In the following sentence, some part may have an error. Identify the part that has an error. He only plays a subsidiary (A) / role in the management (B) / of this organization. (C) / No error (D).

Introduction / Context:

This question examines your understanding of word order and adverb placement in English sentences. The sentence talks about a person who is not very important in the management of an organisation. The word only is placed in such a way that it creates a slight awkwardness or ambiguity, and you must recognise the more natural and grammatically preferred position for only.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence parts: He only plays a subsidiary (A) / role in the management (B) / of this organization. (C) / No error (D).
• Part A: He only plays a subsidiary.
• Part B: role in the management.
• Part C: of this organization.
• We assume that the intended meaning is that the role is small or minor, not that he does nothing other than play in some sense.

Concept / Approach:

In English, the adverb only usually comes immediately before the word or phrase it is meant to modify. If we say He only plays a subsidiary role, it can be interpreted as he does nothing besides playing a subsidiary role, which is close but not perfectly focused. The more precise phrasing is He plays only a subsidiary role, which clearly shows that the role itself is limited and minor. Therefore, the error is in the placing of only in part A.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Compare different versions: He only plays a subsidiary role versus He plays only a subsidiary role. The second version is more natural, because it directly qualifies the noun phrase a subsidiary role. If we wanted to emphasise the verb plays, we could say He only plays, not manages, but that is not the meaning in the question. Hence the original placement of only is not the best for the intended idea, confirming an error in part A.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Part B, role in the management, is correct and expresses clearly that the role is related to management activities.

Part C, of this organization, is also correct as a standard prepositional phrase showing possession or association.

No error (D) is wrong because we have identified a definite problem in the positioning of only in part A.

Common Pitfalls:

Learners often overlook word order subtleties when sentences are broadly understandable. However, competitive exams expect awareness of such fine distinctions. Another pitfall is memorising rules without applying them to the specific meaning of the sentence. Always ask yourself what exactly the word only is meant to limit, and place it right before that word or phrase.

Final Answer:

The error is in part A, and the improved sentence should read: He plays only a subsidiary role in the management of this organization.