Last visit was: 20 Nov 2025, 04:02 It is currently 20 Nov 2025, 04:02
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
akhil911
Joined: 11 Aug 2011
Last visit: 29 Jan 2018
Posts: 130
Own Kudos:
1,860
 [21]
Given Kudos: 886
Location: United States
Concentration: Economics, Finance
GMAT Date: 10-16-2013
GPA: 3
WE:Analyst (Computer Software)
Products:
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
20
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
akhil911
Joined: 11 Aug 2011
Last visit: 29 Jan 2018
Posts: 130
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 886
Location: United States
Concentration: Economics, Finance
GMAT Date: 10-16-2013
GPA: 3
WE:Analyst (Computer Software)
Products:
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
aditya8062
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 05 Sep 2010
Last visit: 26 Nov 2020
Posts: 503
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 61
Posts: 503
Kudos: 668
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
User avatar
mohish
Joined: 21 Sep 2005
Last visit: 09 Nov 2014
Posts: 147
Own Kudos:
Posts: 147
Kudos: 6
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
akhil911
I got this question from Magoosh and the correct answer is E.
However i doubt how those refers to budget in the correct answer choice.
Should it not be that.

Minerva Consulting has a budget that is comparable to that of ....
mikemcgarry can you please help in this case
Can you please check again, because E cannot be the right answer, because "those" cannot refer to "budget".

In fact, "that" will also be incorrect, because the companies have "budgets" (while "that" would only refer to "budget"). So, actually "budgets" should be present.
User avatar
PiyushK
Joined: 22 Mar 2013
Last visit: 31 Aug 2025
Posts: 598
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 235
Status:Everyone is a leader. Just stop listening to others.
Location: India
GPA: 3.51
WE:Information Technology (Computer Software)
Products:
Posts: 598
Kudos: 4,979
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Even I feel something is wrong with option E.

Refer chapter 5, Pronouns, MGMAT SC Guide.
Topic : This, that, these and those.

Following sentence is considered wrong:
Her company is outperforming THOSE of her competitors.

It is clearly mentioned that GMAT insists that any "New Copy" that or those agree in number with previous version. If you must change the number repeat the pronoun.

I am not sure whether this rules has changed or not. Moreover, this is not an official question; thus, we can ignore such question.
User avatar
kinjiGC
Joined: 03 Feb 2013
Last visit: 12 Oct 2025
Posts: 791
Own Kudos:
2,717
 [2]
Given Kudos: 567
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Strategy
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V44
GPA: 3.88
WE:Engineering (Computer Software)
Products:
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V44
Posts: 791
Kudos: 2,717
 [2]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
PiyushK
Even I feel something is wrong with option E.

Refer chapter 5, Pronouns, MGMAT SC Guide.
Topic : This, that, these and those.

Following sentence is considered wrong:
Her company is outperforming THOSE of her competitors.

It is clearly mentioned that GMAT insists that any "New Copy" that or those agree in number with previous version. If you must change the number repeat the pronoun.

I am not sure whether this rules has changed or not. Moreover, this is not an official question; thus, we can ignore such question.

I agree, repeating the noun would be better. but I can find other errors in other options.

Not discussing like vs such as -

Minerva Consulting has a budget about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have advanced degrees.

a. about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have
b. of about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state have, as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva there is only a workforce of twenty four, and all of them have
c. that is about the same as the budgets of largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva with a workforce of only twenty four, all of them having

The sentence structure is
MC has X but Y, [Modifier of Y]
This option has a sentence structure of
MC has X but in MC [with clause] -> which is wrong.

d. comparable to the budgets of the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, and all have
Here the sentence structure is:
MC has X, Y and Z. where Z should be structured to be modifier of Y.

e. comparable to those of the largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but a workforce of only twenty four, all of whom have. - Looks correct.
User avatar
sairam595
Joined: 15 Aug 2014
Last visit: 23 Dec 2016
Posts: 219
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 470
Status:Always try to face your worst fear because nothing GOOD comes easy. You must be UNCOMFORTABLE to get to your COMFORT ZONE
Concentration: Marketing, Technology
GMAT 1: 570 Q44 V25
GMAT 2: 600 Q48 V25
WE:Information Technology (Consulting)
Products:
GMAT 2: 600 Q48 V25
Posts: 219
Kudos: 658
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
akhil911
Minerva Consulting has a budget about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have advanced degrees.
a. about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have
b. of about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state have, as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva there is only a workforce of twenty four, and all of them have
c. that is about the same as the budgets of largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva with a workforce of only twenty four, all of them having
d. comparable to the budgets of the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, and all have
e. comparable to those of the largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but a workforce of only twenty four, all of whom have.

Dear Experts, chetan2u

Please explain errors in option B & C.
User avatar
chetan2u
User avatar
GMAT Expert
Joined: 02 Aug 2009
Last visit: 15 Nov 2025
Posts: 11,238
Own Kudos:
43,707
 [2]
Given Kudos: 335
Status:Math and DI Expert
Location: India
Concentration: Human Resources, General Management
GMAT Focus 1: 735 Q90 V89 DI81
Products:
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT Focus 1: 735 Q90 V89 DI81
Posts: 11,238
Kudos: 43,707
 [2]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
smartguy595
akhil911
Minerva Consulting has a budget about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have advanced degrees.
a. about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have
b. of about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state have, as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva there is only a workforce of twenty four, and all of them have
c. that is about the same as the budgets of largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva with a workforce of only twenty four, all of them having
d. comparable to the budgets of the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, and all have
e. comparable to those of the largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but a workforce of only twenty four, all of whom have.

