Examkin

Pronoun Case and Person

41 questions

Question 1Question →

The following sentence is from an academic article about historic preservation:

"While the preservation team worked diligently to reinforce the crumbling foundation of the temple, the chief engineer warned the lead historian and he that the ancient structure had lost it's stability."

Which of the following options is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him that the ancient structure had lost its

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the underlined portion with 'him that the ancient structure had lost its'.
The correct answer replaces the subjective pronoun 'he' with the objective pronoun 'him' because it acts as the direct object of the verb 'warned' in a compound direct object construction. It also corrects the contraction 'it's' to the possessive pronoun 'its' to correctly show ownership of 'stability'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct pronoun case for the compound object.
The pronoun follows the transitive verb 'warned' and is part of a compound direct object ('warned the lead historian and [pronoun]'). Thus, the objective case pronoun 'him' must be used instead of the subjective 'he'.
Direct objects of verbs require objective pronoun cases to maintain correct sentence grammar.
2
Determine the correct spelling for the homophone indicating possession.
The word modifies 'stability' and indicates that the stability belongs to the ancient structure. The possessive determiner 'its' must be used.
The spelling 'its' is possessive, while the spelling 'it's' is a contraction representing 'it is' or 'it has'.
3
Identify the option that resolves both errors.
The option that reads 'him that the ancient structure had lost its' correctly applies both the objective pronoun case and the possessive spelling.
This is the only option that addresses both grammatical errors in the underlined portion.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person
Question 2Question →

The lab director insisted that the responsibility for calibrating the particle accelerator belonged to the senior physicists and they, since they're research depended on absolute precision.

Which of the following choices is the most grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: them, since their

Answer

them, since their
The correct choice is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'them, since their'. The pronoun is part of a compound object of the preposition 'to' ('to the senior physicists and them'), which requires the objective case pronoun 'them'. Additionally, the possessive pronoun 'their' is required to modify the noun 'research', whereas the original text uses the contraction 'they're' ('they are').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct case for the pronoun in the compound object of the preposition.
The pronoun follows the preposition 'to' in the compound phrase 'to the senior physicists and [pronoun]'. Prepositions require objective case pronouns, so 'they' must be changed to 'them'.
Objects of prepositions must always be in the objective case.
2
Determine the correct word choice between the homophones 'they're' and 'their'.
The word modifies the noun 'research'. The contraction 'they're' means 'they are', which does not fit grammatically. The possessive pronoun 'their' is required.
A possessive pronoun is needed to indicate ownership of the research.
3
Combine the corrections.
The correct phrase is 'them, since their'.
This resolves both the pronoun case error and the homophone confusion error.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Constructions and Homophone Distinctions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 3Question →

The following passage is from a memoir about polar exploration.

In his memoir of the expedition, the polar explorer reveals that when a traveler crosses the Antarctic plateau, you must rely on the navigator's calculations, since any discrepancy between the navigator and he can show it's consequences immediately.

Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence and maintains proper grammatical structure?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: one must rely on the navigator's calculations, since any discrepancy between the navigator and him can show its

Answer

The correct option is the one that uses 'one must' to maintain third-person perspective, 'him' to serve as the objective case after the preposition 'between', and 'its' to correctly indicate possession.
The correct option maintains third-person consistency with 'a traveler' by using the pronoun 'one'. Additionally, it uses the objective pronoun 'him' as part of the compound object of the preposition 'between' and the possessive pronoun 'its' to show ownership of the consequences, avoiding both the case error and the contraction error.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the pronoun person in the sentence to ensure consistency with the referent 'a traveler'.
The sentence starts with 'a traveler', which is a third-person singular noun phrase. The pronoun referring back to it must remain in the third person ('one' or 'he/she'), making the second-person 'you' a pronoun person shift error.
To maintain pronoun-person consistency throughout the sentence.
2
Examine the pronoun case in the compound construction 'between the navigator and he'.
The preposition 'between' requires its objects to be in the objective case. Therefore, the subjective pronoun 'he' must be replaced with the objective pronoun 'him'.
Prepositional objects must be in the objective case.
3
Determine the correct word to modify 'consequences' by distinguishing between the homophones 'its' and 'it's'.
The sentence requires the possessive determiner 'its' to show ownership of the consequences, whereas 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is' or 'it has'.
To ensure proper homophone usage for showing possession.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case, Person Consistency, and Possessive Homophones in Compound Structures
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 4Question →

During the inspection of the suspension bridge, the team leader determined that the task of checking the tension cables should be assigned to the lead technician and he, since they're experience with high-altitude rigging was unmatched.

