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Why is 'had obtained' preferred here over 'obtained'?
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Why is 'had obtained' preferred here over 'obtained'?

Official Explanation

Choice (A) is incorrect because the simple past obtained does not express the fact that the information was gotten before another past action—the sabotage.

Choice (B) is incorrect because used is not parallel to of resorting.

Choice (C) is correct because the phrase of using is parallel to the phrase of resorting. Further, the past perfect had obtained correctly expresses that a past action—the spying—was completed before another past action—the sabotage.

Choice (D) is incorrect because using is not parallel to of resorting and the past perfect is not used.

Choice (E) is incorrect because to have used is not parallel to of resorting and the past perfect is not used.

The answer is (C).
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GMATNinja Can you help us understand why C is a better option?
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