16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardModifier placement: 'nearly'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The restoration ____

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

  1. A. took nearly three years to complete.Correct
  2. B. nearly took three years to complete.
  3. C. took three nearly years to complete.
  4. D. took three years nearly to complete.

Answer: A. took nearly three years to complete.

'Nearly' modifies 'three years', so it sits directly before it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. nearly took three years to complete.
'Nearly took' suggests it almost took but didn't.
C. took three nearly years to complete.
'Three nearly years' is not standard order.
D. took three years nearly to complete.
'Years nearly to complete' misplaces the modifier.

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