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<p>Many alcoholics attempt to conceal their problem from their fellow workers, but invariably failing to keep their secret. </p>
<p>I had trouble determining the answer because both these answers seemed correct to me:</p>
<p>(B) but they invariably fail to keep their secret
(C) but fail, invariably, to keep their secret</p>
<p>The correct answer is B, I wrote C.</p>
<p>What is the technical explanation for why B is preferred over C? </p>
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<p>BY THE TIME (A) the bank guard closed the doors, a riot HAD ERUPTED (B) DUE TO (C) the long lines and SHORTAGE OF (D) tellers. </p>
<p>I wrote E, no error, but the answer key says "due to" should be changed to "as a result of". I'll admit "as a result of" sounds a bit nicer, but isn't "due to" technically correct? Explanation, anyone?</p>
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<p>Thanks :)</p>
<p>1st writing question:</p>
<p>I too think it’s B because a “…, but …” conjunction requires two independent clauses, which B offers but C doesn’t. Also, look at the adverb “invariably”. It has to modify the verb “fail”, but in C the modifier is ambiguous and confusing. What in the world does “invariably” refer to in C?</p>
<p>2nd question:</p>
<p>Let me give you a tip. Try substituting the phrase “due to” for “caused by”. Does the sentence and sentence flow make sense? No way. That’s why C is the answer. “As a result of” is a nicer and correct way to express the original ideas in the sentence.</p>
<p>Little more explanation for “due to”: For example,</p>
<p>Incorrect: The game was postponed due to rain. (substitute “due to” for “caused by”. Does it work? No)</p>
<p>Correct: The game was postponed because of rain. </p>
<p>Correct: The game’s postponement was due to rain. </p>
<p>“Due to” does NOT mean “because of”.</p>
<p>If you find my explanations confusing, PM me.</p>
<p>Those were honestly so detailed and helpful… I can’t thank you enough 
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<p>I understand both questions now, your advice is very invaluable!</p>