Identifying the Error in the Sentence
In the sentence "he further warns him not to pluck flowers or leaves,?", there is a punctuation error. The presence of both a comma and a question mark at the end of the sentence is incorrect.
Explanation of the Error
- The comma before the question mark is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect.
- A question mark should be used alone to indicate a question, while a comma is used to separate clauses or items in a list.
Correct Usage
- The sentence should end with either a period or a question mark, depending on the intended meaning.
- If it is a statement, it should read: "he further warns him not to pluck flowers or leaves."
- If it is a question, it should be rephrased to indicate that, such as: "Does he further warn him not to pluck flowers or leaves?"
Importance of Proper Punctuation
- Proper punctuation is crucial for clarity and comprehension in writing.
- Misplaced punctuation can lead to confusion about the sentence's meaning, which is especially critical in formal contexts like UPSC examinations.
In summary, the correct approach is to use a single punctuation mark at the end of the sentence, ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy.