(a) The entire attention of the visiting
(b) dignitaries centred around
(c) the craftwork on display.
(d) No error
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.
Important Questions from Error Spotting
Direction: 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 in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A honest mistake (a) / is no more than that; (b) / just an honest mistake. (c) / No error (d)Direction: 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 any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
A company of five thousand soldiers , (a) / having marched tirelessly for over five days , (b) / have just moved into their cantonment . (c) / No error (d)Direction: 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 in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
Every person who believes in principles (a) / must stand up to fight (b) / for their convictions . (c) / No error (d)Direction: 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 any error in any underlined part and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The Olympic Games reflects(a) / the highest spirit of (b) / human endeavour and achievement . (c) / No error (d)Direction: 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 in the Answer Sheet against the corresponding letter, i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). If you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).
The principal of the school (a) / stressed the need for discipline (b) / amongst the students. (c) / No error (d)
