Question

The mainland was visited by explorers much later than (the outlying islands, were the outlying islands).

Short answer

The correct choice is 'the outlying islands' making the sentence, 'The mainland was visited by explorers much later than the outlying islands'.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the sentence structure

The sentence is comparing time periods of visits done by explorers between the mainland and the outlying islands. Therefore, an appropriate construction of comparison should be used.

Applying the correct grammar rule

The correct grammar rule in this scenario is the use of than with a comparison of actions (in this case visits by explorers). With two actions being compared, the second action technically doesn't need to be in the sentence, because the first action already implies that the first and second action are the same.

Choosing the right answer

Considering the grammar rule identified, since we have already mentioned that 'was visited by explorers' at the start of the sentence, we don't need to repeat it at the end. We can just use 'the outlying islands.' So, the correct answer is 'the outlying islands'. This makes the final sentence: 'The mainland was visited by explorers much later than the outlying islands'.

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

The concept of sentence structure is essential because it dictates how words are arranged and how readers understand relationships within a sentence. A well-constructed sentence accommodates clarity and readability. When comparing two events or actions, as in the provided exercise, the structure should seamlessly guide the reader through the comparison.

In the sentence "The mainland was visited by explorers much later than the outlying islands," the phrase "much later than" introduces the comparison. This structure is a marker indicating the relationship between the mainland and the outlying islands in terms of visitation by explorers. Proper placement of comparison markers ensures the sentence remains clear without redundant repetition. Paying attention to structure helps readers instantly recognize what's being compared and in what context.

Grammar Rules

Grammar rules are the backbone of any language, enforcing consistency and clarity. In comparative grammar, one crucial rule involves the use of "than" when drawing comparisons. For instance, in sentences like our example, "The mainland was visited... later than the outlying islands," "than" is used to compare the timelines of two events: the exploration of the mainland versus the outlying islands.

A significant aspect of these rules is recognizing when parts of the sentence can be omitted for clarity or brevity without losing meaning. Here, since the "visiting by explorers" is already established, it is not necessary to repeat it for the outlying islands. This allows the sentence to stay concise yet accurate.

• "Than" is crucial for creating comparisons.
• Sometimes less is more—omit redundant parts to emphasize clarity.
• Ensure the main action is already understood before omitting phrases.

Comparison of Actions

Comparisons can be tricky, especially when it involves actions that occur at different times or under different conditions. In the exercise example, we compare two actions: explorers visiting the mainland and visiting the outlying islands. The sentence structure and grammar rules ensure that the reader understands these actions are related but happen at different times.

When we compare actions, we often use comparative words like "faster," "later," or "better". These words indicate how one action stands in relation to another. In this case, the term "later" is employed to show that the visit to the mainland occurred after the visit to the outlying islands.

• Keywords like "later" denote the timeline difference.
• Conciseness in comparison avoids redundancy.

Understanding how to effectively compare actions is crucial, as it enhances precision and depth in communication.