Question

Find the error in the following sentence.
From ancient times, sculpture had been considered the prerogative of men, and even now, in some parts of the world, women sculptors face hostility and suspicion.
a- From ancient times
b- Had been
c- Prerogative
d- Face
e- No error

Answer 1

Hint: We can see the use of ‘from’ in the sentence, which indicates continuousness or uninterruptedness. Hence, the use of past perfect tense is incorrect in the sentence.

Complete answer:
As given in the hint, past perfect tense is used to indicate an action that was completed before another action in the past.
For example- I had written the paper before she came. Here, the action of writing was complete before X’s arrival.
In the given question- The use of ‘from’ indicates continuity. Hence, we need to use the present perfect tense. The correct answer is; From ancient times, the sculpture has been considered the prerogative of men, and even now, in some parts of the world, women sculptors face hostility and suspicion.
Now, let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘From ancient times’ indicates continuity since ancient times. It has no error. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Had been’ indicates that the action was completed in the past. But in the given sentence, the action is continuity. It has an error as we need to use the present perfect tense. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘Prerogative’ does not have any error. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Face’ is a verb. It does not have any error. Hence, it is an incorrect option. The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note:
 The structure of the present perfect tense is; Subject + Has/have + 3rd form of the verb/past participle + Object. For example- She has written it on the board.