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'. The new lecturer (A)/ seems to be very popular with (B)/ most of the class. (C)/ No error (D)
D
Analyzing the Sentence for Errors
Let's carefully examine each part of the sentence to identify any potential grammatical errors or awkward phrasing. The sentence is: "The new lecturer (A)/ seems to be very popular with (B)/ most of the class. (C)/ No error (D)"
Examining Part (A): The new lecturer
This part introduces the subject of the sentence, which is "The new lecturer".
- "The" is a definite article, used correctly here to refer to a specific, new lecturer.
- "new" is an adjective modifying "lecturer".
- "lecturer" is a singular noun, the subject of the sentence.
This phrase "The new lecturer" is grammatically sound and serves as a valid subject for the sentence.
Examining Part (B): seems to be very popular with
This part contains the verb phrase and a key prepositional phrase.
- "seems to be" is the verb phrase. The verb "seems" agrees in number with the singular subject "lecturer" (singular subject takes singular verb ending in -s in the present tense). This is correct subject-verb agreement.
- "very popular" describes the state of the lecturer. "very" is an adverb modifying the adjective "popular". Both are used correctly here to indicate a high degree of popularity.
- "with" is a preposition used to indicate the group among whom the lecturer is popular.
The phrase "popular with" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is well-liked by a particular group of people. This part is grammatically correct.
Examining Part (C): most of the class
This part completes the prepositional phrase started in part (B).
- "most of the class" refers to the majority of students in the class.
- "most of" is a quantifier phrase, and it is followed by a definite noun phrase "the class". This structure is correct when referring to a part of a specific group.
The phrase "most of the class" is a standard and grammatically correct way to refer to the majority of members within a specific class. This part is also correct.
Conclusion: Identifying the Error
Upon reviewing each part of the sentence, we find that:
- Part (A) "The new lecturer" is correct.
- Part (B) "seems to be very popular with" is correct.
- Part (C) "most of the class" is correct.
Since no part of the sentence contains a grammatical error, the sentence is free from errors.
Therefore, the appropriate option is 'No error'.
| Part | Sentence Fragment | Analysis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | The new lecturer | Subject phrase, correct article and adjective use, singular noun. | Correct |
| (B) | seems to be very popular with | Correct subject-verb agreement ('seems' with 'lecturer'), correct adverb-adjective use, correct idiom 'popular with'. | Correct |
| (C) | most of the class | Correct quantifier phrase 'most of' with a definite noun phrase 'the class'. | Correct |
Revision Table: Common Structures & Usage
| Concept | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject-Verb Agreement | Singular subject takes a singular verb (often ending in -s in simple present tense). Plural subject takes a plural verb. | He walks. They walk. The lecturer seems. |
| Adverb Modifying Adjective | An adverb (like 'very') modifies an adjective (like 'popular') to indicate degree. | He is very kind. She ran extremely fast. |
| Popular with/among | Idiomatic expression indicating being liked by a group. 'With' or 'among' can be used, often depending on context or preference. 'Popular with' is very common when referring to a specific group like a class or teammates. 'Popular among' is also correct and perhaps slightly more formal or used for larger, less defined groups. | Popular with students. Popular among her friends. |
Additional Information: Understanding Sentence Structure
This sentence follows a basic Subject-Verb-Complement structure. "The new lecturer" is the subject, "seems to be" is the main verb/linking verb phrase, and "very popular with most of the class" functions as the complement describing the subject's state or characteristic.
- Subject: Who or what the sentence is about.
- Verb: The action or state of being. Linking verbs (like 'seems', 'is', 'are', 'appears') connect the subject to a complement that describes the subject.
- Complement: Provides more information about the subject or object. Here, "very popular with most of the class" is a subject complement.
Understanding these fundamental parts helps in identifying errors related to subject-verb agreement, adjective/adverb use, and correct prepositional phrases.
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)
