ERROR SPOTTING — Identify the part (A–E) that contains a grammatical, usage, or spelling error. If there is no error, choose E (All correct). Sentence (split into parts): A) A monstrous B) snake came up the C) hollow D) trunk of tree

Introduction / Context:
This problem tests article usage with singular count nouns in prepositional phrases. The phrase “trunk of tree” is missing a necessary article.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Noun: trunk (singular, countable).
• Complement noun: tree (singular, countable).
• Natural collocation: “the hollow trunk of the tree”.

Concept / Approach:
In English, singular count nouns usually require an article or determiner. When the tree is specific and already referred to by “the” earlier in the sequence (“came up the hollow trunk”), the complement “of the tree” should also take “the”. Acceptable variants are “the trunk of a tree” (non-specific) or “the trunk of the tree” (specific). The given fragment “trunk of tree” omits the article and is ungrammatical.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify singular nouns: trunk, tree.2) Check determiners: missing article before “tree”.3) Correct forms: “the trunk of the tree” or “the trunk of a tree”.4) Full corrected sentence: “A monstrous snake came up the hollow trunk of the tree.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace with a non-specific reading: “up the hollow trunk of a tree.” Both are grammatical; the original is not.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A) Proper adjective–noun start.B) Verb phrase and preposition are acceptable.C) “hollow” aptly modifies “trunk”.

Common Pitfalls:
Dropping articles in “of + noun” phrases. Singular count nouns still need determiners.

Final Answer:
D (Insert “the” or “a”: “trunk of the/a tree”)