Error Spotting
Mental model
Slice the sentence into functional chunks (subject, verb, modifiers, objects) and test each chunk.
Error spotting requires a systematic scan rather than a holistic reading. Check verbs first, then pronouns, then prepositions, treating each as a potential failure point.
Method
- Read the sentence once to grasp the intended meaning.
- Check the Subject-Verb chunk: Do they agree in number? Is the tense correct?
- Check the Pronouns: Do they have a clear antecedent? Do they match in number?
- Check Modifiers and Prepositions: Are they placed correctly? Are idiomatic prepositions used?
- If no error is found in the individual chunks, select 'No error'.
Worked example
Problem: Find the error: [A] Every one of the students [B] have submitted [C] their assignments. [D] No error.
- Check the subject: 'Every one' (singular).
- Check the verb in part [B]: 'have submitted' (plural).
- Recognize the mismatch: 'Every one' requires a singular verb.
- The error is in part [B].
Answer: Error is in [B] ('have' should be 'has').
Shortcuts
- Words like 'each', 'every', 'everyone', 'anyone', 'nobody' always take a singular verb.
- Check the tense of the first verb; all subsequent verbs should generally align with that time frame.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring prepositional idioms: Missing errors where the wrong preposition is used (e.g., 'accused for' instead of 'accused of').
- Fear of 'No error': Over-analyzing a perfectly correct sentence and fabricating an error because 'No error' feels like a trap.
Glossary
- holistic
- Looking at the whole thing all at once, rather than the small details.
- antecedent
- The original word that a pronoun (like "it" or "they") refers back to.
- idiomatic
- Sounding natural to native speakers because it follows common usage.
Recall questions
- What is the recommended order for checking parts of a sentence in error spotting?
- What verb form should words like 'every', 'each', and 'anyone' take?
- Why is it important to slice the sentence into functional chunks?
Questions & answers
Find the error: [A] He is [B] one of the best players [C] who has ever lived. [D] No error.
Error in [C].
Approach: 'Who' refers to 'players' (plural), so the verb should be 'have' not 'has'.
Find the error: [A] Despite of the rain, [B] we went [C] out for a walk. [D] No error.
Error in [A].
Approach: 'Despite' is never followed by 'of'. It should be 'Despite the rain' or 'In spite of the rain'.
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