Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 125

Identify the mistake: She adopted a fifteen-years-old Sikkimese boy to travel with her.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Check the hyphenation in the compound adjective.

Correct Answer: B) Fifteen-years-old

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Hyphenation in compound adjectives is a crucial aspect of English grammar. When compound adjectives precede a noun, they should be hyphenated to indicate that they function as a single unit. This rule is important for clarity and to avoid ambiguity in the sentence structure.

In the given sentence, "She adopted a fifteen-years-old Sikkimese boy to travel with her," the compound adjective "fifteen-years-old" is incorrectly written. The correct form should be "fifteen-year-old." The hyphenation is necessary because "fifteen-year-old" is a compound adjective that modifies the noun "boy." The hyphen connects the words "fifteen" and "year" to form a single unit that describes the age of the boy.

It is important to note that hyphenation rules can vary depending on the context. For example, when the compound adjective follows the noun it modifies, hyphenation is not always necessary. However, in this case, since "fifteen-year-old" precedes the noun "boy," the hyphenation is required.

Other parts of the sentence are grammatically correct. The verb "adopted" is the past participle of the verb "adopt" and is used correctly to describe the action of taking the boy into her family. The phrase "to travel" is an infinitive phrase that indicates the purpose of the action of adopting the boy. The preposition "with" is used correctly to indicate the relationship between the subject and the boy she adopted.

Understanding and applying hyphenation rules correctly is essential for clear and effective communication in English. It helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the intended meaning of the sentence is conveyed accurately.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The term "adopted" is grammatically correct in this context. It is the past participle of the verb "adopt" and is used correctly here to describe the action of taking a child into one's family.
  • Option B: The correct answer is "Fifteen-years-old." The correct form should be "fifteen-year-old" because compound adjectives preceding a noun should be hyphenated. The hyphenation is necessary to show that "fifteen-year-old" is a single unit modifying "boy."
  • Option C: The phrase "to travel" is grammatically correct in this context. It is an infinitive phrase that indicates the purpose of the action of adopting the boy.
  • Option D: The preposition "with" is used correctly in this context. It indicates the relationship between the subject and the boy she adopted.

Mnemonic: Remember: "Hyphenate when it's a team, not a lone ranger."

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