Introduction / Context:
The item checks prepositional phrasing in formal administrative English. The sentence announces a pay increment and includes a time reference.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- “Sanction one special increment” is a formal, acceptable collocation.
- Time of effect needs a standard phrase like “with effect from …”.
- Audience expects clear official wording.
Concept / Approach:
In formal notices, the correct time expression is “with effect from this month” or “effective this month.” The fragment “with this month” is not idiomatic in this context.
Step-by-Step Solution:
A: “I am pleased to sanction” — correct register and structure.B: “one special increment” — grammatical noun phrase.C: “to all the employees” — correct prepositional object.D: “with this month.” — unidiomatic; should be “with effect from this month” or “effective this month.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Revised version: “I am pleased to sanction one special increment to all the employees with effect from this month.”
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A–C are fine; D contains the only idiomatic error.
Common Pitfalls:
Using “with this month” instead of “from this month,” “effective this month,” or “with effect from …”.
Final Answer:
with this month.
Discussion & Comments