This error only occurs if you are compiling with one of the ACUCOBOL or RM/COBOL dialect Compiler directives. Set the MODE IS BLOCK phrase to make your source code more compatible with this COBOL system. By setting MODE IS BLOCK, the group item is treated as an elementary item.
01 group-01. 02 field-01 pic x(10). 02 filler pic x(02). 02 field-02 pic x(10). Procedure division. accept group-01 auto *> correct - the auto phrase is allowed for group items accept group-01 beep *> incorrect - the beep phrase is not allow for group items accept group-01 beep MODE IS BLOCK *> correct - the group-01 item is treated as an elementary item (pic x (22))