The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error.

**The manager insisted** (A)/ **that the reports be submitted** (B)/ **before noon, as punctuality** (C)/ **was something he considered to be.** (D)/ **No error**

Question

The following sentence has been divided into parts. One of them may contain an error. Select the part that contains the error.

**The manager insisted** (A)/ **that the reports be submitted** (B)/ **before noon, as punctuality** (C)/ **was something he considered to be.** (D)/ **No error**

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. The error is found in part (D) of the sentence.

2. The phrase "was something he considered to be" is incomplete because the verb "to be" is a linking verb and requires a complement (such as an adjective or noun) to complete the meaning.

3. Ending the sentence with "to be" leaves the predicate unfinished, making the sentence grammatically incorrect.

**Grammar rule:**

- Linking verbs like "be" (including forms such as is, are, was, were, be, been) must be followed by a subject complement (a noun, pronoun, or adjective) to complete the thought.

- A sentence cannot end abruptly with "to be" unless it is part of a complete infinitive phrase.

**Corrected sentence example:**

"The manager insisted that the reports be submitted before noon, as punctuality was something he considered important."

**Additional note:**

- Verbs such as consider, think, believe, and deem require a complement after "to be" to clarify the intended meaning.

**Answer:** (d)

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