Question

Recent indications of weakness in the economy have lead consumers to be more conservative with their purchases; so depressed have sales figure been as a result that government has launched several initiatives to actively encourage consumer spending.

• A. so depressed have sales figure been as a result that
• B. The sales figures have been so depressed as a result that
• C. As a result, so depressed has the sales been that
• D. The resulting sales figures having been so depressed that
• E. The sales figures have been so depressed that, as a result

Answer 1

The correct option is A so depressed have sales figure been as a result that

Recent indications of weakness in the economy have led consumers to be more conservative with their purchases. As a result, sales figures have been so depressed that Gov. Has to take some initiatives.

But, option E changed the meaning. It seemed that the sales figures have been so depressed as a result of gov. Initiatives.
Optiön C and D can be easily eliminated.

B has misused the definite article.

We have one option left. But, it has some sort of awkward structure. Perhaps, at 1st look. But, there is no grammatical mistake.
Though after semicolon, we should use an independent clause, there should be some link or relationship with the previous one. From that ground A is correct.