Because memory weakens with age, for the experiment to be valid, it is

Question

Because memory weakens with age, for the experiment to be valid, it is important that a group  to be tested for drug induced memory loss be compared with   a control group.

(A) to be tested for drug induced memory loss be compared with

(B) being tested for memory loss induced by drugs are compared with

(C) being tested for drug induced memory loss should be compared to

(D) being tested for drug induced memory loss are to be compared to

(E) that is to be tested for drug induced memory loss are to be comparable with

I also wanted to understand the difference between 'Compared to' and 'compared with'

So far I have got 2 explanations for the same and I am not sure of which one to follow:

1. 'Compared to' is used when things are linked and 'compared with' is used when comparison is more specific and implies differences
a. When compared with Greg’s ability to carry a tune, Marsha’s musical skill is unimpressive.
b. He compared his teacher to Bruce Greenwald, the esteemed professor famous for his Value Investing lectures at Columbia Business School.

2. 'Compared to' is used to for items in the same category, whereas 'Compared with' is used to place two things side by side for the purpose of examining their similarities or differences.
a. The economy can be compared to a stallion charging at the gate.
b. It would be interesting to compare Purdue with Ohio State.

Which one should I follow and how do I select the write answer?

chetan2u · Accepted Answer

Hi,

The general difference is- 
compared to - stress on similarity in different types of items..
eg - he compared her to the moon..

compared with - stress on differences on similar things..
Roger, when compared with other tennis players, is very apt at backhand.. etc etc..

However from the point of GMAT, no answer choice will be eliminated solely on this difference and there will be other differences too..

SO do not eliminate solely on compared to vs with, LOOK for other errors..

In the given example too, A is correct for other reasons than compared issue..

ynk · Answer

God one.

Here are my views--

Group always take singular form,eliminate options with 'are' (E,D & B)

With C & A,its A because in C use of being (In GMAT use of being is almost always perilous) should be avoided,& further 'compared with' is the right form here.

+1 for A.

Navinder · Answer

I feel that use of "should" is also wrong in choice C. Should is used in case of moral obligation, which has no use here.

kannu44 · Answer

Certain verbs (e.g. demand, insist, recommend, suggest) and adjectives (e.g. essential, important, vital) are followed by ‘that’ + subjunctive (mandative subjunctive) to indicate that something must be done (directive aspect).

Sentences in subjunctive sound very formal, however, so often an auxiliary is preferred. If the directive aspect of the sentence is clear enough without an auxiliary, it is also possible to simply use the main verb in indicative mood.

People demand that the troops are / should be withdrawn.
It is important that everyone registers.

er.arun88 · Answer

Hi Can any one please explain.. Why its A not c?

dabhishek87 · Answer

Because memory weakens with age, for the experiment to be valid, it is important
that a group  to be tested for drug induced memory loss be compared with   a
control group.
(A) to be tested for drug induced memory loss be compared with correct 
(B) being tested for memory loss induced by drugs  are  compared with
(C) being tested for drug induced memory loss  should  be compared to should is incorrect 
(D) being tested for drug induced memory loss  are  to be compared to
(E) that is to be tested for drug induced memory loss  are  to be comparable with

arvind910619 · Answer

Hi ,

Why should in option C is incorrect . 
Please explain.

dabhishek87 · Answer

Should is generally used for moral implication. Here as per the meaning,  group be compared to/with control group. .

daagh · Answer

Because memory weakens with age, for the experiment to be valid, it is important that a group   to be tested for drug-induced memory loss be compared with  a control group.

The first point is that GMAT does not care for the difference between 'compared with' or 'compared to'. It is only a ploy to waste time in the exam hall

(A) To be tested for drug-induced memory loss be compared with 
 The important thing to note here is the use of the command subjunctive mood of the verb 'be compared' to bring out a mandatory aspect of the experiment --Correct choice.  
 
(B) being tested for memory loss induced by drugs are compared with --  'Being tested' is the typical unnecessary description that GMAT hates. One can very well drop the word 'being' and still be done with just 'tested'. In addition, 'being' also denotes an on-going affair, different from what the text intends to convey. However, most of all, the failure to use the command subjunctive is a grave error.

(C) being tested for drug-induced memory loss should be compared to --  same as in B - 'Should' be is normally not used to denote a mandatory notion. It is used more for suggestive and recommendatory purposes.   
(D) being tested for drug-induced memory loss are to be compared to --  same as in B and C.  
(E) that is to be tested for drug-induced memory loss are to be comparable with --  lack of command subjunctive

Bunuel · Answer

MANHATTAN REVIEW OFFICIAL EXPLANATION:

Group is a collective noun and therefore requires a singular verb. Consequently, choices B, D and E can be eliminated right away. Using the word should is incorrect. The subjunctive, as seen in option A, is necessary after the construction ‘it is important that...’. Choice A is the right answer.

u1983 · Answer

Because memory weakens with age, for the experiment to be valid, it is important that a group  to be tested for drug induced memory loss be compared with   a control group.

(A) to be tested for drug induced memory loss be compared with -   Correct Option

(B) being tested for memory loss induced by drugs   are   compared with

(C)   being   tested for drug induced memory loss   should   be compared to

(D) being tested for drug induced memory loss   are   to be compared to

(E) that is to be tested for drug induced memory loss   are   to be comparable with

POE Explanation:  
1.   are   - doesn't agree in number with singular subject ( GROUP- collective Noun).  B,D & E out. 
2A.   being   - 'being tested' is as good as 'tested'. Both starts to provide some new information (modify) about 'group' . But the later is more concise.
2B.   should   - 'it is important ' already is emphasizing the in meaning that A needs to be compared with B. Moreover, Use of 'should' brings in a sense of obligation . Thus the use of 'should' is kind of redundant and needs to be avoided. .................... Hence C is out.

VerbalBot · Answer

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Because memory weakens with age, for the experiment to be valid, it is

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Because memory weakens with age, for the experiment to be valid, it is

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