.
8. He is suffering with a bad cold.
9. The news are very encouraging.
10. One of my friend has lost their bag.

 SECTION B: OMISSION

In each sentence ONE word is missing. Write the missing word and where it should be placed.

1. She fond of music.
2. He did not reply my letter.
3. We discussed the matter the teacher.
4. The teacher asked us complete the work.
5. She is looking forward meet you.
6. He is honest man.
7. The train arrived right time.
8. They were prevented entering the hall.
9. She is afraid dogs.
10. He succeeded his attempt.

 SECTION C: MIXED (Error or Omission)

Identify whether the sentence has an error or an omission, then correct it.

1. Neither of the answers are correct.
2. She has been working here since three years.
3. He is best player in the team.
4. The teacher asked that why I was late.
5. She is good in English but weak maths.

Answers:

SECTION A: FINDING ERRORS

1.are → is

The quality of mangoes is not good this year.

2.knew → know

 She did not know the answer to the question.

3.were → was

 My father, along with his friends, was invited to the function.

4.senior than → senior to

 He is senior to me in the office.

5.have → has

 Each of the players has been rewarded.

6.than → to

 She prefers tea to coffee.

7.hardly → hard

 The teacher advised me to work hard.

8.with → from

  He is suffering from a bad cold.

9.are → is

  The news is very encouraging.

10.friend → friends / their → his or her

 One of my friends has lost his/her bag.

 SECTION B: OMISSION

1.is (after She)

 She is fond of music.

2.to (after reply)

  He did not reply to my letter.

3.with (after matter)

 We discussed the matter with the teacher.

4.to (before complete)

  The teacher asked us to complete the work.

5.to (before meet)

  She is looking forward to meet you.

(Note: In advanced form → “to meeting”)

6.an (before honest)

  He is an honest man.

 

7.on (before time)

 The train arrived on time.

8.from (before entering)

  They were prevented from entering the hall.

9.of (after afraid)

  She is afraid of dogs.

10.in (before his attempt)

  He succeeded in his attempt.

 SECTION C: MIXED

1.are → is (Error)

  Neither of the answers is correct.

2.since → for (Error)

  She has been working here for three years.

3.best → the best (Omission)

  He is the best player in the team.

4.that → why (Error)

  The teacher asked why I was late.

5.weak maths → weak in maths (Omission)

  She is good in English but weak in maths.

PART A: FIND THE ERROR

Each sentence has ONE error. Identify and correct it.

1. The number of students are increasing every year.
2. She has completed the work yesterday.
3. My sister, along with her friends, were waiting outside.
4. He is good in mathematics but weak in English.
5. One must do their duty honestly.

PART B: OMISSION 

One word has been omitted in each sentence. Find the missing word and write where it should be placed.

1. She is looking forward see you again.
2. The teacher ordered the students maintain silence.
3. He was prevented entering the examination hall.
4. She is best dancer in the group.
5. We congratulated him his success.

 COMMON TRAPS USED HERE

• Collective nouns
• Since / for confusion
• Along with / together with
• Preposition + verb
• Pronoun agreement
• Article omission

 How to attempt:

1️⃣ Underline the verb first

2️⃣ Check time reference

3️⃣ Look for prepositions

4️⃣ Finally check articles & pronouns

OMISSION PRACTICE:

Passage:

Yesterday I went market to buy some vegetables.                      _______

I met an old friend mine near the shop.                                       _______

He was standing the queue for a long time.                                 _______

He complained the shopkeeper was overcharging him.            _______

I advised him be patient and wait for his turn.                            _______

 

(a)went  — to  — market

(b) friend —  of —  mine 

(c) standing —  in  — the 

(d) complained —  that —  the

(e) him  — to  — be 

Passage:

Last summer we decided go on a trek in the mountains.                  _______

Although weather was uncertain,                                                          _______

we were confident our preparation.                                                      _______                          The guide, experienced man, warned us                                              _______

the path be dangerous after sunset. He insisted                                 _______

that we should reach camp before dark, we                                        _______

would risk losing way. We followed his                                                _______

advice and were grateful his wisdom saved                                        _______

us serious trouble.                                                                                     _______

(a) decided — to — go

(b) Although — the — weather 

(c) confident — about — our

(d) guide — an — experienced 

(e) path — might — be

(f) dark — or else — we

(g) losing  — our  — way

(h) grateful — that — his 

(i) us — from — serious

GOLDEN  RULES (REMEMBER THIS!)

