In the following question, a sentence is divided into parts. Some part of the sentence may contain an error. Find out which part has an error and select the appropriate option. If the sentence is free from error, select "No Error".\n\nNot too long then, the (1) lodge was the only (2) place to stay here. (3) No Error (4)

Introduction / Context:
This question is about spotting grammatical errors in a sentence that has been split into numbered parts. You must decide which part contains the mistake. The sentence given is “Not too long then, the lodge was the only place to stay here.” The test focuses on the correct use of time expressions in English, especially in combination with “not too long.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Part (1): Not too long then, the
• Part (2): lodge was the only
• Part (3): place to stay here.
• Part (4): No Error.
• The intended meaning is to refer to a time not very far in the past.

Concept / Approach:
When we want to refer to something that happened a short time ago in the past, the natural phrase in English is “not too long ago,” not “not too long then.” The word “then” is usually used to refer to a specific time already mentioned or implied, but it does not fit straight after “not too long” in this structure. Therefore, the error lies in the first part of the sentence where the time expression is incorrectly formed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the intended meaning: the speaker wants to say that until recently, the lodge was the only place to stay here.Step 2: Examine Part (1): “Not too long then, the”. The phrase “not too long then” is awkward and unidiomatic.Step 3: Recall the correct idiomatic expression: “Not too long ago, the lodge was the only place to stay here.”Step 4: Parts (2) and (3) are grammatically fine: “lodge was the only place to stay here” clearly expresses the idea.Step 5: Therefore, the error is in Part (1), and option 1 is correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace “then” with “ago” in Part (1) and read the full sentence: “Not too long ago, the lodge was the only place to stay here.” This version is natural and clear. There is no need to change any other part of the sentence. Hence, it is clear that the single correction required is in Part (1), proving that the error is indeed there.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Part 2): “lodge was the only” is grammatically correct in this context.

Option C (Part 3): “place to stay here” is also fine; it correctly completes the idea.

Option D (No Error): This would mean there is no mistake in the sentence, which is not true, because “not too long then” is incorrect usage.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may overlook small words like “then” and focus only on verbs or bigger phrases. However, error-spotting questions often test small but important collocations and idiomatic expressions. Another common mistake is assuming that every part except the last must be correct, and so choosing “No Error” carelessly. Always read the whole sentence and check each part carefully.

Final Answer:
1