Multiple choice

Directions: The following question presents a sentence, part of which or all 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.

Despite no proof that the consumption of any particular foods reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods could help reverse blockage of coronary arteries, the blood vessels that feed the heart.

  1. Despite no proof that the consumption of any particular foods reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods could

  2. Despite no foods having been proved to reverse hardening of the arteries when consumed, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods can

  3. Although the consumption of no particular foods have been proved to reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that to refrain from eating certain foods could

  4. Although not proved that the consumption of any foods reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods can

  5. Although it has not been proved that the consumption of any particular food will reverse hardening of the arteries, studies indicate that refraining from eating certain foods can

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The original has two errors: (1) Subject-verb agreement - 'consumption... reverse' should be 'reverses' since consumption is singular, and (2) 'Despite no proof' is awkward construction. Option E fixes both: 'Although it has not been proved that the consumption of any particular food will reverse' uses correct subject-verb agreement ('food will reverse') and proper subordination.