Sentence Improvement

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Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

A smile can be observed, described, and reliably identified; it can also be elicited and be manipulated under experimental conditions.

  1. it can also be elicited and be manipulated under experimental conditions.

  2. it can as well be elicited and be manipulated under experimental conditions.

  3. it can be elicited and also be manipulated under experimental conditions.

  4. it can also be elicited and can be manipulated under experimental conditions.

  5. it can also be elicited and manipulated under experimental conditions.


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): One might think 'be manipulated' is parallel with 'be elicited'. In fact 'be' is redundant with manipulated, hence needs to be removed.

Explanation for (2): This option makes unwarranted changes without correcting the error of redundancy.

Explanation for (3): This option appears to give sense to the sentence but it really fails to correct the error of redundancy.
Explanation for (4): This option compounds the error of redundancy. Explanation for (5): One might think 'be manipulated' is parallel with 'be elicited'. In fact 'be' is redundant with manipulated, hence needs to be removed. This option provides coherence to the sentence.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

He was rough and ready, this cousin, so he loved his town friend and made him heartily welcome.

  1. so he loved his town friend

  2. therefore, he loved his town friend

  3. but he loved his town friend

  4. except he loved his town friend

  5. but he loved his friend from town


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The characteristics exhibited in 'rough and ready' and 'love' are opposite and cannot be joined by 'so'.

Explanation for (2): This option introduces a cause and effect relationship between 'rough and ready' and 'loved his town friend'.  The relationship between these two phrases is actually one of contrast. 

Justification for (3): The 'but' correctly emphasizes the contrast between being 'rough and ready' and yet loving 'his town friend'. 
Explanation for (4): This option changes the meaning of the sentence. The preposition 'except' implies that the emotion of loving 'his town friend' subtracts from the quality of his being 'rough and ready'.  Explanation for (5): This option makes an unnecessary change by using the adjective phrase 'friend from town' rather than 'town friend'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Although pure diamond is colourless and transparent, but when contaminated with other material, it may appear in various colours, ranging from pastels to opaque black.

  1. Although pure diamond is colourless and transparent, but when contaminated with other material

  2. Although pure diamond is colourless and transparent, when contaminated with other materials

  3. Although pure diamond is colourless and transparent, but when contaminated with other materials

  4. Although pure diamond is colourless and transparent, yet when contaminated with other material

  5. Although pure diamond is colourless and transparent, yet when it gets contaminated with other materials


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'Although' is followed by 'yet', not by 'but'.

Explanation for (2): This option corrects the error of coordinating conjunction but makes unwarranted changes by replacing 'material' with 'materials'.

Explanation for (3): This option fails to correct the error of coordinating conjunction and also makes unwarranted changes by replacing 'material' with 'materials'.
Explanation for (4): 'Although' is followed by 'yet' which is why option (4) is correct. Explanation for (5): This option corrects the error of coordinating conjunction but makes unwarranted changes by replacing 'material' with 'materials'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

The night came on with its crescent moon and with its myriads of stars: just such a night as might have been wished for such a fête.

  1. The night came on with its crescent moon and with its myriads of stars: just such a night as might have been wished for such a fête.

  2. The night rose with its crescent moon and its myriads of stars: just such a night as might have been wished for such a fête.

  3. The night came on with its crescent moon and with its myriads of stars: just the kind of night as might have been wished for such a fête.

  4. The night came on with its crescent moon and its myriads of stars: just such a night as might have been wished for such a fête.

  5. None of these


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The original sentence uses ‘with’ a second time and thus has a redundancy error. 

Explanation for (2): This option uses ‘rose’ after ‘night’ which is stylistically wrong.  The ‘day can rise’ but for night the correct phrase would be ‘night came on’. 

Explanation for (3): This option is too wordy, ‘just the kind of night’ can be replaced by the single word ‘such’.
Justification for (4): This option uses the correct phrase ‘night came on’; it removes the second ‘with’ which is redundant; and uses the correct correlative ‘such’ with ‘as’.   Explanation for (5): This option uses the correct idiom ‘wished for’. However, this creates error of redundancy ‘for…for).  In this construction the word ‘wished’ can suffice for ‘wished for’.  The other ‘for’ here expresses purpose – for such a fete.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Simon enjoyed some minutes of happiness, of that languor which follows weeping, and felt inclined to fall asleep there upon the grass in the warm sunshine.

  1. Simon enjoyed some minutes of happiness, of that languor which follows weeping, and felt inclined to fall asleep there upon the grass in the warm sunshine.

  2. Simon felt inclined to fall asleep there upon the grass in the warm sunshine; he enjoyed some minutes of happiness, of that languor which follows weeping,

  3. Simon enjoyed some of that languor which follows weeping, some minutes of happiness and felt inclined to fall asleep there upon the grass in the warm sunshine.

  4. Inclined to fall asleep there upon the grass in the warm sunshine, Simon enjoyed some minutes of happiness and some of that languor which follows weeping,

  5. Simon enjoyed some minutes of happiness, and felt inclined to fall asleep there upon the grass in the warm sunshine to enjoy some moments of that languor which follows weeping.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence is correct as given. It maintains correct grammatical structure and correct sequence of events. 

Explanation for (2): The option, though grammatically correct, changes the sequence of events and subtly changes its meaning. 

Explanation for (3): The option, though grammatically correct, changes the sequence of events and subtly changes its meaning. 
Explanation for (4): The option, though grammatically correct changes the sequence of events and subtly changes its meaning. Explanation for (5): The option, though grammatically correct changes the sequence of events and subtly changes its meaning.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Not only are moral laws essentially distinguished from every other kind of practical knowledge, but all moral philosophy rests wholly on them.

  1. but all moral philosophy rests wholly on them.

  2. but all moral philosophy also rests wholly on them.

  3. but even all moral philosophy rests wholly on them.

  4. but all moral philosophy rest wholly on them.

  5. but all moral philosophy also rest wholly on them.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has the error of coordinating conjunction. 'Not only' is always followed by 'but also'.

Explanation for (2): The sentence has the error of coordinating conjunction. 'Not only' is always followed by 'but also'. This option corrects the error of conjunction.

Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction and introduces another error by placing modifier 'even' before 'all moral' and after 'but'.
Explanation for (4): The option does not rectify the error of coordinating conjunction and also introduces another error of subject-verb agreement (singular subject moral philosophy should be followed by singular verb 'rests' not plural verb 'rest'). Explanation for (5): The option rectifies the error of conjunction but introduces another error of subject-verb agreement (singular subject moral philosophy should be followed by singular verb 'rests' not plural verb 'rest').

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Hovercraft, or air-cushion vehicles, are unusual because they travel over land and water on a layer of air.

  1. are unusual because they travel over land and water on a layer of air

  2. are unusual since they travel over land and water on a layer of air

  3. is unusual because it travels over land and water on a layer of air

  4. are unusual in that they travel over land and water on a layer of air

  5. is unusual as they travel over land and water on a layer of air


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of conjunction. This sentence muddles up reason and characteristic. They are unusual in a certain respect, not unusual 'because'.

Explanation for (2): This option also muddles up the reason and characteristic. They are unusual in a certain respect, not unusual 'since'.

Explanation for (3): This option also muddles up the reason and characteristic. In addition, it makes unwarranted and incorrect changes in auxiliary and objective pronoun. 'Hovercraft' has been used in the plural sense as clarifies by the use of 'vehicles'.
Justification for (4): This option clarifies that they are unusual in a certain respect, not unusual 'because'. Explanation for (5): This option also muddles up the reason and characteristic. They are unusual in a certain respect, not unusual 'as'. In addition, it makes unwarranted and incorrect change in auxiliary. 'Hovercraft' has been used in the plural sense as clarifies by the use of 'vehicles'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Given the religious idea as already existing, in what way, and to what extent has its development been affected by forces that are not in themselves religious, and which modern thought definitely separates from religion?

  1. and to what extent has its development been affected by forces that are not in themselves religious,

  2. and to what extent has their development been affected by forces that are not in themselves religious,

  3. and to some extent has its development been affected by forces that are not in themselves religious,

  4. but to what extent has its development been affected by forces that are not in themselves religious,

  5. and to what extent has its development been effected by forces that are not in themselves religious,


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence is correct as given. 

Explanation for (2): The option introduces a pronoun consistency error. The pronoun 'their' stands for 'religious idea', so the possessive should be singular 'its', not 'their'. 

Explanation for (3): The option changes 'and to what extent' to 'and to some extent' which is ungrammatical in relation to the rest of the question. 
Explanation for (4):. The sentence wrongly uses the conjunction 'but' to join the two questions asked in the sentence.  'In what way' and 'to what extent' should be correctly joined by 'and' and not 'but'. Explanation for (5): The option has a diction error.  The correct word to use is 'affected' which means 'changed'.  'Effected' means 'resulted' and changes the meaning of the sentence.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Dimness of light will not harm the eyes any more than taking a photograph in dimly light can harm a camera.

