Hi
Can anyone pl help solve below:
A recent and popular self-help book wryly notes that if adolescence was not so painful, it would have a droll comedic aspect, at least in retrospect.
A) was not so painful, it
B) was not so painful, they
C) were not so painful, they
D) were not so painful, it
E) were not so painful, being one[/u]
SC doubt
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Hi Nijo,
This SC hinges on the word "adolescence", since this word will effect the verb and pronoun that are required.
Under normal circumstances, since "adolescence" is a singular noun, we would need the verb "was" and the pronoun "it." HOWEVER....
*Edit*
Mitch is absolutely correct ---the sentence is based on a "hypothetical", which requires the use of "were" and "would." The word "would" appears in the non-underlined portion of the sentence, so we can't change that word. All we can do is complete the "hypothetical phrase" by using the word "were" in the underlined portion.
Final Answer: D
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
This SC hinges on the word "adolescence", since this word will effect the verb and pronoun that are required.
Under normal circumstances, since "adolescence" is a singular noun, we would need the verb "was" and the pronoun "it." HOWEVER....
*Edit*
Mitch is absolutely correct ---the sentence is based on a "hypothetical", which requires the use of "were" and "would." The word "would" appears in the non-underlined portion of the sentence, so we can't change that word. All we can do is complete the "hypothetical phrase" by using the word "were" in the underlined portion.
Final Answer: D
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Last edited by [email protected] on Sat Jul 12, 2014 2:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hi Rich,[email protected] wrote:Hi Nijo,
This SC hinges on the word "adolescence", since this word will effect the verb and pronoun that are required.
Since "adolescence" is a singular noun, we need the verb "was" and the pronoun "it."
Final Answer: A
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
I am totally agree with you, and I have also chosen option 'A' because as per pronoun-verb agreement combination either option A or C could be correct. As you suggested 'adolescence' is a singular noun, option 'A' would be the correct answer. In option E usage of 'being' is totally wrong.
But I have one doubt.
If we replace pronoun 'it' with 'adolescence' then sentence 'adolescence would have a droll comedic aspect' would not sound awkward?
Am I missing anything?
Hi
I am sorry for the late reply but the OA is C
The explanation is as below:
CORRECT. The "if" clause properly uses the subjunctive mood, "if adolescence were." The singular "it" refers to the singular "adolescence."Was" should not be used in an "if" clause indicating a hypothetical condition. "If adolescence were" is correct.
Can someone clarify? This is from the Manhattan test
Thanks
I am sorry for the late reply but the OA is C
The explanation is as below:
CORRECT. The "if" clause properly uses the subjunctive mood, "if adolescence were." The singular "it" refers to the singular "adolescence."Was" should not be used in an "if" clause indicating a hypothetical condition. "If adolescence were" is correct.
Can someone clarify? This is from the Manhattan test
Thanks
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Nijo, are you sure that the answer is {C}?? According to me, it must be {D}Nijo wrote:Hi
I am sorry for the late reply but the OA is C
The explanation is as below:
CORRECT. The "if" clause properly uses the subjunctive mood, "if adolescence were." The singular "it" refers to the singular "adolescence."Was" should not be used in an "if" clause indicating a hypothetical condition. "If adolescence were" is correct.
Can someone clarify? This is from the Manhattan test
Thanks
This sentence includes Hypthetical Situation of the format "If I were Rich...."
So, we need "plural" verb; Ignore {A} & {B}
"adolescence" is singular.. Ignore {C}
"being" is not needed; ignore {E}
Only {D}
R A H U L
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To express a state-of-being or action that is HYPOTHETICAL or CONTRARY-TO-FACT, we use the SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD.Nijo wrote: A recent and popular self-help book wryly notes that if adolescence was not so painful, it would have a droll comedic aspect, at least in retrospect.
A) was not so painful, it
B) was not so painful, they
C) were not so painful, they
D) were not so painful, it
E) were not so painful, being one
Correct: If John WERE 100 feet tall, he WOULD play basketball.
Here, the verb were makes it clear that John is not in fact 100 feet tall.
In the SC above:
The self-help book acknowledges a fact of life: ADOLESCENCE IS PAINFUL.
The intent is to discuss a hypothetical situation CONTRARY to this fact:
If adolescence WERE NOT so painful, it WOULD have a droll comedic aspect.
The correct answer is D.
In C, they (plural) lacks a plural referent.
The correct answer cannot be C.
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Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
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