Question

The following sentence tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternative, select choice A; if not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence-clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

The old maxim Let the buyer beware suggests that as a buyer we are responsible for inspecting merchandise for flaws before paying for it.

• A. as a buyer we are responsible
• B. as a buyer it is their responsibility
• C. the buyer is the responsible one
• D. buyers are responsible
• E. buyers are to be the ones responsible

Answer 1

The correct option is D buyers are responsible

Here, the singular 'a buyer' does not correspond to the plural pronoun 'we' and thus the underlined portion is ungrammatical. Only D rectifies this without any other error.