Sentence Correction

Minnesota is the only one of the contiguous forty-eight states [u]that still has a sizable wolf population, and where[/u] this predator remains the archenemy of cattle and sheep.
(A) that still has a sizable wolf population, and where
(B) that still has a sizable wolf population, where
(C) that still has a sizable population of wolves, and where
(D) where the population of wolves is still sizable;
(E) where there is still a sizable population of wolves and where

I understand E is a correct answer, but isn't it wrong that 'this predator' refers to 'wolves' which is plural. In #12 question's explanation in the same book, plural noun should be referred to a plural pronoun. Please explain if I am wrong.

Besides, in B why can't I think 'where' refers to 'states' although it's a bit far?

I would really appreciate your help.

Justin So wrote:Minnesota is the only one of the contiguous forty-eight states that still has a sizable wolf population, and where this predator remains the archenemy of cattle and sheep.
(A) that still has a sizable wolf population, and where
(B) that still has a sizable wolf population, where
(C) that still has a sizable population of wolves, and where
(D) where the population of wolves is still sizable;
(E) where there is still a sizable population of wolves and where

I understand E is a correct answer, but isn't it wrong that 'this predator' refers to 'wolves' which is plural. In #12 question's explanation in the same book, plural noun should be referred to a plural pronoun. Please explain if I am wrong.

Besides, in B why can't I think 'where' refers to 'states' although it's a bit far?

I would really appreciate your help.

Considering the doubt, I feel

1) wolves are predator.
2) wolves are predators.

(1) is correct usage.
We say wolves and lions are predators.

Please comment.

Thank you for your help.

So, you seem to be right. You mean 'this predator' can refer to 'wolves,' right?

in your example (1) should it be like 'wolves are "a" predator' or "the" predator then?

Please let me know what you think.

By the way, in (B), can't I say 'where' refers 'states' although it's not right next to each other? why not?

Thank you.

OK. Why is D wrong?

HI Prnav,

The usuage is considered undiomatic.. it should be a sizeble population and not as in d...

And here this refers to a sizeble population of wolves which is collective in nature

And the major thing tested in this q is the usuage of "one of' and teh usage needs to be - one of +plural noun + that /who + plural verb

Any comments on the subject verb agreement??

Correct answer to that question is

Minnesota is the only one of the contiguous forty eight states where there is still a sizable population of wolves and where this predator remains the archenemy of cattle and sheep.

Rule: one of the X verb

verb - singular or plural is decided on the basis of the subject.

Here subject is - Minnesota - collective noun - singular state

Therefore, is singular verb should be followed.

Any thoughts.

@iamcste
I have edited my previous post, let me know what you think.

ONE BIG RULE: DONT TRY TO CORRECT THE MISTAKES, if any, IN THE NON-UNDERLINED PART!

parallel_chase wrote:Correct answer to that question is

Minnesota is the only one of the contiguous forty eight states where there is still a sizable population of wolves and where this predator remains the archenemy of cattle and sheep.

Rule: one of the X verb

verb - singular or plural is decided on the basis of the subject.

Here subject is - Minnesota - collective noun - singular state

Therefore, is singular verb should be followed.

Any thoughts.

@iamcste
I have edited my previous post, let me know what you think.

yes lots of thoughts:

the rule is

ONE OF X + VERB .....ALWAYS SINGULAR!!!!

and in the above question forty states ===plural...


if
ONE OF X THAT VERB ( depends upon x)

Minnesota is the only one of the contiguous forty eight states that are

Can anyone let me know why all options but E are wrong...

"That" refers to states therefore "have" should be used instead of "has"

Eliminate A, B & C

D - we have usage of semi-colon - independent clause - incorrect construction, the non underlined part does not has an independent clause structure

Hence E, more importantly where and where is parallel, there is no comma before "and" signifying the two series of events.

Let me know if you have any questions.

parallel_chase wrote:
D - we have usage of semi-colon - independent clause - incorrect construction, the non underlined part does not has an independent clause structure

Let me know if you have any questions.

I am disheartened to say that I disagree.

Any other try..

It has an independent structur ( we are not finding mistakes in the not underlined part but since ; is in the underlined part , we have to discuss about this)

iamcste wrote:

parallel_chase wrote:
D - we have usage of semi-colon - independent clause - incorrect construction, the non underlined part does not has an independent clause structure

Let me know if you have any questions.

I am disheartened to say that I disagree.

Any other try..

It has an independent structur ( we are not finding mistakes in the not underlined part but since ; is in the underlined part , we have to discuss about this)

I am talking about the non underlined part just to explain the clause structure of the underlined part.

here is another shot:

Minnesota is the only one of the contiguous forty-eight states where the population of wolves is still sizable; this predator remains the archenemy of cattle and sheep.

The reason why I said non underlined part is not an independent clause is because we need something to refer back to Minnesota.

If we dont do that this predator can be archenemy in those 40 states as well.

Let me know your thoughts, and pls dont be disheartened when disagreeing with me. Criticism brings the best out of me.

parallel_chase wrote:
The reason why I said non underlined part is not an independent clause is because we need something to refer back to Minnesota.

Solution to our problem is page 265 verbal review

Explanation of D:

It admits that non -underlined part to be an clause...

It reads "While grammatically correct, this sentence needs a conjunction to show the logical relationship between the 2 independent clauses rather than the semi-colon that implies their equality"


Till now, I knew that semicolon or a cordinating conjunction can join 2 independent clauses

Now my next qtn is

Can anyone let me know when specially to use cordination conjunction and when to use semicolon

Above explantion tells about " semi-colon implies equality..."but I am kind of still not clear

semi colons are used to separate 2 independent clauses in a sentence. But when you want to link them you use a conjunction.