862. Those with a cynical turn of mind might speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, might not have started the rumor that caused its competitor to declare bankruptcy.
(A) speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, might not have started
(B) speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, had not started
(C) speculate if, in its eagerness for profit, the new corporation started
(D) wonder as to whether, in its eagerness for profit, the new corporation did not start
(E) wonder whether the new corporation, eager for profit, had started
Solution:
Idioms
The formal rule is to use if when you have a conditional sentence and whether when you are showing that two alternatives are possible. Here only two options are available; either the new corporation started rumor or not. Hence, use of if is incorrect here.
In A, B, and C, the usage of if makes them incorrect choices.
In D, as to whether is awkward. Moreover, whether did not start is awkward too.
In E, the error in D is rectified and hence, E is the best choice.
Sentence Correction - 1000 Questions with Solution:
(A) speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, might not have started
(B) speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, had not started
(C) speculate if, in its eagerness for profit, the new corporation started
(D) wonder as to whether, in its eagerness for profit, the new corporation did not start
(E) wonder whether the new corporation, eager for profit, had started
Solution:
Idioms
The formal rule is to use if when you have a conditional sentence and whether when you are showing that two alternatives are possible. Here only two options are available; either the new corporation started rumor or not. Hence, use of if is incorrect here.
In A, B, and C, the usage of if makes them incorrect choices.
In D, as to whether is awkward. Moreover, whether did not start is awkward too.
In E, the error in D is rectified and hence, E is the best choice.
Sentence Correction - 1000 Questions with Solution: