MORE COOL writing questions

<p>ha, thanks for the help</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Jean toomer was not only the author of cane, a novel, whose publication has been viewed as marking the beginning of the harlem rennassance, but also a respected advisor among Quakers.
Why isnt the error- "as marking"-shouldnt it be "as the mark" since its reffering to the publication-which doesnt do the marking?</p></li>
<li><p>In swimming as to soccer, evangeline proved time after time to be an abler competitor than juanita.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>What should as to be then-and whats the gramatical explanation. Also, is saying an abler the same as more able?</p>

<ol>
<li>Paul Ecke, flower grower and hybridizer, became known as Mr. Poinsettia after developing new variteties of flower and by pioneering it as a living symbol of christmas.</li>
</ol>

<p>why is it by pioneering, this makes no sense to me? since there is a "and" doesnt the verb change not matter?</p>