Error Spotting - Tense & Preposition — Set 13
Questions 121–130 of 160
Not only the students but also the principal have attended the important meeting.
Correct Answer: B. principal have
With 'not only.but also', the verb agrees with the nearest subject. 'Principal' is singular, so the correct form is 'has attended', not 'have attended'.
He is fond with classical music and spends hours listening to symphonies.
Correct Answer: A. fond with
The correct preposition is 'of', not 'with'. The expression is 'fond of', not 'fond with'. The correct form is 'fond of classical music'.
Before the storm had started, everyone have taken shelter in the safe rooms.
Correct Answer: B. have taken
The first clause uses past perfect. The second clause should also use past perfect: 'everyone had taken', not 'have taken'. Maintain consistent past perfect forms.
Either the coach or the players is responsible for the poor performance today.
Correct Answer: C. is responsible
With 'either.or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject. 'Players' is plural, so the correct form is 'are responsible', not 'is responsible'.
She is worried about the upcoming examination and wants additional study materials.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
The correct answer is 'No Error'. The preposition 'about' is correctly used with 'worried', and all other elements are grammatically sound. The sentence is correct throughout.
By the time the project have been completed, the deadline have already passed.
Correct Answer: A. have been completed
When expressing two completed past actions, use past perfect. Should be 'had been completed', not 'have been completed'. This shows action prior to another past event.
The committee have made important decisions to improve the organization's efficiency.
Correct Answer: A. committee have
The singular noun 'committee' requires 'has', not 'have'. The correct form is 'The committee has made'. Collective nouns viewed as single units use singular verbs.
She is aware with all the upcoming changes and feels concerned about future plans.
Correct Answer: A. aware with
The correct preposition is 'of', not 'with'. The expression is 'aware of', not 'aware with'. The correct form is 'aware of all changes'.
Neither the doctors nor the nurse were able to diagnose the rare disease quickly.
Correct Answer: C. were able
With 'neither…nor', the verb agrees with the nearest subject. The nearest subject here is 'nurse' (singular), so the verb must be 'was able', not 'were able'. The error therefore lies in option C ('were able'), which should be corrected to 'was able'.
After he had completed his studies, he have started working in a reputed company.
Correct Answer: B. have started
When showing sequence in past events, both should use past perfect or maintain past tense. Should be 'he started', not 'he have started'. Maintain consistent past tense forms.