Vocabulary in context and sentence correction

Verbal screenings rarely ask for dictionary definitions alone. Most give a word inside a sentence, and the sentence contains clues that point to the answer. Learning to read those clues helps even when you do not know the word.

Use the sentence, not just the word

Before you look at the options, replace the word with your own simple word. In The manager was reluctant to approve the extra budget, you might think "not keen". Then choose the option closest to your word: unwilling.

For antonyms, decide whether the word is positive or negative first. That alone often removes two options.

Signal words in fill-in-the-blank questions

• Contrast: despite, although, but, however. The blank goes against the other half. Despite the heavy workload, he remained composed.
• Cause and result: so, because, therefore, as a result. The blank matches the result. The explanation was so lucid that new joiners understood it.
• Addition: and, also, moreover. The blank continues the same idea.

Read the full sentence with your chosen word in place. If it sounds wrong or changes the meaning, check again.

Sentence correction patterns

1. Dangling modifiers. An opening phrase must describe the subject that follows it. Walking into the office, the lights were on is wrong because lights cannot walk.
2. Comparison words. Senior, junior, superior, inferior and prefer take "to": senior to me, prefer tea to coffee.
3. Parallel structure. Items in a list take the same form: checking, replying and closing tickets, not checking, reply and to close.
4. Extra words. Remove repeated meaning: "return back", "repeat again", "discuss about".

Idioms

Idioms are learned as whole phrases. Common ones in workplace English include go the extra mile (more effort than expected), on the same page (in agreement) and touch base (contact briefly). Do not read them word by word.

Habit to build: when you meet a new word at work or in reading, write the full sentence it appeared in, not just the meaning. You will remember how it is used, which is what screenings test.