Introduction / Context:
Error-spotting questions test precision in grammar and style. This sentence checks your understanding of parallelism in correlative constructions, especially “not only … but also …”. Getting the structure right avoids redundancy and maintains balance between the paired parts of a sentence.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The sentence thanks Shri Desai for preparing several documents.
- The correlative pair used is “not only … but also …”.
- We must locate the exact segment that breaks correct parallel structure.
Concept / Approach:
- When using “not only … but also …”, the grammatical form following each part should be parallel.
- If a preposition or verb (e.g., “for preparing”) appears before “not only”, it should not be repeated after “but also” unless the first is omitted to maintain symmetry.
- Concise, non-redundant phrasing improves clarity.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the head structure: “thankful … for preparing [A] not only … but also … [B]”.Segment B repeats “for preparing”, creating “for preparing … but also for preparing …”.Correct parallelism is: “for preparing not only the main report but also the agenda notes and minutes.”Therefore the error lies in the segment “but also for preparing”.
Verification / Alternative check:
Rewrite to confirm: “The committee is thankful … for preparing not only the main report but also the agenda notes and minutes.” This reads smoothly and avoids duplication.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A: Grammatically fine as a subject–complement chunk.B: Correct lead-in to “not only”.D: Correct object phrase.E: Incorrect because an error does exist in C.
Common Pitfalls:
Repeating prepositions or verbs in paired structures; forgetting that “not only … but also …” demands parallel grammatical forms.
Final Answer:
but also for preparing
Discussion & Comments