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[rupsk]

An attempt to salvage the old archived films of Theda Bara, the temptress of the silver screen, begun in the 1950s, has all but failed, except for the rescue of a few films, one namely "A Fool There Was" where Bara made her stardom shine as the Vamp.


A. to salvage the old archived films of Theda Bara, the temptress of the silver screen, begun in the 1950s,


B. that has begun in the 1950s to salvage the old archived films of Theda Bara, the temptress of the silver screen,


C. begun for salvaging the old archived films of Theda Bara, the temptress of the silve screen in the 1950s,


D. begun for salvaging the old archieved films of Theda Bara, the temptress of the silve screen in the 1950s


E. that has begun salvaging in the 1950s the old archived films of Theda Bara, the temptress of the silver screen,

I had picked B which is incorrect. please help me with the correct answer along with the explanation.

[Cobra]

Attempt at/for are idiomatically wrong expressions. 'Attempt to' is the correct idiom. Also Option B and option E are wrong for tense issues too. Attempt to salvage films of Bara began in 1950's so 'has begun' (present tense) can't be used. The result of the attempt , i.e - its failure still exists, so has failed is right usage there.

The answer should Be A .

[HSPA]

+1 for cobra

[need720+]

Another one for A

[rupsk]

thanks

[GmatKiss]

IMO: A

[aspirant2011]

If you see logical meaning of the sentence then it tends to point out an intention and for showing intention infinitive to is used. None other than A uses to with attempt.