When the florist told me I could have my choice of red roses, white ca

Question

When the florist told me I could have my choice of red roses, white carnations, or purple tulips, I chose  the former even though I prefer the latter .

(A) the former even though I prefer the latter

(B) the first even though I prefer the latter

(C) the former even though I prefer the last

(D) the former even though it is the latter that I prefer

(E) the first even though I prefer the last

Day 2 Question of the Verbal Contest:  GMAT Club RATT Race 
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QuanVsVerb · Answer

2 options X,Y or Z
3 options X or Y or Z

Using first or last alone would only qualify as the rank of an item in a list.
You can't pick first or last , but you can pick former or latter.

Only one option has correct usage

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zxcvbnmas · Answer

I have applied for fall2016. The only thing I need is the Gmat, so I'm trying my best :cry:

I think we cant pick former or latter because we have more than two items in the list :roll:

Nevernevergiveup · Answer

When the florist told me I could have my choice of red roses, white carnations, or purple tulips, I chose  the former even though I prefer the latter .

(A) the former even though I prefer the latter

(B) the first even though I prefer the latter

(C) the former even though I prefer the last

(D) the former even though it is the latter that I prefer

(E) the first even though I prefer the last

It is quite simple. The items are more than 2.
We prefer superlative form more than comparative form.
so First and Last is the best combo.

CV7585 · Answer

MBA 2017 aspirant. Fingers crossed.

Skywalker18 · Answer

Former and latter are used for 2 items . Since in the given sentence there are 3 items we should use first and last .

Kurtosis · Answer

When the florist told me I could have my choice of red roses, white carnations, or purple tulips, I did not choose any of the roses. I wish the florist offered me a premium membership

atturhari · Answer

Similar to usage of between (2 items) and among (more than 2 items).

scofield1521 · Answer

3-2 split, We cannot use former and latter as there are more than 2 items. so only correct option is left.

Abhishek009 · Answer

The sentence presents a list -

It will be difficult to attribute former / latter in this case ( since there are three items present )

So, will go with option (E)
 
 the first ( Red Roses )  even though I prefer  the last (purple Tulips )

anandkumar88 · Answer

The former/ latter usage creates ambiguity and doesn't fit situations comparing 3 items. A, B or C still means there are three options.

ankita09 · Answer

When the florist told me I could have my choice of red roses, white carnations, or purple tulips, I chose the former even though I prefer the latter.

(A) the former even though I prefer the latter

(B) the first even though I prefer the latter

(C) the former even though I prefer the last

(D) the former even though it is the latter that I prefer
  
(E) the first even though I prefer the last    Former and latter used in case of two but here we are talking about more than two.

tarunk31 · Answer

former and latter are used to refer to two things mentioned previously. Other combinations mixing former/latter with first/last are wrong. First and last are correctly used to refer to more than two things mentioned previously.

rhine29388 · Answer

I have currently applied to some universities and will be starting my actual applications for fall 2017.currently i have finished with my gre and preparing for my gmat.
As for the given question the answer is straightforward option E

ashutoshyadav1707 · Answer

I am planning to give my GMAT by the end of May.

Only in comparison of two subjects "former- latter" combo is used. In the given question, the use of the first and the last is the right one.

spetznaz · Answer

Intended meaning : The florist offers a choice of three flowers ; the author chooses the first even though he prefers the last. 
Error in option a : This is a list which consists of three items. Instead of former and latter , you should use first and last.

Sift through the options , only option e is correct.

paidlukkha · Answer

E

classic example of GMAT loves  simple & concise statements ...
 xyz items 
red roses, 
white carnations, 
or purple tulips

daschirodeep · Answer

As out of three things, only two have to be chosen,former and latter can not be used.

VerbalBot · Answer

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When the florist told me I could have my choice of red roses, white ca

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When the florist told me I could have my choice of red roses, white ca

Prep Toolkit

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