The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.

We thought / there was a good idea / to wear snow boots / before we stepped out.

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SSC CGL 2021 Tier-I (Held On : 13 April 2022 Shift 3)
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  1. there was a good idea
  2. before we stepped out
  3. to wear snow boots
  4. We thought

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : there was a good idea
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SSC CGL Tier 1 2025 Full Test - 01
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Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is '1' i.e. there was a good idea .

Key Points

  • The phrase "there was a good idea" is grammatically incorrect because it misuses "there was." The correct phrase should be "it was a good idea" as the sentence refers to a specific idea (to wear snow boots).
  • "There was" is typically used to indicate the existence of something, not to describe or evaluate it.

Correct sentence: We thought it was a good idea to wear snow boots before we stepped out.

Additional Information

  • The error lies in the use of "there was" instead of "it was." This is a common mistake when describing an idea or opinion.
  • When expressing opinions or evaluations, "it was" is more appropriate than "there was."

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