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.

Tips on the usage of Non-finites-

A form of the verb which does not show a distinction in tense and may not stand alone as the principal or main verb as a finite verb ( that changes according to the subject in a sentence)

When non-finite verb is used in a sentence, the sentence must have a main verb else the sentence will remain incomplete and without verb. This will again go against the rule of standard English language.

Non-finite verbs are the infinitives, the gerunds and the participles. 

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. 

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