Spot the error and the correct word that can replace it in the given sentence:
"After I stand in front of my window and look out, I see tall buildings, long roads full of vehicles moving in orderly lines, neat green hedges and lawns, and tidy pavements to walk on."
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → after → when
Conjunction of time for things that happen together:
- When (or whenever) joins two actions that happen at the same time, or every time one thing happens.
- After shows that one action comes later than another.
- This sentence: the speaker sees the buildings and roads while standing at the window and looking out, not after it, so "After I stand ..." should be "When I stand ...".
Example: When I open the door, the cat runs in.
Corrected: "When I stand in front of my window and look out, I see tall buildings, long roads full of vehicles moving in orderly lines, neat green hedges and lawns, and tidy pavements to walk on."
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: of → from — Incorrect. "Full of" and "in front of" are the correct fixed phrases; "full from" is not used.
Option 3: in → on — Incorrect. "In front of" and "moving in orderly lines" are correct as they are.
Option 4: on → upon — Incorrect. "Pavements to walk on" is correct; "upon" would only sound formal and is no correction.
Contrast: "when" joins actions that happen at the same time; "after" puts one action later than the other.