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.

Selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1990, over 719 hours in space were spent by Dr. Ellen Ochoa on three flights by 2001.

• A. over 719 hours in space were spent by Dr. Ellen Ochoa on three flights by 2001
• B. by 2001, and on three flights, Dr. Ellen Ochoa spent over 719 hours in space
• C. three flights and 719 hours were spent by Dr. Ellen Ochoa in space by 2001
• D. Dr. Ellen Ochoa, by 2001 spending over 719 hours in space on three flights
• E. Dr. Ellen Ochoa had spent over 719 hours in space on three flights by 2001

Answer 1

The correct option is E Dr. Ellen Ochoa had spent over 719 hours in space on three flights by 2001

Here, the given sentence has a case of a dangling modifier: the portion after the comma must begin with the noun phrase that "Selected as an astronaut..." describes which is definitely not "over 719 hours". Only E rectifies this without adding any further errors.