Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The director (1)/ put off (2)/ the conference (3)/ without giving any reason out. (4)/

Explanation

The correct option is (d). Part (4) contains an error: “giving any reason out” is incorrect usage. The verb “give” does not take “out” in this context. The correct expression is “giving any reason” or “giving any reason for it” or “giving any reason” alone. “Out” is used with phrasal verbs like “find out,” “point out,” “carry out,” or “give out” (to distribute/announce/stop functioning), but “give out a reason” is not the intended correct form here. Correct sentence: The director put off the conference without giving any reason. Grammatical rule used: Avoid incorrect phrasal-verb additions; particles like “out” must be used only with verbs that form correct idiomatic meanings. Example: He postponed the meeting without giving any reason. Booster tip: “Give out” means distribute/announce (e.g., “The teacher gave out worksheets.”) or stop working (e.g., “The engine gave out.”), not “state a reason.” So the correct answer is (d)