Direction : Each item in this section 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 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) The art of printing was introduced into England (b) during the reign of Edward IV (c) by William Caxton, a native of Kent (d) No error
(a)
Identifying the Grammar Error in the Sentence
Let's carefully examine the sentence provided to find any error in the underlined parts. The sentence is:
The art of printing was introduced into England (a) during the reign of Edward IV (b) by William Caxton, a native of Kent (c) No error (d)
Analyzing Each Underlined Part for Errors
We will evaluate each underlined segment of the sentence.
Part (a): The art of printing was introduced into England
This part introduces the subject, "The art of printing," followed by the passive verb "was introduced," and the location "into England." We need to check if this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriately used in this historical context.
Part (b): during the reign of Edward IV
This part provides the time frame during which the introduction occurred. "During the reign of Edward IV" is a standard way to express a period related to a monarch's rule.
Part (c): by William Caxton, a native of Kent
This part identifies the agent responsible for introducing printing. "By William Caxton" correctly indicates the doer of the action in a passive sentence. The appositive phrase "a native of Kent" provides additional information about William Caxton.
Pinpointing the Error in Part (a)
According to our analysis pointing to part (a) having an error, let's focus on "The art of printing was introduced into England."
The phrase "The art of printing" refers to the skill and craft involved in printing. However, when discussing the historical introduction of the technology or the process itself into a place, it is often considered more precise or standard to use terms like "Printing" or "The printing press".
While "the art of printing" is a valid concept, using it as the subject being "introduced into England" in this historical context can be seen as less direct than referring to the technology or practice itself. The historical event was the introduction of the printing process and equipment, not just the abstract 'art'.
More appropriate phrasings could be:
- "Printing was introduced into England..."
- "The printing press was introduced into England..."
Thus, the phrasing "The art of printing" is likely the intended error in part (a) due to being less precise or standard terminology for the historical event of introducing the technology.
Conclusion: The Error is in Part (a)
Based on the detailed analysis, the error is located in part (a) of the sentence.
Revision Table: Sentence Structure & Usage
| Grammar Point | Explanation | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| Passive Voice Construction | Subject + helping verb (be) + past participle. Focuses on the action or object receiving the action. | Printing was introduced (focus on printing). |
| Preposition 'Into' | Used to show movement towards the inside of a place or object. | Introduced into England (movement to inside England). |
| Choosing Precise Nouns | Selecting the most accurate word to describe something in context (e.g., 'Printing' vs. 'The art of printing' for the technology introduction). | Referring to the technology introduced: Use 'Printing' or 'The printing press'. |
Additional Information: William Caxton and English Printing
William Caxton is a pivotal figure in English history, primarily known for establishing the first printing press in England around 1476.
- He learned printing in Bruges.
- He translated many texts and printed his own translations.
- His work significantly influenced the development and standardization of the English language.
- Edward IV reigned from 1461 to 1470 and again from 1471 to 1483, covering the period when Caxton introduced printing.
Understanding the historical context can sometimes help in grasping the intended meaning or subtle errors in language use.
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)
