In the following question, a sentence is divided into numbered parts. Identify the part that contains an error in prepositional usage. Sentence: “If we objectively ponder on the mystery behind miseries, we find that as long as we restrict ourselves to the means of happiness, we are left in the lurch.”

Introduction / Context:
This question tests the correct use of prepositions and idiomatic expressions in a philosophical sentence about miseries and happiness. The sentence is split into parts, and the candidate must identify which part contains the error. The phrase “ponder on” in part (1) is the key area to examine carefully.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence reads: “If we objectively ponder on the mystery behind miseries, we find that as long as we restrict ourselves to the means of happiness, we are left in the lurch.”
• Part (1) includes “If we objectively ponder on the mystery behind miseries.”
• Part (2) says “we find that as long as we restrict ourselves to the means of happiness.”
• Part (3) says “we are left in the lurch.”
• The verb “ponder” is normally used with “over” or with no preposition at all in formal English.

Concept / Approach:
The main concept is idiomatic correctness. In standard English, we usually say “ponder over a mystery” or simply “ponder a mystery.” The combination “ponder on a mystery” is considered non standard and is treated as an error in competitive examinations. Therefore, part (1) is the likely candidate for the error. The rest of the sentence uses accepted phrases such as “restrict ourselves to” and “left in the lurch.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite the sentence in a corrected form: “If we objectively ponder over the mystery behind miseries, we find that as long as we restrict ourselves to the means of happiness, we are left in the lurch.” Alternatively, we can also write “If we objectively ponder the mystery behind miseries...” Both versions sound natural and are accepted in formal contexts. Since no changes are required in parts (2) and (3), the identification of part (1) as erroneous is confirmed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Part (2): The phrases “restrict ourselves to the means of happiness” and “as long as” are correct expressions.
• Part (3): The idiom “left in the lurch” is a standard expression meaning “abandoned in difficulty,” so there is no error.
• “No error”: This option is wrong because the non standard use of “ponder on” must be corrected in exam style English.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners are influenced by regional usage and may have heard “ponder on” in speech, so they accept it as correct. Others may focus mainly on verb tenses and neglect prepositions. Error spotting questions deliberately use such subtle points. To avoid mistakes, students must learn standard collocations and pay close attention to the small connecting words in a sentence.

Final Answer:
Part (1) is the correct answer, because “ponder on” should be replaced by “ponder over” or simply “ponder” for idiomatic correctness.