massive pronouns confusion in sentence correction

by **guest612** Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:38 pm

Source: Test Code (from ETS) #37. Section 3, #7.

[Question deleted because it is from a banned source.]

Correct Answer: E: its effect on their size is not likely to be significant.

This one was so confusing! Can you please help? I find there were so many pronouns. Please help me understand why the others are wrong. Here is my take:
B. "it is unlikely" what is "it" referring to?
C. "affecting" gerand form not preferred AND "are" is wrong subject verb agreement
D. "their" is wrong?
E. still doesn't seem right but I guess it's best?

I'd love to hear your thoughts it how to best attack this question.

Thank you very much!

by **Guest** Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:14 pm

Although is a subordinating conjunction and the main clause should give the idea of a difference.

by **guest612** Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:33 pm

ok. thanks for clarifying that!

by **StaceyKoprince** Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:49 pm

Question deleted because it is from a banned source (GMAT paper tests). Please check the banned source list before posting.

One thing: "it" is one of those pronouns that does not always require an antecedent. If I say "it is raining outside" I don't need to refer to anything because... well, I'm really not referring to anything. It's just a generic subject introduction when I don't have a real thing in mind.

"it is unlikely that I'll get my homework done tonight" - same thing. I'm not actually referring to any concrete noun here, just an abstract thought that I'm not going to get my work done.

by **guest612** Sun Mar 16, 2008 1:13 pm

Thanks, Stacey. I've noted that "it" is not one of the pronouns that require an antecedant. Thanks!

by **StaceyKoprince** Wed Mar 19, 2008 4:21 pm

you're welcome!

massive pronouns confusion in sentence correction

massive pronouns confusion in sentence correction

thanks

thanks!