Question

The countries corporation tax rate was very high so the managing director decided to relocate the company to one more. A. The countries corporation tax rate was very high so the managing director decided to relocate the company to one more. B. The country’s corporation tax rate was very high so the managing director decided to relocate the company to another. C. The country’s corporation tax rate was very high so the managing director decided to relocate the company to one more. D. The countries corporation tax rate was very high so the managing director decided to relocate the company to another. E. The country’s corporation tax rate was very high so the managing director decided to relocate the company to an additional one.

Short answer

B

Step-by-step solution

Identify Grammatical Errors

First, focus on identifying any grammatical errors. Notice 'The countries corporation tax rate' is incorrect because it implies multiple 'countries' possess a single 'corporation tax rate'. The possessive form should be 'country's' to denote one country's tax rate.

Analyze Context for Word Choice

Next, examine the context. The correct phrase must reflect that the company is relocating to a different country, not just another instance of 'one more'. 'Another' fits in this context as it implies a different location.

Review Each Option

Now review each option with the identified errors and context in mind. Option A: Incorrect possessive form 'countries' and 'one more'. Option B: Correct possessive form 'country’s' and appropriate context 'another'. Option C: Correct possessive form 'country’s' but incorrect 'one more'. Option D: Incorrect possessive form 'countries' but correct 'another'. Option E: Correct possessive form 'country’s' but 'an additional one' is awkward and verbose.

Select the Best Option

Based on the analysis, Option B ('The country’s corporation tax rate was very high so the managing director decided to relocate the company to another.') is correct as it has the proper possessive form and context.

Key concepts

possessive form

Understanding possessive forms in grammar is crucial. Let's start with how possession is shown using apostrophes.
In the original exercise, 'countries' was used incorrectly. This mistakes one country for multiple countries, and it doesn’t show possession.
Instead, 'country's' is correct because it indicates that the tax rate belongs to the single country in question.
Here's a simple guide to forming possessives:

• For singular nouns: Add an apostrophe + s (e.g., 'country's').
• For plural nouns ending in 's': Add only an apostrophe (e.g., 'countries').
• For plural nouns not ending in 's': Add an apostrophe + s (e.g., 'children's').

These rules help clarify to whom or what something belongs.

contextual word choice

Contextual word choice means selecting words that precisely convey the intended meaning in a given context. In the exercise, the word 'another' was identified as the best choice.
Let’s analyze why: The sentence discusses relocating a company to a different country, so 'one more' or 'an additional one' are awkward and unclear.
Using 'another' directly implies moving to a different location, which enhances clarity. Here are tips for selecting the right words:

• Ensure the word fits the context's meaning. 'Another' suggests something different, which is what we need here.
• Avoid redundant or wordy phrases like 'one more' when a simpler word can be used.

By choosing precise words, your writing becomes clearer and more effective.

grammatical errors

Spotting grammatical errors is essential for clear writing. In the exercise, there were issues with both possessive forms and word choices.
To avoid these errors, follow these steps:

• First, review noun and verb agreements; ensure they complement each other.
• Second, check possessive forms. Ensure singular possessives add 's, and plural possessives add an apostrophe after the s.
• Third, read your sentence for context. Make sure each word fits the intended meaning.

In the example, 'countries' was wrongly used instead of 'country's', and 'one more' didn't fit the context well.
By checking for these common errors, you can refine your grammar skills and improve your writing.