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 the best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose any one of the others.

No one can say if the duties are performed perfunctorily and inadequately, or scrupulously and successfully.

  1. No one can say if the duties are performed

  2. No one can say whether the duties are performed

  3. No one can say if the duties should be performed

  4. No one can say whether to perform the duties

  5. No one can say if the duties are to be performed
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): The sentence has an error of inappropriate conjunction: 'If' and 'whether' have been confused here. 'If' is used when there is a condition and 'whether' is used when there is a choice or doubt.

Explanation for (2): This option corrects the error by replacing 'if' with 'whether'.
Explanation for (3): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction. It also makes unnecessary changes which change the meaning of the sentence.
Explanation for (4): This option rectifies the error of conjunction, but unnecessarily changes the meaning of the sentence and hence, is ruled out. (The sentence doesn't exhibit the choice to perform a duty or not to perform a duty.) Explanation for (5): This option does not rectify the error of conjunction. It also makes unnecessary changes which change the meaning of the sentence.

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