12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 8: The Chief Minister prop

Experts' Global Official Explanation

Subjunctive Mood + Modifiers + Meaning + Redundancy/Awkwardness

• The use of the verb “proposed” in this sentence indicates that the subjunctive mood is preferable in this context.
• “bossy verb (“proposed”) + that + something be done” is a correct, subjunctive usage.
• In a “noun + comma + phrase” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun; this is one of the most frequently tested concepts on GMAT sentence correction.

A. Trap. This answer choice uses the verb phrase “should be” to refer to the proposed action of obtaining funding; the use of the verb “proposed” indicates that the subjunctive mood is preferable in this context. Furthermore, the use of the word “should” alongside the verb “proposed” is redundant.

B. Trap. This answer choice suffers from a modifier error; the clause “which could be ready to begin…” incorrectly modifies the noun phrase “bus service funding” rather than the noun “bus service”, and in doing so illogically implies that the “funding” could be ready to begin operations early next year.

C. This answer choice suffers from a modifier error that leads to an ambiguity of meaning; “likely ready to begin…” modifies “new bus service funding” rather than “new bus service”.

D. This answer choice repeats the error seen in Option A, not maintaining the appropriate subjunctive mood structure “bossy verb (“proposed”) + that + something be done” because it utilizes the verb phrase “is obtained”.

E. Correct. This answer choice maintains proper modifier use throughout the sentence and, by using the basic verb “be”, maintains a correct subjunctive verb usage. Remember, “bossy verb (“proposed”) + that + something be done” is a correct, subjunctive usage.

E is the best answer choice.
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Subjunctive error SC

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank use of should be is wrong

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank the additional new bus service funding .. modifier error

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank , likely meaning issue

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank , is wrong

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
correct choice

OPTION E is correct

The Chief Minister proposed THAT additional funding ...BE obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets..
Thus, the answer is E.

The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- I am actually not sure if "X proposed that funding for new buses should be obtained from..." is wrong. Although it is seen that in such cases "be" is used without the "should". Let's see the other choices first.

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- how can "funding" be ready to begin operations? Incorrect.

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- Same issue as B. Incorrect.

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- it is a "proposal", something to be done in the future. "is" denotes present tense -- something already happening. The funding is not already being obtained, it will be, as per the proposal

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- the only difference from A is the use of "be" instead of "should be".

I do not know think A is wrong, but choosing E.

Note: Attempted this as a part of the Christmas challenge (answers not revealed yet). Let me know if there is an error.

In B,C,E use of be is incorrect so eliminating this options
D. Incorrect tense

IMO A

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The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Proposed +Should is redundant

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
--"likely ready to begin operations as early as next year" is wrongly modifying "funding"

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
-"likely ready to begin operations as early as next year" is wrongly modifying "funding"

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
-proposed that additional funding for the new bus service is obtained through is wrong, as proposed is subjunctive

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

(Proposed is subjunctive- "CM Proposed that add funding for ... be obtained" is correct

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank 'should be obtained' is incorrect and it is to be replaced with 'be obtained' Subjunctive Verb.

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank Incorrect as the operations will be begin by the new bus service and not the funding

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank Incorrect as the operations will be begin by the new bus service and not the funding

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of 'is obtained' is incorrect and it is to be replaced with 'be obtained' Subjunctive Verb.underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank Correct

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Explanation:
"Proposed" is the trigger word that triggers the subjunctive verb having the form, Trigger word + that + be + Subjunctive verb.
Options (A) and (D) do not use subjunctive verb with proposed. Options (A) and (D) are OUT.

In options (B) and (C), additional new bus service funding alters the meaning of the sentence by stating that the new bus service is additional whereas the intended meaning is that the funding is additional. Options (B) and (C) are OUT.

Option (E) clearly conveys the intended meaning while using subjunctive verb.

ANSWER E.

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank --with proposed, should is wrong .OUT

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank ---out

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank ---OUT

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank --out

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank-- correct


OA E

The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

Note :- here, propose that....depicts the 'subjunctive mood' sentence

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

recommendation already highlighted through 'proposed'. Also, subjunctive mood , hence 'be' to be used instead of 'should be'

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

incorrect modifier placement/reference

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

incorrect modifier placement/reference


(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

'is obtained' incorrect usage..'be obtained' needs to be used to depict subjunctive mood

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

correct modifier reference; also, the usage of 'be obtained' is correct to depict subjunctive mood

Hence, (E) is the correct answer
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Proposed means: Subjunctive usage in this sentence
One of the usage of subjunctive is : proposed that something be done

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank - Proposed+should is redundant. This makes E better than A.

