Choose the erroneous part; if none, pick ‘‘No error.’’ Sentence: Whatever he was today is only because of his mother who was a renowned scientist.

Introduction / Context:This item tests tense consistency when referring to the subject’s present status and its cause.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Adverb of time: ‘‘today’’ clearly anchors the clause in the present.
• The cause (mother’s influence) may be in the past, but the subject’s state is present.

Concept / Approach:Use present tense with ‘‘today’’ to denote the person’s current status: ‘‘Whatever he is today…’’ Past tense would contradict the time reference.

Step-by-Step Solution:Spot mismatch: ‘‘Whatever he was’’ + ‘‘today’’ → inconsistent.Correct form: ‘‘Whatever he is today is only because of his mother who was a renowned scientist.’’Note: Past ‘‘was’’ for the mother is fine if she is no longer alive/active; the main correction is ‘‘was’’ → ‘‘is’’ in the opening clause.

Verification / Alternative check:Paraphrase: ‘‘His present standing is because of…’’—confirms present tense is required.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• B–D: These parts are consistent once A is corrected.

Common Pitfalls:Letting a past-causes frame drag the present-status verb into the past.

Final Answer:Whatever he was