  1. Dimness of light will not harm the eyes any more than taking a photograph in dimly light can harm a camera.

  2. Dimness of light will not harm the eyes any more than taking a photograph in dimly lit can harm a camera.

  3. Dimness of light will not harm the eyes any more than taking a photograph in dim light can harm a camera.

  4. Dimness of light will not harm the eyes more than taking a photograph in dim light can harm a camera.

  5. Dimness of light will not harm the eyes any more than a photograph taken in dimly light can harm a camera.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of adjective usage. The 'dimly light can' does not convey any meaning and hence it should be changed to 'dim light can'.

Explanation for (2): This option fails to correct the error of adjective usage by using 'dimly lit' without a noun.

Explanation for (3): Error of adjective usage. The 'dimly light can' does not convey any meaning and hence it should be changed to 'dim light can'.
Explanation for (4): This option corrects the error of adjective usage but changes the meaning of the sentence by deleting 'any'. Explanation for (5): This option fails to correct the error of adjective usage.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

The duty of virtue is essentially distinguished from the duty of justice in this respect; that it is morally possible to be externally compelled to the latter, whereas the former rests on free self constraint only.

  1. The duty of virtue is essentially distinguished from the duty of justice in this respect; that it is morally possible

  2. The duty of virtue is essentially distinguishable from the duty of justice since it is morally possible

  3. The duty of virtue needs to distinguish itself from the duty of justice in such a way that it is morally possible

  4. The duty of virtue is essentially distinguished from the duty of justice in the respect that it is morally possible

  5. The duty of virtue is essentially distinguished from the duty of justice in that it is morally possible


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of redundancy. The usage 'in this respect; that' makes no coherent sense. The correct usage ought to be 'in the respect that' or better still, simply 'in that'.

Explanation for (2): This changes the meaning of the sentence by making unwarranted changes.

Explanation for (3): This changes the meaning of the sentence by making unwarranted changes.
Explanation for (4): This option is grammatically correct but comes up seconds to option (5) because of redundant usage of 'that respect', which can be deleted altogether. Explanation for (5): The usage 'in this respect; that' makes no coherent sense. The correct usage ought to be 'in the respect that' or better still, simply 'in that'. This is what option (5) does.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

While few journals and individuals were inclined to condemn the work and censure the author, the intelligent and pure-minded recognized in him the only writer who could treat these delicate subjects with dignity and straightforwardness.

  1. While few journals and individuals were inclined to condemn the work and censure the author

  2. While few journals and individuals are inclined to condemn the work and censure the author

  3. While a few journals and individuals are inclined to condemn the work and censure the author

  4. While a few journals and individuals were inclined to condemn the work and censure the author

  5. While a few journals and a few individuals were inclined to condemn the work and censure the author


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has error of usage of adjective. 'Few' means almost none, whereas the sentence implies at least some. So, the correct adjective is 'a few'.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of use of adjective and makes unnecessary change in tense ('are' in place of 'were').

Explanation for (3): Though this option rectifies the error of use of adjective, it makes unnecessary change in tense ('are' in place of 'were').
Explanation for (4): The sentence has error of usage of adjective. 'Few' means almost none, whereas the sentence implies at least some. So, the correct adjective is 'a few'. This option rectifies this error. Explanation for (5): Though this option rectifies the error of use of adjective, it introduces another error of redundancy (a few... a few).

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

As the daughter of my more intimate friend I think you entitled to that knowledge of my unhappy story, which your Mother has so often solicited me to give you.

  1. As the daughter of my more intimate friend I think you entitled to that knowledge of my unhappy story, which

  2. As the daughter of my most intimate friend I think you are entitled to that knowledge of my unhappy story, which

  3. As the daughter of my more intimate friend I think you are entitled to the knowledge of my unhappy story, which

  4. As the daughter of my more intimate friend I think you entitled to knowledge of my unhappy story, which

  5. As the daughter of my most intimate friend I think you entitled to that knowledge of my unhappy story, that


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The original sentence uses the incorrect comparative adjective 'more' rather than 'most'. The sentence intends to convey the one, 'most intimate friend', not just one of the more intimate friends. Thus, the use of the comparative adjective 'more' changes the intention of the sentence. Explanation for (2): This option correctly uses the superlative 'most', the correct degree of the adjective required in this context.  It also uses the required verb 'are' before 'entitled'.  

