In this English grammar question on pronoun and word order, identify the incorrect part in the sentence: "Whom you think will be dismissed first?"

Introduction / Context:
This question tests the correct use of interrogative pronouns and auxiliary inversion in English questions. The sentence is "Whom you think will be dismissed first?" The learner must notice that both the choice of pronoun and the structure of the question are not standard. Correcting such sentences requires knowledge of patterns like "Who do you think will be dismissed first?" that are common in spoken and written English.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence seeks to identify the person who will be dismissed first.
• Segment (a) is "Whom you think".
• Segment (b) is "will be dismissed".
• Segment (c) is "first?".
• Segment (d) is "No error".
• We assume a neutral formal English standard as used in competitive examinations.

Concept / Approach:
In modern English, "who" is used as the subject of a verb and "whom" is used as the object. Here, the underlying clause is "who will be dismissed first", where the interrogative pronoun is the subject of "will be dismissed". Therefore, "who" is appropriate, not "whom". Additionally, a direct question usually requires auxiliary inversion and the auxiliary "do" when the interrogative pronoun is not the main subject of the first clause. The correct pattern is "Who do you think will be dismissed first?" Thus segment (a) is incorrect in both pronoun choice and word order.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the intended meaning: asking which person is likely to be dismissed first. Step 2: Identify that the deeper clause is "who will be dismissed first", where the interrogative pronoun functions as subject. Step 3: Recall that subject position requires "who" rather than "whom" in standard usage. Step 4: Recognise that the main structure of the question should be "Who do you think will be dismissed first?" with "do you think" inserted. Step 5: Notice that segment (a) "Whom you think" lacks the auxiliary "do" and wrongly uses "whom". Step 6: Conclude that segment (a) is incorrect, while segments (b) and (c) are acceptable as part of the complete clause.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check other standard examples of this pattern, such as "Who do you think will win the match?" and "Who do you think is at the door?" None of these use "whom" in subject position, and all include the auxiliary "do" after the interrogative pronoun. If we write "Whom you think will win the match?", the sentence sounds wrong and does not match reference grammar descriptions. Applying the same reasoning, the segment "Whom you think" must be corrected to "Who do you think", confirming that segment (a) carries the error.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option (b) "will be dismissed" is a correct passive future auxiliary sequence. Option (c) "first?" is appropriate as an adverb indicating sequence and requires no change. Option (d) "No error" is not acceptable because segment (a) clearly violates standard usage rules.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often overuse "whom" because they believe it always sounds more formal. However, using "whom" in subject position is incorrect in contemporary standard English. Another common error is forgetting to insert "do", "does", or "did" when forming complex questions like "Who do you think...?" Regular practice with such patterns and comparing them to simpler questions like "Who will be dismissed first?" helps avoid these mistakes.

Final Answer:
The incorrect part is option (a) "Whom you think". It should be "Who do you think". Therefore, the correct answer is "Whom you think".