0

Sentence Improvement

Description: Adjectives, Adverbs, Conjunction and Redundancy
Number of Questions: 25
Created by:
Tags: Adjectives Adverbs Conjunction and Redundancy Parts of Speech Preposition and Conjunction Redundancy Double Usage, Repetition and Redundancy Structural Errors Narration and Voice Articles and Determiners
Attempted 0/24 Correct 0 Score 0

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 computer I have bought today is far more superior to the one I had bought last year.

  1. far more superior to the one I had bought last year.

  2. far superior to the one I had bought last year.

  3. far superior than that I bought last year.

  4. far more superior than that I had bought last year.

  5. far superior to the one that had been bought last year.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has incorrect usage of double comparative: (more superior). 'Superior' in itself has the force of comparative degree, so use of 'more' is superfluous.

Explanation for (2): The sentence has incorrect usage of double comparative: (more superior). 'Superior' in itself has the force of comparative degree, so use of 'more' is superfluous. This option corrects the error of double comparative by deleting 'more'.

Explanation for (3): The word 'superior' is always followed by 'to', not by 'than'. Hence, the option is ruled out.
Explanation for (4): The word 'superior' is always followed by 'to'. not by 'than'. Hence, the option is ruled out. Explanation for (5): This option introduces error of tense ('had been bought' in place of 'had bought').

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 reindeer used for their hides and milk, but they also pull sleighs.

  1. Not only are reindeer used for their hides and milk, but they also pull sleighs.

  2. Not only are reindeer used for their hides and milk, but also for pulling sleighs.

  3. Not only are reindeer used for their hides and milk, but to pull sleighs as well.

  4. Not only are reindeer used for their hides and milk, but also to pull sleighs.

  5. Not only are reindeer used for their hides and milk, but they are also used for pulling sleighs.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The correct usage is 'not only for'…'but also for'… In this case, the first part of the sentence is in the passive voice, while the second is in the active.

Explanation for (2): The correct usage is 'not only for'…'but also for'… In this case, the first part of the sentence is in the passive voice, while the second is in the active. (2) corrects the error. Therefore, (2) is the correct answer.

Explanation for (3): The correct usage is 'not only for'…'but also for'… In this case, the first part of the sentence is in the passive voice, while the second is in the active.
Explanation for (4): The correct usage is 'not only for'…'but also for'… In this case, the first part of the sentence is in the passive voice, while the second is in the active. Explanation for (5): This option is too wordy.

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.

No one can say if the duties are performed perfunctorily and inadequately, or scrupulously and successfully.

  1. No one can say if the duties are performed

  2. No one can say whether the duties are performed

  3. No one can say if the duties should be performed

  4. No one can say whether to perform the duties

  5. No one can say if the duties are to be performed


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has an error of inappropriate conjunction: 'If' and 'whether' have been confused here. 'If' is used when there is a condition and 'whether' is used when there is a choice or doubt.

Explanation for (2): This option corrects the error by replacing 'if' with 'whether'.
Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction. It also makes unnecessary changes which change the meaning of the sentence.
Explanation for (4): This option rectifies the error of conjunction, but unnecessarily changes the meaning of the sentence and hence, is ruled out. (The sentence doesn't exhibit the choice to perform a duty or not to perform a duty.) Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction. It also makes unnecessary changes which change 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.

The English defeated French in the battle of Waterloo.

  1. The English defeated French in the battle of Waterloo.

  2. The English army defeated French army in the battle of Waterloo.

  3. The English defeated the French in the battle of Waterloo.

  4. The English defeated French in battle of Waterloo.

  5. The English forces defeated French in the battle of Waterloo.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of article. Here, 'French' refers to the people of France and not the language. So, 'the' should be added.

Explanation for (2): Error of article. Here, 'French' refers to the people of France and not the language. So, 'the' should be added.

Explanation for (3): This is the correct answer, as article 'the' has been correctly placed before 'French' in this option.
Explanation for (4): In this option, article 'the' has been omitted at two places - before 'French' and before 'battle of Waterloo'. Explanation for (5): Error of article. Here, 'French' refers to the people of France and not the language. So, 'the' should be added.

 

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 intimate knowledge of the characters and atmosphere of Elizabethan social life and political life convinced him that Elizabethan writers drew their models and their atmosphere from concurrent life.

  1. and atmosphere of Elizabethan social life and political life

  2. and atmosphere of Elizabethan social life or political life

  3. and the atmosphere of the Elizabethan social and political life

  4. and atmosphere of Elizabethan social and political life

  5. and atmosphere of the Elizabethan social and political lives


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has error of redundancy (social 'life' and political 'life').

