When generalizations results in error, then they become overgeneralizations.

When generalizations results in error, then they become overgeneralizations.

• A. Overgeneralization
• B. Generalization
• C. Variation
• D. Code-switching

Answer: (A)

Extending a language rule beyond where it fits and producing an incorrect form is overgeneralization. Learners often pick up a pattern like “past tense adds -ed” and apply it to all verbs, including irregular ones. So they might say “goed” instead of “went” or “runned” instead of “ran.” That mistaken outcome shows the rule has been applied too broadly, which is exactly what overgeneralization describes. The other terms don’t fit because a normal generalization isn’t producing an error, variation refers to natural differences in use among speakers, and code-switching involves mixing languages.

Extending a language rule beyond where it fits and producing an incorrect form is overgeneralization. Learners often pick up a pattern like “past tense adds -ed” and apply it to all verbs, including irregular ones. So they might say “goed” instead of “went” or “runned” instead of “ran.” That mistaken outcome shows the rule has been applied too broadly, which is exactly what overgeneralization describes. The other terms don’t fit because a normal generalization isn’t producing an error, variation refers to natural differences in use among speakers, and code-switching involves mixing languages.