Question

Change the underlined part of the sentence, if required:
Beatrix Potter, in her book illustrations, carefully coordinating them with her narratives, capitalized on her keen observation and love of the natural world.

• A. Beatrix Potter, in her book illustrations, carefully coordinating them with her narratives
• B. In her book illustrations, carefully coordinating them with her narratives, Beatrix Potter
• C. In her book illustrations, which she carefully coordinated with her narratives, Beatrix Potter
• D. Carefully coordinated with her narratives, Beatrix Potter, in her book illustration
• E. Beatrix Potter, in her book illustrations, carefully coordinated them with her narratives and

Answer 1

The correct option is C In her book illustrations, which she carefully coordinated with her narratives, Beatrix Potter

One major error in the sentence jumps out at the reader at first glance. The subject is separated from the main verb by a number of modifiers. Preferably, The subject 'Beatrix Potter' should be closer to the main verb 'capitalized'. Also, the use of 'coordinating' is wrong. If we say something like, 'P, coordinating' it makes P the subject, implying that P is doing the coordinating. In the given context, illustrations cannot possibly do the coordinating (which is done by Beatrix Potter). Thus, 'coordinating' is wrong. It should be replaced by 'coordinated' which would correctly imply that the illustrations were coordinated. This eliminates A and B. Option D, with its placement of Beatrix Potter after coordinated makes it look like Beatrix Potter is BEING coordinated instead of the one coordinating. Therefore, D is out. In E we have the subject + modifier(s) + AND + second verb - this construction lacks a main verb. Thus, E is incorrect. Option C is the only option with correct sentence construction and grammar. Therefore, C is the correct answer.