16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumPronoun clarity with two possible antecedents

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the manager met the new apprentice, ____ explained the safety rules for the workshop.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A. the managerCorrect
  2. B. she
  3. C. they
  4. D. it

Answer: A. the manager

'She' or 'they' could refer to either person; repeating 'the manager' makes clear who explained.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. she
'She' could be either the manager or the apprentice.
C. they
'They' could be either person or both.
D. it
'It' cannot refer to a person.

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