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.

Difficulty: Easy

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.

More Questions from Spotting Errors

Discussion & Comments

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