Which of the following sentences is NOT correct?

Appeared in: CGHS SSC - 2018

Explanation

In formal or traditional English grammar, the modal verb 'can' is used to express ability, while 'may' is used to grant permission.
The sentence 'You can go' uses 'can' to give permission, which is considered incorrect according to this prescriptive rule.
The more formally correct way to grant permission would be 'You may go'.
Although using 'can' for permission is very common in informal speech, it is often marked as an error in grammar examinations.

Option B: This sentence ('I have read the book') is grammatically correct.
Option C: This sentence ('Control the crowd') is a grammatically correct imperative sentence.
Option D: This sentence ('She got a job there') is a grammatically correct simple past tense sentence.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Grammar: Use of Modal Verbs (Can vs. May) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing documentation and professional communication, using precise and formal language is crucial to avoid ambiguity and ensure patient safety.
Using 'may' for permission is important in clinical orders. 'You may get out of bed' is a clear instruction granting permission, whereas 'You can get out of bed' could be interpreted as simply stating the patient's physical ability.
What if? If a doctor's order reads 'Patient can ambulate ad lib', it might be interpreted as an assessment of ability. A clearer order would be 'Patient may ambulate ad lib', which explicitly gives permission for the activity, forming a part of the official care plan.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question and note the negative keyword 'NOT'. You are looking for the grammatically incorrect sentence.
Analyze each option for grammatical errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, word choice, or sentence structure.
Focus on Option A, 'You can go'. Recall the specific, formal grammatical rule distinguishing 'can' (ability) from 'may' (permission).
Recognize that using 'can' for permission is a classic example of a prescriptive grammar error that is frequently tested in examinations.
Verify that the other options (B, C, and D) are standard, correct grammatical constructions (present perfect, imperative, and simple past tense).
Conclude that the sentence violating the formal prescriptive rule is the intended incorrect option.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Grammar: Use of Modal Verbs (Can vs. May)
Stem keywords: sentences, correct
Lead-in keywords: NOT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the sentence that is NOT correct.

Qs2HHcLAZjBg7S3olerOP2

E6 Psychology Morgan King 9e Part 1 p. 273-275

Practise the full CGHS SSC - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.