Find the erroneous part in the sentence; if none, choose ‘‘No error.’’ Sentence: By arresting the local criminals and encouraging good people we can end hostilities of that area.

Verbal Ability Spotting Errors Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    By arresting the local criminals
  • B
    and encouraging good people
  • C
    we can end
  • D
    hostilities of that area.
  • E
    No error.

Answer

Correct Answer: hostilities of that area.

Explanation

Introduction / Context:The task is to check prepositional choice and idiomatic expression in a geopolitical context.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Verb: ‘‘end’’ collocates with ‘‘hostilities’’.
  • Preposition following ‘‘hostilities’’ usually marks location with ‘‘in’’ rather than possession with ‘‘of’’ when referring to a region.

Concept / Approach:Use ‘‘hostilities in [area/region]’’ to indicate where unrest occurs. ‘‘Hostilities of that area’’ incorrectly suggests possession rather than location.

Step-by-Step Solution:Check collocation: ‘‘end hostilities’’ is correct.Check preposition: replace ‘‘of’’ with ‘‘in’’ to mark place.Recast: ‘‘…we can end hostilities in that area.’’

Verification / Alternative check:Parallel examples: ‘‘violence in the city,’’ ‘‘unrest in the region’’—all take ‘‘in’’ for place.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A, B, C: Grammatically fine and idiomatic.

Common Pitfalls:Using ‘‘of’’ with abstract nouns where a locative preposition is required.

Final Answer:hostilities of that area.

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