Great Mitch, like always, your post is very helpful.

The concept of bare infinitive cleared my confusion.

Thanks a ton

Atul

+1 to C

Hi GMATGuruNY,

Thanks for sharing the concept of bare infinitives.

Could you please help me understand how A is redundant?

Sorry for not replying earlier. Really no way to know whether I was asked something because I dont get email notifications.

Continue and maintain in this context essentially mean the same thing.

I will continue to perform well. (If i was already performing well and just need to keep doing it)
I will maintain my good performance. (I was already performing well and I will maintain that level.)

Ideally, the professional career diplomat should help in the ongoing maintenance of an effective American foreign policy despite changes in administration.

(A) in the ongoing maintenance of

Ongoing maintenance can be said for machine repairs. The machine breaks down and currently someone is doing the maintenace work. Then it is ongoing maintenance.

When we are speaking about policy, we say maintain. (Maintain good relations, maintain high work ethic etc.)