scholars

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scholars

by phelps » Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:09 pm
269. During the Renaissance, scholars were uncertain as to the location of Troy, and by the eighteenth century many historians doubted that Troy had ever existed.
(A) doubted that Troy had ever existed
(B) doubt that Troy has ever existed
(C) were in doubt as to the existence of Troy
(D) were doubtful concerning Troy’s existence
(E) had doubts about Troy’s ever existing

OA A

can anyone explain whats wrong with E
Source: — Sentence Correction |

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by mittalashwani13 » Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:18 pm
Two action ...

doubted and existed ... scholars doubted later about the existence of Troy ...

So it requires simple past tense for 'doubted' and past perfect for the existence ... 'had existed'

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by Domnu » Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:36 pm
Could somebody say why D wouldn't be valid here? I would have chosen A since it "sounded" better, but why wouldn't D be a valid choice? Is it because "doubt[ed/ing] ___" is a particular idiom?
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by Kunal_gmat » Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:59 am
Yes, can someone explain, why (D) is wrong.

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