Error spotting (exam direction): Identify the erroneous part (A/B/C) — choose D if there is no error — 'Do you know / to play / the guitar? / No error.' Focus on the correct interrogative construction for ability ('know how to + verb') and improve the sentence for formal English and SEO clarity.
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
ADo you know
-
Bto play
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Cthe guitar?
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DNo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: to play
Explanation
Given data
- A: Do you know
- B: to play
- C: the guitar?
- D: No error.
Concept/Approach: Interrogatives with 'know' for abilityAfter 'know' to ask about someone's ability to do something, English uses 'how to + base verb' (e.g., 'know how to play'). The bare 'to + verb' without 'how' is unidiomatic in this construction.
Step-by-step correctionReplace Part B: 'to play' → 'how to play'.Corrected sentence: 'Do you know how to play the guitar?'
Verification/AlternativeOther natural variants: 'Can you play the guitar?' (modal of ability) or 'Do you play the guitar?' (habit/skill).
Common pitfallsOmitting 'how' after 'know' when expressing learned skills (play, swim, drive, code, etc.).
Final AnswerB — 'to play' is erroneous; use 'how to play'.