In the following question, a sentence is divided into four parts. Identify the part that contains a grammatical or idiomatic error, or select 4 if there is no error: It was a long (1)/ and uncomfortable journey (2)/ but he managed (3)/ to reach with time. (4)

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of correct prepositional phrases in English, especially the idiom in time. The sentence describes a long and uncomfortable journey and then mentions that he still managed to reach before a certain deadline. You must decide which part of the sentence contains an error in common usage, or state that the sentence has no error.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- (1) It was a long
- (2) and uncomfortable journey
- (3) but he managed
- (4) to reach with time.
- The intended meaning appears to be that, despite difficulties, he arrived in time (that is, before it was too late).

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is choosing the correct preposition in fixed expressions. In English, we say arrive in time or reach in time, not reach with time, when we mean arriving before a deadline. The phrase with time usually means gradually or over a period (for example, with time, he improved), which is a different idea. Therefore, to reach with time is not idiomatic; the correct phrase is to reach in time.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check parts (1) and (2): It was a long / and uncomfortable journey. This correctly describes the journey and is grammatically sound.Step 2: Part (3): but he managed introduces a contrast and is appropriate in this context.Step 3: Look at part (4): to reach with time. This is where the phrase becomes non-standard.Step 4: The idiomatic expression for arriving early enough is to reach in time, not with time.Step 5: Thus, part (4) is incorrect and should be changed to to reach in time.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite the corrected sentence: It was a long and uncomfortable journey but he managed to reach in time. This version clearly conveys that although the journey was difficult, he arrived before any deadline or appointment, which matches common English usage. If we tried to interpret to reach with time, it would sound awkward and confusing, because with time usually refers to gradual change, not punctual arrival. The other parts of the sentence do not show any grammatical problems, so the only error is in the preposition with in part (4).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Part (1) It was a long is a correct opening for the description.
- Part (2) and uncomfortable journey properly continues the noun phrase.
- Part (3) but he managed introduces the contrast and is grammatically correct.
- Only part (4) contains an incorrect prepositional phrase and must be changed.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse prepositions in idiomatic expressions, especially when translating from their first language. Phrases like in time, on time, at the time and with time have distinct meanings. With time usually means gradually or as time passes, whereas in time means early enough or before a deadline. To avoid such confusion, it is helpful to memorise common verb + preposition combinations and practise them in sentences. Paying attention to how these phrases are used in authentic texts will also strengthen your intuition about what sounds natural.

Final Answer:
The error is in part 4. The sentence should read: It was a long and uncomfortable journey but he managed to reach in time.