SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 71

Correct Answer

She returned back (1)

Explanation

The error is located in part 1 of the sentence due to superfluous usage (also known as redundancy).

The verb return means to give back, go back, or come back to a place or person. Because the concept of moving "back" is already completely included within the definition of the word return, adding the word back immediately after it is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect.

To fix this error, simply remove the word back. The corrected sentence should read: "She returned the borrowed books to the library on time."

The other parts of the sentence are perfectly accurate:

Part 2 correctly uses the past participle "borrowed" as an adjective to describe the noun "books."

Part 3 correctly utilizes the preposition "to" to indicate the destination (the library).

Part 4 correctly uses the idiomatic phrase "on time" to mean at the planned or expected time.

Therefore, Option 1 is the correct choice containing the error.

Key Points

Redundancy errors are a favorite topic in competitive English exams. Try to spot and eliminate words that repeat the same meaning.

Never use "back" with verbs that already imply returning, such as return, revert, retreat, or recede. For example, say "Please revert to my email," not "Please revert back."

Never use "again" with verbs that mean doing something over, such as repeat, reiterate, rewrite, or rebuild. For example, say "Can you repeat that?" not "Can you repeat that again?"