In this English grammar error-spotting question, identify the part of the sentence that contains an error: "There was a fine line(A) between being frugal(B) and being a miser.(C) No error(D)".

Introduction / Context:

This is a classic error-spotting question that tests your ability to recognise when a sentence is already grammatically correct and idiomatic. Many exam questions include such examples to ensure that candidates do not over-correct sentences that are actually fine. The sentence expresses a subtle distinction between two qualities: being frugal and being a miser.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Full sentence: "There was a fine line(A) between being frugal(B) and being a miser.(C) No error(D)".

- Part A: "There was a fine line"

- Part B: "between being frugal"

- Part C: "and being a miser."

- Part D: "No error"

- The sentence is describing a narrow difference between two related behavioural traits.

Concept / Approach:

The expression "there is a fine line between X and Y" is a standard idiom in English used to indicate that the difference between two things is very small. The structure "being frugal" and "being a miser" correctly uses gerund phrases as objects of the preposition "between". The tense "was" is appropriate if the speaker refers to a past situation. When every phrase fits idiomatic usage and grammar rules, the correct answer in such error-spotting questions is "No error".

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

If we attempt to rewrite the sentence, we arrive at forms like "There was a fine line between frugality and miserliness", which is another correct way to say the same thing. However, the original version "between being frugal and being a miser" is also grammatically correct and idiomatic. There is no issue with verb tense, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, or article usage. This confirms that the sentence can stand exactly as given, and thus the correct response is that there is no error.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Part A correctly uses "There was a fine line". Changing the tense to "is" would alter the time reference but is not required by the sentence. Part B correctly uses "between being frugal", with "being" serving as a gerund. Part C correctly continues the parallel structure with "and being a miser". None of these parts contain grammar or usage mistakes. Selecting A, B, or C would mean incorrectly identifying a correct phrase as erroneous.

Common Pitfalls:

Many students feel compelled to find an error in every sentence and may mistakenly try to change "being frugal" into "to be frugal" or adjust the tense arbitrarily. Others might think that the word "fine" should be "thin" or some other adjective, but that would be altering style rather than correcting a grammatical mistake. The key in such questions is to check for real errors in agreement, tense, preposition, or standard usage, and to remember that sometimes the correct answer is legitimately "No error".

Final Answer:

The sentence is grammatically correct as it stands, so the correct choice is "D" (No error).