English Grammar – Spot the error (choose the erroneous segment or ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: We wanted to purchase something but all the three stores in that area were closed on that day.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests article–quantifier collocation. “All the three” is a nonstandard combination in this context; native usage prefers “all three” or “the three”.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Main clause: “We wanted to purchase something …”.
• Problem phrase: “all the three stores”.
• Intended meaning: every one of the three stores was closed.

Concept / Approach:
Correct forms are: “all three stores” (quantifier + numeral + noun) or “the three stores” (definite article + numeral + noun). Do not combine “all” + “the” + numeral in this structure. “All the” works when followed by a plural noun without a numeral (“all the stores”), but not with “three”.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Try removing the numeral: “all the stores” becomes fine, confirming that the clash arises from adding “three”.

Why Other Options Are Wrong/Acceptable:

• A, C, D: Grammatically correct.
• E cannot be chosen because B contains a determiners error.

Common Pitfalls:
Overusing “all the” before numerals; mixing determiner patterns.

Final Answer:
something but all the three stores