In the following question, some part of the sentence may have an error. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select "No Error". Sentence: As it came to a stop (1)/ the conductor called (2)/ overin a loud voice. (3)/ No Error (4)

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 3

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This error spotting question tests your awareness of correct spacing and word division in English. The sentence describes a vehicle coming to a stop and the conductor calling out loudly. One part of the sentence contains a clear error in the way words are written. Your job is to identify which numbered segment includes this mistake.



Given Data / Assumptions:


    • Full sentence: As it came to a stop (1)/ the conductor called (2)/ overin a loud voice. (3)/ No Error (4).
    • Segment (1): As it came to a stop.
    • Segment (2): the conductor called.
    • Segment (3): overin a loud voice.
    • Segment (4): No Error.


Concept / Approach:
The phrase overin a loud voice is incorrect because two separate words, over and in, have been incorrectly joined together as overin. The intended phrase is called over in a loud voice or simply called out in a loud voice. In the structure given, the best correction is to separate over and in, making it over in a loud voice. Therefore, the error is in part (3).



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine part (1): As it came to a stop. This is grammatically correct and forms a proper dependent clause. Step 2: Examine part (2): the conductor called. This is also correct and works as the main clause subject and verb. Step 3: Examine part (3): overin a loud voice. This contains a spelling/spacing error where two separate words have been joined. Step 4: Recognise that called over in a loud voice is a natural collocation meaning shouted or announced loudly. Step 5: Therefore, part (3) should read over in a loud voice, with over and in as separate words. Step 6: Conclude that the error is in segment (3), corresponding to option c.


Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite the corrected sentence: As it came to a stop, the conductor called over in a loud voice. This reads naturally and is free from spelling or spacing mistakes. Parts (1) and (2) were already correct; once part (3) is fixed, the entire sentence is grammatically and orthographically sound. Thus, there is a definite error, and the no-error option (4) cannot be chosen.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Part (1) uses a correct expression to describe the vehicle coming to rest. Part (2) correctly introduces the subject (the conductor) and the reporting verb (called). Part (4) is the no-error option, which is wrong here because we have clearly identified an error in part (3). Therefore, options a, b, and d are not correct.



Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may overlook spacing errors if they read too quickly or focus only on grammar and ignore the visual form of the words. Exams often include such orthographic mistakes to test careful reading. Always check that each written unit is a valid English word and that common phrasal structures like called over in are written as separate words, not merged incorrectly.



Final Answer:
The error is in part (3); overin should be written as two words: over in a loud voice.

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion