265 sentence correction---take a test now.
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In the thirties and forties, devotees of Willa Cather’s maintained that her writing has all the qualities found in the highest order of American writers of the nineteenth and twentieth century.
A. Cather’s maintained that her writing has
B. Cather’s maintained that her writing had
C. Cather’s have maintained that her writing had
D. Cather maintained that her writing had
E. Cather maintained that her writing has
The best answer is D. The phrase devotees of Willa Cather presents a complete possessive without adding an apostrophe to her last name. Because the sentence describes a past event, the verb has in the present tense is incorrect.
William Hornby acquired bison herds for breeding stock hoping that this move would eventually lead to increasing in their numbers, and a fortification of their environment.
A. increasing in their numbers,
B. an increase in their numbers,
C. their increase in numbers,
D. an increasing in numbers,
E. an increasing in the numbers of them,
The best answer is B. Choice B clearly and correctly uses parallel noun phrases to list the effects of Hornby’s actions: an increase in… a fortification of….
Robinson is a botanist whose dream is to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii, a place now awash with introduced species of plants and animals.
A. who has the dream to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
B. whose dream it is to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
C. who it is his dream to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
D. that is dreaming to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
E. whose dream is to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
The best answer is E. The pronoun whose is the best way to link the dream with Robinson is a botanist.
xxxAs literary criticism grows more complex, students majoring in specialized areas like those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse have been becoming increasingly successful at finding positions in the faculties of top universities.
A. majoring in specialized areas like those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse have been becoming increasingly
B. who major in such specialized areas as post-colonialism and Marxist discourse are becoming more and more
C. who majored in specialized areas such as those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse are being increasingly
D. who major in specialized areas like those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse have been becoming more and more
E. having majored in such specialized areas as post-colonialism and Marxist discourse are being increasingly
The best answer is B. The phrase As literary criticism grows more complex introduces an ongoing condition that leads to consequences described in the rest of the sentence, which should be expressed with simple present-tense or present progressive. The use of like rather than such as is incorrect. In A, C, and D, those of is too wordy.
The woodland sub-species were in isolation from contact with humans longer than either their marsh cousins or the tree-dwelling sub-species.
A. in isolation from contact with humans longer than
B. isolated from contact with humans longer than
C. in isolation from contact with humans longer than were
D. isolated from contact with humans longer than were
E. in isolation and without contacts with humans longer than
The best answer is D. The phrasing of the comparisons in choices A, B, and E is incomplete, so the comparisons are ambiguous. Choice D employs concise, idiomatic phrasing to express a logically complete comparison.
Drinking milk enriched with vitamin D may significantly reduce the risk of rickets and also aid for sufferers of heart disease, according to studies recently completed at the University of California in San Francisco.
A. significantly reduce the risk of rickets and also aid for
B. be significant in reducing the risk of rickets and aid for
C. significantly reduce the risk of rickets and aid
D. cause a significant reduction in the risk of rickets and aid to
E. significantly reduce the risk of rickets as well as aiding
The best answer is C. Choices A, B and D each produce a clearly unintended meaning: by using aid as a noun rather than a verb, each creates a misleading parallel with the noun risk. Choice E lacks grammatical parallelism.
Having logged thousands of hours watching primates from chimpanzees to macaques, chimps and other primates are no longer thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they are attuned to peacemaking.
A. chimps and other primates are no longer thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they
B. Dr. Swenson has come to believe that far from being natural-born killers, chimps and other primates
C. Dr. Swenson has now the belief that far from being natural-born killers, chimps and other primates
D. chimps and other primates are not longer thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they
E. chimps and other primates are no more thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they
The best answer is B. The noun that comes directly after the comma is modified by having logged thousands of hours watching primates from chimpanzees to macaques. Answers A, D, and E illogically have the chimps observing other primates.
xxxThe strand fills with water during the rainy season that the peat then holds and keeps it humid, all of which creates conditions enabling trees to grow.
A. enabling trees to grow.
B. for the trees to grow.
C. for growing trees.
D. that enable the trees to grow.
E. that the trees can grow.
The best answer is D, because peat is mentioned in cause. If it were leaf instead of peat, the choice would be A . In choices B and C the preposition for is used unidiomatically. In choice A the omission of the word the makes it sound as though these conditions are necessary for all trees.
Xxx?People can debate the aesthetic merits of these overwrought, disquieting, sometimes gruesome works of art, but no one can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
A. but no one can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
B. but none can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
C. but not a one can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
D. but no person can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
E. but none can dispute to their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
The best answer is B. The use of none is idiomatically correct. Choice E is incorrect because dispute can only be followed by a direct object.
xxxFor almost five thousand years after its beginning 2.5 million years ago, Homo habilis roamed the earth, lived in semi-permanent camps, gathered food and shared their economy.
A. For almost five thousand years after its beginning 2.5 million years ago,
B. Beginning 2.5 million years ago for a period of almost five thousand years,
C. Beginning a period of almost five thousand years 2.5 million years ago,
D. During five thousand years, a period beginning 2.5 million years ago,
E. Over a period of five thousand years beginning 2.5 million years ago,
The best answer is E. Choice E is precise and idiomatically phrased. Choice A is illogical because its refers grammatically to Homo habilis. Choice B is less clear and direct.
xxx-Despite protests from some share holders, committee members have ordered the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and that the advertising program be undertaken.
A. the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and that the advertising program be
B. the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and that the advertising program being
C. the measure of levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and the advertising program to be
D. the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed with their advertising program being
E. that the levels of department head involvement be curtailed and the advertising program be
The best answer is E. Choice E clearly and correctly uses parallel phrases: the levels of department head involvement be…. The advertising program be…..
Advances in networking technology and home computers have made it easy for millions of Americans to work in their homes, often facilitating the communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, with his distant employees.
A. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, with his distant employees.
B. communication between the manager, who continues the work on-site at the office, with his distant employees.
C. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, to his distant employees.
D. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, and his distant employees.
E. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, with his distance employees.
The best answer is D. The communication has to be between the manager and his employee.
There are any number of skilled freelancers who can develop strategy and create marketing materials with a keen eye to using proven methods, but also to developing new and innovative techniques.
A. with a keen eye to using proven methods, but also to developing new and innovative techniques.
B. with a keen eye for using proven methods, and also to developing new and innovative techniques.
C. with a keen eye not only to using proven methods, but also to developing new and innovative techniques.
D. with a keen eye to using proven methods, but to developing now and innovative techniques.
E. with a keen eye not only to using proven methods, and also to developing now and innovative techniques.
The best answer is C. Choice C correctly develops the parallel not only… but also….
The expedition did not enter the water-filled clearing because it believed that to do it endangers the rare Spanish moss hanging from the trees.
A. to do it endangers
B. doing it endangers
C. to do this would endanger
D. doing so would endanger
E. to do it would endanger
The best answer is D. Choice D appropriately used the adverb so to refer back to the verb accord.
The rising of costs of medication has created growing concern about the long-term threat the virus presents to human health on a national level.
A. The rising of costs
B. Rising costs
C. The rising cost
D. Because the rising cost
E. Because of rising costs
The best answer is C. Choice A is unidiomatic, and B costs…has lacks subject-verb agreement. Choices D and E produce sentence fragments since Because makes the clause subordinate rather than independent.
xxx-While royal governor of New Jersey, William Franklin’s conviction that the colonies should remain part of England was not unlike that of his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred a continued association with England, though he eventually played a role in forging America's independence, helping craft the Declaration of Independence after a change of heart
A. not unlike that of his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred
B. not unlike his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred
C. like his father Benjamin Franklin, and his initial preference
D. like that of his father Benjamin Franklin, for preferring
E. as that of his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred
The best answer is A. Choices B and C present faulty comparisons, comparing William’s conviction with Benjamin Franklin himself. Choice D does not make clear whether is was the father or the son who helped craft the Declaration of Independence. Choice E incorrectly uses as to compare two noun phrases.
xxxThe National Museum of American History owns Harley-Davidsons of various vintages on account of having evolved into an American touchstone.
A. on account of having
B. on account of their having
C. because they have
D. because of having
E. because it has
The best answer is C. As used in choices A, B, and D, the phrases on account of and because of are unidiomatic. Choice E has a subject-verb agreement problem.
xxxThe U.S. Forest Service, then five years old, decided to put out every fire in its domain, and within three decades the agency formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
A. within three decades the agency formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
B. within three decades the agency has formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
C. within three decades the agency had formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
D. within three decades the agency formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished more quickly than they had been in the past.
E. within three decades the agency has formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished more quickly than they had been in the past.
The best answer is D. Choices D and E correctly use the adverbial phrase more quickly than. E is incorrect because of the unwarranted use of the present perfect tense.
Able to out-navigate other vehicles on rutted roads, it was decided that the police chief would allot motorcycles to some of her staff.
A. it was decided that the motorcycle would by the police chief to allot motorcycles to some of her staff.
B. the decision of the police chief was to allot to some of her staff motorcycles
C. the police chief decided to allot to her staff motorcycles
D. some of her staff was allotted motorcycles by the police chief
E. motorcycles were allotted to some of the staff by the police chief.
The best answer is E. Grammatically, the participial phrase beginning with able to must modify the subject of the main clause. The word motorcycles has to follow the comma to become the subject of that clause.
If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof, buff his palm-plank surfboard with carnauba palm wax and watch a palm-fringed sunset.
A. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
B. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
C. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
D. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
E. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, to relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
The best answer is C. The sentence starts with the word if setting up a conditional situation. The correct form of to be with a conditional is were.
While some economists believe that Germany should be warned by the European Commission that it could face the imposition of radical restrictions on its domestic fiscal policymaking as early as the beginning of next year, others say that Germany will take the warning seriously only if it would be backed by sanctions.
A. only if it would be backed by sanctions.
B. only if it is backed by sanctions.
C. if it is backed only by sanctions.
D. if it was only backed by sanctions.
E. if it would only be backed by sanctions.
The best answer is B. In sentences expressing a conditional result (X will happen if Y happens), the verb of the main clause should be in the future tense and the verb of the if clause should be in the present indicative. Thus, is backed (in B) is consistent with will take.
Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
A. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
B. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, which they admit they lack, many participants in the program are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing talents are weak.
C. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, writing talents bring out a disinclination in many participant in the program to acknowledge that they are weak to a degree.
D. Many people in the program, willing to admit that they lack musical talent or other creative skills, are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing skills are weak.
E. Many people in the program have a disinclination to acknowledge the weakness of their writing talents while willing to admit their lack of musical talent or other creative skills.
The best answer is D. Choice A illogically compared talents to a disinclination. B compares talent to many people in the program. Choice C is awkward and unidiomatic. In E, have a disinclination… while willing is grammatically incomplete, and admit their lack should be admit to their lack.
What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs has been New York City's nonprofit Chess-in-the-Schools initiative, giving more girls than ever before the opportunity to learn the rules of the game.
A. What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs
B. The thing that was as remarkable as developing the after-school enrichment programs
C. No less remarkable than the development of the after-school enrichment programs
D. Developing the after-school enrichment programs has been none the less remarkable than
E. Development of the after-school enrichment programs has been no less remarkable as
The best answer is C. Besides being wordy, the beginnings of Choices A and B cause inconsistencies in verb tense: the development of the after-school programs cannot logically be described by both the present perfect and the past. The phrases none the less… than in choice D and no less… as in E are unidiomatic.
The increase in land area which the virus has colonized suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus, strengthening researchers’ original contention that migratory birds have contributed to the virus's spread across the nation.
A. suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
B. suggest that birds are the more usual host to the virus,
C. suggests that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
D. suggests that birds are the more usually host for the virus,
E. suggests that birds are the more usually host of the virus,
The best answer is C. In choices A and B, the verb suggest does not agree with its singular subject, rise. Choices D and E use the adverb usually where the adjective form is required.
Over his 65-year life span, Hughes, one of America’s most enduring writers and a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s, will have published hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
A. will have published hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
B. is publishing hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
C. would have published hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
D. will publish hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
E. would publish hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
The best answer is E. Choices A, B and D use tenses that can only be used for the living. Hughes, the subject of the sentence, is deceased, as is evidenced by the sentence. Choice C sets up a condition would have published... but the condition is then not specified.
xxxA warrant was issued on Sunday by a New York prosecutor for the arrest of Henry Urick, until recently chairman of the mobile telecommunications company Telecom, including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
A. including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
B. along with eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
C. and including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
D. for eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
E. and for including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
The best answer is B. The preposition for governs both Henry Urick and eleven other… so along with is sufficient. In choice A, C and E, the word including is used incorrectly because the other people were arrested in addition to Henry Urick, and not included in his arrest.
Having seen first-hand this recipe for disaster, Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model, promoted by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.
A. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
B. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
C. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
D. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
E. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to clarify that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
The best answer is A. Choices C, D and E present dangling modifiers. Choice B incorrectly places the gerund being after the model, should.
xxxThe exhibition of ancient Egyptian funerary art — imposing statues, intricately painted coffins, and numerous accoutrements, drew hundreds of people each day, equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
A. equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
B. the equivalent of those that visited last year’s Impressionist show.
C. equal to those who visited
D. as many as the visitation to
E. as many as visited
The best answer is E. The phrases equivalent to, the equivalent of, and equal to have too broad a range of meanings to be used precisely here. As many as is preferable. Choice D compares the hundreds of people incorrectly to enrollment.
xxx-Mahatma Gandhi’s is credited as having championed a nonviolent approach to reform as a practical and moral means to struggle against social injustice.
A. as having
B. with having
C. to have
D. as the one who
E. for being the one who
The best answer is B. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something.
Denying that one of its many irregularities had been the long-term mismanaging of company funds, the AD & M company produced clear evidence to back its claim.
A. its many irregularities had been the long-term
B. its many irregularities has been the long-term
C. its many irregularities is the long-term
D. their many irregularities is the long-term
E. their many irregularities had been the long-term
The best answer is A. The singular pronoun its agrees in number with the singular noun referent AD & M; the past perfect verb form had been is used appropriately to refer to an action completed prior to the action of the simple past tense produced.
If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof, buff his palm-plank surfboard with carnauba palm wax and watch a palm-fringed sunset.
A. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
B. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
C. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
D. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
E. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, to relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
The best answer is C. The sentence starts with the word if setting up a conditional situation. The correct form of to be with a conditional is were.
While some economists believe that Germany should be warned by the European Commission that it could face the imposition of radical restrictions on its domestic fiscal policymaking as early as the beginning of next year, others say that Germany will take the warning seriously only if it would be backed by sanctions.
A. only if it would be backed by sanctions.
B. only if it is backed by sanctions.
C. if it is backed only by sanctions.
D. if it was only backed by sanctions.
E. if it would only be backed by sanctions.
The best answer is B. In sentences expressing a conditional result (X will happen if Y happens), the verb of the main clause should be in the future tense and the verb of the if clause should be in the present indicative. Thus, is backed (in B) is consistent with will take.
Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
A. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
B. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, which they admit they lack, many participants in the program are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing talents are weak.
C. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, writing talents bring out a disinclination in many participant in the program to acknowledge that they are weak to a degree.
D. Many people in the program, willing to admit that they lack musical talent or other creative skills, are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing skills are weak.
E. Many people in the program have a disinclination to acknowledge the weakness of their writing talents while willing to admit their lack of musical talent or other creative skills.
The best answer is D. Choice A illogically compared talents to a disinclination. B compares talent to many people in the program. Choice C is awkward and unidiomatic. In E, have a disinclination… while willing is grammatically incomplete, and admit their lack should be admit to their lack.
What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs has been New York City's nonprofit Chess-in-the-Schools initiative, giving more girls than ever before the opportunity to learn the rules of the game.
A. What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs
B. The thing that was as remarkable as developing the after-school enrichment programs
C. No less remarkable than the development of the after-school enrichment programs
D. Developing the after-school enrichment programs has been none the less remarkable than
E. Development of the after-school enrichment programs has been no less remarkable as
The best answer is C. Besides being wordy, the beginnings of Choices A and B cause inconsistencies in verb tense: the development of the after-school programs cannot logically be described by both the present perfect and the past. The phrases none the less… than in choice D and no less… as in E are unidiomatic.
The increase in land area which the virus has colonized suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus, strengthening researchers’ original contention that migratory birds have contributed to the virus's spread across the nation.
A. suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
B. suggest that birds are the more usual host to the virus,
C. suggests that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
D. suggests that birds are the more usually host for the virus,
E. suggests that birds are the more usually host of the virus,
The best answer is C. In choices A and B, the verb suggest does not agree with its singular subject, rise. Choices D and E use the adverb usually where the adjective form is required.
A. Cather’s maintained that her writing has
B. Cather’s maintained that her writing had
C. Cather’s have maintained that her writing had
D. Cather maintained that her writing had
E. Cather maintained that her writing has
The best answer is D. The phrase devotees of Willa Cather presents a complete possessive without adding an apostrophe to her last name. Because the sentence describes a past event, the verb has in the present tense is incorrect.
William Hornby acquired bison herds for breeding stock hoping that this move would eventually lead to increasing in their numbers, and a fortification of their environment.
A. increasing in their numbers,
B. an increase in their numbers,
C. their increase in numbers,
D. an increasing in numbers,
E. an increasing in the numbers of them,
The best answer is B. Choice B clearly and correctly uses parallel noun phrases to list the effects of Hornby’s actions: an increase in… a fortification of….
Robinson is a botanist whose dream is to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii, a place now awash with introduced species of plants and animals.
A. who has the dream to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
B. whose dream it is to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
C. who it is his dream to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
D. that is dreaming to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
E. whose dream is to reestablish an authentic pre-human piece of Hawaii,
The best answer is E. The pronoun whose is the best way to link the dream with Robinson is a botanist.
xxxAs literary criticism grows more complex, students majoring in specialized areas like those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse have been becoming increasingly successful at finding positions in the faculties of top universities.
A. majoring in specialized areas like those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse have been becoming increasingly
B. who major in such specialized areas as post-colonialism and Marxist discourse are becoming more and more
C. who majored in specialized areas such as those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse are being increasingly
D. who major in specialized areas like those of post-colonialism and Marxist discourse have been becoming more and more
E. having majored in such specialized areas as post-colonialism and Marxist discourse are being increasingly
The best answer is B. The phrase As literary criticism grows more complex introduces an ongoing condition that leads to consequences described in the rest of the sentence, which should be expressed with simple present-tense or present progressive. The use of like rather than such as is incorrect. In A, C, and D, those of is too wordy.
The woodland sub-species were in isolation from contact with humans longer than either their marsh cousins or the tree-dwelling sub-species.
A. in isolation from contact with humans longer than
B. isolated from contact with humans longer than
C. in isolation from contact with humans longer than were
D. isolated from contact with humans longer than were
E. in isolation and without contacts with humans longer than
The best answer is D. The phrasing of the comparisons in choices A, B, and E is incomplete, so the comparisons are ambiguous. Choice D employs concise, idiomatic phrasing to express a logically complete comparison.
Drinking milk enriched with vitamin D may significantly reduce the risk of rickets and also aid for sufferers of heart disease, according to studies recently completed at the University of California in San Francisco.
A. significantly reduce the risk of rickets and also aid for
B. be significant in reducing the risk of rickets and aid for
C. significantly reduce the risk of rickets and aid
D. cause a significant reduction in the risk of rickets and aid to
E. significantly reduce the risk of rickets as well as aiding
The best answer is C. Choices A, B and D each produce a clearly unintended meaning: by using aid as a noun rather than a verb, each creates a misleading parallel with the noun risk. Choice E lacks grammatical parallelism.
Having logged thousands of hours watching primates from chimpanzees to macaques, chimps and other primates are no longer thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they are attuned to peacemaking.
A. chimps and other primates are no longer thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they
B. Dr. Swenson has come to believe that far from being natural-born killers, chimps and other primates
C. Dr. Swenson has now the belief that far from being natural-born killers, chimps and other primates
D. chimps and other primates are not longer thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they
E. chimps and other primates are no more thought to be natural-born killers by Dr. Swenson, they
The best answer is B. The noun that comes directly after the comma is modified by having logged thousands of hours watching primates from chimpanzees to macaques. Answers A, D, and E illogically have the chimps observing other primates.
xxxThe strand fills with water during the rainy season that the peat then holds and keeps it humid, all of which creates conditions enabling trees to grow.
A. enabling trees to grow.
B. for the trees to grow.
C. for growing trees.
D. that enable the trees to grow.
E. that the trees can grow.
The best answer is D, because peat is mentioned in cause. If it were leaf instead of peat, the choice would be A . In choices B and C the preposition for is used unidiomatically. In choice A the omission of the word the makes it sound as though these conditions are necessary for all trees.
Xxx?People can debate the aesthetic merits of these overwrought, disquieting, sometimes gruesome works of art, but no one can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
A. but no one can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
B. but none can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
C. but not a one can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
D. but no person can dispute their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
E. but none can dispute to their creators' mastery of the paintbrush as a blunt instrument.
The best answer is B. The use of none is idiomatically correct. Choice E is incorrect because dispute can only be followed by a direct object.
xxxFor almost five thousand years after its beginning 2.5 million years ago, Homo habilis roamed the earth, lived in semi-permanent camps, gathered food and shared their economy.
A. For almost five thousand years after its beginning 2.5 million years ago,
B. Beginning 2.5 million years ago for a period of almost five thousand years,
C. Beginning a period of almost five thousand years 2.5 million years ago,
D. During five thousand years, a period beginning 2.5 million years ago,
E. Over a period of five thousand years beginning 2.5 million years ago,
The best answer is E. Choice E is precise and idiomatically phrased. Choice A is illogical because its refers grammatically to Homo habilis. Choice B is less clear and direct.
xxx-Despite protests from some share holders, committee members have ordered the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and that the advertising program be undertaken.
A. the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and that the advertising program be
B. the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and that the advertising program being
C. the measure of levels of department head involvement to be curtailed and the advertising program to be
D. the levels of department head involvement to be curtailed with their advertising program being
E. that the levels of department head involvement be curtailed and the advertising program be
The best answer is E. Choice E clearly and correctly uses parallel phrases: the levels of department head involvement be…. The advertising program be…..
Advances in networking technology and home computers have made it easy for millions of Americans to work in their homes, often facilitating the communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, with his distant employees.
A. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, with his distant employees.
B. communication between the manager, who continues the work on-site at the office, with his distant employees.
C. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, to his distant employees.
D. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, and his distant employees.
E. communication between the manager, who continues to work on-site at the office, with his distance employees.
The best answer is D. The communication has to be between the manager and his employee.
There are any number of skilled freelancers who can develop strategy and create marketing materials with a keen eye to using proven methods, but also to developing new and innovative techniques.
A. with a keen eye to using proven methods, but also to developing new and innovative techniques.
B. with a keen eye for using proven methods, and also to developing new and innovative techniques.
C. with a keen eye not only to using proven methods, but also to developing new and innovative techniques.
D. with a keen eye to using proven methods, but to developing now and innovative techniques.
E. with a keen eye not only to using proven methods, and also to developing now and innovative techniques.
The best answer is C. Choice C correctly develops the parallel not only… but also….
The expedition did not enter the water-filled clearing because it believed that to do it endangers the rare Spanish moss hanging from the trees.
A. to do it endangers
B. doing it endangers
C. to do this would endanger
D. doing so would endanger
E. to do it would endanger
The best answer is D. Choice D appropriately used the adverb so to refer back to the verb accord.
The rising of costs of medication has created growing concern about the long-term threat the virus presents to human health on a national level.
A. The rising of costs
B. Rising costs
C. The rising cost
D. Because the rising cost
E. Because of rising costs
The best answer is C. Choice A is unidiomatic, and B costs…has lacks subject-verb agreement. Choices D and E produce sentence fragments since Because makes the clause subordinate rather than independent.
xxx-While royal governor of New Jersey, William Franklin’s conviction that the colonies should remain part of England was not unlike that of his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred a continued association with England, though he eventually played a role in forging America's independence, helping craft the Declaration of Independence after a change of heart
A. not unlike that of his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred
B. not unlike his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred
C. like his father Benjamin Franklin, and his initial preference
D. like that of his father Benjamin Franklin, for preferring
E. as that of his father Benjamin Franklin, who initially preferred
The best answer is A. Choices B and C present faulty comparisons, comparing William’s conviction with Benjamin Franklin himself. Choice D does not make clear whether is was the father or the son who helped craft the Declaration of Independence. Choice E incorrectly uses as to compare two noun phrases.
xxxThe National Museum of American History owns Harley-Davidsons of various vintages on account of having evolved into an American touchstone.
A. on account of having
B. on account of their having
C. because they have
D. because of having
E. because it has
The best answer is C. As used in choices A, B, and D, the phrases on account of and because of are unidiomatic. Choice E has a subject-verb agreement problem.
xxxThe U.S. Forest Service, then five years old, decided to put out every fire in its domain, and within three decades the agency formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
A. within three decades the agency formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
B. within three decades the agency has formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
C. within three decades the agency had formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished quicker than they had been in the past.
D. within three decades the agency formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished more quickly than they had been in the past.
E. within three decades the agency has formulated what it called the 10 A.M. policy, directing that fires be extinguished more quickly than they had been in the past.
The best answer is D. Choices D and E correctly use the adverbial phrase more quickly than. E is incorrect because of the unwarranted use of the present perfect tense.
Able to out-navigate other vehicles on rutted roads, it was decided that the police chief would allot motorcycles to some of her staff.
A. it was decided that the motorcycle would by the police chief to allot motorcycles to some of her staff.
B. the decision of the police chief was to allot to some of her staff motorcycles
C. the police chief decided to allot to her staff motorcycles
D. some of her staff was allotted motorcycles by the police chief
E. motorcycles were allotted to some of the staff by the police chief.
The best answer is E. Grammatically, the participial phrase beginning with able to must modify the subject of the main clause. The word motorcycles has to follow the comma to become the subject of that clause.
If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof, buff his palm-plank surfboard with carnauba palm wax and watch a palm-fringed sunset.
A. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
B. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
C. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
D. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
E. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, to relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
The best answer is C. The sentence starts with the word if setting up a conditional situation. The correct form of to be with a conditional is were.
While some economists believe that Germany should be warned by the European Commission that it could face the imposition of radical restrictions on its domestic fiscal policymaking as early as the beginning of next year, others say that Germany will take the warning seriously only if it would be backed by sanctions.
A. only if it would be backed by sanctions.
B. only if it is backed by sanctions.
C. if it is backed only by sanctions.
D. if it was only backed by sanctions.
E. if it would only be backed by sanctions.
The best answer is B. In sentences expressing a conditional result (X will happen if Y happens), the verb of the main clause should be in the future tense and the verb of the if clause should be in the present indicative. Thus, is backed (in B) is consistent with will take.
Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
A. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
B. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, which they admit they lack, many participants in the program are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing talents are weak.
C. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, writing talents bring out a disinclination in many participant in the program to acknowledge that they are weak to a degree.
D. Many people in the program, willing to admit that they lack musical talent or other creative skills, are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing skills are weak.
E. Many people in the program have a disinclination to acknowledge the weakness of their writing talents while willing to admit their lack of musical talent or other creative skills.
The best answer is D. Choice A illogically compared talents to a disinclination. B compares talent to many people in the program. Choice C is awkward and unidiomatic. In E, have a disinclination… while willing is grammatically incomplete, and admit their lack should be admit to their lack.
What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs has been New York City's nonprofit Chess-in-the-Schools initiative, giving more girls than ever before the opportunity to learn the rules of the game.
A. What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs
B. The thing that was as remarkable as developing the after-school enrichment programs
C. No less remarkable than the development of the after-school enrichment programs
D. Developing the after-school enrichment programs has been none the less remarkable than
E. Development of the after-school enrichment programs has been no less remarkable as
The best answer is C. Besides being wordy, the beginnings of Choices A and B cause inconsistencies in verb tense: the development of the after-school programs cannot logically be described by both the present perfect and the past. The phrases none the less… than in choice D and no less… as in E are unidiomatic.
The increase in land area which the virus has colonized suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus, strengthening researchers’ original contention that migratory birds have contributed to the virus's spread across the nation.
A. suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
B. suggest that birds are the more usual host to the virus,
C. suggests that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
D. suggests that birds are the more usually host for the virus,
E. suggests that birds are the more usually host of the virus,
The best answer is C. In choices A and B, the verb suggest does not agree with its singular subject, rise. Choices D and E use the adverb usually where the adjective form is required.
Over his 65-year life span, Hughes, one of America’s most enduring writers and a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920’s, will have published hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
A. will have published hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
B. is publishing hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
C. would have published hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
D. will publish hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
E. would publish hundreds of poems, plus novels, short stories, autobiographies, librettos, essays and children’s books.
The best answer is E. Choices A, B and D use tenses that can only be used for the living. Hughes, the subject of the sentence, is deceased, as is evidenced by the sentence. Choice C sets up a condition would have published... but the condition is then not specified.
xxxA warrant was issued on Sunday by a New York prosecutor for the arrest of Henry Urick, until recently chairman of the mobile telecommunications company Telecom, including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
A. including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
B. along with eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
C. and including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
D. for eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
E. and for including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
The best answer is B. The preposition for governs both Henry Urick and eleven other… so along with is sufficient. In choice A, C and E, the word including is used incorrectly because the other people were arrested in addition to Henry Urick, and not included in his arrest.
Having seen first-hand this recipe for disaster, Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model, promoted by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.
A. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
B. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
C. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
D. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
E. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to clarify that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
The best answer is A. Choices C, D and E present dangling modifiers. Choice B incorrectly places the gerund being after the model, should.
xxxThe exhibition of ancient Egyptian funerary art — imposing statues, intricately painted coffins, and numerous accoutrements, drew hundreds of people each day, equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
A. equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
B. the equivalent of those that visited last year’s Impressionist show.
C. equal to those who visited
D. as many as the visitation to
E. as many as visited
The best answer is E. The phrases equivalent to, the equivalent of, and equal to have too broad a range of meanings to be used precisely here. As many as is preferable. Choice D compares the hundreds of people incorrectly to enrollment.
xxx-Mahatma Gandhi’s is credited as having championed a nonviolent approach to reform as a practical and moral means to struggle against social injustice.
A. as having
B. with having
C. to have
D. as the one who
E. for being the one who
The best answer is B. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something.
Denying that one of its many irregularities had been the long-term mismanaging of company funds, the AD & M company produced clear evidence to back its claim.
A. its many irregularities had been the long-term
B. its many irregularities has been the long-term
C. its many irregularities is the long-term
D. their many irregularities is the long-term
E. their many irregularities had been the long-term
The best answer is A. The singular pronoun its agrees in number with the singular noun referent AD & M; the past perfect verb form had been is used appropriately to refer to an action completed prior to the action of the simple past tense produced.
If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof, buff his palm-plank surfboard with carnauba palm wax and watch a palm-fringed sunset.
A. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
B. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
C. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
D. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe were marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, relaxing in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
E. If a latter-day Robinson Crusoe was marooned on an island with an eclectic mix of palms, he could eat dates and coconut meat, to relax in a palm recliner in his palm-post bungalow under a palm-thatch roof,
The best answer is C. The sentence starts with the word if setting up a conditional situation. The correct form of to be with a conditional is were.
While some economists believe that Germany should be warned by the European Commission that it could face the imposition of radical restrictions on its domestic fiscal policymaking as early as the beginning of next year, others say that Germany will take the warning seriously only if it would be backed by sanctions.
A. only if it would be backed by sanctions.
B. only if it is backed by sanctions.
C. if it is backed only by sanctions.
D. if it was only backed by sanctions.
E. if it would only be backed by sanctions.
The best answer is B. In sentences expressing a conditional result (X will happen if Y happens), the verb of the main clause should be in the future tense and the verb of the if clause should be in the present indicative. Thus, is backed (in B) is consistent with will take.
Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
A. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, there is a disinclination on the part of many participants in the program to acknowledge the degree to which their writing talents are weak.
B. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, which they admit they lack, many participants in the program are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing talents are weak.
C. Unlike musical talent or other creative skills, writing talents bring out a disinclination in many participant in the program to acknowledge that they are weak to a degree.
D. Many people in the program, willing to admit that they lack musical talent or other creative skills, are disinclined to acknowledge that their writing skills are weak.
E. Many people in the program have a disinclination to acknowledge the weakness of their writing talents while willing to admit their lack of musical talent or other creative skills.
The best answer is D. Choice A illogically compared talents to a disinclination. B compares talent to many people in the program. Choice C is awkward and unidiomatic. In E, have a disinclination… while willing is grammatically incomplete, and admit their lack should be admit to their lack.
What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs has been New York City's nonprofit Chess-in-the-Schools initiative, giving more girls than ever before the opportunity to learn the rules of the game.
A. What was as remarkable as the development of the after-school enrichment programs
B. The thing that was as remarkable as developing the after-school enrichment programs
C. No less remarkable than the development of the after-school enrichment programs
D. Developing the after-school enrichment programs has been none the less remarkable than
E. Development of the after-school enrichment programs has been no less remarkable as
The best answer is C. Besides being wordy, the beginnings of Choices A and B cause inconsistencies in verb tense: the development of the after-school programs cannot logically be described by both the present perfect and the past. The phrases none the less… than in choice D and no less… as in E are unidiomatic.
The increase in land area which the virus has colonized suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus, strengthening researchers’ original contention that migratory birds have contributed to the virus's spread across the nation.
A. suggest that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
B. suggest that birds are the more usual host to the virus,
C. suggests that birds are the more usual host for the virus,
D. suggests that birds are the more usually host for the virus,
E. suggests that birds are the more usually host of the virus,
The best answer is C. In choices A and B, the verb suggest does not agree with its singular subject, rise. Choices D and E use the adverb usually where the adjective form is required.
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navin_c
Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
Of all the possible disasters that threaten the upcoming Olympic games, the possibility of forceful winds affecting the rowing venue is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
B. is probably the most difficult for analysis.
C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis.
D. is probably the more difficult for analysis.
E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult.
The best answer is B. The sentence compares one thing, forceful winds affecting the rowing venue, to all other possible disasters. Therefore, the superlative form, most, is required. The use of maybe is unidiomatic.
Of all the possible disasters that threaten the upcoming Olympic games, the possibility of forceful winds affecting the rowing venue is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
B. is probably the most difficult for analysis.
C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis.
D. is probably the more difficult for analysis.
E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult.
The best answer is B. The sentence compares one thing, forceful winds affecting the rowing venue, to all other possible disasters. Therefore, the superlative form, most, is required. The use of maybe is unidiomatic.
Of all the possible disasters that threaten the upcoming Olympic games, the possibility of forceful winds affecting the rowing venue is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
B. is probably the most difficult for analysis.
C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis.
D. is probably the more difficult for analysis.
E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult.
The best answer is B. The sentence compares one thing, forceful winds affecting the rowing venue, to all other possible disasters. Therefore, the superlative form, most, is required. The use of maybe is unidiomatic.
xxxA warrant was issued on Sunday by a New York prosecutor for the arrest of Henry Urick, until recently chairman of the mobile telecommunications company Telecom, including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
A. including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
B. along with eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
C. and including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
D. for eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
E. and for including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
The best answer is B. The preposition for governs both Henry Urick and eleven other… so along with is sufficient. In choice A, C and E, the word including is used incorrectly because the other people were arrested in addition to Henry Urick, and not included in his arrest.
Having seen first-hand this recipe for disaster, Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model, promoted by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.
A. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
B. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
C. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
D. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
E. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to clarify that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
The best answer is A. Choices C, D and E present dangling modifiers. Choice B incorrectly places the gerund being after the model, should.
xxxThe exhibition of ancient Egyptian funerary art — imposing statues, intricately painted coffins, and numerous accoutrements, drew hundreds of people each day, equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
A. equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
B. the equivalent of those that visited last year’s Impressionist show.
C. equal to those who visited
D. as many as the visitation to
E. as many as visited
The best answer is E. The phrases equivalent to, the equivalent of, and equal to have too broad a range of meanings to be used precisely here. As many as is preferable. Choice D compares the hundreds of people incorrectly to enrollment.
xxx-Mahatma Gandhi’s is credited as having championed a nonviolent approach to reform as a practical and moral means to struggle against social injustice.
A. as having
B. with having
C. to have
D. as the one who
E. for being the one who
The best answer is B. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something.
Denying that one of its many irregularities had been the long-term mismanaging of company funds, the AD & M company produced clear evidence to back its claim.
A. its many irregularities had been the long-term
B. its many irregularities has been the long-term
C. its many irregularities is the long-term
D. their many irregularities is the long-term
E. their many irregularities had been the long-term
The best answer is A. The singular pronoun its agrees in number with the singular noun referent AD & M; the past perfect verb form had been is used appropriately to refer to an action completed prior to the action of the simple past tense produced.
Electric boats have eliminated the noise pollution that conventional powerboats made and reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, threatening fish and bird life.
A. reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, threatening fish and bird life.
B. reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, threaten fish and bird life.
C. reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, to threaten fish and bird life.
D. reduced the loathsome discharges of oil that fouled American rivers and lakes, to threaten fish and bird life.
E. reduced the loathsome discharges of oil that fouled American rivers and lakes, threatening fish and bird life.
The best answer is E. The form of the word reduce is governed by first verb phrase because it continues in a parallel construction: Have eliminated.. and reduced.
xxxBeing literal-minded about the afterlife, both royalty and commoners arranged to fill their tombs with household objects, each object a necessity for daily life, ready for use.
A. each object a necessity for daily life, ready for use.
B. all the objects a necessity for daily life, ready for use.
C. all the objects a necessity for daily life, they are ready for use.
D. every object a necessity for daily life, it is ready for use.
E. each object a necessity for daily life, was ready for use.
The best answer is A. In choice A, the words object and necessity, both singular, agree.
The Sumerians, who founded the first cities, not only invented writing, created poetry and the rule of law, and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
A. and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
B. but were also extraordinary craftsmen.
C. but also were extraordinary craftsmen.
D. but also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
E. and also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
The best answer is D. Choice d correctly uses the not only… but also… construction, with parallel phrases.
The Sumerians, who founded the first cities, not only invented writing, created poetry and the rule of law, and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
A. and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
B. but were also extraordinary craftsmen.
C. but also were extraordinary craftsmen.
D. but also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
E. and also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
The best answer is D. Choice d correctly uses the not only… but also… construction, with parallel phrases.
Researchers blamed the low rate of growth in the harbor’s toad population on lake toxicity as well as on the weather, hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed metabolism and reproductive activity.
A. hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
B. which was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, slowing
C. since it was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
D. being hotter and more humid than averages in the Ohio region, which slowing
E. having been hotter and more humid than was average in the Ohio region, and slowed
The best answer is B. It is concise and idiomatic, and which has a clear referent, the weather.
Researchers blamed the low rate of growth in the harbor’s toad population on lake toxicity as well as on the weather, hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed metabolism and reproductive activity.
A. hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
B. which was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, slowing
C. since it was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
D. being hotter and more humid than averages in the Ohio region, which slowing
E. having been hotter and more humid than was average in the Ohio region, and slowed
The best answer is B. It is concise and idiomatic, and which has a clear referent, the weather.
Twenty-five years ago in this month, Camp David became the setting for an unprecedented episode of American diplomacy—and entered the lexicon as a near synonym for high-level peacemaking—when Jimmy Carter, Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian president Anwar El-Sadat gathered there for a tense and grueling 13 days.
A. Twenty-five years ago in this month,
B. Twenty-five years ago this month,
C. In this month, twenty-five years previously,
D. In this month, twenty-five years previous,
E. It was twenty-five years ago to this month,
The best answer is B. Choice B is idiomatic and precise.
As well as getting away unscathed, Kim managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens, compliments of Brazilian environmentalists.
A. As well as getting away unscathed, Kim managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens
B. Besides getting away unscathed, Kim also managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens
C. Besides getting away unscathed, also Kim managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens
D. Kim not only got away unscathed, but also managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens,
E. Kim got away not only unscathed, but also managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens,
The best answer is D. Choice D has no modification errors and uses parallel phrases to complete the idiomatic construction not only… but also.
Starting in the west at St. Bees on the Irish Sea, the route meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep, and across three of Britain's finest national parks, all the way to the village of Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea.
Starting in the west at St. Bees on the Irish Sea, the route meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep, and across three of Britain's finest national parks, all the way to the village of Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea.
A. heather and woods dot the route that meanders over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
B. heather and woods dot the route which meanders over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
C. the route meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
D. the meandering route through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
E. the route that meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
The best answer is C. The noun phrase that appears after the first comma is modified by starting in the west at St. bees on the Irish Sea. The route is the only logical subject.
Although the term “entrepreneur” is popularly applied to a high-profile, risk-taking businessman, it is anyone who organizes and manages a business.
A. it is anyone who organizes and manages a business.
B. it is any person that organizes and manages a business.
C. they are people who organize and manage a business.
D. it is in reference to any people who organize and manage a business.
E. it refers to anyone who organizes and manages a business.
The best answer is E. In choices A, B and C, the pronoun it simultaneously refers forward to anyone and backward to the term entrepreneur. As a result, the sentence asserts illogically that the term is actually a kind of person rather than a word referring to a kind of person.
Scientists from the Cytolab team are conducting experiments to see whether proteins will prematurely turn into solids in silk-producing animals under laboratory conditions.
A. to see whether proteins will prematurely turn into solids
B. to see whether proteins should prematurely turn into solids
C. to see if proteins will prematurely turn into solids
D. that see if proteins would prematurely turn into solids
E. that see whether proteins would prematurely turn into solids
The best answer is A. Whether is preferable to if in presenting the situation which is possible rather than conditional. In D and E experiments that see is imprecise, because it is the Cytolab scientists that will see, not the experiments themselves.
The governing council met over the weekend to continue talks over appointing ministers to run the government so as to avoid public anger at deteriorating services.
A. so as to avoid
B. and so could they avoid
C. so that they could avoid
D. so that it could avoid
E. in order that it could avoid
The best answer is D. The sentence calls for an adverbial clause of purpose to explain why the governing council met over the weekend. Choice D employs an appropriate conjunction, so that, and contains a logically appropriate verb form, could avoid.
Jennifer Wilson suggested that funding for the business’ development, which could be franchised early next year, is obtained through local investors.
A. that funding for the business’ development, which could be franchised early next year, is
B. that funding for the development of the business, which could be franchised early next year, be
C. funding for the development of the business, perhaps franchised early next year, to be
D. funds for the business’ development, perhaps franchised early next year, be
E. development funding for the business, which could be franchised early next year, is to be
The best answer is B. Choice A attaches the relative clause which could be open… to the noun development, when in fact, it is the business that could be open. Choice C omits that. Choices C incorrectly use perhaps open to the public, to modify development. Choice E seriously distorts meaning.
Although few would disagree that small classrooms of a maximum of 15 students are ideal environments in which to educate the young, financially strained counties point out that small classrooms cost twice as much as maintaining regular sized classrooms.
A. small classrooms cost twice as much as maintaining regular sized classrooms.
B. small classrooms cost twice as much to maintain as regular sized classrooms do.
C. maintaining small classrooms cost twice as much as regular sized classrooms do.
D. maintaining small classrooms cost twice as much as it does for regular sized classrooms.
E. to maintain small classrooms cost twice as much as for regular sized classrooms.
The best answer is B. This sentence compares the cost required to maintain two kinds of classroom. B, the best choice, preserves parallelism in the comparison as well.
With only 12 percent of the hounds in the annual Seclusival Dog Competition trials, the 200-year-old Shipman Kennel won 42 percent of first, second and third place ribbons, stunning dog handlers, judges and observers alike.
A. With
B. As
C. Being
D. Despite having
E. Although accounting for
The best answer is E. The word or phrase that begins this sentence should establish the contrast between the percentage of dogs from the Shipman kennel and the success of its dogs. Only choices D and E do this, and only E expresses meaning accurately with the phrase although accounting for.
The expedition diarists wrote about such things as bison, thunderstorms, river currents, mountain ranges and prairie plants, when they might have been expected for their diaries to focus on tribal politics.
A. they might have been expected for their diaries to focus on tribal politics.
B. they might have been expected to focus on tribal politics.
C. they might have been expected that it should focus on tribal politics.
D. its focus might have been expected to be on tribal politics.
E. there might have been an expectation that it would focus on tribal politics.
The best answer is B. In English x [is] expected to y is idiomatic usage, thus A and C are unidiomatic. D awkwardly substitutes its focus for the pronoun they as a subject. E is needlessly wordy.
Conceived outside her mother’s body by in vitro fertilization (IVF) developed by Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards, her widely publicized birth prompted a heated ethical debate.
A. her widely publicized birth prompted a heated ethical debate.
B. a heated ethical debate followed her widely publicized birth.
C. her birth, which was widely publicized, prompted a heated ethical debate.
D. she was born amid great publicity that prompted a heated ethical debate.
E. a heated ethical debate has followed her widely publicized birth.
The best answer is D. The noun that follows the comma must be the subject modified by Conceived outside her mother’s body by in vitro fertilization (IVF) developed by Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards. Only she is a logical subject.
A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
B. is probably the most difficult for analysis.
C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis.
D. is probably the more difficult for analysis.
E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult.
The best answer is B. The sentence compares one thing, forceful winds affecting the rowing venue, to all other possible disasters. Therefore, the superlative form, most, is required. The use of maybe is unidiomatic.
Of all the possible disasters that threaten the upcoming Olympic games, the possibility of forceful winds affecting the rowing venue is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
B. is probably the most difficult for analysis.
C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis.
D. is probably the more difficult for analysis.
E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult.
The best answer is B. The sentence compares one thing, forceful winds affecting the rowing venue, to all other possible disasters. Therefore, the superlative form, most, is required. The use of maybe is unidiomatic.
Of all the possible disasters that threaten the upcoming Olympic games, the possibility of forceful winds affecting the rowing venue is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
A. is maybe the more difficult for analysis.
B. is probably the most difficult for analysis.
C. is maybe the most difficult for analysis.
D. is probably the more difficult for analysis.
E. is, it may be, the analysis that is most difficult.
The best answer is B. The sentence compares one thing, forceful winds affecting the rowing venue, to all other possible disasters. Therefore, the superlative form, most, is required. The use of maybe is unidiomatic.
xxxA warrant was issued on Sunday by a New York prosecutor for the arrest of Henry Urick, until recently chairman of the mobile telecommunications company Telecom, including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
A. including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
B. along with eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
C. and including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
D. for eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
E. and for including eleven other people connected with his family's business empire.
The best answer is B. The preposition for governs both Henry Urick and eleven other… so along with is sufficient. In choice A, C and E, the word including is used incorrectly because the other people were arrested in addition to Henry Urick, and not included in his arrest.
Having seen first-hand this recipe for disaster, Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model, promoted by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.
A. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
B. Roberta Henson wished to make clear that free trade is unfair and that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
C. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
D. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to make clear that poor nations should being liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
E. free trade was called unfair by Roberta Henson, who wished to clarify that poor nations should be liberated from the one-size-fits-all trading model,
The best answer is A. Choices C, D and E present dangling modifiers. Choice B incorrectly places the gerund being after the model, should.
xxxThe exhibition of ancient Egyptian funerary art — imposing statues, intricately painted coffins, and numerous accoutrements, drew hundreds of people each day, equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
A. equivalent to the number of visitors to last year’s Impressionist show.
B. the equivalent of those that visited last year’s Impressionist show.
C. equal to those who visited
D. as many as the visitation to
E. as many as visited
The best answer is E. The phrases equivalent to, the equivalent of, and equal to have too broad a range of meanings to be used precisely here. As many as is preferable. Choice D compares the hundreds of people incorrectly to enrollment.
xxx-Mahatma Gandhi’s is credited as having championed a nonviolent approach to reform as a practical and moral means to struggle against social injustice.
A. as having
B. with having
C. to have
D. as the one who
E. for being the one who
The best answer is B. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something.
Denying that one of its many irregularities had been the long-term mismanaging of company funds, the AD & M company produced clear evidence to back its claim.
A. its many irregularities had been the long-term
B. its many irregularities has been the long-term
C. its many irregularities is the long-term
D. their many irregularities is the long-term
E. their many irregularities had been the long-term
The best answer is A. The singular pronoun its agrees in number with the singular noun referent AD & M; the past perfect verb form had been is used appropriately to refer to an action completed prior to the action of the simple past tense produced.
Electric boats have eliminated the noise pollution that conventional powerboats made and reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, threatening fish and bird life.
A. reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, threatening fish and bird life.
B. reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, threaten fish and bird life.
C. reduce the loathsome discharges of oil that foul American rivers and lakes, to threaten fish and bird life.
D. reduced the loathsome discharges of oil that fouled American rivers and lakes, to threaten fish and bird life.
E. reduced the loathsome discharges of oil that fouled American rivers and lakes, threatening fish and bird life.
The best answer is E. The form of the word reduce is governed by first verb phrase because it continues in a parallel construction: Have eliminated.. and reduced.
xxxBeing literal-minded about the afterlife, both royalty and commoners arranged to fill their tombs with household objects, each object a necessity for daily life, ready for use.
A. each object a necessity for daily life, ready for use.
B. all the objects a necessity for daily life, ready for use.
C. all the objects a necessity for daily life, they are ready for use.
D. every object a necessity for daily life, it is ready for use.
E. each object a necessity for daily life, was ready for use.
The best answer is A. In choice A, the words object and necessity, both singular, agree.
The Sumerians, who founded the first cities, not only invented writing, created poetry and the rule of law, and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
A. and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
B. but were also extraordinary craftsmen.
C. but also were extraordinary craftsmen.
D. but also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
E. and also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
The best answer is D. Choice d correctly uses the not only… but also… construction, with parallel phrases.
The Sumerians, who founded the first cities, not only invented writing, created poetry and the rule of law, and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
A. and were also extraordinary craftsmen.
B. but were also extraordinary craftsmen.
C. but also were extraordinary craftsmen.
D. but also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
E. and also fashioned extraordinary crafts.
The best answer is D. Choice d correctly uses the not only… but also… construction, with parallel phrases.
Researchers blamed the low rate of growth in the harbor’s toad population on lake toxicity as well as on the weather, hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed metabolism and reproductive activity.
A. hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
B. which was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, slowing
C. since it was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
D. being hotter and more humid than averages in the Ohio region, which slowing
E. having been hotter and more humid than was average in the Ohio region, and slowed
The best answer is B. It is concise and idiomatic, and which has a clear referent, the weather.
Researchers blamed the low rate of growth in the harbor’s toad population on lake toxicity as well as on the weather, hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed metabolism and reproductive activity.
A. hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
B. which was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, slowing
C. since it was hotter and more humid than average in the Ohio region, which slowed
D. being hotter and more humid than averages in the Ohio region, which slowing
E. having been hotter and more humid than was average in the Ohio region, and slowed
The best answer is B. It is concise and idiomatic, and which has a clear referent, the weather.
Twenty-five years ago in this month, Camp David became the setting for an unprecedented episode of American diplomacy—and entered the lexicon as a near synonym for high-level peacemaking—when Jimmy Carter, Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian president Anwar El-Sadat gathered there for a tense and grueling 13 days.
A. Twenty-five years ago in this month,
B. Twenty-five years ago this month,
C. In this month, twenty-five years previously,
D. In this month, twenty-five years previous,
E. It was twenty-five years ago to this month,
The best answer is B. Choice B is idiomatic and precise.
As well as getting away unscathed, Kim managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens, compliments of Brazilian environmentalists.
A. As well as getting away unscathed, Kim managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens
B. Besides getting away unscathed, Kim also managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens
C. Besides getting away unscathed, also Kim managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens
D. Kim not only got away unscathed, but also managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens,
E. Kim got away not only unscathed, but also managed to gather valuable knowledge about orchids and bring home scores of rare specimens,
The best answer is D. Choice D has no modification errors and uses parallel phrases to complete the idiomatic construction not only… but also.
Starting in the west at St. Bees on the Irish Sea, the route meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep, and across three of Britain's finest national parks, all the way to the village of Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea.
Starting in the west at St. Bees on the Irish Sea, the route meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep, and across three of Britain's finest national parks, all the way to the village of Robin Hood's Bay on the North Sea.
A. heather and woods dot the route that meanders over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
B. heather and woods dot the route which meanders over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
C. the route meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
D. the meandering route through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
E. the route that meanders through heather and woods, over stiles, past lakes, among sheep,
The best answer is C. The noun phrase that appears after the first comma is modified by starting in the west at St. bees on the Irish Sea. The route is the only logical subject.
Although the term “entrepreneur” is popularly applied to a high-profile, risk-taking businessman, it is anyone who organizes and manages a business.
A. it is anyone who organizes and manages a business.
B. it is any person that organizes and manages a business.
C. they are people who organize and manage a business.
D. it is in reference to any people who organize and manage a business.
E. it refers to anyone who organizes and manages a business.
The best answer is E. In choices A, B and C, the pronoun it simultaneously refers forward to anyone and backward to the term entrepreneur. As a result, the sentence asserts illogically that the term is actually a kind of person rather than a word referring to a kind of person.
Scientists from the Cytolab team are conducting experiments to see whether proteins will prematurely turn into solids in silk-producing animals under laboratory conditions.
A. to see whether proteins will prematurely turn into solids
B. to see whether proteins should prematurely turn into solids
C. to see if proteins will prematurely turn into solids
D. that see if proteins would prematurely turn into solids
E. that see whether proteins would prematurely turn into solids
The best answer is A. Whether is preferable to if in presenting the situation which is possible rather than conditional. In D and E experiments that see is imprecise, because it is the Cytolab scientists that will see, not the experiments themselves.
The governing council met over the weekend to continue talks over appointing ministers to run the government so as to avoid public anger at deteriorating services.
A. so as to avoid
B. and so could they avoid
C. so that they could avoid
D. so that it could avoid
E. in order that it could avoid
The best answer is D. The sentence calls for an adverbial clause of purpose to explain why the governing council met over the weekend. Choice D employs an appropriate conjunction, so that, and contains a logically appropriate verb form, could avoid.
Jennifer Wilson suggested that funding for the business’ development, which could be franchised early next year, is obtained through local investors.
A. that funding for the business’ development, which could be franchised early next year, is
B. that funding for the development of the business, which could be franchised early next year, be
C. funding for the development of the business, perhaps franchised early next year, to be
D. funds for the business’ development, perhaps franchised early next year, be
E. development funding for the business, which could be franchised early next year, is to be
The best answer is B. Choice A attaches the relative clause which could be open… to the noun development, when in fact, it is the business that could be open. Choice C omits that. Choices C incorrectly use perhaps open to the public, to modify development. Choice E seriously distorts meaning.
Although few would disagree that small classrooms of a maximum of 15 students are ideal environments in which to educate the young, financially strained counties point out that small classrooms cost twice as much as maintaining regular sized classrooms.
A. small classrooms cost twice as much as maintaining regular sized classrooms.
B. small classrooms cost twice as much to maintain as regular sized classrooms do.
C. maintaining small classrooms cost twice as much as regular sized classrooms do.
D. maintaining small classrooms cost twice as much as it does for regular sized classrooms.
E. to maintain small classrooms cost twice as much as for regular sized classrooms.
The best answer is B. This sentence compares the cost required to maintain two kinds of classroom. B, the best choice, preserves parallelism in the comparison as well.
With only 12 percent of the hounds in the annual Seclusival Dog Competition trials, the 200-year-old Shipman Kennel won 42 percent of first, second and third place ribbons, stunning dog handlers, judges and observers alike.
A. With
B. As
C. Being
D. Despite having
E. Although accounting for
The best answer is E. The word or phrase that begins this sentence should establish the contrast between the percentage of dogs from the Shipman kennel and the success of its dogs. Only choices D and E do this, and only E expresses meaning accurately with the phrase although accounting for.
The expedition diarists wrote about such things as bison, thunderstorms, river currents, mountain ranges and prairie plants, when they might have been expected for their diaries to focus on tribal politics.
A. they might have been expected for their diaries to focus on tribal politics.
B. they might have been expected to focus on tribal politics.
C. they might have been expected that it should focus on tribal politics.
D. its focus might have been expected to be on tribal politics.
E. there might have been an expectation that it would focus on tribal politics.
The best answer is B. In English x [is] expected to y is idiomatic usage, thus A and C are unidiomatic. D awkwardly substitutes its focus for the pronoun they as a subject. E is needlessly wordy.
Conceived outside her mother’s body by in vitro fertilization (IVF) developed by Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards, her widely publicized birth prompted a heated ethical debate.
A. her widely publicized birth prompted a heated ethical debate.
B. a heated ethical debate followed her widely publicized birth.
C. her birth, which was widely publicized, prompted a heated ethical debate.
D. she was born amid great publicity that prompted a heated ethical debate.
E. a heated ethical debate has followed her widely publicized birth.
The best answer is D. The noun that follows the comma must be the subject modified by Conceived outside her mother’s body by in vitro fertilization (IVF) developed by Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards. Only she is a logical subject.
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navin_c
Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
In the 17th century, the average life span in England for a working class family was 12 years less than a member of the aristocracy.
A. a member of the aristocracy.
B. of a member of the aristocracy.
C. that of a member of the aristocracy.
D. a member to the aristocracy.
E. those of members of the aristocracy.
The best answer is C. Choices A and D illogically compare the average life span to a member. Choice c, the best choice, uses the singular pronoun that, to stand for life span thus establishing a logical comparison.
Using computer animation programs, animators are now able to produce triple the frames per hour that they could in the 1960’s.
A. triple the frames per hour that they could
B. three times as many frames per hour as they did
C. as much as triple the frames per hour they had
D. three times as many frames as there were
E. a tripling of the frames per hour that they did
The best answer is B. Choice B correctly uses the adverbial phrases twice as many… to modify the verb produce, and properly employs many rather than much to describe a quantity made up of countable units (frames).
His experience on the prairies convinced him that there were numerous American species in danger of disappearing forever, each breed a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
A. each breed a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
B. all the breeds a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
C. all breeds a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
D. every breed a treasure living inside their unique habitat.
E. each breed a treasure living inside their unique habitat.
The best answer is A. The appositive terms breed and treasure, both singular, agree in number; both also agree with the singular possessive pronoun its.
xxx-From the start, the Zoo's funding was provided, for the most part, by the District of Columbia when it might have been expected for it to be provided by the federal government.
A. it might have been expected for it to be provided by the federal government.
B. it might have been expected to be provided by the federal government.
C. it might have been expected that it should be provided by the federal government.
D. it’s funding might have been expected to be provided for by the federal government.
E. there might have been and expectation it would be provided by the federal government.
The best answer is B. In English, x [is] expected to y is idiomatic usage.
In the DOE Corporation, a larger percentage of the resources is spent on building data than is spent on the Microbial Genome Program in Genetix Inc.
A. In the DOE Corporation, a larger percentage of the resources is spent on building data than is spent on the Microbial Genome Program in Genetix Inc.
B. In DOE they spend a larger percentage of their resources on building data than Genetix Inc. spends on the Microbial Genome Program.
C. A larger percentage of DOE Corporation’s resources are spent on building data than Genetix Inc. spends on the Microbial Genome Program.
D. DOE spends a larger percentage of resources on building data than spending on the Microbial Genome Program by Genetix Inc.
E. DOE spends a larger percentage of resources on building data than Genetix Inc. spends on the Microbial Genome Program.
The best answer is E. Parallel phrasing in choice E allows a logical comparison to be made between what DOE spends and what Genetix does.
xxx-The loggers’ railway roadbed, with its narrow spurs jutting fingerlike into the swamp, had turned into a hazard for tourists visiting the area requiring that government officials agree to have the area razed.
A. that government officials agree to have the area razed.
B. that government officials agree for to have the area razed.
C. the agreeing by government officials to have the area razed.
D. government officials agreeing to have the area razed.
E. government officials to agree to have the area razed.
The best answer is E. In English, the idiom is requiring x to y or requiring that x y with x as the noun subject and y the unconjugated form of the verb. Choice E follows the first paradigm.
The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the higher speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
A. The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the higher speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
B. The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the speed of the network link you need to get adequate performance must be higher.
C. The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the highest speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
D. As the bandwidth requirements of an application becomes greater, the higher speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
E. As the bandwidth requirements of an application becomes greater, the speed of network link you need to get adequate performance becomes higher.
The best answer is A. Only choice A employs the grammatically correct construction the greater the …, the higher the ….
In a move that surprised many political analysts, Republicans were forced to yield to conservative Christians demanding that they should modify their party platform to reflect public concerns about social issues, including abortion.
A. demanding that they should
B. demanding it to
C. and their demand to
D. who demanded that it
E. who demanded it to
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the grammatically correct expression demanded that it reflect in which demanded that it is followed by the subjunctive verb reflect.
Helium atoms never form stable molecules, as other inert gases, by chemically bonding with other atoms.
A. Helium atoms never form stable molecules, as other inert gases, by chemically bonding with other atoms.
B. As other inert gases, Helium atoms never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms.
C. Helium atoms, same as other inert gases, never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms.
D. Helium atoms never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms, as other inert gases.
E. Helium atoms, like other inert gases, never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms.
The best answer is E. In choice E, the modifying phrase begun by like immediately follows the noun it modifies, Helium atoms.
Indus civilization was either in decline when it was destroyed by Aryan invaders from the northwest speaking an Indo-European language from which most of the languages of Pakistan, Northern India, and Bangladesh descend or that it was militarily vulnerable.
A. that it was militarily vulnerable.
B. had militarily vulnerability.
C. was militarily vulnerable.
D. militarily vulnerable.
E. was it militarily vulnerable.
The best answer is C. Choice C is the only one that maintains grammatical parallelism with the either… or… construction.
In early 1998, Michael Govan, the director of the Dia Art Foundation, has flown about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted a faded factory sign along the banks of the Hudson River.
A. has flown about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted
B. was flying about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he has spotted
C. has flown about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he has spotted
D. was flying about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted
E. was flying about 60 miles north from New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted
The best answer is D. Choice correctly uses the past progressive and past simple verb forms was flying and spotted. Choice D uses the form north from which is not idiomatic.
xxxThe species with the greatest sustained commercial catch in the Chesapeake is the blue crab, long a symbol of the bay and a source of livelihood for many inhabitants of the region as well as for regular visitors.
A. as well as for regular visitors.
B. as well as the regular visitors.
C. and regular visitors too.
D. and regular visitors as well.
E. and also regular visitors.
The best answer is A. Two elements connected by a coordinate conjunction should be expressed in parallel for. Only A correctly observes this rule. Choices B, C, D, and E omit the necessary for in the second element.
In an interview with the Financial Times last week, Solomon Maah accused the government of a campaign against his family business interests because it wanted to discredit his brother Timothy.
A. on account of wanting to discredit his brother Timothy
B. on account of its wanting to discredit his brother Timothy
C. because it wanted to discredit his brother Timothy
D. because of wanting to discredit his brother Timothy
E. being it wanted to discredit his brother Timothy
The best answer is C. As used in choices A, B and D, the phrase on account of and because of are unidiomatic; because, which appears in C and E, is preferable here since because can introduce a complete subordinate clause explaining the reason why accused the government.
xxx-The Music Foundation Fund is debating on a proposal requiring certain orchestras provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to care for sick family members.
A. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
B. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
C. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
D. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so that they can
E. provide musicians unpaid leave and
The best answer is D. After requiring orchestras… the infinitive to provide is needed. So as to in choices A and B fail to specify that the musicians receiving the leave will be the people caring for the sick family members.
Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
A. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
B. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
C. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is the author of both 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
D. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, both wrote 15 previous books and edited The Book of Wayward Humor.
E. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor too.
The best answer is A. Both must come before the author if it is to link author and editor.
As a photojournalist, commercial photographer, artist and filmmaker, he has ventured everywhere from the remote highlands of New Guinea to the glitzy beaches of Saint-Tropez and saw many outstanding sites, many of which are depicted in his latest book.
A. saw many outstanding sites, many of which are depicted in his latest book.
B. saw many outstanding sites, many of whom are depicted in his latest book.
C. saw many outstanding sites, many of them are depicted in his latest book.
D. seen many outstanding sites, many of which are depicted in his latest book.
E. seen many outstanding sites, in which many are depicted in his latest book.
The best answer is D. The parallel construction, has ventured… has seen… is required in place of has saw.
It was not until the late 19th, century, that the city of Louisville, Kentucky, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the secret ballot system, but the system was accepted only after Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
A. but the system was accepted only after when Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
B. but the system was accepted only after when Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reporting on how secret ballots were used there.
C. but the system was accepted only after Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
D. but the system was accepted only at a time after Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
E. but the system was accepted only subsequent to Henry Winslow returning from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
The best answer is C. The phrase after when is unidiomatic. Choice E is awkward. Choice C, grammatical and idiomatic, is the best answer.
This past New Year's, along Route 88 in the Sierra Nevada, Joel Allen ordered his winter maintenance crew should work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
A. should work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
B. would do the work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
C. working through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
D. the work through the night and into New Year's Day of clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
E. to work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
The best answer is E. The infinitive to work correctly follows the verb ordered, producing the grammatical and idiomatic sequence x ordered y to do z.
A. a member of the aristocracy.
B. of a member of the aristocracy.
C. that of a member of the aristocracy.
D. a member to the aristocracy.
E. those of members of the aristocracy.
The best answer is C. Choices A and D illogically compare the average life span to a member. Choice c, the best choice, uses the singular pronoun that, to stand for life span thus establishing a logical comparison.
Using computer animation programs, animators are now able to produce triple the frames per hour that they could in the 1960’s.
A. triple the frames per hour that they could
B. three times as many frames per hour as they did
C. as much as triple the frames per hour they had
D. three times as many frames as there were
E. a tripling of the frames per hour that they did
The best answer is B. Choice B correctly uses the adverbial phrases twice as many… to modify the verb produce, and properly employs many rather than much to describe a quantity made up of countable units (frames).
His experience on the prairies convinced him that there were numerous American species in danger of disappearing forever, each breed a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
A. each breed a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
B. all the breeds a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
C. all breeds a treasure living inside its unique habitat.
D. every breed a treasure living inside their unique habitat.
E. each breed a treasure living inside their unique habitat.
The best answer is A. The appositive terms breed and treasure, both singular, agree in number; both also agree with the singular possessive pronoun its.
xxx-From the start, the Zoo's funding was provided, for the most part, by the District of Columbia when it might have been expected for it to be provided by the federal government.
A. it might have been expected for it to be provided by the federal government.
B. it might have been expected to be provided by the federal government.
C. it might have been expected that it should be provided by the federal government.
D. it’s funding might have been expected to be provided for by the federal government.
E. there might have been and expectation it would be provided by the federal government.
The best answer is B. In English, x [is] expected to y is idiomatic usage.
In the DOE Corporation, a larger percentage of the resources is spent on building data than is spent on the Microbial Genome Program in Genetix Inc.
A. In the DOE Corporation, a larger percentage of the resources is spent on building data than is spent on the Microbial Genome Program in Genetix Inc.
B. In DOE they spend a larger percentage of their resources on building data than Genetix Inc. spends on the Microbial Genome Program.
C. A larger percentage of DOE Corporation’s resources are spent on building data than Genetix Inc. spends on the Microbial Genome Program.
D. DOE spends a larger percentage of resources on building data than spending on the Microbial Genome Program by Genetix Inc.
E. DOE spends a larger percentage of resources on building data than Genetix Inc. spends on the Microbial Genome Program.
The best answer is E. Parallel phrasing in choice E allows a logical comparison to be made between what DOE spends and what Genetix does.
xxx-The loggers’ railway roadbed, with its narrow spurs jutting fingerlike into the swamp, had turned into a hazard for tourists visiting the area requiring that government officials agree to have the area razed.
A. that government officials agree to have the area razed.
B. that government officials agree for to have the area razed.
C. the agreeing by government officials to have the area razed.
D. government officials agreeing to have the area razed.
E. government officials to agree to have the area razed.
The best answer is E. In English, the idiom is requiring x to y or requiring that x y with x as the noun subject and y the unconjugated form of the verb. Choice E follows the first paradigm.
The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the higher speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
A. The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the higher speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
B. The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the speed of the network link you need to get adequate performance must be higher.
C. The greater the bandwidth requirements of an application, the highest speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
D. As the bandwidth requirements of an application becomes greater, the higher speed network link you need to get adequate performance.
E. As the bandwidth requirements of an application becomes greater, the speed of network link you need to get adequate performance becomes higher.
The best answer is A. Only choice A employs the grammatically correct construction the greater the …, the higher the ….
In a move that surprised many political analysts, Republicans were forced to yield to conservative Christians demanding that they should modify their party platform to reflect public concerns about social issues, including abortion.
A. demanding that they should
B. demanding it to
C. and their demand to
D. who demanded that it
E. who demanded it to
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the grammatically correct expression demanded that it reflect in which demanded that it is followed by the subjunctive verb reflect.
Helium atoms never form stable molecules, as other inert gases, by chemically bonding with other atoms.
A. Helium atoms never form stable molecules, as other inert gases, by chemically bonding with other atoms.
B. As other inert gases, Helium atoms never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms.
C. Helium atoms, same as other inert gases, never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms.
D. Helium atoms never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms, as other inert gases.
E. Helium atoms, like other inert gases, never form stable molecules by chemically bonding with other atoms.
The best answer is E. In choice E, the modifying phrase begun by like immediately follows the noun it modifies, Helium atoms.
Indus civilization was either in decline when it was destroyed by Aryan invaders from the northwest speaking an Indo-European language from which most of the languages of Pakistan, Northern India, and Bangladesh descend or that it was militarily vulnerable.
A. that it was militarily vulnerable.
B. had militarily vulnerability.
C. was militarily vulnerable.
D. militarily vulnerable.
E. was it militarily vulnerable.
The best answer is C. Choice C is the only one that maintains grammatical parallelism with the either… or… construction.
In early 1998, Michael Govan, the director of the Dia Art Foundation, has flown about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted a faded factory sign along the banks of the Hudson River.
A. has flown about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted
B. was flying about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he has spotted
C. has flown about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he has spotted
D. was flying about 60 miles north of New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted
E. was flying about 60 miles north from New York City looking for a new permanent home for his museum when he spotted
The best answer is D. Choice correctly uses the past progressive and past simple verb forms was flying and spotted. Choice D uses the form north from which is not idiomatic.
xxxThe species with the greatest sustained commercial catch in the Chesapeake is the blue crab, long a symbol of the bay and a source of livelihood for many inhabitants of the region as well as for regular visitors.
A. as well as for regular visitors.
B. as well as the regular visitors.
C. and regular visitors too.
D. and regular visitors as well.
E. and also regular visitors.
The best answer is A. Two elements connected by a coordinate conjunction should be expressed in parallel for. Only A correctly observes this rule. Choices B, C, D, and E omit the necessary for in the second element.
In an interview with the Financial Times last week, Solomon Maah accused the government of a campaign against his family business interests because it wanted to discredit his brother Timothy.
A. on account of wanting to discredit his brother Timothy
B. on account of its wanting to discredit his brother Timothy
C. because it wanted to discredit his brother Timothy
D. because of wanting to discredit his brother Timothy
E. being it wanted to discredit his brother Timothy
The best answer is C. As used in choices A, B and D, the phrase on account of and because of are unidiomatic; because, which appears in C and E, is preferable here since because can introduce a complete subordinate clause explaining the reason why accused the government.
xxx-The Music Foundation Fund is debating on a proposal requiring certain orchestras provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to care for sick family members.
A. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
B. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
C. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
D. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so that they can
E. provide musicians unpaid leave and
The best answer is D. After requiring orchestras… the infinitive to provide is needed. So as to in choices A and B fail to specify that the musicians receiving the leave will be the people caring for the sick family members.
Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
A. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
B. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
C. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is the author of both 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
D. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, both wrote 15 previous books and edited The Book of Wayward Humor.
E. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor too.
The best answer is A. Both must come before the author if it is to link author and editor.
As a photojournalist, commercial photographer, artist and filmmaker, he has ventured everywhere from the remote highlands of New Guinea to the glitzy beaches of Saint-Tropez and saw many outstanding sites, many of which are depicted in his latest book.
A. saw many outstanding sites, many of which are depicted in his latest book.
B. saw many outstanding sites, many of whom are depicted in his latest book.
C. saw many outstanding sites, many of them are depicted in his latest book.
D. seen many outstanding sites, many of which are depicted in his latest book.
E. seen many outstanding sites, in which many are depicted in his latest book.
The best answer is D. The parallel construction, has ventured… has seen… is required in place of has saw.
It was not until the late 19th, century, that the city of Louisville, Kentucky, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the secret ballot system, but the system was accepted only after Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
A. but the system was accepted only after when Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
B. but the system was accepted only after when Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reporting on how secret ballots were used there.
C. but the system was accepted only after Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
D. but the system was accepted only at a time after Henry Winslow returned from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
E. but the system was accepted only subsequent to Henry Winslow returning from New South Wales, then a territory in Australia and reported on how secret ballots were used there.
The best answer is C. The phrase after when is unidiomatic. Choice E is awkward. Choice C, grammatical and idiomatic, is the best answer.
This past New Year's, along Route 88 in the Sierra Nevada, Joel Allen ordered his winter maintenance crew should work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
A. should work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
B. would do the work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
C. working through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
D. the work through the night and into New Year's Day of clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
E. to work through the night and into New Year's Day, clearing the pavement at Carson Pass, the highway's summit.
The best answer is E. The infinitive to work correctly follows the verb ordered, producing the grammatical and idiomatic sequence x ordered y to do z.
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navin_c
Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
Extending about 150 miles from Sedan in the west to beyond Wissembourg in the east, the Maginot Line bristled with some 50 large fortifications, each within cannon range of another.
A. all the cannons within range of another.
B. every within cannon range of another.
C. each cannon within cannon range of the others.
D. each within cannon range of another.
E. all of them within cannon range of the others.
The best answer is D. Only choices C and D correctly use each to refer to the fortifications separately. Similarly, another is correctly used to refer to the other fortifications individually instead of collectively.
Some ancient societies mistook tides, which are a natural phenomenon involving the alternating rise and fall in the large fluid bodies of the earth caused by the combined gravitational attraction of the sun and moon, as a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
A. as a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
B. for a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
C. to a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
D. with a magical phenomena controlled by invisible water nymphs.
E. for a magical phenomena controlled by invisible water nymphs.
The best answer is B. Choice B is best because it alone correctly handles the idiom to mistake x for y. Phenomena is the plural form of phenomenon and therefore is inappropriate in choice E.
Outlined in the new Small Business Guide, these plans require business owners to make assumptions about the tax and regulatory environment or that they pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
A. that they pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
B. for paying the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
C. they should pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
D. that they should pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
E. to pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
The best answer is E. Choice E is the only one that maintains grammatical parallelism by using an infinitive, to pay, to complete the construction either to approve… or…
From the start, the fluoroscope invoked the authority of modern science and technology to sell more shoes, and functioned so fast, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
A. so fast, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
B. so fast, and in some cases even faster than, how the old-fashioned manual fitting did.
C. as fast, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
D. as fast as, and in some cases even faster than, the old-fashioned manual fitting.
E. so fast as, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
The best answer is D. The properly completed sentence here must (1) use the proper form of the comparative conjunction, as fast as and (2) enclose the parenthetical statement and… even faster than in commas.
As he follows Keneely's Weather Channel team through Bonnie's path, writer David Laskin discovers that the Weather Channel's appeal lies in a particular mix of working professionally, live field reporting, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
A. working professionally, live field reporting, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
B. working professionally, dramatically live field reports, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
C. professionalism, dramatically live field reports, and a wizard technically working from behind-the-scenes.
D. professionalism, reporting live from the field, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
E. professionalism, live field reporting, and technical wizardry from behind-the-scenes.
The best answer is E. Only choice E has a correctly put together parallel construction.
xxx-After having wintered in what is now known as James Bay, the southern pocket of the huge bay that would be named for Henry Hudson, some of his crew mandated for Hudson to leave the ship.
A. some of his crew mandated for Hudson to leave the ship.
B. some of his crew mandated that Hudson be forced to leave the ship.
C. some of his crew mandated for forcing Hudson to leave the ship.
D. some of his crew had a mandate that Hudson be forced to leave the ship.
E. some of his crew mandated to Hudson be forced to leave the ship.
The best answer is B. When mandate is used as a verb to mean “make it mandatory,” it must be followed by that and a verb in the subjunctive mood.
The Music Foundation Fund is debating on a proposal requiring certain orchestras provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to care for sick family members.
A. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
B. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
C. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
D. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so that they can
E. provide musicians unpaid leave and
The best answer is D. After requiring orchestras… the infinitive to provide is needed. So as to in choices A and B fail to specify that the musicians receiving the leave will be the people caring for the sick family members.
Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
A. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
B. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
C. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is the author of both 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
D. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, both wrote 15 previous books and edited The Book of Wayward Humor.
E. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor too.
The best answer is A. Both must come before the author if it is to link author and editor.
During their years on the frontier, they had numerous pitched battles against Lipans, Kickapoos, Kiowas, Comanches — and their most determined foe, the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly the most skillful enemy in frontier history.
A. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly the most skillful enemy in frontier history.
B. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, the possibly most skillful enemy in frontier history.
C. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, the most skillful enemy, possibly, in frontier history.
D. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly a most skillful enemy in frontier history.
E. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly the more skillful enemy in frontier history.
The best answer is A. Choice A places the word possibly before the phrase that it modifies and correctly uses the superlative form.
Xxx?Warsaw began to rebuild not only with brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, and also painstaking reconstructions of the old ones that had been demolished.
A. with brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, and also painstaking reconstructions of the old ones
B. with brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, as well as painstaking reconstructions of the old ones
C. brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, but also painstaking reconstructions of the old ones
D. brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, but also painstakingly reconstructing the old ones
E. brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, but they also painstakingly reconstructing the old ones
The best answer is C. Choice C correctly employs the correlative construction not only x but also y, where x and y are grammatically parallel.
Cold weather causes surface waters to become dense and sink, displacing lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses.
A. displacing lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses
B. a method to displace lower layers upward; reversing, in spring, the process
C. as a displacement of lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses
D. to displace lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses
E. to displace lower layers upwards; reversing, in spring, the process
The best answer is A. Choice A is best because the participle displacing begins a phrase that explains what the surface waters did.
The first consideration for most patients undergoing being operated on is if to sign a waver form.
A. being operated on is if to sign
B. being operated on is whether they should be signing
C. being operated on is whether or not they sign
D. an operation is if to sign
E. an operation is whether to sign
The best answer is E. Choice E idiomatically completes whether with an infinitive, to sign.
In addition to having more engineers than Brunswick Inc. does, the qualifications of the engineers are better than those of Newton Group.
A. the qualifications of the engineers are better than those of
B. the engineers have qualifications better than those of
C. the qualifications of the engineers are better than they are of
D. the quality engineers are better than those of
E. the engineers have qualifications better than
The best answer is B. Choice B logically compares the qualifications of the engineers in Brunswick Inc. to those of Newton Group.
Each of the fallen soldiers – Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - were hard workers, very different from the soldiers that remained to guard the hospital.
A. Each of the fallen soldiers – Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - were hard workers
B. Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - each of them fallen soldiers – were hard workers
C. The fallen soldiers – Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - were all hard workers
D. Hard workers - Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - each a fallen soldier
E. Hard workers - Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - every one a fallen soldier
The best answer is C. Each choice but C contains errors of agreement. Choice C correctly links soldiers with were, eliminates the unnecessary pronouns, and provides a clearer structure.
The carvers who turned whale bone and teeth into cane handles rich with scrimshaw for the folks back in New Bedford or Nantucket, were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists.
A. were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
B. had been part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
C. were people who were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
D. had been people who were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
E. were a people which had been part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
The best answer is A. Choice A is best because it correctly uses the simple past tense and because it is the most concise.
Bases on accounts of various researchers, Colstrom scientists have known for decades that for every kind of particle--whether the familiar electrons, neutrons or protons, or the more recently discovered quarks and neutrinos--there exists a particle that is its mirror image, identical in mass and amount of charge, but different in at least one crucial way.
A. Bases on accounts of various researchers
B. Basing it on various researchers’ accounts
C. With accounts of various researchers used for a basis
D. By the accounts of various researchers they used
E. Using accounts of various researchers
The best answer is E. Choice E is clear and concise; it correctly uses a present participle to introduce the modifier describing how the scientists worked.
A. all the cannons within range of another.
B. every within cannon range of another.
C. each cannon within cannon range of the others.
D. each within cannon range of another.
E. all of them within cannon range of the others.
The best answer is D. Only choices C and D correctly use each to refer to the fortifications separately. Similarly, another is correctly used to refer to the other fortifications individually instead of collectively.
Some ancient societies mistook tides, which are a natural phenomenon involving the alternating rise and fall in the large fluid bodies of the earth caused by the combined gravitational attraction of the sun and moon, as a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
A. as a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
B. for a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
C. to a magical phenomenon controlled by invisible water nymphs.
D. with a magical phenomena controlled by invisible water nymphs.
E. for a magical phenomena controlled by invisible water nymphs.
The best answer is B. Choice B is best because it alone correctly handles the idiom to mistake x for y. Phenomena is the plural form of phenomenon and therefore is inappropriate in choice E.
Outlined in the new Small Business Guide, these plans require business owners to make assumptions about the tax and regulatory environment or that they pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
A. that they pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
B. for paying the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
C. they should pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
D. that they should pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
E. to pay the maximum taxes up front and request reimbursement at the end of the year.
The best answer is E. Choice E is the only one that maintains grammatical parallelism by using an infinitive, to pay, to complete the construction either to approve… or…
From the start, the fluoroscope invoked the authority of modern science and technology to sell more shoes, and functioned so fast, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
A. so fast, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
B. so fast, and in some cases even faster than, how the old-fashioned manual fitting did.
C. as fast, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
D. as fast as, and in some cases even faster than, the old-fashioned manual fitting.
E. so fast as, and in some cases even faster than the old-fashioned manual fitting.
The best answer is D. The properly completed sentence here must (1) use the proper form of the comparative conjunction, as fast as and (2) enclose the parenthetical statement and… even faster than in commas.
As he follows Keneely's Weather Channel team through Bonnie's path, writer David Laskin discovers that the Weather Channel's appeal lies in a particular mix of working professionally, live field reporting, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
A. working professionally, live field reporting, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
B. working professionally, dramatically live field reports, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
C. professionalism, dramatically live field reports, and a wizard technically working from behind-the-scenes.
D. professionalism, reporting live from the field, and behind-the-scenes technical wizardry.
E. professionalism, live field reporting, and technical wizardry from behind-the-scenes.
The best answer is E. Only choice E has a correctly put together parallel construction.
xxx-After having wintered in what is now known as James Bay, the southern pocket of the huge bay that would be named for Henry Hudson, some of his crew mandated for Hudson to leave the ship.
A. some of his crew mandated for Hudson to leave the ship.
B. some of his crew mandated that Hudson be forced to leave the ship.
C. some of his crew mandated for forcing Hudson to leave the ship.
D. some of his crew had a mandate that Hudson be forced to leave the ship.
E. some of his crew mandated to Hudson be forced to leave the ship.
The best answer is B. When mandate is used as a verb to mean “make it mandatory,” it must be followed by that and a verb in the subjunctive mood.
The Music Foundation Fund is debating on a proposal requiring certain orchestras provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to care for sick family members.
A. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
B. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
C. provide musicians with unpaid leave so as to
D. to provide musicians with unpaid leave so that they can
E. provide musicians unpaid leave and
The best answer is D. After requiring orchestras… the infinitive to provide is needed. So as to in choices A and B fail to specify that the musicians receiving the leave will be the people caring for the sick family members.
Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
A. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
B. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
C. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is the author of both 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor.
D. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, both wrote 15 previous books and edited The Book of Wayward Humor.
E. Bryant, a noted humorist, journalist, playwright and raconteur, is both the author of 15 previous books and the editor of The Book of Wayward Humor too.
The best answer is A. Both must come before the author if it is to link author and editor.
During their years on the frontier, they had numerous pitched battles against Lipans, Kickapoos, Kiowas, Comanches — and their most determined foe, the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly the most skillful enemy in frontier history.
A. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly the most skillful enemy in frontier history.
B. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, the possibly most skillful enemy in frontier history.
C. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, the most skillful enemy, possibly, in frontier history.
D. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly a most skillful enemy in frontier history.
E. the Apaches, including ferocious encounters with the great war chief Victorio, possibly the more skillful enemy in frontier history.
The best answer is A. Choice A places the word possibly before the phrase that it modifies and correctly uses the superlative form.
Xxx?Warsaw began to rebuild not only with brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, and also painstaking reconstructions of the old ones that had been demolished.
A. with brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, and also painstaking reconstructions of the old ones
B. with brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, as well as painstaking reconstructions of the old ones
C. brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, but also painstaking reconstructions of the old ones
D. brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, but also painstakingly reconstructing the old ones
E. brand-new structures, injecting a much-needed boost to the local economy, but they also painstakingly reconstructing the old ones
The best answer is C. Choice C correctly employs the correlative construction not only x but also y, where x and y are grammatically parallel.
Cold weather causes surface waters to become dense and sink, displacing lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses.
A. displacing lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses
B. a method to displace lower layers upward; reversing, in spring, the process
C. as a displacement of lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses
D. to displace lower layers upward; in spring, the process reverses
E. to displace lower layers upwards; reversing, in spring, the process
The best answer is A. Choice A is best because the participle displacing begins a phrase that explains what the surface waters did.
The first consideration for most patients undergoing being operated on is if to sign a waver form.
A. being operated on is if to sign
B. being operated on is whether they should be signing
C. being operated on is whether or not they sign
D. an operation is if to sign
E. an operation is whether to sign
The best answer is E. Choice E idiomatically completes whether with an infinitive, to sign.
In addition to having more engineers than Brunswick Inc. does, the qualifications of the engineers are better than those of Newton Group.
A. the qualifications of the engineers are better than those of
B. the engineers have qualifications better than those of
C. the qualifications of the engineers are better than they are of
D. the quality engineers are better than those of
E. the engineers have qualifications better than
The best answer is B. Choice B logically compares the qualifications of the engineers in Brunswick Inc. to those of Newton Group.
Each of the fallen soldiers – Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - were hard workers, very different from the soldiers that remained to guard the hospital.
A. Each of the fallen soldiers – Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - were hard workers
B. Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - each of them fallen soldiers – were hard workers
C. The fallen soldiers – Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - were all hard workers
D. Hard workers - Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - each a fallen soldier
E. Hard workers - Henry Johnson, Paul Rider, Brent Hall and Bob McCay - every one a fallen soldier
The best answer is C. Each choice but C contains errors of agreement. Choice C correctly links soldiers with were, eliminates the unnecessary pronouns, and provides a clearer structure.
The carvers who turned whale bone and teeth into cane handles rich with scrimshaw for the folks back in New Bedford or Nantucket, were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists.
A. were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
B. had been part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
C. were people who were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
D. had been people who were part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
E. were a people which had been part of a widespread culture of colonial artists
The best answer is A. Choice A is best because it correctly uses the simple past tense and because it is the most concise.
Bases on accounts of various researchers, Colstrom scientists have known for decades that for every kind of particle--whether the familiar electrons, neutrons or protons, or the more recently discovered quarks and neutrinos--there exists a particle that is its mirror image, identical in mass and amount of charge, but different in at least one crucial way.
A. Bases on accounts of various researchers
B. Basing it on various researchers’ accounts
C. With accounts of various researchers used for a basis
D. By the accounts of various researchers they used
E. Using accounts of various researchers
The best answer is E. Choice E is clear and concise; it correctly uses a present participle to introduce the modifier describing how the scientists worked.
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navin_c
Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
Its collection includes such treasures as a woven funerary headdress, one that they believe is a type unique to ancient Thebes.
A. that they believe is
B. that they believe it to be
C. they believe it is of
D. they believe that is
E. they believe to be
The best answer is E. The pronoun that is redundant since one is sufficient to introduce the modifier. Choice E follows the idiomatic construction “believe X to be Y”.
Studies conducted in the 1990s indicate that even after fifty years, patients are still suffering the long term effects of polio occurring when a child.
A. contracted when a child
B. contracted when children
C. that was contracted when a child
D. contracted when they were children
E. that has been contracted as each was a child
The best answer is D. The phrasing polio contracted when they were children correctly uses contracted to modify polio and includes a pronoun and a verb that refer unambiguously to their antecedent, patients.
The granddaddy of manufacturers, the Shutters Company, headquartered in Milton, is nearly 50 yeas as old as any of their supposed predecessors.
A. as old as any of their supposed
B. older than any of their supposed
C. as old as their supposed
D. older than any of their supposedly
E. as old as their supposedly
The best answer is B. Choices A, C and E do not state the comparison logically. The expression as old as indicates equality of age, but the sentence indicates that the Shutters company predates other companies. Older than makes the point of comparison clear.
Unlike H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923 would prove to be his only one.
A. Unlike H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
B. Unlike H. G. Wells’ oeuvre, with more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
C. Unlike those of H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
D. In comparison with H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
E. H. G. Wells wrote over 100 books and countless essays and articles, but Henry Williams wrote a novel in 1923 which
The best answer is E. In comparative structures, the things being compared must be both logically and grammatically parallel. Choice E solves the problem by using two independent clauses linked by but.
Recent commercial offshoots of Manson's imagination are toys, one which is a colorful foam tube with variously shaped pieces that children can bend and fit together to make otherworldly creatures.
A. one which
B. one of them which
C. and one of them which
D. one of them
E. one of which
The best answer is E. Toys, must be followed by a limiting appositive, such as one of which, that identifies and individual from among a larger group.
When Crawford has begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s, it was a time when sturdy wooden fruit boxes were being phased out among local farmers in favor of lighter-weight baskets for picking, and dressy cardboard boxes for shipping.
A. When Crawford has begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s
B. When Crawford had begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s
C. When Crawford has begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, early in the 1970s
D. When Crawford began farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s
E. When Crawford began farming with his wife, Rosemary, early in the 1970s
The best answer is D. Choice D correctly uses the past tense verb form of began to refer to an action completed in the past. It also uses the idiomatic in the early 1970s.
For almost 11 years after having its inception in 1992, Smith housed some 400 rescued orangutans before returning them to the wild, adding to a population estimated at between 15,000 and 20,000.
A. For almost 11 years after having its inception in 1992,
B. Beginning in 1992 for a period of almost 11 years,
C. Beginning a period of almost 11 years, in 1992
D. During 11 years, a period beginning in 1992,
E. Over a period of 11 years beginning in 1992,
The best answer is E. In choices A and B, it is Smith who illogically has his inception in 1992. Choices C and D are awkward and imprecise. Choice E is logical, precise and idiomatic.
The district manager claimed that providing on-site child care helps to reduce sick leave, but also enhances job satisfaction.
A. helps to reduce sick leave, but also
B. helps the reduction of sick leave, and also
C. not only helps to reduce sick leave, but also
D. helps to reduce not only sick leave, but
E. not only helps to reduce sick leave, and also
The best answer is C. To convey the idea that providing on-site child care has two benefits, the correct sentence must link grammatically parallel statements of these effects with and also or with not only… but also. Choices B and C do this, but B introduces a construction which is not parallel.
The World Forestry Association has predicted that the rate of addition to wooded lands will drop while those of loss rise.
A. those of loss rise
B. it rises for loss
C. those of losses rise
D. the rate of loss rises
E. there are rises for the rate of loss
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the idiomatic and clear construction the rate of addition… will drop while the rate of loss rises. Choice E supplies the idiomatic expression but introduces it with the unidiomatic and wordy there are rises for.
Of Mark Twain's many fans, none could feel more pleased—or more vindicated—by the renewed interest than the steadfast editors of the Mark Twain Project at the University of California at Berkeley, who have been at work for 36 years on a scholarly undertaking of almost inconceivable proportions: to hunt down, organize and interpret every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth.
A. to hunt down, organize and every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth was interpreted.
B. to hunt down, to organize and every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth was interpreted.
C. to hunt down, organize and interpret every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth.
D. to hunt down, organize and interpret every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens while on earth 74 years.
E. to hunt down, organize and every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens while on earth for 74 years.
The best answer is C. Choice C had a grammatically correct parallel construction and uses the idiomatic during his 74 years.
By enabling him to demonstrate the correctness of his fitting, it permitted him to significantly reduce the number of complaints and also aid for customers in finding the configuration that best suited them.
A. significantly reduce the number of complaints and also aid for
B. be significantly reduce the number of complaints and aid for
C. significantly reduce the number of complaints and aid
D. cause a significant reduction in the number of complaints and also aid to
E. significantly reduce the number of complaints as well as aiding
The best answer is C. Choice C avoids the preposition for and to, instead using aid as a verb that is parallel with reduce.
In his article, Hoffman profiles the rivalry between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face with Brian Hanson, winner of numerous championships.
A. rivalry between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face with Brian Hanson
B. rival 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face against her competitor Brian Hanson
C. rivalry that has developed between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face and Brian Hanson
D. developing rivalry between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face with Brian Hanson
E. 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face and the rivalry with Brian Hanson
The best answer is C. The enumeration of the rivals requires the conjunction and; either the rivalry between x and y or the rivals x and y.
Moody, who manages the National Numismatics Collection at the National Museum of American History, started buying unpainted miniature soldiers and to do it soon got swept into the field of military history, researching not only the battles themselves but the uniforms worn at the time.
A. and to do it soon got swept
B. and doing it soon got swept
C. and to do this soon got him swept
D. and doing so soon got swept
E. and to do it would soon got swept
The best answer is D. Choice D appropriately uses the adverb so to refer back to the verb buying.
Like Johnson, the mutant instruments of Samuel Meadow are ‘thumbing their noses’ at eons of musical tradition, making music that can be merely weird, but is more often whimsical, even mystifying.
A. Like Johnson, the mutant instruments of Samuel Meadow
B. Like Johnson, Samuel Meadow’s mutant instruments
C. Like Johnson’s, Samuel Meadow’s mutant instruments
D. As with Johnson, Samuel Meadow’s mutant instruments
E. As is Johnson’s the mutant instruments of Samuel Meadow
The best answer is C. At issue is a comparison of Johnson’s instruments with Meadow’s. Only C, the best choice, uses the elliptical like Johnson’s (instrument being understood), to compare Johnson’s instruments with Meadow’s instruments.
A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year as his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commemorated the buffalo soldiers at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the birthplace of one of the regiments.
A. A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year as his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
B. A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year as his appointment to chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C. A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year that he was appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
D. Colin Powell gave a dedication in the same year as his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that
E. Colin Powell gave a dedication in the same year of appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that
The best answer is C. In this sentence, the relative pronoun that should introduce the clause he was appointed… commemorated to make a relative clause modifying year.
For three decades, Waterman carried a Leica or Nikon camera and committed thousands of musicians to film, catching the magical and the mundane in order to keep from being forgotten.
A. keep from being forgotten.
B. keep them from being forgotten.
C. avoid being forgotten.
D. avoid them from being forgotten.
E. avoid from their forgetting.
The best answer is B. Choice B is the best because it use the pronoun them which refers to the musicians. It also uses the more precise keep rather than avoid.
If Sam Thomas was right, any apparent connections of modern tap and Lancashire clogging is purely coincidental.
A. If Sam Thomas was right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
B. Should Sam Thomas be right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
C. If Sam Thomas is right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
D. If Sam Thomas is right, any apparent connections between modern tap and
E. Should Sam Thomas have been right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the present indicative verb form in the conditional clause, If Sam Thomas is right, in order to agree with the verb in the main clause, any connection is… coincidental. It also presents the coordinate objects of the preposition between x and y.
There were concerns that the nation's new center for the contemporary arts — a complex of 27 buildings totaling more than 720,000 square feet — might be successful and it would eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
A. it would eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
B. it might eventually over about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
C. eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
D. eventually bring over the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
E. it will eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
The best answer is C. This sentence requires parallel verb forms be successful… bring about.
Found only in Sichuan, the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves and eats two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, they feed for 12 to 16 hours a day.
A. giant pandas roam the mountainous government-protected reserves and eat two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, feeding for 12 to 16 hours a day.
B. the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves, they eat two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, and with so much feeding, up to 12 to 16 hours a day.
C. giant pandas roam the mountainous government-protected reserves eat two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, and feed for 12 to 16 hours a day.
D. the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves eating two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests and feeding for 12 to 16 hours a day.
E. the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves eats two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, and it feeds for 12 to 16 hours a day.
The best answer is D. Choice D clearly subordinates eating and feeding to roams.
In the 1984 case -- Price Corp. versus Universal Industries -- the Supreme Court ruled that Price owed restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
A. that Price owed restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
B. that Price owed restitution to Universal because of substantial noninfringing uses.
C. Price to owe restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
D. on Price owed restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
E. on the restitution Price owed to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
The best answer is A. Choice A uses that appropriately to introduce a clause that describes the Supreme Court’s ruling. Choice A also employs the idiomatic phrase restitution …for.
Xxx?Like many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, about a Native American who receives the gift of immortality, was an abject failure.
A. Like many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, about
B. As have many successful authors, the first of Salman Rushdie’s novels, Grimus, about
C. Just as with many successful authors, the first of Salman Rushdie’s novels, Grimus, about
D. Just like many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, on
E. As did many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, on
The best answer is A. Choice A is concise and grammatically correct, using the comparative preposition, like, to express the comparison between many successful authors and Salman Rushdie.
One of the points the therapist stressed was the realization that as a child grows, their ability to share and comprehend time, enables them to take turns, albeit reluctantly.
A. the realization that as a child grows, their
B. the realization that as children grow, their
C. to realize that that when a child grows, his or her
D. to realize that as a children grow, their
E. realizing that as children grow, their
The best answer is B. In choice A, the plural pronoun their does not agree in number with the singular noun child. In C, D, and D to realize and realizing are not an appropriate continuations of: one of the points the therapist stressed.
Planners in Pyongyang are also banking on wonder crops that will offer an escape route for a country where the land area of only 14 percent of it is arable.
A. where the land area of only 14 percent of it is arable.
B. where they have 14 percent of the land area arable.
C. where only 14 percent of the land area is arable.
D. which has 14 percent of the land area arable.
E. in which 14 percent of it has arable land area.
The best answer is C. Choice C uses a clear, direct, and economical adjective clause to indicate the percentage of land that is arable in the country in question.
Pigments, produced from natural sources — slate; metals, such as iron, and various types of earth — starts off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and finally one must heat them.
A. starts off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and finally one must heat them.
B. start off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and heated.
C. are starting off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and finally one must heat them.
D. had started off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and heated.
E. start off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then you refine and heat them.
The best answer is B. Choice B uses the simple past tense to describe a past condition. It also correctly uses a parallel construction: pounded, ground sieved, then refined and heated.
When we look at the star Alpha Centauri, we see it as it was a little over four years ago, for it took the light that long to get here.
A. we see it as it was a little over four years ago
B. we see it as it had been a little over four years ago
C. we see it as if it was a little over four years ago
D. it appears to us as it did in a little over four years ago
E. it appears to us as though a little over four years ago
The best answer is A. Choice A employs the simple past verb tense to describe a past condition.
Because of the recent growth in e-commerce required to survive in the global marketplace, a marketplace characterized by a constant reinventing of the medium, such companies have had to re-think their pace of expansion.
A. Because of the recent growth in e-commerce required to survive
B. Because of the recent growth in e-commerce required of traditional companies to survive
C. Because of the growth, recently, of e-commerce required for surviving
D. Because of the recently growth in e-commerce required for survival
E. Because the recent growth in e-commerce required for companies survival
The best answer is B. The subject of the main clause (such companies) presumes a prior reference to the companies in question. Furthermore, the logical subject of to survive and the logical complement of required should be made explicit.
7. For the last fifteen years, Penbrook University has had the smallest tenured and tenure-track faculty in the state with only six full professors, one whom is now retiring.
A. one whom is now retiring
B. one of them who is now retiring
C. and one of them who he is now retiring
D. one of whom now retires
E. one which is now retires
The best answer is D. The subject, full professors, must be followed by a limiting appositive, such as one of whom, that identifies an individual from among a larger group.
The tragedian Seneca, tutor to the insane emperor Nero, was as controversial to his own time as he is compelling in ours.
A. were as controversial to his own time as he is
B. was as controversial in his own time as he is
C. has been as controversial to his own time as he is
D. had been as controversial in his own time as he is
E. have been as controversial in his own time as he is
The best answer is B. Choice B exhibits correct subject-verb agreement and uses appropriate verb tenses. Additionally, it uses the idiomatic in his own time.
Like Foucault, Derrida shows the power of discourse and language and attempts to deconstruct how meaning is made.
A. Like Foucault, Derrida shows
B. Like Foucault, Derrida is showing
C. As Foucault, Derrida shows
D. As did Foucault, Derrida’s showing
E. Derrida shows, as does Foucault,
The best answer is A. In choice A, a clear and logical comparison is made between Foucault and Derrida.
Over the past three decades the poems of W. S. Merwin have appeared in these pages more frequently than any poet.
A. have been appearing in these pages more frequently than any poet.
B. have appeared in these pages more frequently than any other poet.
C. appeared in these pages more frequently than are any poet.
D. have appeared in these pages more frequently than those of any other poet.
E. appeared in these pages more frequently as are those of any other poet.
The best answer is D. Choice D correctly compares Merwin’s works to the works of other poets.
In 1998, resulting from the diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia, he received the Outstanding Photographic Achievement Award.
A. resulting from his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
B. his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia resulted and
C. because of the result of his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
D. as a result of his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
E. as a result of his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects so diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the idiomatic as a result of and conveys information unambiguously.
Being a Canadian citizen since 1958 and born in Czernowitz in 1938, artist Sarah Willensky has since lived in the U. S. and England, and first came to Canada in 1957 to study at York University.
A. Being a Canadian citizen since 1958 and born in Czernowitz in 1938, artist Sarah Willensky has
B. Having been a Canadian citizen since 1958, she was born in Czernowitz in 1938; artist Sarah Willensky
C. Born in Czernowitz in 1938, artist Sarah Willensky became a Canadian citizen in 1958; she has
D. Being born in Czernowitz in 1938 and having been a Canadian citizen since 1958, artist Sarah Willensky
E. Having been born in Czernowitz in 1938 and being a Canadian citizen since 1958, artist Sarah Willensky
The best answer is C. The first clause presents its information clearly and in logical sequence. The use of a semicolon to set apart the remaining information further assists the clarity of the sentence.
The way in which Taylor and the other the participants, Mason, Adams and Jones, moved were determined from their own reported levels of involvement in school-based sports activities like soccer and track, extramural classes and activities like swimming, hiking, running, and tennis.
A. moved were determined from
B. moved were determined because of
C. moved was determined through
D. moved was determined by
E. moved was determined as a result of
The best answer is D. Choice D is clear and concise, and uses correct subject-verb agreement. Choices A and B are incorrect because they use the plural verb were to refer to the singular subject The way.
The wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, in response to a challenge to create a ghost story.
A. The wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, in response to a challenge to create a ghost story.
B. To create a ghost story, the wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, in response to a challenge.
C. The world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, the wife of the poet Shelly wrote in response to a challenge to create a ghost story.
D. Writing in response to a challenge to create a ghost story, the wife of the poet Shelly made the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein.
E. In response to a challenge to create a ghost story, the wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein.
The best answer is E. Choice E conveys its meaning clearly, without ambiguity, and uses straightforward syntax.
Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies also attend our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species.
A. Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies also attend our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species.
B. Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies also they attend our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species.
C. Our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species is attended by two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies.
D. Our annual conference, it is on biodiversity and endangered species, is attended by two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies.
E. Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species is attended by them.
The best answer is A. Choice A is concise, idiomatic, and maintains subject-verb agreement. Additionally, choice A avoids problems with doubled subjects found in B D and E.
Prior to the development of this vaccine, meningitis and pneumonia, due to Hib were much more common among Navajo and Apache children than other children in the United States.
A. than other children in the United States.
B. than among other children in the United States.
C. than is so of other children of the United States.
D. compared to other children in the United States.
E. in comparison with other children of the United States.
The best answer is B. Choice B correctly uses the idiomatic construction more common among x than among y.
Prendhurst Public Library recently calculated that it has loaned 40 items that they do not expect return when due.
A. they do not expect return when
B. it does not expect return when it is
C. it does not expect will be returned when they are
D. returns are not expected to be made when
E. returns are not expected to be made when they will be
The best answer is C. Choice C has subject verb agreement throughout, using it as a pronoun to refer to the singular noun, library.
The Watsons, a prominent Staten Island family, has survived a close brush with financial ruin; its assets are now almost three times greater than what they were before their problems commenced.
A. financial ruin; its assets are now almost three times greater than
B. financial ruin; its assets are now almost three times more than
C. financial ruin; their assets are now almost threefold
D. financial ruin; now with threefold the assets
E. financial ruin; now with assets three times greater than
The best answer is A. Choice A uses a singular pronoun, its, to refer to the singular antecedent, The Watsons, and it properly uses the construction its assets are now…greater than.
Like their French counterparts, Latin flans are coated with a dark caramelized sugar, but unlike French flans, their Latin counterparts get their flavor and texture from egg yolks and from canned, condensed milks that impart a particularly nutty caramel taste.
A. their Latin counterparts get their flavor and texture from
B. their flavor and texture is from
C. one place they get their flavor and texture from is
D. they get their flavor and Latin texture from
E. Latin flans get their flavor and texture from
The best answer is E. The meaning is clear despite the relative complexity of the sentence, the comparison of Latin with French is logical.
A. that they believe is
B. that they believe it to be
C. they believe it is of
D. they believe that is
E. they believe to be
The best answer is E. The pronoun that is redundant since one is sufficient to introduce the modifier. Choice E follows the idiomatic construction “believe X to be Y”.
Studies conducted in the 1990s indicate that even after fifty years, patients are still suffering the long term effects of polio occurring when a child.
A. contracted when a child
B. contracted when children
C. that was contracted when a child
D. contracted when they were children
E. that has been contracted as each was a child
The best answer is D. The phrasing polio contracted when they were children correctly uses contracted to modify polio and includes a pronoun and a verb that refer unambiguously to their antecedent, patients.
The granddaddy of manufacturers, the Shutters Company, headquartered in Milton, is nearly 50 yeas as old as any of their supposed predecessors.
A. as old as any of their supposed
B. older than any of their supposed
C. as old as their supposed
D. older than any of their supposedly
E. as old as their supposedly
The best answer is B. Choices A, C and E do not state the comparison logically. The expression as old as indicates equality of age, but the sentence indicates that the Shutters company predates other companies. Older than makes the point of comparison clear.
Unlike H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923 would prove to be his only one.
A. Unlike H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
B. Unlike H. G. Wells’ oeuvre, with more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
C. Unlike those of H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
D. In comparison with H. G. Wells, who wrote more than 100 books, and countless essays and articles, the novel written by Henry Williams in 1923
E. H. G. Wells wrote over 100 books and countless essays and articles, but Henry Williams wrote a novel in 1923 which
The best answer is E. In comparative structures, the things being compared must be both logically and grammatically parallel. Choice E solves the problem by using two independent clauses linked by but.
Recent commercial offshoots of Manson's imagination are toys, one which is a colorful foam tube with variously shaped pieces that children can bend and fit together to make otherworldly creatures.
A. one which
B. one of them which
C. and one of them which
D. one of them
E. one of which
The best answer is E. Toys, must be followed by a limiting appositive, such as one of which, that identifies and individual from among a larger group.
When Crawford has begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s, it was a time when sturdy wooden fruit boxes were being phased out among local farmers in favor of lighter-weight baskets for picking, and dressy cardboard boxes for shipping.
A. When Crawford has begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s
B. When Crawford had begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s
C. When Crawford has begun farming with his wife, Rosemary, early in the 1970s
D. When Crawford began farming with his wife, Rosemary, in the early 1970s
E. When Crawford began farming with his wife, Rosemary, early in the 1970s
The best answer is D. Choice D correctly uses the past tense verb form of began to refer to an action completed in the past. It also uses the idiomatic in the early 1970s.
For almost 11 years after having its inception in 1992, Smith housed some 400 rescued orangutans before returning them to the wild, adding to a population estimated at between 15,000 and 20,000.
A. For almost 11 years after having its inception in 1992,
B. Beginning in 1992 for a period of almost 11 years,
C. Beginning a period of almost 11 years, in 1992
D. During 11 years, a period beginning in 1992,
E. Over a period of 11 years beginning in 1992,
The best answer is E. In choices A and B, it is Smith who illogically has his inception in 1992. Choices C and D are awkward and imprecise. Choice E is logical, precise and idiomatic.
The district manager claimed that providing on-site child care helps to reduce sick leave, but also enhances job satisfaction.
A. helps to reduce sick leave, but also
B. helps the reduction of sick leave, and also
C. not only helps to reduce sick leave, but also
D. helps to reduce not only sick leave, but
E. not only helps to reduce sick leave, and also
The best answer is C. To convey the idea that providing on-site child care has two benefits, the correct sentence must link grammatically parallel statements of these effects with and also or with not only… but also. Choices B and C do this, but B introduces a construction which is not parallel.
The World Forestry Association has predicted that the rate of addition to wooded lands will drop while those of loss rise.
A. those of loss rise
B. it rises for loss
C. those of losses rise
D. the rate of loss rises
E. there are rises for the rate of loss
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the idiomatic and clear construction the rate of addition… will drop while the rate of loss rises. Choice E supplies the idiomatic expression but introduces it with the unidiomatic and wordy there are rises for.
Of Mark Twain's many fans, none could feel more pleased—or more vindicated—by the renewed interest than the steadfast editors of the Mark Twain Project at the University of California at Berkeley, who have been at work for 36 years on a scholarly undertaking of almost inconceivable proportions: to hunt down, organize and interpret every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth.
A. to hunt down, organize and every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth was interpreted.
B. to hunt down, to organize and every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth was interpreted.
C. to hunt down, organize and interpret every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens during his 74 years on earth.
D. to hunt down, organize and interpret every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens while on earth 74 years.
E. to hunt down, organize and every scrap of writing that issued from Sam Clemens while on earth for 74 years.
The best answer is C. Choice C had a grammatically correct parallel construction and uses the idiomatic during his 74 years.
By enabling him to demonstrate the correctness of his fitting, it permitted him to significantly reduce the number of complaints and also aid for customers in finding the configuration that best suited them.
A. significantly reduce the number of complaints and also aid for
B. be significantly reduce the number of complaints and aid for
C. significantly reduce the number of complaints and aid
D. cause a significant reduction in the number of complaints and also aid to
E. significantly reduce the number of complaints as well as aiding
The best answer is C. Choice C avoids the preposition for and to, instead using aid as a verb that is parallel with reduce.
In his article, Hoffman profiles the rivalry between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face with Brian Hanson, winner of numerous championships.
A. rivalry between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face with Brian Hanson
B. rival 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face against her competitor Brian Hanson
C. rivalry that has developed between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face and Brian Hanson
D. developing rivalry between 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face with Brian Hanson
E. 22-year-old Yvonne Meadows, chess’s new fresh face and the rivalry with Brian Hanson
The best answer is C. The enumeration of the rivals requires the conjunction and; either the rivalry between x and y or the rivals x and y.
Moody, who manages the National Numismatics Collection at the National Museum of American History, started buying unpainted miniature soldiers and to do it soon got swept into the field of military history, researching not only the battles themselves but the uniforms worn at the time.
A. and to do it soon got swept
B. and doing it soon got swept
C. and to do this soon got him swept
D. and doing so soon got swept
E. and to do it would soon got swept
The best answer is D. Choice D appropriately uses the adverb so to refer back to the verb buying.
Like Johnson, the mutant instruments of Samuel Meadow are ‘thumbing their noses’ at eons of musical tradition, making music that can be merely weird, but is more often whimsical, even mystifying.
A. Like Johnson, the mutant instruments of Samuel Meadow
B. Like Johnson, Samuel Meadow’s mutant instruments
C. Like Johnson’s, Samuel Meadow’s mutant instruments
D. As with Johnson, Samuel Meadow’s mutant instruments
E. As is Johnson’s the mutant instruments of Samuel Meadow
The best answer is C. At issue is a comparison of Johnson’s instruments with Meadow’s. Only C, the best choice, uses the elliptical like Johnson’s (instrument being understood), to compare Johnson’s instruments with Meadow’s instruments.
A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year as his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commemorated the buffalo soldiers at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the birthplace of one of the regiments.
A. A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year as his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
B. A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year as his appointment to chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
C. A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year that he was appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
D. Colin Powell gave a dedication in the same year as his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that
E. Colin Powell gave a dedication in the same year of appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that
The best answer is C. In this sentence, the relative pronoun that should introduce the clause he was appointed… commemorated to make a relative clause modifying year.
For three decades, Waterman carried a Leica or Nikon camera and committed thousands of musicians to film, catching the magical and the mundane in order to keep from being forgotten.
A. keep from being forgotten.
B. keep them from being forgotten.
C. avoid being forgotten.
D. avoid them from being forgotten.
E. avoid from their forgetting.
The best answer is B. Choice B is the best because it use the pronoun them which refers to the musicians. It also uses the more precise keep rather than avoid.
If Sam Thomas was right, any apparent connections of modern tap and Lancashire clogging is purely coincidental.
A. If Sam Thomas was right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
B. Should Sam Thomas be right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
C. If Sam Thomas is right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
D. If Sam Thomas is right, any apparent connections between modern tap and
E. Should Sam Thomas have been right, any apparent connections of modern tap and
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the present indicative verb form in the conditional clause, If Sam Thomas is right, in order to agree with the verb in the main clause, any connection is… coincidental. It also presents the coordinate objects of the preposition between x and y.
There were concerns that the nation's new center for the contemporary arts — a complex of 27 buildings totaling more than 720,000 square feet — might be successful and it would eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
A. it would eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
B. it might eventually over about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
C. eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
D. eventually bring over the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
E. it will eventually bring about the closing of the Massy Art Complex.
The best answer is C. This sentence requires parallel verb forms be successful… bring about.
Found only in Sichuan, the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves and eats two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, they feed for 12 to 16 hours a day.
A. giant pandas roam the mountainous government-protected reserves and eat two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, feeding for 12 to 16 hours a day.
B. the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves, they eat two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, and with so much feeding, up to 12 to 16 hours a day.
C. giant pandas roam the mountainous government-protected reserves eat two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, and feed for 12 to 16 hours a day.
D. the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves eating two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests and feeding for 12 to 16 hours a day.
E. the giant panda roams the mountainous government-protected reserves eats two species of bamboo that grow in the mixed forests, and it feeds for 12 to 16 hours a day.
The best answer is D. Choice D clearly subordinates eating and feeding to roams.
In the 1984 case -- Price Corp. versus Universal Industries -- the Supreme Court ruled that Price owed restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
A. that Price owed restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
B. that Price owed restitution to Universal because of substantial noninfringing uses.
C. Price to owe restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
D. on Price owed restitution to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
E. on the restitution Price owed to Universal for substantial noninfringing uses.
The best answer is A. Choice A uses that appropriately to introduce a clause that describes the Supreme Court’s ruling. Choice A also employs the idiomatic phrase restitution …for.
Xxx?Like many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, about a Native American who receives the gift of immortality, was an abject failure.
A. Like many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, about
B. As have many successful authors, the first of Salman Rushdie’s novels, Grimus, about
C. Just as with many successful authors, the first of Salman Rushdie’s novels, Grimus, about
D. Just like many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, on
E. As did many successful authors, Salman Rushdie’s first novel, Grimus, on
The best answer is A. Choice A is concise and grammatically correct, using the comparative preposition, like, to express the comparison between many successful authors and Salman Rushdie.
One of the points the therapist stressed was the realization that as a child grows, their ability to share and comprehend time, enables them to take turns, albeit reluctantly.
A. the realization that as a child grows, their
B. the realization that as children grow, their
C. to realize that that when a child grows, his or her
D. to realize that as a children grow, their
E. realizing that as children grow, their
The best answer is B. In choice A, the plural pronoun their does not agree in number with the singular noun child. In C, D, and D to realize and realizing are not an appropriate continuations of: one of the points the therapist stressed.
Planners in Pyongyang are also banking on wonder crops that will offer an escape route for a country where the land area of only 14 percent of it is arable.
A. where the land area of only 14 percent of it is arable.
B. where they have 14 percent of the land area arable.
C. where only 14 percent of the land area is arable.
D. which has 14 percent of the land area arable.
E. in which 14 percent of it has arable land area.
The best answer is C. Choice C uses a clear, direct, and economical adjective clause to indicate the percentage of land that is arable in the country in question.
Pigments, produced from natural sources — slate; metals, such as iron, and various types of earth — starts off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and finally one must heat them.
A. starts off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and finally one must heat them.
B. start off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and heated.
C. are starting off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and finally one must heat them.
D. had started off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then refined and heated.
E. start off as powders that are pounded, ground, sieved, then you refine and heat them.
The best answer is B. Choice B uses the simple past tense to describe a past condition. It also correctly uses a parallel construction: pounded, ground sieved, then refined and heated.
When we look at the star Alpha Centauri, we see it as it was a little over four years ago, for it took the light that long to get here.
A. we see it as it was a little over four years ago
B. we see it as it had been a little over four years ago
C. we see it as if it was a little over four years ago
D. it appears to us as it did in a little over four years ago
E. it appears to us as though a little over four years ago
The best answer is A. Choice A employs the simple past verb tense to describe a past condition.
Because of the recent growth in e-commerce required to survive in the global marketplace, a marketplace characterized by a constant reinventing of the medium, such companies have had to re-think their pace of expansion.
A. Because of the recent growth in e-commerce required to survive
B. Because of the recent growth in e-commerce required of traditional companies to survive
C. Because of the growth, recently, of e-commerce required for surviving
D. Because of the recently growth in e-commerce required for survival
E. Because the recent growth in e-commerce required for companies survival
The best answer is B. The subject of the main clause (such companies) presumes a prior reference to the companies in question. Furthermore, the logical subject of to survive and the logical complement of required should be made explicit.
7. For the last fifteen years, Penbrook University has had the smallest tenured and tenure-track faculty in the state with only six full professors, one whom is now retiring.
A. one whom is now retiring
B. one of them who is now retiring
C. and one of them who he is now retiring
D. one of whom now retires
E. one which is now retires
The best answer is D. The subject, full professors, must be followed by a limiting appositive, such as one of whom, that identifies an individual from among a larger group.
The tragedian Seneca, tutor to the insane emperor Nero, was as controversial to his own time as he is compelling in ours.
A. were as controversial to his own time as he is
B. was as controversial in his own time as he is
C. has been as controversial to his own time as he is
D. had been as controversial in his own time as he is
E. have been as controversial in his own time as he is
The best answer is B. Choice B exhibits correct subject-verb agreement and uses appropriate verb tenses. Additionally, it uses the idiomatic in his own time.
Like Foucault, Derrida shows the power of discourse and language and attempts to deconstruct how meaning is made.
A. Like Foucault, Derrida shows
B. Like Foucault, Derrida is showing
C. As Foucault, Derrida shows
D. As did Foucault, Derrida’s showing
E. Derrida shows, as does Foucault,
The best answer is A. In choice A, a clear and logical comparison is made between Foucault and Derrida.
Over the past three decades the poems of W. S. Merwin have appeared in these pages more frequently than any poet.
A. have been appearing in these pages more frequently than any poet.
B. have appeared in these pages more frequently than any other poet.
C. appeared in these pages more frequently than are any poet.
D. have appeared in these pages more frequently than those of any other poet.
E. appeared in these pages more frequently as are those of any other poet.
The best answer is D. Choice D correctly compares Merwin’s works to the works of other poets.
In 1998, resulting from the diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia, he received the Outstanding Photographic Achievement Award.
A. resulting from his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
B. his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia resulted and
C. because of the result of his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
D. as a result of his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects as diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
E. as a result of his diligence in capturing photographs on subjects so diverse as the cosmopolitan cafés of Paris and the impoverished villages of Cambodia
The best answer is D. Choice D uses the idiomatic as a result of and conveys information unambiguously.
Being a Canadian citizen since 1958 and born in Czernowitz in 1938, artist Sarah Willensky has since lived in the U. S. and England, and first came to Canada in 1957 to study at York University.
A. Being a Canadian citizen since 1958 and born in Czernowitz in 1938, artist Sarah Willensky has
B. Having been a Canadian citizen since 1958, she was born in Czernowitz in 1938; artist Sarah Willensky
C. Born in Czernowitz in 1938, artist Sarah Willensky became a Canadian citizen in 1958; she has
D. Being born in Czernowitz in 1938 and having been a Canadian citizen since 1958, artist Sarah Willensky
E. Having been born in Czernowitz in 1938 and being a Canadian citizen since 1958, artist Sarah Willensky
The best answer is C. The first clause presents its information clearly and in logical sequence. The use of a semicolon to set apart the remaining information further assists the clarity of the sentence.
The way in which Taylor and the other the participants, Mason, Adams and Jones, moved were determined from their own reported levels of involvement in school-based sports activities like soccer and track, extramural classes and activities like swimming, hiking, running, and tennis.
