English Language is an important section for SBI PO preparation. Questions can test grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, fillers, error detection, sentence arrangement, and reading comprehension.
This practice set contains 100 English Questions for SBI PO with Answers covering grammar and verbal ability topics. Regular practice can help candidates improve accuracy, vocabulary, reading skills, and time management.
Part A: Error Detection Questions
Questions 1–10
1. Identify the error:
Neither the manager nor his assistants (A) was willing to take responsibility (B) for the delay in completing the project (C).
A. Neither the manager nor his assistants
B. was willing to take responsibility
C. for the delay in completing the project
D. No error
Answer: B
Correct: “were willing” because the verb agrees with the nearer subject “assistants.”
2. The committee has decided to postpone the meeting because several members were absent.
A. The committee has decided
B. to postpone the meeting
C. because several members were absent
D. No error
Answer: D
3. Each of the candidates have submitted their application before the deadline.
A. Each of the candidates
B. has submitted
C. their application
D. before the deadline
Answer: B
Correct: “has submitted.”
4. The new policy is expected to benefit to small businesses in rural areas.
A. The new policy
B. is expected
C. benefit small businesses
D. in rural areas
Answer: C
Correct: “benefit small businesses.”
5. Hardly had the train arrived than the passengers rushed towards the platform.
A. Hardly had
B. the train arrived
C. when
D. the passengers rushed
Answer: C
Correct: “when.”
6. The officer asked the applicant why he had not submitted the required documents.
A. The officer asked
B. the applicant
C. why he had not submitted
D. No error
Answer: D
7. The company has been facing financial difficulties since the last three months.
A. The company has been facing
B. financial difficulties
C. for the last three months
D. No error
Answer: C
Correct: “for the last three months.”
8. No sooner did the announcement come when the employees began discussing it.
A. No sooner
B. did the announcement come
C. when
D. the employees began discussing it
Answer: C
Correct: “than.”
9. The number of applicants have increased significantly this year.
A. The number
B. of applicants
C. has increased significantly
D. this year
Answer: C
Correct: “has increased significantly.”
