22  Error Identification, Error Correction, and Figures of Speech

22.1 Introduction

This chapter combines two essential grammar skills—spotting and fixing errors—with the ability to recognize figures of speech (literary devices). These areas test both precision in English usage and sensitivity to style and meaning.

22.2 1) Error Identification

Error Identification focuses on detecting mistakes in grammar, syntax, or usage.

22.2.1 Key Areas

  1. Subject–Verb Agreement:
    Example: The list of items are long. ❌ → The list of items is long. ✅

  2. Tense Consistency:
    Example: He said he is tired. ❌ → He said he was tired. ✅

  3. Pronouns:
    Example: Every student should submit their assignment. ❌ → Every student should submit his or her assignment. ✅

  4. Prepositions:
    Example: She is interested for music. ❌ → She is interested in music. ✅

  5. Articles:
    Example: He is engineer. ❌ → He is an engineer. ✅

22.3 2) Error Correction

Error Correction requires rewriting or editing the incorrect sentence.

22.3.1 Steps to Solve

  • Read the sentence fully.
  • Identify the incorrect part.
  • Apply the rule.
  • Rewrite in correct form.

Examples
1. She don’t go to school. ❌ → She doesn’t go to school. ✅
2. The committee have decided the plan. ❌ → The committee has decided the plan. ✅
3. One of my friends are a doctor. ❌ → One of my friends is a doctor. ✅

22.4 3) Figures of Speech

Figures of speech are literary devices that add emphasis, beauty, and creativity to language. Commonly asked in exams:

22.4.1 3.1 Simile

Comparison using like or as.
Example: Her face is like the moon.

22.4.2 3.2 Metaphor

Implied comparison without like/as.
Example: Time is a thief.

22.4.3 3.3 Personification

Giving human qualities to non-humans.
Example: The wind whispered through the trees.

22.4.4 3.4 Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration.
Example: I have told you a million times.

22.4.5 3.5 Alliteration

Repetition of consonant sounds.
Example: She sells sea shells on the sea shore.

22.4.6 3.6 Irony

Opposite of what is meant or expected.
Example: The fire station burnt down.

22.4.7 3.7 Oxymoron

Two opposite ideas together.
Example: Deafening silence.

22.4.8 3.8 Pun

Play on words with double meaning.
Example: The math teacher has too many functions.

22.5 4) Solved Examples

Example 1 (Error Correction)
Sentence: The team are playing well.
Correction: The team is playing well.

Example 2 (Error Identification)
Sentence: She insisted to go alone.
Error: Wrong preposition → Correction: She insisted on going alone.

Example 3 (Figures of Speech)
Sentence: “The classroom was a zoo.”
Device: Metaphor.

Example 4 (Figures of Speech)
Sentence: “The sun smiled at us.”
Device: Personification.

22.6 5) Practice Set

22.6.1 Part A – Error Identification

  1. One of the girls have left the room.
  2. He is junior than me in office.
  3. Neither of the answers are correct.
  4. I prefer tea than coffee.
  5. Each of the boys are punctual.

22.6.2 Part B – Error Correction

  1. She do not like mangoes.
  2. He is playing cricket since two hours.
  3. My father have two cars.
  4. The price of apples have risen.
  5. The news are true.

22.6.3 Part C – Figures of Speech

  1. Life is a journey, enjoy the ride.
  2. The stars danced playfully in the sky.
  3. This bag weighs a ton.
  4. Better late than never.
  5. The soldiers fought like lions.

22.7 6) Answer Key (concise)

Part A
1. have → has
2. junior than → junior to
3. are → is
4. than → to
5. are → is

Part B
6. do → does
7. since → for
8. have → has
9. have → has
10. are → is

Part C
11. Metaphor
12. Personification
13. Hyperbole
14. Proverb (also Aphorism)
15. Simile

22.8 Summary

  • Error identification = spot mistakes in grammar/usage.
  • Error correction = rewrite with correct form.
  • Figures of speech = recognize stylistic devices (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, etc.).
    Mastery of these ensures both accuracy and expressive depth in English usage.