Question

In the following sentence four words or phases are underlined. If there is any mistake with regard to grammar or usage, it is in the underlined part only. Identify the incorrect part:
$\text{He}\underset{A}{\underset{–}{\text{gave me}}}\text{a ticket}\underset{B}{\underset{–}{\text{so that}}}\text{I}\underset{C}{\underset{–}{\text{may visit}}}\underset{D}{\underset{–}{\text{the}}}\text{book fair}.$

• A. A
• B. D
• C. C
• D. B

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

C

The correct option is the one with the error.

Option C: 'May' and 'can' are modal verbs. 'May' expresses permission whereas 'can' expresses ability. In the given sentence, 'can' is the preferred verb as the person 'I' will 'be able to' visit the book fair with a ticket. 'I' does not need permission to visit the book fair. Hence the word 'may' forms an incomplete meaning and is erroneous.

This part should be replaced with 'can': He gave me a ticket so that I can visit the book fair.

Hence we choose option C.

Options A, B and D:

The other parts do not have any errors and they are complete in form and meaning. Hence these options are wrong.