Despite the increasing popularity among financial analysts of "operati

This question is based on Subject-Verb agreement and Construction.

A vertical scan of the options shows us that all the options begin with a verb. In such cases, we should first do a check for subject-verb agreement and tense.

The subject of the verb is the compound subject “a combination of six more conventional measures”.

When it comes to such subjects that are made up of a noun/pronoun + preposition + noun/pronoun, it is the first noun/pronoun that is the actual subject under discussion.
E.g.: The interest for such deposits is very low.

The exception to this rule is when such compound subjects begin with nouns that convey quantity or quantitative adjectives such as ‘some’, ‘any’, ‘none’, ‘most’, ‘all’, ‘percentage’, ‘majority’, ’fractions’ etc. In such cases, the verb agrees with the second noun/pronoun.
E.g.: Some of the money has been spent.
Some of the boys are still playing.

In the given sentence, the subject is ‘combination’.
Since this is a singular subject, the verb must also be singular.
On the basis, of this rule, we can rule out Options C, D, and E since they contain plural verbs.

Between Options A and B, Option A can be eliminated on the basis of the construction. The order of words in Option A does not convey the intended meaning. Furthermore, the adjective ‘accurate’ is generally followed by a preposition and a participle rather than the infinitive. So, the more appropriate usage would be – accurate in predicting business failure.

The construction of Option B makes it a clearer option. It also maintains subject-verb agreement. Therefore, B is the most appropriate option.

Jayanthi Kumar.

I will go with B on this one.

'combination' - singular subject and hence 'has'

adverb 'accurately' rightly modifies the verb 'predict'

a combination of six more conventional measures

the prepostional phrase starting with 'of' is a middleman that is seperating the subject 'combination'. Its still one measure which is combination of other measures.

why not E? Shouldn't it be have rather than has?

a combination -> C,D,E
A is wrong because of adj accurate incorrectly modifies a combination, when we need to modify predict, therefore, we need an adverb, B is fits well

i read somewhere
'A mix of different liquids' is plural why not combination of six different measures is plural

nktmehra02 In your example, "a mix" would be the subject, so it's singular.

I've got stuck between A and B.
A.) to be more accurate to predict ....
B.) to predict ... more accurately

My best guess is that choice A needs an end to the comparison. to be more accurate to predict X than Y

I think the difference between A and B is the meaning.
'more accurate' in A modifies 'show' -----> shown to be more accurate
'more accurately' in B clearly modifies 'predict' ------> predict more accurately

After eliminating on the basis sv agreements and awkwardness..my answer is B

Posted from my mobile device

Dear Friends,

Here is a detailed explanation to this question-

Meaning is crucial to solving this problem:
Understanding the intended meaning is key to solving this question; the intended meaning of the crucial part of this sentence is that a combination of six more conventional measures has been shown to be more accurate in predicting business failure.

Concepts tested here: Subject-Verb Agreement + Meaning + Tenses

• The present perfect tense (marked by the use of the helping verb “has/have”) is used to describe events that concluded in the past but continue to affect the present.
• The simple past tense is used to refer to actions that concluded in the past.

A:
1/ This answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "to predict business failure"; the construction of this phrase leads to an incoherent meaning; the intended meaning is that a combination of six more conventional measures has been shown to be more accurate in predicting business failure.

B: Correct.
1/ This answer choice correctly refers to the singular noun "combination" with the singular verb "has been shown".
2/ Option B uses the phrase "to predict business failure more accurately", conveying the intended meaning - that a combination of six more conventional measures has been shown to be more accurate in predicting business failure.
3/ Option B correctly uses the present perfect tense verb "has been shown" to refer to an action that concluded in the past but continues to affect the present.

C:
1/ This answer choice incorrectly refers to the singular noun "a combination" with the plural verb "were shown".
2/ Option C alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "to predict business failure"; the construction of this phrase leads to an incoherent meaning; the intended meaning is that a combination of six more conventional measures has been shown to be more accurate in predicting business failure.
3/ Option C incorrectly uses the simple past tense verb "were shown" to refer to an action that concluded in the past but continues to affect the present; remember, the present perfect tense (marked by the use of the helping verb “has/have”) is used to describe events that concluded in the past but continue to affect the present, and the simple past tense is used to refer to actions that concluded in the past.

D:
1/ This answer choice incorrectly refers to the singular noun "a combination" with the plural verb "have been shown".

E:
1/ This answer choice incorrectly refers to the singular noun "a combination" with the plural verb "have been shown".

Hence, B is the best answer choice.

To understand the concept of "Simple Tenses" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~2 minutes):



To understand the concept of "Present Perfect Tense" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~2 minutes):



All the best!
Experts' Global Team