A. moved were determined from
B. moved were determined because of
C. moved was determined through
D. moved was determined by
E. moved was determined as a result of
The best answer is D. Choice D is clear and concise, and uses correct subject-verb agreement. Choices A and B are incorrect because they use the plural verb were to refer to the singular subject The way.
The wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, in response to a challenge to create a ghost story.
A. The wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, in response to a challenge to create a ghost story.
B. To create a ghost story, the wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, in response to a challenge.
C. The world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein, the wife of the poet Shelly wrote in response to a challenge to create a ghost story.
D. Writing in response to a challenge to create a ghost story, the wife of the poet Shelly made the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein.
E. In response to a challenge to create a ghost story, the wife of the poet Shelly wrote the world-famous and increasingly relevant Gothic horror tale, Frankenstein.
The best answer is E. Choice E conveys its meaning clearly, without ambiguity, and uses straightforward syntax.
Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies also attend our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species.
A. Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies also attend our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species.
B. Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies also they attend our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species.
C. Our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species is attended by two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies.
D. Our annual conference, it is on biodiversity and endangered species, is attended by two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies.
E. Two out of every four participants in the Earth Day rallies our annual conference on biodiversity and endangered species is attended by them.
The best answer is A. Choice A is concise, idiomatic, and maintains subject-verb agreement. Additionally, choice A avoids problems with doubled subjects found in B D and E.
Prior to the development of this vaccine, meningitis and pneumonia, due to Hib were much more common among Navajo and Apache children than other children in the United States.
A. than other children in the United States.
B. than among other children in the United States.
C. than is so of other children of the United States.
D. compared to other children in the United States.
E. in comparison with other children of the United States.
The best answer is B. Choice B correctly uses the idiomatic construction more common among x than among y.
Prendhurst Public Library recently calculated that it has loaned 40 items that they do not expect return when due.
A. they do not expect return when
B. it does not expect return when it is
C. it does not expect will be returned when they are
D. returns are not expected to be made when
E. returns are not expected to be made when they will be
The best answer is C. Choice C has subject verb agreement throughout, using it as a pronoun to refer to the singular noun, library.
The Watsons, a prominent Staten Island family, has survived a close brush with financial ruin; its assets are now almost three times greater than what they were before their problems commenced.
A. financial ruin; its assets are now almost three times greater than
B. financial ruin; its assets are now almost three times more than
C. financial ruin; their assets are now almost threefold
D. financial ruin; now with threefold the assets
E. financial ruin; now with assets three times greater than
The best answer is A. Choice A uses a singular pronoun, its, to refer to the singular antecedent, The Watsons, and it properly uses the construction its assets are now…greater than.
Like their French counterparts, Latin flans are coated with a dark caramelized sugar, but unlike French flans, their Latin counterparts get their flavor and texture from egg yolks and from canned, condensed milks that impart a particularly nutty caramel taste.
A. their Latin counterparts get their flavor and texture from
B. their flavor and texture is from
C. one place they get their flavor and texture from is
D. they get their flavor and Latin texture from
E. Latin flans get their flavor and texture from
The best answer is E. The meaning is clear despite the relative complexity of the sentence, the comparison of Latin with French is logical.
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navin_c
Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
As we now enter an era of broadband communication, most analysts agree that no less than a new breakthrough is necessary to meet the need for higher data storage capacity and faster data transfer rate.
A. that no less than a new breakthrough is necessary
B. that nothing other than a new breakthrough is needed
C. that a new breakthrough is necessary
D. the necessity for a new breakthrough
E. the necessity for a new breakthrough occurring
The best answer is C. The word that functions grammatically to introduce the clause that describes the point on which analysts agree. Choices A and B needlessly lengthen the statement by expressing the idea through negation: no less than and nothing other than.
As well as a fool and a liar, Shields was called bad-smelling because he only bathed once every month or so.
A. As well as a fool and a liar, Shields was called bad-smelling because
B. Besides a fool and a liar, also Shields was called bad-smelling because
C. Besides a fool and a liar, they called Shields bad-smelling because
D. Shields was called not only a fool and a liar, but also bad-smelling because
E. Shields was not only called a fool and a liar, but also bad-smelling because
The best answer is D. Choice D has no modification errors and uses parallel phrases to complete the idiomatic construction not only…but also.
According to a recent census, the number of high school students working part time in sales has grown every decade since the 70’s.
A. the number of high school students working part time in sales has grown
B. the number of high school students who are working part time in sales have grown
C. there has been growth in the number of high school students working part time in sales
D. a growing number of high school students have been working part time in sales
E. high school students working part time in sales have been growing in number
The best answer is A. The singular verb has agrees with the subject of the clause, the number. Moreover, A conveys the intended meaning concisely and unambiguously.
A couple of years later, he decided not to buy Mary Jane the Florida retreat of her dreams because he believed that to do it rewards her disrespectful conduct.
A. to do it rewards
B. doing it rewards
C. to do this would reward
D. doing so would reward
E. to do it would reward
The best answer is D. Choice D appropriately uses the adverb so to refer back to the verb buy. The other choices inappropriately use pronouns (it or this) to refer back to the verb.
The first decision for most people which consider the use of an irrevocable trust is if or not to make the gift outright or in trust.
A. The first decision for most people which consider the use of an irrevocable trust is if or not to make the gift outright or in trust.
B. The first decision for most people who consider the use of an irrevocable trust is if or not to make the gift outright or in trust.
C. The first decision for most people considering the use of an irrevocable trust is if to make the gift outright or in trust.
D. The first decision for most people which consider the use of an irrevocable trust is whether or not they make the gift outright or in trust.
E. The first decision for most people considering the use of an irrevocable trust is whether to make the gift outright or in trust.
The best answer is E. Only E idiomatically completes whether with an infinitive to make.
Unlike traditional MBA programs, which aim to convey broad-based business and management concepts, the students are encouraged, in the JSWU program, to build on their technical backgrounds and experience, and the program emphasizes planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations.
A. in the JSWU program, to build on their technical backgrounds and experience, and the program emphasizes planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations the students are encouraged,.
B. planning and design skills are emphasized in the JSWU program emphasizes, that are specifically required in project-based organizations and encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
C. planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations are emphasized by the JSWU program, and the program encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
D. planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations are emphasized by the JSWU program, as well, the program encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
E. the JSWU program emphasizes planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations and encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
The best answer is E. Choice E correctly uses a parallel construction to draw a logical comparison: Unlike traditional MBA programs… the JSWU program…
The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolution, those that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and those that give the council broad powers to take action.
A. The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolution, those that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
B. The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolutions, some that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
C. The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolutions, there are those that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
D. The UN distinguishes between two sorts of Security Council resolutions, those that deal on the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
E. The UN distinguishes between two sorts of Security Council resolution, those that deal with the peaceful resolution to disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
The best answer is E. The best choice is E because it used the idiomatically correct expression distinguishes between x and y. In addition, choice C uses the idiomatic deal with construction.
By licensing technologies to private companies and awarding grants for innovative research, the project is catalyzing the multibillion-dollar U.S. biotechnology industry, fostering the development of new medical applications, and to make their applications known world-wide.
A. fostering the development of new medical applications, and to make their applications known world-wide
B. fostering the development of new medical applications, and making their applications known world-wide
C. to foster the development of new medical applications, and make their applications known world-wide
D. to foster the development of new medical applications, and to make their applications known world-wide
E. to foster the development of new medical applications, and making their applications known world-wide
The best answer is B. Choices A, C, D and E all violate parallelism by employing infinitive in place of participial phrases: catalyzing, fostering and making.
According to a recent study performed at Stanford University, the more time people spend using the Internet, their contact with their social environment the lost.
A. the more time people spend using the Internet, the more the contact with their social environment is lost
B. the more time people spend using the Internet, their contact with their social environment the lost
C. the more time people spend using the Internet the more they lose contact with their social environment
D. the more time it is that people spend using the Internet, their contact with their social environment the lost
E. the longer time people spend using the Internet, the more they lose contact with their social environment
The best answer is C. The phrase the more time people spend… should be completed a parallel phrase that begins with a comparative adjective and a noun phrase, as in the more they lose….
Despite objection to the tax policies of town auditor, the yearly expenses have increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount that is about the size of the entire education budget.
A. have increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount that is about the size of the entire education budget
B. have increased from 500,000 to two million, about the size of the entire education budget
C. have increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount about the size of the entire education budget
D. has increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount which has about the size of the entire education budget
E. has increased from 500,000 to two million, about the entire education budget’s size
The best answer is C. In choice C, an amount about the size of the entire education budget clearly describes an equivalence between the budget and the savings.
However much doctors would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
A. However much doctors would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
B. Despite agreement among doctors that to the fact that they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is thanks to its human element, it is not.
C. Although doctors agree they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
D. Although doctors agree they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
E. There is agreement among doctors that they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that owing to its human element, it is not.
The best answer is A. In choice B, agreement to the fact is unidiomatic. Choices C and D omit the word that after agree. Choice E is unnecessarily wordy.
Based on an account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood, the author weaves a story about the experience of multiple selves, and its impact on other family members.
A. Based on an account from a survivor who talks on her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood
B. Basing it on an account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood
C. With an account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse both in childhood and in adulthood
D. By the account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood
E. Using the account of a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in both childhood and adulthood
The best answer is E. Choice E is clear and concise; it correctly uses a present participle, using, to introduce the modifier describing how the author gathered information.
Of those 2 percent of needle-stick injuries where HIV-infected blood is known to be present, the chance of HIV transmission is estimated at between 0.3 and 0.45 percent.
A. the chance of HIV transmission is estimated at between 0.3 and 0.45 percent
B. the chance of HIV transmission is estimated as being between 0.3 and 0.45 percent
C. the chance for HIV transmission is estimated that it is between 0.3 to 0.45 percent
D. the chance of HIV transmission is estimated to be between 0.3 and 0.45 percent
E. the chance for HIV transmission is estimated as between 0.3 to 0.45 percent
The best answer is D. D, the best choice, follows estimated with to be. In addition, choice D uses the idiomatic the chance of.
Eager to prove a point, it was decided by the brothers to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult.
A. it was decided by the brothers to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult
B. the decision of the brothers was to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult
C. the brothers decided to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult
D. the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult was decided upon by the brothers
E. and using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult, the medieval justice of trial by combat was decided upon by the brothers
The best answer is C. Grammatically, the participial phrase beginning Eager… must modify the subject of the main clause. Because it is the brothers who were eager, choice C, in which the brothers appears as the subject, is the best answer.
At the height of Manchu power, the situation was not unlike that which can exist between a superpower and a satellite or protectorate, and therefore one which, though politically significant, does not extinguish the independent existence of the weaker state.
A. the situation was not unlike that which can exist between a superpower and a satellite or protectorate
B. the situation was not unlike between a superpower to a satellite or protectorate
C. the situation was like between a superpower to a satellite or protectorate
D. there was a situation which was like that which can exist between a superpower and a satellite or protectorate
E. the situation was as that which can exist between a superpower to a satellite or protectorate
The best answer is A. In B and C there are faulty comparisons. Choice D is unnecessarily wordy. Choice E incorrectly uses as rather than like to compare two noun phrases.
In England, a larger percentage of the students take their A Level exams in college than is the case in Northern Ireland.
A. In England, a larger percentage of the students take their A Level exams in college than is the case in Northern Ireland.
B. In England, a larger percentage of students take their A Level exams in college than do so in Northern Ireland.
C. A larger percentage of students in England than is the case in Northern Ireland, take their A Level exams in college.
D. A larger percentage of the students in England than do so in Northern Ireland, take their A Level exams in college.
E. In England, a larger percentage of the students take their A Level exams in college than the Northern Ireland students do.
The best answer is B. Choice B is clear and concise. Do so is correctly used to refer back to take their A level exams.
Despite being a carnivore, the diet of the bear is largely vegetarian – fresh leaves, fruits, berries, nuts, roots, and tubers - and animal carcasses rarely.
A. and animal carcasses rarely.
B. and animal carcasses is rare.
C. with animal carcasses as rare.
D. animal carcasses a rarity.
E. with animal carcasses a rarity.
The best answer is E. The best answer here must qualify the statement made in the main clause, the diet of the bear is largely vegetarian: it cannot be treated as part of the list of vegetarian foods. In other words, the best answer must logically and grammatically attach to the main clause when the list is omitted.
The newly appointed principal, being worried about the presence of drugs in her school and the failing of her students to improve on the state tests, revamped school policy.;
A. being worried over the presence of drugs in her school and the failing
B. worrying over the presence of drugs in her school and the failure
C. worried about the presence of drugs in her school and the failure
D. in that they were worried over the presence of drugs in her school, also the failing
E. because of her worry concerning the presence of drugs in her school as well as the failing
The best answer is C. Choice C is best because its phrasing is parallel and concise. A, D and E begin with unnecessarily wordy phrases. Choice C also uses the idiomatic worried about.
To make negotiations successful, one must look at the interests of the parties, instead of a series of positions, in order to make it easier to reach a compromise on the particulars.
A. instead of a series of positions, in order to make it easier
B. as opposed to a series of positions, in order to make it easier
C. in contrast with a series of positions, in order to make it easier
D. rather than at a series of positions, in order to make it easier
E. as against being at a series of positions, in order to make it easier
The best answer is D. Having no word such as at to indicate location, choices A, B and C fail to complete the parallel construction at the interests of the parties rather than at… Choice E is wordy and unidiomatic.
The only way for seamstresses to salvage leftover material is to transform them into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
A. to transform them into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
B. if they are transformed into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
C. for them to be transformed into patchwork quilts once the collection is big enough.
D. if the pieces are transformed into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
E. to have it transformed into patchwork quilts once enough pieces have been collected.
The best answer is E. Choice E has parallel infinitives and uses pieces to refer unambiguously to material.
A report by the National Refiners Association has concluded that much of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future.
A. much of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
B. much of the untapped oil reserves that they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
C. much of the untapped oil reserves they would have been counting on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
D. many of the reserves that are currently untapped oil they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
E. many of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
The best answer is E. Choice E is both grammatically correct and concise. It uses many with the word reserves which is a count noun.
A report by the National Refiners Association has concluded that
A. much of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
B. much of the untapped oil reserves that they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
C. much of the untapped oil reserves they would have been counting on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
D. many of the reserves that are currently untapped oil they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
E. many of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
The best answer is E. Choice E is both grammatically correct and concise. It uses many with the word reserves which is a count noun.
Using a laparoscopy, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
A. Using a laparoscopy, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
B. Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscopy, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
C. Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscopy, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
D. Using a laparoscopy, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
E. By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscopy, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.
The best answer is D. Choice A presents a dangling modifier. Choice B contains the same main clause and dangling modifier, now at the end. Choice C suggest that doctors can use a laparoscopy after they remove the ovaries. In choice E, by being done, is awkward.
Undercover police detectives have observed large concentrations of gang members in the west end of the Meadowvale district, which is consistent to the growth of crime there.
A. the Meadowvale district, which is consistent to the growth of crime there
B. the Meadowvale district, where the crime’s growth is consistent with these findings
C. the Meadowvale district, findings consistent to its growth of crime
D. the district of Meadowvale, findings consistent with the growth of crime in the area
E. the district of Meadowvale, consistent with the growth of the crime there
The best answer is D. Choices A and C use the unidiomatic consistent to. In choice B, the expression crime’s growth instead of growth of crime is awkward. In choice E, the use of the definite article before crime is unwarranted.
A. that no less than a new breakthrough is necessary
B. that nothing other than a new breakthrough is needed
C. that a new breakthrough is necessary
D. the necessity for a new breakthrough
E. the necessity for a new breakthrough occurring
The best answer is C. The word that functions grammatically to introduce the clause that describes the point on which analysts agree. Choices A and B needlessly lengthen the statement by expressing the idea through negation: no less than and nothing other than.
As well as a fool and a liar, Shields was called bad-smelling because he only bathed once every month or so.
A. As well as a fool and a liar, Shields was called bad-smelling because
B. Besides a fool and a liar, also Shields was called bad-smelling because
C. Besides a fool and a liar, they called Shields bad-smelling because
D. Shields was called not only a fool and a liar, but also bad-smelling because
E. Shields was not only called a fool and a liar, but also bad-smelling because
The best answer is D. Choice D has no modification errors and uses parallel phrases to complete the idiomatic construction not only…but also.
According to a recent census, the number of high school students working part time in sales has grown every decade since the 70’s.
A. the number of high school students working part time in sales has grown
B. the number of high school students who are working part time in sales have grown
C. there has been growth in the number of high school students working part time in sales
D. a growing number of high school students have been working part time in sales
E. high school students working part time in sales have been growing in number
The best answer is A. The singular verb has agrees with the subject of the clause, the number. Moreover, A conveys the intended meaning concisely and unambiguously.
A couple of years later, he decided not to buy Mary Jane the Florida retreat of her dreams because he believed that to do it rewards her disrespectful conduct.
A. to do it rewards
B. doing it rewards
C. to do this would reward
D. doing so would reward
E. to do it would reward
The best answer is D. Choice D appropriately uses the adverb so to refer back to the verb buy. The other choices inappropriately use pronouns (it or this) to refer back to the verb.
The first decision for most people which consider the use of an irrevocable trust is if or not to make the gift outright or in trust.
A. The first decision for most people which consider the use of an irrevocable trust is if or not to make the gift outright or in trust.
B. The first decision for most people who consider the use of an irrevocable trust is if or not to make the gift outright or in trust.
C. The first decision for most people considering the use of an irrevocable trust is if to make the gift outright or in trust.
D. The first decision for most people which consider the use of an irrevocable trust is whether or not they make the gift outright or in trust.
E. The first decision for most people considering the use of an irrevocable trust is whether to make the gift outright or in trust.
The best answer is E. Only E idiomatically completes whether with an infinitive to make.
Unlike traditional MBA programs, which aim to convey broad-based business and management concepts, the students are encouraged, in the JSWU program, to build on their technical backgrounds and experience, and the program emphasizes planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations.
A. in the JSWU program, to build on their technical backgrounds and experience, and the program emphasizes planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations the students are encouraged,.
B. planning and design skills are emphasized in the JSWU program emphasizes, that are specifically required in project-based organizations and encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
C. planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations are emphasized by the JSWU program, and the program encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
D. planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations are emphasized by the JSWU program, as well, the program encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
E. the JSWU program emphasizes planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations and encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
The best answer is E. Choice E correctly uses a parallel construction to draw a logical comparison: Unlike traditional MBA programs… the JSWU program…
The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolution, those that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and those that give the council broad powers to take action.
A. The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolution, those that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
B. The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolutions, some that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
C. The UN distinguishes two sorts of Security Council resolutions, there are those that deal with the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
D. The UN distinguishes between two sorts of Security Council resolutions, those that deal on the peaceful resolution of disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
E. The UN distinguishes between two sorts of Security Council resolution, those that deal with the peaceful resolution to disputes and entitle the council to make non-binding recommendations, and
The best answer is E. The best choice is E because it used the idiomatically correct expression distinguishes between x and y. In addition, choice C uses the idiomatic deal with construction.
By licensing technologies to private companies and awarding grants for innovative research, the project is catalyzing the multibillion-dollar U.S. biotechnology industry, fostering the development of new medical applications, and to make their applications known world-wide.
A. fostering the development of new medical applications, and to make their applications known world-wide
B. fostering the development of new medical applications, and making their applications known world-wide
C. to foster the development of new medical applications, and make their applications known world-wide
D. to foster the development of new medical applications, and to make their applications known world-wide
E. to foster the development of new medical applications, and making their applications known world-wide
The best answer is B. Choices A, C, D and E all violate parallelism by employing infinitive in place of participial phrases: catalyzing, fostering and making.
According to a recent study performed at Stanford University, the more time people spend using the Internet, their contact with their social environment the lost.
A. the more time people spend using the Internet, the more the contact with their social environment is lost
B. the more time people spend using the Internet, their contact with their social environment the lost
C. the more time people spend using the Internet the more they lose contact with their social environment
D. the more time it is that people spend using the Internet, their contact with their social environment the lost
E. the longer time people spend using the Internet, the more they lose contact with their social environment
The best answer is C. The phrase the more time people spend… should be completed a parallel phrase that begins with a comparative adjective and a noun phrase, as in the more they lose….
Despite objection to the tax policies of town auditor, the yearly expenses have increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount that is about the size of the entire education budget.
A. have increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount that is about the size of the entire education budget
B. have increased from 500,000 to two million, about the size of the entire education budget
C. have increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount about the size of the entire education budget
D. has increased from 500,000 to two million, an amount which has about the size of the entire education budget
E. has increased from 500,000 to two million, about the entire education budget’s size
The best answer is C. In choice C, an amount about the size of the entire education budget clearly describes an equivalence between the budget and the savings.
However much doctors would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
A. However much doctors would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
B. Despite agreement among doctors that to the fact that they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is thanks to its human element, it is not.
C. Although doctors agree they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
D. Although doctors agree they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that with its human element, it is not.
E. There is agreement among doctors that they would like medicine to be a science - because life would be simpler that way - the fact is that owing to its human element, it is not.
The best answer is A. In choice B, agreement to the fact is unidiomatic. Choices C and D omit the word that after agree. Choice E is unnecessarily wordy.
Based on an account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood, the author weaves a story about the experience of multiple selves, and its impact on other family members.
A. Based on an account from a survivor who talks on her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood
B. Basing it on an account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood
C. With an account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse both in childhood and in adulthood
D. By the account from a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in childhood and in adulthood
E. Using the account of a survivor who talks about her own history of abuse in both childhood and adulthood
The best answer is E. Choice E is clear and concise; it correctly uses a present participle, using, to introduce the modifier describing how the author gathered information.
Of those 2 percent of needle-stick injuries where HIV-infected blood is known to be present, the chance of HIV transmission is estimated at between 0.3 and 0.45 percent.
A. the chance of HIV transmission is estimated at between 0.3 and 0.45 percent
B. the chance of HIV transmission is estimated as being between 0.3 and 0.45 percent
C. the chance for HIV transmission is estimated that it is between 0.3 to 0.45 percent
D. the chance of HIV transmission is estimated to be between 0.3 and 0.45 percent
E. the chance for HIV transmission is estimated as between 0.3 to 0.45 percent
The best answer is D. D, the best choice, follows estimated with to be. In addition, choice D uses the idiomatic the chance of.
Eager to prove a point, it was decided by the brothers to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult.
A. it was decided by the brothers to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult
B. the decision of the brothers was to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult
C. the brothers decided to employ the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult
D. the medieval justice of trial by combat, using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult was decided upon by the brothers
E. and using both sword and pistol to wipe out the insult, the medieval justice of trial by combat was decided upon by the brothers
The best answer is C. Grammatically, the participial phrase beginning Eager… must modify the subject of the main clause. Because it is the brothers who were eager, choice C, in which the brothers appears as the subject, is the best answer.
At the height of Manchu power, the situation was not unlike that which can exist between a superpower and a satellite or protectorate, and therefore one which, though politically significant, does not extinguish the independent existence of the weaker state.
A. the situation was not unlike that which can exist between a superpower and a satellite or protectorate
B. the situation was not unlike between a superpower to a satellite or protectorate
C. the situation was like between a superpower to a satellite or protectorate
D. there was a situation which was like that which can exist between a superpower and a satellite or protectorate
E. the situation was as that which can exist between a superpower to a satellite or protectorate
The best answer is A. In B and C there are faulty comparisons. Choice D is unnecessarily wordy. Choice E incorrectly uses as rather than like to compare two noun phrases.
In England, a larger percentage of the students take their A Level exams in college than is the case in Northern Ireland.
A. In England, a larger percentage of the students take their A Level exams in college than is the case in Northern Ireland.
B. In England, a larger percentage of students take their A Level exams in college than do so in Northern Ireland.
C. A larger percentage of students in England than is the case in Northern Ireland, take their A Level exams in college.
D. A larger percentage of the students in England than do so in Northern Ireland, take their A Level exams in college.
E. In England, a larger percentage of the students take their A Level exams in college than the Northern Ireland students do.
The best answer is B. Choice B is clear and concise. Do so is correctly used to refer back to take their A level exams.
Despite being a carnivore, the diet of the bear is largely vegetarian – fresh leaves, fruits, berries, nuts, roots, and tubers - and animal carcasses rarely.
