Error Spotting - Tense & Preposition — Set 9
Questions 81–90 of 160
The exam consists with multiple choice questions and detailed answer sections.
Correct Answer: A. consists with
The correct preposition is 'of', not 'with'. The expression is 'consists of', not 'consists with'. The correct form is 'consists of multiple choice questions'.
Neither the driver nor the passengers were injured in the minor accident.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
With 'neither...nor', when the nearest subject is plural ('passengers'), use plural verb 'were'. The sentence is grammatically correct.
She have been living in the same house for the past twenty years without moving.
Correct Answer: A. have been living
The singular subject 'She' requires 'has', not 'have'. The correct form is 'has been living'. Present perfect continuous with third person singular requires 'has been'.
An university education is essential for the development of any professional career.
Correct Answer: A. An university
Before 'university' which starts with a consonant sound, use 'A', not 'An'. The correct form is 'A university education'. Article choice depends on pronunciation, not the first letter.
By the time the teacher had finish explaining, the students had already understood.
Correct Answer: A. had finish
Past perfect requires 'had + past participle'. The correct form is 'had finished', not 'had finish'. Finish becomes 'finished' as the past participle.
Not only the teachers but also the principal has praised the students' achievements.
Correct Answer: D. No Error
With 'not only...but also', the verb agrees with the nearest subject. 'Principal' is singular, so 'has praised' is correct. The sentence is grammatically sound.
She is very interested in to pursue a career in medical research.
Correct Answer: B. to pursue
After 'interested in', use the gerund form, not infinitive. The correct form is 'interested in pursuing', not 'interested in to pursue'. Gerunds (-ing forms) follow prepositions.
Either the manager or the director have made the final decision about the project.
Correct Answer: C. have made
With 'either...or', the verb agrees with the nearest subject. 'Director' is singular, so the correct form is 'has made', not 'have made'.
The team have worked hard for weeks and have finally achieved their objective.
Correct Answer: A. team have
The singular noun 'team' viewed as a unit requires 'has', not 'have'. The correct form is 'The team has worked'. In formal English, collective nouns are typically singular.
He is tired in working long hours every day and needs proper rest.
Correct Answer: A. tired in
The correct preposition is 'of', not 'in'. The expression is 'tired of working', not 'tired in working'. The correct form is 'tired of working long hours'.