SC: Stock market bounced back

[sahilmalhotra01]

Hi MGMAT Expert,

I have gone through all the posts above and understood how the usage of present perfect makes sense.

However, i still have a query regarding the usage of while and present perfect in this sentence.

I understand that while is used in two cases

1. when two actions occur simultaneously

2. to express contrast

Now in this sentence both the meanings make sense

1. While the stock market has bounced back from its 2002 low, U.S families are still reeling from recent recession - Intended Meaning - Two simultaneous actions.

2. While the stock market bounced back from its 2002 low, U.S families are still reeling from recent recession. Intended Meaning - Though the stock markets bounced back, families are still reeling from recession.

How to infer the intended meaning in this case. I understand that both the options (D and E) are grammatically correct.

Kindly clarify.

Thanks

[Sage Pearce-Higgins]

You're right that there is more than one meaning of the word 'while', that's not really the issue here. Actually, the example sentences you give show some overlap in meanings: they present two contrasting actions happening at the same time!

The critical thing to notice here is that the past simple verb 'bounced back' implies that the action is finished, disconnecting it from the second half of the sentence. Take these examples:

I lived in New York for 5 years.
I've lived in New York for 5 years.

What's the difference in meaning here?

[sahilmalhotra01]

Meaning :

I lived in New York for 5 years.

- I lived in the New York some time in the past for 5 years. I no longer live there.

I've lived in New York for 5 years.

- I am living in New york from 5 years. I am still living there.

[Sage Pearce-Higgins]

Absolutely. Does that clarify answer choice E?