Multiple choice

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

The old weather-beaten or time-eaten slab with their curious lettering designate the spots where many of the men of the pre-revolutionary epoch were laid to their last repose.

  1. The old weather-beaten or time-eaten slab with their curious lettering

  2. The old weather-beaten and time-eaten slabs with their curious lettering

  3. The old weather-beaten or time-eaten slabs with their curious lettering

  4. The old weather-beaten or time-eaten slab with its curious lettering

  5. The old weather-beaten and the old time-eaten slabs with their curious lettering
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The sentence has error of conjunction (or) and error of subject-verb agreement. 'Old weather-beaten' and 'time-eaten' do not exhibit contrast. They are the adjectives, which qualify the same subject 'slabs' and should be joined by the conjunction 'and'. And 'slab' should be 'slabs' because the verb used is plural (designate).This option rectifies both the errors.

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