<p>Princeton University officials first A(broke with) a tradition B(of awarding) honorary degrees only C(to men) when they awarded D(it) to author Willa Cather. E(No error)</p>
<p>Can you tell me what you think the answer is? I incorrectly answered <a href="6th%20letter%20shown:ADBCEAEDA">color=blue</a>[/color], thinking it was an improper idiom.</p>
<p>Correct Answer is: (9th letter shown:ADBCEDBADCBDABE)</p>
<p>“Honorary degrees” is plural, and it therefore requires a plural pronoun.</p>
<p>Got2BeGreen is correct that “it” cannot refer to “honorary degrees” due to the difference in number. However, Princeton only gave Willa Cather one honorary degree, so you wouldn’t use “them,” either. The correct replacement for “it” is “one” (meaning one honorary degree). “Broke with tradition” is a correct idiomatic usage.</p>
<p>@QuantMech - good catch!</p>
<p>Thank you guys very much! It helps to know the error, and how to correct it :)</p>