In the following question, a sentence is divided into numbered parts. Identify the part that contains an error, if any. Sentence: “We may only be here in the blink of an eye, but the way we live our lives will stay with the universe forever.”

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: No error

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question asks whether there is any grammatical or idiomatic error in a reflective sentence about the shortness of human life and the lasting impact of our actions. The sentence is divided into parts and the candidate must decide if any segment is wrong or if the entire sentence is correct as it stands.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The sentence reads: “We may only be here in the blink of an eye, but the way we live our lives will stay with the universe forever.”
  • Part (1) contains “We may only be here in the blink of an eye.”
  • Part (2) contains “but the way we live our lives.”
  • Part (3) contains “will stay with the universe forever.”
  • The expression “in the blink of an eye” is a common idiom meaning for a very short time.


Concept / Approach:
The main task is to verify grammar, tense, and idiomatic usage in each part of the sentence. The structure uses a contrastive conjunction “but” to join two clauses. The first clause speaks of the brevity of life in the present modal form “may be,” and the second clause states the lasting impact with the future form “will stay.” Both ideas are logically compatible and use standard English expressions.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Examine part (1): “We may only be here in the blink of an eye.” The modal “may” correctly indicates possibility and the idiom “in the blink of an eye” is correctly used. Step 2: Examine part (2): “but the way we live our lives.” This part introduces the subject of the second clause and is grammatically correct. Step 3: Examine part (3): “will stay with the universe forever.” The future tense “will stay” is correctly used, and the preposition “with” is acceptable in a figurative sense. Step 4: Check the sentence as a whole to ensure that subject verb agreement and tense consistency are maintained. Step 5: Conclude that there is no grammatical error in any part of the sentence.


Verification / Alternative check:
We can paraphrase the sentence to verify meaning and grammar: “Our time on Earth may be very short, but the effect of how we live will remain in the universe forever.” The idea remains clear and the original wording correctly expresses this thought in idiomatic English. Since no part requires correction, the option “No error” must be selected.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Part (1): Uses a standard idiom and correct modal construction, so there is no error.
  • Part (2): Contains a well formed noun phrase “the way we live our lives” and is grammatically sound.
  • Part (3): Uses an appropriate future tense and a legitimate figurative prepositional phrase “with the universe forever.”


Common Pitfalls:
Some examinees may suspect an error simply because the sentence is philosophical or poetic. Others may overthink the phrase “with the universe” and assume that the preposition must be changed. However, competitive exam English accepts such figurative usage when the grammar is correct. The key point is to distinguish between unusual but correct style and actual grammatical errors.


Final Answer:
No error is the correct choice, because all three parts of the sentence are grammatically and idiomatically correct.

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