Error Spotting – Identify the part (A–D) that contains the word choice or spelling error, or choose “All correct” if the full sentence is error-free. Sentence (parts correspond to options): A) People take undue B) advantage of his C) simplicity and D) chit him

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: chit him

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item checks vocabulary precision in a common collocation: “take undue advantage of someone and cheat him.” The sentence is split into four parts; exactly one segment uses an incorrect word that distorts the intended meaning.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The speaker describes exploitation of a simple (gullible) person.
  • Segment D reads “chit him,” which is not standard usage.
  • Intended verb in this context is “cheat.”


Concept / Approach:
When someone takes undue advantage of another, the natural verb is “cheat” or “deceive.” The word “chit” is a noun meaning a small note or voucher; it does not function as a verb meaning “deceive.” Therefore, the error lies in word choice, not grammar or idiom elsewhere in the sentence.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the idiom: take undue advantage of + object → typically followed by “and cheat him/her.”Check each segment: A, B, and C form a correct and idiomatic preface.Detect the anomaly: D uses “chit” instead of “cheat.”Correct form: “... simplicity and cheat him.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute synonyms: “exploit him,” “deceive him,” “cheat him.” All fit; “chit him” does not. Dictionaries list “chit” as a noun (note/slip) or an informal noun for a small child, not a transitive verb meaning “cheat.”


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • A) “People take undue” correctly sets up the idiom.
  • B) “advantage of his” is standard; the genitive is fine.
  • C) “simplicity and” correctly continues the thought.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing similarly spelled words (“cheat” vs “chit”). In exam settings, watch for near-homographs that change part of speech and meaning.


Final Answer:
chit him

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