SOURH7WK wrote:
Although beavers can still be found throughout the western united states, their number has declined compared with the eighteenth century, when the abundance of beavers lured armies of european trappers into the rocky mountain region to slaughter them for their pelts.
A. their number has declined compared with
B. their numbers have declined compared with
C. their numbers have declined since
D. their numbers have declined in comparison to those of
E. the number of them declined since
Kindly explain the usage of "their numbers" in this Question?
Hi SOURH7WK,
As per the meaning of the sentence the phrase "their number" has been used to indicate that the beavers count has decreased since 18th Century.
Now why this whole clause has been used in this case to further indicate that ....."In the 18th Century abundance of beavers lured armies of european trappers into the rocky mountain region to slaughter them for their pelts"
Now as per the answer choices here
A. their number has declined compared with
1)Decline of the number has been compared with the 18th century which is not correct
B. their numbers have declined compared with
1)Same issue as with original one.
C. their numbers have declined since
Correct option as now, since has been used to indicate an action which started in the past and still the beaver count is decreasing.
D. their numbers have declined in comparison to those of
1) This option intends that there are two groups of Beavers whose numbers have been compared which is incorrect as indicated by the dep. clause "Although beavers can still be...."
E. the number of them declined since
1) the number of them is not a correct usage.
Pls let me know if i'm missing a pt here
Thanks
Jatin
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59% (01:35) correct
