Directions (1Q - 5Q): Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The number of that part is the answer. If there is ‘No error’, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any).
Q1. Hardly (A) / we had reached (B) / the platform (C) / when the train started. (D) / No Error (E)
Answer - Option B
Explanation - Hardly is followed by 'had' and 'third' form of verb. Proper way should be 'had we reached'.
Q2. Scarcely had the nurse left (A) / after examining (B) / him than (C) / the patient died. (D) / No Error (E)
Answer - Option C
Explanation - 'Scarcely' is always followed by 'when'.
'When' cannot be replaced by 'than' or any other word.
Q3. She had scarcely (A) / finished writing (B) / while she fell (C) / asleep. (D) / No Error (E)
Answer - Option C
Explanation - Replace 'while' with 'when'.
'Scarcely' is always followed by 'when'.
Q4. That store (A) / hadn't hardly (B) / any of the (C) / required products. (D) / No Error (E)
Answer - Option B
Explanation - 'Hardly' itself conveys a negative sense. Use of 'had not' is not required in this case.
Q5. Annie is (A) / either (B) / intelligent (C) / but hard-working. (D) / No Error (E)
Answer - Option D
Explanation - 'Either..or' is used to show a choice between two alternatives. It refers to one out of the two.