Multiple choice

The government needs to focus on cutting unnecessary red tapism rather than to worry about a paltry reduction in card fees.

Direction:
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.

Example:

If it were a British ship the resistance to the duty would be offered by the land merchants rather than by the sea traders; for the merchants did not desire that the cost of the merchandise to themselves and their customers should be doubled without some equivalent advantage.
(A)  If it were a British ship the resistance to the duty would be offered by the land merchants
(B)  If it had a British ship the resistance to the duty would be offered by the land merchants
(C)  If it were a British ship the resistance to the duty would have been offered by the land merchants
(D)  If it had been a British ship the resistance to the duty would have been offered by the land merchants
(E) If it would have been a British ship the resistance to the duty would be offered by the land merch

Answer: (D)

  1. rather than to worry about a paltry reduction in card fees

  2. rather to worry about a paltry reduction in card fees

  3. rather than to worry about a part reduction in card fees

  4. rather than worrying about a paltry reduction in card fees

  5. rather than to worry for a part reduction in card fees

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

Corrects the error of parallel construction of 'gerund'.