Question

In each of the questions, a sentence has been divided into four parts, one of which may contain an error. Identify that fragment and mark it as your answer. Mark (E) if the sentence contains no error.

While she was cooking dinner, (A)/ the phone was ringing incessantly, (B)/ but she ignored it as she knows her friends (C)/ wouldn't call during that time. (D)

A A Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
B B Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
C C Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
D D Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
E No error Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

Solution

Tense inconsistency: The sentence is set in the past tense ("was cooking"). Present tense in the subordinate clause: "knows" introduces a subordinate clause stating her belief, creating a tense inconsistency. Need for past tense belief: In this context, to maintain consistency, her belief about her friends' calling habits should also be in the past tense. Therefore, "knows" needs to be changed to "knew" (past tense) to match the established timeframe.

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