English grammar – Spot the error (choose the segment with the mistake; if there is no mistake, choose ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: “If the teacher is good the students will respond positively to them.”
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AIf the teacher
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Bis good the students
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Cwill respond
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Dpositively to them.
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ENo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: positively to them.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The goal is to detect a pronoun–antecedent agreement error. The singular antecedent “teacher” must be matched by an appropriate singular pronoun or the sentence must be rephrased to avoid the pronoun altogether.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Antecedent: “the teacher” (singular).
- Pronoun used: “them” (plural).
- Style allows either singular pronouns (him/her) or recasting to a plural antecedent for “they/them”.
Concept / Approach:
- Traditional grammar: singular antecedent needs a singular pronoun (“him”/“her”).
- Alternative: modern singular “they” is accepted in many contexts, but tests like this typically expect classical agreement.
- Another fix is to make the antecedent plural: “If teachers are good, students will respond positively to them.”
Step-by-Step Solution:
Locate mismatch: “teacher” (singular) vs. “them” (plural).Correct options: “respond positively to him/her” or recast: “Students will respond positively.”Therefore the error is in segment D: “positively to them.”Verification / Alternative check:
Revised sentence: “If the teacher is good, the students will respond positively to him or her.” Agreement is restored.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A–C are structurally fine.E is wrong because there is indeed an agreement error.Common Pitfalls:
Overusing “they/them” with singular antecedents on exams that expect traditional concord; forgetting commas after introductory “if”-clauses (stylistic, not the tested error here).Final Answer:
positively to them.