The split:aspirant2011 wrote:In good years, the patchwork of green fields that surround the San Joaquin Valley town bustles with farm workers, many of them in the area just for the season.
(A) surround the San Joaquin Valley town bustles with farm workers, many of them
(B) surrounds the San Joaquin Valley town bustles with farm workers, many of whom are
(C) surround the San Joaquin Valley town bustles with farm workers, many of who are
(D) surround the San Joaquin Valley town bustle with farm workers, many of which
(E) surrounds the San Joaquin Valley town bustles with farm workers, many are
[spoiler]OA: only discuss between A and C..........and tell which one is better and why?[/spoiler]
Here the split is between "the patchwork of green fields that surround" and "the patchwork of green fields that surrounds"
In case of NOUN1 of NOUN2 + that, that refers to which NOUN depends on the context.
--> If the verb agrees with the NOUN1, that refers to NOUN1.
Example:
The box of pens that is on the table is mine. [that refers to box because is agrees with singular noun. box]
--> If the verb agrees with NOUN2, that refers to NOUN2.
Example:
The box of nails that have been brought from New York is fine. [that refers to nails because the verb, have, agrees with the plural NOUN, nails.]
--> The meaning of the sentence is important in some cases.
Example:
The list of animals that exhibit preferences has been made.
==> that refers to animals because list cannot exhibit preferences.
In case of "the patchwork of green fields that surround", that refers "green fields" because patchwork CANNOT surround the San Joaquin Valley.
We can eliminate the options that use "SURROUNDS". B and E are out.
Many of +objective caseis correct. Eliminate C because "who" is subject form.
Which refers to things, not persons. Here workers are persons. We need who/whom. Eliminate D.
Answer is thus A.
