Multiple choice

Directions: The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) 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 (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

With the onset of summer, the hot air began to blow we had been soon forced to remain indoors most of the time.

  1. the hot air began to blow, we had been soon forced to remain indoors

  2. the hot air began to blow, we had soon be forced to remain indoors

  3. the hot air had begun to blow; we had been soon forced to remain indoors

  4. the hot air began to blow; we were soon forced to remain indoors

  5. the hot air begin to blow, we has been soon forced to remain indoors
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The two clauses signify concurrent action in the indefinite past. The hot air began to blow’ should be followed by ‘we were soon forced’. This option rectifies the error.

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