Introduction / Context:
This item asks you to spot a grammatical error, if any, in a sentence split into segments. The sentence is about public finance and uses standard grammatical structures, including subject–verb agreement, preposition choice, and idiomatic expressions.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The subject is plural: “Developmental activities”.
- Predicate verb phrase is “come to a standstill”.
- The expression “due to paucity of funds” is intended to state the cause.
- Standard formal Indian English is acceptable (e.g., “paucity of funds”).
Concept / Approach:
Check each chunk for agreement and idiom. Ensure the plural subject takes a plural verb, verify the causal preposition “due to,” and see whether any article is obligatorily required before “paucity.” In formal usage, “paucity of funds” can be used without an article, and “come to a standstill” is idiomatic.
Step-by-Step Solution:
A: “Developmental activities of” correctly introduces a noun phrase that will be completed by “the government.”B: “the government come” maintains plural agreement: activities … come.C: “to a standstill due” is part of the fixed expression “come to a standstill” followed by cause.D: “to paucity of funds.” is idiomatic; “due to paucity of funds” is acceptable in formal English.
Verification / Alternative check:
A fully edited version might add an optional article: “due to a paucity of funds.” However, omission does not make it incorrect.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A, B, C, and D are all grammatically sound; none contains a clear error, so “No error.” is the correct choice.
Common Pitfalls:
Mistaking optional articles (“a” before “paucity”) as mandatory; misidentifying plural agreement.
Final Answer:
No error.
Discussion & Comments