Read the following sentence and identify the part that contains an error, or select "No error" if the sentence is correct: "All the boys returned back home well in time for lunch."

Introduction / Context:
This error spotting question tests your awareness of redundancy in English expressions. The sentence "All the boys returned back home well in time for lunch." contains an unnecessary repetition of meaning. The verb "returned" already implies "back", so using both together is considered incorrect or at least poor style in standard English.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Full sentence: "All the boys returned back home well in time for lunch."
• Parts: (a) All the boys, (b) returned back home, (c) well in time for lunch., (d) No error.
• Intended meaning: all the boys went back home early enough for lunch.

Concept / Approach:
When "return" is used as a verb meaning "go back", adding "back" is redundant because the idea of going back is already built into "return". Correct forms are "returned home" or "went back home", not "returned back home". Examinations often test this point to check whether candidates can avoid redundancy and use concise, correct English.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine part (a): "All the boys". This is a correct subject phrase.Step 2: Examine part (b): "returned back home". Here, both "returned" and "back" carry the sense of going back. Using them together is redundant.Step 3: The correct alternatives would be either "returned home" or "went back home".Step 4: Part (c): "well in time for lunch." is correct and idiomatic, meaning "early enough for lunch".Step 5: Therefore, the error lies in part (b).

Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite the sentence correctly: "All the boys returned home well in time for lunch." This version is shorter and stylistically better. Alternatively, "All the boys went back home well in time for lunch." also works. But "returned back home" is not used in careful formal English. Comparing these possibilities confirms that the combination "returned back" is the problem.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Part (a) simply introduces the subject and is grammatically fine. Part (c) "well in time for lunch." is a common and correct expression indicating good timing. Option (d) "No error" cannot be correct because the redundancy in part (b) is a recognised usage error that examiners expect you to detect.

Common Pitfalls:
Many people speak informally using phrases like "returned back" or "reverted back" without noticing the redundancy. As a result, candidates may not see this as an error. To improve your accuracy in such questions, pay attention to verb meanings. If a verb already contains the idea of going back ("return", "revert"), do not add "back". This principle will help you avoid similar mistakes in both speech and writing.

Final Answer:
The error is in part "returned back home"; it should be "returned home".