English Language is an important section for SBI Clerk preparation. Candidates need a strong understanding of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, reading comprehension and verbal ability.
This practice set contains 100 English Questions for SBI Clerk with Answers and Explanations. Each question is followed by the correct answer and a short explanation to help candidates understand the underlying rule.
Part A: Error Detection Questions
Questions 1–10
1. Identify the error:
The employees of the bank (A) was asked to attend the meeting (B) at 10 a.m.
A. The employees of the bank
B. was asked to attend the meeting
C. at 10 a.m.
D. No error
Answer: B
Explanation: “Employees” is plural, so the plural auxiliary “were” should be used instead of “was.”
Correct sentence: The employees of the bank were asked to attend the meeting at 10 a.m.
2. She do not know how to operate the new banking application.
A. She
B. do not know
C. how to operate
D. the new banking application
Answer: B
Explanation: With the singular subject “She,” we use does, not “do.”
Correct sentence: She does not know how to operate the new banking application.
3. The manager has been working in this branch since five years.
A. The manager
B. has been working
C. in this branch since five years
D. No error
Answer: C
Explanation: Since is used with a specific point in time, such as 2022 or Monday. For is used with a period of time.
Correct: The manager has been working in this branch for five years.
4. Each of the candidates have received an email regarding the examination.
A. Each of the candidates
B. have received
C. an email
D. regarding the examination
Answer: B
Explanation: “Each” is singular and takes a singular verb. Therefore, “has received” is correct.
5. He is good in mathematics but weak in English.
A. He is good
B. in mathematics
C. but weak in English
D. No error
Answer: B
Explanation: The adjective good is followed by the preposition at when referring to ability or skill.
Correct: He is good at mathematics.
6. The officer asked me that why I was late.
A. The officer asked me
B. that why
C. I was late
D. No error
Answer: B
Explanation: In an indirect Wh-question, “that” is not used before “why.”
Correct: The officer asked me why I was late.
7. Neither the manager nor the employees was present at the meeting.
A. Neither the manager
B. nor the employees
C. was present
D. at the meeting
Answer: C
Explanation: With neither...nor, the verb generally agrees with the subject nearer to it. “Employees” is plural, so “were present” is correct.
8. The bank has introduced several schemes for attract new customers.
A. The bank has introduced
B. several schemes
C. for attract
D. new customers
Answer: C
Explanation: After “for,” a gerund can be used, but the intended structure here is purpose, so “to attract” is correct.
Correct: The bank has introduced several schemes to attract new customers.
9. She has less books than her brother.
A. She has
B. less books
C. than her brother
D. No error
Answer: B
Explanation: Fewer is generally used with countable plural nouns, while less is used with uncountable nouns.
Correct: She has fewer books than her brother.
10. The information provided by the bank is useful for all customers.
A. The information
B. provided by the bank
C. is useful
D. No error
Answer: D
Explanation: “Information” is an uncountable noun and takes the singular verb “is.” The sentence is grammatically correct.
Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Questions 11–20
11. The bank has decided to ______ its customer service facilities.
A. improve
B. improvement
C. improved
D. improving
Answer: A
Explanation: After “to,” the base form of the verb is used. Therefore, “to improve” is correct.
12. The customer was asked to ______ the form carefully.
A. fill
B. filled
C. filling
D. fills
Answer: A
Explanation: The infinitive structure “to + base verb” requires “fill.”
13. The new scheme will provide several ______ to account holders.
A. benefits
B. beneficial
C. benefited
D. benefitfully
Answer: A
Explanation: The sentence requires a plural noun after “several.” Benefits is the correct noun.
14. The manager asked the employees to complete the task ______ time.
A. on
B. in
C. at
D. by
Answer: A
Explanation: The phrase “on time” means at the scheduled or expected time.
15. The bank is taking steps to ______ fraudulent transactions.
A. prevent
B. prevention
C. preventive
D. prevented
Answer: A
Explanation: “To” is followed by the base form of the verb. Therefore, prevent is correct.
