Question

Learning a new language can be difficult for people after one reaches a certain age; abilities needed to retain and apply new linguistic information deteriorate with time.

• A. after one reaches a certain age
• B. after they reach a certain age
• C. after they reaches certain ages
• D. after it reaches a certain age
• E. after you reach a certain age

Hint:

When making general statements, use "one" to maintain formality and avoid confusion with plural subjects.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the sentence.
The sentence discusses a general statement about people learning a new language. The phrase "one reaches" is the most formal and neutral way to describe this general group of people.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) after one reaches a certain age: Correct. This is the most grammatically consistent and formal option. "One" is the appropriate pronoun for making general statements.
- (B) after they reach a certain age: Incorrect. "They" is plural and should not be used to refer to a singular "one."
- (C) after they reaches certain ages: Incorrect. "They" is plural, and "reaches" should be "reach" when used with "they." Additionally, "certain ages" is awkward in this context.
- (D) after it reaches a certain age: Incorrect. "It" is inappropriate here, as "one" is the intended subject.
- (E) after you reach a certain age: Incorrect. "You" is too informal and specific when making a general statement.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) after one reaches a certain age.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(A) \, \text{after one reaches a certain age.}} \]