Fossils of the arm of a sloth

David Recine

Actually, if "this" were the only split in an answer choice, there would be know problem. "It" and "this" are both acceptable singular pronouns here.

You are correct, however, to feel as if "was" created a problem. The issue here is parallel structure. In choice C, the sentence has two verb phrases separated by a comma, "was found..." and "was dated...." So you would expect the next phrase, following the comma at the end of "was dated..." would also be a verb phrase, continuing a list of actions. Instead, the sentence abruptly shifts back to a pronoun-verb structure.

This significant violation of parallel structure is confusing, so confusing that it's understandable for you to suddenly feel confused about what "this" might refer to. In that sense "this" indicated the structure was wrong, as the next phrase after "was dated..." should have been an additional verb phrase. Or the sentence shouldn't have had two verb phrases leading up to "this."

I hope that helps, but if you have a follow-up comment, feel free to post it. :)

Apr 12, 2018 • Reply

Adam

Hi Dino,

1. We cannot eliminate choices based on "mammal on" vs. "mammal of."
2. Yes, (C) incorrectly implies that it was the sloth that was found and not the fossils. Note that this is the first split that the Mike addresses, eliminating B C and E for singular verbs.

Jan 8, 2017 • Reply