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English grammar error-spotting (present perfect with past-time marker): Read the sentence split into four labeled parts (A–D) and identify the single part that contains a grammatical error; choose ‘‘No error’’ only if the entire sentence is correct. Focus on the incompatibility of ‘‘has got’’ with a definite past-time adverbial like ‘‘a month ago’’: ‘‘My wife has got / a new job / a month ago. / No error.’

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: My wife has got

Explanation:


Given data

  • A: ‘‘My wife has got’’
  • B: ‘‘a new job’’
  • C: ‘‘a month ago.’’
  • D: ‘‘No error.’’


Concept / Approach
In standard English, the present perfect tense (has/have + past participle) does not co-occur with a finished/definite past-time adverbial such as ‘‘yesterday’’, ‘‘in 2019’’, or ‘‘a month ago’’. For a definite past time, use the simple past.


Step-by-step correction
Step 1: Identify the time marker → ‘‘a month ago’’ = definite past time.Step 2: Replace ‘‘has got’’ (present perfect) with the simple past form → ‘‘got’’.Corrected sentence: ‘‘My wife got a new job a month ago.’’


Verification / Alternative
If the meaning were ‘‘within the last month (up to now)’’, we could say: ‘‘My wife has got a new job this month/lately/recently’’—these pair naturally with the present perfect because they imply connection to the present.


Common pitfalls

  • Using present perfect with ‘‘ago’’ or a past date.
  • Thinking ‘‘has got’’ is needed to show possession change; simple past works when time is definite.


Final Answer
My wife has got

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