While trying to collect (I) an envelope from the table, Mr. X fell down (II) and was losing consciousness (III). Mr. X fainted (IV). Which one of the above underlined parts of the sentence is NOT appropriate? A. I B. II C. III D. IV

GATE 2014 · General Aptitude · Incorrect Sentence Part · easy

Answer: Option D (Part IV) is the answer. 'Mr. X fainted' is not appropriate because it redundantly repeats the idea of losing consciousness already expressed in Part III.

1. Check Part I: 'While trying to collect an envelope from the table' — 'collect' is correctly used as a transitive verb with 'an envelope' as object. No error.
2. Check Part II: 'Mr. X fell down' — past simple tense used correctly for a completed past action. No error.
3. Check Part III: 'was losing consciousness' — past continuous correctly describes an ongoing process that was happening at the time of falling. No error.
4. Check Part IV: 'Mr. X fainted' — this clause is redundant because Part III ('was losing consciousness') already conveys the idea of fainting. Adding an independent clause that repeats the meaning is inappropriate and creates a poorly structured, repetitive sentence.