In the sentence identify the segment which contains the grammatical error. Although there are more than a hundred known elements, they rarely occur at a pure state.
at a pure state
Understanding the Grammatical Error in the Sentence
The question asks us to identify the segment in the given sentence that contains a grammatical error. The sentence is: "Although there are more than a hundred known elements, they rarely occur at a pure state." We need to examine each part of the sentence to find any incorrect usage of words, prepositions, articles, or sentence structure.
Analyzing Each Segment for Errors
Let's break down the sentence and look at the segments presented in the options:
- Although there are: This segment introduces a concessive clause. "Although" is correctly used to show contrast. "there are" is the correct verb form to agree with the plural subject "more than a hundred known elements". This segment is grammatically correct.
- more than a hundred: This phrase is used to indicate a quantity greater than 100. This is standard and grammatically correct usage.
- they rarely occur: "They" refers back to "elements". "rarely" is an adverb modifying the verb "occur". The structure "they rarely occur" is grammatically sound in this context.
- at a pure state: This segment describes the condition in which the elements are found. Let's consider the typical prepositions used with the word "state" when referring to a condition or form.
Identifying the Incorrect Segment: "at a pure state"
The phrase "at a pure state" contains a grammatical error. When referring to the condition or form in which something exists, the preposition typically used with "state" is "in", not "at". The correct idiomatic phrase is "in a state".
Explanation of the Grammatical Rule
The error lies in the incorrect use of the preposition "at". The word "state" when referring to a condition, situation, or form, is usually used with the preposition "in".
- We say "in a state of flux".
- We say "in a good state of repair".
- We say "in a pure state".
Using "at a state" is not the standard or correct prepositional phrase in this context. Therefore, "at a pure state" is grammatically incorrect.
Correcting the Sentence
To correct the sentence, the phrase "at a pure state" should be replaced with "in a pure state". The corrected sentence would read: "Although there are more than a hundred known elements, they rarely occur in a pure state."
Revision Table: Sentence Analysis
| Segment | Analysis | Grammatical Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| Although there are | Introductory clause, correct structure | Correct |
| more than a hundred | Quantifier phrase, correct usage | Correct |
| they rarely occur | Subject, adverb, verb; correct structure | Correct |
| at a pure state | Incorrect preposition used with 'state' | Incorrect |
Based on the analysis, the segment containing the grammatical error is "at a pure state".
Additional Information on Preposition Usage with 'State'
While "in a state" is common for condition, the word "state" can be used with other prepositions in different contexts:
- at state: This is generally incorrect for condition. "At stake" is an idiom meaning 'at risk'.
- for state: Used to indicate purpose or reason, e.g., "He did it for the good of the state."
- of state: Used in phrases like "Secretary of State" or "affairs of state".
- by state: Used in phrases like "state by state analysis".
In the context of the physical condition or form of something, "in a state" is the appropriate phrasing.
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)