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of redundancy and introduces another error of conjunction ('or' in place of 'and').

Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of redundancy and introduces another error of definite article ('the' atmosphere).
Explanation for (4): The sentence has error of redundancy (social 'life' and political 'life'). This option corrects the error (deletes 'life' after social). Thus, it is the correct answer. Explanation for (5): This option rectifies the error of redundancy, but introduces another error ('lives' in place of life).

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.

Her lecture was unsuccessful not so much because of her lack of preparation but instead because of her inability to organize her material.

  1. not so much because of her lack of preparation but instead because of her inability to organize her material

  2. not so much because of her lack of preparation as because of her inability to organize her material

  3. not so much because of her lack of preparation as much as her inability to organize her material

  4. not so much because of her lack of preparation than because of her inability to organize her material

  5. not so much because of her lack of preparation rather than her inability to organize her material


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The correct coordinating conjunction is 'so much …as'.

Explanation for (2): The correct coordinating conjunction is 'so much …as'. Hence, (2).

Explanation for (3): The correct coordinating conjunction is 'so much …as' (not 'so much … as much as')
Explanation for (4): The correct coordinating conjunction is 'so much …as' (not 'so much because … than because') Explanation for (5): The correct coordinating conjunction is 'so much …as' (not 'so much because … rather 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.

New zeal and vigor can be generated by the government among youths by providing employment to youths.

  1. New zeal and vigor can be generated by the government among youths providing employment to youths.

  2. The government can generate new zeal and vigor among youths by providing employment to them.

  3. New zeal and vigor can be generated among youths by the government providing employment to them.

  4. Among the youths new zeal and vigor can be generated by the government.

  5. Among the youths, generation of new zeal and vigor can be done by government.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has an error of redundancy. Repetitive use of 'youths' is not required.

Explanation for (2): This option corrects the error of redundancy. The second mention of 'youths' is replaced with 'them'.

Explanation for (3): The option rectifies the error of redundancy, but omits the preposition 'by'.
Explanation for (4): The option changes the meaning of the sentence. Explanation for (5): The option 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.

More of the fun and excitement in the life comes from the use of your senses.

  1. More of the fun and excitement in the life comes

  2. More of the fun and excitement in the life come

  3. Many of the funs and excitement in the life comes

  4. Much of the fun and excitement in the life comes

  5. Much of the fun and excitement in the life come


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of adjective. 'More' is generally used in comparing things, but in the sentence there is no comparison. So use of 'more' is incorrect.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of adjective and also commits the error of subject-verb agreement.

Explanation for (3): Fun and excitement is uncountable noun, and 'many' is used before countable nouns. Thus, this option is eliminated.
Explanation for (4): This option corrects the error of adjective. 'More' is generally used in comparing things while much is used before uncountable nouns. Explanation for (5): This option rectifies the error of adjective but introduces the error of subject-verb agreement ('fun and excitement' is singular subject and requires singular verb 'comes').

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 of the reasons why his business is a great success is because of strong finance.

  1. why his business is a great success is because of strong finance.

  2. that why his business is a great success is strong finance.

  3. of his business to be a great success is strong finance.

  4. for his business being a great success is because of strong finance.

  5. of his business being a great success are strong finance.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of redundancy. 'Reason and because', both convey similar meaning, and should not be used together in a sentence.

Explanation for (2): The option rectifies the error of redundancy, by deleting because, but incorrectly uses 'that' in place of 'of'. 'That why' is incorrect usage because 'that' explains whereas 'why' asks.

Explanation for (3): 'Reason and because', both convey similar meaning and should not be used together in a sentence. This option rectifies the error of redundancy by deleting 'because'.
Explanation for (4): The option does not rectify the error of redundancy. Explanation for (5): The option rectifies the error of redundancy, but introduces other errors ('are' in place of 'is' and 'of' in place of 'why').

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.

When his overall performance has been good he needs to work harder on the theoretical concepts.

  1. When his overall performance has been good he needs

  2. Although his overall performance has been good, nevertheless he needs

  3. While his overall performance has been good he needs

  4. When his overall performance is good he needs

  5. Although his overall performance was good, yet he needs


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence provides a contrast. 'When' can not be a part of the contrast; 'While' is.

Explanation for (2): This option would have been grammatically correct but for the redundant usage of 'nevertheless'.

