parijit wrote:
Most experimental results do not produce large changes in human understanding; improvements in theoretical scientific understanding is typically the result of a gradual process of development over time, sometimes across different domains of science.
(A) improvements in theoretical scientific understanding is typically the result of
(B) improvements in theoretical scientific understanding typically results from
(C) improvements in theoretical scientific understanding, which typically result from
(D) improvements in theoretical scientific understanding are typically the result of
(E) improvements in theoretical scientific understanding has typically resulted from
Because this prompt consists of two independent clauses separated by a semicolon,
we can focus the first check for grammar errors on the second sentence.
Everything that follows "gradual process" is not necessary to understand meaning. Shorten the sentence:
Improvements in theoretical scientific understanding [VERB] typically [the result of?] a gradual process.
Split #1: Subject verb agreementImprovements = plural. The options below use singular verbs.
A) improvements . . .is
B) improvements . . . results
E) improvements . . . has
Eliminate A, B, and E
Split #2: Complete sentence vs. fragmentOption C creates a fragment.
Inserted into the shortened version of the sentence, we have:
Improvements in theoretical scientific understanding, which typically result from a gradual process [of development over time, sometimes across different domains of science].
That construction is a fragment. There is no working verb for the subject
improvements.
GMAC often attaches a which clause in order to hide the Missing Verb.
Incorrect: Improvements, which typically result from X of Y, sometimes across Zs.
Eliminate C
The correct answer is D