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Modifier and Importance

Description: Modifier and Importance
Number of Questions: 20
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Tags: Modifier and Importance Preposition and Conjunction Modifier Others Importance
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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 best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

I told those students who were unaware of philosophy as a subject, when the class was over, I would play with them a game about death, the existence of God, the cardinal virtues, and the prospects of happiness.

  1. I told those students who were unaware of philosophy as a subject, when the class was over, I would play with them a game about death, the existence of God, the cardinal virtues, and the prospects of happiness.

  2. When the class was over, I told those students who were unaware of philosophy as a subject that I would play with them a game about death, the existence of God, the cardinal virtues, and the prospects of happiness.

  3. I told those students who were unaware of philosophy as a subject that I would play with them a game about death, the existence of God, the cardinal virtues and the prospect of happiness.

  4. When the class was over, I would play with those students who were unaware of philosophy as a subject, a game about death, the existence of God, the cardinal virtues and the prospects of happiness.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: Squinting modifier

The modifying phrase, “when the class was over” is squinting as it is placed between two sentences and could modify either one. The sentence is unclear as we don't know if it means: I told the students when the class was over or I would play with them a game when the class was over.

Justification for (2): The sentence is correct as it implies that after the class, the teacher told the unaware philosophy students that he would play a game with them.
Explanation for (3): The option is incorrect because the modifier is missing.
Explanation for (4): The option is incorrect as the information 'I told the students' is missing. Explanation for (5): The modifying clause,” when the class was over” is not modifying either of the two sentences.

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.

When reminded of his obligation under the rules, he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education should write a thesis.

  1. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education should write a thesis

  2. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education write their thesis

  3. he complied with the requirement for all graduate students in education to write their thesis

  4. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education write a thesis

  5. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education be writing a thesis

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Requirement emphasizes importance. So, 'should' is redundant as it violates the basic rule of 'importance'. Where the modifying clause emphasizes importance of an action, the modified clause uses no auxiliary or modal.

Explanation for (2): The option corrects the error of importance, but unnecessarily adds the possessive 'their'.

Explanation for (3): The option changes the structure of the sentence and unnecessarily adds the possessive 'their'.
Justification for (4): Requirement emphasizes importance. So, 'should' is redundant as it violates the basic rule of 'importance'. Where the modifying clause emphasizes importance of an action, the modified clause uses no auxiliary or modal. (4) eliminates 'should' without making unwarranted changes. Explanation for (5): The option corrects the error of importance, but unnecessarily changes the voice.

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.

To invest wisely for the future, the fixed deposits provide a safe way for investors.

  1. To invest wisely for the future

  2. As a wise investment for the future

  3. Investing wisely for the future

  4. wise investment for the future

  5. Having invested wisely for the future, one must determine that

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of modifier. There is no subject in the modifying (underlined) clause. The modified clause depicts 'fixed deposits' to be the subject. 'To invest' wisely would seem to provide another verb clause.

Justification for (2): There is no subject in the modifying (underlined) clause. The modified clause depicts 'fixed deposits' to be the subject. The underlined clause ought to modify the modified clause in the latter part. The given option corrects the error.

Explanation for (3): There is no subject in the modifying (underlined) clause. The underlined clause ought to modify the modified clause in the latter part. The given option fails to do so.
Explanation for (4): There is no subject in the modifying (underlined) clause. The underlined clause ought to modify the modified clause in the latter part. The given option fails to do so. Explanation for (5): There is no subject in the modifying (underlined) clause. The underlined clause ought to modify the modified clause in the latter part. The given option fails to do so.

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 probe committee is neither expected to be critical or to be partial in communicating any opinion.

  1. neither expected to be critical or to be partial

  2. expected to be neither critical nor partial

  3. expected either to be critical or to be partial

  4. not expected either to be critical or to be

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears twin errors. 'Neither … nor' should be used in conjunction; and before the words (critical and partial) they are expected to modify.

Justification for (2): The sentence bears twin errors. 'Neither … nor' should be used in conjunction; and before the words (critical and partial) they are expected to modify. This option rectifies both the errors.

Explanation for (3): The option changes meaning of the sentence. Use of 'either…or' in place of 'neither…nor' is incorrect.
Explanation for (4): When the outcome is not expected, either or becomes redundant. Also, 'neither…nor', 'either…or' should immediately precede the words they are expected to modify. Explanation for (5): 'Neither…nor' should immediately precede the words they are expected to modify (critical and partial).

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. While the book's grandiose subtitle suggests a story blown way out of proportion to hold much conviction, the author does manage to win some confidence and when questioned about the difficulties faced while writing novels, he replied, “while writing novels, door-bells are especially irritating.”

  1. “while writing novels, door-bells are especially irritating.”

  2. “while writing novels, I find door- bells especially irritating”

  3. “while writing novels, door- bells are irritating”

  4. “while I am writing novels, I find door-bells especially irritating”

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: dangling modifier

The modifying phrase, 'while writing novels' has no subject. The sentence does not specify who is writing and suggests that the door-bells are doing the writing.

Justification for (2): The sentence is correct as the modifying phrase refers to 'I' and now the sentence means that I find door bells irritating.
Explanation for (3): The sentence suggests that door-bells are writing the novel.
Explanation for (4): The addition of 'I' to 'door bells are especially irritating' as well as to the modifying phrase makes 'I' redundant in one of the phrases. Explanation for (5): 'Door bells especially irritate' doesn't sound very pleasant.

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 warmth of the water is due to the refreshing nature of a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa to a very great extent.

  1. The warmth of the water is due to the refreshing nature of a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa to a very great extent.

  2. To a very great extent, the warmth of the water is due to the refreshing nature of a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa.

  3. A cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa is to a very great extent due to the warmth of the water and its refreshing nature.

  4. The refreshing nature of a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa is to a very great extent due to the warmth of the water.

  5. The very great extent of the refreshing nature of a cup of hot tea, coffee, or cocoa is due to the warmth of the water.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The original sentence reverses the sequence and changes the import of the sentence. 

Explanation for (2): This option fails to rectify the reversed sequence of the sentence. 

Explanation for (3): The option, though grammatically correct, makes the sentence illogical and changes its meaning. 
Justification for (4): This option is grammatically correct and maintains the correct meaning. The sentence states that the warmth of the water is the reason for the refreshing nature of the tea, coffee or cocoa.  Explanation for (5): This option subtly changes the meaning. It implies that the degree rather than basic nature of the refreshing nature of 'hot tea, coffee or cocoa' is determined by the warmth of the water.

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. Because of the accident, toxic fumes were released into the atmosphere, and the inhabitants of several communities had to be relocated to an army base from their homes 20 miles away.

  1. had to be relocated to an army base from their homes 20 miles away

  2. have to be relocated to an army base from their homes 20 miles away

  3. had to be relocated 20 miles away from their homes to an army base

  4. had to be relocated to an army base, 20 miles away from their homes

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The ordering of the phrases “to an army base”, “from their homes”, and “20 miles away” does not correctly reflect the logic of the underlying thought of the sentence.

Explanation for (2): The ordering of the phrases “to an army base”, “from their homes”, and “20 miles away” is all muddled up here and there is also a shift of tense.
Explanation for (3): What is “20 miles away” is the army base. This option muddles up the order.
Justification for (4): The ordering of the phrases “to an army base”, “from their homes”, and “20 miles away” does not correctly reflect the logic of the underlying thought of the sentence. (4) represents the best ordering of those phrases. Explanation for (5): The ordering of the phrases “to an army base”, “from their homes”, and “20 miles away” does not correctly reflect the logic of the underlying thought of the sentence. Although (5) uses the correct order, it introduces an error in its use of “has”. “Has” fails to agree with the subject, and is the wrong verb 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 best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Observing the changes in economy sweeping through the world it can be seen that they are spontaneous.

  1. Observing the changes in economy sweeping through the world it can be seen

  2. Having observed the changes in economy sweeping through the world, it can be seen

  3. Observing the changes in economy sweeping through the world can be seen

  4. Observing the changes in economy sweeping through the world we can see

  5. It can be seen observing the changes in economy sweeping away the world

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears error of dangling modifier. It is not clear 'who can see' and 'who is observing'.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of dangling modifier and makes unnecessary change (observing into 'having observed), which introduces another error.

Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of dangling modifier.
Justification for (4): The sentence bears error of dangling modifier. It is not clear 'who can see' and 'who is observing'. This option corrects the error by introducing the subject 'we'. Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of dangling modifier and introduces another error (it can be seen observing).

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.

Many instructions were issued by the commissioner of police that had an insulting tone according to the juniors.

  1. Many instructions were issued by the commissioner of police that

  2. Many instructions were issued by the commissioner of police as

  3. The issuance of many instructions by the commissioner of police

  4. The commissioner of police issued many instructions that

  5. The commissioner of police who issued many instructions

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears modifier error. 'That had an insulting tone' is an adjective phrase which wrongly qualifies commissioner of police.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of modifier and introduces another error (replaced 'that' by 'as').

Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of modifier and makes unnecessary change in voice.
Justification for (4): The sentence bears modifier error. 'That had an insulting tone' is an adjective phrase, which in the question sentence wrongly qualifies commissioner of police. The option rectifies this modifier error. Explanation for (5): This option rectifies the error of modifier, but subtly changes the import 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 best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

A considerable number of words and a few consecutive texts, transcribed in the magazine necessarily will have to be assessed as evidence of contemporary English pronunciation by students of the subject.

  1. transcribed in the magazine necessarily will have to be assessed

  2. transcribed from the magazine necessarily will have to be assessed

  3. transcribed from the magazine will have to be assessed

  4. transcribed in the magazine will necessarily have to be assessed

  5. transcribed in the magazine will have to be assessed

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The adverb 'necessarily' is misplaced in this sentence. The correct phrase is 'will necessarily have to be assessed'.

Explanation for (2): This option does not rectify the error of misplaced adverb and also introduces another error of preposition ('from' in place of 'in').

Explanation for (3): This option introduces another error of preposition ('from' in place of 'in').
Justification for (4): The adverb 'necessarily' is misplaced in this sentence. The correct phrase is 'will necessarily have to be assessed'. This option corrects the error of misplaced adverb. Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of misplaced adverb but deletes it altogether.

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 manager delegated to each of his juniors, who was an effective administrator too, a task commensurate to his strength.

  1. delegated to each of his juniors, who was an effective administrator too,

  2. who was an effective administrator too, delegated to each of his juniors

  3. was an effective administrator too, and delegated to each of his juniors

  4. was an effective administrator too, who delegated to each of his juniors

  5. was an effective administrator, who delegated to each of his juniors

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): 'Who' was an effective administrator? And 'who' delegated the duties? Answer to both the questions is 'manager'. The sentence would rather have us believe that each of the juniors was an effective administrator.

Justification for (2): Who' was an effective administrator? And 'Who' delegated the duties? Answer to both the questions is 'manager'. The option that answers both the questions is (2).

Explanation for (3): The option is grammatically correct but makes unwarranted changes.
Explanation for (4): The option is grammatically correct but makes unwarranted changes. Explanation for (5): The option is grammatically correct but makes unwarranted 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 best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

Lying in the soul of meditation and concentration, our sages found divine knowledge.

  1. Lying in the soul of meditation and concentration, our sages found divine knowledge.

  2. Lying in the soul of meditation and concentration, divine knowledge was found by our sages.

  3. Our sages, lying in the soul of meditation and concentration found divine knowledge.

  4. Our sages found divine knowledge lying in the soul of meditation and concentration.

  5. Our sages lay both in the soul of meditation and concentration, and found divine knowledge.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: misplaced modifier

The sentence sounds as if our sages were lying in the soul of meditation and concentration.

Explanation for (2): There is an unnecessary shift from active to passive voice
Explanation for (3): It again appears that our sages (not divine knowledge) are lying in the soul of meditation and concentration.
Justification for (4): The modifying phrase 'lying in the soul of meditation and concentration' modifies our sages found divine knowledge and the sentence rightfully implies that divine knowledge (not the sages) is lying in the soul of meditation and concentration. Explanation for (5): 'Our sages both in the soul of meditation and concentration', makes no sense.

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.

These restrictions had ensured high prices of food, and thereby high cooking cost, and when the servant brought the rich chocolate doughnuts to the table drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream, Aunt- Jessie was taken by surprise.

