OG 10 -107

[aj5105]

Downzoning, zoning that typically results in the reduction of housing density, allows for more open space in
areas where little water or services exist.
(A) little water or services exist
(B) little water or services exists
(C) few services and little water exists
(D) there is little water or services available
(E) there are few services and little available water

[LSB]

Ans E

A: Little water is correct. You use "little" when the noun is not countable (you cannot have one, two or three water). However, the choice is wrong because it uses "little" for services. Services are countable and should be used with "few"

B: Same problem remains. exists is also wrong

C: problem with "few" and "little" is fixed. But "or" is replaced with "and". When you use "and" then you must use the plural of the verb "exist". This choice incorrectly uses "exists"

D: Again problem with "few" and "little"

E: CORRECT - problem with "few" and "little" is fixed. "and" is used along with a plural verb

[LSB]

what is the OA

[vishubn]

U got OA right and nice explanation

Vuish

[jainpiyushjain]

Downzoning, zoning that typically results in the reduction of housing density, allows for more open space in
areas where little water or services exist.
(A) little water or services exist
(B) little water or services exists
(C) few services and little water exists
(D) there is little water or services available
(E) there are few services and little available water

I understand this a relatively old thread, but came across this question in OG verbal. I understand the question and answered in correctly. My question pertains to statement D.

If I modify the statement as below, it would be still incorrect because of singular verb is

D. there is little water or fewer services available .

Please correct if wrong. Thank you

[veenu08]

IMO service can be used both as countable and uncountable, can anyone please explain me the usage of two.

[vonsumit]

Good example ....

[way2ashish]

Ans not 'A' because LITTLE doesn't go with SERVICES, because SERVICES are countable.

Ans not 'B' because of the same reason as above.

Not 'C' because EXISTS is Singular which doesn't tie in with Water and Services. The sentence basically doesn't sound ok with option 'C'

Not 'D' for the same reason as why not A.

'E' is perfect.

Does this make sense?

[Blue_Skies]

Downzoning, zoning that typically results in the reduction of housing density, allows for more open space in
areas where little water or services exist.
(A) little water or services exist
(B) little water or services exists
(C) few services and little water exists
(D) there is little water or services available
(E) there are few services and little available water

I can cross out B,C and D for grammatical reasons. Between A and E, can the expert comment which one is correct. One reasoning that is mentioned is little get applied to services and since those are countable,A is incorrect. Is that correct ? Isn't little acting as an adjective for water ?
E seems to be correct grammatically but changes the meaning of the original sentence.

Please advice!