Contextual Grammar
Full Lesson - SSC GD English Section
Introduction
Contextual Grammar questions test how well you understand the sentence, not just grammar rules. You must choose the option that fits meaning, grammar, tone, and logic.
Meaning (context)
Grammar (correct form)
Tone (positive/negative)
Logic (what makes sense)
Exam Tip: SSC GD keeps this EASY. Most mistakes happen because students don't read the sentence fully.
What Is Contextual Grammar?
Choosing the correct word or phrase based on what the sentence is talking about, what meaning is needed, and what grammar structure fits.
Example:
He completed the work ____ time.
in / on / at / by
✔ on time
(because the expression is fixed)
Types of Contextual Grammar Questions
1. Choose the Word That Makes Sense
Sentence will give a clue about meaning.
Example: She is very ____ and always helps others.
selfish / kind / angry / rude
✔ kind
2. Choose the Correct Preposition
Some prepositions are used ONLY in certain phrases.
fond ___ → of
good ___ → at
interested ___ → in
3. Choose the Correct Verb Form
Look at tense and context.
Example: He ____ here since morning.
a) is b) was c) has been d) will be
✔ has been (since = perfect tense)
4. Choose the Correct Conjunction
Understand meaning of the sentence.
Example: He worked hard ____ he failed.
a) but b) because c) so d) and
✔ but (contrast)
5. Choose the Correct Article
a / an / the will depend on context.
Example: He is ___ honest man.
✔ an
6. Choose the Correct Pronoun
Context decides the correct pronoun.
Everyone did ____ best.
his/her / their / his / our
✔ his/her (SSC prefers singular)
Context Clues to Look For
These are small hints that tell the correct answer:
✔ "Because, due to" → reason
✔ "But, although" → contrast
✔ "Therefore, so" → result
✔ "Since, for" → time
✔ "On, in, at" → place/time rules
✔ Tone → positive or negative word?
Example Sentences (SSC GD Level)
He is interested ___ music.
✔ in
Riya is very ____; everyone likes her.
✔ polite
He did not go to school ____ he was ill.
✔ because
This is ____ best day of my life.
✔ the
She has been working here ____ two years.
✔ for
He succeeded ____ his hard work.
✔ through / by
Sample Questions (SSC GD Style)
Choose the correct word: He was tired, ____ he continued working.
Options: (a) but (b) because (c) although (d) so
View Answer
but
(contrast)
Choose the correct preposition: She is afraid ___ dogs.
Options: (a) of (b) from (c) in (d) by
View Answer
of
Choose the word that fits the meaning: He is very ____ and never tells a lie.
Options: (a) honest (b) rich (c) rude (d) short
View Answer
honest
Choose the correct verb: The show ____ at 7 PM every day.
Options: (a) start (b) starts (c) started (d) starting
View Answer
starts
(simple present habit)
Fill the blank keeping tone in mind: The weather is ____ today.
Options: (a) delicious (b) beautiful (c) dangerous (d) bitter
View Answer
beautiful
Quick Recap
Context decides the answer
Look for tone → positive/negative
Prepositions matter: fond of, good at, interested in
Read full sentence before marking
Logic > grammar sometimes
SSC GD usually tests:
✔ prepositions
✔ conjunctions
✔ verb
forms
✔ adjectives based on tone
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
SSC GD 2022 — He is interested ___ music → in
SSC GD 2021 — He failed ____ he tried hard → although
SSC GD 2020 — She has been working here ___ 2 years → for
SSC GD 2019 — He always speaks the ____ → truth
SSC GD 2018 — She is good ___ maths → at
You've completed Contextual Grammar Lesson!
Courage Tip: Contextual Grammar is about understanding the complete meaning of the sentence, not just isolated grammar rules. Always read the full sentence carefully, look for context clues, and consider the tone and logic. Remember that SSC GD questions are designed to test your comprehension skills along with grammar knowledge.
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