10. The manager, along with his team members, is attending the conference.
A. The manager
B. along with his team members
C. is attending
D. No error
Answer: D
Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Questions 11–20
11. The government has taken several measures to ______ inflation.
A. control
B. controlling
C. controlled
D. controls
Answer: A
12. The employee was praised for his ______ approach to solving the problem.
A. innovative
B. innovation
C. innovate
D. innovatively
Answer: A
13. The bank has decided to ______ its lending rates.
A. reduce
B. reduction
C. reducing
D. reduced
Answer: A
14. The manager asked the staff to work ______ the guidelines.
A. according to
B. according
C. accordance
D. accord
Answer: A
15. The company needs to ______ its customer service to remain competitive.
A. improve
B. improvement
C. improved
D. improving
Answer: A
16. The report provides a ______ analysis of the current economic situation.
A. comprehensive
B. comprehensively
C. comprehension
D. comprehend
Answer: A
17. The candidate remained ______ despite facing difficult questions.
A. confident
B. confidence
C. confidently
D. confide
Answer: A
18. The new scheme is expected to ______ employment opportunities.
A. generate
B. generation
C. generated
D. generating
Answer: A
19. The bank has introduced new measures to ______ fraudulent transactions.
A. prevent
B. prevention
C. preventive
D. preventing
Answer: A
20. The employees were instructed to complete the assignment ______ the deadline.
A. before
B. among
C. between
D. beside
Answer: A
Part C: Tenses and Verb Usage
Questions 21–30
21. By the time the meeting started, the manager ______ the report.
A. completes
B. had completed
C. has completed
D. completing
Answer: B
22. She ______ at the bank for five years before joining the new company.
A. works
B. has worked
C. had worked
D. is working
Answer: C
23. The employees ______ the project since Monday.
A. have been working on
B. worked
C. had worked
D. are worked
Answer: A
24. If the company ______ the problem earlier, the loss could have been avoided.
A. identifies
B. identified
C. had identified
D. has identified
Answer: C
25. The bank ______ a new digital service next month.
A. launches
B. launched
C. will launch
D. had launched
Answer: C
26. When I reached the office, the meeting ______ already ______.
A. has, started
B. had, started
C. was, start
D. is, starting
Answer: B
27. The company ______ its annual results tomorrow.
A. announced
B. announces
C. will announce
D. had announced
Answer: C
28. He ______ the report when his supervisor called him.
A. prepares
B. was preparing
C. has prepared
D. had prepare
Answer: B
29. The bank ______ several branches in the region over the last five years.
A. has opened
B. had opening
C. opens
D. is opened
Answer: A
30. If you work consistently, you ______ your target.
A. achieved
B. will achieve
C. had achieved
D. achieving
Answer: B
Part D: Articles and Prepositions
Questions 31–40
31. He was appointed as ______ manager of the branch.
A. a
B. an
C. the
D. no article
Answer: C
32. She is ______ honest employee who always follows the rules.
A. a
B. an
C. the
D. no article
Answer: B
33. The meeting will begin ______ 10 a.m.
A. in
B. on
C. at
D. by
Answer: C
34. The report was prepared ______ the finance department.
A. by
B. from
C. with
D. into
Answer: A
35. The manager is responsible ______ ensuring that all procedures are followed.
A. of
B. for
C. with
D. at
Answer: B
36. The employees were divided ______ three groups.
A. among
B. between
C. into
D. by
Answer: C
37. The company has been operating ______ 2018.
A. for
B. since
C. from
D. by
Answer: B
38. He is senior ______ me in the organization.
A. than
B. from
C. to
D. with
Answer: C
39. The manager congratulated the team ______ its success.
A. on
B. at
C. for
D. with
Answer: A
40. The new policy is beneficial ______ both employees and customers.
A. to
B. for
C. with
D. at
Answer: A
Part E: Subject-Verb Agreement
Questions 41–50
41. The quality of these products ______ improved considerably.
A. have
B. has
C. are
D. were
Answer: B
42. Neither the employees nor the manager ______ aware of the issue.
A. were
B. are
C. was
D. have
Answer: C
43. A number of candidates ______ applied for the position.
A. has
B. have
C. is
D. was
Answer: B
44. The number of vacancies ______ increased this year.
A. have
B. are
C. has
D. were
Answer: C
45. Mathematics ______ one of my favourite subjects.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
46. The news ______ encouraging for investors.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
47. Neither of the proposals ______ acceptable to the committee.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
48. Ten kilometres ______ a long distance to walk.
A. are
B. is
C. were
D. have
Answer: B
49. The principal, along with the teachers, ______ attending the event.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
