Sentence Correction

You are correct @killer1387. Typically "distinguish x from y" is an acceptable idiom.

However, in the context of GMAT, OG/GMATPrep defines what is acceptable and what is not. So we should make a note that this idiom is not considered correct per OG. Check out question number 107 in OG11. The official explanation clearly states that:
1: distinguish between x and y is the correct idiom
2: Choice A that uses "distinguishes x from y" fails to use correct idiomatic expression.

So till we do not get another official question in which "distinguish X from Y" is considered correct, we must include this idiom in the list of Unacceptable Idioms.

Thanks,

Payal

robosc9 wrote:

You are correct @killer1387. Typically "distinguish x from y" is an acceptable idiom.

However, in the context of GMAT, OG/GMATPrep defines what is acceptable and what is not. So we should make a note that this idiom is not considered correct per OG. Check out question number 107 in OG11. The official explanation clearly states that:
1: distinguish between x and y is the correct idiom
2: Choice A that uses "distinguishes x from y" fails to use correct idiomatic expression.

So till we do not get another official question in which "distinguish X from Y" is considered correct, we must include this idiom in the list of Unacceptable Idioms.

Thanks,

Payal

Hi Payal,

In the example below the idiom is correct as per the official question.

Hydrocarbons, with which fruit flies perfume themselves in species-specific blends, are known to be important in courtship, and apparently this assists flies that taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates to distinguish their own species from that of others.

A. and apparently this assists flies that taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates to distinguish their own species from that of
B. and apparently this assists flies when they taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates in distinguishing their own species from those of
C. which apparently assists flies that tastes the hydrocarbons on prospective mates in being able to distinguish their own species from
D. apparently assisting flies to taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates to distinguish their own species from those of
E. apparently assisting flies that taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates in distinguishing their own species from ----- I feel comparison is not proper

I am confused with D option also as I am not liking to distinguish their own species from species of others

So, I am a little confused...

e-GMAT wrote:

aspirant2011 wrote: Hydrocarbons, with which fruit flies perfume themselves in species-specific blends, are known to be important in courtship, and apparently this assists flies that taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates to distinguish their own species from that of others.

A. and apparently this assists flies that taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates to distinguish their own species from that of
B. and apparently this assists flies when they taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates in distinguishing their own species from those of
C. which apparently assists flies that tastes the hydrocarbons on prospective mates in being able to distinguish their own species from
D. apparently assisting flies to taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates to distinguish their own species from those of
E. apparently assisting flies that taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates in distinguishing their own species from ----- I feel comparison is not proper

I am confused with D option also as I am not liking to distinguish their own species from species of others

Hi aspirant2011,

First of all choice D is not the correct answer. There are two major errors in choice D. And both pertain to the meaning of the sentence. I will give you some hints.

1: Per the original sentence think about what the hydrocarbons facilitate? Is this the same thing that is communicated by choice D?
2: Now focus on the comparison. What is being compared in choice D (same error exists in choice A as well).
Entity 1 - Their own species
Entity 2 - those of others
What do "those" and "others" refer to in choice D?

As far as distinguish x from y idiom goes, I have already discussed that in my previous post.


Payal

e-GMAT wrote:Great question aspirant2011. When we say that the meaning of original sentence must be preserved (if the sentence communicates logical meaning), we mean that the meaning of the sentence in its entirety. This definitely and most certainly includes the underlined portion.

And as you yourself analyzed, the meaning of underlined portions in choice D is different from the meaning of the underlined portion of choice A. And this is indeed one of the reasons for choice D to be incorrect.

So always understand what is it that the sentence is trying to communicate. Do not think about underlined or non-underlined portion at this step. Once you understand the intended meaning, then proceed to error analysis. Now bring your knowledge of grammar and analyze the sentence. At this point definitely focus on the entire sentence but be cognizant of the underlined portion. Once you have analyzed the errors, review the answer choices and do the POE.

Hope this helps.

Payal