In the following error-spotting question, identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error: "I have sign over the cheque, you can collect it tomorrow."

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: I have sign over

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to detect basic grammatical errors in everyday English sentences. The sentence given is "I have sign over the cheque, you can collect it tomorrow." You must identify which part contains a clear mistake. Such questions often focus on verb forms, tense, agreement, or punctuation errors.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The verb phrase in the first part is "have sign over".
  • The sentence describes a completed action related to a cheque.
  • The second part "you can collect it tomorrow" is grammatically acceptable.
  • We must focus on tense and form of the verb.


Concept / Approach:
In present perfect tense, we use "have" or "has" plus the past participle of the verb. The base form "sign" cannot follow "have" directly in this tense; it should be "signed". The correct phrase is "I have signed over the cheque". The rest of the sentence, though it could be improved by stronger punctuation, is not grammatically wrong for exam purposes. Therefore, the error is in the first part of the sentence where the verb form is incorrect.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Look at part A: "I have sign over". The structure "have sign" is wrong because the past participle should be "signed". Step 2: Look at part B: "the cheque, you can". Though this is a comma splice, exams often focus on more obvious errors; the words themselves are grammatically compatible. Step 3: Look at part C: "collect it tomorrow." This is a correct phrase. Step 4: Conclude that the clear grammatical error is in part A.


Verification / Alternative check:
Correct the sentence mentally: "I have signed over the cheque; you can collect it tomorrow." Now the verb form is correct, and only a minor punctuation improvement is made by using a semicolon or full stop instead of a comma. Since the question asks about grammatical error in a specific part, and the tense formation is clearly wrong only in part A, that must be the answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b: "the cheque, you can" could be improved for punctuation, but the words and forms are not grammatically wrong in isolation. Option c: "collect it tomorrow." is perfectly acceptable. Option d: "No error" is incorrect because there is clearly an error with the verb form in part A.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes focus too much on subtler issues like comma splices and overlook simple, essential grammar rules such as the correct use of the present perfect tense. Always check the verb form carefully when you see "have" or "has" followed by a verb. Make sure it is the past participle, not the base form. Practising common verb forms will reduce such mistakes.


Final Answer:
The error is in part "I have sign over", where "sign" should be "signed".

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