Developing nations in various parts of the world have amasse

simplyjat

Developing nations in various parts of the world have amassed $700 billion in debts; at stake, should a significant number of these debts be repudiated, is the solvency of some of the world’s largest multinational banks.

(A) should a significant number of these debts be repudiated, is
(B) should a significant number of these debts be repudiated, are
(C) should they repudiate a significant number of these debts, are
(D) if there is a repudiation of a significant number of these debts, would be
(E) if a significant number of these debts will be repudiated, is

OA A

VP_Jim · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 12:44 pm Post subject:

Hi simplyjat,

This question incorporates a number is issues, the most important of which is agreement between subject and verb. Answers B and C can be eliminated right off the bat, since the "are" should be not be plural in referring to the singular "the solvency" in the original sentence. Answer D is just too awkward and wordy, and can also be eliminated. Answer E is slightly tougher, but the future tense "will be" is incorrect, since the entire sentence is in the present tense. Thus, the correct choice is A, which appropriately uses the singular verb "is" to refer to "the solvency," and uses the correct tense in a concise manner.

Hope this helps!

apurohit · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject:

You mentioned Answer D is just too awkward and wordy, and can also be eliminated.
As I was confused between A and D wanted to know what it technically wrong with D that it can be eliminated right away.

Thanks in advance,
Atul

Stuart Kovinsky · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 7:56 pm Post subject:

tmmyc · Posted: Wed May 07, 2008 12:07 am Post subject: