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.

It is not easy to be sure today how accurate an observer he had been, but if we make some allowance for misprints, we find a certain consistency in his work.

  1. how accurate an observer he had been

  2. how accurate an observer had he been

  3. how accurate an observer he was

  4. how accurate an observer was he

  5. how accurate an observer he is
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): This sentence bears the error of tense. 'Not easy to be sure today' means that we are talking of the indefinite past. So, a simple past tense is required, not past perfect tense.

Explanation for (2): 'Not easy to be sure today' means that we are talking of the indefinite past. This option does not rectify the error of tense.

Explanation for (3): This sentence talks about the work done in the past for which we cannot be "sure today" so we know that we are talking of the indefinite past. So, a simple past tense is required, not past perfect tense. This option corrects the error of tense by using simple past tense.
Explanation for (4): 'Not easy to be sure today' means that we are talking of the indefinite past. This option introduces a new error. It changes the structure of the sentence by placing the verb before the subject. This happens only in a negative sentence. Explanation for (5): 'Not easy to be sure today' means that we are talking of the indefinite past. This option does not rectify the error of tense.

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