• Insist / Suggest → NEVER take “to-infinitive”
• Advise / Allow → NEED an object
• Prevent → always needs “from”
• Risk → always followed by gerund

MIXED OMISSION PRACTICE SET 

Instructions:

In the following passages, one word has been omitted in each line.

Write the missing word in the format given below:

before / missing / after

Passage 1 – Everyday Routine

Every morning I wake ___ early and go for a walk.

The road ___ my house is quiet at that time.

I like ___ listen to the birds singing in the trees.

Sometimes I meet neighbours who ___ fond of walking.

We talk ___ a few minutes and then continue our way.

When I return home, I feel refreshed ___ ready for the day.

Answers – Passage 1

wake / up / early

road / near / my

like / to / listen

who / are / fond

talk / for / a

refreshed / and / ready

Passage 2 – Health and Food

Healthy food ___ important for the growth of children.

Many students skip breakfast ___ hurry to school.

They do not realise that this habit can ___ them weak.

A balanced diet consists ___ cereals, fruits, vegetables and milk.

Children should avoid eating junk food ___ regular basis.

Parents must encourage them ___ drink enough water every day.

Answers – Passage 2

food / is / important

breakfast / in / hurry

can / make / them

consists / of / cereals

food / on / regular

them / to / drink

Passage 3 – Science and Discovery

Scientific discoveries ___ changed the way people live.In

___ past, messages were sent by messengers on foot.

Today we can communicate instantly ___ people in other countries.

The internet has made ___ possible to share ideas quickly.

However, technology should ___ used carefully and wisely.

We must not allow machines ___ control our lives completely.

Answers – Passage 3

discoveries / have / changed

In / the / past

instantly / with / people

made / it / possible

should / be / used

machines / to / control

Passage 4 – School Event

Our school organised ___ cultural festival last month.

Students ___ different classes took part in it.

The principal encouraged us ___ show our talents confidently.

Many parents came ___ watch the performances.

The programme was so interesting that nobody felt bored ___ any moment.

In the end, the principal thanked everyone ___ their support.

Answers – Passage 4

organised / a / cultural

Students / from / different

us / to / show

came / to / watch

bored / at / any

everyone / for / their

Passage 5 – Environment and Responsibility

The environment ___ under great pressure because of human activity.

Forests are being cut down ___ build houses and roads.

Rivers and lakes are polluted ___ waste from factories.

If we do not act now, future generations ___ suffer.

Each citizen should try ___ reduce the use of plastic.

It is our duty ___ protect nature and all living beings.

Answers – Passage 5

environment / is / under

down / to / build

polluted / with / waste

generations / will / suffer

try / to / reduce

duty / to / protect

Passage 6 – Time Management

Students often complain ___ lack of time to complete their work.

This happens because they do not plan their schedule ___.

If time is used ___, much stress can be avoided.

A proper timetable helps students ___ balance study and leisure.

They should also learn ___ avoid wasting time on mobile phones.

Good time management ___ to success in life.

Answers – Passage 6

complain / of / lack

schedule / properly /

used / wisely /

students / to / balance

learn / to / avoid

management / leads / to

Explanations – Passage 6

complain of → fixed prepositional phrase

properly → adverb needed to modify “plan”

wisely → adverb describing “used”

to balance → infinitive after “helps”

to avoid → verb + infinitive structure

leads to → correct verb–preposition combination

Passage 7 – Reading Habit

Reading books plays ___ important role in shaping personality.

It improves vocabulary ___ develops imagination.

Students who read regularly perform ___ in examinations.

Reading also helps ___ reduce stress and anxiety.

One should make it a habit ___ read at least thirty minutes daily.

Libraries provide access ___ a wide range of books.

Answers – Passage 7

plays / an / important

vocabulary / and / develops

perform / well / in

helps / to / reduce

habit / to / read

access / to / a

Explanations – Passage 7

an → article before vowel sound

and → conjunction joining two verbs

well → adverb modifying “perform”

to reduce → infinitive after “helps”

to read → noun + infinitive

access to → fixed prepositional phrase

Passage 8 – Technology in Education

Technology has become ___ essential part of modern education.

Teachers use digital tools ___ make lessons more interesting.

Students can access information ___ the internet easily.

Online classes became popular ___ the pandemic.

However, excessive use of technology may be harmful ___ health.

Therefore, it should be used ___ a balanced manner.

