an attempt
An attempt to elect a woman as President of the United States, begun 15 years ago, has had no success despite the willingness of the Democratic Party to back a female candidate.
(A) to elect a woman as President of the United States, begun 15 years ago
(B) begun 15 years ago, to elect a woman as President of the United States
(C) begun for electing a woman as President of the United States 15 years ago
(D) at electing a woman as President of the United States, begun 15 years ago
(E) that has begun 15 years ago to elect a woman as President of the United States
My Ques: how can attempt be followed by ‘begun 15 years’. shouldnt it be ‘to elect’? because we attempt to do something.
Hi Riya,
begun 15 years ago – is a modifier that modifies attempt, which has been presented as subject. It does not modify the United States.
So, the correct place to add the modifier is next to the subject that gives certain meaning, which is reflected in option B. Usage of begun 15 years ago with the United States means United states begun 15 years ago. How it can be possible ?
Options A, C and D are out because of incorrect placement of modifier.
Option E, has begun incorrect verb.
Hope this helps !
Thanks, Aditya, for the explanation!
Also note that in the correct answer B, “begun 15 years ago” is actually an adjective that adds information to the noun attempt, whereas in option E, “has begun” is a verb. It has to be “an attempt that began 15 years ago” for E to be correct.
Riya,
Please feel free to ask in case of any more doubts on this question.