Explanation for (3): The sentence provides a contrast. 'When' can not be a part of the contrast; 'While' is.
Explanation for (4): The sentence provides a contrast. 'When' can not be a part of the contrast; 'While' is. Explanation for (5): The sentence provides a contrast. 'When' can not be a part of the contrast; 'While' is. (5) changes the tense.

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.

She left her studies; she has not able to resume her studies and possibly will never be able to resume.

  1. she has not able to resume her studies and possibly will never be able to resume.

  2. she has not and possibly will not be able to resume her studies.

  3. she has not been and will never be able to resume her studies.

  4. she has not been able and possibly will never be able to resume.

  5. she has not and will never be able to resume her studies.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has error of omission of past participle 'been' and redundancy (able to resume).

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the errors.

Explanation for (3): This option introduces another error by deleting 'possibly', which changes the meaning of the sentence.
Explanation for (4): This option corrects the error of omission of past participle 'been' and removes redundancy. Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of omission of past participle 'been' and introduces another error by deleting 'possibly', which 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.

Volcanism occurs on Earth in several geological settings, much of which is associated with the boundaries of the enormous, rigid plates that makes up the lithosphere.

  1. much of which is associated with the boundaries of the enormous, rigid plates that makes up the lithosphere.

  2. most of which are associated with the boundaries of the enormous, rigid plates that make up the lithosphere.

  3. some of which is associated with the boundaries of the enormous, rigid plates that makes up the lithosphere.

  4. many of which are associated with the boundaries of the enormous, rigid plates that make up the lithosphere.

  5. much of which are associated with the boundaries of the enormous, rigid plates that make up the lithosphere.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'Settings' is a countable noun, hence 'much' is incorrect and should be substituted by 'many' and a plural verb.

Explanation for (2): This option changes the meaning of the sentence.

Explanation for (3): This option fails to correct the error of adjective usage and also changes the meaning of the sentence.
Explanation for (4): 'Settings' is a countable noun, hence 'much' is incorrect and should be substituted by 'many' and a plural verb. Explanation for (5): 'Settings' is a countable noun, hence 'much' is incorrect and should be substituted by 'many' and a plural verb.

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.

We can conceive the relation of end to duty in two ways; either starting from the end to find the dutiful actions; and conversely, setting out from these actions to find the end.

  1. and conversely, setting out from these actions to find the end.

  2. and conversely, setting out from the action to find the end.

  3. or conversely, setting it out from these actions to find the end.

  4. or conversely, setting out from these actions to find the end.

  5. and conversely, setting from these actions to find the end.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears error of coordinating conjunction. 'Either' should be followed by 'or', not by 'and'.

Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error of coordinating conjunction and introduces error of parallelism ('dutiful actions' in place of 'the action').

Explanation for (3): The option rectifies the error of coordinating conjunction but introduces another error (by placing 'it' after 'setting').
Explanation for (4): The sentence bears the error of coordinating conjunction. 'Either' should be followed by 'or', not by 'and'. This option rectifies the error of coordinating conjunction by using 'either-or' together. Explanation for (5): The option does not rectify the error of coordinating conjunction and also introduces another error of preposition by deleting 'out' after 'setting'.

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 glass tube in a fluorescent lamp contains mercury vapour under small pressure.

  1. The glass tube in a fluorescent lamp contains mercury vapour under small pressure.

  2. The glass tube in the fluorescent lamp contains mercury vapour under small pressure.

  3. The glass tube in a fluorescent lamp contains mercury vapour under low pressure.

  4. The glass tube in a fluorescent lamp contains mercury vapour under little pressure.

  5. The glass tube in fluorescent lamps contains mercury vapor under small pressure.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): How can we associate pressure with the word, 'small'? Pressure can be either high or low.

Explanation for (2): How can we associate pressure with the word, 'small'? Pressure can be either high or low.

Explanation for (3): How can we associate pressure with the word, 'small'? Pressure can be either high or low. This option corrects the error.
Explanation for (4): 'Little' conveys negativity as if there were virtually no pressure. Pressure can be either high or low. Explanation for (5): How can we associate pressure with the word, 'small'? Pressure can be either high or low.

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.

These dormant impressions are the chief factors mainly responsible for moulding our individual character, and they are the cause of the inequalities and diversities which we find around us.

