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Rust can deteriorate a steel pipe

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akhpad
 Post subject: Rust can deteriorate a steel pipe
 Post Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2011 5:23 am 
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Students


Posts: 22
Rust can deteriorate a steel pipe to such an extent that it will snap easily, as though it was a twig.
A: will snap easily, as though it was a twig
B: will snap easily, like a twig does
C: will snap easily, as though it is a twig
D: might snap easily, as though it was a twig
E: will snap easily, as though it were a twig

I convinced that "as though it were" is right.But the main clause should be in past tens with conditional "would"
Please explain.

I can see 2 verbs CAN and WILL. None of them are showing uncertainty.

Is it correct because CAN is showing some short of uncertainty?
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jnelson0612
 Post subject: Re: Rust can deteriorate a steel pipe
 Post Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2011 10:50 pm 
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ManhattanGMAT Staff


Posts: 1857
akhpad wrote:
Rust can deteriorate a steel pipe to such an extent that it will snap easily, as though it was a twig.
A: will snap easily, as though it was a twig
B: will snap easily, like a twig does
C: will snap easily, as though it is a twig
D: might snap easily, as though it was a twig
E: will snap easily, as though it were a twig

I convinced that "as though it were" is right.But the main clause should be in past tens with conditional "would"
Please explain.

I can see 2 verbs CAN and WILL. None of them are showing uncertainty.

Is it correct because CAN is showing some short of uncertainty?


Yes. The subjunctive mood is just describing a condition that is not currently factual. Rust CAN deteriorate a steel pipe indicates this exact kind of situation; it is not the case right now but can occur. Good question!

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Jamie Nelson
ManhattanGMAT Instructor
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