Sentence Correction

The number of state residents enrolled full time at colleges in the state dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to last year, with fewer than 34,000

a dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to last year, with fewer than 34,000

b. dropped in 1979 from 45,000 to less than 34,000 last year

c. was dropping in 1979 from 45,000 to lat year, with less than 34,000

d. has dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to fewer than 34,000 last year

e. had dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to last year, with fewer than 34,000

OA follows...

IMO D

user123321

hoji wrote:The number of state residents enrolled full time at colleges in the state dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to last year, with fewer than 34,000

a dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to last year, with fewer than 34,000 - doesn't makes sense

b. dropped in 1979 from 45,000 to less than 34,000 last year

c. was dropping in 1979 from 45,000 to lat year, with less than 34,000

d. has dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to fewer than 34,000 last year - seems like the correct answer

e. had dropped from 45,000 in 1979 to last year, with fewer than 34,000 - doesnt makes sense

OA follows...

Fewer, Greater - countable
Less, More - non countable

IMO B

A --> Correct is "From x To Y" x and y are of same type. Here the 45,000 are dropped to "last year"
C --> was dropping is incorrect and awkward. Also same problem as A
D--> Present Perfect shows the effect is still present. But we are talking abt a past activity
E --> Past Perfect is wrong.