Question

Simplify the underlined part of the given sentence (if necessary)-
Manufacturers rate batteries in watt-hours; if they rate the watt-hour higher, the longer the battery can be expected to last.
A)if they rate the watt-hour higher, the longer
B)rating the watt-hour higher, it is that much longer
C)the higher the watt-hour rating, the longer
D)the higher the watt-hour rating, it is that much longer that
E)when the watt-hour rating is higher, the longer it is

Answer 1

Hint: We need to express the sentence in a way that it communicates the right idea, that is: If a battery is rated higher, it can be expected to last longer.

Complete step-by-step answer:

The error in the sentence is that the ‘If’ clause does not match the sentence to make it sound meaningful.
Let’s discuss the given options to find the correct solution:
A)If they rate the watt-hour higher, the longer: There is no change in it, it is similar to that in the existing sentence. Hence, it is incorrect.
B)Rating the watt-hour higher, it is that much longer: In this option, ‘it’ does not refer to anything, hence it creates confusion and forms a senseless sentence.
C)The higher the watt-hour rating, the longer: In this option, we can understand the meaning communicated by the words.
D)The higher the watt- hour rating, it is that much longer that: We never use that and much together, it represents the overrated use of a word.
E)When the watt-hour rating is higher, the longer it is: In this option, the structure of the words is placed incorrectly.

The correct answer is Option C- The higher the watt-hour rating, the longer.

Note: Option- C portrays the correct meaning, as well as justified use of the words. So, it becomes easier for us to understand the meaning communicated by the words.