16Hit1600
Standard English ConventionsMediumPronoun clarity between two nouns

Standard English Conventions practice question

When the reviewer met the author, ____ was surprised by how young the other looked.

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

  1. A. the reviewerCorrect
  2. B. she
  3. C. they
  4. D. one

Answer: A. the reviewer

'She' or 'they' could refer to either person; naming the reviewer makes it clear.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. she
Ambiguous between the two people.
C. they
Ambiguous.
D. one
'One' is impersonal and doesn't pick out either person.

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