English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: The interviewer asked the actress / how could she / manage to attain fame / in a short period.
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
AThe interviewer asked the actress
-
Bhow could she
-
Cmanage to attain fame
-
Din a short period.
-
ENo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: how could she
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This item tests word order in indirect questions. Identify the segment with the incorrect inversion.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Reporting verb “asked” introduces an embedded question.
- Indirect questions take normal subject–verb order, not question inversion.
Concept / Approach:Direct: “How could she manage…?” Indirect: “asked how she could manage…”. Inversion (auxiliary before subject) is used only in direct questions, not after reporting verbs.
Step-by-Step Solution:
A: “The interviewer asked the actress” — correct reporting clause.B: “how could she” — incorrect inversion in an indirect question; should be “how she could.”C: “manage to attain fame” — idiomatic and correct.D: “in a short period.” — acceptable time phrase.Verification / Alternative check:
Corrected sentence: “The interviewer asked the actress how she could manage to attain fame in a short period.”Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A, C, and D are fine; only B contains the inversion error.Common Pitfalls:
Carrying over direct-question word order into reported speech.Final Answer:how could she