Question

Choose the most concise and clear statement from the following that conveys the same idea:

• A. His definition of reality has first to be made coincident with the point of view adopted by the author whom he is discussing.
• B. His definition of reality has first to be made coincident with the point of view adopted by the author who he is discussing.
• C. His definition has to first agree with the point of view adopted by the author he is discussing.
• D. His definition of reality has first to coincide with the point of view adopted by the author he is discussing.

Hint:

Replace overly formal multi-word phrases (“made coincident with”) with simpler equivalents (“coincide with”) to improve clarity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The sentence should be clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
Option (A) uses “made coincident with,” which is unnecessarily wordy and formal when “coincide with” is simpler and means the same thing.
Option (B) has the same issue as (A) and also uses “who” incorrectly instead of “whom” — though “whom” could be dropped in modern usage, the phrasing still sounds awkward.
Option (C) shortens the phrase but changes “definition of reality” to “definition,” which slightly reduces precision; also, “has to first agree with” is less formal and slightly less precise than “coincide with.”
Option (D) strikes the right balance between clarity, formality, and conciseness — it keeps “definition of reality” for precision and uses “coincide with” for conciseness.