Question

Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: Seldom had the tribunal entertained an appeal (1)/ so lacking in substance, nor so plainly designed (2)/ to invite publicity rather than justice. (3)/ No error (4)/

• A. (1)
• B. (2)
• C. (3)
• D. (4)

Answer 1

Answer:

B. (2)

Grammar Analysis: Correlative Conjunctions

• The error in the sentence lies in the use of 'nor' in the second part.
• When using the structure 'Seldom... [something]' followed by another negative or restrictive clause, the correct correlative conjunction to use is 'or', not 'nor'.
• The sentence follows an inverted structure common in formal English: Seldom had [subject] [verb].... The first part introduces a negative adverb ('Seldom'), which establishes a context of negation.
• The conjunction 'or' is required here to continue the negative idea started by 'Seldom' and linked to the initial description of the appeal.
• Rule of thumb: In sentences starting with negative adverbs like 'Seldom', 'Hardly', or 'Rarely', subsequent parallel clauses should be connected using 'or' when describing multiple attributes of the same subject.
• Using 'nor' implies a separate negative statement or a new clause beginning with a negative inversion (e.g., 'nor was it...'), which does not fit the flow of the descriptive list provided in this sentence.
• Corrected Sentence: Seldom had the tribunal entertained an appeal so lacking in substance, or so plainly designed to invite publicity rather than justice.