Question

Given below sentence. A part of each sentence is underlined which may contain an error. Replace the underlined part with the right choice
He is nothing else than a dishonest fellow,

• A. nothing else lest a dishonest
• B. nothing else than a dishonest
• C. nothing else except a dishonest
• D. nothing but dishonest

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the correct replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence, let’s examine the structure and meaning of the given sentence:

Sentence: "He is nothing else than a dishonest fellow."

In English grammar, the phrase "nothing else than" is not a standard or idiomatic expression. Instead, "nothing but" is the correct phrase used to indicate that something is exclusively one thing and nothing else. Let's evaluate the given options:

1. Option 1: "nothing else lest a dishonest"
   • This phrase is grammatically incorrect. "Lest" is typically used to introduce a clause that indicates something to avoid or prevent, and it does not fit the context here.
2. Option 2: "nothing else than a dishonest"
   • This is the original phrase, and as mentioned, it is not idiomatic or standard in English.
3. Option 3: "nothing else except a dishonest"
   • While this phrase might slightly make sense, it is not the correct standard expression used in English to convey exclusivity or negation.
4. Option 4: "nothing but dishonest"
   • This is the correct form. "Nothing but" is a commonly used phrase in English to imply that someone or something is 'only' or 'merely' the specified thing, emphasizing the point.

Thus, the correct modification of the sentence to make it grammatically correct and idiomatic is:

Revised Sentence: "He is nothing but dishonest."

Conclusion: Therefore, the correct replacement for the underlined part is "nothing but dishonest." This corrects the sentence and makes it align with grammatical and idiomatic standards in English usage.