BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

SO=NOUN!!

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Locked
Previous Topic Next Topic
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1083
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:38 pm
Thanked: 127 times
Followed by:14 members

SO=NOUN!!

by gmat_perfect » Tue Aug 03, 2010 9:49 am
Neanderthals had a vocal tract that resembled those of the apes and so were probably without language, a shortcoming that may explain why they were supplanted by our own species.

(A) Neanderthals had a vocal tract that resembled those of the apes
(B) Neanderthals had a vocal tract resembling an ape's
(C) The vocal tracts of Neanderthals resembled an ape's
(D) The Neanderthal's vocal tracts resembled the apes'
(E) The vocal tracts of the Neanderthals resembled those of the apes

I have come to the answer, but I have one confusion.

1. Can "SO" be used to refer to NOUN?

"AND so were probably without language"

SO = Neanderthals

Then the sentence becomes as follows:

and Neanderthals were without language.

If SO is NOT equal to Neanderthals, then sentence becomes meaningless.

My question:

In general do we use SO to refer to NOUN? Would you please cite some examples?

Thanks.
Top
Source: — Sentence Correction |
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 1031
Joined: Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:23 pm
Location: Malibu, CA
Thanked: 716 times
Followed by:255 members
GMAT Score:750

by Brian@VeritasPrep » Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:04 am
Hey, gmat_perfect:

Good question, and, no, "so" is not a noun (or pronoun). So here is used as a form of "therefore" or "thus" to draw a conclusion - because Neanderthals had that vocal tract, therefore they were probably without language.

"So" is essentially a modifier here (an adverb) so* once you've established that it's a correct modifier (and it modifies "were", the verb, correctly) you can ignore it as it only serves to describe.

(*- see? There's "so" again as a modifier...just noticed that before hitting "submit")

Accordingly, the sentence without the modifier says:

Neanderthals had a vocal tract resembling an ape's and were probably without language...

"Neanderthals" is the subject of both past-tense verbs, "had" and "were", so the sentence structure is correct.
Brian Galvin
GMAT Instructor
Chief Academic Officer
Veritas Prep

Looking for GMAT practice questions? Try out the Veritas Prep Question Bank. Learn More.
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1893
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 11:48 pm
Thanked: 215 times
Followed by:7 members

by kvcpk » Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:09 am
Neanderthals should be the subject of the sentence.
CDE out.

A uses "those" to refer to singlular "a vocal tract".

pick B

I have one question. What is the difference between ape's and apes'.
I thought apes' is the right possessive form.
Any thoughts?
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1083
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:38 pm
Thanked: 127 times
Followed by:14 members

by gmat_perfect » Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:14 am
Thanks Brain.
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 645
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2010 12:42 pm
Location: US
Thanked: 527 times
Followed by:227 members

by e-GMAT » Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:29 am
You are absolutely correct kvcpk in stating that apes' is the correct possessive form. Here is the difference between the two:

ape's vocal track - vocal track of an ape - singular
apes' vocal track - vocal tracks of apes - plural

Thus as a stand alone sentence, both these sentences are correct:

Neanderthals had a vocal tract resembling an ape's

The Neanderthals' vocal tracts resembled the apes'

I hope this answers your question.

With regards,

Payal
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 1893
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 11:48 pm
Thanked: 215 times
Followed by:7 members

by kvcpk » Tue Aug 03, 2010 10:32 am
e-GMAT wrote:You are absolutely correct kvcpk in stating that apes' is the correct possessive form. Here is the difference between the two:

ape's vocal track - vocal track of an ape - singular
apes' vocal track - vocal tracks of apes - plural

Thus as a stand alone sentence, both these sentences are correct:

Neanderthals had a vocal tract resembling an ape's

The Neanderthals' vocal tracts resembled the apes'

I hope this answers your question.

With regards,

Payal
Perfect!! New learning today. Thanks for the help Payal.
Top
Post new topic Locked
• Page 1 of 1