English grammar error-spotting (verb after ‘‘addicted to’’ takes a gerund): Read the sentence divided into four parts and pick the erroneous one; choose ‘‘No error’’ only if all parts are correct: ‘‘It is unfortunate that / many youngsters get / addicted to gamble. / No error.’’

Given data

• A: ‘‘It is unfortunate that’’
• B: ‘‘many youngsters get’’
• C: ‘‘addicted to gamble.’’
• D: ‘‘No error.’’

Concept / ApproachThe preposition ‘‘to’’ after ‘‘addicted’’ requires a gerund/noun, not a bare verb. Therefore use ‘‘gambling’’ (gerund) or a noun phrase (‘‘addicted to gambling/online betting’’).

Step-by-step checkReplace Part C with ‘‘addicted to gambling.’’

Correction‘‘It is unfortunate that many youngsters get addicted to gambling.’’

Common pitfalls

• Using the infinitive/bare verb after ‘‘to’’ when ‘‘to’’ is a preposition (not the infinitive marker).

Final Answeraddicted to gamble.