Explanation
Creating a filter: the grammar of the original sentence
conveys something contrary to its intended meaning. As written, the sentence
says nonsensically that the man's influence was the thing ascribing design
elements. The defect is due to the fact that the phrase "in ascribing..."
modifies "influence."
Applying the filter: answer choices (C) and (E) have the
same defect as (A), so they also are eliminated. Choice (B) fixes the error by
removing the modifying phrase (and replacing it with a complete clause). We
have passive voice, but there's a reason in this case: the ascribing is
happening in general and/or by unidentified parties. Answer choice (D) uses the
verb "ascribed" incorrectly; the proper usage is "ascribed to," which is
similar to "attributed to." The correct answer is (B).
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