Explanation for (3): The pronoun 'that' before knowledge pertains to specific knowledge- that part of my unhappy story- rather than story in general. It is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Thus, the change from relative pronoun 'that', to article 'the', changes the meaning of the sentence.

Explanation for (4): This option omits 'that'.  The relative pronoun 'that' is used to refer to information that is important to the meaning of the sentence. In this sentence, omission of 'that' changes the meaning of the sentence.  Explanation for (5): This option unnecessarily changes the pronoun 'which' to 'that'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Edison was tireless in his persistence to change a subject into something else through trial and error unless he found the idea that worked.

  1. a subject into something else through trial and error unless he found the idea that worked.

  2. a subject into something else through trial and error unless he found the idea that work.

  3. a subject into something else through trial and error until he found the idea that worked.

  4. a subject from something else through trial and error unless he found the idea that worked.

  5. a subject into something through trial and error unless he found the idea that worked.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of conjunction. Use of 'unless' is incorrect in this sentence. 'Unless' is a conjunction of condition while the sentence implies 'till the time when'.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction and makes unnecessary change in tense ('worked' is changed to ''work').

Explanation for (3): The sentence bears the error of conjunction. Use of 'unless' is incorrect in this sentence. 'Unless' is a conjunction of condition while the sentence implies 'till the time when'. This option corrects the error.
Explanation for (4): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction and introduces another error by replacing ''into' with 'from'. Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction and it also introduces another error (deletes 'else').

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

His life was having a negative growth not so much because of his lack of action but rather because of his inability to make the most of his moments.

  1. not so much because of his lack of action but rather because of his inability to make the most of his moments.

  2. not so much because of his lack of action but because of his inability to make the most of his moments

  3. not so much because of his lack of action as his inability to make the most of his moments

  4. not so much because of his lack of action but also because of his inability to make the most of his moments


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: Conjunction

There are certain conjunctions that are used in pairs. It is unidiomatic to say, “not so much as x but rather because of y”. The correct idiom is, ”not so much x as y”.

Explanation for (2): The option fails to correct the error of coordinating conjunction.
Justification for (3): The option corrects the error of coordinating conjunction. 'So much… as', are used in pair. The option uses,” not so much x as y“ correctly.
Explanation for (4): The option fails to correct the error of coordinating conjunction. Explanation for (5): The conjunction 'so much' cannot be paired with 'than'.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

There was something very strange and weird about that sound, which sent a chill of horror through both the hearers, and they laughed the next moment at their fears, for the noise was only such as could be given out by a pair of rusty hinges.

  1. and they laughed the next moment at their fears

  2. and they were laughing the next moment at their fears

  3. but they laughed the next moment at their fears

  4. and they laughed at the next moment at their fears

  5. but they laughed at the next moment at their fear


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears error of conjunction. The 'laughter' provides a contrast to the 'chill of horror'. The two contrasting expressions should be connected by 'but', not by 'and'.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction and introduces another error of tense shift from simple past to past continuous tense.

Explanation for (3): This option corrects the error of conjunction. The 'laughter' provides a contrast to the 'chill of horror'. The two contrasting expressions should be connected by 'but'.  
Explanation for (4): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction. Besides, it introduces another error of redundancy by inserting 'at' before the next moment. Explanation for (5): This option corrects the error of conjunction, but introduces another error of redundancy by inserting 'at' before the next moment.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

Weather is the transitory expression of climate, that can change great from day to day or season to season.

  1. Weather is the transitory expression of climate, that can change great from day to day or season to season.

  2. Weather is the transitory expression of climate that can change greatly from day to day or season to season.

  3. Weather is the transitory expression of climate, which can change great from day to day or season to season.

  4. Weather is the transitory expression of climate, that can change greatly from day to day or from season to season.

  5. Weather is the transitory expression of climate that can change to a great extent from day to day or from season to season.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Used as a pronoun, 'that' is not preceded by a 'comma' that must be dispensed with. Also, the adjective 'great' needs to be replaced by the adverb 'greatly'.

Explanation for (2): Used as a pronoun, 'that' is not preceded by a 'comma' that must be dispensed with. Also, the adjective 'great' needs to be replaced by the adverb 'greatly'. This option corrects both the errors.

