Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical or idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The corresponding letter of that part is the answer. If the given sentence is correct as it is, then choose option ‘No error’ as your answer response. (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any).

The old tree in the (A)/ backyard was slowly died, its (B)/ leaves turning brown (C)/ and branches becoming brittle. (D)

Correct option is B

The incorrect part is (B).

Detailed Analysis

• The Error: "...was slowly died, its..."
• The Problem: This is an error in verb form and voice.
• "Was died" is a passive construction, but "die" is an intransitive verb (a verb that does not take a direct object). Intransitive verbs cannot be used in the passive voice. You cannot "be died" by something else in this grammatical sense.
• The sentence describes a continuous process happening to the tree. Therefore, it requires the Past Continuous tense.
• The Correction: Change "died" to "dying."
• Corrected Sentence: The old tree in the backyard was slowly dying, its leaves turning brown...

Breakdown of Other Parts

• (A) The old tree in the: Correct. "The old tree" is the subject, and "in the" begins the prepositional phrase.
• (C) leaves turning brown: Correct. This is a participle phrase (an absolute construction) describing the state of the tree.
• (D) and branches becoming brittle: Correct. This maintains parallel structure with "leaves turning brown," using the present participle "becoming."

Grammar Guide: Intransitive Verbs and Passive Voice

A common mistake is trying to make a passive sentence out of a verb that happens naturally to the subject.