Sentence Correction

prata wrote:Human mortality statistics on natural deaths suggest the possibility that the normal human life span comprises an even number of days

1. that the normal human life span comprises an even number of days

2. that an even number of days may be comprising the normal human life span.

3. of the normal human life span to be comprised of an even number of days

4. of an even number of days that may comprise the normal human life span

5. of an even number of days to comprise the normal human life span.

OA 1

B: the possibility that an even number of days may be
Here, the possibility and may be are redundant.
Eliminate B.

C: the possibility of the normal life span
Conveyed meaning:
The normal life span is possible.
Not the intended meaning.
The intention is to express the possibility of the following GENERAL TRUTH:
that an even number of days comprises the normal life span.
Eliminate C.

D and E: the possibility of an even number of days
Conveyed meaning:
An even number of days are possible.
Not the intended meaning.
The intention is to express the possibility of the following GENERAL TRUTH:
that an even number of days comprises the normal life span.
Eliminate D and E.

The correct answer is A.

Srishtigulati wrote:Thanks for the explanation. I, however, have a doubt in option A.. Per my understanding, 'suggest' (a subjunctive), should be followed by 'that' and by a base form of a verb.

Verbs that take the command subjunctive -- suggest, require, propose, demand, etc. -- may also be followed by a NOUN.
Correct: The law requires that every passenger wear a seat belt.
Correct: The law requires a seat belt for every passenger.
I discuss this issue here:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/propose-betw ... 74152.html
In the OA, the possibility correctly serves as the direct object of suggest.

Is it correct to say 'comprises' here and not 'comprise' ??

In the OA, comprises (singular) agrees with its subject the normal life span (also singular).

Mo2men wrote:Dear Mitch,

As per your posts about subjunctive, there should be BARE INFINITIVE. Bit here they used 'comprises' why is this case different? In your example above, you used bare infinitive 'wear'.

The doctor suggested that John eat a full serving of vegetables every day.
Here, the that-clause in red constitutes a RECOMMENDATION.
WHAT did the doctor suggest?
He suggested THAT JOHN EAT A FULL SERVING OF VEGETABLES EVERY DAY.
Since the that-clause constitutes a RECOMMENDATION, the command subjunctive is required.
For this reason, the verb in the that-clause -- eat -- is in its bare infinitive form.

OA: suggest the possibility that the normal human life span comprises an even number of days
Here, the that-clause in blue does not constitute a recommendation but serves as an ADJECTIVE describing the possibility.
What KIND of possibility?
The possibility THAT THE NORMAL HUMAN LIFE SPAN COMPRISES AN EVEN NUMBER OF DAYS.
Since the that-clause does NOT constitute a recommendation, the command subjunctive is not warranted.