Question

Select the best completion of the sentence from among the given choices. (A) No chess jeans decides who can and can't play; take my word for it. (B) No chess gene decides whom can and can't play; take my word for it. (C) No chess gene decides who can and can't play; take my word for it. (D) No chess gene decides whom can and can't play; take my word for it.

Short answer

The correct choice is (C) No chess gene decides who can and can't play; take my word for it.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the potential errors in the sentence

In each given choice, there are slight differences: (A) "Jeans" instead of "gene" and "who" (B) "Gene" used correctly, but "whom" instead of "who" (C) "Gene" and "who" used correctly (D) "Gene" used correctly, but "whom" instead of "who"

Determine the correct usage of "gene" or "jeans" in context

Based on the context, the correct word should be "gene," as in a genetic factor that could potentially determine one's ability to play chess. Choosing between "jeans" and "gene," the correct option should include "gene."

Determine the correct usage of "who" or "whom" in context

"Who" is used as the subject of a clause, whereas "whom" is the object of a verb or a preposition. In this sentence, it serves as the subject of the clause "who can and can't play." Therefore, the correct choice should use "who."

Select the best option

Comparing the given choices: (A) Incorrect use of "jeans" and correct use of "who" (B) Correct use of "gene" but incorrect use of "whom" (C) Both "gene" and "who" used correctly (D) Correct use of "gene" but incorrect use of "whom" The correct option is (C) No chess gene decides who can and can't play; take my word for it.

Key concepts

Subject-Verb Agreement

Understanding subject-verb agreement is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. The basic principle dictates that a singular subject pairs with a singular verb, while a plural subject requires a plural verb.

To ensure correct subject-verb agreement, first identify the subject of the sentence and determine whether it is singular or plural. Then, choose a verb form that matches the subject in number. For instance, in the sentence 'The cat (singular subject) runs (singular verb) across the street,' the verb 'runs' agrees with the singular subject 'cat.' Conversely, for a plural subject like 'cats,' we use the plural verb form 'run' as in 'The cats run across the street.'

Common errors arise when intervening phrases or clauses make it difficult to identify the true subject. Always look for the subject of the main clause to find the verb that needs to agree with it. In questions like the exercise, ensuring the subject within the clause 'who can and can't play' correctly aligns with the verb helps clarify this agreement and leads us to the right answer.

Grammar and Usage

The term grammar and usage refers to the set of rules and conventions that govern how words are used to form correct and effective sentences. Correct usage encompasses a wide array of grammatical elements including tense, voice, word choice, punctuation, and sentence structure.

When improving grammar and usage, pay attention to word choice to ensure precision and clarity. For example, using 'gene' instead of 'jeans' changes the entire meaning of the sentence, which pivots on the correct biological reference. Additionally, grammar rules like using 'who' as a subject pronoun and 'whom' as an object pronoun ensure that the pronouns are used in their appropriate contexts. Checking for these common errors as seen in the chess gene exercise can greatly enhance the comprehension and professionalism of your writing.

Pronoun Case

The concept of pronoun case is centered around choosing the correct form of a pronoun based on its function in a sentence. In English, there are three cases for pronouns: subjective (I, he, she, we, they), objective (me, him, her, us, them), and possessive (my/mine, his, her/hers, our/ours, their/theirs).

The subjective case is used when the pronoun is the subject of the verb, as in 'She runs every morning.' The objective case is for when the pronoun receives the action of the verb, such as in 'The teacher called him.' In the exercise provided, 'who' is appropriately used in the subjective case as it is the subject doing the action of 'can play.' Incorrectly using 'whom' would place the pronoun in the objective case, which doesn't fit the sentence because 'whom' is not receiving the action of a verb or preposition. Recognizing the function of the pronoun in the sentence is key to selecting the correct pronoun case.