CAT Prep: Why preparation of non-finites is important for Error corrections in VA?

While comprehensive knowledge of English grammar is important for error corrections in Verbal Ability section of CAT, a good understanding on the usage of non-finites is very helpful towards solving many such questions. Once you know their correct usage, you will be more confident to spot the errors in sentences and paragraphs. However, before jumping over the fence, you need to understand what the non-finites are and how they are used.

The verbs that do not change according to the subject in the sentence can be described as non-finites. Missing its correct use in error correction could result in a loss of 4 marks (3 marks for the question + one mark for penalty) per question in Verbal Ability section. If you have one question on error correction in sentences and paragraphs and one on vocabulary usage- it will amount to two questions and God forbid, in case you mark them wrong your percentile will come down significantly. Non- finites are simple to understand but tricky to use, therefore you need to read and understand them carefully.

Examples He wants to go home (to go Infinitive) I like swimming (swimming-Gerund) I met a man carrying a load of wood (carrying participle) Usage

1. Infinitive

A. Infinitive is formed by using to + base form of the verb, under no condition the past or participle forms of the verb are to be used to form the infinitive.

Examples -

To waitseemed foolish when decision was required.

The man had no strengthto resist.

You must note that following verbs take only infinitives you may learn them agree, decide, expect, hesitate, learn, need, promise, neglect, hope, want, plan, attempt, propose, intend, pretend

2. The Gerund

Gerund is formed by suffixing -ing to the base form of the verb. It is used as a noun. Since gerund and infinitive both function as nouns, number of sentences may be started with either

Examples Playing tennis is good exercise; He likes swimming; Seeing is believing

Following are the Verbs that shall take only gerunds as objects- deny, risk, delay, consider, cant help, keep, give up, be fond of, finish, quit, put off, practice, postpone, tolerate, suggest, stop (quit), regret, enjoy, keep(on), dislike, admit, avoid, recall, mind, miss, detest, appreciate, recommend, get/be through, be tired of, be accustomed to, be used to

Note- Possessive form of Noun or Pronoun should be used after the above verbs, wherever required,

Examples-

I cant understand his deceiving me; I dont mind your standing here; I dislike Rohans (Rohan) doing that Infinite or Gerund Certain verbs may take either gerunds or infinitives as verbal direct objects e.g. start, begin, continue, hate, prefer, like, love, try, remember, advise, agree, cant bear, cease, continue, dread, intend, learn, mean, neglect, omit, permit, propose, stop, study, forget, regret

Phrases that need Gerund Following phrases need gerund after them - Its no good, to be fond of, go on, its no use, capable of, put off, to be good at, look forward to, keep on, to be far from, with a view to, is worth, cant resist, feel like, sick of 3. Participle The form of a verb which is used as an adjective, is a participle. It can be described as the most important non-finite but commonly misplaced in a sentence calling for the correction. Participles are mostly used in form of phrases. This is very important. These phrases function as adjective clause, adverb clause of reason, time or condition or as a complete sentence

Examples - Removinghis coat, the man rushed to the river.( The man removed his coat and rushed to the river)

Aishwarya noticed her cousinwalkingalong the shoreline.

Parallelism Present participles combine such sentences i) where parallel action is going on ii) another action began immediately after the completion of first action

Example Coming into the room, I found my friend there (= I came into the room. I found my friend there)

Placement:In order to prevent confusion, a participial phrase must be placed as close to the noun it modifies as possible, and the noun must be clearly stated.

Carrying a heavy pile of books, his foot caught on a step. (wrong)

Carrying a heavy pile of books, he caught his foot on a step. (Correct)

In the first sentence there is no clear indication of who or what is performing the action expressed in the participle carrying. Certainly foot cant be logically understood to function in this way.

Example Questions

Direction- In the following questions there are four sentences or parts of sentences that form a paragraph. Identify the sentence(s) or part(s) that is/are correct in terms of grammar including, spelling, punctuation and usage. Then choose the most appropriate option which indicate the correct sentences.

Q.1

A. So much of our day-to-day focus seems

B. on getting things done, trudging our way through

C. the tasks of living-it can feel like treadmill that gets you nowhere;

D. where is the childlike joy?

1.A&C 2.B&D 3.A&D 4.B&C

Ans. Q.1- 3. A&D are correct B-wrong to be on getting; C- like a treadmill

Q.2

A. When I returned to home, I began read

B. Everything I could get my hand on about Israel.

C. That same year Israels Jewish Agency sent

D. A haliach, a sort of recruiter to Minneapolis

E.I became one of his most active devotees

C&E 2. C only 3.E only 4. B,C & E 5. C,D&E

Ans. Q.2- 1. C&E are the correct sentences; A-wrong - returned home, began to read; B- wrong-hands on; D- a sort of a recruiter OR a sort of recruiters
The author of this article Mr S K Agarwal is a CAT Expert, a seasoned CAT trainer with over 25 years of experience, & author of many CAT books. He also guides Verbal Ability Section to CAT Aspirants through MBAUniverse.com online coaching classes. MBAUniverse.com offers a comprehensive preparation package coupled with over 200 online interactive classes with Top CAT experts including from IIMs forCAT 2013 preparation Visit the link below for more information and new batch schedules:

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