English grammar – Spot the error (choose the segment with the mistake; if there is no mistake, choose ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: “As it was Ramesh's first interview he dressed him in his most formal suit.”
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AAs it was Ramesh's
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Bfirst interview he dressed him
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Cin his most
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Dformal suit.
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ENo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: first interview he dressed him
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This item tests pronoun reference and reflexive forms. When the subject and the object of “dress” refer to the same person, English requires the reflexive pronoun “himself/herself/themselves,” not the ordinary object pronoun “him/her/them”.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Subject: “he” (Ramesh).
- Verb: “dressed”.
- Object given: “him”.
- Context implies the same person is subject and object (Ramesh dressing Ramesh).
Concept / Approach:
- Reflexive pronoun rule: when the subject acts on itself, use “-self”/“-selves”.
- Alternatively, omit the object: “he dressed in …” (intransitive use).
Step-by-Step Solution:
Detect coreference: “he” and “him” both refer to Ramesh.Apply reflexive: replace “him” with “himself”.Insert a comma after the introductory clause for better punctuation: “As it was Ramesh’s first interview, he dressed himself in his most formal suit.”Verification / Alternative check:
Alternative phrasing: “Since it was Ramesh’s first interview, he wore his most formal suit.” The meaning is preserved, confirming the needed correction is the pronoun form.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A is fine (possessive with apostrophe). C and D are correct modifiers of “suit”.E is wrong because there is a pronoun error in B.Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting reflexives with self-directed actions; overlooking optional punctuation after a long initial clause.Final Answer:
first interview he dressed him