Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers , and variety of

Question

Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers  , and variety of the area's flora and fauna, geologists believe that an ancient river existed in the Palava - Dombivili Region.

a) Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers
b) Based on the softness of soil similar to that of rivers 
c) On the basis of softness of soil similar to that near rivers 
d) Based on softness of soil similar to that near rivers 
e) On the basis of soft soil like that near other rivers

Source : Expert global

elavendan1 · Accepted Answer

My take:  Geologists  is a noun. They cannot be based on something. For example, it is wrong to say I am based on softness of soil. So eliminate A,B,D
Between C and E,
C: Comparison is between softness of soil of a particular river and softness of nearby rivers. Holds Good. Keep C. 
E. On the basis of soft soil like that near other rivers. Like is used to compare one noun and the other. Like Paris, London is a metro. But here, the comparison is between the softness. So, usage of like is not quite elegant. Eliminate E. Choose C.

Aderonke01 · Answer

Yea i think its C. since geologist believe. If the sentence is starting with based, the next comparable word would be the believe,so On the basis of x , geologists believe Y

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bai123 · Answer

Please explain anyone in detail.

SantoshN · Answer

A- comparision error ( softness of the soil to rivers )
In option B and D modifying error based on softness of soil should modify ancient rivers not geologists
IN C and E uses preposition on it correclty modifies next clause 
E uses like that 
So C is the answer

Shrey08 · Answer

Is there any difference in the meaning of answer choice C and D? I narrowed down to these choices and then selected D. Please help.

Aparimit · Answer

Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers  , and variety of the area's flora and fauna, geologists believe that an ancient river existed in the Palava - Dombivili Region.

a) Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers
b) Based on the softness of soil similar to that of rivers
c) On the basis of softness of soil similar to that near rivers
d) Based on softness of soil similar to that near rivers
e) On the basis of soft soil like that near other rivers

In the above sentence,
 Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers  :- is a verb-ed modifier which should modify Noun i.e. Geologist. But in this sentence it is modifying   geologists believe that an ancient river existed in the Palava - Dombivili Region  
so option ABD is wrong because of modifier error.

in option E, the sentence uses Soft Soil but as per original context there comparison is between softness of soil with that of other river.
So option E is incorrect.
We are left with option C.
So correct answer is option C.

Gknight5603 · Answer

what is "that" referring to in C

is it referring to softness?
then softness of what??

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Crytiocanalyst · Answer

a) Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers
Softness of soil and river cannot be compared therefore out

b) Based on the softness of soil similar to that of rivers 
Similar reasoning as A

c) On the basis of softness of soil similar to that near rivers 
The meaning is perfect therefore let us hang on to it

d) Based on softness of soil similar to that near rivers 
on the basis is better other than there is noting wrong

e) On the basis of soft soil like that near other rivers 
like isn't the best usage therefore out

Therefore IMO C

RenB · Answer

Hi, Can you please check if there are typos in the options. I think 'of' is missing in some options. And is it actually Palava-Dombivli

? A Thanekar can always spot a Dombivlikar xD

RenB · Answer

Hi,
Can you please help me understand option C better? Should there be a 'the' before soil?
I thought C is grammatically incorrect thus rejected it.

MartyMurray · Answer

The "correct" version of the sentence isn't great, but "softness of soil" can be considered a characteristic of the area, as in "the area has softness of soil," which might be better worded "the area has soil softness."

Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers , and variety of

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Based on the softness of soil similar to other rivers , and variety of

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