In this sentence error question, identify whether any part of the sentence has an error: "He was not able to concentrate because of the continual music being played next door."

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: The sentence has no error in any part.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Error spotting questions check understanding of grammar, usage and collocation. The sentence given here describes someone who cannot concentrate because of music coming from a neighbouring place. We must judge whether any part of the sentence is grammatically or idiomatically incorrect, or whether the sentence is error free.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    The sentence parts are: He was not able to concentrate (A), because of the continual music (B), being played next door (C), and No error (D).

    The tense used is past continuous situation with a focus on ability.

    The phrase continual music is used instead of continuous music.

    The structure being played next door functions as a reduced relative clause describing music.

    We assume standard formal English usage.


Concept / Approach:
To solve such questions, we examine verb forms, prepositions, article usage and choice of adjectives. The phrase was not able to concentrate is correct and common. Because of is the correct preposition to express cause. Continual music means music that happens frequently or repeatedly, which makes sense in a disturbance context. The phrase being played next door correctly describes the music in a passive continuous sense. There is no grammatical or idiomatic error in any part.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Analyse part A. He was not able to concentrate correctly combines subject, past tense of be, and infinitive of concentrate to express inability. Step 2: Analyse part B. Because of the continual music correctly uses because of plus noun phrase to express reason. Step 3: Analyse part C. Being played next door is a reduced form of which was being played next door and correctly modifies music. Step 4: Check subject verb agreement and any missing articles or prepositions; all are correct. Step 5: Conclude that the sentence is grammatically sound and choose the no error option.


Verification / Alternative check:
Replace continual with continuous to see whether the original adjective is wrong. Both continual music and continuous music are acceptable, but continual music emphasises repetition rather than an unbroken sound, which fits well with repeated disturbance. Consider whether any comma is wrongly placed. The comma before because of is optional and does not create a grammar error in this context. Reading the sentence aloud reveals natural rhythm and meaning, confirming there is no error.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A suggests that part A has an error, which is incorrect because was not able to concentrate is perfectly standard. Option B claims that the phrase because of the continual music is wrong, but it uses the correct preposition and a suitable adjective. Option C marks being played next door as wrong, but this is a valid reduced passive construction modifying music. Option E introduces confusion by mentioning part D having an error, but part D simply labels the no error choice.


Common Pitfalls:
Some students wrongly believe that continual is always incorrect when describing sounds and that only continuous is acceptable. Others may think that a reduced relative clause like being played next door must always use which before it. Both beliefs are oversimplifications. English allows a range of adjectives and reduced clauses when meaning is clear and structure is correct.


Final Answer:
The sentence is grammatically correct, so The sentence has no error in any part. is the right choice.

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