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Such orb-weaving spiders like the argiope build webs in an essentially wheel-like structure, with an outer rim and a number of spokes emanating from the hub.

A. Such orb weaving spiders like the argiope build webs in an essentially wheel-like structure

B. Such orb weaving spiders as the argiope builds webs with what is essentially a wheel-like structure

C. The argiope spider, in the same way as other orb weaving spiders, build webs in a structure that is essentially wheel-like

D. Orb weaving spiders such as the argiope build webs that are essentially wheel-like

E. Like other orb weaving spiders do, the argiope builds webs as essentially wheel-like

 

What does this question test?

This question tests your skill in identifying subject in the sentence and ensuring that subject-verb agree in number.  This question tests your understanding of comma + with modifier.  Additionally it tests the idiomatic usage of like and such as.

What does this sentence mean?

This sentence states a fact about orb-weaving spiders.  These spiders build webs in a wheel like structure.  This structure has an outer rim and a number of spokes emanating from the hub.  The sentence also gives an example of such orb-weaving spiders.

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What are the errors in the original sentence?

Such orb-weaving spiders like the argiope build webs in an essentially wheel-like structure, with an outer rim and a number of spokes emanating from the hub.

Idiom Error:  To present examples “such as” should be used instead of “like”.

Modifier Error:  The modifier “with an outer rim…” modifies the preceding clause since it is separated by a comma.  However, it does not make sense for this modification.  Essentially, this modifier describes the wheel-like structure and not the fact that spiders build these wheel-like structures.

Answer Choice Analysis

Choice B:  Such orb weaving spiders as the argiope builds webs with what is essentially a wheel-like structure, with an outer rim and a number of spokes emanating from the hub.

Subject-Verb Number Error:  The subject – spiders – does not agree in number with the verb – builds.

Choice C:  The argiope spider, in the same way as other orb weaving spiders, build webs in a structure that is essentially wheel-like, with an outer rim and a number of spokes emanating from the hub.

Subject-Verb Number Error:  The subject – argiope spider – does not agree in number with the verb – build.

Wordy:  The sentence is very wordy – in the same way…

Choice D:  Orb weaving spiders such as the argiope build webs that are essentially wheel-like, with an outer rim and a number of spokes emanating from the hub.

No errors.  Note that in this sentence, the “with modifier” modifies the preceding clause since it is separated by a comma.  This modification is correct since the preceding clause is “that are essentially wheel-like”.  Thus, this modifier is describing the wheel-like structures.

Choice E:  Like other orb weaving spiders do, the argiope builds webs as essentially wheel-like, with an outer rim and a number of spokes emanating from the hub.

Idiom Error:  Like cannot be used to present clauses.  “As” should be used instead.

Modifier Error:  Similar to Choice A

Thus, Choice D is the correct answer.

What are the key take-away messages?

1. With modifier separated by comma modify the preceding clause.  Thus, when you see such modifier, ensure that this modification makes sense.
2. Identification of subject is very important to ensure that the subject and verb agree in number.
3. Like should not be used to present clauses.
4. Such as should be used to present examples.  Like should not be used to present examples.

Where can you find more information?

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