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Question

Directions: Each item in this section has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to determine whether there is an error in any underlined part and indicate your response on response the answer as (d). sh

(a) The entire attention of the visiting
(b) dignitaries centred around
(c) the craftwork on display.
(d) No error

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
centred around

Sentence Error Analysis: Focus of Attention

The question asks us to identify a grammatical error in the sentence: "The entire attention of the visiting dignitaries centred around the craftwork on display." Let's analyze each underlined part:

  • (a) The entire attention of the visiting dignitaries - This part of the sentence is grammatically correct. It clearly states the subject whose attention is involved.
  • (b) centred around - This phrase suggests the main point of discussion or error. In English grammar, when talking about the focus of attention, the correct preposition to use with the verb 'centre' (or 'center') is 'on', not 'around'. The phrase 'centred around' implies being physically located in the middle of something, which doesn't fit the context of attention. The correct idiom is 'centred on'.
  • (c) the craftwork on display. - This part is grammatically correct and describes what the attention was focused on.
  • (d) No error - Since we've identified a likely error in part (b), this option is incorrect.

Explanation of the Error

The error lies in the choice of preposition following the verb 'centred'.

  • Incorrect Usage: "centred around" is often misused when the intended meaning is focus or concentration.
  • Correct Usage: The standard and correct idiom is "centred on". This signifies the main point or focus of something.

Therefore, the sentence should correctly read: "The entire attention of the visiting dignitaries centred on the craftwork on display."

Based on this analysis, the underlined part (b) contains the grammatical error.

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Important Questions from Error Spotting

  1. The following question has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in any underlined part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

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  2. The following question has a sentence with four parts labelled (a), (b), (c), and (d). Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any part and indicate your response against the corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

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