Error Spotting – Choose the part (A–D) that contains the grammatical error, or choose No error if the sentence is fully correct. Sentence (parts correspond to options below): A) All of you will agree with me B) that no problem faced by our society C) is as grave and intractable D) as this problem is

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: as this problem is

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests comparison structure with as … as and the avoidance of superfluous verbs in the second as-clause. In formal written English, the verb be after the second as is usually omitted when it does not add meaning.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Comparator frame: as grave and intractable … as
  • Second term of comparison: this problem
  • Extra copula: is at the end of the sentence


Concept / Approach:
In as … as comparisons, a repeated be after the second as is often unnecessary. The idiomatic form is as … as + noun/pronoun without an extra is. Keeping is produces awkward redundancy without changing meaning.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Identify the comparison frame: is as grave and intractable … as.Step 2: Check the second element: this problem already acts as the comparative benchmark.Step 3: Remove the redundant verb be after the second as.Corrected fragment: as this problem.


Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: No problem is as serious as this problem. The natural end point is a noun phrase, not a verb phrase, confirming that is is superfluous here.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A) Standard preface to an assertion; grammatical.
  • B) Relative clause faced by our society is correctly formed.
  • C) Predicate adjectives grave and intractable are fine.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes mirror earlier be-forms and add another be at the end of a comparison. Keep the structure lean: as + adjective + as + noun/pronoun.


Final Answer:
Option D contains the error. Use as this problem (omit is).

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