Question

(1) Most Americans know that “Uncle Sam” is a nickname for the United States; however, few Americans know how the name originated. (2) Some historians believe the name comes from a nineteenth-century businessman from New York. (3) His real name was Samuel Wilson. (4) His neighbors called him Uncle Sam. (5) During the War of 1812, he won a government contract. (6) He was to supply beef to U.S. soldiers. (7) The beef was packed in barrels labeled “U.S.” to show that they belonged to the U.S. government. (8) Soldiers from New York saw the barrels. (9) They jokingly said “U.S.” stood for Uncle Sam Wilson. (10) The joke spread. (11) Soon, soldiers began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States. (12) Civilians also began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States. (13) In 1961, Congress recognized Samuel Wilson. (14) It passed a resolution honoring him as the original Uncle Sam.

Which is the most effective way to combine sentences (11) and (12)?

A.Soon, soldiers and civilians referred to the United States and used the nickname Uncle Sam.

B.Soon, soldiers and civilians began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States.

C.Soon, soldiers began using the nickname Uncle Sam to refer to the United States and civilians also.

Answer 1

Usually the best way to shorten how something is said is to eliminate words and combine to produce parallel construction.

That's what B has done. It has combined two equal nouns to form a compound subject. That cuts out quite a few words and it makes it sound like both Civilians and soldiers did the same thing (called Sam Wilson Uncle Sam). A is actually shorter by one word but and is not as well used. The began in B makes the sentence stronger. A compound subject is more to the point than a compound sentence.

Answer B