Foreshortening is the technique used as a painter's attempt to portray

I actually didn't write the explanation. I can only convey my interpretation.

IMO - Look at the definition of technique -
tech·nique noun

: a way of doing something by using special knowledge or skill
: the way that a person performs basic physical movements or skills

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technique

"any words suggesting that painters are trying or attempting to portray" means that the words "trying" and "attempting" are synonymous with technique. So, the sentence is not concise. Removing redundant words make the sentence preferable.

technique used by painters to.. Correct Idiomatic Usage. Hence, E is correct.

The correct answer is E.

A. used as a painter's attempt to portray - The technique is used by painter not painter's attempt
B. used as a painter's attempt at portraying -again same mistake as above
C. painters use at trying to portray- unnecessary wordy[/highlight]
D. painters attempt to use to portray- attempt to use is unnecessary wordy[/highlight]
E. used by painters to portray -Correct. Precise use of words

The original sentence is not grammatically incorrect, but it is awkward and poorly structured. Since the intention is to describe a "technique used ...," the sentence should include who is using this technique. Logically, a painter uses foreshortening to achieve a three-dimensional effect.

A quick scan of the beginnings of the choices reveals a 2-2-1 split, with (A) and (B) beginning with "used as," (C) and (D) beginning with "painters," and (E) beginning with "used by."

Eliminate (A) and (B). These choices describe the "technique used as a ... attempt." "Painter's" is used as an adjective describing the attempt, not as the person using the technique.

(C) and (D) deserve careful attention, since they both contain the "painters ... use" structure. Unfortunately, (C) adds the idiomatically incorrect "at trying," and (D) changes the meaning of the original sentence. The painters aren't attempting to use foreshortening; they're attempting to represent three dimensions in two dimensions. Eliminate (C) and (D).

(E) expresses the intended meaning clearly and correctly. It states who is using the technique and retains the original meaning of the sentence.

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