Identifying Sentence Errors- Not sure why these answers are what they are.

<p>I got these questions wrong while practicing, and can't understand the reasoning behind the actual answer. If someone could explain them to me, that'd be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>Q: Conflicts between land developers and consevationists have repeatedly (arose), (causing) Congress to reconsider legislation (that prohibits) building (within habitats) of endangered species. (No error)</p>

<p>A: (arose)</p>

<p>Q: (Surely) one of the most far-reaching changes in the nineteenth century (will be) the change from working (at home) (to working in) the factory. (No error)</p>

<p>A: (Will be)</p>

<p>Q: (Quick to) (take advantage) of Melanie Johnson's (preoccupation in) the history of the Johnson family, the geneologist proposed investigating (that) history-- for a large fee. (No error)</p>

<p>A: (preoccupation in)</p>

<p>Q: (Contrasting with) (most other) fifteenth-century rulers, Portuguese kings (could count on) the support of the aristocracy (in any) overseas ventures. (No error)</p>

<p>A: (Contrasting with)</p>

<p>I'm especially confused with the second and last questions. Thanks again!</p>

<p>First question -> “arose” becomes “arisen”, the sentence calls for the past perfect, not the past simple.</p>

<p>Second question -> “will be” becomes “was”. We are not talking about the future in any portion of this sentence. It wholly relates to the nineteenth century, in which a change already took place.</p>

<p>Third question: “preoccupation in” -> “preoccupation with”. Misuse of a preposition.</p>

<p>Forth question: “contrasting with” -> “contrasting to”. Misuse of a preposition.
Read this for more elaboration: Taken from the Dictionary of American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs <a href=“McGraw-Hill”>U</a> </p>

<p>contrary to something
in spite of something that seems to suggest otherwise; regardless of something else. Contrary to what you might think, I am neat and tidy. Contrary to public opinion, my uncle is well and healthy. </p>

<p>contrast with someone or something

  1. to be different from someone or something. Bill’s cheery attitude really contrasts with the gloom of his twin brother, Bob. This stiped tie really contrasts with that polka-dot shirt. 2. [for a color or pattern, etc.] to show a marked difference with or complement another. The black one contrasts nicely with the white one.</p>

<p>Oh. I seem to have forgotten that the 19th century already happened. Derp. But thanks a lot!</p>