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.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

Irritated by the contumacy of the chancellor, the Diet had sent a command to him to recognize the authority of the emperor.

  1. had sent a command to him to recognize the authority of the emperor.

  2. has sent a command to him to recognize the authority of the emperor.

  3. sent a command to him to recognize the authority of the emperor.

  4. sent a command to recognize the authority of the emperor.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This option corrects the error of tense. The correct usage, representing concurrent action, is “irritated by …the Diet sent”.