16. Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 11 (reproduced below)? However, not everyone believes that George Crum was the inventor of the potato chip.
Answer: A
As it is now
The best version of the underlined portion is "As it is now," which maintains the flow of the sentence without introducing unnecessary punctuation or breaking the structure.
A) (As it is now)
This option is correct as it provides a smooth continuation of the sentence. It appropriately connects the preceding thought with the statement about skepticism regarding George Crum's invention without disrupting the grammatical flow.
B) However
While "However" can introduce a contrast, using it alone at the beginning of the sentence creates an abrupt and incomplete thought. It lacks the necessary structure to form a complete sentence, making it less effective in this context.
C) However—
The use of an em dash after "However" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The em dash suggests a sudden break in thought, which is not appropriate here, as the sentence does not warrant such a dramatic pause.
D) However:
Using a colon after "However" is incorrect because a colon typically introduces a list or an explanation. In this case, it does not serve the purpose of clarifying or elaborating on the preceding statement, making it an unsuitable choice.
Conclusion
The option "As it is now" is the most effective choice, as it seamlessly integrates into the sentence while preserving its clarity and intent. All other options disrupt the flow or misapply punctuation, which detracts from the overall coherence of the statement.