In this English error spotting question, determine whether any part of the sentence contains an error in: "Excess energy intake from (A) food may fuel the (B) growth of several cancers. (C) No error (D)".

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This error spotting question checks whether you can recognize a sentence that is already grammatically correct. The sentence presented is: "Excess energy intake from (A) food may fuel the (B) growth of several cancers. (C) No error (D)". You must decide whether any of the segments (A), (B), or (C) contain a grammatical or usage problem, or whether the correct choice is (D) "No error".


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Full sentence: "Excess energy intake from food may fuel the growth of several cancers."
  • Part (A): "Excess energy intake from"
  • Part (B): "food may fuel the"
  • Part (C): "growth of several cancers."
  • Part (D): "No error"
  • The sentence appears to be scientific or health related, explaining the effect of energy intake on cancer development.


Concept / Approach:
To solve such questions, read the entire sentence for meaning, grammar, and collocation. Check subject verb agreement, prepositions, article usage, and word order. "Excess energy intake from food" functions as a clear noun phrase resulting in a potential effect: "may fuel the growth of several cancers." The modal "may" correctly indicates possibility. The expression "fuel the growth" is a common and acceptable metaphor in scientific writing. The plural "cancers" is used because different types of cancer may be affected. There is no mismatch or incorrect word choice here, so the sentence is acceptable as it stands.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine part (A): "Excess energy intake from". "Excess energy intake" is a correct compound noun phrase, and "from" is the correct preposition before "food".Step 2: Examine part (B): "food may fuel the". The word order "food may fuel" follows standard subject modal verb verb pattern, and "the" correctly introduces the noun phrase "growth".Step 3: Examine part (C): "growth of several cancers." This phrase correctly uses "of" to indicate what is growing and properly uses "several" to modify "cancers".Step 4: Check overall meaning: the sentence clearly states that too much energy intake can contribute to the development of different cancers, which is logically and grammatically coherent.Step 5: Since none of parts (A), (B), or (C) show errors, choose part (D) "No error".


Verification / Alternative check:
We can attempt alternative phrasing to see if anything feels clearly superior or if the current sentence is already standard. For example, "Excess energy intake from food may fuel the growth of various cancers" is a minor stylistic variation but not required. In exams, small stylistic tweaks do not count as errors; only clear grammatical or collocational mistakes do. There is no verb form issue, no tense confusion, and no incorrect preposition, confirming that the original version is correct.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Option A (part A) is grammatically correct and forms a complete subject phrase when combined with part (B).
  • Option B (part B) is structurally sound and uses the modal "may" appropriately for possibility.
  • Option C (part C) properly expresses the object of the verb "fuel" and is idiomatic.


Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates overthink sentences that look technical or scientific and imagine errors where none exist. It is important not to make unnecessary corrections just because a sentence uses specific domain vocabulary. In error spotting questions, if a sentence reads grammatically and meaningfully correct, you should be comfortable choosing "No error". Practice distinguishing genuine grammatical mistakes from mere stylistic alternatives.


Final Answer:
The sentence is grammatically correct, so the appropriate choice is D (No error).

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