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’. Turning left under (1)/ the crossroads will (2)/ save you some time. (3)/ No error (4)
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Identifying Sentence Errors: Preposition Usage
The question asks us to find the part of the sentence that contains an error. Let's examine the sentence part by part:
The sentence is: Turning left under (1)/ the crossroads will (2)/ save you some time. (3)/ No error (4)
Analyzing Each Part of the Sentence
- Part (1): Turning left under
- Part (2): the crossroads will
- Part (3): save you some time.
- Part (4): No error
We need to check each part for grammatical correctness, punctuation, and appropriate word choice.
Focusing on Preposition Usage at Crossroads
The error is likely in the preposition used in Part (1). The phrase "under the crossroads" is not typically used to describe the action of turning or arriving at an intersection.
When referring to navigating at an intersection, which is what a crossroads is, the usual prepositions are "at" or "at the". For example, one would say:
- Turn left at the crossroads.
- Meet me at the crossroads.
- Stop at the crossroads.
Using "under" implies being beneath the intersection, which doesn't fit the context of turning at a standard road junction.
Identifying the Error Location
Part (1) uses the incorrect preposition "under". The phrase should be "Turning left at the crossroads" or simply "Turning left at crossroads" depending on the specific context (though "at the crossroads" is more common when referring to a specific one). The error lies in the word "under".
Therefore, Part (1) of the sentence contains the error.
Correcting the Sentence
The corrected sentence would be:
Turning left at the crossroads will save you some time.
Conclusion on the Sentence Error
Based on the analysis of preposition usage with "crossroads", the error is found in the first part of the sentence, "Turning left under". The preposition "under" is incorrect in this context.
The part with the error is (1).
Revision Table: Common Preposition Errors
| Incorrect Usage Example | Correct Usage Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive in the station | Arrive at the station | Use 'at' for specific points or smaller places like stations, airports. Use 'in' for larger areas like cities or countries. |
| Sit on the chair (with arms/back) | Sit in the chair (with arms/back) | Use 'in' for chairs that enclose you (armchairs); use 'on' for chairs without arms/back (stools) or flat surfaces. |
| Walk in the road | Walk on the road | Use 'on' for surfaces. 'In' the road might imply being inside the substance of the road (not common). |
| Talk on a subject | Talk about a subject | Use 'about' or 'of' when discussing a topic. 'On' is sometimes used, but 'about' is more general. |
Additional Information: Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place indicate the position or location of one thing in relation to another. They are essential for clear communication but can be tricky as their usage often depends on context and common idiomatic phrases.
- At: Used for specific points, locations, or small areas (e.g., at the corner, at the bus stop, at home, at the crossroads).
- In: Used for larger areas, enclosed spaces, or containers (e.g., in the park, in the room, in London, in a box).
- On: Used for surfaces, lines, or something attached to a surface (e.g., on the table, on the wall, on the street, on the floor).
- Under: Indicates a position below something (e.g., under the bridge, under the table, under the covers). In the original sentence, "under the crossroads" doesn't fit the typical spatial relationship described when navigating an intersection at ground level.
Understanding the common uses and exceptions for these prepositions is crucial for avoiding errors in sentence construction.
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)
