Question 33

Again, the word "like" should raise a red flag. Review item #31. In the initial sentence, "works = Anne Beattie." So one must find an example that properly equates apples to apples without introducing any additional errors. Hence,

(C) Correct because "John McPhee = Ann Beattie".

(A) Here, "works" is equated with "Ann Beattie".

(B) Here, the error is reversed: "John McPhee" is equated with "works".

(D) & (E) These versions seemingly correct the faulty equation, but "just as" is an improper substitute for "like". A major function of "just as" is to introduce a clause [a cluster of words with a subject and verb]. It often signals two things occurring at the same time rather than two things being like each other. For example : "Just as I stepped out the door, it started to rain".

In addition, "just as" functions as a yoke or connector in sentences like the following: "Run just as [or as] fast as you can". "Try to study just as hard as your brother [does]".