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Chapter 3: Problem 7

After his wife left him it was to his family why he turned for support. A. why he B. how he C. what he D. when he E. that he

Short Answer

Expert verified
E. that he

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Sentence Structure

Carefully read the sentence: 'After his wife left him it was to his family why he turned for support.' Notice the relative pronoun 'why' does not fit well in this context. Instead, a pronoun explaining what he did is needed.
02

Identify the Correct Relative Pronoun

To make the sentence grammatically correct and meaningful, determine which of the provided options (A, B, C, D, E) effectively clarifies the action of turning to his family for support.
03

Test Each Option

Replace 'why he' with each of the following options to see which one forms a coherent sentence: 'how he,' 'what he,' 'when he,' and 'that he.' The correct replacement should keep the sentence logical and grammatically correct.
04

Evaluate Each Replacement

Analyze each option: A. '...it was to his family why he turned for support.' (Incorrect) B. '...it was to his family how he turned for support.' (Incorrect) C. '...it was to his family what he turned for support.' (Incorrect) D. '...it was to his family when he turned for support.' (Incorrect) E. '...it was to his family that he turned for support.' (Correct)
05

Confirm the Correct Answer

The sentence that makes the most sense is: 'After his wife left him it was to his family that he turned for support.' Therefore, the correct answer is E: 'that he'.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

English grammar
English grammar can seem complex, but understanding the basic rules can make it easier. In our example, the main challenge involves choosing the correct relative pronoun. Here are some core aspects to consider:

  • Relative Pronouns: Words like 'who,' 'whom,' 'whose,' 'which,' and 'that' which connect clauses or phrases to a noun or pronoun.
  • Sentence Structure: The way words are arranged in a sentence to convey meaning.
  • Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensuring that the subject and verb in a sentence match in number.
In the sentence 'After his wife left him it was to his family why he turned for support,' the word 'why' disrupts the flow and meaning. Replacing 'why' with the relative pronoun 'that' corrects this error and maintains grammatical integrity.
Relative pronouns
Relative pronouns are essential for connecting clauses and adding detail without starting a new sentence. They provide additional information about the noun within the same sentence structure. Here’s how to choose the right one:

Relative pronouns include:
  • Who: Refers to people.
  • Whom: Also refers to people but is used as an object.
  • Whose: Shows possession.
  • Which: Refers to animals and things.
  • That: Used for people, animals, and things in defining clauses.
In our exercise, 'that' is the appropriate choice because it clarifies the action of turning to the family for support. It neatly connects the clause 'it was to his family' to the action, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Sentence structure
Sentence structure is all about the order of words and how they fit together to convey clear meanings.

Basic components include:
  • Subject: What or whom the sentence is about.
  • Predicate: Provides information about the subject, usually containing a verb.
  • Clauses and Phrases: Parts of the sentence that contain subjects and predicates.
To make a sentence clear and effective, each part must be organized logically. For example, in 'After his wife left him it was to his family why he turned for support,' the part following 'why he' needs a word that introduces the result of turning to his family. Using 'that' instead of 'why' makes the sentence flow better: 'it was to his family that he turned for support.' This preserves the intended meaning and ensures clarity.
GMAT preparation
Preparing for the GMAT can be challenging, especially when dealing with Sentence Correction questions. Here's a strategy to tackle them efficiently:

  • Read Carefully: Understand what the sentence is trying to say. Look for any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.
  • Identify the Errors: Know common grammar rules and spot violations such as incorrect relative pronouns, misplaced modifiers, or subject-verb disagreements.
  • Evaluate Options: Replace the problematic part of the sentence with each of the provided answer choices. Opt for the one that makes the sentence clear and grammatically correct.
Using these strategies can help you identify the right answer quickly and accurately. Also, practicing with example questions, like the one given, strengthens your understanding and improves your performance on test day.

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