31. Identify the grammatically incorrect word in the following sentence: "Before his death at age 82, comedian Rodney Dangerfield's motto was, 'I don't get no respect.'"
Answer: B
No is the grammatically incorrect word in the sentence.
In the sentence, the use of "no" is incorrect because it should be "any" to adhere to standard English grammar. The phrase "I don't get no respect" is an example of a double negative, which is generally considered grammatically incorrect.
A) At
The word "at" is correctly used in the context of indicating age. It appropriately connects to the phrase "age 82," indicating when Rodney Dangerfield passed away. Therefore, this option is grammatically correct.
B) No
The word "no" is incorrectly used in this context. In standard English, one should say "I don't get any respect," as using "no" creates a double negative, which is not grammatically acceptable. This is why "no" is identified as the incorrect word in the sentence.
C) Before
The word "before" is used correctly to indicate the time frame leading up to Rodney Dangerfield's death. It properly sets the temporal context for the statement, making this option grammatically correct.
D) Was
The word "was" is also used correctly in this sentence. It indicates the state of being of Rodney Dangerfield's motto in the past, aligning with the past tense structure of the sentence. Thus, this option is grammatically correct.
Conclusion
The identification of "no" as the grammatically incorrect word is clear, as it violates standard grammatical rules by employing a double negative. In contrast, the other options—"at," "before," and "was"—are all properly used in the sentence, reinforcing the correctness of the conclusion drawn about the word "no."