Which of the following is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him, since their

Answer

The correct option is 'him, since their'.
The correct choice replaces the subjective pronoun 'he' with the objective pronoun 'him' because it functions as a compound object of the preposition 'to'. It also replaces the contraction 'they're' (they are) with the possessive pronoun 'their' to correctly modify 'experience'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the role of the pronoun after the preposition 'to'.
The pronoun is part of a compound object ('assigned to the lead technician and...'). Therefore, it must be in the objective case ('him' instead of 'he').
Prepositions require objects to be in the objective case.
2
Analyze the homophone usage modifying 'experience'.
The word modifies 'experience' to show possession, so the possessive pronoun 'their' must be used instead of the contraction 'they're' (which means 'they are').
A possessive pronoun is needed to indicate ownership of the noun 'experience'.
3
Select the option that combines both correct forms.
The combination of 'him' and 'their' forms 'him, since their'.
This choice resolves both the pronoun case error and the homophone confusion.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects and Possessive Pronoun Homophones
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 5Question →

In the sentence below, a pronoun is underlined.

"The science museum offered free admission tickets to my classmates and I for the weekend exhibition."

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me

Answer

The correct pronoun to replace the underlined portion is 'me'.
The correct answer is 'me' because the pronoun functions as the object of the preposition 'to'. In compound objects (like 'my classmates and me'), the objective case pronoun must be used.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the underlined pronoun.
The pronoun is part of the compound phrase 'my classmates and I', which follows the preposition 'to'.
Pronouns following prepositions function as objects and must be in the objective case.
2
Determine the correct pronoun case by isolating the pronoun.
Simplifying the sentence to 'offered tickets to me' shows that the objective pronoun 'me' is correct.
Using 'to I' is grammatically incorrect, so 'to me' is correct.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects
Question 6Question →

The lead designer told the engineering team that the collaboration between the software developers and she, since their work would dictate the layout of the user interface.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: her, since their

Answer

The choice that uses the objective pronoun 'her' and the possessive pronoun 'their' is correct.
The correct option correctly uses the objective pronoun 'her' as the object of the preposition 'between' and uses the possessive pronoun 'their' to correctly modify the noun 'work'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the pronoun following the preposition.
The pronoun is part of the compound object 'between the software developers and [pronoun]'.
Objects of prepositions must be in the objective case.
2
Determine the correct case for the pronoun.
The objective form of the third-person singular feminine pronoun is 'her'.
'She' is a subjective pronoun, whereas 'her' is the objective pronoun.
3
Evaluate the homophone following the pronoun.
The sentence requires the possessive pronoun 'their' to modify the noun 'work'.
The contraction 'they're' stands for 'they are', which creates an ungrammatical fragment: 'since they are work'.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects and Homophone Distinction
Question 7Question →

For the final concert of the summer festival, the conductor selected the guest violinist and he to perform the challenging duet.

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him

Answer

The correct revision replaces the subjective pronoun 'he' with the objective pronoun 'him' to serve as the object of the verb 'selected'.
The correct answer uses the objective pronoun 'him'. Because the pronoun is part of a compound construction receiving the action of the verb 'selected', it serves as a direct object and must be in the objective case.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the grammatical function of the underlined pronoun.
The pronoun is part of the compound phrase 'the guest violinist and [he]', which acts as the direct object receiving the action of the verb 'selected'.
Identifying the role helps determine whether a subjective, objective, or possessive pronoun is needed.
2
Choose the correct pronoun case.
Direct objects require pronouns in the objective case (such as 'him', 'her', or 'them').
Subjective case pronouns (like 'he') cannot function as direct objects.
3
Select the correct option matching the objective case.
The objective singular pronoun 'him' is the correct fit.
This maintains both the correct singular number and the objective case required for the compound object.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects
Question 8Question →

Before we set off on the mountain trail, the park ranger handed my father and I a detailed map of the area.

