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.

The Minister announced that the President's disease had progressed much less than doctors had expected them to, and his health will improve in the next few months.

  1. had expected them to, and his health will improve

  2. had expected and that the President's health would improve

  3. had expected and that the President's health will improve

  4. had expected it to and his health would improve

  5. had expected it and that it would improve
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Correct; removes the Subject-Verb Error by removing the redundant and incorrect 'them', clearly defines that it is the President's health, not the Minister's that is being talked about; uses the correct subjunctive for an expected but uncertain outcome by replacing 'will' with 'would'.

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