Which of the following options contains formal, rather than informal language?

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance. "But" is a coordinating conjunction that introduces contrast between two ideas. In this sentence, it links the preference to read with the occasional action of playing with the cat.

The prefix "circum" is Latin for "around." In the word "circumnavigation," it refers to traveling all the way around something, typically the globe. This prefix is found in words like "circumference" and "circumvent," all of which involve a circular or surrounding motion.

The prefix "circum-" means "around," so adding it to "vent" (meaning to come or go) forms a word meaning to go around. Other prefixes don't convey "around."

Option D uses casual, conversational language and a metaphor unsuitable for formal business communication. The other sentences maintain a professional tone.

A dangling modifier is a descriptive phrase that doesn't clearly and logically refer to a word in the sentence. In option B, "that needed paint" appears to describe the garage instead of the truck, making it a misplaced or dangling modifier that causes confusion about what needs paint.

Option D uses formal standard English without contractions or slang. The other options contain contractions or informal phrases less suitable for formal writing.

The prefix "il-" means "not," so "illiterate" means unable to read or write. Other options have different meanings: alliteration is a literary device, obliterate means to destroy, and preliterate refers to before literacy.

"Benevolent" means kind or charitable. The other words have negative meanings.

Option B correctly uses commas to separate the list and the nonrestrictive clause. The apostrophe in "United States'" indicates possession correctly. Other options misuse colons and semicolons or omit necessary commas.

The prefix "dis-" commonly means "not" or "opposite of," making "disamell" imply the opposite meaning. Other prefixes like "extra-" mean beyond, "inter-" means between, and "mong-" is not a common English prefix.