Which of the following options is the correct pronoun to replace the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me

Answer

The correct option is the pronoun in the objective case, which is the word that functions as the object of the verb.
The correct option represents the objective pronoun. In the sentence, the pronoun is part of the compound indirect object ('my father and me') receiving the action of the verb 'handed'. Therefore, the objective case must be used. Removing 'my father and' leaves 'handed me', which is grammatically sound.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the underlined pronoun in the sentence.
The pronoun, along with the noun phrase 'my father', is the recipient of the action 'handed'. This means it functions as an indirect object of the verb.
Determining the grammatical function helps determine whether a subjective, objective, or reflexive pronoun is required.
2
Determine the correct pronoun case for an object.
Objects require the objective case. The objective form of the first-person singular pronoun is 'me'.
Subjective pronouns (like 'I' or the plural subject pronoun 'we') cannot be used as objects of verbs.
3
Test the pronoun choice individually by removing the compound element ('my father and').
The sentence becomes 'the park ranger handed me a detailed map', which is grammatically correct, whereas 'handed I' is clearly incorrect.
This is a quick and effective strategy to verify the correct pronoun case in compound structures.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case (Subjective vs. Objective) in Compound Objects
Estimated Time:45s
Question 9Question →

During the rehearsals for the symphony, the conductor insisted that the cues for the solo violinist and he, because they're timing had to be absolutely flawless, would be signaled by a slight nod of the head.

Which choice is the correct pronoun case and spelling for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him, because their

Answer

him, because their
The correct choice uses the objective pronoun 'him' because it acts as part of the compound object of the preposition 'for' ('for the solo violinist and him'). It also uses the possessive pronoun 'their' to show ownership over the noun 'timing.' The contraction 'they're' means 'they are,' which is grammatically incorrect in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the syntactic role of the pronoun in the underlined compound construction.
The pronoun follows the preposition 'for' in the phrase 'for the solo violinist and [pronoun].'
Determining the correct case depends on whether the pronoun acts as a subject or an object.
2
Determine the correct case for the pronoun.
The pronoun is part of a compound object of a preposition, which requires the objective case 'him' rather than the subjective case 'he.'
Prepositions must be followed by object pronouns.
3
Determine the correct spelling for the word modifying 'timing.'
The possessive pronoun 'their' is correct, whereas the contraction 'they're' (meaning 'they are') is grammatically incorrect.
The sentence requires a possessive modifier for the noun 'timing.'

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects and Homophone Distinctions
Question 10Question →

During the culinary workshop, the chef showed the novice bakers and we how to properly knead the sourdough.

Which option best replaces the underlined pronoun in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: us

Answer

us
The pronoun functions as part of the compound object of the transitive verb 'showed'. Grammatical convention requires pronouns in the object position to be in the objective case ('us'). Isolating the pronoun ('the chef showed us') helps confirm that 'us' is the correct case.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the pronoun in the sentence.
The pronoun follows the verb 'showed' and acts as part of the compound direct/indirect object ('the novice bakers and [pronoun]').
The role of the pronoun determines whether it should be in the subjective, objective, or possessive case.
2
Determine the correct pronoun case for an object position.
Objects of verbs must be in the objective case (such as 'me', 'him', 'her', 'us', and 'them'). Therefore, 'us' is the correct objective form, whereas 'we' is subjective.
Choosing the objective case ensures grammatical agreement with the verb's action.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects
Question 11Question →

At the ancient dig site, the lead archaeologist handed my assistant and I brushes for cleaning the delicate pottery fragments. Which option best replaces the underlined pronoun?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me

Answer

The correct answer is the objective pronoun 'me'.
The objective pronoun 'me' is correct because the pronoun is part of the compound object of the verb 'handed'. In English, pronouns that receive the action of a verb or follow a preposition must be in the objective case.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the pronoun in the sentence.
The pronoun is part of a compound structure ('my assistant and...') that receives the action of the verb 'handed' (indirect object).
Understanding whether the pronoun is a subject or an object determines whether to use a subjective pronoun (like 'I') or an objective pronoun (like 'me').
2
Test each pronoun option by isolating it in the sentence.
Saying 'handed I' or 'handed we' is grammatically incorrect because they are subjective pronouns. Saying 'handed me' is correct.
Isolating the pronoun from the compound construction helps reveal the correct case.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person
Estimated Time:45s
Question 12Question →

In the context of the sentence below, which of the following choices best maintains pronoun case and person consistency?

