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.

It appears that beside this general cause of divergence, the staid and unenthusiastic character of Mrs. Otis rather chilled the ardor of her husband.

  1. It appears that beside this general cause of divergence,

  2. It appeared that beside the general cause of divergence,

  3. It appears that besides the general cause of divergence,

  4. It did appear that beside the general cause of divergence,

  5. It appears that besides the cause of general divergence,
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Sentence bears error of preposition. 'Beside' means 'by the side of', but the sentence implies 'in addition of', which can be represented by 'besides'. So, the correct word here is to use 'besides' not 'beside'. And also use of 'this' is incorrect here, it should be 'the'. This option rectifies these errors, and thus is the correct answer.

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