English Grammar – Spot the error (choose the erroneous segment or ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: We never thought that Mahesh is oldest than the other players in the team.

Introduction / Context:This checks comparative vs. superlative forms with “than”. Use the comparative (“older than”), not the superlative (“oldest”), when directly comparing two sets via “than”.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Comparison marker: “than”.
• Target adjective: old → older/oldest.
• Group contrasted: Mahesh vs. the other players.

Concept / Approach:Rule: Use the comparative + “than” for two-way comparisons (“older than others”). Use the superlative + “of/in” when singling out one from a group (“the oldest of the team”). Therefore, “oldest than” is ungrammatical. Also, sequence-of-tense often prefers “was” after “thought,” but that is secondary to the clear comparative error.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Superlative route: “the oldest of all the players in the team” (acceptable), but then remove “than”. This confirms why “oldest than” is wrong.

Why Other Options Are Wrong/Acceptable:

• A and D are fine.
• B could be “was” for backshift, but “is” can stand in timeless commentary; still, C contains the definite error.
• E cannot be chosen.

Common Pitfalls:Mixing superlatives with “than”; forgetting that “other” is needed when comparing a member with the rest of its group.

Final Answer:oldest than the other