English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: No country can long endure / if its foundations / were not laid deep / in the material prosperity.

Question

Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:This sentence tests tense and mood consistency in a conditional-like statement of general truth. Identify the fragment that conflicts with the modal “can.” Given Data / Assumptions: The main clause uses present-time general truth: “can long endure.” The if-clause should align with a general condition, not a specific past-time event. Prepositional phrase “in material prosperity” is acceptable though “on” is also common with “foundations.” Concept / Approach:With “can” in a timeless truth, the conditional clause should take present form: “if its foundations are not laid deep …” Using “were” suggests a mismatched past narrative. Therefore Part C is erroneous. Step-by-Step Solution: A: “No country can long endure” — correct modal + base verb.B: “if its foundations” — introduces the conditional subject; fine.C: “were not laid deep” — wrong for general truth; should be “are not laid deep” or “have not been laid deep.”D: “in the material prosperity.” — article “the” is optional and often dropped; not the key error. Verification / Alternative check: Corrected: “No country can long endure if its foundations are not laid deep in material prosperity.” Why Other Options Are Wrong: Only C violates tense–mood consistency; A, B, and D are acceptable in exam usage. Common Pitfalls: Mixing a general-truth main clause with a past-tense conditional; over-focusing on minor prepositional preferences. Final Answer:were not laid deep

English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: No country can long endure / if its foundations / were not laid deep / in the material prosperity.

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