Good Ellipsis and comparison Question

This topic has expert replies
Legendary Member
Posts: 768
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:46 am
Thanked: 21 times
Followed by:7 members

Good Ellipsis and comparison Question

by GMATMadeEasy » Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:12 am
Despite recent increases in sales and cash flow that have propelled automobile companies' common stocks to new highs, several industry analysts expect automakers, in order to conserve cash, to set dividends more conservatively than they were.

A) to set dividends more conservatively than they were
B) to set dividends more conservatively than they have been
C) to be more conservative than they have been in setting dividends
D) that they will be more conservative than they were in setting dividends
E) that they will be more conservative than they have been to set dividends

OA is C

I JUST need explanation for D and E . I am completely comfortable with A, B and C . If you have doubt for these answer choices , do let me know. For D and E, could someone ,please, explain . I see some issues with tense and few might say pronouns but I want to be completely sure .

Thank you.
Source: — Sentence Correction |

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

by kvcpk » Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:24 am
Expect X to do Y. is the right IDIOM here.

D and E can be eliminated based on that.
"Once you start working on something,
don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it.
People who work sincerely are the happiest."
Chanakya quotes (Indian politician, strategist and writer, 350 BC-275BC)

Legendary Member
Posts: 768
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:46 am
Thanked: 21 times
Followed by:7 members

by GMATMadeEasy » Sat Sep 18, 2010 8:28 am
I expect (that) you come on time to office from tomorow onwards.

Is it wrong ?

Legendary Member
Posts: 520
Joined: Mon Jun 14, 2010 10:44 am
Thanked: 70 times
Followed by:6 members

by niksworth » Sat Sep 18, 2010 9:47 am
GMATMadeEasy wrote:I expect (that) you come on time to office from tomorow onwards.

Is it wrong ?
Nope, but the following is -

I expect you that you will come on time to office from tomorow onwards.

This form has been used in D and E.

D. several industry analysts expect automakers that they will be more conservative than they were in setting dividends.

E. several industry analysts expect automakers that they will be more conservative than they have been to set dividends

D, in addition, has a tense error in they were in.
scio me nihil scire

• Page 1 of 1