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.
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ABy arresting the local criminals
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Band encouraging good people
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Cwe can end
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Dhostilities of that area.
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ENo 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.