English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: Rajesh was expecting / a telegram from his uncle / which would inform / him whether he went or not.
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ARajesh was expecting
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Ba telegram from his uncle
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Cwhich would inform
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Dhim whether he went or not.
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ENo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: him whether he went or not.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The sentence examines tense choice in an indirect question expressing a future decision or permission. You must identify the incorrect segment.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Main clause is past progressive: “was expecting.”
- The telegram's content would determine a future course of action for Rajesh.
Concept / Approach:After “whether,” when the meaning is about a future possibility relative to the past viewpoint, use “would go” or “should go,” not simple past “went.” Thus Part D is wrong; it should read “whether he would go or not.”
Step-by-Step Solution:
A: Past progressive sets expectation in the past.B: Prepositional phrase is fine.C: “which would inform” is correct for future-in-the-past.D: “him whether he went or not.” — incorrect tense for intended meaning; replace with “whether he would go or not.”Verification / Alternative check:
Rewritten: “Rajesh was expecting a telegram from his uncle which would inform him whether he would go or not.” This matches sequence of tenses.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only D contains the tense error; A–C are correctly formed.Common Pitfalls:
Using simple past after “whether” when the intended time is future relative to the past reference point.Final Answer:him whether he went or not.