A, B and C are out as the singular verb "increases" is required for the singular subject i.e. (deliberate and even brutal)aggression integral.

b/w D and E, E is the best option as we need a future tense due to the noun "likelihood".

Any expert comments.

Regards,
Murali.
Thank me if you like my post.

RaviKiran wrote:Many psychologists and sociologists now contend that the deliberate and even brutal aggression integral to some forms of competitive athletics increase the likelihood of imitative violence that erupts among crowds of spectators dominated by young adult males.
(A) increase the likelihood of imitative violence that erupts
(B) increase the likelihood that there will be an eruption of imitative violence
(C) increase the likelihood of imitative violence erupting
(D) increases the likelihood for imitative violence to erupt
(E) increases the likelihood that imitative violence will erupt


Kindly help me clarify why the answer is E not D ....

The issues:

I don't know what are the logic behind you used to eliminate the options A, B, and C.


Let me say something:

The head master and secretary has attended the meeting. [One "the"]

The head master and the secretary have attended the meeting. [Two "the'']

Conclusion: The + NOU/Adj + AND + The +NOUN/Adj --creates a compound NOUN, which is plural and needs a plural verb.

--> This kills A, B, and C.

2. Likelihood that Vs Likelihood for

--> Likelihood for X is NOT correct.
Likelihood of X is preferred to likelihood for.

Likelihood expresses "the probability". it means something has not yet happened. There is a probability that she will pass.

We cannot say "there is a probability that she passes".

So, we need future tense verb "will" to indicate that the event has not yet happened.

There will be a shift:

If we say like this one:

There was a probability that she would pass. Was --Past; Would --past.

So, we are required to use "will" if the previous part of the sentence is in present tense.

D is out for two things:
1. Likelihood for
2. Did not use future tense.

Answer is E.