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.

Difficulty: Easy

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

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