The following sentence contains an error. Select the option that correctly rectifies the error.
The robbers stabbed him by a sharp knife and he started bleeding profusely on the spot.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. with a sharp knife.
Error concept: Wrong preposition usage.
What is wrong: The sentence uses “stabbed him by a sharp knife,” which is incorrect.
Grammatical concept: The correct preposition used with “stab” is with, not by. We always say “stabbed with a knife.”
Incorrectness of the concept in context: Using “by a sharp knife” is grammatically wrong and unnatural in English.
How to correct: Replace “by a sharp knife” with with a sharp knife.
Correct phrase/ correction: with a sharp knife
Final sentence: The robbers stabbed him with a sharp knife and he started bleeding profusely on the spot.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.