50. Each of the applicants ______ required to carry an identity card.
A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have
Answer: C
Part F: Synonyms
Questions 51–60
51. Choose the synonym of Abundant.
A. Scarce
B. Plentiful
C. Limited
D. Rare
Answer: B
52. Choose the synonym of Candid.
A. Frank
B. Secretive
C. Dishonest
D. Careless
Answer: A
53. Choose the synonym of Mitigate.
A. Increase
B. Reduce
C. Create
D. Ignore
Answer: B
54. Choose the synonym of Prudent.
A. Wise
B. Foolish
C. Careless
D. Reckless
Answer: A
55. Choose the synonym of Obsolete.
A. Modern
B. Current
C. Outdated
D. Useful
Answer: C
56. Choose the synonym of Diligent.
A. Lazy
B. Hardworking
C. Careless
D. Weak
Answer: B
57. Choose the synonym of Coherent.
A. Logical
B. Confusing
C. Random
D. Unclear
Answer: A
58. Choose the synonym of Eminent.
A. Unknown
B. Ordinary
C. Distinguished
D. Unimportant
Answer: C
59. Choose the synonym of Fragile.
A. Strong
B. Delicate
C. Durable
D. Firm
Answer: B
60. Choose the synonym of Impartial.
A. Biased
B. Neutral
C. Partial
D. Unfair
Answer: B
Part G: Antonyms
Questions 61–70
61. Choose the antonym of Expand.
A. Extend
B. Increase
C. Contract
D. Enlarge
Answer: C
62. Choose the antonym of Rigid.
A. Flexible
B. Hard
C. Strict
D. Firm
Answer: A
63. Choose the antonym of Transparent.
A. Clear
B. Obvious
C. Opaque
D. Visible
Answer: C
64. Choose the antonym of Hostile.
A. Aggressive
B. Friendly
C. Violent
D. Unfriendly
Answer: B
65. Choose the antonym of Scarce.
A. Rare
B. Limited
C. Abundant
D. Insufficient
Answer: C
66. Choose the antonym of Artificial.
A. Synthetic
B. Natural
C. Manufactured
D. Fake
Answer: B
67. Choose the antonym of Optimistic.
A. Positive
B. Hopeful
C. Pessimistic
D. Cheerful
Answer: C
68. Choose the antonym of Ancient.
A. Old
B. Historic
C. Modern
D. Traditional
Answer: C
69. Choose the antonym of Permanent.
A. Temporary
B. Stable
C. Fixed
D. Lasting
Answer: A
70. Choose the antonym of Generous.
A. Kind
B. Liberal
C. Stingy
D. Helpful
Answer: C
Part H: Idioms and Phrases
Questions 71–80
71. “To hit the nail on the head” means:
A. To make a mistake
B. To say exactly the right thing
C. To work very slowly
D. To avoid a problem
Answer: B
72. “A blessing in disguise” means:
A. A hidden problem
B. Something that seems bad but turns out beneficial
C. An obvious success
D. An unexpected punishment
Answer: B
73. “To call it a day” means:
A. To start working
B. To postpone a meeting
C. To stop working for the day
D. To celebrate
Answer: C
74. “At the eleventh hour” means:
A. Very early
B. At the last possible moment
C. During the night
D. At noon
Answer: B
75. “To be in hot water” means:
A. To be in trouble
B. To be successful
C. To be relaxed
D. To be confused
Answer: A
76. “Once in a blue moon” means:
A. Frequently
B. Never
C. Very rarely
D. Every month
Answer: C
77. “To break the ice” means:
A. To create a problem
B. To start a friendly conversation
C. To end a relationship
D. To avoid communication
Answer: B
78. “A piece of cake” means:
A. Very expensive
B. Very difficult
C. Very easy
D. Very interesting
Answer: C
79. “To keep something at bay” means:
A. To encourage something
B. To keep something under control or away
C. To hide something
D. To discover something
Answer: B
80. “To make both ends meet” means:
