SC - Modifier

Question

In the last press conference, the production manager declared that the factory had not only more efficient assembly lines than before, it also had faster packaging machines, that have reduced the cost of manufacturing by 16%.

a) more efficient assembly lines than before, it also had faster packaging machines, that have reduced the
b) more efficient assembly lines than before, but also had faster packaging machines, reducing the
c) assembly lines more efficient than before, but had faster packaging machines also, resulting in a reduction of the
d)more efficient assembly lines than before, but also faster packaging machines, resulting in a reduced
e) assembly lines more efficient than before, but faster packaging machines also, resulting in a reduction in the

I eliminated A,B , C as they have incorrect idiom usage - had not only but also had
Between D & E, again the option D has had not only X but Y also
I chose D and found it is incorrect due to ambiguity in meaning - more efficient lines than before or more number of assembly lines than before
I agree with the ambiguity in meaning now but how about the idiom usage in E ?
Please explain

vaibhav101 · Answer

1. Not only.........but also is a conditional clause and only option B & D have them.
2. Option D is wrong because it does not follow the rules of parallelism.
packaging, resulting , reduced , manufacturing. It should be reducing.
So I think option B is right.

rsarashi · Answer

I also come down to option D. @Experts , Please explain why D is wrong. Thanks

GMATGuruNY · Answer

rsarashi wrote:I also come down to option D.
@Experts , Please explain why D is wrong.

Thanks

A, B and D: more efficient assembly lines than before
Here, the intended meaning is unclear.
Interpretation 1: The number of efficient assembly lines has increased.
Whereas before there were FEWER assembly lines that were efficient, now there are MORE assembly lines that are efficient.
Interpretation 2: The assembly lines have become more efficient
Whereas before the assembly lines were LESS efficient, now they are MORE efficient.
Since the intended meaning is unclear, eliminate A, B and D.

Idiom: not only X but also Y
In this idiom, X and Y must be PARALLEL FORMS.
C: not only ASSEMBLY LINES...but also HAD
Here, assembly lines (noun) and had (verb) are not parallel forms.
Eliminate C.

The correct answer is E.

OA: The factory had not only assembly lines more efficient than before, but faster packaging machines also.
Here, some test-takers might question the placement of also.
I cannot cite an official SC with this sort of placement.
That said, the position of also seems insufficient reason to eliminate E.

For a deeper discussion of not only X but also Y -- along with variations of this idiom -- check here:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/not-only-x-b ... 88545.html

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solitaryreaper · Answer

Hi Prachi/others What is the source of this question. Is it from some official source? Thanks

Mo2men · Answer

solitaryreaper wrote:Hi Prachi/others What is the source of this question. Is it from some official source? Thanks Source: GMAT Club test https://gmatclub.com/forum/v11-210904.html

solitaryreaper · Answer

GMATGuruNY wrote:rsarashi wrote:I also come down to option D. @Experts , Please explain why D is wrong. Thanks A, B and D: more efficient assembly lines than before Here, the intended meaning is unclear. Interpretation 1: The number of efficient assembly lines has increased. Whereas before there were FEWER assembly lines that were efficient, now there are MORE assembly lines that are efficient. Interpretation 2: The assembly lines have become more efficient Whereas before the assembly lines were LESS efficient, now they are MORE efficient. Since the intended meaning is unclear, eliminate A, B and D. Idiom: not only X but also Y In this idiom, X and Y must be PARALLEL FORMS. C: not only ASSEMBLY LINES...but also HAD Here, assembly lines (noun) and had (verb) are not parallel forms. Eliminate C. The correct answer is E. OA: The factory had not only assembly lines more efficient than before, but faster packaging machines also. Here, some test-takers might question the placement of also. I cannot cite an official SC with this sort of placement. That said, the position of also seems insufficient reason to eliminate E. For a deeper discussion of not only X but also Y -- along with variations of this idiom -- check here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/not-only-x-b ... 88545.html Hi Mitch, Based on the semantic distinction between not only X but also Y and not only X but Y that you've explained in the above mentioned url, the OA (option E)for the original problem should fall in which category (not only X but also or not only X but Y)? Best regards SR[/b]

GMATGuruNY · Answer

solitaryreaper wrote:gmatguruny wrote:OA: The factory had not only assembly lines more efficient than before, but faster packaging machines also. For a deeper discussion of not only X but also Y -- along with variations of this idiom -- check here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/not-only-x-b ... 88545.html Hi Mitch, Based on the semantic distinction between not only X but also Y and not only X but Y that you've explained in the above mentioned url, the OA (option E)for the original problem should fall in which category (not only X but also or not only X but Y)? In the OA, the usage not only X but Y also is the equivalent of not only X but also Y. The semantic implication in each case is that X and Y are similar but independent events.

Pratishtha21 · Answer

Here, 'more efficient assembly lines' is not the correct usage as per the meaning.
The meaning is that the assembly lines have become more efficient now and not the increase in number of efficient assembly lines.

So by this logic A, B and D can be eliminated.

Another point to note is usage of idiom 'not only X but also Y'

in C and E, usage of 'had' after but is redundant. E is the right answer.
Note that the 'also' of 'but also' has changed its place. As long as the meaning and grammar is correct, it is acceptable.

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