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Difficulty: EasyEliminating Redundancy

To start the campfire, Sarah gathered twigs and leaves, which were completely dry and free of moisture.

Which of the following choices is the best version of the underlined portion?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. which were dryAnswer
  3. C
    and they were dry, they had no moisture
  4. D
    which, being dry

Answer

which were dry
The correct choice is 'which were dry' because it expresses the intended detail in the most concise manner possible without redundant words and maintains standard grammatical structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the redundancy in the underlined phrase.
The phrase 'completely dry and free of moisture' contains synonym redundancy, as 'dry' already implies the absence of moisture.
ACT English rewards concise and direct phrasing.
2
Evaluate the choices to eliminate redundant phrasing and grammatical errors.
The option stating 'which were dry' removes the redundancy. The option using 'and they were dry, they had no moisture' is both redundant and introduces a comma splice. The option stating 'which, being dry' creates an incomplete fragment.
Incorrect options either retain the redundancy or introduce structural grammar issues.
3
Select the most concise, grammatically correct option.
The option stating 'which were dry' is chosen.
It is grammatically correct and eliminates unnecessary wordiness.

Key Concept

Eliminating Redundancy
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Eliminating Redundancy

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