Question:

Which of the following would replace the underlined text to improve the sentence?

In the 20th century, the average life span in India for a working class family was 12 years less than a member of the aristocracy.

Show Hint

Use 'that of' to compare singular nouns ('life span in A than that of B') and 'those of' for plural nouns.
  • Of a member of the aristocracy
  • That of a member of the aristocracy
  • Those of member of the aristocracy
  • A member of the aristocracy
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In comparative English sentences, comparisons must be drawn between grammatically parallel and equivalent entities.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

The original sentence illogically compares an abstract measurement ('average life span') directly to a person ('a member of the aristocracy').
To maintain logical parallelism, the singular demonstrative pronoun 'that of' must be used to refer back to 'the average life span' ('12 years less than that of a member of the aristocracy').

Step 3: Final Answer:

Therefore, 'That of a member of the aristocracy' is the grammatically correct replacement.
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