Identify the underlined portion that contains a grammatical error:
The persistent degradation (A) of coastal mangrove forests along the western seaboard (B) have accelerated (C) catastrophic shoreline erosion and salt-water intrusion (D).
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. (C) have accelerated
Answer: (C) have accelerated. Why not the others: (A) 'persistent degradation' is a correct noun phrase; (B) 'along the western seaboard' is a standard locative prepositional modifier; (D) 'salt-water intrusion' is an accurate nominal complement.
- Step 1: Locate the grammatical subject of the clause: the head noun is the singular abstract noun 'degradation' in part (A). The phrases 'of coastal mangrove forests' and 'along the western seaboard' are intervening prepositional adjuncts.
- Step 2: The singular subject 'degradation' requires the singular present perfect auxiliary 'has accelerated', making (C) 'have accelerated' grammatically incorrect.
Practise more Cohesive Devices, Discourse Markers, and Error Identification.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed MUET Malaysia (Malaysian University English Test) mock tests.
More Cohesive Devices, Discourse Markers, and Error Identification questions
- Select the formal discourse marker that introduces a concessive fact:
________ several contentious disagreements during bilateral trade tal… - Choose the concessive connector that correctly modifies an adjective phrase:
The newly developed synthetic catalyst achieved high molecular… - Select the formal subordinating conjunction that means 'since' or 'to the extent that':
________ the experimental methodology lacked double… - Choose the conjunctive adverb that introduces a reciprocal opposite proposition:
Developed nations possess substantial technological capita… - Select the discourse marker that introduces an explicit clarification or restatement:
The patient exhibited acute aphasia; ________, she ha… - Identify the underlined portion that contains a grammatical error:
Having thoroughly reviewed (A) the epidemiological data, (B) the statist…