In the latest issue of the culinary journal, the chef noted that if one wants to master the art of classic French baking, the preparation of the delicate chocolate soufflé should be left to the head pastry cook and he, since you must monitor the oven temperature with absolute precision.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him, since one

Answer

The correct choice is the one that uses 'him, since one', which correctly uses the objective pronoun case for the compound object and maintains person consistency.
The correct choice is the option that replaces the underlined portion with 'him, since one'. First, the pronoun is part of the compound object of the preposition 'to', which requires the objective pronoun 'him' instead of the subjective pronoun 'he'. Second, the sentence establishes a third-person perspective with 'if one wants', so to prevent an inconsistent shift in person, the subsequent pronoun must be 'one' rather than the second-person 'you'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the pronoun case required in the phrase 'should be left to the head pastry cook and he'.
The pronoun is part of a compound object following the preposition 'to'. Prepositions require objective case pronouns, so 'he' must be changed to 'him'.
To ensure grammatical case agreement for compound objects.
2
Analyze the pronoun person/perspective consistency across the sentence.
The sentence begins with the third-person perspective 'if one wants', which means any subsequent general pronoun must also use 'one' rather than shifting to the second-person 'you'.
To avoid shift in person errors and maintain a consistent narrative perspective.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person

Alternative Method

To check pronoun case in a compound structure, try reading the sentence with only the pronoun in question: 'left to him' instead of 'left to the head pastry cook and he'. This simplifies the construction and helps identify the correct objective pronoun case.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 13Question →

To prepare for the spring harvest, the garden coordinator asked my neighbor and I to plant the heirloom tomato seeds.

Which of the following is the correct replacement for the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me

Answer

me
The correct answer is the objective case pronoun because it functions as part of the compound direct object of the verb 'asked'. If the other member of the compound object ('my neighbor') is removed, the error in the subjective pronoun becomes clear ('asked I to plant' vs. 'asked me to plant').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the grammatical function of the underlined pronoun in the sentence.
The pronoun, along with 'my neighbor', serves as the direct object of the verb 'asked'.
Identifying the pronoun's role helps determine whether it must be in the subjective or objective case.
2
Select the appropriate pronoun case for the object position.
The objective case pronoun 'me' must be used instead of the subjective case 'I'.
Objects of verbs require objective pronouns.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects
Question 14Question →

When the project was finished, the science teacher congratulated my classmate and I on our successful experiment.

Which of the following options best replaces the underlined word to make the sentence grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me

Answer

The pronoun 'me'
The correct option replaces the underlined word with the objective pronoun 'me'. In this sentence, the pronoun is part of the compound direct object ('my classmate and me') receiving the action of the verb 'congratulated'. Isolating the pronoun confirms this: 'congratulated me' is grammatically correct, whereas 'congratulated I' is incorrect.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the grammatical function of the pronoun within the sentence.
The pronoun is part of the compound phrase 'my classmate and [pronoun]', which receives the action of the verb 'congratulated'.
This establishes that the pronoun functions as a direct object in the sentence.
2
Identify the correct pronoun case based on this grammatical function.
Since it is a direct object, the pronoun must be in the objective case.
Objective pronouns (such as 'me', 'us', 'him', 'her', and 'them') are used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition, whereas subjective pronouns (such as 'I', 'we', 'he', 'she', and 'they') function as subjects.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case in Compound Objects
Question 15Question →

After analyzing the soil samples from the crater, the lead geologist explained to the research assistant and I that if one hopes to publish the findings, you must verify it's carbon-dating metrics.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me that if you hope to publish the findings, you must verify its

