In the following sentence, identify the part that contains an error in standard English usage: They will (A) leave the office at six and (B) reach at home by seven. (C) No error (D)

Introduction / Context:
Error spotting questions check knowledge of common grammar patterns and collocations. In this sentence, the learner must identify which segment contains a mistake. The verb "reach" has a specific pattern of usage in English, and this question focuses on whether candidates know that "reach home" does not take a preposition before "home".

Given Data / Assumptions:

Sentence broken into parts: (A) They will, (B) leave the office at six and, (C) reach at home by seven, (D) No error.

The tense is simple future, which is acceptable in all parts.

The suspected issue arises in the phrase "reach at home".

Concept / Approach:

The verb "reach" is a transitive verb that directly takes its object without a preposition.

Standard usage is "reach home", "reach the station", "reach school", not "reach at home" or "reach at the station".

Other parts of the sentence follow normal patterns: "will leave", "at six", and "by seven".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine part A: "They will". This correctly introduces the simple future tense with the subject "They". Step 2: Examine part B: "leave the office at six and". The verb "leave" followed by "the office" and the time expression "at six" is correct. Step 3: Examine part C: "reach at home by seven". Here, "reach" is followed by the preposition "at", which conflicts with standard usage. Step 4: Correct usage would be "reach home by seven" without any preposition before "home". Step 5: Therefore, part C contains the error.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider other examples: "They reached home safely", "I reached the airport on time". In each, "reach" directly takes its object. If a preposition is used, a different verb is usually required, such as "arrive at home" or "arrive at the station". Thus, "reach at home" is ungrammatical, while "reach home" fits the pattern.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a, part A, is correct because "They will" correctly introduces the future tense. Option b, part B, is correct; "leave the office at six and" is grammatically sound and idiomatic. Option d states "No error", which is wrong because we have identified a clear error in part C.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse "reach" with "arrive" and incorrectly attach prepositions after "reach". Because "arrive at" and "arrive in" are correct, students mistakenly extend this pattern to "reach". To avoid this confusion, remember: "reach" takes a direct object, while "arrive" is followed by a preposition.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is: C.