Select the most appropriate option to improve the bold part of the sentence.
The teacher asked that who was absent.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct option to improve the bold part of the sentence is who.
Explanation:
The sentence 'The teacher asked that who was absent' is an example of indirect speech. Here is why the change is necessary:
Double Conjunction Error: In indirect questions (reported speech), you should not use the conjunction 'that' before a wh-word (who, why, where, when, how). The wh-word itself acts as the connector between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Direct vs. Indirect:
Direct: The teacher asked, 'Who is absent?'
Indirect: The teacher asked who was absent.