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- not the intended meaning "the additional new bus service funding" Out

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- not the intended meaning "the additional new bus service funding" Also "likely" makes it a somewhat a surity which is wrong. Out

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central
-Is wrong here. Tense issue. Also wrong subjunctive usage. Out

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
- Best option. Correct meaning and subjunctive usage

Ans:E

The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank--- not subjunctive form

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank- not subjunctive form

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank--- new bus service funding is not same as funding for bus service and also funding is not likely to begin operations but service is

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank- not subjunctive form

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank- correct

AnsE

Sentence structure -
The Chief Minister proposed that
additional funding for the new bus service,
which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year,
should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

Subjunctive form is needed here. should be - incorrect
"additional funding for the new bus service" vs "additional funding for the new bus service" - the latter is the correct form

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Incorrect. Doesn't use subjunctive

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Incorrect. "additional funding for the new bus service" vs "additional funding for the new bus service" - the latter is the correct form. Funding is not ready to begin operations, the bus service is

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Incorrect. "additional funding for the new bus service" vs "additional funding for the new bus service" - the latter is the correct form. Funding is not ready to begin operations, the bus service is

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Incorrect. Subjunctive form is needed

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Correct

The Chief Minister proposed
that additional funding for the new bus service,
which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year,
should be obtained
through the sale of underperforming government assets
and not through a loan from the central bank.

The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, ..... be obtained through ... and not through......
The sentence is in subjunctive mood.


Since the sentence is in subjunctive mood (form), therefore be obained should be used.
Incorrect


new bus service funding could be ready to begin operations as early as next year
is incorrect


new bus service funding likely ready to begin operations as early as next year
is incorrect


Since the sentence is in subjunctive mood (form), therefore be obained should be used.
Incorrect


The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained
through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.
is sentence in correct subjunctive mood(form).

IMO E
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This is a classic command subjunctive mood ques as indicated by the word "proposed"
As per the format of subjunctive mood, "that" should be followed by "be"

As per the meaning of the sentence, adjective "additional" should modify "funding" and not "new bus service"; also, which appearing after the comma should modify "new bus service". Hence, B and C are out.

Use of "should" is incorrect in command subjunctive ques. Hence, A is wrong.

D uses "is" but E uses "be"- Hence, correct answer is E.
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The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank---CORRECT

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank---How can funding be ready to begin operations??Clearly wrong, ELIMINATE

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank---Same as B, ELIMINATE

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank---Same as B, ELIMINATE

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bankBe obtained... Change in meaning, ELIMINATE

The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

Notice, 'proposed that' the sentence is in the subjunctive mood and it throws the tense rules under the bus!

'propose X be Y' is the correct idiom.


(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank

Already 'proposed that' conveys the required meaning. 'should' usage is unnecessary and incorrect. Eliminate.

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
The subjunctive mood is correct but this option introduces misplaced modifier problem and conveys different meaning from the sentence intended to do. 'funding, which could...begin operations' means funding begin operation' while we need the bus service to begin operation. Eliminate.

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Same issue as option B eliminate.


(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
Subjunctive mood is expected in the options. Incorrect usage of auxiliary verb 'is'. Eliminate

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank
This option fixes the problem in all other options, keep.

So the best answer choice is E.

Propose is a bossy verb and indicates desire here, so we need to use the command subjunctive here which has a construction as follows:-
Bossy verb+ THAT+subject+command subjunctive
Bossy verb: proposed
Subject: Additional funding
Voand subjunctive: obtained.
The construction which exactly follows this pattern is option E.

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Answer is A
The Chief Minister proposed that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank.

(A) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, should be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank Clear and Correct

(B) that the additional new bus service funding, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank which modifies the funding is illogical. Thus wrong

(C) that the additional new bus service funding, likely ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank funding cannot be ready to operation

(D) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, is obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bankA is better for using should be

(E) that additional funding for the new bus service, which could be ready to begin operations as early as next year, be obtained through the sale of underperforming government assets and not through a loan from the central bank A is better for using should