Explanation for (3): The option fails to correct the error of adjective usage.
Explanation for (4): Used as a pronoun, 'that' is not preceded by a 'comma' that must be dispensed with. The option fails to correct the error. The use of repetitive 'from' is also redundant. Explanation for (5): The use of repetitive 'from' is redundant.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

One might suspect that osteoarthritis is a disease in relation to elder population only but surprisingly statistics reveal that it can strike at any age.

  1. disease in relation to elder population only but surprisingly statistics reveal that it

  2. disease in relation to older population only but surprisingly statistics reveal that it

  3. disease related to older population only, but surprisingly statistics revealed that this arthritis

  4. disease related to elder population only, but surprisingly statistics reveal that this arthritis

  5. disease related to older population only, but rather surprisingly statistics reveal that this arthritis


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of adjective. 'Elder' is used when kinship is exhibited and 'older' is used when time is referred. In this sentence kinship or relation is not mentioned. So, correct usage is 'older'.

Explanation for (2): The sentence bears the error of adjective. 'Elder' is used when kinship is exhibited and 'older' is used when time is referred. In this sentence kinship or relation is not mentioned. This option rectifies the error by replacing 'elder' by 'older'.

Explanation for (3): This option rectifies the error of adjective but introduces errors of shift of tense, punctuation and redundancy (comma before 'but' and 'this arthritis').
Explanation for (4): This option does not rectify the error of adjective and it also introduces other errors; 'this arthritis' is redundant. It should be replaced by an appropriate pronoun. Explanation for (5): This option rectifies the error of adjective but introduces other errors of punctuation, redundancy and interjection (use of 'rather' is incorrect).

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

The author fortunately remembered that readers have, but little sympathy with the motives of authors; and expect that their works should amuse or instruct them.

  1. and expect that their works should amuse or instruct them.

  2. but expect that their works should amuse or instruct them.

  3. and expect that their works could amuse or instruct them.

  4. but expect from them that their works should amuse or instruct them.

  5. and expect that their works ought to amuse or instruct them.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'But' has to be used twice here, the first time as an adverb 'but little sympathy', the second time as a conjunction of contrast. In this context, 'but' should be used in the place of 'and'.

Explanation for (2): One might feel that the second use of 'but' in the sentence is redundant. But 'but' has to be used twice here, the first time as an adverb 'but little sympathy', the second time as a conjunction of contrast. In this context, 'but' should be used in the place of 'and'. This option rectifies the error of conjunction.

Explanation for (3): The option makes unnecessary changes but does not rectify the error of conjunction.
Explanation for (4): The option rectifies the error of conjunction, but introduces the error of redundancy (from them).  Explanation for (5): The option makes unnecessary changes but does not rectify the error of conjunction.

Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

The architecture of the United States, beginning from the period of the Civil War, up to the beginning of the present crisis, everywhere reflects a struggle to be free of a vicious and depraved form of feudalism, grown strong under the very aegis of democracy.

  1. The architecture of the United States, beginning from the period of the Civil War, up to the beginning of the present crisis, everywhere reflects a struggle to be free of a vicious and depraved form of feudalism, grown strong under the very aegis of democracy.

  2. From the period of the Civil War, up to the beginning of the present crisis, the architecture of the United States everywhere reflects a struggle to be free of a vicious and depraved form of feudalism, grown strong under the very aegis of democracy.

  3. The architecture of the United States, from the period of the Civil War, up to the beginning of the present crisis, everywhere has reflected a struggle to be free of a vicious and depraved form of feudalism, grown strong under the very aegis of democracy.

  4. From the period of the Civil War, up to the beginning of the present crisis, the architecture of the United States everywhere reflects a struggle for freedom from a vicious and depraved form of feudalism, grown strong under the very aegis of democracy.

  5. The architecture of the United States, from the period of the Civil War, up to the beginning of the present crisis, everywhere reflects a struggle to be free of a vicious and depraved form of feudalism, grown strong under the very aegis of democracy.


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'Beginning from' is redundant in the original sentence.  The prepositions 'from' and 'up to' complete each other. 

Explanation for (2): This option has an awkward structure. As the subject phrase, 'the architecture of the United States' should correctly come at the beginning.

Explanation for (3): This option changes the tense to 'has reflected', and changes the meaning of the sentence. 
Explanation for (4): This option makes unwarranted changes 'struggle for freedom from' in place of 'struggle to be free of'. Explanation for (5): This option corrects the error of redundancy, without tinkering with the flow of the sentence.

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