English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: I was to about / go out of my house / when it suddenly / started raining.
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AI was to about
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Bgo out of my house
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Cwhen it suddenly
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Dstarted raining.
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ENo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: I was to about
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This problem tests the fixed expression “be about to + verb” to indicate an action on the point of occurring. The sentence is split into four parts; find the fragment that breaks the idiom.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The intended meaning is “I was about to go out … when it suddenly started raining.”
- We must preserve correct word order and infinitive structure.
Concept / Approach:The correct pattern is “be about to + base verb.” The fragment “was to about” misorders “about” and “to,” and incorrectly uses “to” detached from its verb.
Step-by-Step Solution:
A: “I was to about” — wrong order. It must be “I was about to”.B: “go out of my house” — grammatical and idiomatic; “leave my house” would also be fine.C: “when it suddenly” — sets up the subordinate clause; acceptable.D: “started raining.” — correct past-tense verb phrase.Verification / Alternative check:
Corrected: “I was about to go out of my house when it suddenly started raining.” This reads naturally and fits the intended meaning.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B, C, and D are fine; only A breaks the fixed idiom.Common Pitfalls:
Placing “about” after “to”; omitting the base verb after “to.”Final Answer:I was to about