The Italianate architectural style rose to prominence in both residential and commercial buildings in the US from the 1850s to the 1870s. Distinguished by wide overhanging eaves, decorative brackets, and ornate moldings,____ became especially popular for buildings in the business districts that developed during the growth of urban areas.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Explanation
Context: The opening modifier "Distinguished by wide overhanging eaves..." must attach to the thing being described, and the only candidate antecedent is the singular "the Italianate architectural style."
Answer: B) it
Why? A pronoun must match its antecedent in number. "Style" is singular, so the singular "it" is required.
Traps:
- A) those → plural and vague; no plural antecedent is available.
- C) they → plural, disagreeing with the singular "style."
- D) each → implies a set of items being taken one at a time; there is only one style.