rohu27 wrote:During the past decade, the labor market in France has not been operating according to free market principles, but instead stifling functioning through its various government regulations restricting the hiring and firing of workers.
a) principles, but instead stifling functioning through its various government regulations restricting the hiring and firing of workers (Redundant)
b) principles, instead it has been functioning in a stifled manner as a result of various government regulations that restrict the hiring and firing of workers
it = market
c) principles, rather functioning despite being stifled as a result of government regulations that variously restrict worker hiring and firing - changes the intended meaning.
d) principles; the hiring and firing of workers is restricted there by various government regulations, its functioning being stifled
e) principles; instead, its functioning has been stifled by various government regulations restricting the hiring and firing of workers No ICs.

please post approach along wth OA's.

rohu27 wrote:During the past decade, the labor market in France has not been operating according to free market principles, but instead stifling functioning through its various government regulations restricting the hiring and firing of workers.
a) principles, but instead stifling functioning through its various government regulations restricting the hiring and firing of workers

Subject is "lost" in subclause beginning with "but" and grammar is cluttered

b) principles, instead it has been functioning in a stifled manner as a result of various government regulations that restrict the hiring and firing of workers

The authour's intent is to highlight that "functioning is stifled".. here we get the impression is somehow the market "is functioning" and that's not what author intends to say

c) principles, rather functioning despite being stifled as a result of government regulations that variously restrict worker hiring and firing

Awkward, and also gives the impression that,"hey market is functioning even if stifled" !! WRONGOO

d) principles; the hiring and firing of workers is restricted there by various government regulations, its functioning being stifled

"Lost in Translation" for the subject in the clauses!! Awkward again!!

e) principles; instead, its functioning has been stifled by various government regulations restricting the hiring and firing of workers

THE WINNNER - CORRECT -- "functioing" descibed correctly and the grammar correct