16. The candidate remained ______ during the interview.
A. confident
B. confidence
C. confidently
D. confide
Answer: A
Explanation: “Remained” is a linking verb here and is followed by an adjective. Confident is an adjective.
17. Customers should always keep their account details ______.
A. secure
B. securely
C. security
D. securedly
Answer: A
Explanation: After the verb “keep,” an adjective can describe the state of the object. Secure is the appropriate adjective.
18. The branch manager appreciated the employee's ______ work.
A. sincere
B. sincerely
C. sincerity
D. sincerest
Answer: A
Explanation: “Work” is a noun and needs an adjective before it. Sincere correctly modifies “work.”
19. The bank has ______ a new mobile application for customers.
A. launched
B. launch
C. launching
D. launches
Answer: A
Explanation: The present perfect structure is has/have + past participle. Therefore, “has launched” is correct.
20. Candidates should read the instructions ______ before starting the test.
A. carefully
B. careful
C. care
D. caring
Answer: A
Explanation: The word modifies the verb “read,” so an adverb is required. Carefully is the correct adverb.
Part C: Tenses and Verb Usage
Questions 21–30
21. She ______ in the bank for three years.
A. works
B. has been working
C. worked
D. is work
Answer: B
Explanation: An action that started in the past and is still continuing is expressed using the present perfect continuous tense.
22. When I reached the branch, the manager ______ already left.
A. has
B. had
C. was
D. is
Answer: B
Explanation: The manager's departure happened before another past event (“I reached”). Therefore, past perfect is used: “had left.”
23. The bank ______ its annual report next month.
A. released
B. releases
C. will release
D. had released
Answer: C
Explanation: “Next month” refers to the future, so will release is appropriate.
24. He ______ the application when the officer called him.
A. fills
B. was filling
C. has filled
D. had fill
Answer: B
Explanation: An action that was in progress when another past action occurred takes the past continuous tense.
25. They ______ the project before the deadline.
A. completed
B. have complete
C. completing
D. completes
Answer: A
Explanation: “Completed” is the simple past form and correctly describes a finished action.
26. If you work hard, you ______ the examination.
A. pass
B. passed
C. will pass
D. had passed
Answer: C
Explanation: In the first conditional, the if-clause uses the present simple, while the main clause generally uses will + base verb.
27. She ______ the email before she left the office.
A. sends
B. had sent
C. is sending
D. has send
Answer: B
Explanation: The email was sent before another past event. Therefore, the past perfect “had sent” is used.
28. The employees ______ on the project since Monday.
A. have been working
B. worked
C. had work
D. are worked
Answer: A
Explanation: “Since Monday” indicates an action that began in the past and continues into the present. The present perfect continuous is appropriate.
29. The customer ______ the complaint yesterday.
A. submits
B. submitted
C. has submit
D. submitting
Answer: B
Explanation: “Yesterday” refers to a completed time in the past, so the simple past is used.
30. By next month, he ______ the training programme.
A. completes
B. completed
C. will have completed
D. has completed
Answer: C
Explanation: An action that will be completed before a specified future time uses the future perfect tense: will have + past participle.
Part D: Articles and Prepositions
Questions 31–40
31. He works in ______ bank near my house.
A. a
B. an
C. the
D. no article
Answer: A
Explanation: “Bank” is a singular countable noun mentioned generally, so the indefinite article “a” is used.
32. She is ______ honest employee.
A. a
B. an
C. the
D. no article
Answer: B
Explanation: “Honest” begins with a vowel sound because the “h” is silent. Therefore, “an honest employee” is correct.
33. The meeting will start ______ 11 o'clock.
A. in
B. on
C. at
D. by
Answer: C
Explanation: At is used with a specific clock time: “at 11 o'clock.”
34. The customer arrived ______ the branch before opening time.
A. at
B. on
C. in
D. by
Answer: A
Explanation: We commonly use arrive at for a specific place such as a branch, station or office.
35. He has been working here ______ 2022.
A. for
B. since
C. from
D. by
Answer: B
Explanation: Since is used with a specific starting point in time, such as 2022.
