16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsVery hardMisplaced modifier with 'almost'

Standard English Conventions practice question

The charity ____

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

  1. A. raised almost half of its annual target in a single weekend.Correct
  2. B. almost raised half of its annual target in a single weekend.
  3. C. raised half of almost its annual target in a single weekend.
  4. D. raised half of its annual target almost in a single weekend.

Answer: A. raised almost half of its annual target in a single weekend.

'Almost' modifies 'half', so it sits directly before it.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. almost raised half of its annual target in a single weekend.
'Almost raised' suggests it nearly raised the money but didn't.
C. raised half of almost its annual target in a single weekend.
'Almost its annual target' is not standard.
D. raised half of its annual target almost in a single weekend.
'Almost in a single weekend' changes the meaning to nearly-one-weekend.

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