In the following sentence, identify the part that contains a grammatical or idiomatic error:\n\n"Thank you for getting me of the hook."

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: of the hook.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This error spotting question is based on a common English idiom that uses a specific preposition. The sentence expresses gratitude using the phrase get someone off the hook, which means to rescue someone from a difficult situation or from blame. In such questions, the key is to know the correct idiomatic expression and to notice when a preposition has been changed incorrectly.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Complete sentence: Thank you for getting me of the hook.
  • The intended idiom is get someone off the hook.
  • The preposition used in the sentence is of instead of off.
  • The rest of the sentence structure Thank you for getting me is grammatically correct.


Concept / Approach:
The well established idiom is off the hook, not of the hook. The preposition off conveys the idea of being freed from something, such as responsibility or trouble. The preposition of does not convey this meaning and is incorrect here. Therefore, the error lies in the phrase of the hook. Identifying idiomatic expressions and knowing their exact form is essential for solving such questions correctly.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the speaker is thanking someone for helping them escape a difficult situation. Step 2: Recall the idiom get someone off the hook, meaning to free someone from blame or trouble. Step 3: Compare the idiom to the given sentence and notice that the preposition is of instead of off. Step 4: Conclude that the mistake is in the phrase of the hook, which should be off the hook.


Verification / Alternative check:
Replace the incorrect phrase with the correct idiom and read the entire sentence: Thank you for getting me off the hook. This now sounds natural and idiomatically correct. No other part of the sentence requires adjustment, which confirms that the only error was the preposition in part C. Parts A and B follow normal English patterns and do not contain grammatical mistakes.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Thank you for, is a standard polite expression and needs no change. Option B, getting me, correctly uses the gerund after for and connects smoothly to the idiom. Option D, No error, is wrong because we have clearly identified a preposition error in part C. Thus, the only incorrect segment is of the hook, making option 3 the correct choice.


Common Pitfalls:
Many learners may read quickly and miss small preposition errors, since of and off look similar. Others may not be familiar with the exact wording of the idiom and might think that of the hook is acceptable. Developing a good ear for common idioms and paying close attention to prepositions can greatly reduce such mistakes in competitive exams.


Final Answer:
The error is in part of the hook. The correct idiom is off the hook, so part 3 is the segment that needs correction.

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