Question

Select the best sentence from among the given choices. (A) As you develop the essential idea behind the new direction, compare them to the idea that launched your business in the first place. (B) Developing the essential idea behind the new direction, compare it to the idea that launched your business in the first place. (C) Having developed the essential idea behind the new direction compare it to the idea that launched your business in the first place. (D) As you develop the essential idea behind the new direction, compare it to the idea that launched your business in the first place.

Short answer

(D) As you develop the essential idea behind the new direction, compare it to the idea that launched your business in the first place.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate grammar in each sentence

Let's examine the grammar in each sentence: (A) has a plural pronoun "them" referring back to 'the essential idea,' which is singular, creating a pronoun-antecedent disagreement. (B) has correct grammar. (C) has correct grammar. (D) has correct grammar.

Examine clarity and coherence

Now, we need to determine which sentence most clearly and effectively conveys the intended meaning: (A) is unclear because of the plural pronoun mentioned before. (B) is concise and grammatically correct, but the structure is slightly ambiguous - it could be interpreted that only after the essential idea is developed should the comparison take place. (C) implies that the development and comparison are done sequentially but not simultaneously, which may not be the intended meaning. (D) clearly expresses the intended meaning, suggesting that the development of the essential idea should be done simultaneously with comparing it to the original idea.

Choose the best sentence

Based on grammar assessment and clarity of expression, the best sentence is: (D) As you develop the essential idea behind the new direction, compare it to the idea that launched your business in the first place.

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

Good sentence structure is crucial for conveying your message clearly and effectively. To achieve this, it is important to maintain a balance between sentence length and complexity. Short sentences are great for emphasizing key points, but they can also lead to a choppy reading experience if used excessively. On the other hand, long sentences can provide more information and create a flow, but they can also be confusing if not structured correctly. A mix of both can produce a well-paced, engaging text.

Consider the difference in sentence structure in the given exercise options. Option (A) has a misplaced pronoun, and the sentence structure contributes to the ambiguity. In contrast, option (D) uses a dependent clause 'As you develop...' effectively, indicating simultaneous actions with clarity. Ensuring that your sentences have the appropriate structure to convey the intended meaning is pivotal. For GED writing skills, practicing varied sentence structures, such as compound and complex sentences, can significantly improve your writing.

Grammar and Clarity

Grammar and clarity are the foundation of effective communication in writing. For students preparing for the GED, it is important to understand how proper grammar usage enhances clarity. When every sentence is grammatically correct, the reader can quickly grasp the intended message without being distracted by errors.

Options (B) and (C) in the original exercise are grammatically correct but lack clarity. Option (B) risks being read as if the comparison can only be made after fully developing the essential idea. However, option (D) uses grammar to its advantage, ensuring that the comparison is understood to take place during the development process. When you review your work or select the best sentence, always ask yourself: does this sentence clearly express what I am trying to say? Is it grammatically accurate? Will the reader understand it easily?

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Understanding pronoun-antecedent agreement is vital for clear writing. A pronoun should always agree with its antecedent in number and gender. An antecedent is the noun that the pronoun replaces. If the antecedent is singular, the pronoun must be singular as well; if the antecedent is plural, the pronoun must be plural.

In the exercise, sentence (A) contains an error with 'them' acting as a plural pronoun referring back to the singular noun 'the essential idea.' This creates confusion and is grammatically incorrect. Sentence (D), on the other hand, correctly uses the singular pronoun 'it' to refer to 'the essential idea.' The correct use of pronoun-antecedent agreement can vastly improve the readability of your writing, so always check to make sure your pronouns and their antecedents are in harmony.