Multiple choice

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 five years old, my mother enrolled in medical school and she still says that once we truly understand and accept that studying medicine is difficult, then it is no longer difficult, because once it is accepted, the fact no longer matters.

  1. When five years old, my mother enrolled in medical school

  2. My mother, when I was five years old, enrolled in medical school

  3. When my mother enrolled me in medical school, I was five years old

  4. When I was five years old, my mother enrolled in medical school

  5. My mother enrolled herself in medical school, when I was five years old
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

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

The sentence is illogical as it means that when my mother was five years old, she enrolled in medical school.

Explanation for (2): The sentence is incorrect as it unnecessarily splits the subject and the verb.
Explanation for (3): The option muddles up the basic facts as it is not possible for a daughter to be enrolled in medical school at the age of five.
Justification for (4): The option rightfully suggests that I (not my mother) was five years old when she enrolled in medical school. Explanation for (5): The sentence introduces reflexive 'herself' unnecessarily.

Keep practicing — related questions