Answers – Passage 8

become / an / essential

tools / to / make

information / on / the

popular / during / the

harmful / to / health

used / in / a

Explanations – Passage 8

an → article before vowel sound

to make → infinitive showing purpose

on the internet → correct preposition

during → shows time period

harmful to → adjective + preposition

in a manner → correct idiomatic usage

Passage 9 – Moral Values

Moral values play ___ vital role in our lives.

They guide us ___ choose between right and wrong.

Honesty, kindness and patience are qualities ___ make a person respected.

Children learn values ___ observing elders.

Schools should focus ___ character building along with academics.

A society without values cannot progress ___ peace.

Answers – Passage 9

play / a / vital

guide / us / choose

qualities / that / make

values / by / observing

focus / on / character

progress / in / peace

Explanations – Passage 9

a → article before consonant sound

us → object pronoun required

that → relative pronoun

by observing → shows method

focus on → fixed verb + preposition

in peace → correct prepositional phrase

Passage 10 – Discipline

Discipline is ___ foundation of success.

It teaches us ___ follow rules and maintain order.

A disciplined person completes work ___ time.

Such a person is respected ___ others.

Students must develop discipline ___ early age.

Without discipline, life becomes ___ chaotic.

Answers – Passage 10

is / the / foundation

teaches / us / follow

work / on / time

respected / by / others

discipline / at / early

becomes / very / chaotic

Explanations – Passage 10

the → definite article for abstract noun

us → object pronoun

on time → correct idiomatic phrase

by others → passive voice structure

at an early age (shortened as at early)

very → adverb intensifying adjective

✔ Examiner’s Tip (Very Important!)

Missing words usually test:

• Articles
• Prepositions
• Auxiliaries
• Infinitives
• Adverbs
• Relative pronouns
• conjunctions

Missing words are never content words (noun/verb meaning)

Do NOT overthink — choose the most natural construction

One word only — never add extra words

PYQ-BASED OMISSION SET – 1

(CBSE Class 10 pattern)

Passage 1 – Education

Education plays important role in shaping a nation.

It helps people develop logical thinking. An educated 

person is aware his rights and duties.Education also 

enables individuals earn a respectable living.

No country can progress education.

Therefore, governments should invest education.

Answers

plays / an / important

people / to / develop

aware / of / his

individuals / to / earn

progress / without / education

invest / in / education

 PYQ Focus

articles

infinitives

prepositions

(asked repeatedly in CBSE 2019–2024)

 PYQ-BASED OMISSION SET – 2

(CBSE Class 12 pattern)

Passage 2 – Environment

Environmental pollution is one the biggest 

challenges today.Rapid industrialisation has led air 

and water pollution.People are becoming aware the harmful

effects of pollution.Strict laws must be implemented control

pollution.Citizens should cooperate the government.

Only then can we ensure healthy future.

Answers

one / of / the

led / to / air

aware / of / the

implemented / to / control

cooperate / with / the

ensure / a / healthy

 PYQ Focus

“one of the” structure

verb + preposition

infinitive of purpose

 PYQ-BASED OMISSION SET – 3

(Notice / Advertisement style – VERY COMMON)

Passage 3 – Public Notice

A special discount is offered senior citizens.

The offer is valid those who are fully vaccinated.

Interested persons should carry proof vaccination.

The discount will be applicable selected items only.

Customers are requested follow safety guidelines.

Management reserves the right change the offer.

Answers

offered / to / senior

valid / for / those

proof / of / vaccination

applicable / on / selected

requested / to / follow

right / to / change

 PYQ Focus

passive voice

formal notice vocabulary

adjective + preposition

 PYQ-BASED OMISSION SET – 4

(Narrative passage – Class 10)

Passage 4 – Childhood Memory

I still remember the day I joined my

new school.I was nervous excited at 

the same time.The teachers were kind helpful.

They encouraged us participate in activities.

Gradually, I gained confidence made 

new friends.Those memories remain close my heart.

Answers

day / when / I

nervous / but / excited

kind / and / helpful

us / to / participate

confidence / and / made

close / to / my

 PYQ Focus

relative adverbs

conjunctions

linking words

 PYQ-BASED OMISSION SET – 5

(Abstract topic – Board Favourite)

Passage 5 – Success

Success does not come luck alone.It requires 

hard work determination.Failures teach us

 lessons help us improve.One should not

 give up difficult times.Patience and

 perseverance lead  success.Ultimately,

 success brings satisfaction life.

Answers

come / by / luck

work / and / determination

lessons / that / help

give up / in/ difficult

lead / to / success

satisfaction / in / life

CBSE 2024 – Class 10

Topic: Environment

Environmental pollution is one ___ the biggest problems today.

