English grammar — Spot the error (choose the segment that contains a grammatical error; choose ‘‘No error.’’ if the sentence is correct). Sentence: The historian has been working on the project from last 12 years.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: from last 12 years.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests correct preposition and time expression with perfect/progressive tenses. English requires particular prepositions with time spans depending on whether we refer to a starting point or a duration.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Tense used is present perfect progressive: “has been working”.
  • Time span mentioned is “last 12 years,” a duration (length of time), not a starting point.
  • The intended meaning is “for the last 12 years.”


Concept / Approach:
Use “for” + duration (for two hours, for three weeks). Use “since” + starting point (since 2012, since last June). “From” is not used with present perfect to mark duration; it would require a paired “to” (from X to Y) or a different construction.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify tense: “has been working” correctly matches an activity continuing up to now.Determine whether the time phrase is a duration or a point: “last 12 years” is a duration.Apply rule: with duration, use “for” → “for the last 12 years.”Locate the erroneous segment: Option D “from last 12 years.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Correct sentence: “The historian has been working on the project for the last 12 years.” A valid alternative with a starting point would be “since 2012/2013,” etc.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A: Noun phrase is fine.
  • B: Present perfect progressive is appropriate.
  • C: Prepositional phrase “on the project” is correct collocation.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “from” with “for.” “From” typically pairs with “to/till/until,” not with an open-ended duration in perfect tenses.



Final Answer:
from last 12 years.

More Questions from Spotting Errors

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion