English Grammar – Spot the Error (choose the segment containing the mistake; if there is no mistake, choose ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: “Kamlesh asked the dealer what was the price of that bicycle and whether it is really made in Germany?”

Introduction / Context:This item focuses on reported (indirect) speech word order in embedded questions. In indirect questions, English uses statement order (subject before verb), not question order (auxiliary before subject). The sentence also hints at sequence-of-tense backshifting, but the primary tested error is the inversion after “what”.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Reporting verb: “asked”.
• Embedded question 1: price inquiry introduced by “what”.
• Embedded question 2: clause introduced by “whether”.
• Neutral aim: correct grammar of the first embedded clause; punctuation is secondary in such tests.

Concept / Approach:

• Rule: In indirect questions, use declarative order: “what the price was”, “where he lived”, “how it worked”.
• Therefore, “what was the price” is incorrect in reported speech.
• Backshift after a past reporting verb is common (“whether it was …”), though permanent truths may remain unshifted; exams usually expect backshift but will flag one primary error at a time.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Final Answer: