Error Spotting – Choose the segment (A–D) that contains a grammatical error; select “No error” only if the entire sentence is correct. Sentence: A) On resuming his duty, B) he asked his Superiors C) that whether he would be D) permitted to leave early.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: that whether he would be

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item checks complementizer usage with reporting verbs like “ask”. English uses either a “that-clause” or an interrogative “whether/if-clause”, but not both simultaneously. Doubling them creates a faulty construction.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Main reporting verb: “asked”.
  • Complement in C begins with “that whether …”.
  • Intended meaning: he requested to know if permission would be granted.


Concept / Approach:
With “ask”, use “whether/if” without “that”: “He asked whether he would be permitted …”. The sequence “that whether” is ungrammatical because English does not stack complementizers this way in standard usage.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the clause marker(s) introducing the content of “asked”.2) Remove “that” and keep the interrogative complementizer: “whether”.3) Correct clause: “he asked his superiors whether he would be permitted to leave early”.4) Therefore, the error resides in C.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try parallel patterns: “asked whether/if …”, “said that …”. Mixing these leads to obvious awkwardness (“said whether that …”).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A: Absolute/participial opener is fine.
  • B: Reporting frame is acceptable (capitalization of “Superiors” is stylistic).
  • D: Passive complement is idiomatic.


Common Pitfalls:
Stacking complementizers; translating directly from languages that allow “that whether” sequences.


Final Answer:
Option C

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