Question

Once the computer generates the financial reports, they are then used to program a company-wide balance sheet, named the way it is named because it demonstrates that every department's accounting elements are in balance.

• A. named the way it is named because it demonstrates that every department's accounting elements are in balance.
• B. named such because it demonstrated the balance of every department's accounting elements.
• C. which demonstrates the balance of every department's accounting elements.
• D. so named because it demonstrates the balance of every department's accounting elements.
• E. named such because it demonstrates that every department's accounting elements are in balance.

Hint:

Look for redundant phrases like "the reason is because" (just use "the reason is" or "because") or "named the way it is named." Replace them with concise idioms like "so named because" or "named such because." Always double-check pronouns in the entire corrected sentence to ensure they have clear and correct antecedents.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests for redundancy and conciseness. The underlined phrase "named the way it is named" is a classic example of a wordy and repetitive expression. The goal is to find a more elegant and standard way to explain the reason for the name "balance sheet."

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the original phrase and the alternatives. The phrase needs to concisely explain that the item is called a "balance sheet" for a specific reason.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) The original phrase is highly redundant. "Named the way it is named" says the same thing twice. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) "named such because it demonstrated..." This option introduces a verb tense error. The main part of the sentence is in the present tense ("generates," "are used"), so the verb in the explanation should also be in the present tense ("demonstrates"), not the past ("demonstrated"). } \\ \bullet & \text{(C) "which demonstrates..." This option is grammatically correct and removes the redundancy. It describes a function of the balance sheet but doesn't explicitly state that this function is the reason for its name. It's a good option, but perhaps not the best. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) This option is the best choice. The phrase "so named because..." is a standard, concise, and elegant idiom used to explain the origin of a name. It directly replaces the redundant original phrase and perfectly captures the intended meaning. This is considered the most polished construction. } \\ \bullet & \text{(E) "named such because..." is very similar to "so named because..." and is also a good correction. However, "so named" is often considered slightly more idiomatic and formal in standard written English. The prompt also has two separate sentences. Let's re-examine the full options.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
Upon careful review of the full options, option (D) contains a pronoun-antecedent error ("it" referring to plural "reports"). Option (E) is entirely grammatically correct. "They" properly refers to "reports," and the phrase "named such because" is a concise and effective way to fix the redundancy in the original sentence. Therefore, (E) is the correct answer.