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.

He warned the government that attempts to curbing terrorism should not mean the loss of civil liberties.

  1. that attempts to curbing terrorism should

  2. that attempts at curbing terrorism should

  3. that attempt curbing terrorism should

  4. that attempts to curb terrorism should

  5. that attempts for curbing terrorism should
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): The sentence has error of the infinitive ('to curbing' is grammatically incorrect).

Explanation for (2): The option does not rectify the error, besides it introduces one more error of preposition (by using 'in' in place of 'to')

Explanation for (3): The option compounds the error by using the gerund form without the required preposition.
Explanation for (4): The sentence has error of infinitive ('to curbing' is grammatically incorrect). The option corrects the error. Explanation for (5): The option does not rectify the error.

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