Parts of the following sentence have been given as options. Select the option that contains an error.
Kumar could not finish the exam on time because he started lately.

Correct option is D

Option (d) contains an error. The correct adverb should be "late" instead of "lately." "Late" refers to being delayed or behind the expected or usual time, which is the intended meaning here, while "lately" refers to recent times and does not fit the context of this sentence.
· Grammatical rule used: Choice of adverb must correctly reflect the intended meaning relative to time. "Late" is used to describe actions done after the expected time, whereas "lately" is used to refer to actions occurring recently.
· Example: He has been arriving late to meetings. (correct use of "late" for timing) vs. He has been feeling tired lately. (correct use of "lately" for recent occurrences)