According To The Elements Of Style, Which Answer Choice Is Consistent With Strunk's Rules?

According To The Elements Of Style, Which Answer Choice Is Consistent With Strunk's Rules?

A) There are many factors that we must take into consideration.

B) The reason why he left is because he was tired.

C) He was tired; therefore, he left early.

D) Due to the fact that it was raining, we canceled the game.

Correct Answer: C)

He was tired; therefore, he left early.

Explanation

There are quite a few reasons for the third option to be considered accurate according to Strunk's Rules. The reasons include:

• It is concise and clear
• Uses a semicolon correctly to connect closely related independent clauses
• Avoids wordy phrases or redundancies
• Demonstrates logical flow — a cause and effect relationship using a transition (therefore)

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Why Not the Other Options?

• A) There are many factors that we must take into consideration. Strunk & White suggest avoiding wordy phrases. This sentence could be tightened:
• Better: We must consider many factors.
• B) The reason why he left is because he was tired. This is redundant — “reason” and “because” say the same thing.
• Better: He left because he was tired. or The reason he left is that he was tired.
• D) Due to the fact that it was raining, we canceled the game.

  This uses a clunky phrase ("due to the fact that").

• Better: Because it was raining, we canceled the game.

Key Rules from The Elements of Style (Strunk & White)

According to The Elements of Style (Strunk & White), there are some key rules for grammar regarding sentence composition. These include:

• Use the active voice.

  Strong: "She completed the assignment."

  Weak: "The assignment was completed by her."

• Put statements in positive form.

  Use: "He is usually on time."

  Instead of: "He is not often late."

• Use definite, specific, and concrete language.

  Say: "She wore a red silk scarf."

  Not: "She wore something nice."

• Omit needless words.

  Tight: "Because it rained, we stayed inside."

  Wordy: "Due to the fact that it rained, we remained indoors."

• Avoid a succession of loose sentences.

  Vary your sentence structure and length for better rhythm and flow.

• Express coordinate ideas in a similar form.

  Balanced: "She likes running, biking, and swimming."

  Unbalanced: "She likes running, biking, and swimming."

• Keep related words together.

  Correct: "She almost failed every test."

  Awkward: "She failed almost every test."

• Use a colon to introduce a list or explanation.

  Example: "She packed three things: a pen, a notebook, and a camera."

• Use a comma before ‘and’ or ‘but’ in a series.

  Example: "Apples, oranges, and bananas."

• Avoid fancy words.

  Choose clear, everyday vocabulary over obscure or pretentious language.