2014-09-12 09:00:11

One of the most celebrated authors of the past three decades, Toni Morrison's books are literary events. 

(A) One of the most celebrated authors of the past three decades, Toni Morrison's books are literary events.
(B) One of the most celebrated authors of the past three decades, Toni Morrison makes literary events when she writes a book.
(C) Toni Morrison's books are literary events because she is one of the most celebrated authors of the past three decades.
(D) Toni Morrison, one of the most celebrated authors of the past three decades, her books are literary events.
(E) Because she is one of the most celebrated authors of the past three decades, Toni Morrison's books are literary events.

The correct answer is C
Explanation: As written, this sentence contains a modifier error. The phrase "One of the most celebrated authors of the past three decades" is an introductory modifier and, as such, needs to be followed immediately by its subject. Logically, that modifier's subject would have to be the author, "Toni Morrison," not her "books." Choice C corrects this error by eliminating the introductory modifier and restructuring the sentence.