  1. are the chief factors mainly responsible for moulding our individual character

  2. are the chief factors for moulding our individual character

  3. are the chief factors in moulding our individual character

  4. are the chief factors responsible mainly for moulding our individual character

  5. are the chiefly responsible factors in moulding our individual character


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Chief and mainly both convey the same meaning. So, use of these two words together creates error of redundancy. Besides, the sentence also bears error of preposition 'for'.

Explanation for (2): The option rectifies the error of redundancy but does not rectify the error of preposition.

Explanation for (3): Chief and mainly both convey the same meaning. This option corrects the error of redundancy by deleting 'mainly' and of preposition by replacing 'for' with 'in'.
Explanation for (4): The option does not rectify the error of redundancy or preposition and also creates error of misplaced modifier by changing place of 'mainly'. Explanation for (5): The option rectifies the error of redundancy but unnecessarily changes the structure 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.

Nothing can possibly be conceived in this world, which can be called good, without qualification, except a goodwill.

  1. Nothing can possibly be conceived in this world, which can be called good, without qualification, except a goodwill.

  2. Nothing can be possibly conceived in the world, which can be called good, without qualification, except a goodwill.

  3. Nothing can be possibly conceived in world, which can be called good, without qualification, except a goodwill.

  4. Nothing can possibly be conceived in this world that can be called good, without qualification, except a goodwill.

  5. Nothing can possibly be conceived in this world that can be called good, without a qualification, except a goodwill.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence does not bear any grammatical error. Thus, option (1) is the correct answer.

Explanation for (2): The correct usage is 'can possibly be', not 'can be possibly'.

Explanation for (3): The option introduces error of determiner. A determiner is required before 'world'.
Explanation for (4): The option makes unwarranted change from 'which' to 'that'. Explanation for (5): The option makes unwarranted change from 'which' to 'that' and also adds indefinite article before 'qualification'.

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.

You are very impatient with her; you should be a bit considerate.

  1. very impatient with her

  2. very impatient of her

  3. too impatient to her

  4. too impatient with her

  5. very impatient to her


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of incorrect adverb. 'Very' does not show the negativity required. So, 'impatient' should be modified by a negative 'too' in place of 'very'.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of modifier (very) and introduces another error of preposition. Use of preposition 'of' is incorrect in this sentence.

Explanation for (3): This option rectifies the error of modifier but introduces another error of preposition. Use of preposition 'to' is incorrect in this sentence.
Explanation for (4): 'Very', does not show the negativity required. So, 'impatient' should be modified by a negative 'too' in place of 'very'. And this option rectifies this error. Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of modifier (very) and introduces another error of preposition. Use of preposition 'to' is incorrect in this 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.

Most adolescents struggle to be free both of parental domination but also from peer pressure.

  1. both of parental domination but also from peer pressure.

  2. both of parental domination and also from peer pressure.

  3. both of parental domination and also of peer pressure.

  4. both of parental domination and of peer pressure.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The phrase “but also” implies a contrast between two ideas, but no such contrast is supported by the original sentence. 'Both' is always followed by conjunction 'and'.

Explanation for (2): The parallel construction demands 'both of' … 'and of'

Explanation for (3): The parallel construction demands 'both of' … 'and of'
Explanation for (4): The phrase “but also” implies a contrast between two ideas, but no such contrast is supported by the original sentence. (4), by using the simple conjunction “and”, makes it clear that the two ideas are parallel. 'Both' is always followed by conjunction 'and'. Explanation for (5): The option is rendered incorrect by the redundant usage of 'their'.

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 light from a firefly is said to be “cold” because the insect's utilization of the energy is so efficient that a little of it is converted into heat.

  1. so efficient that a little of it is converted into heat.

  2. very efficient and that a little of it is converted into heat.

  3. so efficient that little of it is converted to heat.

  4. so efficient that little of it is converted into heat.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The only error in the sentence is of adjective usage. A little means some, little means next to nothing, which is the sense applied here.

Explanation for (2): The option makes no coherent sense.

Explanation for (3): This option corrects the error of adjective usage, but commits error of preposition by replacing 'into' with 'to'.
Explanation for (4): The only error in the sentence is of adjective usage. A little means some, little means next to nothing, which is the sense applied here. Explanation for (5): 'Too' 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.

Chasing after profit is an illusion that will leave its victims both frustrated as well as confused.

  1. Chasing after profit is an illusion that will leave its victims both frustrated as well as confused.

  2. Chasing after profit is an illusion that will leave its victims in frustration and confusion.

  3. Chasing profit is an illusion that will leave its victims frustrated and confused.

  4. Chasing profit is an illusion which will leave their victims both frustrated and confused.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: Repetition and redundancy.We chase; we don't chase 'after'. Hence, 'chasing after' profit is incorrect. 'Both' and 'as well as' cannot be used together in a sentence.

