Children's programming

[Guest]

Although at one time children’s programming had been limited to a few hours a week, now, however, there are at least four cable networks that dedicate themselves entirely to shows produced specifically for children.

A. Although at one time children’s programming had been limited to a few hours a week, now, however, there are at least four cable networks that dedicate themselves
B. With children’s programming having been limited at one time to a few hours a week, now at least four cable networks have dedicated themselves
C. Once limited to a few hours a week, there are now at least four cable networks with children’s programming that dedicate themselves
D. Children’s programming was once limited to a few hours a week, but now there are at least four cable networks dedicated
E. While children’s programming had once been limited to a few hours a week, at least four cable networks are now dedicated

[Guest]

Which one is better : (D) or (E)? I don't like the 'there are' construction in (D). I also don't like the link between the present and past perfect tense in (E). Is 'there are' construction ok in gmat land?

[Hanumayamma]

A. Although at one time children’s programming had been limited to a few hours a week, now, however, there are at least four cable networks that dedicate themselves [ Although shows a contrast - using "however" is redundant - eliminate it]

B. With children’s programming having been limited at one time to a few hours a week, now at least four cable networks have dedicated themselves [ Redundant - "Dedicated" - "Themselves" - eliminate it]

C. Once limited to a few hours a week, there are now at least four cable networks with children’s programming that dedicate themselves [ Modifier issue - "Once limited to a few hours a week" is children shows - eliminate it]

D. Children’s programming was once limited to a few hours a week, but now there are at least four cable networks dedicated
E. While children’s programming had once been limited to a few hours a week, at least four cable networks are now dedicated


Between D and E:
"Dedicated entirely to shows produced specifically for children" modifies networks but not "now".
This merits D is better than E:

Answer: D

[viksnme]

Although at one time children’s programming had been limited to a few hours a week, now, however, there are at least four cable networks that dedicate themselves entirely to shows produced specifically for children.

A. Although at one time children’s programming had been limited to a few hours a week, now, however, there are at least four cable networks that dedicate themselves
B. With children’s programming having been limited at one time to a few hours a week, now at least four cable networks have dedicated themselves
C. Once limited to a few hours a week, there are now at least four cable networks with children’s programming that dedicate themselves
D. Children’s programming was once limited to a few hours a week, but now there are at least four cable networks dedicated
E. While children’s programming had once been limited to a few hours a week, at least four cable networks are now dedicated

This question involves 2 actions - one in the past and the other in the present. A simple past tense may be used for the past action. Therefore, eliminate A, B and E.

In C, 'Once limited to a few hours a week' is modifying 'there'. It should have modified 'children's programming'.

Option D seems to be best option.

[Guest]

What does 'there' in (E) refer to?

[Guest]

Sorry, I meant: What does 'there' in (D) refer to?

[Hanumayamma]

Expletive construction - "there" refers to four cable networks -
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/concise.htm#expletive

[Guest]

Expletive construction - "there" refers to four cable networks -
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/concise.htm#expletive

Yes, in fact, I thought 'there' construction like the one above is always wrong. That's why I did not choose D. When is it OK to choose a 'there' construction in a sentence choice in GMAT? Anyone? Instructors?

[RonPurewal]

Expletive construction - "there" refers to four cable networks -
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/concise.htm#expletive

Yes, in fact, I thought 'there' construction like the one above is always wrong. That's why I did not choose D. When is it OK to choose a 'there' construction in a sentence choice in GMAT? Anyone? Instructors?

if you're positing the mere existence of something, then you can certainly write 'there is...' or 'there are...'
you should just memorize this as an idiomatic construction, rather than trying to hash out an exact antecedent for the 'there'. crazy english language.

[manicchamp]

D makes most sense.

A and E use past perfect incorrectly here when a simple past tense is a better tense to use.

C - wrong modifier. B is just a bad sentence.


D - work's because of use of simple past tense and simple present tense. Plus the sentence is clear and retain the meaning of the original sentence.

[vs]

Although at one time children’s programming had been limited to a few hours a week, now, however, there are at least four cable networks that dedicate themselves entirely to shows produced specifically for children.

A. Although at one time children’s programming had been limited to a few hours a week, now, however, there are at least four cable networks that dedicate themselves
B. With children’s programming having been limited at one time to a few hours a week, now at least four cable networks have dedicated themselves
C. Once limited to a few hours a week, there are now at least four cable networks with children’s programming that dedicate themselves
D. Children’s programming was once limited to a few hours a week, but now there are at least four cable networks dedicated
E. While children’s programming had once been limited to a few hours a week, at least four cable networks are now dedicated

a b e have unnecessarily used the perfect tense. c has modifier problem. So D wins. what say ?

[RonPurewal]

here's another thread, which disqualifies choices (a) and (e). this thread may answer all the questions posed here; if not, post back and we'll take care of you.

http://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/alt ... t2128.html