Four sentences are given below as A, B, C and D. Choose the sentence that is grammatically incorrect in describing a triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: D. Setting the writer apart from the reporter ostensibly the triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides.

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This item examines your ability to recognise complete sentence structure in complex literary style. All the sentences refer to a triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides, and you must identify which one fails to form a grammatically complete and coherent sentence in formal English.


Given Data / Assumptions:
Four alternatives talk about a triptych made of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides.
Each option tries to express that this triptych sets the writer apart from a reporter.
You are asked to pick the grammatically incorrect sentence.
Assume a formal, essay like register where complete clauses and correct word order are required.
The core meaning about the writer and reporter should be preserved in the correct sentences.


Concept / Approach:
A grammatically complete English sentence needs at least a subject and a finite verb. In literary prose, word order can be flexible, but there must still be a clear clause structure. Options A, B and C present clear clauses with subjects such as the result, what results, or a triptych and verbs such as is and sets or setting. Option D, however, omits the finite verb and ends up as a fragment, which is not acceptable as a complete sentence in formal writing.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: In option A, the result is the subject and is is the verb, while the relative clause that ostensibly sets the writer apart from the reporter is correctly attached to triptych. Step 2: In option B, what results is the subject phrase, followed by the verb is and the complement a triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides, so the sentence is complete. Step 3: In option C, a triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides is the result is a clear clause, and the phrase ostensibly setting the writer apart from the reporter functions as a participial phrase giving extra information. Step 4: In option D, the words Setting the writer apart from the reporter ostensibly the triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides appear, but there is no finite verb linked to a subject. Step 5: Because option D lacks a main verb like is or sets, it is a sentence fragment rather than a complete sentence. Step 6: Therefore option D is the grammatically incorrect sentence that you must select.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can attempt to read each option aloud as a standalone statement. Options A, B and C sound complete and can be followed by a full stop. Option D creates a sense of waiting for something more, as if the sentence has been cut off. If you try to fix it, you will instinctively add a verb such as are or is, confirming that the original version is incomplete.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is acceptable because it clearly links the result to a triptych and uses a correct relative clause.
Option B is acceptable because what results is a standard structure for emphasising outcome and is grammatically correct.
Option C is acceptable because the participial phrase ostensibly setting the writer apart from the reporter is correctly formed and attached.
Option D is the only option without a finite verb, so it is the incorrect sentence.


Common Pitfalls:
Many students are distracted by long noun phrases like triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides and overlook the basic need for a subject and verb. Another pitfall is assuming that unusual word order always indicates error. In advanced writing, inversions do occur, but they still include a finite verb, which option D does not.


Final Answer:
The grammatically incorrect sentence is Option D. Setting the writer apart from the reporter ostensibly the triptych of travelogues, diary entries and philosophical asides.

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