Explanation for (2): The option fails to correct error of redundancy. Changing 'frustrated and confused' to “frustration” and “confusion” does not make the sentence correct.

Explanation for (3): The sentence in this option is simple and appropriate. The option deletes both the redundant words/phrases ('after' and 'as well as').
Explanation for (4): The subject is ”profit” but the pronoun is “their”; this implies that there is no pronoun agreement. Also, 'both' is redundant. Explanation for (5): There is unnecessary shift of determiner ('that' to 'which').

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.

Recreation is an important factor in improving physical health thereby of reducing human misery and agony.

  1. thereby of reducing human misery and agony.

  2. and thereby of reducing human misery and agony.

  3. and for reducing misery and agony.

  4. thereby reducing human misery and agony.

  5. and thereby reducing human misery and agony.


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): There is error of conjunction in the sentence. The sentence implies that recreation improves human health, through which it reduces human misery and agony. So, use of 'thereby of' is incorrect in the sentence.

Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error although it inserts the conjunction 'and' before 'thereby of', since it fails to delete the redundant 'of'.

Explanation for (3): The option replaces 'thereby of' by 'and for', which does not rectify the error of conjunction.
Explanation for (4): The option does not rectify the error, since a comma splice or the conjunction 'and' should antecede 'thereby'.  Explanation for (5): The sentence implies that recreation improves human health, through which it reduces human misery and agony. This option corrects the error of coordinating conjunction by inserting 'and thereby' in place of 'thereby of'.

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 immediate task may be to keep the coalition in the state going unless he can think of ways to counter Mr. Hansen's mission now to demolish the parent party.

  1. unless he can think of ways to counter Mr. Hansen's mission

  2. unless he can think of ways to counter mission of Mr. Hansen

  3. till he can think of the ways to counter Mr. Hansen's mission

  4. till he can think the ways to counter mission of Mr. Hansen


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of subordinating conjunction. 'Unless' is a conjunction of condition while 'till' refers to 'time'. Here, the sentence does not refer to any condition so use of unless is incorrect.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction and makes unwarranted changes.

Explanation for (3): The sentence bears the error of subordinating conjunction. 'Unless' is a conjunction of condition while 'till' refers to 'time'. Here, the sentence does not refer to any condition so use of unless is incorrect. This option corrects the error.
Explanation for (4): This option rectifies the error of conjunction but introduces another error of preposition by deleting 'of' before 'the ways'. Hence, this option is eliminated. Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of subordinating conjunction and makes unnecessary changes.

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.

Rice, which still forms the staple diet of many of the world's population, grows best in hot, wet lands.

  1. still forms the staple diet of many

  2. still form the staple diet of many

  3. still forms the staple diet of much

  4. still form the staple diets of many


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of adjective use. In this sentence the reference is to the greater portion of the population and not the greater number. Therefore, the usage of 'many' is incorrect.

Explanation for (2): This option commits the error of subject verb agreement. 'Rice' will take the singular verb 'forms'.

Explanation for (3): In this sentence the reference is to the greater portion of the population and not to the greater number. Therefore, the usage of 'many' is incorrect. This option correctly substitutes it with much.
Explanation for (4): This option commits the error of subject verb agreement. 'Rice' will take the singular verb 'forms'. Also, 'diet' is used without 's' in both singular and plural forms. Explanation for (5): This option corrects the error of adjective, but commits the error of subject verb agreement. 'Rice' will take the singular verb 'forms'.

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.

Realizing that it was a smooth, carefully finished piece of work, he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far he could reach, under the rough back to the staircase.

  1. he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far he could reach

  2. he knelt and thrust the candle as far he could reach

  3. he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far he can reach

  4. he knelt down and thrust the candle in as far as he could reach


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of coordinating conjunction. 'As far' is always followed by 'as'.

Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error of coordinating conjunction and also adds another error of preposition by deleting 'down'.

Explanation for (3): The option does not rectify the error of coordinating conjunction. Besides, it introduces another error of tense by replacing 'could' by 'can'.
Explanation for (4): The sentence bears the error of conjunction. 'As far' is always followed by 'as'. This option corrects the error of coordinating conjunction: “as far as”. Explanation for (5): This option rectifies the error of coordinating conjunction, but introduces another error of tense by replacing 'knelt' by 'kneel'.

- Hide questions