getgyan wrote:
The proposed simplification of the tax code would repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates could be reduced across the board.
A. would repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates could be reduced
B. will repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates can be reduced
C. will repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, which includes the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates could be reduced
D. would repeal or modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so as to reduce income tax rates
E. would repeal and modify a number of popular tax breaks, including the deductibility of mortgage interest payments, so that income tax rates could be reduced
The sentence talks about a proposed law so the use of "would" and "could" is better than "will" and "can". If the law is already enacted then the use of "will" and "can" is correct. Will and can are used when talking about something which is certain and "would" and "could" are used when something is still not certain. So going by this the correct option is A.
A:Correct. Proper use of would/could to indicate proposed law.
B:Wrong. Will/Can cannot be used here since the law is not yet passed
C:Wrong.Will/Could is incorrect,should be either would/could or will/can . Also "which" refers to breaks(plural) so we need "include" to go with which.
D:Wrong: There is nothing wrong in this sentence as such but I think A is much better. I think "so as to" make the sentence sound little awkward.
E:Wrong. You cannot repeal and then modify. It should be repeal or modify.