What is the error in the sentence 'the people gathered at the funeral to pay respect'?

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

The error is in the phrase 'To pay respect,' which is an incorrect use of a common English idiom.
The correct expression for showing honor or offering condolences, especially at a funeral, is 'to pay one's respects' (plural).
The noun 'respects' in this context refers to the formal act of expressing sympathy and honor.
The singular form 'respect' refers to a feeling of admiration and does not fit the idiomatic structure required here.

Option A: This phrase is grammatically correct. 'The people' is a plural subject, and 'gathered' is the corresponding past tense verb.
Option B: This is a correct prepositional phrase. 'At' is the appropriate preposition to indicate the location of the event ('the funeral').
Option D: This option is incorrect because there is a clear idiomatic error in the sentence.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Idiomatic Expressions in English Grammar as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests knowledge of English grammar, not a clinical concept. However, precise language is crucial in all professional settings.
In nursing, using correct and clear language is essential for accurate documentation, patient education, and effective communication with the healthcare team.
Using language correctly avoids ambiguity and ensures that the intended message is received without misunderstanding.

How to Approach the Question

First, read the entire sentence to understand its context: people are at a funeral.
Next, examine each of the underlined options individually.
For 'The people gathered' and 'At the funeral,' check for basic grammatical errors like subject-verb agreement or incorrect preposition use. Both are correct.
For 'To pay respect,' consider if it's a standard phrase or idiom. Recall or deduce that in the context of funerals, the expression is 'to pay one's respects' (plural).
The use of the singular 'respect' is therefore an error in idiomatic expression.
Since an error has been identified, the 'No Error' option can be eliminated.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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