Question

In the state of California, the number of people who this year died due to heart attack are less than cancer.

• A. are less than
• B. are fewer than
• C. is less than those who died due to
• D. is less than the number of people who died due to
• E. is less than that of people who died due to

Hint:

When comparing quantities, make sure to use the correct subject-verb agreement and clarity in the comparison structure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Analyze the sentence for subject-verb agreement.
The subject of the sentence "the number of people" is singular, so the verb should be "is," not "are." Additionally, the comparison should be made using "the number of people who died due to."
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) are less than: Incorrect. The subject is singular, so the verb should be "is," not "are."
- (B) are fewer than: Incorrect for the same reason as option (A).
- (C) is less than those who died due to: "Those" is incorrect because it doesn't properly refer to "the number of people."
- (D) is less than the number of people who died due to: Correct. This option correctly uses "is" and provides a proper comparison.
- (E) is less than that of people who died due to: "That of" is awkward and not as grammatically correct as "the number of people."
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D), as it matches both subject-verb agreement and makes the comparison logically clear.