karlfurt 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
(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
(C) principles, rather functioning despite being stifled as a result of government regulations that variously restrict worker hiring and firing
(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
TAKEAWAYS From the question1.
Connect independent clauses either by-
a) Comma+ FANBOYS OR b) Semicolon
2.
SINCE- The word since is used to refer to a point in time, not a period of time. Hence since the past decade in any case would be wrong. Since 2006 would be correct.
3.
During the past decade- Use of present perfect: You would be right if past decade were actually a time period in the past; however it is not. The past decade indicates a time interval that started 10 years ago and the present moment is at the end of the 10 year span; the period is ending now.
4.
The mixing of active and passive voice on two sides of a conjunction is allowed. See the following example ( from Manhattan SC guide):
5.
Instead = On the contrary , but,- to show contrast.
6.
Instead of = Replacement.