Question

Critics contend that the new missile is a weapon whose importance is largely symbolic, more a tool for manipulating people’s perceptions than to fulfill a real military need.
Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

• A. for manipulating people’s perceptions than to fulfill
• B. for manipulating people’s perceptions than
• C. to manipulate people’s perceptions rather than that it fulfills
• D. to manipulate people’s perceptions rather than fulfilling
• E. to manipulate people’s perceptions than for fulfilling

Hint:

Ensure parallel structure when comparing actions or ideas in a sentence.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Analyzing sentence structure.
The phrase "more a tool for manipulating people’s perceptions than fulfilling" needs to be corrected to use the infinitive "to manipulate" and the gerund "fulfilling" correctly.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) This construction is grammatically incorrect and awkward.
- (B) This leaves the sentence incomplete.
- (C) This option creates an unnecessary shift and weakens the sentence.
- (D) This is the correct answer, as it maintains clarity and parallel structure.
- (E) This option introduces unnecessary complexity.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D), as it maintains clarity and proper sentence structure.