English Grammar – Spot the error (choose the erroneous segment or ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: Ramesh did not like leaving his old parents alone in the house but he had no alternative as he has to go out to work.
Correct Answer: as he has to go out to work.
Introduction / Context:The sentence tests tense consistency inside a single narrative. Once the story frame is in the past, subsequent finite verbs should also be in the past unless a timeless truth is intended.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Past frame: “did not like … had no alternative …”.
- Later clause switches to present: “as he has to go …”.
- Meaning intended: At that time, he was compelled to go out to work.
Concept / Approach:Maintain past narrative: “as he had to go out to work.” Present “has” creates a jarring shift. Use past simple for the reason clause tied to that past situation.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the narrative time: past (“did not like … had no alternative”).Backshift “has” → “had”.Correct sentence: “Ramesh did not like leaving his old parents alone in the house, but he had no alternative as he had to go out to work.”Verification / Alternative check:Remove the reason clause: the remaining past frame is consistent. Reinserting it in past keeps coherence.
Why Other Options Are Wrong/Acceptable:
- A–C are fine.
- E is invalid because D contains a tense error.
Common Pitfalls:Random tense shifts; assuming “has to” is timeless obligation—here it is clearly time-bound to the past scenario.
Final Answer:as he has to go out to work.