868. To ensure consistently high quality in its merchandise, the chain of retail stores became involved in every aspect of their suppliers’ operations, dictating not only the number of stitches and the width of the hem in every garment as well as the profit margins of those suppliers.

(A) their suppliers’ operations, dictating not only the number of stitches and the width of the hem in every garment as well as
(B) its suppliers’ operations, dictating not only the number of stitches and the width of the hem in every garment as well as
(C) their suppliers’ operations, dictating not only the number of stitches and the width of the hem in every garment but also
(D) its suppliers’ operations, dictating not only the number of stitches and the width of the hem in every garment but also
(E) their suppliers’ operations, dictating the number of stitches, the width of the hem in every garment, and

Solution:

Idioms + Pronoun

The correct idiom is “not only…but also…”
Hence, A, B, and C are incorrect because they are unidiomatic.
In E, “the chain of retail stores” is singular but the pronoun “their” is plural and hence, E is incorrect.
In D, “not only…but also…” is idiomatic and “its” rectifies the error in E. Hence, D is the best choice.

​Sentence Correction - 1000 Questions with Solution: