<p>Can't seem to figure this one out:</p>
<p>Free from British rule after the American Revolution, a strong central government was an idea that many of the representatives attending the Constitutional Convention were wary of.</p>
<p>(C) many of the representatives attending the Constitutional Convention were wary of a strong central government
(D) many representatives at the Constitutional Convention felt wary toward a strong central government</p>
<p>I chose D, but the correct answer is D. Is it because "wary toward" is incorrect?</p>
<p>wait, the correct answer is C or D???</p>
<p>correct answer is C from what the OP said...and yeah, it's because "wary toward" is incorrect.</p>
<p>my bad, it's C. Thanks Jeff. I've never seen a writing question with such a slight idiom error.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, what are the best ways to study/recognize idiomatic errors?</p>
<p>Testing idioms is a way to test the amount and quality of your reading. The more you read, the more you will recognize grammar patterns.</p>
<p>There are books available on idioms, but the best way to recognize idioms is to read widely and well.</p>
<p>Idioms are easy for people who read a lot, and difficult for those who don't.</p>
<p>GrammarGuy is right.</p>
<p>However, here is another way. Try to think of another word that is similar to the one you have trouble with. For example the idiom above is "wary of" but try to think of another word that is close with that words idiom. Aware is very close to wary and what do you usually say when you say aware? You say, "I am aware of." So in a sense aware and wary are the same and both utilize the preposition "of." </p>
<p>It doesn't always work but it does help me when I have trouble.</p>
<p>Well when I recognize that there is a potential problem with an idiom, I do what you said, quicksand. But with that question I just read straight over it and didn't even realize there was a problem.</p>
<p>I guess if I just take my time and really read it I'll be able to figure it out.</p>
<p>i wouldn't be sure about "wary toward", but id definitely choose C over D.
wary toward is just awkward.</p>