English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Sentence: We don't deny / your right to know / whatever happened while / you were not in the office.
Verbal Ability
Spotting Errors
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: No error.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This item tests clause structure and tense in a complex sentence involving a negated main clause and a temporal subordinate clause. The task is to determine whether any segment contains a grammatical error.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Main clause: “We don’t deny your right to know …”.
- Object: a gerund-participial complement “your right to know”.
- Embedded content clause: “whatever happened while you were not in the office.”
Concept / Approach:All parts align with standard usage: “right to know” is idiomatic; “whatever happened” uses past tense for a completed time; “while you were not in the office” is a correct temporal clause. There is no disagreement, faulty preposition, or tense mismatch.
Step-by-Step Solution:
A: Negative declarative is properly formed.B: Infinitive phrase functions correctly as complement to “right.”C: Free relative “whatever” + past verb “happened” is grammatical.D: Past progressive context in the temporal clause is appropriate (“were not in the office”).Verification / Alternative check:
One could also write “while you were out of the office,” which is stylistic, not grammatical.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They are not wrong; each stands correct, so “No error.” is the right choice.Common Pitfalls:
Over-correcting idiomatic structures like “right to know” or the free-relative “whatever.”Final Answer:No error.