  1. and when the servant brought the rich chocolate doughnuts to the table drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream, Aunt Jessie was taken by surprise

  2. and when the servant brought the rich chocolate doughnuts, drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream, to the table

  3. and when the servant drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream, brought the rich chocolate doughnuts to the table

  4. and when the servant brought to the table, the rich chocolate doughnuts drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream

  5. and when the servant brought to the table, strawberry syrup drenched and vanilla ice cream topped, rich chocolate doughnut

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: misplaced modifiers

In the given sentence, the misplaced modifier is the clause 'drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream'. The modifying clause here modifies the wrong word 'table' as according to the sentence the table is drenched and topped, while actually the doughnuts are supposed to be drenched.

Justification for (2): The modifying clause modifies the correct word 'doughnuts'. The sentence is correct as the doughnuts (and not the table or the servant) are rightfully drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream
Explanation for (3): The option sounds as if the servant (not the doughnuts) is drenched in strawberry syrup and topped with vanilla ice-cream.
Explanation for (4): The sentence is unnecessarily complicated and incorrect. Explanation for (5): The sentence is incorrect as it has been complicated unnecessarily.

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.

Its consequences will continue greatly to influence the early decades of the coming century.

  1. greatly to influence the early decades of the coming century

  2. to influence the early decades of coming century

  3. to greatly influence the early decades of the coming century

  4. to influence greatly the early decades of coming century

  5. influencing greatly the early decades of coming century

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears the error of modifier. A modifier is usually placed before the word it modifies, without using the preposition in between. The usage should be 'to greatly influence'.

Explanation for (2): This option introduces other errors (by deleting 'greatly and 'the' from 'the coming century').

Justification for (3): The sentence bears the error of modifier. A modifier is usually placed before the word it modifies. The usage here should be 'to greatly influence'. This option rectifies this error.
Explanation for (4): This option does not rectify the error of modifier and also introduces another error (by deleting 'the' from 'the coming century'). Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of modifier and also introduces another error (by deleting 'the' from 'the coming century').

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.

Having failed to qualify the entrance test thrice, the decision was taken by her not to try again.

  1. Having failed to qualify the entrance test thrice, the decision was taken by her not to try again.

  2. Having failed to qualify the entrance test thrice, she took the decision not to try again.

  3. Because of having failed to qualify the entrance test thrice, she took the decision not to try again.

  4. Her failure to qualify the entrance test thrice led her to take the decision not to try again.

  5. Having failed to qualify the entrance test thrice led her to take the decision not to try again.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Error of dangling modifier. It is not clear who has failed to qualify the entrance test. 

Justification for (2): Error of dangling modifier. It is not clear who has failed to qualify the entrance test.  This option corrects the error of modifier by inserting 'she'. This makes it clear that she failed to qualify entrance test and she took the decision.

Explanation for (3): Though this option rectifies the error of modifier, it incorrectly uses redundant phrase (because of).
Explanation for (4): The option is grammatically correct but unnecessarily changes the whole structure of the sentence. Explanation for (5): The option is ungrammatical.

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.

Low interest environment and a sustained performance in the service sector should contribute to, if possible, a reasonable future growth.

  1. Low interest environment and a sustained performance in the service sector should contribute to, if possible, a reasonable future growth.

  2. Low interest environment and a sustained performance in the service sector should, if possible, contribute to a reasonable future growth.

  3. It could be possible, low interest environment and a sustained performance in the service sector should contribute to a reasonable future growth.

  4. Low interest environment and a sustained performance in the service sector, if possible, should contribute to a reasonable future growth.

  5. Reasonable future growth is possible if low interest environment and a sustained performance in the service sector contributes to it.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: misplaced modifier

In the given sentence, the modifying phrase 'if possible' splits the infinitive 'to and 'a reasonable future growth'.

Explanation for (2): The modifying phrase 'if possible' is placed between 'should' and 'contribute', which is incorrect.
Explanation for (3): The option is unnecessarily wordy.
Justification for (4): The option corrects the error of misplaced modifier. The modifying phrase 'if possible' modifies low interest environment and a sustained performance in the service sector. The sentence implies that the low interest environment and a sustained performance, if it could be possible, should contribute to a reasonable future growth. Explanation for (5): The option changes the meaning of the sentence and hence it should be ruled out.

