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. 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
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
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).

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