In 2016, engineer Vanessa Galvez oversaw the installation of 164 bioswales, vegetated channels designed to absorb and divert stormwater, along the streets of Queens, New York. By reducing the runoff flowing into city sewers,_____
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A) the mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved by bioswales.
B) the bioswales have mitigated both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways.
C) the bioswales’ mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved.
D) both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways have been mitigated by bioswales.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) the bioswales have mitigated both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways.
Explanation:
This sentence requires an active voice structure and clear, direct phrasing to communicate the intended meaning. The choice needs to properly explain that the bioswales themselves are the agents performing the action of mitigating street flooding and pollution.
Option B is correct because it:
- Uses an active verb form (“have mitigated”) that directly attributes the action to the bioswales.
- Is clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary wordiness.
- Properly maintains the sequence of events: the bioswales reduce flooding and pollution as a result of their design.
Now, let’s break down the other choices:
- A) the mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved by bioswales.
This option uses a passive construction that is unnecessarily wordy. The phrase “the mitigation of” is vague, and “has been achieved” complicates what could otherwise be a simple, active statement. Passive constructions are often less direct and less engaging than active ones, especially in technical writing. - C) the bioswales’ mitigation of both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways has been achieved.
While this is a passive construction, it also introduces possessive phrasing (“bioswales’ mitigation”), which makes the sentence awkward and convoluted. The phrase “has been achieved” adds unnecessary complexity and removes clarity from the sentence. - D) both street flooding and the resulting pollution of nearby waterways have been mitigated by bioswales.
While this is a grammatically correct sentence, it uses passive voice. Passive constructions, though grammatically sound, tend to be less straightforward and clear in technical writing. Active voice is generally preferred for its clarity and directness.
Therefore, B is the best choice because it uses active voice, is concise, and directly attributes the action to the bioswales, which enhances clarity and readability.