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.

Before considering a candidate for the post of sub-editor, he must have a degree in journalism.

  1. Before considering a candidate for the post of sub-editor, he must have

  2. To consider a candidate for the post of sub-editor, he must have

  3. We will not consider a candidate for the post of sub-editor, if he does not have

  4. We will not consider a candidate for the post of sub-editor, without his having

  5. Before a candidate is considered for the post of sub-editor, one should have

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence bears error of modifier. The ambiguity is: who will consider a candidate for the post of sub-editor.

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

Justification for (3): The sentence bears error of modifier. The ambiguity is: who will consider a candidate for the post of sub-editor. This option rectifies the error by inserting a subject 'we'.
Explanation for (4): This option rectifies the error of modifier but introduces another error ('consider' and 'having'). 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 best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others. Tasting a variety of cuisine and cooking in the chilling winters of The United States of America, in 2009, I finished writing my first cook book 'The Hollywood effect'.

  1. Tasting a variety of cuisine and cooking in the chilling winters of The United States of America, in 2009, I finished writing my first cook book 'The Hollywood effect'.

  2. Tasting a variety of cuisine and cooking in the chilling winters of The United States of America, I finished writing my first cook book 'The Hollywood effect' in 2009.

  3. Having tasted a variety of cuisine and cooking in the chilling winters of the United States of America, I finished writing my first cook book 'The Hollywood effect'.

  4. I, in 2009, finished writing my first cook book 'The Hollywood effect', tasting a variety of cuisine and cooking in the chilling winters of The United States of America.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): Type of error: modifier

The given sentence is incorrect because it is not clear whether the modifier 'in 2009' is modifying 'tasting a variety of cuisine' or 'I finished writing my first cook book'.

Justification for (2): Who was tasting and cooking and when did 'I' finish writing the first cook book? The answers to these questions would lead us to the correct option. The given option is the correct answer as it states that: I was tasting and cooking and I finished writing my first book in 2009
Explanation for (3): The given sentence is incorrect because it is incomplete. The year in which the writer finished writing his book is not mentioned.
Explanation for (4): The given sentence makes no sense. Explanation for (5): This option appears to imply that in order to finish writing his first cook book, the author started tasting cuisines and cooking food.

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 greatest expense is the first - the preparation of the land: trees have to be felled, and bush cut down and spread over the land, so that the sun can quickly render it combustible.

  1. The greatest expense is the first - the preparation of the land : trees have to be felled, and bush cut down and spread over the land,

  2. The preparation of the land is the first and greatest expense; trees would have to be felled, and bush cut down and spread over the land,

  3. The preparing of the land is the first and greatest expense; trees have to be felled, and bush cut down and spread out over the land,

  4. The preparation of the land is the first and greatest expense; trees have to be felled, and bush cut down and spread over the land,

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The subject is not the 'expense' but the 'preparation of land'.

Explanation for (2): The option uses the unparallel 'would have to be cut' instead of 'have to be cut'

Explanation for (3): The option changes the noun 'preparation' to the verb form 'preparing'.
Justification for (4): The subject is not the 'expense' but the 'preparation of land'. The option makes the sentence idiomatically correct. Explanation for (5): This option incorrectly uses the plural 'bushes' which is inconsistent with the singular 'render it'.

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.

Although not quite as liquid an investment as a money-market account, financial experts recommend a certificate of deposit for its high yield.

  1. Although not quite as liquid an investment as

  2. Although it is not quite as liquid an investment as

  3. While not being quite as liquid an investment as

  4. While it is not quite as liquid as an investment

  5. Although not quite liquid an investment as

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Explanation for (1): The sentence has a misplaced modifier as what is not quite as liquid is not answered.

Justification for (2): The sentence has a misplaced modifier as what is not quite as liquid is not answered. Option (2), clarifies by the use of 'it' for the certificate of deposit.

Explanation for (3): The option fails to correct the error of misplaced modifier.
Explanation for (4): The option fails to correct the error of misplaced modifier. Explanation for (5): The option fails to correct the error of misplaced modifier.

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