Being able to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate could all

Question

Being able to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate could allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

(A) Being able to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate could allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

(B) The capability for predicting the rise and fall of the interest rate could allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

(C) The ability to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate would allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

(D) The ability for predicting the rise and fall of the interest rate could allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits

(E) The ability for predicting the rise and fall of the interest rate would allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

funkyshah · Accepted Answer

I narrowed down the answer choices to A and C since both are idiomatically correct. Imo, C is incorrect because it says "would" and that changes the meaning of the sentence. Being able to predict the interest rate could (potentially) and not would (definitely) allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

udaypratapsingh99 · Answer

(A) Being able to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate could allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

WRONG:  Incorrect use of 'being'

(B) The capability for predicting the rise and fall of the interest rate could allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

WRONG:  capability for predicting is wrong.

(C) The ability to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate would allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

CORRECT:  Correct use of ability to predict. Parallel verbs. Look best option with no fault.

(D) The ability for predicting the rise and fall of the interest rate could allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

WRONG:  Same as B

(E) The ability for predicting the rise and fall of the interest rate would allow us to make solid investments and reap enormous profits.

WRONG:  same as B and D

my answer is   C

Posted from my mobile device

GKomoku · Answer

Hello  UdayPratapSingh99

could you please explain, why do you think that "being" is wrong in (A)?

udaypratapsingh99 · Answer

Hello

could you please explain, why do you think that "being" is wrong in (A)?

Hi 
'Being ' is used for continuous occurrence for for a period. It shouldn't be used in place of 'because of'.

Remember this fact, and you'll be able to avoid many trap in the real GMAT, as it is very commonly used trap in GMAT.

Posted from my mobile device

generis · Answer

UdayPratapSingh99  and  GKomoku

The use of the word "being" is difficult, no doubt.

In this instance, the use of "being" in option A is grammatically correct.   
Being is not used only for continuous occurrence over (?) a period of time.

Being is a gerund (a verbING)—a noun.

Being able to predict = having the ability to predict

Correct:  Having the instruments to predict tornadoes is crucial to meteorologists who work in "Tornado Alley." 
Correct:  Swimming in the ocean is a challenge. 
Correct:  Being afraid of heights is normal. 
Correct:  Being irresponsible on social media could create a problem for aspiring politicians whose every word could be scrutinized.

Take a look at  this official question  about how business executives should conduct themselves, for example.

Similarly, take a look at  this GMAT Prep question  about Charles Lindbergh.
Nothing is wrong with the use of "being" in option D in that question; Option D is wrong for other reasons.
The immediately preceding sentence is a  big hint.

Hope that helps.

GKomoku · Answer

generis that's what I wanted to hear, thank you

Turkish · Answer

Going with C . It relays the information clearly !

2asc · Answer

Is C wrong because the focus is on the wrong subject? The ability doesn't allow us make solid investments, but HAVING the ability does?

logro · Answer

generis ,  GMATNinja ,  VeritasKarishma

Can you please help me understand why A is correct and not C?

800GMAT2019 · Answer

edit: THANK YOU ROHIT8865

very tricky question IMO A vs C

I guess this is testing "correct use of being" but that someone would

typically interest rates are not predictable as relates to investing. 
so i read option A as illogical: "if I had the superpower to always see into the future, I MIGHT be able to get rich" would be illogical, but looks like that was just to throw me off!

rohit8865 · Answer

Could  is used to say that an action or event is possible. 
 Would  is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.

therefore option A is better than C

VerbalBot · Answer

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Being able to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate could all

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Being able to predict the rise and fall of the interest rate could all

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