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.

Difficulty: Easy

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.

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