Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests the correct use of quantifiers with countable and uncountable nouns in English. The sentence talks about time for preparation, which is an uncountable noun. The quantifier chosen must match this type of noun. Many learners confuse few and little, so this item is designed to check that distinction.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In English, few is used with plural countable nouns, such as few books or few days, while little is used with uncountable nouns, such as little money, little water, or little time. The phrase few time is therefore incorrect, because time cannot normally be counted as discrete items in this context. The correct structure is There is little time for preparation. The error is clearly in the part where the wrong quantifier appears.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the noun that the quantifier is describing. In this sentence, it is time.Step 2: Recognise that time here is an uncountable noun representing a quantity.Step 3: Recall that few is used with plural countable nouns, while little is used with uncountable nouns.Step 4: Examine part B few time and notice that this combination breaks the usual rule for quantifiers.Step 5: Check parts A and C. There is correctly introduces the existence of some amount of something, and for preparation correctly indicates the purpose.Step 6: Conclude that part B is the only segment that must be corrected, and the phrase should be little time.
Verification / Alternative check:
Read the corrected sentence: There is little time for preparation. This expression is very common in English and clearly communicates that the available time is not sufficient. Alternatives like There are few times for preparation change the meaning entirely and are not what the question intends. The present form of the verb in part A agrees with the singular uncountable noun time, so A and C remain correct, and only B needs change.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Part A There is is grammatically correct because it introduces a singular or uncountable noun. Part C for preparation is a proper prepositional phrase explaining the purpose for which time is needed. Part D No Error cannot be chosen because we have already identified a definite mistake in the use of few. Therefore, the only logical choice is part B.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners rely too heavily on translation from their first language and may not notice the countable versus uncountable distinction. Others may confuse the expressions a few and a little, which also differ in meaning. A reliable approach is always to ask whether the noun can take a plural s in the context. If it cannot, little or much will be appropriate, not few or many.
Final Answer:
The error is in part B, which should read little time instead of few time.
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