MGMAT CAT SR: Origin of the moon

[Levent-g]

Hi,
since the answer of this question contains the word perhaps on different postions, I thought it should not be in between "had" and "been". Actually it sounds better if positioned before had. But obviously the right answer contains it in this way. Is this always ok or is there any rule for it?

Some scientists suggest the moon had been formed out of part of the Earth, which was dislodged perhaps by a meteor.


that the moon was formed from part of the Earth that had perhaps been dislodged

that the moon had been formed from part of the Earth, which perhaps had been dislodged

Thanks

Levent

[tim]

Go ahead and post the full text of the problem and the answer choices so other students can benefit from our discussion about this one.

[ghag.kamlesh]

The complete question is as follows:

Some scientists suggest the moon had been formed out of part of the Earth, which was dislodged perhaps by a meteor.

- the moon had been formed out of part of the Earth, which was dislodged perhaps
- that the moon was formed from part of the Earth that had perhaps been dislodged
- that part of the Earth formed the moon, which was dislodged perhaps
- the moon was formed out of part of the Earth, having perhaps been dislodged
- that the moon had been formed from part of the Earth, which perhaps had been dislodged

In my view,
option (a) and (c) are not correct: changing the intended meaning.
option (d) - incorrect usage of " ,having.."
option (e) usage of "had been" - past perfect tense is incorrect.
Correct option is (b).
Please advise.
Thank you.
Kamlesh

[jnelson0612]

Hi Kamlesh,
The issue here is that every other answer has a serious grammatical problem. Your preference, E, uses a complex verb tense, past perfect, that is not correctly used. This is a flaw that must be eliminated. Because of that, the location of the adverb "perhaps" is much less important than these other problems. Often adverb placement just affects meaning, and here the placement is acceptable. "perhaps" can be placed before the verb or between the two components:

I perhaps will go to the store.
OR
I will perhaps go to the store.

I agree with you that the first sounds better, but both placements are okay. This one again shows why it's so important to know the grammatical rules and not rely on your ear!

[ghag.kamlesh]

Hello Jamie,

Thanks a lot for that simple, but essential point to remember. I will keep it in mind.

Kamlesh.

[tim]

:)

[duckb63]

This is the explanation on C
C) The use of the active verb “formed” is incorrect here because it illogically suggests that “part of the Earth” had an active role in forming the moon
I don't quit understand it. How does the meaning change?
Could anyone help to explain it?