Sentence from MGMAT SC Flashcard pg 11

[RahulG573]

Identify the error: The murder was an expressing of
longstanding tensions.

Correct: The murder was an expression of longstanding
tensions.

Following the V-A-N pattern, shouldn't the following be a better formation?

The murder expressed longstanding tensions.

Request instructor to please guide.

[MohitS94]

Hi Rahul,

It's an interesting question. But, I don't think it is logical to think of a murder expressing anything. It can be an expression. Hence the use of was, a form of the to be verb.

[RahulG573]

Thanks, Mohit.

Following your explanation, what if murder in the sentence above is replaced with attack. In that case we can think of attack as expressing something.

I understand that these words can be used as a noun or as a verb. Murder in the sentence above is used as a noun but attack can be seen as a verb or a noun. I'm confused if we can draw out some generalization or an exception to V-A-N pattern from this example.

[MohitS94]

Following your explanation, what if murder in the sentence above is replaced with attack. In that case we can think of attack as expressing something.

Umm, sorry, still don't think it would make sense. If you go by the definition,

express (verb): convey (a thought or feeling) in words or by gestures and conduct.

I don't think this verb could take any non-living subject.

[RahulG573]

Thanks. Will wait for clarification from an instructor.

[RahulG573]

Hi,

Request Ron/Stacy/other instructor to please clarify the doubt. Thanks.

[RonPurewal]

The murder expressed longstanding tensions.

this version is correct.

the provided answer is also correct.

"better" is not a thing.

[RonPurewal]

Hi,

Request Ron/Stacy/other instructor to please clarify the doubt. Thanks.

we answer these things from oldest to newest, so doing this ^^ serves only to lengthen the delay.

[RahulG573]

Hi,

Request Ron/Stacy/other instructor to please clarify the doubt. Thanks.

we answer these things from oldest to newest, so doing this ^^ serves only to lengthen the delay.

Thanks a lot for your response. In future, I shall avoid reiterating request on forum.

[RonPurewal]

excellent.