36. The manager is responsible ______ the entire branch.
A. for
B. of
C. with
D. at
Answer: A
Explanation: The correct collocation is “responsible for.”
37. The employees were divided ______ two groups.
A. among
B. between
C. into
D. by
Answer: C
Explanation: The phrase “divide into” is used when something is separated into different groups or parts.
38. She is interested ______ learning about banking services.
A. on
B. at
C. in
D. with
Answer: C
Explanation: The correct expression is “interested in” followed by a noun or gerund.
39. The officer congratulated him ______ his success.
A. at
B. on
C. for
D. with
Answer: B
Explanation: The standard expression is “congratulate someone on something.”
40. The customer complained ______ the poor service.
A. about
B. at
C. on
D. into
Answer: A
Explanation: Complain about is used when expressing dissatisfaction with something.
Part E: Subject-Verb Agreement
Questions 41–50
41. The list of selected candidates ______ displayed on the notice board.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
Explanation: The subject is “list,” which is singular. The phrase “of selected candidates” does not change the number of the subject. Hence, “is” is correct.
42. A number of customers ______ waiting outside the branch.
A. is
B. are
C. was
D. has
Answer: B
Explanation: “A number of” means several and takes a plural verb. Therefore, “are” is correct.
43. The number of applicants ______ increased this year.
A. have
B. are
C. has
D. were
Answer: C
Explanation: “The number of” refers to one total number and takes a singular verb: “has increased.”
44. Neither the officer nor the clerks ______ available.
A. was
B. is
C. were
D. has
Answer: C
Explanation: With neither...nor, the verb generally agrees with the nearer subject. “Clerks” is plural, so “were” is correct.
45. Each student ______ required to carry an admit card.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
Explanation: Each is singular and therefore requires the singular verb “is.”
46. The news about the recruitment ______ encouraging.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
Explanation: “News” is treated as a singular uncountable noun. Therefore, “is” is correct.
47. The manager, along with his assistants, ______ attending the meeting.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
Explanation: The main subject is “manager.” The phrase “along with his assistants” does not change the subject to plural.
48. Ten thousand rupees ______ a large amount for him.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
Explanation: When a sum of money is considered as one amount, it generally takes a singular verb.
49. Neither of the answers ______ correct.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
Explanation: Neither is treated as singular in standard formal exam grammar, so “is” is used.
50. The quality of these services ______ improved recently.
A. have
B. has
C. are
D. were
Answer: B
Explanation: The subject is “quality,” which is singular. Therefore, “has improved” is correct.
Part F: Synonyms
Questions 51–60
51. Choose the synonym of Abandon.
A. Leave
B. Continue
C. Maintain
D. Support
Answer: A
Explanation: Abandon means to leave or give up something completely.
52. Choose the synonym of Accurate.
A. Wrong
B. Correct
C. Approximate
D. False
Answer: B
Explanation: Accurate means correct, exact or free from error.
53. Choose the synonym of Brief.
A. Long
B. Short
C. Wide
D. Heavy
Answer: B
Explanation: Brief means short in duration or length.
54. Choose the synonym of Essential.
A. Unnecessary
B. Optional
C. Necessary
D. Ordinary
Answer: C
Explanation: Essential means absolutely necessary or very important.
55. Choose the synonym of Rapid.
A. Slow
B. Quick
C. Weak
D. Late
Answer: B
Explanation: Rapid means very fast or quick.
56. Choose the synonym of Assist.
A. Help
B. Prevent
C. Refuse
D. Delay
Answer: A
Explanation: Assist means to help or support someone.
57. Choose the synonym of Reliable.
A. Uncertain
B. Dependable
C. Weak
D. Temporary
Answer: B
Explanation: A reliable person or thing can be trusted or depended upon.
58. Choose the synonym of Purchase.
A. Sell
B. Buy
C. Borrow
D. Return
Answer: B
Explanation: Purchase means to buy something.
