Phrase replacement, also known as Sentence Correction or Sentence Improvement, is a common topic that appears in various bank examinations such as IBPS, SBI, and RBI. In this section, a sentence will be given with a part of it having errors. Candidates are asked to replace it with another phrase or sentence to make that sentence grammatically correct and contextually appropriate.
* This section tests the candidates' understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and their ability to comprehend the given information and convey it effectively. The phrases or sentences that are provided as options may have subtle differences in their meaning or tone, which requires the candidates to be careful in their selection. Practicing phrase replacement exercises can help candidates improve their language skills and prepare them for the exam effectively. Practice Questions
Directions (Qs. 1 - 14): In this question, a part of the sentence is given in bold letters and four alternatives (A), (B), (C) and (D) are given as alternatives to the bold part to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. Choose the correct alternative. In case no replacement is needed, mark (E) as your answer.
1. What are the directions to the station? I need to get over there before the train leaves.
A) get to there
B) get on there
C) get of there
D) get for there
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The phrasal error present in this sentence is "get over". The correct phrase to be used in this context is "get to", which means to arrive at a destination. So, the correct sentence should be: "What are the directions to the station? I need to get there before the train leaves."
Ans: A
2. The new manager hit the ground runs and turned the company around in just a few months.
A) hit the ground runned
B) hit the ground running
C) hit the ground walking
D) hit the ground run
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: "Hit the ground running" is an idiomatic expression that means to start something with great energy, enthusiasm, and effectiveness, without needing any time to adjust or get used to the situation.
Ans: B
3. The students were all ear when the professor began to talk about the upcoming exam.
A) were all years
B) were all hears
C) were all ears
D) were all hearing
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The phrase "all ears" is an idiom that means someone is paying full attention and is ready to listen carefully to what someone else has to say. It is often used to indicate that the listener is very interested in what the speaker is saying and is eager to hear more.
Ans: C
4. The athlete was a fish on water in the new sport, but she persevered and became a star player.
A) a fish out water
B) a fish of water
C) a fish in water
D) a fish out of water
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: "A fish out of water" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe a person who feels uncomfortable, or awkward in a new or unfamiliar situation. The phrase suggests that the athlete felt like a fish that has been removed from its natural habitat (from water) and placed in an environment where it cannot survive (on land).
Ans: D
5. The boss gave the employee the green light to launch the new project.
A) the green’s light
B) the green light’s
C) the green’s light’s
D) the green lighting
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: There is no error in the sentence. "Give the green light" is an idiom that means to give approval or permission to proceed with a plan or project.
Ans: E
6. The politician was in a rock and a hard place when he was asked to choose between two controversial policies.
A) between a rock and a hard place
B) on a rock and a hard place
C) into a rock and a hard place
D) onto a rock and a hard place
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: "Between a rock and a hard place" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a difficult situation where one i faced with two equally challenging options, neither of which are desirable. The phrase suggests that the politician is caught in a situation where there are no easy or good choices available, and he must make a decision that will be difficult or unpleasant.
Ans: A
7. The artist hit the nail between the head with his latest painting, which perfectly captured the essence of the human experience.
A) hit the nail in the head
B) hit the nail on the head
C) hits the nail in the head
D) hitting the nail over the head
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The idiom "hit the nail on the head" means to do or say something exactly right or accurately. In the sentence, the artist’s painting has perfectly captured the essence of the human experience.
Ans: B
8. The sales team put their best foots forwarded and closed the deal with the difficult client.
A) put their best feet forward
B) put their best foot forwards
C) put their best foot forward
D) put their best feet forwards
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The idiom "put your best foot forward" means to make an effort to present oneself in the best possible way or to do one's best in a particular situation. Here the sales team has shown their best qualities, skills, or attributes in order to close the deal.
Ans: C
9. The players burning the midnight’s oil to train for the upcoming competition.
A) brunt the midnight oil
B) blast the midnight oil
C) bluffed the midnight oil
D) burned the midnight oil
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The idiom "burn the midnight oil" means to work or study late into the night, especially when one is trying to complete a task or meet a deadline. Here the players are putting in extra effort and sacrificing sleep in order to achieve their goal.
Ans: D
10. The politician cried over spilt milk when he lost the election and refused to concede defeat.
A) crying over spilt milk
B) cried over spilting milk
C) cried over split milk
D) cried over spoil milk
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: There is no error in the sentence. The idiom "cry over spilt milk" means to get upset or regretful over something that has already happened and cannot be changed. Here the politician is worrying about his defeat in the elections that is already in the past and cannot be undone.
Ans: E
11. The CEO pull outed all the stops to ensure the success of the company's new product launch.
A) pulled out all the stops
B) pulled all the stops
C) pulling all the stops
D) pulled out all the stops
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The idiom "pull out all the stops" means to make every possible effort to achieve a goal or to use all available resources to achieve something. Here the CEO is willing to do everything in his power to succeed, without holding back.
Ans: A
12. After walking through the park for which felt like an eternity, I finally stumbled upon the secluded pond where I planned to spend the day fishing for trout.
A) for when felt like an eternity
B) for what felt like an eternity
C) for where felt like an eternity
D) for why felt like an eternity
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The idiom "for what felt like an eternity" means for a very long time, or for a period that seemed to be never-ending.
Ans: B
13. The company's decision to invest in a new marketing strategy paid of in spades, as they saw a significant increase in sales within just a few months.
A) paid off on spades
B) paid of on spades
C) paid off in spades
D) paid off into spades
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: The idiom "paid off in spades" means that a particular effort or investment has resulted in great success or has yielded significant rewards. Here the company's decision to invest in a new marketing strategy yielded good gains, as they saw a significant increase in sales within just a few months.
Ans: C
14. As the sun began to set over the horizon, the couple walked hand on hand along the deserted beach, enjoying the peace and quiet of the evening.
A) hand with hand
B) hand for hand
C) hand to hand
D) hand in hand
E) No replacement is needed
Explanation: "Hand in hand" is a phrase that typically refers to two or more people (here a couple) holding hands with each other. It is often used to convey a sense of unity, partnership, or collaboration.
Ans: D
Some Useful Tips
* Understand and practice the concept: Candidates need to have a good understanding of common English phrases and their usage in various contexts. Practicing as many phrase replacement questions as possible will be helpful to get an idea of how the questions are framed and how to approach them. This will help candidates to identify the common types of phrases that are replaced and the types of alternatives that are commonly used.
* Improve your vocabulary knowledge: A good vocabulary is essential to score well in phrase replacement questions. Candidates can improve their vocabulary by reading books, articles, and newspapers on a regular basis. They should keep a notebook of new words and their meanings and try to use them in their writing and speaking.
* Brush up on grammar rules: Candidates are required to brush up on grammar rules to understand the nuances of the language. This will help them to identify grammatically correct alternatives and to avoid errors in their answers.
