NIMCET 2007 — English PYQ

The correct option is (b) value.

Detailed Solution

To figure out the error in this sentence, we need to inspect the structural rules of Parallelism and Adjective Modification:

The Rule of Parallelism

When two or more words are linked by a coordinating conjunction such as "and", they must belong to the same grammatical category (parts of speech) to maintain balance.

Let's break down the modifier block modifying the noun $\text{"metal"}$:

• $$\text{Modifier 1}=\text{"precious" (Adjective)}\to \text{Correct}$$

• $$\text{Conjunction}=\text{"and"}$$

• $$\text{Modifier 2}=\text{"value" (Noun)}\to \text{Incorrect parallel structure}$$

Because $\text{"precious"}$ is an adjective, the word linked to it after $\text{"and"}$ must also function as an adjective to properly modify the noun $\text{"metal"}$. The noun $\text{"value"}$ breaks this symmetry.

Correction

The noun $\text{"value"}$ needs to be converted into its proper adjective form, which is "valuable".

• Incorrect Sentence: Platinum is precious and value metal, white in colour.

• Correct Sentence: Platinum is precious and valuable metal, white in colour.

Conclusion

Therefore, the word "value" is grammatically incorrect in this context, making option (b) the right choice.