106
Your ear might have caught the Gerund/Infinitive Switch, but let’s go through each of the answer choices.
(A) “when” refers to time, so that checks.
(B) “seems” is a simple present tense verb so let’s check for SVA. Who or what “seems”? Cross
out the prep phrases for the trends and of the eighties. The sentence now reads – At a time
when appreciation seems... “appreciation” is singular as is “seems” so SVA checks.
(C) “to vanish” is an infinitive so let’s check to see if it should be a gerund (of vanishing) instead.
appreciation seems on the verge of vanishing. Much better!
(D) “manage” is a simple present tense verb. Who or what “manage”? Leg warmers AND fanny
packs. Plural subject and plural verb match.
14.At a time when appreciation for the trends of the
A
eighties seems on the verge to vanish, clothing
B C
styles such as leg warmers and fanny packs manage
D
to enjoy a resurgence of popularity. No error
E
Revised sentence:
At a time when appreciation for the trends of the
A of vanishing Gerund / Infinitive Switch
eighties seems on the verge to vanish, clothing
B C
styles such as leg warmers and fanny packs manage
D
to enjoy a resurgence of popularity. No error
E
Correct Answer: (C)
15.During the 14th century, classical antiquity gained
A
renewed importance when both writers and artists
B
turned to ancient Greek culture for inspiration.
C D
No error
E
Didn’t spot an error on the first read through? Let’s check the answers one by one.
(A) is “during” the correct preposition? Make your own sentence. During the dance... It works!
(B) “when” refers to time and the sentence is set in the 14th century, so “when” is correct. “both”
tells us to check and make sure there is an “and.” Yes. Both writers AND artists.
(C) “turned” is a past tense verb, and we’ve already established that the sentence is set in the past
(14th century). Check the preposition “to.” Make your own sentence – She turned to her
friend for comfort. It’s fine as is.