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:
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:
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:
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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