A. and animal carcasses rarely.
B. and animal carcasses is rare.
C. with animal carcasses as rare.
D. animal carcasses a rarity.
E. with animal carcasses a rarity.
The best answer is E. The best answer here must qualify the statement made in the main clause, the diet of the bear is largely vegetarian: it cannot be treated as part of the list of vegetarian foods. In other words, the best answer must logically and grammatically attach to the main clause when the list is omitted.
The newly appointed principal, being worried about the presence of drugs in her school and the failing of her students to improve on the state tests, revamped school policy.;
A. being worried over the presence of drugs in her school and the failing
B. worrying over the presence of drugs in her school and the failure
C. worried about the presence of drugs in her school and the failure
D. in that they were worried over the presence of drugs in her school, also the failing
E. because of her worry concerning the presence of drugs in her school as well as the failing
The best answer is C. Choice C is best because its phrasing is parallel and concise. A, D and E begin with unnecessarily wordy phrases. Choice C also uses the idiomatic worried about.
To make negotiations successful, one must look at the interests of the parties, instead of a series of positions, in order to make it easier to reach a compromise on the particulars.
A. instead of a series of positions, in order to make it easier
B. as opposed to a series of positions, in order to make it easier
C. in contrast with a series of positions, in order to make it easier
D. rather than at a series of positions, in order to make it easier
E. as against being at a series of positions, in order to make it easier
The best answer is D. Having no word such as at to indicate location, choices A, B and C fail to complete the parallel construction at the interests of the parties rather than at… Choice E is wordy and unidiomatic.
The only way for seamstresses to salvage leftover material is to transform them into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
A. to transform them into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
B. if they are transformed into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
C. for them to be transformed into patchwork quilts once the collection is big enough.
D. if the pieces are transformed into patchwork quilts once enough of them have been collected.
E. to have it transformed into patchwork quilts once enough pieces have been collected.
The best answer is E. Choice E has parallel infinitives and uses pieces to refer unambiguously to material.
A report by the National Refiners Association has concluded that much of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future.
A. much of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
B. much of the untapped oil reserves that they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
C. much of the untapped oil reserves they would have been counting on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
D. many of the reserves that are currently untapped oil they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
E. many of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
The best answer is E. Choice E is both grammatically correct and concise. It uses many with the word reserves which is a count noun.
A report by the National Refiners Association has concluded that
A. much of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
B. much of the untapped oil reserves that they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
C. much of the untapped oil reserves they would have been counting on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
D. many of the reserves that are currently untapped oil they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
E. many of the untapped oil reserves they had counted on will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future
The best answer is E. Choice E is both grammatically correct and concise. It uses many with the word reserves which is a count noun.
Using a laparoscopy, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
A. Using a laparoscopy, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
B. Ovaries can be removed without opening the abdomen, using a laparoscopy, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
C. Removing the ovaries without opening the abdomen, the doctor can use a laparoscopy, which allows the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
D. Using a laparoscopy, a doctor can remove ovaries without opening the abdomen, allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
E. By being done on an outpatient basis using a laparoscopy, ovaries can be removed by a doctor without opening the abdomen.
The best answer is D. Choice A presents a dangling modifier. Choice B contains the same main clause and dangling modifier, now at the end. Choice C suggest that doctors can use a laparoscopy after they remove the ovaries. In choice E, by being done, is awkward.
Undercover police detectives have observed large concentrations of gang members in the west end of the Meadowvale district, which is consistent to the growth of crime there.
A. the Meadowvale district, which is consistent to the growth of crime there
B. the Meadowvale district, where the crime’s growth is consistent with these findings
C. the Meadowvale district, findings consistent to its growth of crime
D. the district of Meadowvale, findings consistent with the growth of crime in the area
E. the district of Meadowvale, consistent with the growth of the crime there
The best answer is D. Choices A and C use the unidiomatic consistent to. In choice B, the expression crime’s growth instead of growth of crime is awkward. In choice E, the use of the definite article before crime is unwarranted.
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navin_c
Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
What was as remarkable as the development of his distinctive brush strokes in the many sketches and watercolors van Gogh produced in his ten short years as an artist, has been the continued popularity of his letter sketches.
A. What was as remarkable as the development of his distinctive brush strokes
B. The thing that was as remarkable as develop his distinctive brush strokes
C. No less remarkable than the development of his distinctive brush strokes
D. Developing his distinctive brush strokes has been none the less remarkable than
E. Development of his distinctive brush strokes has been no less remarkable as
The best answer is C. Besides being wordy, the clauses beginning with What was and The thing that was cause inconsistencies in verb tense. In C, the noun development is parallel to popularity.
If he was to decide to take military action, no doubt they would choose the best path to achieve their objectives, but I expect they would not be announcing those plans publicly, especially not to the United States Congress.
A. If he was to decide to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path for to achieve their objectives,
B. If he were to decide to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path to achieve their objectives,
C. Had he decided to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path to achieve their objectives,
D. In the event that he decides to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path for achieving their objectives,
E. Supposing he was to decide to take military action, no doubt he would choose a best path to achieve their objectives,
The best answer is B. Choice B correct the misuse of the subjective, and correctly chooses the infinitive to achieve ollowing would choose the best path.
The blister rust fungus is native to Asia but was introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910, and has since quickly spread throughout most of the range of five-needle pines in the West.
A. The blister rust fungus is native to Asia but was introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
B. The blister rust fungus is a native in Asia but was introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
C. The blister rust fungus are natives to Asia but were introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
D. The blister rust fungus had been native of Asia and were introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
E. The blister rust fungus had been natives to Asia but was introduced at British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
The best answer is A. The phrasing are native to correctly suggest that the rust is indigenous to, and still exists in, British Colombia. The expression native to is idiomatic.
-Except for the ban that the president announced last week, his career has been characterized by progressive policy decisions, especially in the area of welfare.
A. Except for the ban that the president announced
B. Except for the ban with the president announcing it
C. Besides a ban being announced by the president himself
D. Excepting a ban that the president announced
E. With the exception of a ban that the president announced
The best answer is A. In choice B, the participle announcing inappropriately expresses ongoing rather than completed action. Choice C uses the participle being inappropriately. In D, the use of excepting is unidiomatic. Choice E is awkward and wordy.
Humphry Davy was one of the most celebrated British chemists of the early 19th century, credited as having discovered several elements through electrolysis.
A. credited as having discovered several elements through electrolysis
B. credited with having discovered several elements through electrolysis
C. credited to have discovered several elements through electrolysis
D. and he is credited as the one who discovered several elements through electrolysis
E. credited for being the one who has discovered several elements through electrolysis
The best answer is B. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something. Hence, only choice B is idiomatic.
In a press conference given last week, the Mills Company spokesman explained that although other machines are cheaper, the competitor’s product costs twice as much as maintaining the new Mills’ machine.
A. the competitor’s product costs twice as much as maintaining the new Mills’ machine
B. the competitor’s product costs twice as much to maintain as the new Mills’ machine
C. maintaining the competitor’s product costs twice as much as the new Mills’ machine does
D. maintaining the competitor’s product costs twice as much as it does for maintaining the new Mills’ machine
E. to maintain the competitor’s product costs twice as much as for the new Mills’ machine
The best answer is B. This sentence compares the costs required to maintain two machines. Choice B is able to maintain parallelism in the comparison as well.
Over the last decade, salaries in most types of technological professions rose almost so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did outside the field.
A. so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did
B. so fast, and in some areas even faster than, those
C. so much faster, and in some areas even faster than, those
D. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than, those
E. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than what they did
The best answer is D. The properly completed sentence here must (1) use the proper form of the comparative conjunction, as fast as; (2) enclose the parenthetical statement and … even faster than in commas; and (3) preserve parallel structure, clarity of reference, and economy by using those.
Over the last decade, salaries in most types of technological professions rose almost so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did outside the field.
A. so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did
B. so fast, and in some areas even faster than, those
C. so much faster, and in some areas even faster than, those
D. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than, those
E. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than what they did
The best answer is D. The properly completed sentence here must (1) use the proper form of the comparative conjunction, as fast as; (2) enclose the parenthetical statement and … even faster than in commas; and (3) preserve parallel structure, clarity of reference, and economy by using those.
Literary critics have often said that all of the thousands of stories written by the world’s authors are essentially variations of six basic plot themes.
A. that all of the thousands of stories written by the world’s authors are essentially variations of
B. that the world’s thousands of stories written by authors of which all are essentially variations of
C. that the world’s thousands of stories written by the authors are essentially variations of
D. all of the thousands of stories written by the world’s authors to be essentially variations of
E. that the world’s authors have written thousands of stories which are essentially variations of
The best answer is A. Choice A correctly uses a noun clause introduced by that after said; keeps the contention clear by making all of the thousands of stories the subject of the noun clause, and precisely indicates the relationship of the thousands of stories to the six basic plot themes.
-Mr. Torres, whose sturdy appearance conceals a surprising sensitivity, described how his patient use to rain epithets upon all the doctors and nurses treating her so frail that none dared to put her in her place.
A. treating her so frail
B. treating her being so frail
C. treating her yet being so frail
D. treating her, and so frail
E. treating her yet was so frail
The best answer is E. Choice E states that although the patient rained epithets she was frail. Here, the conjunction yet is appropriately and correctly used to link the two verb phrases.
Having the company of one of his four brothers, 6-year-old Luke would ramble through the bayous along the Mississippi River near his home in Donaldsonville, sporting a Daisy Red Ryder air rifle.
A. Having the company of one of his four brothers
B. With four brothers, having the company of one
C. Because one of his four brothers accompanied him
D. One of his four brothers being his company
E. Accompanied by one of his four brothers
The best answer is E. The construction Accompanied by… clearly and grammatically modifies the subject of the sentence, 6-year-old Luke.
Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, hard data can be yielded that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
A. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, hard data can be yielded that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
B. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, the testing process yields hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system has not delivered better comfort and efficiency.
C. Called the AT-2020, using a diagnostic tool, the testing process yields hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
D. By use of a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, the testing process yields hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and also efficiency.
E. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, a technician can obtain hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
The best answer is E. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020 clearly modifies the subject of the sentence, a technician.
Before closing, one should note that, as to certain elected positions, the principle would be the same for a person who is appointed and subsequently elected, as a person who is elected to an unexpired term, without having first been appointed to fill the vacancy.
A. as a person who is elected to an unexpired term
B. as for a person who is elected to an unexpired term
C. just as it would to a person who is being elected to an unexpired term
D. as it would to the person who is elected to an unexpired term
E. just as to the person who is elected in an unexpired term
The best answer is B. Choice B uses the idiomatic and grammatically parallel form the same for x as for y.
This pattern of genetic inheritance has not been studied, primarily on account of the late onset and relatively benign course of the trait.
A. on account of the late onset
B. on account of their having a late onset
C. because of the late onset
D. it is because of the late onset
E. it is because they have a late onset
The best answer is C. On account of and because of as used in A, B and D are unidiomatic; because, which appears in C and E is preferable since because can introduce a complete subordinate clause explaining the reason why the pattern of inheritance has not been studied.
With an average age of more than 40 years, houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as any of the average military home in the United States, concluded United States Air Forces civil engineer officials.
A. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as any of the average military home
B. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years older than the average military home
C. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as of the military homes on average
D. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years older than any of the military homes on average
E. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as military home on average
The best answer is B. In choice B, older than makes the point of comparison between homes in the United Kingdom and the US clear.
Unlike a typical high-tech job, which requires a 50 or 60 hour-per-week commitment, the person accepting our position is not required to make an agreement to work so excessively.
A. the person accepting our position is not required to make
B. with our position there is no requirement to make
C. job applicants are not required to make
D. for the person accepting our position there is no requirement to make
E. our position does not require the prospective employee to make
The best answer is E. Choice E correctly uses a parallel construction to draw a logical comparison: Unlike a typical high-tech job…. our position…. Additionally, choice E is the only option that supplies an active verb form, does not require, to parallel requires.
xxxThe club's display board was newly adorned with many long lost photographs of events gone by and albums, recalling stories of years past, and created enormous interest, with guests hovering around them, like bees around a honey pot.
A. and created enormous interest
B. and it created interest enormously
C. and creating enormous interest
D. and would create enormous interest
E. and it had created enormous interests
The best answer is C. The second verb phrase describing the display board should have the same grammatical form as the first one. Only choice C has a present participle (or –ing form) that is parallel with recalling.
According to the manual, once a browser meets an appropriate tag on the page, the picture should be displayed instantly, others claim that the command will function only if the browser would be is set up to automatically load images.
A. only if the browser would be set up to automatically load images
B. only if the browser is set up to automatically load images.
C. if the browser is set up only to automatically load images
D. if the browser was set up only to automatically load images
E. if the browser would be set up to automatically load images only
The best answer is B. In sentences expressing a conditional result (x will happen if y happens) the verb of the main clause should be in the future tense and the verb of the if clause should be in the present indicative.
There is no agreement on what role, if any, is played by diet in slowing the growth or destroying pre-cancerous cells in a benign brain tumor.
A. slowing the growth or destroying
B. the damage or the slowing of the growth of
C. the damage to or the slowing of the growth of
D. destroyed or slow growth of
E. destroying or slowing the growth of
The best answer is E The correct sentence must make clear that both destroying and slowing the growth of refer to pre-cancerous cells. E is the only choice that does so without introducing errors.
Local state regulations require that a company disclose to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems.
A. that a company disclose to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems
B. a company disclosing to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems
C. that a company disclose to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from its files or computer systems
D. a company that it should disclose to its associates whether a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems
E. that a company be disclosing to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from its files or computer systems
The best answer is C. In A, B and C the plural pronoun their does not agree with the singular noun company. In D, requires a company that it should is ungrammatical, as is be disclosing in choice E.
xxx-Any cable modem will occasionally fail to signal that there is a connection when it is present and mark that there is one when there is not.
A. that there is a connection when it is present and mark that there is one
B. when a connection is present and mark that there is one
C. a connection when it is present and mark that there is one
D. when a connection is present and mark that there is one
E. the presence of a connection when it is there and mark its presence
The best answer is C. Choice C is the best answer, produces a sentence in which every pronoun refers clearly and logically to the noun connection.
The rain was caused by a combination of lower level moist, maritime air flowing onshore from the south-east, a high pressure cell and the southward flowing of moist tropical air.
A. the southward flowing of moist tropical air
B. moist tropical air flowing southward
C. the flowing southward of moist tropical air
D. the southward flowing of moist tropical air
E. moist tropical air that flows southward
The best answer is B. Only choice B maintains a parallel structure by listing: (1) maritime air flowing onshore… and (2) moist tropical air flowing southward.
The Celestial Choir has been an important local cultural icon since the 19th century, and they are in demand as a top act, participating in several gala events at concert halls throughout the United States.
A. they are still in demand as a top act
B. they are still in demand as a top act
C. it is still in demand as a top act
D. it are still in demand as being a top act
E. being still in demand as a top act
The best answer is C. All nouns and pronouns grammatically referring back to the singular noun choir must be singular.
A. What was as remarkable as the development of his distinctive brush strokes
B. The thing that was as remarkable as develop his distinctive brush strokes
C. No less remarkable than the development of his distinctive brush strokes
D. Developing his distinctive brush strokes has been none the less remarkable than
E. Development of his distinctive brush strokes has been no less remarkable as
The best answer is C. Besides being wordy, the clauses beginning with What was and The thing that was cause inconsistencies in verb tense. In C, the noun development is parallel to popularity.
If he was to decide to take military action, no doubt they would choose the best path to achieve their objectives, but I expect they would not be announcing those plans publicly, especially not to the United States Congress.
A. If he was to decide to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path for to achieve their objectives,
B. If he were to decide to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path to achieve their objectives,
C. Had he decided to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path to achieve their objectives,
D. In the event that he decides to take military action, no doubt he would choose the best path for achieving their objectives,
E. Supposing he was to decide to take military action, no doubt he would choose a best path to achieve their objectives,
The best answer is B. Choice B correct the misuse of the subjective, and correctly chooses the infinitive to achieve ollowing would choose the best path.
The blister rust fungus is native to Asia but was introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910, and has since quickly spread throughout most of the range of five-needle pines in the West.
A. The blister rust fungus is native to Asia but was introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
B. The blister rust fungus is a native in Asia but was introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
C. The blister rust fungus are natives to Asia but were introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
D. The blister rust fungus had been native of Asia and were introduced to British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
E. The blister rust fungus had been natives to Asia but was introduced at British Columbia via Europe on a shipment of seedlings in 1910
The best answer is A. The phrasing are native to correctly suggest that the rust is indigenous to, and still exists in, British Colombia. The expression native to is idiomatic.
-Except for the ban that the president announced last week, his career has been characterized by progressive policy decisions, especially in the area of welfare.
A. Except for the ban that the president announced
B. Except for the ban with the president announcing it
C. Besides a ban being announced by the president himself
D. Excepting a ban that the president announced
E. With the exception of a ban that the president announced
The best answer is A. In choice B, the participle announcing inappropriately expresses ongoing rather than completed action. Choice C uses the participle being inappropriately. In D, the use of excepting is unidiomatic. Choice E is awkward and wordy.
Humphry Davy was one of the most celebrated British chemists of the early 19th century, credited as having discovered several elements through electrolysis.
A. credited as having discovered several elements through electrolysis
B. credited with having discovered several elements through electrolysis
C. credited to have discovered several elements through electrolysis
D. and he is credited as the one who discovered several elements through electrolysis
E. credited for being the one who has discovered several elements through electrolysis
The best answer is B. In English it is idiomatic usage to credit someone with having done something. Hence, only choice B is idiomatic.
In a press conference given last week, the Mills Company spokesman explained that although other machines are cheaper, the competitor’s product costs twice as much as maintaining the new Mills’ machine.
A. the competitor’s product costs twice as much as maintaining the new Mills’ machine
B. the competitor’s product costs twice as much to maintain as the new Mills’ machine
C. maintaining the competitor’s product costs twice as much as the new Mills’ machine does
D. maintaining the competitor’s product costs twice as much as it does for maintaining the new Mills’ machine
E. to maintain the competitor’s product costs twice as much as for the new Mills’ machine
The best answer is B. This sentence compares the costs required to maintain two machines. Choice B is able to maintain parallelism in the comparison as well.
Over the last decade, salaries in most types of technological professions rose almost so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did outside the field.
A. so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did
B. so fast, and in some areas even faster than, those
C. so much faster, and in some areas even faster than, those
D. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than, those
E. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than what they did
The best answer is D. The properly completed sentence here must (1) use the proper form of the comparative conjunction, as fast as; (2) enclose the parenthetical statement and … even faster than in commas; and (3) preserve parallel structure, clarity of reference, and economy by using those.
Over the last decade, salaries in most types of technological professions rose almost so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did outside the field.
A. so fast, and in some areas even faster than what they did
B. so fast, and in some areas even faster than, those
C. so much faster, and in some areas even faster than, those
D. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than, those
E. as fast as, and in some areas even faster than what they did
The best answer is D. The properly completed sentence here must (1) use the proper form of the comparative conjunction, as fast as; (2) enclose the parenthetical statement and … even faster than in commas; and (3) preserve parallel structure, clarity of reference, and economy by using those.
Literary critics have often said that all of the thousands of stories written by the world’s authors are essentially variations of six basic plot themes.
A. that all of the thousands of stories written by the world’s authors are essentially variations of
B. that the world’s thousands of stories written by authors of which all are essentially variations of
C. that the world’s thousands of stories written by the authors are essentially variations of
D. all of the thousands of stories written by the world’s authors to be essentially variations of
E. that the world’s authors have written thousands of stories which are essentially variations of
The best answer is A. Choice A correctly uses a noun clause introduced by that after said; keeps the contention clear by making all of the thousands of stories the subject of the noun clause, and precisely indicates the relationship of the thousands of stories to the six basic plot themes.
-Mr. Torres, whose sturdy appearance conceals a surprising sensitivity, described how his patient use to rain epithets upon all the doctors and nurses treating her so frail that none dared to put her in her place.
A. treating her so frail
B. treating her being so frail
C. treating her yet being so frail
D. treating her, and so frail
E. treating her yet was so frail
The best answer is E. Choice E states that although the patient rained epithets she was frail. Here, the conjunction yet is appropriately and correctly used to link the two verb phrases.
Having the company of one of his four brothers, 6-year-old Luke would ramble through the bayous along the Mississippi River near his home in Donaldsonville, sporting a Daisy Red Ryder air rifle.
A. Having the company of one of his four brothers
B. With four brothers, having the company of one
C. Because one of his four brothers accompanied him
D. One of his four brothers being his company
E. Accompanied by one of his four brothers
The best answer is E. The construction Accompanied by… clearly and grammatically modifies the subject of the sentence, 6-year-old Luke.
Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, hard data can be yielded that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
A. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, hard data can be yielded that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
B. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, the testing process yields hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system has not delivered better comfort and efficiency.
C. Called the AT-2020, using a diagnostic tool, the testing process yields hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
D. By use of a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, the testing process yields hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and also efficiency.
E. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020, a technician can obtain hard data that reveals why one’s heating and air conditioning system is not delivering better comfort and efficiency.
The best answer is E. Using a diagnostic tool called the AT-2020 clearly modifies the subject of the sentence, a technician.
Before closing, one should note that, as to certain elected positions, the principle would be the same for a person who is appointed and subsequently elected, as a person who is elected to an unexpired term, without having first been appointed to fill the vacancy.
A. as a person who is elected to an unexpired term
B. as for a person who is elected to an unexpired term
C. just as it would to a person who is being elected to an unexpired term
D. as it would to the person who is elected to an unexpired term
E. just as to the person who is elected in an unexpired term
The best answer is B. Choice B uses the idiomatic and grammatically parallel form the same for x as for y.
This pattern of genetic inheritance has not been studied, primarily on account of the late onset and relatively benign course of the trait.
A. on account of the late onset
B. on account of their having a late onset
C. because of the late onset
D. it is because of the late onset
E. it is because they have a late onset
The best answer is C. On account of and because of as used in A, B and D are unidiomatic; because, which appears in C and E is preferable since because can introduce a complete subordinate clause explaining the reason why the pattern of inheritance has not been studied.
With an average age of more than 40 years, houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as any of the average military home in the United States, concluded United States Air Forces civil engineer officials.
A. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as any of the average military home
B. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years older than the average military home
C. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as of the military homes on average
D. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years older than any of the military homes on average
E. houses in the United Kingdom are nearly 10 years as old as military home on average
The best answer is B. In choice B, older than makes the point of comparison between homes in the United Kingdom and the US clear.
Unlike a typical high-tech job, which requires a 50 or 60 hour-per-week commitment, the person accepting our position is not required to make an agreement to work so excessively.
A. the person accepting our position is not required to make
B. with our position there is no requirement to make
C. job applicants are not required to make
D. for the person accepting our position there is no requirement to make
E. our position does not require the prospective employee to make
The best answer is E. Choice E correctly uses a parallel construction to draw a logical comparison: Unlike a typical high-tech job…. our position…. Additionally, choice E is the only option that supplies an active verb form, does not require, to parallel requires.
xxxThe club's display board was newly adorned with many long lost photographs of events gone by and albums, recalling stories of years past, and created enormous interest, with guests hovering around them, like bees around a honey pot.
A. and created enormous interest
B. and it created interest enormously
C. and creating enormous interest
D. and would create enormous interest
E. and it had created enormous interests
The best answer is C. The second verb phrase describing the display board should have the same grammatical form as the first one. Only choice C has a present participle (or –ing form) that is parallel with recalling.
According to the manual, once a browser meets an appropriate tag on the page, the picture should be displayed instantly, others claim that the command will function only if the browser would be is set up to automatically load images.
A. only if the browser would be set up to automatically load images
B. only if the browser is set up to automatically load images.
C. if the browser is set up only to automatically load images
D. if the browser was set up only to automatically load images
E. if the browser would be set up to automatically load images only
The best answer is B. In sentences expressing a conditional result (x will happen if y happens) the verb of the main clause should be in the future tense and the verb of the if clause should be in the present indicative.
There is no agreement on what role, if any, is played by diet in slowing the growth or destroying pre-cancerous cells in a benign brain tumor.
A. slowing the growth or destroying
B. the damage or the slowing of the growth of
C. the damage to or the slowing of the growth of
D. destroyed or slow growth of
E. destroying or slowing the growth of
The best answer is E The correct sentence must make clear that both destroying and slowing the growth of refer to pre-cancerous cells. E is the only choice that does so without introducing errors.
