Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This error spotting question checks whether you understand how the verb enjoy is used in English. The sentence is split into parts labelled A, B, C, and D, and you must identify which part contains a mistake. The incorrect part involves an incomplete verb phrase that needs an object or reflexive pronoun to be grammatically complete.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The verb enjoy usually takes a direct object. You say I enjoyed the show or I enjoyed myself. Writing I enjoyed during my tenure is incomplete because the verb does not have an object. The sentence should be corrected to I enjoyed myself during my tenure at Shimla. The incorrect construction appears in part A, where enjoyed stands alone without an object or reflexive pronoun.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine part A: I enjoyed during. Ask if enjoy can be used without an object here.Step 2: Recall that in this context we usually say I enjoyed myself during my tenure, where myself is the object of enjoyed.Step 3: Notice that parts B and C simply give details of time and place, my tenure and at Shimla, and are otherwise fine.Step 4: Conclude that the missing element is in part A, which lacks the necessary object, making that part grammatically incorrect.Step 5: Therefore, part A is where the error lies, since the corrected sentence would attach myself to enjoyed.
Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite the complete sentence in correct English: I enjoyed myself during my tenure at Shimla. Now break it again: I enjoyed myself during (A) / my tenure (B) / at Shimla (C). The only change is the addition of myself in A, confirming that part A was incomplete earlier. Parts B and C remain unchanged and correct, describing when and where the enjoyment took place.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Part B, my tenure, correctly functions as the object of the preposition during and does not contain any grammatical error. Part C, at Shimla, is a standard prepositional phrase indicating place. Part D, No error, cannot be chosen because we have identified that enjoy needs an object in part A for the sentence to be complete.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners may sometimes translate directly from languages where enjoy can stand alone without an object, leading to forms like I enjoyed during the trip. In standard English, however, enjoy almost always requires an object, either a noun like the trip or a reflexive pronoun like myself. A helpful tip is to remember common patterns: I enjoyed the movie and I enjoyed myself at the party. These patterns can guide your choices in error spotting questions.
Final Answer:
The error lies in part A, where enjoyed is used without an object, so option A is correct.
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