Dear Experts, chetan2u

Please explain errors in option B & C.

Hi,
1) Firstly, the meaning part...
The original meaning and usage of BUT is supposed to show a CONTRAST.. The contrast is that although the BUDGET is coparable to big Firms, the work force is very less..
It is not there in both C and B, Usage of "in minerva ' after but does not bring the required contrast..
In case of usage of "in Minerva" in BUT clause, even Largest firms should have been mentioned to complete the CONTRAST and comparison..

2) b. of about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state have, as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva there is only a workforce of twenty four, and all of them have
--IT should be 'buget of -- some amount--' and not 'budget of about the same'..
--'Such as' should be used to give examples and not'as'..

3)c. that is about the same as the budgets of largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva with a workforce of only twenty four, all of them having
-- Apart of the meaning part, there is no reason to use WITH the way it is..
User avatar
sairam595
Joined: 15 Aug 2014
Last visit: 23 Dec 2016
Posts: 219
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 470
Status:Always try to face your worst fear because nothing GOOD comes easy. You must be UNCOMFORTABLE to get to your COMFORT ZONE
Concentration: Marketing, Technology
GMAT 1: 570 Q44 V25
GMAT 2: 600 Q48 V25
WE:Information Technology (Consulting)
Products:
GMAT 2: 600 Q48 V25
Posts: 219
Kudos: 658
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
chetan2u
smartguy595
akhil911
Minerva Consulting has a budget about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have advanced degrees.
a. about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, all of whom have
b. of about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state have, as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva there is only a workforce of twenty four, and all of them have
c. that is about the same as the budgets of largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva with a workforce of only twenty four, all of them having
d. comparable to the budgets of the largest consulting firms in the state, like Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but only twenty four in workforce, and all have
e. comparable to those of the largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but a workforce of only twenty four, all of whom have.

Dear Experts, chetan2u

Please explain errors in option B & C.

Hi,
1) Firstly, the meaning part...
The original meaning and usage of BUT is supposed to show a CONTRAST.. The contrast is that although the BUDGET is coparable to big Firms, the work force is very less..
It is not there in both C and B, Usage of "in minerva ' after but does not bring the required contrast..
In case of usage of "in Minerva" in BUT clause, even Largest firms should have been mentioned to complete the CONTRAST and comparison..

2) b. of about the same as the largest consulting firms in the state have, as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva there is only a workforce of twenty four, and all of them have
--IT should be 'buget of -- some amount--' and not 'budget of about the same'..
--'Such as' should be used to give examples and not'as'..

3)c. that is about the same as the budgets of largest consulting firms in the state, such as Cost Stonehouse or McKidney’s, but in Minerva with a workforce of only twenty four, all of them having
-- Apart of the meaning part, there is no reason to use WITH the way it is..

Hi chetan,

I did not notice "in minerva" in option b & c..my bad :)

thanks for the explanation.
User avatar
Aves
Joined: 08 Jan 2015
Last visit: 02 Dec 2023
Posts: 70
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 654
Location: Thailand
GMAT 1: 540 Q41 V23
GMAT 2: 570 Q44 V24
GMAT 3: 550 Q44 V21
GMAT 4: 660 Q48 V33
GPA: 3.31
WE:Science (Other)
GMAT 4: 660 Q48 V33
Posts: 70
Kudos: 87
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
After 3 minutes I can't find any correct choice because of "those" in Choice E

Can anyone confirm that "those" can be used instead of "that"?
User avatar
sayantanc2k
Joined: 14 Dec 2013
Last visit: 09 Dec 2022
Posts: 2,393
Own Kudos:
15,523
 [2]
Given Kudos: 26
Location: Germany
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
WE:Corporate Finance (Pharmaceuticals and Biotech)
Expert
Expert reply
Schools:
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V47
Posts: 2,393
Kudos: 15,523
 [2]
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
1
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Aves
After 3 minutes I can't find any correct choice because of "those" in Choice E

Can anyone confirm that "those" can be used instead of "that"?


Option E is not absolutely correct grammatically - you have rightly questioned.

The pronouns that/ those can be used to depict 'copy / copies' of the antecedent.

Right: My car is bigger than that of yours.
The pronoun that does not refer to the same car (my car), but a different car (your car).

Right: My shoes are bigger than those of your yours.
The pronoun those does not refer to the same shoes (my shoes), but some different shoes (your shoes).

However the pronoun those cannot be used when the antecedent is singular.

Wrong: My car is bigger than those of yours.
The pronoun those does not refer to the same car (my car), but some different cars (your cars). However, for one 'original' (my car) multiple 'copies' (your cars) are depicted - such sentences are incorrect.

Right: My car is bigger than the cars of yours.

For the same reason, the usage of those is improper in the subject sentence - the plural pronoun those refers to a singular antecedent budget.
User avatar
Mahmud6
User avatar
Retired Moderator
Joined: 10 Mar 2013
Last visit: 12 Jul 2025
Posts: 387
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 235
Status:The best is yet to come.....
Posts: 387
Kudos: 881
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Does 'comparable budget' mean the 'same budget'? Doesn't it shift the meaning?
User avatar
VerbalBot
User avatar
Non-Human User
Joined: 01 Oct 2013
Last visit: 04 Jan 2021
Posts: 18,832
Own Kudos:
Posts: 18,832
Kudos: 986
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello from the GMAT Club VerbalBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.
Moderators:
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
7443 posts
GMAT Club Verbal Expert
231 posts
189 posts