Sentence correction

[xyin]

Research during the past several decades on the nature of language and the processes that produce and make it understandable has revealed great complexity instead of underlying simplicity.
(Gmat Prep Verbal folder)
A. that produce and make it understandable has revealed great complexity instead of underlying simplicity
B. of producing and understanding it have revealed not underlying simplicity but great complexity
C. by which it is produced and understood has revealed not underlying simplicity but great complexity
D. by which it is produced and understood have revealed great complexity rather than underlying simplicity
E. by which one produces and understands it have revealed great complexity instead of underlying simplicity

Can anyone tell me the differences between A and C? I think A is more awkward than C. And C is clear, concise and more meaningful. But the answer is A. But I think "that produce and make it understandable" is awkward. Can Ron or Stacy help me make it clear about this problem? Thanks in advance.

[george.kourdin]

i actually also picked C, but in hindsight, i think its wrong because the process by which it is produced is unidiomatic....

also the 2nd part = not underlying simplicity but great complexity is awkward and incorrect

can someone else chime in?

[messi10]

Hi Guys,

I don't think that "the process by which it is..." is unidiomatic. However, it is passive voice and answer A uses active voice which seems more appropriate and concise.

Again, the 2nd part is using the idiom Not X But Y. It may be awkward, but not sure if I will call it incorrect.

Regards

Sunil

[RonPurewal]

Research during the past several decades on the nature of language and the processes that produce and make it understandable has revealed great complexity instead of underlying simplicity.
(Gmat Prep Verbal folder)

if this problem is already on a thread in the gmat prep verbal folder, then please post your question on that thread -- DO NOT MAKE NEW THREADS FOR PROBLEMS THAT ALREADY HAVE THREADS.

(this is the wrong folder, anyway; gmat prep problems don't belong here. thanks.)