59. Choose the synonym of Commence.
A. End
B. Begin
C. Stop
D. Delay
Answer: B
Explanation: Commence means to begin or start.
60. Choose the synonym of Adequate.
A. Insufficient
B. Sufficient
C. Limited
D. Scarce
Answer: B
Explanation: Adequate means sufficient or enough for a particular purpose.
Part G: Antonyms
Questions 61–70
61. Choose the antonym of Accept.
A. Receive
B. Reject
C. Approve
D. Admit
Answer: B
Explanation: Accept means to receive or agree to something, while reject means to refuse or decline it.
62. Choose the antonym of Ancient.
A. Old
B. Historic
C. Modern
D. Traditional
Answer: C
Explanation: Ancient refers to something very old, while modern refers to something belonging to the present or recent times.
63. Choose the antonym of Expand.
A. Increase
B. Extend
C. Contract
D. Enlarge
Answer: C
Explanation: Expand means to become larger, while contract means to become smaller.
64. Choose the antonym of Permanent.
A. Fixed
B. Temporary
C. Stable
D. Constant
Answer: B
Explanation: Permanent means lasting for a long or indefinite period, while temporary means lasting for a limited time.
65. Choose the antonym of Victory.
A. Success
B. Defeat
C. Achievement
D. Triumph
Answer: B
Explanation: Victory means success in a contest, while defeat means losing a contest.
66. Choose the antonym of Generous.
A. Kind
B. Helpful
C. Stingy
D. Friendly
Answer: C
Explanation: A generous person gives freely, while a stingy person is unwilling to give or spend.
67. Choose the antonym of Increase.
A. Grow
B. Expand
C. Decrease
D. Rise
Answer: C
Explanation: Increase means to become greater, while decrease means to become smaller or less.
68. Choose the antonym of Polite.
A. Gentle
B. Rude
C. Kind
D. Courteous
Answer: B
Explanation: Polite means showing good manners, while rude means lacking good manners.
69. Choose the antonym of Difficult.
A. Hard
B. Complicated
C. Easy
D. Tough
Answer: C
Explanation: Difficult means hard to do or understand, while easy means requiring little effort.
70. Choose the antonym of Optimistic.
A. Positive
B. Hopeful
C. Pessimistic
D. Cheerful
Answer: C
Explanation: An optimistic person expects positive results, while a pessimistic person tends to expect negative results.
Part H: Idioms and Phrases
Questions 71–80
71. “A piece of cake” means:
A. Very difficult
B. Very easy
C. Very expensive
D. Very boring
Answer: B
Explanation: “A piece of cake” is an idiom meaning something that is very easy to do.
72. “Break the ice” means:
A. To start a conversation
B. To create a problem
C. To end a discussion
D. To become angry
Answer: A
Explanation: “Break the ice” means to begin a conversation or make people feel more comfortable in a new situation.
73. “Once in a blue moon” means:
A. Very frequently
B. Very rarely
C. Every day
D. At night
Answer: B
Explanation: The idiom “once in a blue moon” means something that happens very rarely.
74. “At the eleventh hour” means:
A. Very early
B. At the last moment
C. At midnight
D. After a long time
Answer: B
Explanation: “At the eleventh hour” means at the last possible moment before something happens.
75. “In hot water” means:
A. In trouble
B. In comfort
C. In confusion
D. In celebration
Answer: A
Explanation: “In hot water” means to be in trouble or facing difficulties.
76. “Call it a day” means:
A. Start working
B. Stop working for the day
C. Work harder
D. Change the schedule
Answer: B
Explanation: “Call it a day” means to stop working on something for the day.
77. “Hit the nail on the head” means:
A. To make a mistake
B. To say exactly the right thing
C. To avoid an issue
D. To work carelessly
Answer: B
Explanation: This idiom means to describe or identify something exactly and accurately.
78. “Under the weather” means:
A. Feeling unwell
B. Feeling excited
C. Feeling successful
D. Feeling angry
Answer: A
Explanation: “Under the weather” means feeling sick or unwell.
