In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'. In my opinion (A)/a pencil is always (B)/ more preferable than a pen. (C)/ No error (D)
C
Analyzing the Grammar Error in the Sentence
The question asks us to identify the part of the given sentence that contains a grammar error. The sentence is divided into three parts: (A) "In my opinion", (B) "a pencil is always", and (C) "more preferable than a pen."
Let's examine each part carefully to check for any potential errors.
- Part (A): "In my opinion" - This is a standard introductory phrase used to express a personal view. It is grammatically correct and commonly used. There is no error in part (A).
- Part (B): "a pencil is always" - This part introduces the subject "a pencil" and uses the present tense verb "is" followed by the adverb "always". This structure is grammatically sound in this context. There is no error in part (B).
- Part (C): "more preferable than a pen." - This part expresses a comparison. The word "preferable" means "more desirable or suitable". It inherently carries the meaning of comparison, implying a preference over something else.
Understanding the Usage of 'Preferable'
The word "preferable" is an absolute comparative. This means it already indicates a higher degree of preference. Therefore, adding "more" before "preferable" is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Furthermore, the word "preferable" is typically followed by the preposition "to" when making a comparison, not "than". The correct structure is "preferable to".
So, the phrase "more preferable than" is incorrect on two counts: the use of "more" and the use of "than". The correct phrasing should be "preferable to".
Based on this analysis, the error lies in part (C) of the sentence, "more preferable than a pen."
Correcting the Sentence
The corrected sentence would be: "In my opinion, a pencil is always preferable to a pen."
Conclusion
The error is found in part (C) due to the incorrect use of "more" before "preferable" and the use of "than" instead of "to". Therefore, option (C) is the correct answer indicating the erroneous part.
| Part | Text | Error Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| (A) | In my opinion | Grammatically correct. |
| (B) | a pencil is always | Grammatically correct. |
| (C) | more preferable than a pen. | Incorrect usage of "more" and "than". Should be "preferable to". |
| (D) | No error | Incorrect, as an error exists in part (C). |
Revision Table: Common Grammar Errors with Comparatives
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| More preferable than | Preferable to | "Preferable" is an absolute comparative; use "to". |
| More unique | Unique | "Unique" means "one of a kind"; cannot be more or less unique. |
| Most perfect | Perfect | "Perfect" is an absolute adjective; cannot be more or most perfect. |
| More superior than | Superior to | "Superior" is an absolute comparative; use "to". |
| More interior than | Interior to | "Interior" is an absolute comparative; use "to". |
Additional Information: Absolute Comparatives and Superlatives
Some adjectives and adverbs express a state or quality that is absolute, meaning it cannot be intensified or compared in degrees. Examples include:
- Absolute adjectives: unique, perfect, complete, full, empty, dead, fatal, impossible, true, false, ultimate, sufficient.
- Adjectives ending in -er or -or often used as comparatives with 'to': superior, inferior, prior, anterior, posterior, exterior, interior, preferable. These words already imply a comparison and are typically followed by "to", not "than".
Using words like "more", "most", "very", "rather", etc., with these absolute terms is generally considered incorrect or redundant in formal grammar. For instance, you cannot be "more unique" because unique already means one of a kind. Something is either unique or not.
Similar Questions
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options.
No sooner did Priya / get her report card / when she started jumping / with joy.
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options.
Lalitha will go / to sister’s house / in Mumbai / this summer.
The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.
You should/ have respond / to my query / sooner.
The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.
Athens was / a most luminous / of all city-states / of ancient Greece.
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options.
Four of earliest civilisations / of the world / were located / on the banks of or near large rivers.
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them contains an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options.
The recruiters / were pleased / to John’s / domain knowledge and personality.
The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error from the given options. If you don’t find any error, mark ‘No error’ as your answer.
It has been / raining intermittently / since two days.
The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.
The manager said, "Could you please / confirm me whether you / have received all the items / that you had ordered?"
Parts of the following sentence are given as options. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.
A large number of student have participated in this music video.
Parts of the following sentence are given as options. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.
Scarcely had the train stopped at the platform than the passengers started pushing each other to enter the train.
Important Questions from Error Spotting
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).
It is identification with the audience(a)that makes one come home from the play so much more(b)satisfied than one ever is after merely passive enjoyment of the show.(c) No error.(d)
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).
CV Raman was one of the greatest sons of India (a) who has earned everlasting fame (b) for scientific researches. (c) No error. (d)
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).
This box(a)is heavy than(b) the other one.(c) No error. (d)
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).
Thewriter does not have the freedom (a) to choose his own themes, (b) society thrusts them on him (c) No error. (d)
The following question has a sentence with three underlined parts labelled (a), (b) and (c). Read each sentence to find out whether there is an 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).
No one knows (a) why he did it, (b) or who was behind his doing it.(c) No error. (d)
