Sentence Correction

Hi Experts,

Need your help in the following question of OG-12 (Q.94). I also researched and got the following links.

The recent surge in the number of airplane flights has clogged the nation's air-traffic control system, to lead to 55 percent more delays at airports, and prompts fears among some officials that safety is being compromised.

(A) to lead to 55 percent more delays at airports, and prompts
(B) leading to 55 percent more delay at airports and prompting
(C) to lead to a 55 percent increase in delay at airports and prompt
(D) to lead to an increase of 55 percent in delays at airports, and prompted
(E) leading to a 55 percent increase in delays at airports and prompting

My answer is B, but the correct answer is E and i don't know why ?

weblinks:-

https://www.beatthegmat.com/og-12-94-t53374.html

https://www.beatthegmat.com/og-12-sc-94-t59672.html


After reading both of these i am confused. The following summary from the above two link is:-

1. Just "more" or "fewer/less" makes it unclear what is being compared. To make it clear, "than" usually follows, so "more than" or " fewer/less than." In this case, it's "55 percent more" than what?
"Increase" or "decrease" is much clearer, and there is no dispute what it increased or decreased from.

2. the -ing form of verb leading should have an object however in B there is no object more delay is an adverbial phrase we need a noun
E corrects this error by converting the adverbial phrase into prpositional phrase IN DELAYS

3. E says that there is increase in the number of flights that are being delayed or affected.

whereas B says that the time of delay has increased by 55%........but time of what????? one flight or all the flights...nothing is clear....

I understand the first option, but the other two confuses me. Please advise.

Will be waiting for the reply.

Thanks & Regards
Saurabh Kamal
[email protected]
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