A. To save a large amount of money
B. To manage one's expenses with available income
C. To become wealthy
D. To borrow money
Answer: B
Part I: One Word Substitution
Questions 81–90
81. One who can speak many languages is called a:
A. Linguist
B. Polyglot
C. Orator
D. Translator
Answer: B
82. A person who looks at the bright side of things is an:
A. Optimist
B. Pessimist
C. Realist
D. Opportunist
Answer: A
83. A person who hates mankind is called a:
A. Philanthropist
B. Misanthrope
C. Humanitarian
D. Patriot
Answer: B
84. A government by the people is called:
A. Monarchy
B. Aristocracy
C. Democracy
D. Oligarchy
Answer: C
85. A speech delivered without preparation is called:
A. Formal
B. Extempore
C. Written
D. Dramatic
Answer: B
86. One who studies the origin and development of words is called an:
A. Etymologist
B. Economist
C. Ecologist
D. Editor
Answer: A
87. A person who deliberately sets fire to property is called an:
A. Arsonist
B. Assassin
C. Activist
D. Anarchist
Answer: A
88. A place where books are kept for reading or reference is called a:
A. Laboratory
B. Library
C. Museum
D. Repository
Answer: B
89. A person who knows everything is called:
A. Omnipresent
B. Omniscient
C. Omnipotent
D. Optimistic
Answer: B
90. One who cannot be easily defeated is:
A. Invincible
B. Invisible
C. Indispensable
D. Inaccessible
Answer: A
Part J: Sentence Improvement
Questions 91–95
91. The manager discussed about the issue with the employees.
A. discussed the issue
B. discussed on the issue
C. discussed about on the issue
D. No improvement
Answer: A
92. The candidate is senior than me in experience.
A. senior from me
B. senior to me
C. senior with me
D. No improvement
Answer: B
93. She has been working here since five years.
A. has been working here from five years
B. has been working here for five years
C. had been working here since five years
D. No improvement
Answer: B
94. The officer ordered the clerk to not leave the office.
A. ordered the clerk not to leave
B. ordered that the clerk to not leave
C. ordered the clerk do not leave
D. No improvement
Answer: A
95. The company is looking forward to expand its operations.
A. is looking forward to expanding
B. is looking forward for expanding
C. looks forward to expand
D. No improvement
Answer: A
Part K: Para Jumbles and Sentence Arrangement
Questions 96–98
96. Arrange the following sentences in the correct order:
P. Digital banking has transformed the way customers access financial services.
Q. Customers can now perform many transactions from their mobile phones.
R. This has reduced the need to visit bank branches for routine services.
S. As a result, banks are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure.
A. PQRS
B. QPRS
C. PSQR
D. RQPS
Answer: A
97. Arrange the sentences:
P. Regular reading improves vocabulary and comprehension.
Q. It also helps readers understand different writing styles.
R. Therefore, candidates should develop a daily reading habit.
S. This is particularly useful for competitive examinations.
A. PQSR
B. QPRS
C. PRQS
D. SPQR
Answer: A
98. Arrange the sentences:
P. Technology has made communication faster and more convenient.
Q. People can now exchange information instantly across the world.
R. However, excessive dependence on technology can reduce face-to-face interaction.
S. Therefore, technology should be used thoughtfully.
A. PQRS
B. QPRS
C. PRQS
D. RSPQ
Answer: A
Part L: Reading Comprehension
Read the passage and answer Questions 99–100.
Passage
Digital financial services have changed the way people manage their money. Mobile banking, internet banking and digital payment systems allow customers to perform transactions quickly and conveniently. However, the growing use of digital services also makes financial awareness and cybersecurity increasingly important. Customers need to protect their passwords, verify transactions and avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown persons.
99. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Digital banking should be avoided
B. Digital financial services provide convenience but require financial and cybersecurity awareness
C. Banks should close physical branches
D. Mobile banking is the only useful financial service
Answer: B
100. According to the passage, customers should:
A. Share passwords with trusted people
B. Avoid all digital transactions
C. Protect passwords and verify transactions
D. Use only physical banking services
Answer: C
Quick Revision Topics for SBI PO English
Candidates should regularly practise the following areas:
Error Detection
Fill in the Blanks
Cloze Test
Sentence Improvement
Sentence Correction
Para Jumbles
Sentence Rearrangement
Reading Comprehension
Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms and Phrases
One Word Substitution
Vocabulary
Tenses
Articles
Prepositions
Subject-Verb Agreement
Active and Passive Voice
Direct and Indirect Speech
Phrase Replacement
Word Usage
How to Prepare English for SBI PO
1. Build Your Vocabulary
Learn new words regularly and revise their meanings, synonyms, antonyms and usage.
2. Read English Daily
Read newspapers, editorials, magazines and quality online articles to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
3. Practise Grammar
Focus on subject-verb agreement, tenses, articles, prepositions, conjunctions, modifiers and sentence structure.
4. Practise Reading Comprehension
Read passages within a fixed time and identify the main idea, supporting details, tone and inference.
5. Solve Para Jumbles
Look for logical connections, pronouns, transition words, chronology and opening/closing sentences.
6. Practise Fillers and Cloze Tests
Use grammatical structure and contextual meaning together rather than selecting an option based only on vocabulary.
7. Take Timed Practice Tests
Regular timed quizzes can help improve speed and accuracy.
