Dear Friends,
Here is a detailed explanation to this question-
Bunuel wrote:
When viewed from the window of a speeding train, the speed with which nearby objects move seems faster than that of more distant objects.
(A) the speed with which nearby objects move seems faster than that of
(B) the speed that nearby objects move seems faster than for
(C) the speed of nearby objects seems faster than
(D) nearby objects' speeds seem to be faster than those of
(E) nearby objects seem to move at a faster speed than do
(SC01523)
Meaning is crucial to solving this problem:Understanding the intended meaning is key to solving this question; the intended meaning of this sentence is that when nearby objects are viewed from the window of a speeding train, they seem to move at a faster speed than do more distant objects.
Concepts tested here: Meaning + Modifiers + Comparisons• In a “phrase + comma + noun” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun; this is one of the most frequently tested concepts on GMAT sentence correction.
• Comparisons can only be made between similar things.
A: This answer choice incorrectly uses "When viewed from the window of a speeding train" to modify "the speed", illogically implying that
the speed of nearby objects is viewed from the window of a speeding train; the intended meaning is that the
nearby objects, themselves, are viewed from the window of a speeding train; remember, in a “phrase + comma + noun” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun.
B: This answer choice incorrectly uses "When viewed from the window of a speeding train" to modify "the speed", illogically implying that
the speed of nearby objects is viewed from the window of a speeding train; the intended meaning is that the
nearby objects, themselves, are viewed from the window of a speeding train; remember, in a “phrase + comma + noun” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun. Moreover, Option B further alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase "the speed that nearby objects move"; the construction of this phrase leads to an incoherent meaning; the intended meaning is that nearby objects seem to move at a faster speed than do more distant objects.
C: This answer choice incorrectly uses "When viewed from the window of a speeding train" to modify "the speed", illogically implying that
the speed of nearby objects is viewed from the window of a speeding train; the intended meaning is that the
nearby objects, themselves, are viewed from the window of a speeding train; remember, in a “phrase + comma + noun” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun. Further, Option C incorrectly compares "the speed of nearby objects" to "more distant objects"; remember, comparisons can only be made between similar things.
D: This answer choice incorrectly uses "When viewed from the window of a speeding train" to modify "nearby objects' speeds", illogically implying that
the speed of nearby objects is viewed from the window of a speeding train; the intended meaning is that the
nearby objects, themselves, are viewed from the window of a speeding train; remember, in a “phrase + comma + noun” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun.
E: Correct. This answer choice correctly uses "When viewed from the window of a speeding train" to modify "nearby objects", conveying the intended meaning - that the
nearby objects, themselves, are viewed from the window of a speeding train. Moreover, Option E uses the clause "nearby objects seem to move at a faster speed", conveying the intended meaning - that nearby objects seem to move at a faster speed than do more distant objects. Further, Option C correctly compares "seem to move" with "do".
Hence, E is the best answer choice.To understand the concept of "Phrase Comma Subject" and "Subject Comma Phrase" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):
All the best!
Experts' Global Team
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