Answer

The correct option is the one that replaces the underlined text with 'me that if you hope to publish the findings, you must verify its'.
The correct choice is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'me that if you hope to publish the findings, you must verify its'. This choice uses 'me' because it is the object of the preposition 'to' in the compound phrase 'to the research assistant and me.' It maintains pronoun consistency by matching 'you hope' with the subsequent 'you must' in the sentence. Finally, it correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' to modify 'carbon-dating metrics' rather than the contraction 'it's'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct pronoun case for the compound construction after the preposition.
The pronoun is part of the compound object of the preposition 'to' ('explained to the research assistant and...'). Therefore, it must be in the objective case ('me'), not the subjective case ('I').
Objects of prepositions must always be in the objective case.
2
Ensure pronoun person consistency.
The independent clause contains the second-person pronoun 'you' in the phrase 'you must.' To avoid an unnecessary shift in pronoun person, the preceding conditional clause must also use the second-person pronoun 'you' ('if you hope') instead of the third-person pronoun 'one' ('if one hopes').
Sentences must maintain a consistent perspective/person unless there is a clear rhetorical reason to shift.
3
Identify the correct word form for showing possession.
The word modifies 'carbon-dating metrics,' showing possession by the crater. The possessive pronoun is 'its.' The contraction 'it's' stands for 'it is' or 'it has' and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes, whereas contractions do.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case, Person Consistency, and Homophone Distinction
Question 16Question →

During the orientation, the supervisor explained to the new recruits and I that if one wants to excel on the team, you must first master the software and it's core features.

Which choice best maintains pronoun case and pronoun-person consistency?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me that if one wants to excel on the team, one must first master the software and its

Answer

The correct option correctly uses the objective pronoun 'me' as part of the compound object of the preposition 'to', maintains consistent third-person singular perspective throughout the conditional clause, and uses the correct possessive pronoun 'its' to show ownership of 'core features' by the 'software'.
The correct option correctly uses the objective pronoun 'me' as part of the compound object of the preposition 'to'. It also maintains pronoun-person consistency by using the third-person singular pronoun 'one' consistently throughout the conditional clause. Finally, it uses the correct possessive pronoun 'its' to show ownership of 'core features' by the 'software,' avoiding the contraction 'it's'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct case for the pronoun following the preposition 'to'.
Since the pronoun is part of the compound object of the preposition 'to' ('explained to the new recruits and...'), it must be in the objective case ('me'). Using 'I' is grammatically incorrect.
Objects of prepositions require objective case pronouns.
2
Analyze pronoun-person consistency within the conditional clause.
The clause begins with 'if one wants...' (third-person singular). To maintain a consistent perspective, the next pronoun must also be third-person singular ('one'). Shifting to the second-person pronoun 'you' creates an inconsistent perspective error.
Pronoun person must remain consistent within a sentence to avoid confusing shifts in perspective.
3
Select the correct spelling for the possessive pronoun modifying 'core features'.
The possessive pronoun showing ownership of 'core features' by the 'software' is 'its'. The spelling 'it's' is a contraction meaning 'it is' or 'it has' and is incorrect in this context.
Possessive pronouns do not contain apostrophes.

Key Concept

Maintaining correct pronoun case in compound constructions, ensuring pronoun-person consistency, and distinguishing between possessive pronouns and contractions.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 17Question →

To prepare for the upcoming debate, the team captain assigned my partner and I the task of researching renewable energy policies.

Which of the following choices is the correct replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: partner and me

Answer

partner and me
The pronoun is part of the compound direct object of the verb 'assigned.' Removing the compound element ('my partner and') leaves 'assigned me,' which demonstrates that the objective case pronoun 'me' is required. The option containing 'partner and me' is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the underlined pronoun in the sentence.
The pronoun is part of a compound element ('my partner and I') that receives the action of the verb 'assigned' (assigned whom?). This means it functions as an object.
Determining whether the pronoun is a subject or an object dictates whether subjective or objective case is needed.
2
Test the pronoun case by simplifying the compound construction to just the pronoun.
The sentence becomes 'assigned me the task...' rather than 'assigned I the task...'.
Removing the other part of the compound construction makes it easier to hear which pronoun case is correct.
3
Select the option that uses the objective case pronoun 'me'.
The correct option is the one stating 'partner and me'.
'Me' is the correct objective case pronoun to serve as the object of the verb.

Key Concept

Pronoun case in compound objects
Question 18Question →

When working in the rare books archive, the head archivist reminded the head translator and I that if one wishes to handle the parchment safely, you must wear cotton gloves.

