Identify the part (A–E) that contains a grammatical error in the sentence below. If there is no error, choose option E (No error). Sentence (split into parts): A) If you cannot B) sympathy with the poor, C) how will you be D) able todo social work?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: option_b

Explanation:


Introduction:
This sentence examines verb–noun choice after modals and the correct preposition with related forms. The intended meaning is "If you cannot sympathize with the poor…".



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Modal "cannot" requires a base-form verb.
  • Given phrase in B uses a noun: "sympathy".
  • Target collocations: "sympathize with" (verb + with) or "have/show sympathy for" (noun + for).
  • Minor spacing issue in D ("todo") is treated as a typographical artifact, not the tested grammar error.



Concept / Approach:
After "cannot", we need a verb: "sympathize". If we keep the noun "sympathy", the correct preposition is "for", and we would need "have/show": "have sympathy for". Thus, part B is incorrect as written.



Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Choose verb form after modal: "sympathize".2) Keep correct preposition: "sympathize with".3) Full correction: "If you cannot sympathize with the poor, how will you be able to do social work?"4) Also insert missing space in D ("to do").



Verification / Alternative check:
Noun option: "If you have no sympathy for the poor, …" is also grammatical but changes the structure.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A: Correct conditional opener.C: Interrogative auxiliary placement is correct.D: Aside from spacing, the modal construction "be able to do" is fine.



Common Pitfalls:
Mixing noun and verb patterns: "sympathy with" is not idiomatic; use "sympathize with" or "sympathy for".



Final Answer:
B (Write: "sympathize with the poor")

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