English Grammar – Spot the Error (choose the segment containing the mistake; if there is no mistake, choose ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: “Mr. Raman said that he had a difference with the chairman at his statement.”

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

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:The test here is correct prepositional collocation with “difference” and the preposition used to introduce the cause/topic. In standard English one says “have a difference of opinion with someone over/about a statement”. The phrase “at his statement” is unidiomatic. Given Data / Assumptions: Speaker disagreed with the chairman about a statement. Structure used: “a difference … with … at his statement”. Collocation requires “of opinion” and “over/about”. Concept / Approach: Common patterns: “a difference of opinion with X over/about Y”. Preposition “at” signals location or reaction; it is not used to mark the topic of disagreement. Step-by-Step Solution: Replace incorrect preposition and add the missing collocation.Correct phrasing: “He had a difference of opinion with the chairman over his statement.”Alternatively: “He disagreed with the chairman about his statement.” Verification / Alternative check: Consult patterns with “difference”: “difference in price”, “difference between A and B”, “difference over an issue”. Only “over/about” fits here. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A–C: Acceptable as parts of the reporting clause.E: Incorrect because D contains a collocation/preposition error. Common Pitfalls: Using “at” to introduce causes in formal English; omitting “of opinion” in the idiom and ending up with an awkward phrase. Final Answer: the chairman at his statement.

English Grammar – Spot the Error (choose the segment containing the mistake; if there is no mistake, choose ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: “Mr. Raman said that he had a difference with the chairman at his statement.”

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