Rapid urbanisation has led ___ the destruction of forests.

Many people are not aware ___ the harmful effects of pollution.

Strict laws must be enforced ___ protect the environment.

Citizens should cooperate ___ the authorities.

Only then can we hope ___ a cleaner future.

✔ Answers

one / of / the

led / to / the

aware / of / the

enforced / to / protect

cooperate / with / the

hope / for / a

📌 Actual CBSE focus:

prepositions + infinitive of purpose

 CBSE 2023 – Class 12

Topic: Education

Education plays ___ important role in modern society.

It helps individuals ___ develop critical thinking.

An educated person is aware ___ social responsibilities.

Education also enables people ___ earn a decent living.

No nation can progress ___ quality education.

Therefore, governments must invest ___ this sector.

✔ Answers

plays / an / important

individuals / to / develop

aware / of / social

people / to / earn

progress / without / quality

invest / in / this

📌 Actual CBSE focus:

articles + verb patterns

CBSE 2022 – Class 10

Topic: Health

Good health is essential ___ a happy life.

People should pay attention ___ their eating habits.

Junk food is harmful ___ health if consumed regularly.

Exercise helps us ___ stay fit and active.

Doctors advise people ___ avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

Health is wealth ___ cannot be ignored.

✔ Answers

essential / for / a

attention / to / their

harmful / to / health

helps / to / stay

people / to / avoid

wealth / and / cannot

📌 Actual CBSE focus:

adjective + preposition, conjunctions

 CBSE 2021 – Class 12

Topic: Technology

Technology has become ___ integral part of human life.

It enables us ___ communicate across long distances.

The internet provides access ___ vast information.

However, excessive use ___ technology can be harmful.

People must learn ___ use it responsibly.

Technology should serve humans ___ not dominate them.

✔ Answers

become / an / integral

us / to / communicate

access / to / vast

use / of / technology

learn / to / use

humans / and / not

📌 Actual CBSE focus:

articles + infinitives + contrast

 CBSE 2020 – Class 10

Topic: Values

Moral values play ___ vital role in character building.

They guide us ___ take right decisions.

Honesty and kindness are qualities ___ earn respect.

Children learn values ___ observing elders.

Schools should focus ___ moral education.

A society without values cannot survive ___ peace.

✔ Answers

play / a / vital

us / to / take

qualities / that / earn

values / by / observing

focus / on / moral

survive / in / peace

📌 Actual CBSE focus:

relative pronouns + prepositions

Omission Worksheet: Integrated Practice

In the passages below, one word has been omitted in each line. Identify the missing word and provide the words that come before and after it. 

Exercise 1: Nature and Resources

Text                                                                                     Before         Missing        After

(a) The environment is most precious resource.         is                 the             most

(b) It helps us survive this planet.                                  survive        on              this

(c) Over ten thousand people die snakebite                 die               of              snakebite

(d) every year India.                                                         year             in               India

(e) Most these deaths are caused by snakes.                Most             of             these

Exercise 2: Dialogue Writing

Text                                                                                          Before        Missing         After

(a) Dialogue writing is useful form of composition,       is                  a                 useful

(b) especially for student who is trying gain                   trying          to                 gain

(c) command spoken English.                                             command   of              spoken

(d) It would introduce him the colloquial way.               him             to                 the

(e) To write dialogue successfully calls a little power.   calls            for                 a

Logical Answers and Explanations

To solve omission questions logically, apply these grammar-based rules: 

• Articles (a, an, the): Used before nouns.

Logic: In "is most precious," "most" is a superlative adjective, which always requires the definite article "the".

• Prepositions (of, on, in, for): Used to show relationships between words.

Logic: In "die snakebite," the verb "die" requires "of" when referring to a cause of death. In "calls a little power," the phrasal verb "call for" means to require.

• Infinitives (to + verb): Used after certain verbs like "trying," "want," or "decide."

Logic: In "trying gain," the word "to" is missing because "try" is followed by an infinitive.

• Helping Verbs (is, are, will, can): Necessary for proper tense.

Logic: In "They playing cricket," the sentence lacks a helping verb to indicate continuous action; "are" must be added. 

Steps for Exam Success

Read the whole passage first to understand the general tense (past, present, or future).

Read line by line and pause where the sentence feels "broken" or incomplete.

Check for Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verb matches the subject in number.

Identify the Category: Ask if the missing word is a connector (conjunction) or a position word (preposition).