3. Select the word or phrase that makes this sentence grammatically correct: A child is not yet old enough to know what is healthy for ________.
Answer: A
A child is not yet old enough to know what is healthy for him or her.
The phrase "him or her" correctly maintains the grammatical structure and agrees with the singular noun "child," ensuring the sentence is both clear and formal.
A) him or her
This option is correct as it uses the appropriate pronouns that align with the singular noun "child." It maintains the necessary agreement in number and gender, making it grammatically accurate and contextually appropriate.
B) them
This option is incorrect because "them" is a plural pronoun. Using "them" would disrupt the singular nature of "child," leading to a mismatch in number and creating confusion in the sentence's meaning.
C) it
Using "it" is not suitable in this context as "it" is typically used for inanimate objects or animals, lacking the personification required here. This results in a lack of clarity and appropriateness when referring to a child.
D) she or he
While this option is grammatically correct, it is less fluid compared to "him or her." The choice "she or he" can also be seen as overly complex and less commonly used in everyday language, making it less preferable for this specific context.
Conclusion
The correct choice, "him or her," effectively aligns with the singular subject of the sentence, ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness. In contrast, options B, C, and D either introduce plurality, lack context, or are less preferable due to complexity, making them unsuitable for the sentence structure.