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Question

Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with three parts labelled as (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in the given parts and indicate your response corresponding letter i.e., (a) or (b) or (c). if you find no error, your response should be indicated as (d).

a) I cannot

b) cope up

c) with the pressure

d) No error

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2020 GAT Previous Year Paper (06-Sep-2020)
The correct answer is

b

English Grammar Error Identification: "Cope Up With" Analysis

The question asks us to identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error. The sentence given is "I cannot cope up with the pressure." Let's break down the sentence into its labelled parts and examine each one carefully.

  • Part (a): I cannot - This part consists of the subject "I" and the modal verb "cannot". This structure is grammatically correct and makes sense in the context of the sentence. There is no error here.
  • Part (b): cope up - This is the phrase involving the verb "cope". This part needs careful examination regarding correct idiomatic usage.
  • Part (c): with the pressure - This part is a prepositional phrase indicating what is being coped with. "With the pressure" is grammatically correct in structure. There is no error here, assuming the verb phrase preceding it is correct.

Identifying the Error in "Cope Up"

The error lies in part (b), specifically in the phrase "cope up with". The correct idiomatic expression in English is "cope with". The word "up" is superfluous and incorrect when used with "cope" in this context, meaning to deal effectively with something difficult.

Let's look at the correct usage:

  • Correct: I cannot cope with the pressure.
  • Incorrect: I cannot cope up with the pressure.

The verb "cope" inherently means to deal successfully with a difficult situation. It doesn't require the addition of "up" to convey this meaning. Adding "up" is a common error, but it is grammatically incorrect.

Analyzing the Correct Sentence Structure

When corrected, the sentence reads: "I cannot cope with the pressure."

  • "I" is the subject.
  • "cannot cope" is the verb phrase (modal verb + main verb).
  • "with the pressure" is the prepositional phrase modifying the verb phrase, indicating the thing being dealt with.

This structure is grammatically sound and follows the standard usage of the idiom "cope with".

Conclusion on the Grammatical Error

Based on the analysis, the error is found in part (b) of the sentence, where "cope up" is used instead of the correct idiom "cope with". Therefore, part (b) is the erroneous part.

Part Text Analysis Error?
(a) I cannot Subject + modal verb; correct. No
(b) cope up Incorrect idiom; should be "cope with". Yes
(c) with the pressure Prepositional phrase; correct structure. No
(d) No error Incorrect, as there is an error in (b). No

Revision Table: Understanding Idioms and Phrases

Incorrect Phrase Correct Phrase Meaning
Cope up with Cope with To deal effectively with something difficult.
Comprise of Comprise / Consist of To be made up of.
Discuss about Discuss To talk about (a subject).
Enter into (a room) Enter (a room) To come or go into.

Additional Information: Common English Errors & Idioms

Understanding common grammatical errors and correct idiomatic usage is crucial for improving English proficiency. Idioms are phrases whose meaning cannot be deduced simply from the literal meaning of the words. Using the correct idiom or phrase is essential for accurate and natural-sounding English.

Here are a few points to remember about common errors:

  • Redundancy: Avoid adding unnecessary words, as seen with "up" in "cope up". Other examples include "return back", "repeat again".
  • Incorrect Prepositions: Many verbs and adjectives require specific prepositions. Using the wrong one is a common error (e.g., "depend on" not "depend of").
  • Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb must agree with its subject in number (e.g., "He runs," not "He run").
  • Incorrect Idioms: Learn common idioms and their correct forms. Phrases like "cope with", "get rid of", "look forward to" have specific structures.

Practicing sentence correction exercises helps in identifying these common pitfalls and reinforcing correct grammar and usage.

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