<p>Whether the Green team can avoid losing these two important games depends on each member's ability to stay alert.</p>
<p>A) losing these two important games depends on
D) to lose these two important games depends on</p>
<p>Why is the answer to the question A and not D? Help!</p>
<p>I guess avoid has to be followed by a verb in the -ing form. That’s the only explanation I can give u.</p>
<p>One says they CAN afford to lose depends on… one says “can afford losing depends on…” different ideas entirely, and "can afford to lose depends entirely on ability to stay alert doesn’t make sense…</p>
<p>@micaec: Technically speaking, “They can afford to lose a few points this round.” would be correct. However, this sentence asks for “avoid”</p>
<p>When using “avoid,” it is idiomatically correct to say “avoid [verb]ing”. Odd, but it sounds right. There are always these random curve balls, so the more familiar one is with the English language, the better he/she is at picking up the sporadic oddballs.</p>
<p>Word of advice, read the two options out loud in context. On test day, mutter it under your breath. Sure, people will think you’re insane at the time, but it’s worth it :P</p>
<p>See:</p>
<p>[Infinitive</a> or -ing?](<a href=“Infinitive or -ING? | Grammar | EnglishClub”>Infinitive or -ING? | Grammar | EnglishClub)</p>
<p>“avoid” is one of those verbs that requires the gerund (“ing”) form. This is the list in the above web page:</p>
<p>avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practise</p>
<p>can you help me with the last question of Writing Section of November SAT </p>
<p>I believe, the question is like this : "the paintings she settled for her art show were more
varied than those of ---- ( and so) gave her critics a better indicaiton of her artistics skills.</p>
<p>In this question, what has been controversial is whether the parenthetical part is wrong or not. If not wrong, then the answer should be “No Error.” </p>
<p>Also, I want to know whether the following question is grammatically wrong or just no error.</p>
<p>“Several decades after Cynthia (argued ) for the preservation of the Area, the town finally marked the cemetery as a historical landmark.” </p>
<p>what is on the line is whether the parentiacal part should be changed to past perfect tense. If not so changed, then the correct answer should be “No Error.” </p>
<p>What do you make of these two ?</p>
<p>The worst way to go about these questions is memorizing some list. That will have you pulling your hair out.</p>
<p>Just say the sentence a few times in your head, or even aloud (if it is just a practice test). You sort of just have to rely on your ear for these.</p>