Scoring full marks in the CBSE Class 10 English exam is not just about hard work – it is about smart preparation and understanding how grammar questions are framed. Many students lose marks in grammar not because they don’t know the rules, but because they fail to apply them correctly under exam pressure.
In this guide, we will walk you through proven grammar hacks, detailed explanations, and exam-focused strategies that will help you approach the grammar section with clarity and confidence. If followed consistently, these tips can help you maximize your score in CBSE Boards 2026.
Understanding the Grammar Section in CBSE Class 10
Before starting your preparation, it is essential to understand how the grammar section is structured and how marks are distributed.
The grammar section typically includes:
- Tenses
- Reported Speech
- Articles
- Error Correction
- Modals
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Determiners
- Gap Filling
The section carries 10 marks. Students are usually given 12 questions out of which they need to attempt 10. This means you have some choice, but you still need to be confident across all topics to maximize your score.
High-Priority Topics You Must Focus On
While all grammar topics are important, some topics are consistently repeated in CBSE board exams. These are the areas where you should invest more time.
Key Focus Areas
- Tenses
- Reported Speech
- Articles
- Error Correction
These topics form the backbone of the grammar section. Questions from these areas appear almost every year, and mastering them can guarantee a strong score.
Mastering Tenses with Smart Tricks
Tenses are one of the most important and scoring areas in the grammar section. However, they can also be confusing if you do not follow a structured approach.
The Tense Formula Hack
To identify the correct tense in a sentence, always look for two things:
- Time indicators
- Action (verb form)
Examples:
- Words like yesterday, ago, last → Past tense
- Words like now, currently → Present tense
- Words like tomorrow, next → Future tense
Understanding these indicators helps you quickly identify the correct tense without overthinking.
Important Rule: Two Past Actions
This is a commonly asked concept in CBSE exams.
If a sentence contains two past actions:
- The first action is written in past perfect
- The second action is written in simple past
Example:
He had finished his homework before he went to school.
Here, “had finished” is the earlier action and “went” is the later action.
Has vs Have Rule
Students often get confused between “has” and “have”. Follow this simple rule:
- He/She/It → has
- I/We/You/They → have
- Past perfect → always use had
Special Rule: Avoid ‘Will’ in Certain Clauses
In sentences containing words like:
- If
- When
- Before
- After
- Until
You must use present tense instead of future tense.
Example:
Incorrect: When he will come, I will tell him.
Correct: When he comes, I will tell him.
This is a very common mistake and can cost you marks if not practiced properly.
Modals Made Easy
Modals are frequently tested in gap-filling questions and are relatively easy to score if you understand their meanings.
Common Modals and Their Uses
- Can: Ability or permission
- Could: Polite request or past ability
- May: Permission or possibility
- Might: Weak possibility
- Must: Obligation or strong necessity
- Have to: Compulsion
- Should: Advice or suggestion
- Will: Future action or habit
Example:
We can protect our environment by reducing waste.
Understanding the context of the sentence is key to choosing the correct modal.
Subject-Verb Agreement: Golden Rules
Subject-verb agreement is another scoring topic where students often make avoidable mistakes.
Basic Rule
- Singular subject → Singular verb
- Plural subject → Plural verb
Important Keywords
- A number of → Plural
- The number of → Singular
- Each, everyone, someone → Singular
- A pair of → Singular
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Getting confused by long or complex sentences
- Ignoring the actual subject of the sentence
- Using incorrect verb forms like “He have” instead of “He has”
Always identify the subject clearly before choosing the verb.
Determiners and Articles Simplified
Determiners and articles are often tested together and require careful understanding of context.
Articles Usage
- A → Used before consonant sounds
- An → Used before vowel sounds
- The → Used for specific nouns
Determiners Overview
- Some → Used in positive sentences
- Much/Little → Used with uncountable nouns
- Few/Many → Used with countable nouns
- Each → Refers to individuals
- Every → Refers to the whole group
- All → Refers to the entire quantity
This, That, These, Those
- This/These → Used for near objects
- That/Those → Used for far objects
How to Apply Determiners Correctly
- Identify whether the noun is countable or uncountable
- Check if the noun is singular or plural
- Understand whether the sentence is general or specific
Reported Speech: The 3-Step Rule
Reported speech questions are very common and easy to score if you follow the correct steps.
Three-Step Rule
- Change pronouns
- Change tense
- Remove quotation marks and add “that”, “if”, or “whether”
Example:
Direct: He said, “I am tired.”
Indirect: He said that he was tired.
Additional Tip
Always check the reporting verb and adjust the tense accordingly. This helps avoid common errors.
Error Correction Strategy
Error correction questions test your attention to detail.
What to Check in Each Sentence
- Tense
- Articles
- Prepositions
- Subject-verb agreement
- Singular/plural usage
- Spelling
Example:
Incorrect: Please refrain by standing near the door.
Correct: Please refrain from standing near the door.
Go line by line and check each grammatical element carefully.
Gap Filling Strategy to Score Full Marks
Gap-filling questions combine multiple grammar concepts and require both understanding and accuracy.
Step-by-Step Approach
- Read the entire sentence carefully
- Understand the meaning and context
- Identify the grammar concept involved
- Check subject and tense agreement
- Choose the correct option logically
Pro Tip
Never fill in blanks without reading the complete sentence. Context is crucial in selecting the correct answer.
Ultimate Hack: Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
One of the most effective ways to prepare for grammar is by solving previous year questions.
Why PYQs Matter
- Help you identify question patterns
- Show frequently asked topics
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Build exam confidence
Solve at least the last 5 years’ question papers. This will give you a clear idea of the difficulty level and types of questions asked.
Common Mistakes Students Must Avoid
- Ignoring basic grammar rules
- Rushing through questions without reading properly
- Not identifying the correct subject in sentences
- Confusing similar grammar concepts
- Skipping revision of important topics
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your score.
Smart Preparation Strategy for CBSE Boards 2026
To score full marks, your preparation should be consistent and structured.
- Focus on high-priority topics first
- Practice grammar exercises daily
- Revise rules regularly
- Solve mock tests and PYQs
- Analyze mistakes and improve continuously
Consistency is the key to mastering grammar.
FAQs
Q1. How can I score full marks in Class 10 English grammar?
Focus on high-weightage topics like tenses, reported speech, and articles. Practice regularly, solve previous year papers, and revise grammar rules consistently.
Q2. Which topics are most important in CBSE Class 10 grammar?
Tenses, reported speech, articles, and error correction are the most important and frequently asked topics in the exam.
Q3. How should I prepare for gap-filling questions?
Always read the full sentence, understand the context, identify the grammar rule, and then choose the correct answer logically.
Q4. Are previous year questions enough for grammar preparation?
They are extremely helpful for understanding exam patterns, but they should be combined with concept revision and regular practice.
Q5. What is the biggest mistake students make in grammar?
The most common mistake is ignoring the subject in subject-verb agreement and not reading the full sentence carefully before answering.
Conclusion
Scoring full marks in the CBSE Class 10 English grammar section is completely achievable with the right strategy. By focusing on high-priority topics, applying smart grammar hacks, and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance.
Stay consistent, revise thoroughly, and approach the exam with confidence. With the right preparation, you can easily achieve full marks in CBSE Boards 2026.
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