teaserbaeAs far as I remember, this theory was postulated by
MGMAT, which wanted to use concise style in formal writing. I do not think that is a GMAT rule or that it has much to do with grammar per se.
It says that when your are required to choose among "an active verb, an adjective and a noun," one must prefer the verb because it is more dynamic, then an adjective if it is there and then perhaps a noun that indicates the same action.( without changing the meaning)
A simple example would be
I can do it ---- uses a verb -- This is the first choice
I am capable to do it, or capable of doing it or I am able to do it. -- All these use adjective forms and are next to the verb use in the hierarchy.
I have the ability to do it or the capability to do it-- This example uses the noun form and to be preferred last.
GMAT examples
1.
The ability of scientists to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions, have become ever more accurate.
(A) The ability of scientists to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions, have become ever more accurate.
(B) The ability of scientists has become ever more accurate in providing models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, such as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions.
(C) Scientists have become able to provide ever more accurate models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to such changing conditions as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions.
(D) Scientists have become ever more accurate in their ability for providing models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions.
(E) Scientists’ ability to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to such changing conditions as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions have become ever more accurate.
Ans C.
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 consumeB. 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
Ans E.
Of course, there may be other reasons why other choices might be incorrect. However, one might also take into account the v-a-n convention as one more cue.
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