Which choice completes the sentence with the most appropriate pronoun case and person?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me that if one wishes to handle the parchment safely, one must

Answer

me that if one wishes to handle the parchment safely, one must
The correct option correctly uses the objective case pronoun 'me' as the direct object of the verb 'reminded'. It also maintains grammatical agreement by keeping the pronoun person consistent in the third person throughout the clause, using 'one' to match 'one wishes'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct case for the pronoun in the compound object.
The pronoun follows the transitive verb 'reminded' and functions as a direct object, meaning the objective case 'me' is required instead of the subjective case 'I'.
Pronouns in a compound object must use the objective case.
2
Check for pronoun person consistency in the conditional clause.
The clause begins with the third-person singular pronoun 'one' ('if one wishes...'), so shifting to the second-person pronoun 'you' ('you must') creates an inconsistent perspective. The third-person 'one must' should be used to maintain consistency.
Pronoun person must remain consistent within a sentence.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person Consistency
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 19Question →

During the astronomical observations, the lead researcher told the assistant and I that if one wants to protect your eyes, you should look only through the filtered lens.

Which choice most effectively maintains correct pronoun case and person consistency in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: me that if one wants to protect one's eyes, one

Answer

The correct choice is the option that replaces the underlined text with 'me that if one wants to protect one's eyes, one'.
The correct option correctly uses the objective pronoun 'me' because it functions as the direct object of the verb 'told' within the compound object 'the assistant and me'. It also maintains consistent third-person perspective by using 'one's' and 'one' to refer back to the indefinite pronoun 'one', preventing an incorrect shift in person.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the correct case for the pronoun in the compound object.
The compound phrase 'the assistant and [pronoun]' serves as the direct object of the action verb 'told'. Therefore, the pronoun must be in the objective case ('me') rather than the subjective case ('I').
Direct objects receive the action of the verb and require objective case pronouns.
2
Identify and correct any pronoun person shifts.
The dependent clause begins with the third-person indefinite pronoun 'one'. The subsequent pronouns in the clause must remain in the third person ('one's' and 'one') to maintain consistency, avoiding a shift to the second-person 'your' or 'you'.
Pronoun person must remain consistent within a sentence to avoid confusing shifts in perspective.
3
Check the remaining options for spelling and homophone errors.
The option containing 'it's' uses a contraction ('it is') instead of the possessive pronoun 'its', which makes it grammatically incorrect.
Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes, whereas contractions do.

Key Concept

Pronoun Case and Person
Question 20Question →

After months of preparation, the lead curator invited the museum board members and he to join the VIP tour, advising that if one wishes to fully appreciate the exhibit and it's history, you should read the catalog beforehand.

Which of the following options is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: him to join the VIP tour, advising that if you wish to fully appreciate the exhibit and its history, you

Answer

The option that begins with 'him to join the VIP tour' and uses 'its history' is the correct choice because it resolves the pronoun case error, the shift in pronoun person, and the homophone error.
The correct option fixes all three grammatical errors in the underlined portion. First, the verb 'invited' requires an objective case pronoun ('him' instead of 'he') because it serves as a direct object. Second, the pronoun person must remain consistent; shifting from 'one' to 'you' is incorrect, so using 'you' consistently resolves the shift. Third, the possessive pronoun 'its' is needed to show ownership of 'history', whereas 'it's' is a contraction meaning 'it is'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the pronoun case in the compound object.
The pronoun follows the transitive verb 'invited' as part of the compound direct object 'the museum board members and [he/him]'. Therefore, the objective case pronoun 'him' must be used.
Objects of verbs must be in the objective case.
2
Check for pronoun person consistency.
The original phrasing shifts from the third-person 'one' ('if one wishes') to the second-person 'you' ('you should'). Using 'you' in both instances ('if you wish ... you') maintains person consistency.
Shifting pronoun person within a sentence creates grammatical inconsistency.
3
Check the spelling of the possessive pronoun.
The sentence refers to the history of the exhibit, requiring the possessive pronoun 'its'. The contraction 'it's' (meaning 'it is') is incorrect.
Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes, whereas 'it's' is a contraction.

Key Concept

Pronoun case in compound structures, pronoun person consistency, and possessive homophones.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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