Local state regulations require that a company disclose to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems.
A. that a company disclose to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems
B. a company disclosing to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems
C. that a company disclose to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from its files or computer systems
D. a company that it should disclose to its associates whether a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from their files or computer systems
E. that a company be disclosing to its associates when a security breach may have allowed someone to steal a person's name and social security number, driver's license number or customer account numbers from its files or computer systems
The best answer is C. In A, B and C the plural pronoun their does not agree with the singular noun company. In D, requires a company that it should is ungrammatical, as is be disclosing in choice E.
xxx-Any cable modem will occasionally fail to signal that there is a connection when it is present and mark that there is one when there is not.
A. that there is a connection when it is present and mark that there is one
B. when a connection is present and mark that there is one
C. a connection when it is present and mark that there is one
D. when a connection is present and mark that there is one
E. the presence of a connection when it is there and mark its presence
The best answer is C. Choice C is the best answer, produces a sentence in which every pronoun refers clearly and logically to the noun connection.
The rain was caused by a combination of lower level moist, maritime air flowing onshore from the south-east, a high pressure cell and the southward flowing of moist tropical air.
A. the southward flowing of moist tropical air
B. moist tropical air flowing southward
C. the flowing southward of moist tropical air
D. the southward flowing of moist tropical air
E. moist tropical air that flows southward
The best answer is B. Only choice B maintains a parallel structure by listing: (1) maritime air flowing onshore… and (2) moist tropical air flowing southward.
The Celestial Choir has been an important local cultural icon since the 19th century, and they are in demand as a top act, participating in several gala events at concert halls throughout the United States.
A. they are still in demand as a top act
B. they are still in demand as a top act
C. it is still in demand as a top act
D. it are still in demand as being a top act
E. being still in demand as a top act
The best answer is C. All nouns and pronouns grammatically referring back to the singular noun choir must be singular.
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navin_c
Par 100 posts (V.I.P)
A recent study has discovered that during the past few weeks, many consumers had chosen Topp’s Supermarket rather than face the long drive to Savemore.
A. had chosen Topp’s Supermarket rather than face
B. had chosen Topp’s Supermarket instead of facing
C. have chosen Topp’s Supermarket instead of facing
D. have chosen Topp’s Supermarket rather than facing
E. have chosen Topp’s Supermarket rather than face
The best answer is E. Only E correct employs the present perfect tense and is idiomatic.
Richardson, widely considered the first novelist, was also one of the first English writers to consider a servant girl to be a legitimate subject for literature and portray her sympathetically.
A. to be a legitimate subject for literature and
B. should be a legitimate subject for literature and
C. as being a legitimate subject for literature and
D. as if she was a legitimate subject for literature and
E. a legitimate subject for literature and to
The best answer is E. When the verb consider is used to mean “regard” or “deem,” it can be used more economically without the to be of choice A; should be in choice B, as being in choice C, and as it in choice D is used unidiomatically with this sense of consider.
In the 1920’s, clothing made up 11 percent of an average parent’s monthly expenditure; and 17 percent in the 1980’s.
A. expenditure; and 17 percent in the 1980’s
B. expenditure; in the 1980’s the figure was 17 percent
C. expenditure, and in the 1980’s 17 percent
D. expenditure, 17 percent in the 1980’s was the figure
E. expenditure that rose to 17 percent in the 1980’s
The best answer is B. To establish the clearest comparison between circumstances in the 1920’s and those in the 1980’s, a separate clause is needed to describe each decade. In choice B, two properly constructed clauses that clearly express the comparison are separated by a semicolon.
Never before had the musicians faced so many challenges at once as they had in playing Schubert’s Trout Variations.
A. so many challenges at once as they had in
B. at once as many challenges as
C. at once as many challenges that they were when
D. as many challenges at once as they confronted in
E. so many challenges at once that confronted them in
The best answer is D. Choice D is the best answer, stating grammatically and clearly that, with the Trout Variations, the musicians faced more simultaneous challenges than ever before.
A person who had no knowledge of the situation would have walked into the room and saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes were torn as if he had been attacked.
A. saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes were torn
B. saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes torn
C. saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, with clothes torn
D. seen a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes were torn
E. seen a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes have torn
The best answer is D. Choices A, B and C use have… saw where have…seen is required.
In one of the most tragic incidents in Milltown’s history, on May 14, 1952, three times as many concert goers were hurt as would later be hurt at the infamous Mason Rock Festival tragedy.
A. concert goers were hurt as
B. concert goers were hurt than
C. concert goers were hurt than those who
D. more concert goers were hurt as there
E. more concert goers were hurt as those who
The best answer is A. Choice A is the only option that accurately expresses the comparison by using the idiomatic form as many…as. In B and C, as many ….than is unidiomatic, and in C and E, those who is a wordy intrusion. In D and E, more is redundant.
The faculty suggested that support for the physics laboratory’s expansion, which could be opened next year, is obtained through the university’s alumni association.
A. that support for the physics laboratory’s expansion, which could be opened next year, is
B. that support for the expansion of the physics laboratory, which could be opened next year, be
C. support for the expansion of the physics laboratory, perhaps opening next year, to be
D. support for the physics laboratory’s expansion, perhaps opening next year, is
E. expansion support for the physics laboratory’s, which could be opened next year, is to be
The best answer is B. Choice A attaches the relative clause which could be opened... to the noun expansion when, in fact, it is the lab that could be opened. Choice C omits that. Choice D uses perhaps opening next year… to modify expansion instead of laboratory. Choice E seriously distorts meaning.
The recent depletion of stratospheric ozone has resulted in greater exposure to ultra violet rays, to lead to an increase in the incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubles the number of people suffering from eye diseases such as cataracts.
A. to lead to 12 percent more incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubles
B. leading to 12 percent more of incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubling
C. to lead to a 12-percent increase in the incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and double
D. to lead to an increase of 12 percent in incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubled
E. leading to a 12-percent increase in the incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubling
The best answer is E. In choice E, parallel structure is maintained in the participial phrases introduced by leading and doubling, and the phrase 12-percent increase in incidence conveys the meaning more accurately than does the phrase 12 percent more incidence.
Some parents have a very difficult time coming to grips with the fact that their offspring have become adults; consequently, they see their children as they were during their adolescence.
A. they see their children as they were during
B. they see their children as they had been during
C. they see their children as if during
D. their children appear to them as they did in
E. their children appear to them as though in
The best answer is A. Choice A correctly employs the simple past verb tense to describe a past condition. Choice B inappropriately switches to the past perfect (had been); the past perfect properly describes action that is completed prior to some other even described with the simple past tense. In this case, the other action is described in the present tense (see).
Assize courts differ from other French courts because they are composed of a presiding judge and two judges additionally coming from either that court or one sitting with nine jurors - ordinary citizens whose names are drawn by lot from the electoral rolls.
A. because they are composed of a presiding judge and two judges additionally
B. because they are composed of a presiding judge and also two other judges
C. because they are composed of a presiding judge and also of two other judges
D. in that their composition is of a presiding judge and two other judges
E. in that they are composed of a presiding judge and two other judges
The best answer is E. Choice E clearly states that Assize courts consist of a presiding judge and two other judges in contrast to the French courts.
Investors in the project, one who is Russian, will take part in more than 30 projects in the Federal Development Programme of the Kaliningrad Region, which is to continue until 2010.
A. one who is Russian, will take a part in
B. one of them who is Russian, will take part in
C. and one of them who is Russian, will be taking part in
D. one of whom is Russian, will take part in
E. one of which is Russian, will take part in
The best answer is D. The subject, investors, must be followed by a limiting appositive – such as one of whom, that identifies an individual from among a larger group.
Currently, there is an increasing interest in multiple autonomous mobile robot systems due to their applicability to various tasks such as space missions, operating in hazardous environments, and military operations.
A. operating in hazardous environments, and military operations.
B. operations in hazardous environments, and in military operations.
C. and operations in military or hazardous environments.
D. operations in hazardous environments, and operations that are military.
E. military and hazardous environments operations.
The best answer is C. Only choice C explains clearly and concisely what the various tasks are. Choice A violates parallelism. Choice B is misleading, while operations that are military in choice D is unidiomatic. Choice E is unclear.
Jock McDougall’s mixed media works compile images from our cultural landscape on picture-thick canvases that are the artist’s trying to visualize time, memory and perception.
A. trying to visualize time, memory and perception
B. trying that it visualizes time, memory and perception
C. attempt to try to visualize time, memory as well as perception
D. attempt to try and visualize time, memory and perception
E. attempt to visualize time, memory and perception
The best answer is E. Although a gerund such as trying can sometimes be used as a noun, the phrase the artist’s trying is unidiomatic because trying is used as the object of artist’s. In C and D attempt to try is redundant.
In addition to having a greater number of students than Lexington Community College, the students in Vaughn College are academically stronger than those in Lexington, with more national achievement award winners among their ranks.
A. the students in Vaughn College are academically stronger than those in
B. Vaughn College is home to students who are academically stronger than those in
C. the students in Vaughn College are academically stronger than they are in
D. Vaughn College’s students are academically stronger than they are in
E. Vaughn College has students stronger academically than
The best answer is B. In this sentence, the initial clause modifies the nearest noun, identifying it as the thing being compared with Lexington Community College. A, C and D illogically compare Lexington Community College with students. Choice B logically compares Lexington College with Vaughn by placing the noun immediately after the initial clause. B also uses those to refer to the students in Lexington college.
Workplaces are often either dramatically restructured, which results in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, and left unchanged, creating an inefficient workplace environment.
A. which results in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, and left
B. resulting in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, or leaving
C. with the result of increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, or leaving
D. resulting in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, or left
E. with a resulting in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, and left
The best answer is D. Choice D is concise, idiomatic and parallel with the rest of the sentence. Choice A misuses which as a relative pronoun, which should refer to a specific noun rather than to the action of an entire clause.
Except for a reading that the author herself staged three years ago, Mary Withertree’s insightful poetry has not been made public to this very day.
A. Except for a reading that the author herself staged
B. Except for a reading with the author herself staging it
C. Besides a reading being staged by the author herself
D. Excepting for a reading that the author herself staged
E. With the exception of a reading with the staging done by the author herself
The best answer is A. In B, the participle staging inappropriately expresses ongoing rather than completed action, and the prepositional phrase containing this participle (with…it) is unidiomatic. Likewise, C uses the participle being inappropriately. In D, the use of Excepting in place of the preposition Except for if unidiomatic. Choice E is awkward and wordy.
Base flood elevations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that each community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
A. adopt or that they show evidence of being already
B. adopt or for showing evidence already of being
C. adopt or they should show evidence of already being
D. adopt or it should show its evidence of being already
E. adopt or to show evidence of being already
The best answer is E. Choice E is the only one that maintains grammatical parallelism by using an infinitive, to show, to complete the construction either to adopt… or…… All of the other choices offer syntactic structures that are not parallel to the infinitive phrase to adopt.
Although the term “segue” has come into popular use in the last few years, especially in journalism, in musicology it is when one proceeds to what follows without pause.
A. it is when one proceeds to
B. it is proceeding to
C. it is when one is proceeding to
D. it refers to a direction to proceed to
E. it is in reference to proceeding with
The best answer is D. In choice A, B and C, the pronoun it simultaneously refers forward to when or proceeding and backward to the term “segue”. As a result, the sentence asserts illogically that the term is actually a time rather than a word referring to a musical direction.
No funds obtained through FDB proceedings should be utilized for the payment of payroll taxes, unless the funds obtained through these actions specifically includes an amount designated for the purpose, or unless the amounts far exceeds those that are necessary to fully satisfy all remedial requirements.
A. far exceeds those that are necessary to fully satisfy
B. exceeds by far those necessary to fully satisfy
C. far exceeds those necessary to fully satisfy
D. exceeds by far those necessary to the full satisfaction of
E. far exceed those that are necessary to fully satisfy
The best answer is E. Only in choice E does the plural verb exceed agrees in number with its subject, amounts.
Faced with increased welfare spending, the government proposed a reduction in the amount allocated the previous year to support the Endangered Species Program and to expand the Wallaby Project.
A. proposed a reduction in the amount allocated the previous year to support the Endangered Species Program and to expand
B. proposed a reduction from the previous year in the amount allocated to support the Endangered Species Program and for expanding
C. proposed to reduce the amount from the previous year allocated for the support of the Endangered Species Program and to expand
D. has proposed a reduction from the previous year in the amount allocated for supporting the Endangered Species Program and to expand
E. was proposing that the amount they allocate be reduced from the previous year for supporting the Endangered Species Program and for the expansion
The best answer is A. The construction the amount allocated… to support… and to expand is parallel, while the phrase a reduction in the amount allocated the previous year is both clear and concise.
As a result of modern DNA testing, many people that might at one time have been found guilty of crimes they did not commit, such as rape and murder, now walk out of the courtroom innocent individuals.
A. that might at one time have been found as guilty
B. who might once have been found guilty
C. that at one time might have been found guilty
D. who at one time might have been found to be guilty
E. who, at one time, might then have been found guilty
The best answer is B. Choice B uses the preferred relative pronoun, who, to refer to many people. It observes formal and logical parallelism in the wording of the relative clause and the main clause: once and now; as well as, guilty and innocent.
A. had chosen Topp’s Supermarket rather than face
B. had chosen Topp’s Supermarket instead of facing
C. have chosen Topp’s Supermarket instead of facing
D. have chosen Topp’s Supermarket rather than facing
E. have chosen Topp’s Supermarket rather than face
The best answer is E. Only E correct employs the present perfect tense and is idiomatic.
Richardson, widely considered the first novelist, was also one of the first English writers to consider a servant girl to be a legitimate subject for literature and portray her sympathetically.
A. to be a legitimate subject for literature and
B. should be a legitimate subject for literature and
C. as being a legitimate subject for literature and
D. as if she was a legitimate subject for literature and
E. a legitimate subject for literature and to
The best answer is E. When the verb consider is used to mean “regard” or “deem,” it can be used more economically without the to be of choice A; should be in choice B, as being in choice C, and as it in choice D is used unidiomatically with this sense of consider.
In the 1920’s, clothing made up 11 percent of an average parent’s monthly expenditure; and 17 percent in the 1980’s.
A. expenditure; and 17 percent in the 1980’s
B. expenditure; in the 1980’s the figure was 17 percent
C. expenditure, and in the 1980’s 17 percent
D. expenditure, 17 percent in the 1980’s was the figure
E. expenditure that rose to 17 percent in the 1980’s
The best answer is B. To establish the clearest comparison between circumstances in the 1920’s and those in the 1980’s, a separate clause is needed to describe each decade. In choice B, two properly constructed clauses that clearly express the comparison are separated by a semicolon.
Never before had the musicians faced so many challenges at once as they had in playing Schubert’s Trout Variations.
A. so many challenges at once as they had in
B. at once as many challenges as
C. at once as many challenges that they were when
D. as many challenges at once as they confronted in
E. so many challenges at once that confronted them in
The best answer is D. Choice D is the best answer, stating grammatically and clearly that, with the Trout Variations, the musicians faced more simultaneous challenges than ever before.
A person who had no knowledge of the situation would have walked into the room and saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes were torn as if he had been attacked.
A. saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes were torn
B. saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes torn
C. saw a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, with clothes torn
D. seen a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes were torn
E. seen a wounded man sleeping on the sofa, whose clothes have torn
The best answer is D. Choices A, B and C use have… saw where have…seen is required.
In one of the most tragic incidents in Milltown’s history, on May 14, 1952, three times as many concert goers were hurt as would later be hurt at the infamous Mason Rock Festival tragedy.
A. concert goers were hurt as
B. concert goers were hurt than
C. concert goers were hurt than those who
D. more concert goers were hurt as there
E. more concert goers were hurt as those who
The best answer is A. Choice A is the only option that accurately expresses the comparison by using the idiomatic form as many…as. In B and C, as many ….than is unidiomatic, and in C and E, those who is a wordy intrusion. In D and E, more is redundant.
The faculty suggested that support for the physics laboratory’s expansion, which could be opened next year, is obtained through the university’s alumni association.
A. that support for the physics laboratory’s expansion, which could be opened next year, is
B. that support for the expansion of the physics laboratory, which could be opened next year, be
C. support for the expansion of the physics laboratory, perhaps opening next year, to be
D. support for the physics laboratory’s expansion, perhaps opening next year, is
E. expansion support for the physics laboratory’s, which could be opened next year, is to be
The best answer is B. Choice A attaches the relative clause which could be opened... to the noun expansion when, in fact, it is the lab that could be opened. Choice C omits that. Choice D uses perhaps opening next year… to modify expansion instead of laboratory. Choice E seriously distorts meaning.
The recent depletion of stratospheric ozone has resulted in greater exposure to ultra violet rays, to lead to an increase in the incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubles the number of people suffering from eye diseases such as cataracts.
A. to lead to 12 percent more incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubles
B. leading to 12 percent more of incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubling
C. to lead to a 12-percent increase in the incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and double
D. to lead to an increase of 12 percent in incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubled
E. leading to a 12-percent increase in the incidence of skin cancer in light skinned people and doubling
The best answer is E. In choice E, parallel structure is maintained in the participial phrases introduced by leading and doubling, and the phrase 12-percent increase in incidence conveys the meaning more accurately than does the phrase 12 percent more incidence.
Some parents have a very difficult time coming to grips with the fact that their offspring have become adults; consequently, they see their children as they were during their adolescence.
A. they see their children as they were during
B. they see their children as they had been during
C. they see their children as if during
D. their children appear to them as they did in
E. their children appear to them as though in
The best answer is A. Choice A correctly employs the simple past verb tense to describe a past condition. Choice B inappropriately switches to the past perfect (had been); the past perfect properly describes action that is completed prior to some other even described with the simple past tense. In this case, the other action is described in the present tense (see).
Assize courts differ from other French courts because they are composed of a presiding judge and two judges additionally coming from either that court or one sitting with nine jurors - ordinary citizens whose names are drawn by lot from the electoral rolls.
A. because they are composed of a presiding judge and two judges additionally
B. because they are composed of a presiding judge and also two other judges
C. because they are composed of a presiding judge and also of two other judges
D. in that their composition is of a presiding judge and two other judges
E. in that they are composed of a presiding judge and two other judges
The best answer is E. Choice E clearly states that Assize courts consist of a presiding judge and two other judges in contrast to the French courts.
Investors in the project, one who is Russian, will take part in more than 30 projects in the Federal Development Programme of the Kaliningrad Region, which is to continue until 2010.
A. one who is Russian, will take a part in
B. one of them who is Russian, will take part in
C. and one of them who is Russian, will be taking part in
D. one of whom is Russian, will take part in
E. one of which is Russian, will take part in
The best answer is D. The subject, investors, must be followed by a limiting appositive – such as one of whom, that identifies an individual from among a larger group.
Currently, there is an increasing interest in multiple autonomous mobile robot systems due to their applicability to various tasks such as space missions, operating in hazardous environments, and military operations.
A. operating in hazardous environments, and military operations.
B. operations in hazardous environments, and in military operations.
C. and operations in military or hazardous environments.
D. operations in hazardous environments, and operations that are military.
E. military and hazardous environments operations.
The best answer is C. Only choice C explains clearly and concisely what the various tasks are. Choice A violates parallelism. Choice B is misleading, while operations that are military in choice D is unidiomatic. Choice E is unclear.
Jock McDougall’s mixed media works compile images from our cultural landscape on picture-thick canvases that are the artist’s trying to visualize time, memory and perception.
A. trying to visualize time, memory and perception
B. trying that it visualizes time, memory and perception
C. attempt to try to visualize time, memory as well as perception
D. attempt to try and visualize time, memory and perception
E. attempt to visualize time, memory and perception
The best answer is E. Although a gerund such as trying can sometimes be used as a noun, the phrase the artist’s trying is unidiomatic because trying is used as the object of artist’s. In C and D attempt to try is redundant.
In addition to having a greater number of students than Lexington Community College, the students in Vaughn College are academically stronger than those in Lexington, with more national achievement award winners among their ranks.
A. the students in Vaughn College are academically stronger than those in
B. Vaughn College is home to students who are academically stronger than those in
C. the students in Vaughn College are academically stronger than they are in
D. Vaughn College’s students are academically stronger than they are in
E. Vaughn College has students stronger academically than
The best answer is B. In this sentence, the initial clause modifies the nearest noun, identifying it as the thing being compared with Lexington Community College. A, C and D illogically compare Lexington Community College with students. Choice B logically compares Lexington College with Vaughn by placing the noun immediately after the initial clause. B also uses those to refer to the students in Lexington college.
Workplaces are often either dramatically restructured, which results in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, and left unchanged, creating an inefficient workplace environment.
A. which results in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, and left
B. resulting in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, or leaving
C. with the result of increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, or leaving
D. resulting in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, or left
E. with a resulting in increasing rates of injury, and workload related stress, and left
The best answer is D. Choice D is concise, idiomatic and parallel with the rest of the sentence. Choice A misuses which as a relative pronoun, which should refer to a specific noun rather than to the action of an entire clause.
Except for a reading that the author herself staged three years ago, Mary Withertree’s insightful poetry has not been made public to this very day.
A. Except for a reading that the author herself staged
B. Except for a reading with the author herself staging it
C. Besides a reading being staged by the author herself
D. Excepting for a reading that the author herself staged
E. With the exception of a reading with the staging done by the author herself
The best answer is A. In B, the participle staging inappropriately expresses ongoing rather than completed action, and the prepositional phrase containing this participle (with…it) is unidiomatic. Likewise, C uses the participle being inappropriately. In D, the use of Excepting in place of the preposition Except for if unidiomatic. Choice E is awkward and wordy.
Base flood elevations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that each community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
A. adopt or that they show evidence of being already
B. adopt or for showing evidence already of being
C. adopt or they should show evidence of already being
D. adopt or it should show its evidence of being already
E. adopt or to show evidence of being already
The best answer is E. Choice E is the only one that maintains grammatical parallelism by using an infinitive, to show, to complete the construction either to adopt… or…… All of the other choices offer syntactic structures that are not parallel to the infinitive phrase to adopt.
Although the term “segue” has come into popular use in the last few years, especially in journalism, in musicology it is when one proceeds to what follows without pause.
A. it is when one proceeds to
B. it is proceeding to
C. it is when one is proceeding to
D. it refers to a direction to proceed to
E. it is in reference to proceeding with
The best answer is D. In choice A, B and C, the pronoun it simultaneously refers forward to when or proceeding and backward to the term “segue”. As a result, the sentence asserts illogically that the term is actually a time rather than a word referring to a musical direction.
No funds obtained through FDB proceedings should be utilized for the payment of payroll taxes, unless the funds obtained through these actions specifically includes an amount designated for the purpose, or unless the amounts far exceeds those that are necessary to fully satisfy all remedial requirements.
A. far exceeds those that are necessary to fully satisfy
B. exceeds by far those necessary to fully satisfy
C. far exceeds those necessary to fully satisfy
D. exceeds by far those necessary to the full satisfaction of
E. far exceed those that are necessary to fully satisfy
The best answer is E. Only in choice E does the plural verb exceed agrees in number with its subject, amounts.
Faced with increased welfare spending, the government proposed a reduction in the amount allocated the previous year to support the Endangered Species Program and to expand the Wallaby Project.
A. proposed a reduction in the amount allocated the previous year to support the Endangered Species Program and to expand
B. proposed a reduction from the previous year in the amount allocated to support the Endangered Species Program and for expanding
C. proposed to reduce the amount from the previous year allocated for the support of the Endangered Species Program and to expand
D. has proposed a reduction from the previous year in the amount allocated for supporting the Endangered Species Program and to expand
E. was proposing that the amount they allocate be reduced from the previous year for supporting the Endangered Species Program and for the expansion
The best answer is A. The construction the amount allocated… to support… and to expand is parallel, while the phrase a reduction in the amount allocated the previous year is both clear and concise.
As a result of modern DNA testing, many people that might at one time have been found guilty of crimes they did not commit, such as rape and murder, now walk out of the courtroom innocent individuals.
A. that might at one time have been found as guilty
B. who might once have been found guilty
C. that at one time might have been found guilty
D. who at one time might have been found to be guilty
E. who, at one time, might then have been found guilty
The best answer is B. Choice B uses the preferred relative pronoun, who, to refer to many people. It observes formal and logical parallelism in the wording of the relative clause and the main clause: once and now; as well as, guilty and innocent.
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