the cotton gin (different from the one given on gmatprep)

[ivy]

Hello Ron,

The invention of the cotton gin, being one of the most significant developments of the nineteenth century, had turned cotton cloth into an affordable commodity even though it was expensive before that.
- being one of the most significant developments of the nineteenth century, had turned cotton cloth into an affordable commodity even though it was expensive before that
- having been one of the most significant developments of the nineteenth century, turned cotton cloth into an affordable commodity even though it had previously been expensive
- one of the most significant developments of the nineteenth century, turned cotton cloth into an affordable commodity despite its previous expense
- one of the most significant developments of the nineteenth century, turned cotton cloth into an affordable commodity despite the fact that it had previously been expensive
- being one of the most significant developments of the nineteenth century, turned cotton cloth from a previously expensive commodity to an affordable one


The answer to this question is option D. Isn't option D wordy? Should not 'despite the fact that' be replaced by 'despite' to make that option correct?

[ivy]

Should 'despite' be always followed by a noun or noun phrase? Is it a rule? Can't it be followed by a clause?

[tim]

"despite" always needs a noun after it. as for D being "wordy", this is almost never a legitimate reason to eliminate an answer choice. despite the OG's frequent use of "wordy and awkward" as a reason for eliminating answers, there are almost always legitimate grammar rule violations that constitute better reasons for eliminating the answer choice..

the takeaway here: if you ever find yourself eliminating an answer because you consider it "wordy", you are almost certainly making a mistake..

[ivy]

Hello Tim,

Thanks very much for all the replies.

Cheers! :)

[tim]

glad to help!