Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers , and variety of

A- comparision error ( softness of the soil to rivers )
In option B and D modifying error based on softness of soil should modify ancient rivers not geologists
IN C and E uses preposition on it correclty modifies next clause
E uses like that
So C is the answer

Please explain anyone in detail.

Is there any difference in the meaning of answer choice C and D? I narrowed down to these choices and then selected D. Please help.

Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers , and variety of the area's flora and fauna, geologists believe that an ancient river existed in the Palava - Dombivili Region.

a) Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers
b) Based on the softness of soil similar to that of rivers
c) On the basis of softness of soil similar to that near rivers
d) Based on softness of soil similar to that near rivers
e) On the basis of soft soil like that near other rivers

In the above sentence,
Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers :- is a verb-ed modifier which should modify Noun i.e. Geologist. But in this sentence it is modifying geologists believe that an ancient river existed in the Palava - Dombivili Region
so option ABD is wrong because of modifier error.

in option E, the sentence uses Soft Soil but as per original context there comparison is between softness of soil with that of other river.
So option E is incorrect.
We are left with option C.
So correct answer is option C.

what is "that" referring to in C

is it referring to softness?
then softness of what??

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a) Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers
Softness of soil and river cannot be compared therefore out

b) Based on the softness of soil similar to that of rivers
Similar reasoning as A

c) On the basis of softness of soil similar to that near rivers
The meaning is perfect therefore let us hang on to it

d) Based on softness of soil similar to that near rivers
on the basis is better other than there is noting wrong

e) On the basis of soft soil like that near other rivers
like isn't the best usage therefore out




Therefore IMO C

Hi,
Can you please check if there are typos in the options. I think 'of' is missing in some options.
And is it actually Palava-Dombivli ?
A Thanekar can always spot a Dombivlikar xD

Hi,
Can you please help me understand option C better? Should there be a 'the' before soil?
I thought C is grammatically incorrect thus rejected it.

The "correct" version of the sentence isn't great, but "softness of soil" can be considered a characteristic of the area, as in "the area has softness of soil," which might be better worded "the area has soil softness."