Identify the underlined portion that contains a grammatical error:
Having thoroughly reviewed (A) the epidemiological data, (B) the statistical discrepancies were finally resolved (C) by the panel of independent biometricians (D).
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. (B) the statistical discrepancies were finally resolved
Answer: (B) the statistical discrepancies were finally resolved. Why not the others: (A) is a grammatically standard perfect participial clause; (C) is a standard passive verb; (D) is a well-formed agentive prepositional phrase.
- Step 1: Analyze the introductory participial clause: 'Having thoroughly reviewed the epidemiological data' requires an agent capable of reviewing (human beings).
- Step 2: The subject immediately following the comma is 'the statistical discrepancies', which creates a dangling modifier because discrepancies cannot review data. The sentence should place 'the panel of independent biometricians' as the subject in part (B).
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