English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: When I / last see him, / he was / in Calcutta.

Difficulty: Easy

When I
last see him,
he was
in Calcutta.
No error.

Correct Answer: last see him,

Explanation:

Introduction / Context:
This question examines correct tense usage in a past-time reference. Identify the fragment that violates tense consistency.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The adverb “last” signals a completed past time.
The main event “he was in Calcutta” is in simple past.

Concept / Approach:
When referring to a specific time in the past, the correct tense for the verb “see” is simple past “saw.” The clause “When I last saw him” sets the time frame for the following past-state clause “he was …”.

Step-by-Step Solution:

A: “When I” — correct starter to a time clause.B: “last see him,” — incorrect tense; should be “last saw him.”C: “he was” — correct past-tense linking verb.D: “in Calcutta.” — correct prepositional complement of place.

Verification / Alternative check:

Revised: “When I last saw him, he was in Calcutta.” The sentence is now tense-consistent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

A, C, and D are fine; only B contains the error.

Common Pitfalls:

Using base form “see” after explicit past-time adverbs; forgetting simple past with “when” clauses.

English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: When I / last see him, / he was / in Calcutta.

More Questions from Spotting Errors

Discussion & Comments