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Here is a detailed explanation to this question-
vivektripathi wrote:
The quality of early pieces of blown glass excavated in Italy and Western Europe by far surpass those of pieces from the eastern Mediterranean, when regarded not only in terms of the variety of shapes represented, but also in terms of decorative techniques and functionality.
(A) by far surpass those of pieces from the eastern Mediterranean, when regarded not only in terms of
(B) surpasses by far those from the eastern Mediterranean, with regard not only to
(C) far surpass that of pieces from the eastern Mediterranean, not only regarding
(D) far surpasses that of the eastern Mediterranean, with regard to not only
(E) far surpasses that of pieces from the eastern Mediterranean, not only with regard to
Concepts tested here: Subject-Verb Agreement + Pronouns + Comparisons + Parallelism + Awkwardness/Redundancy• A comparison must always be made between similar things.
• “not only A but also B” is the correct, idiomatic usage; A must be parallel to B.
A: This answer choice incorrectly refers to the singular noun "quality" with the plural verb "surpass" and the plural pronoun "those". Further, Option A uses the needlessly wordy phrases "by far surpass" and "when regarded not only in terms of", leading to awkwardness and redundancy.
B: This answer choice incorrectly compares "The quality of early pieces of blown glass excavated in Italy and Western Europe" to "those ("pieces of blown glass"); remember, a comparison must always be made between similar things.
C: This answer choice incorrectly refers to the singular noun "quality" with the plural verb "surpass".
D: This answer choice incorrectly compares "The quality of early pieces of blown glass excavated in Italy and Western Europe" to "that ("the quality") of the eastern Mediterranean"; remember, a comparison must always be made between similar things. Further, Option D fails to maintain parallelism between A ("the variety of shapes represented") and B ("in terms of decorative techniques and functionality"); remember, “not only A but also B” is the correct, idiomatic usage; A must be parallel to B.
E: Correct. This answer choice correctly refers to the singular noun "quality" with the singular verb "surpasses" and the singular pronoun "that". Further, Option E correctly compares "The quality of early pieces of blown glass excavated in Italy and Western Europe" with "that ("the quality") of pieces from the eastern Mediterranean". Additionally, Option E correctly maintains parallelism between A ("with regard to the variety of shapes represented") and B ("in terms of decorative techniques and functionality") in the idiomatic construction "not only A but B". Besides, Option E is free of any awkwardness or redundancy.
Hence, E is the best answer choice.All the best!
Experts' Global Team