Dear Friends,
Here is a detailed explanation to this question-
PTK wrote:
If current trends continue, by the year 2010 carbon emissions in the United States will soar to a level more than one-third higher than were those in 1990, according to official projections.
(A) will soar to a level more than one-third higher than were those
(B) will soar to a level more than one-third higher than that
(C) would soar to a level more than one-third higher than it was
(D) would soar to a level more than one-third higher than those
(E) would soar to a level more than one-third higher than they were
Concepts tested here: Verb Forms + Comparisons + Pronouns• Comparisons must always be made between similar things.
• “will” is preferred for referring to events that are certain to happen and “would” is preferred for referring to events that are hypothetical, meaning the use of “would” alongside words that express uncertainty (predict, assume, guess, if, etc.) is redundant.
• “that” and "those" are used to refer to a variation of the subject, and the pronouns “it” and "they" are used to refer to the exact same subject.
A:1/ This answer choice incorrectly compares "a level" to "those (carbon emissions); please remember, comparisons must always be made between similar things.
B: Correct.1/ This answer choice correctly uses the pronoun "that" to refer to a variation of the subject "a level".
2/ Option B correctly compares "a level" with "that (the level)".
3/ Option B is free of any awkwardness or redundancy.
C:1/ This answer choice incorrectly uses "it" to refer to a variation of the subject "a level"; remember, the pronouns “that” and "those" are used to refer to a variation of the subject, and the pronouns “it” and "they" are used to refer to the exact same subject.
2/ Option C redundantly uses "would" alongside "if"; remember, “will” is preferred for referring to events that are certain to happen and “would” is preferred for referring to events that are hypothetical, meaning the use of “would” alongside words that express uncertainty (predict, assume, guess, if, etc.) is redundant.
D:1/ This answer choice incorrectly compares "a level" to "those (carbon emissions); please remember, comparisons must always be made between similar things.
2/ Option D redundantly uses "would" alongside "if"; remember, “will” is preferred for referring to events that are certain to happen and “would” is preferred for referring to events that are hypothetical, meaning the use of “would” alongside words that express uncertainty (predict, assume, guess, if, etc.) is redundant.
E:1/ This answer choice incorrectly compares "a level" to "they (carbon emissions); please remember, comparisons must always be made between similar things.
2/ Option E redundantly uses "would" alongside "if"; remember, “will” is preferred for referring to events that are certain to happen and “would” is preferred for referring to events that are hypothetical, meaning the use of “would” alongside words that express uncertainty (predict, assume, guess, if, etc.) is redundant.
Hence, B is the best answer choice.All the best!
Experts' Global Team
_________________