Find the part of the sentence that contains an error:
Had the memorandum been clearer, (1)/ the committee might have postponed (2)/ or even cancel (3)/ the meeting for further deliberation. (4)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. (3)
Concept: Parallel Structure / Verb Form
Hindi Meaning:
Parallel Structure = समान व्याकरणिक संरचना
Explanation:
The verb “postponed” is in the past participle form after “might have.” Therefore, the second verb connected by “or even” must also be in the same form for grammatical parallelism.
The structure should be:
“might have postponed or even cancelled”
Using “cancel” breaks the parallel structure because it is in the base form, whereas “postponed” is in the past participle form.
Correction:
Replace “cancel” with “cancelled”.
Final Sentence:
“Had the memorandum been clearer, the committee might have postponed or even cancelled the meeting for further deliberation.”