Which sentences contain an example of contested usage? Select the two correct answers. (1 point)

The chair for the chair of the board of directors is at the head of the board table.
And William also said that he did not understand why he couldn't play on the football
team anymore.
The postman needs to know who this letter is addressed to so it can be delivered.
Stephanie started reading the book first, and therefore she finished it before I did.
The union members and the factory owner struck a deal in order to end the strike.

1 answer

The sentences that contain an example of contested usage are:

  1. "The postman needs to know who this letter is addressed to so it can be delivered."

    • This sentence contains a contested usage in the phrase "who this letter is addressed to," where some grammarians argue that it should be "to whom this letter is addressed."
  2. "Stephanie started reading the book first, and therefore she finished it before I did."

    • In this sentence, the use of "therefore" can be seen as contested, as some might argue it does not logically connect the two clauses as intended, depending on the interpretation of the timing.

(Note: The first option is definitely contested due to the use of "who" instead of "whom," while the second's contested nature can depend on interpretation of the logical coherence of the statement.)