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.

I would hesitate to tell her exactly what did I think of her.

  1. what did I think of her.

  2. what had I thought of her.

  3. what did I think about her.

  4. what I thought of her.

  5. what I think about her.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): There is error of assertive clause in this sentence. 'Tell' her' should be followed by assertive 'what I thought', not interrogative 'what did I think'.

Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error of assertive clause. It incorrectly changes the tense.

Explanation for (3): The option does not rectify the error of assertive clause. It incorrectly changes the preposition.
Explanation for (4): This option corrects the error of assertive clause. 'Tell' her' should be followed by assertive 'what I thought', not interrogative 'what did I think'. Explanation for (5): The option rectifies the error of assertive clause but incorrectly changes the tense.

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