79. “Keep an eye on” means:
A. Ignore
B. Watch carefully
C. Forget
D. Hide
Answer: B
Explanation: “Keep an eye on” means to watch or monitor someone or something carefully.
80. “Make both ends meet” means:
A. Become rich
B. Manage expenses with available income
C. Borrow money
D. Save all income
Answer: B
Explanation: “Make both ends meet” means to manage one's expenses using the available income.
Part I: One Word Substitution
Questions 81–90
81. One who speaks two languages is called:
A. Bilingual
B. Monolingual
C. Linguist
D. Orator
Answer: A
Explanation: Bilingual refers to a person who can speak two languages.
82. A person who looks at the positive side of things is an:
A. Pessimist
B. Optimist
C. Critic
D. Realist
Answer: B
Explanation: An optimist generally expects positive or favourable outcomes.
83. One who loves mankind is called a:
A. Misanthrope
B. Philanthropist
C. Traitor
D. Dictator
Answer: B
Explanation: A philanthropist is a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially through charitable activities.
84. A person who cannot read or write is:
A. Literate
B. Illiterate
C. Educated
D. Scholar
Answer: B
Explanation: Illiterate means unable to read or write.
85. A government ruled by the people is called:
A. Monarchy
B. Democracy
C. Dictatorship
D. Aristocracy
Answer: B
Explanation: In a democracy, government is based on the participation and choice of the people.
86. One who knows many languages is called a:
A. Polyglot
B. Novice
C. Monolingual
D. Editor
Answer: A
Explanation: A polyglot is a person who knows or uses several languages.
87. A person who speaks on behalf of others is called a:
A. Spokesperson
B. Spectator
C. Listener
D. Customer
Answer: A
Explanation: A spokesperson officially represents a person, organization or group when communicating with others.
88. A place where books are kept is called a:
A. Laboratory
B. Library
C. Gallery
D. Auditorium
Answer: B
Explanation: A library is a place where books and other reading resources are collected and made available for use.
89. One who is unable to pay debts is called:
A. Insolvent
B. Wealthy
C. Creditor
D. Investor
Answer: A
Explanation: Insolvent describes a person or organization that is unable to pay its debts when they are due.
90. A person who always expects the worst is a:
A. Optimist
B. Pessimist
C. Philanthropist
D. Linguist
Answer: B
Explanation: A pessimist tends to expect negative or unfavourable outcomes.
Part J: Sentence Improvement
Questions 91–95
91. The manager discussed about the problem with the employees.
A. discussed the problem
B. discussed on the problem
C. discussed about on the problem
D. No improvement
Answer: A
Explanation: The verb discuss is transitive and does not normally require “about” before its direct object.
Correct: The manager discussed the problem with the employees.
92. She is senior than me in the office.
A. is senior from me
B. is senior to me
C. is senior with me
D. No improvement
Answer: B
Explanation: The adjective senior is followed by the preposition to, not “than.”
Correct: She is senior to me in the office.
93. He has been working here since five years.
A. has been working here for five years
B. has worked here since five years
C. had been working here since five years
D. No improvement
Answer: A
Explanation: For is used with a duration or period, while since is used with a specific starting point. “Five years” is a duration.
94. The officer ordered the clerk to not leave the branch.
A. ordered the clerk not to leave
B. ordered the clerk do not leave
C. ordered that the clerk to not leave
D. No improvement
Answer: A
Explanation: In formal English, the preferred infinitive structure is “not to + verb.”
Correct: The officer ordered the clerk not to leave the branch.
95. She is looking forward to meet the branch manager.
A. is looking forward to meeting
B. is looking forward for meeting
C. is looking forward to met
D. No improvement
Answer: A
Explanation: In “look forward to,” the word “to” is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form).
Correct: She is looking forward to meeting the branch manager.
