Question

F. NO CHANGE G. Strictly speaking, of course, Holmes's "deductions" were not deductions at all, but inductive inferences.) H. Holmes's "deductions" were, strictly speaking, not deductions at all, but inductive inferences. J. OMIT the underlined portion.

Short answer

Select Choice H.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Choices

Read through all of the given choices: F. NO CHANGE, G. Strictly speaking, of course, Holmes's 'deductions' were not deductions at all, but inductive inferences.), H. Holmes's 'deductions' were, strictly speaking, not deductions at all, but inductive inferences., J. OMIT the underlined portion.

Evaluate the Original Sentence

Consider if the original sentence (Choice F) is clear and grammatically correct: Holmes's 'deductions' were not deductions at all, but inductive inferences). The original sentence lacks clarity and proper punctuation.

Analyze Choice G

Check Choice G for clarity and correctness: 'Strictly speaking, of course, Holmes's 'deductions' were not deductions at all, but inductive inferences.)'. While this option is more precise, it introduces redundant phrasing ('of course') and improper punctuation.

Analyze Choice H

Check Choice H for clarity and correctness: Holmes's 'deductions' were, strictly speaking, not deductions at all, but inductive inferences. This option is clear, concise, and correctly punctuated, avoiding redundancy.

Analyze Choice J

Check Choice J for clarity and correctness: By omitting the underlined portion, the sentence would read, 'Holmes's 'deductions' were not deductions at all, but inductive inferences.' While shorter, this option removes the important clarifying phrase 'strictly speaking.'

Select the Best Option

Based on clarity, precision, and grammatical correctness, Choice H (Holmes's 'deductions' were, strictly speaking, not deductions at all, but inductive inferences) is the best option.

Key concepts

Grammar Correction

When preparing for the ACT English section, proper grammar usage is key. Here, we analyze multiple sentence structures to find the grammatically correct form. Choices G and H improve the original (Choice F), but only H adheres to complete grammatical rules and clarity. Understanding grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement and proper sentence structure, ensures meaningful sentences. Choice H correctly positions the adverbial phrase 'strictly speaking' within commas to highlight additional information without disrupting the main clause. Always ensure auxiliary phrases enhance clarity, not clutter. Clear grammar enhances readability and comprehension for the reader.

Sentence Clarity

Clarity in a sentence ensures that the intended message is conveyed effectively. In the given exercise, the original sentence (Choice F) lacks clarity. Choice G, though improved, adds unnecessary words such as 'of course,' which do not contribute to clarity. Choice H simplifies the sentence while retaining the essential meaning. The placement of the phrase 'strictly speaking' in Choice H clarifies the distinction between 'deductions' and 'inductive inferences' without ambiguity. Always aim for brevity and precision. Remove redundant words that add no value; this practice results in comprehensible and impactful writing.

Punctuation

Punctuation is crucial in organizing your writing and clarifying meaning. In the exercise, proper use of commas is vital. The original sentence lacks necessary punctuation, causing confusion. Choice G uses punctuation incorrectly, especially with a misplaced closing parenthesis. In contrast, Choice H employs commas correctly to set off 'strictly speaking,' which adds a pause and emphasizes the point. Commas help demarcate speech, separate items in a list, and clarify complex sentences. Misusing punctuation can lead to misinterpretation of the text, so always follow standard punctuation rules for clearer communication.