Dear Friends,
Here is a detailed explanation to this question-
laxieqv wrote:
Some scientists have been critical of the laboratory tests conducted by the Federal Drug Administration on the grounds that the amounts of suspected carcinogens fed to animals far exceeds those that humans could consume.
A. far exceeds those that humans could consume
B. exceeds by far those humans can consume
C. far exceeds those humans are able to consume
D. exceed by far those able to be consumed by humans
E. far exceed those that humans could consume
Concepts tested here: Subject-Verb Agreement + Tenses + Redundancy/Awkwardness• The simple past tense is the correct tense for referring to hypothetical situations in the current time frame.
• The simple present tense is used to indicate actions taking place in the current time frame, indicate habitual actions, state universal truths, and convey information that is permanent in nature.
A: Trap. This answer choice incorrectly refers to the plural noun “amounts” with the singular verb “exceeds”.
B: This answer choice incorrectly uses the simple present tense verb “can” to refer to a hypothetical action in the current time frame; please remember, the simple past tense is used to refer to hypothetical situations in the current time frame, and the simple present tense is used to indicate actions taking place in the current time frame, indicate habitual actions, state universal truths, and convey information that is permanent in nature. Further, Option B uses the passive voice construction “exceeds by far”, rendering it awkward and needlessly wordy.
C: This answer choice incorrectly refers to the plural noun “amounts” with the singular verb “exceeds”. Further, Option C uses the simple present tense verb phrase “are able to” to refer to a hypothetical action in the current time frame; please remember, the simple past tense is used to refer to hypothetical situations in the current time frame, and the simple present tense is used to indicate actions taking place in the current time frame, indicate habitual actions, state universal truths, and convey information that is permanent in nature.
D: This answer choice uses the passive voice constructions “exceed by far” and “those able to be consumed by humans", rendering it awkward and needlessly wordy.
E: Correct. This answer choice correctly refers to the plural noun “amounts” with the plural verb “exceed”. Further, Option E uses the simple past tense verb “could” to refer to a hypothetical situation in the current time frame. Additionally, Option E is free of any awkwardness or redundancy.
Hence, E is the best answer choice.To understand the concept of "Simple Tenses" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):
All the best!
Experts' Global Team
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