Part K: Para Jumbles
Questions 96–98
96. Arrange the following sentences in the correct order:
P. Digital banking has made financial services more convenient.
Q. Customers can now perform many transactions using mobile applications.
R. This saves time and reduces the need to visit bank branches.
S. Therefore, digital banking has become increasingly popular.
A. PQRS
B. QPRS
C. PRQS
D. RSPQ
Answer: A — PQRS
Explanation: P introduces the topic of digital banking. Q explains how it provides convenience. R describes the resulting benefit, and S gives the conclusion. Therefore, PQRS is the logical sequence.
97. Arrange the following sentences:
P. Reading newspapers regularly improves vocabulary.
Q. It also helps candidates understand current events.
R. This habit can be useful while preparing for competitive examinations.
S. Therefore, candidates should develop a regular reading habit.
A. PQRS
B. QPRS
C. PRQS
D. SPQR
Answer: A — PQRS
Explanation: P introduces the first benefit of reading newspapers. Q adds another benefit, R explains its usefulness for exam preparation, and S gives the conclusion.
98. Arrange the following sentences:
P. Time management is important during competitive examinations.
Q. Candidates have to answer many questions within a limited period.
R. Regular practice can help improve both speed and accuracy.
S. Therefore, candidates should practise questions with a time limit.
A. PQRS
B. QPRS
C. PRQS
D. RQPS
Answer: A — PQRS
Explanation: P introduces time management. Q explains why it is necessary. R provides a way to improve performance, and S gives the resulting recommendation.
Part L: Reading Comprehension
Read the passage carefully and answer Questions 99–100.
Passage
Digital banking has changed the way customers access financial services. People can now transfer money, pay bills and check account balances without visiting a bank branch. These services save time and provide convenience. However, customers should remain careful while using digital banking. They should use strong passwords, verify transaction details and avoid sharing confidential information with unknown persons.
99. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Digital banking is unsafe and should not be used
B. Digital banking provides convenience but requires careful usage
C. Customers should visit bank branches regularly
D. Digital banking is useful only for paying bills
Answer: B
Explanation: The passage highlights the convenience of digital banking while also emphasizing the importance of safe and responsible usage.
100. What should customers do while using digital banking?
A. Share their passwords with others
B. Ignore transaction details
C. Verify transactions and protect confidential information
D. Avoid using passwords
Answer: C
Explanation: The passage specifically advises customers to use strong passwords, verify transaction details and protect confidential information.
Quick Revision Topics for SBI Clerk English
Candidates should regularly practise:
Error Detection
Fill in the Blanks
Cloze Test
Sentence Improvement
Sentence Correction
Para Jumbles
Sentence Rearrangement
Reading Comprehension
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms and Phrases
One Word Substitution
Vocabulary
Tenses
Articles
Prepositions
Subject-Verb Agreement
Active and Passive Voice
Direct and Indirect Speech
Phrase Replacement
How to Prepare English for SBI Clerk
1. Strengthen Grammar
Understand the rules instead of simply memorising answers. Focus on tenses, articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement and sentence structure.
2. Build Vocabulary
Learn new words regularly. For every important word, try to remember its meaning, synonym, antonym and usage in a sentence.
3. Read English Daily
Regular reading can improve vocabulary, comprehension and familiarity with different sentence structures.
4. Practise Fillers and Cloze Tests
Read the complete sentence or passage before choosing an option. Consider both grammar and context.
5. Practise Para Jumbles
Look for introductory sentences, pronoun references, connecting words and logical sequences.
6. Improve Reading Comprehension
Read passages carefully and identify the main idea, supporting information and conclusions.
7. Maintain an Error Notebook
Record the questions you answer incorrectly and write the relevant grammar rule or vocabulary meaning beside each mistake.
8. Take Timed Practice Tests
Practising with a time limit can help you develop speed while maintaining accuracy.
Conclusion
Consistent practice is essential for improving English performance in SBI Clerk preparation. Candidates should practise grammar and vocabulary along with fillers, sentence improvement, para jumbles and reading comprehension.
These 100 English Questions for SBI Clerk with Answers and Explanations can be used as a revision and practice resource. After completing the set, candidates should review their incorrect answers and revise the relevant concepts.
