Direction :Read each sentence to find out whether there is an error in any part and if you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d). (a) Slow and steady (b) owns the race (c) as the wise would say (d) No error
(b)
Identifying Grammar Errors in Sentences
The question asks us to identify if there is any grammatical error in the given sentence. The sentence is broken down into parts (a), (b), and (c).
Let's examine each part:
- (a) Slow and steady
- (b) owns the race
- (c) as the wise would say
- (d) No error
Analyzing Each Part for Sentence Errors
We need to read the sentence carefully and check for issues like subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, correct use of idioms, punctuation, etc.
- Part (a): Slow and steady
This part introduces the subject of the sentence, which is a phrase referring to a particular approach or quality. In this context, "Slow and steady" functions as a single unit representing a concept. - Part (b): owns the race
This part contains the verb and the object. The verb used is "owns". We need to consider if this is the correct verb in this context. - Part (c): as the wise would say
This part adds a clause explaining the source or common knowledge of the preceding statement. This structure and wording are grammatically correct in this context.
Identifying the Error in the Sentence
The phrase "Slow and steady wins the race" is a very common English proverb or idiom. It means that consistently putting in effort over a long period, even at a slow pace, is more effective than bursts of activity. The standard and correct verb used with "Slow and steady" in this idiom is "wins".
In the given sentence, the verb "owns" is used instead of "wins". While "owns" means possessing something, it does not fit the meaning of the established proverb "Slow and steady wins the race". The error lies in the incorrect choice of the verb.
Therefore, the error is in part (b) of the sentence.
| Part | Text | Analysis | Error? |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | Slow and steady | Subject phrase functioning as a single unit. Grammatically correct. | No |
| (b) | owns the race | Contains the verb. The verb 'owns' is incorrect for the idiom. Should be 'wins'. | Yes |
| (c) | as the wise would say | Subordinate clause providing context. Grammatically correct. | No |
| (d) | No error | Incorrect, as there is an error in part (b). | - |
The sentence should correctly read: "Slow and steady wins the race as the wise would say."
Revision Table: Correcting the Sentence Error
| Incorrect Part | Correct Form | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| owns the race | wins the race | Part of the standard English idiom 'Slow and steady wins the race'. 'Owns' changes the meaning incorrectly. |
Additional Information on English Idioms and Grammar
Understanding common idioms and proverbs is crucial for identifying errors in sentence structure and word usage. Idioms are phrases where the meaning is not easily deduced from the individual words. "Slow and steady wins the race" is a classic example.
Also, note that even though "slow and steady" uses the conjunction "and", the phrase collectively refers to a single strategy or concept, and thus takes a singular verb ("wins"). This is similar to how phrases like "Bread and butter" or "Law and order" can sometimes function as singular subjects depending on the context.
Being familiar with such fixed expressions helps in quickly spotting deviations that result in grammatical errors.
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)
