What is this grammatical error called?

Question

Wrong:

The graffiti grabs people's attention because of its peculiar location surrounded by three buildings.


Right: The graffiti grabs people's attention because of its peculiar location. The graffiti is surrounded by three buildings.

I dont know what the correct term for the error is called. Can you help me?

Answer 1

They are both right, but I like the first one better because it's more concise.



However, the word 'graffiti' is plural. The singular is 'graffito' but you never see it. Technically it should be 'The graffiti grab people's attention.' But that sounds strange.

Answer 2

As others have said, they're both fine, with the first much superior in terms of terseness and accuracy (the location is what's surrounded by three buildings).



Whoever told you the first was wrong has a tin ear for English - it's a very nice stylish sentence.

Answer 3

Actually the 'Right' one is wrong - it is the location which is surrounded by buildings. And strictly speaking, it is unlikely that it is truly 'surrounded' unless the three buildings are situated as a triangle, uncommon in most cities.



And personally I would prefer to see the first, unsplit, sentence because it encompasses the whole idea in one. The split make the whole idea rather disjointed. Really it is a matter of style rather than grammatical correctness.



My answer, together with the other answers so far, suggests that your teacher is pernickety and is more concerned with teaching you forms of grammar rather than ways of expression and logical thinking about language.

Answer 4

No, John, there's no error in the first sentence. You've been misinformed.