Understanding Sentence Error Identification

The question asks us to carefully read the given sentence and identify if there is any grammatical error in the underlined parts labeled (a), (b), or (c). If no error is found in any of these parts, then the correct response is (d) which represents 'No error'. Let's break down the sentence and analyze each part.

The sentence is: I waited (a) for her return (b) with growing unease. (c) No error. (d)

Analyzing Part (a): I waited

• This part contains the subject "I" and the verb "waited".
• "Waited" is the simple past tense of the verb "to wait".
• The structure "Subject + Verb (past tense)" is grammatically correct for a simple past tense sentence.
• This part correctly establishes the action performed by the subject.

Conclusion for (a): No error found in part (a) "I waited".

Analyzing Part (b): for her return

• This part is a prepositional phrase starting with the preposition "for".
• The phrase is "for her return".
• "Return" here is used as a noun, referring to the act of returning. This is a nominalization of the verb "return".
• "Her" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "return". Possessive pronouns (like my, your, his, her, its, our, their) are used to show possession of a noun.
• The verb "wait" is commonly followed by the preposition "for" when indicating the object or person being waited for (e.g., wait for a bus, wait for a friend). Waiting "for her return" is a correct use of the phrasal verb "wait for" followed by the nominalized object.
• The structure "preposition + possessive + noun" is grammatically correct.

Conclusion for (b): No error found in part (b) "for her return".

Analyzing Part (c): with growing unease.

• This part is also a prepositional phrase starting with the preposition "with".
• The phrase describes the manner or state in which the waiting occurred.
• "Unease" is a noun meaning anxiety or discomfort.
• "Growing" is the present participle of the verb "to grow", used here as an adjective modifying the noun "unease". It describes the type or state of unease – it was increasing.
• Using a present participle as an adjective (e.g., a growing problem, a running stream, a fascinating book) is grammatically correct.
• The preposition "with" is appropriately used here to introduce the state or feeling accompanying the action.
• The structure "preposition + adjective (participle) + noun" is grammatically sound.

Conclusion for (c): No error found in part (c) "with growing unease."

Identifying the Overall Error Status

We have analyzed parts (a), (b), and (c) of the sentence and found no grammatical errors in any of them. Therefore, according to the question's instructions, if there is no error in any underlined part, the response should be (d).

Since all parts (a), (b), and (c) are grammatically correct, the correct option indicating no error is (d).

Revision Table: Sentence Grammar Check

Additional Information: Understanding 'No Error' Questions and Related Grammar

Sentence error identification questions often test your knowledge of various grammar rules simultaneously. A 'No error' option is included to account for sentences that are already grammatically sound. When approaching such questions, it's helpful to:

• Identify the core sentence elements: subject(s), verb(s), object(s).
• Check verb tense and agreement.
• Examine prepositions and prepositional phrases for correct usage.
• Look at modifiers (adjectives, adverbs) and ensure they are correctly formed and placed.
• Verify pronoun usage (subject, object, possessive) and agreement.
• Check for common errors like misplaced modifiers, parallel structure issues, or incorrect idioms.

In this specific sentence, key elements tested include:

• Phrasal Verb "Wait For": This is a common phrasal verb meaning to await the arrival or occurrence of someone or something. Example: "We are waiting for the train."
• Possessives Before Gerunds/Nominalizations: While sometimes debated, using a possessive (like 'her') before a gerund (verb+ing acting as a noun) or a nominalization (a word formed from a verb or adjective, used as a noun, like 'return' from 'to return') is often considered standard, especially in formal contexts. "Her return" means the act of her returning.
• Participle as Adjective: A present participle (-ing form) or past participle (-ed form) can function as an adjective. "Growing" describes 'unease', showing it was increasing. Other examples: "a broken chair," "an exciting game."

By carefully analyzing each part based on these grammatical principles, we confirm that the original sentence "I waited for her return with growing unease." contains no grammatical errors.