Bank Exam Error Detection Questions with Detailed Solutions

Sentence

The number of students (A)/ competing in the event (B)/ has been fallen (C)/ because of the lack of incentive. (D)/

Explanation

• The error lies in part C.

• “Fall” is an intransitive verb, so it does not take the passive form.

• The correct present perfect form is “has fallen”, not has been fallen.

Rule applied

• Intransitive verbs (fall, rise, arrive, die, happen, occur) cannot be used in the passive voice.

Incorrect:

• has been fallen

Correct:

• has fallen

Corrected sentence
The number of students competing in the event has fallen because of the lack of incentive.

Why other parts are correct

• A: “The number of students” correctly takes a singular verb.

• B: “competing in the event” is a correct participial phrase.

• D: “because of the lack of incentive” is grammatically correct.

• E: Incorrect, as an error is present.

Hence, the grammatical error is in Option C.

The error in this sentence lies in part B due to incorrect verb form following a modal verb. "Might requests" should be corrected to "might request" to ensure that the verb is in its base form, as modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the verb without "to" or any other auxiliary verbs. The corrected phrase in part B should be: "might request an."
Corrected sentence: Students can submit their assignments online, might request an extension if necessary, and must adhere to the plagiarism policy at all times.

The error occurs in Part (C).

The phrase “crucial not to prevent” is incorrect because it creates a logical contradiction. If securing systems is crucial, its purpose must be to prevent unauthorized access, not not to prevent it.

Correct sentence:
Securing the vehicle’s software and communication systems against hacking attempts is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and potential disruptions.

Grammar Rule:

After adjectives such as crucial, essential, important, necessary, vital, the structure “to + base verb” is used to express purpose or result.

Structure:
Adjective + to + verb

Examples:

• It is essential to maintain discipline.
• Regular practice is important to improve performance.
• Cybersecurity measures are crucial to protect data.

Therefore, the correct construction should be “crucial to prevent”, not “crucial not to prevent.”

Error Analysis:
Part A: “the vehicle’s software” – correct possessive construction.
Part B: “communication systems against hacking attempts” – grammatically correct.
Part C: “not to prevent unauthorized” – incorrect due to violation of the purpose infinitive rule.
Part D: “access and potential disruptions” – correct noun phrase.

Hence, the error is in Part C.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation with Rule:

Error Part: (A) there have been a growing

Rule:

1. Subject–Verb Agreement (with “there” construction):
   In sentences beginning with “there is/are/has/have”, the verb must agree with the real subject that follows it.
2. Uncountable Nouns:
   The noun “interest” (in this context) is uncountable and takes a singular verb.

Application:

• The phrase used is: “there have been a growing interest”
• “have been” → plural verb
• “interest” → singular/uncountable noun
  → This creates a mismatch.

Correction:

• “there has been a growing interest” (correct: singular verb + singular noun)

Final Correct Sentence:

“In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative therapies as complementary or standalone approaches to modern medicine.”

Hence, the error lies in Part (A).

The error in the sentence is in part (A), specifically with the phrase "running in of battery power." The correct expression should be "running out of battery power" to correctly convey the idea of depleting the battery's energy. Therefore, the corrected part A should read "the fear of running out of battery power before reaching."
Hence, the correct sentence should be: “Range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery power before reaching the destination, is a common concern among trucking companies.”

The error is in part (B): “are required”

Why is it wrong?

The subject of the sentence is “Each”, not “students.”

In English grammar, each, every, either, neither are treated as singular subjects.
So, they always take a singular verb.

Here:

• Each = singular subject
• Therefore, the verb should be is, not are

So:

• Incorrect: Each of the students in the class are required...
• Correct: Each of the students in the class is required...

Important Rule:

When a sentence begins with:

• each of
• every one of
• either of
• neither of

the noun after of may be plural, but the verb is still singular because the actual subject is each / every one / either / neither.

Structure:

Each of + plural noun + singular verb

Example:

• Each of the boys is ready.
• Each of the answers is correct.
• Each of the players was awarded a medal.

The error in the sentence is in part (B), where "weapon’s" is incorrectly used. The correct form should be the plural "weapons" without the apostrophe, as the sentence is referring to nuclear weapons in general, not possession. Therefore, the corrected part B should read "of nuclear weapons."
Rule:
1.  Use a noun as a modifier without ’s: weapons testing, policy changes, sales targets.

2. Use ’s only to show ownership/association (mostly animate): the soldier’s helmet, the city’s plan.

3. With inanimate ideas, prefer “of + noun” or noun modifier: development of nuclear weapons / nuclear weapons development.

The error in the sentence is in part (A), where "driven" is used instead of "drive." The correct form should be "drive" to indicate a short journey by car. Therefore, the corrected part A should read "Just a short drive from."

Note that:
“haven” in part C is correct — both grammatically and contextually.
Explanation: The sentence says: “...there is a wetland area that is a haven for avid bird watchers.” Here, “haven” is a noun that means: • a safe or peaceful place, or • a refuge or sanctuary (especially for animals or people).
In this context: • A wetland area attracting bird watchers because of its natural richness or tranquility fits the definition of a “haven.” • The phrase “a haven for avid bird watchers” is idiomatic and correct.
Example:
• The forest is a haven for wildlife.
• This library is a haven for researchers.
So no error in part C — "haven" is correct.
The only correction needed is in part A: “driven” → “drive.”