Diabetes, together with its serious complications,

Diabetes, together with its serious complications, ranks as the nation's third leading cause of death, surpassed only by heart disease and cancer.

2 Explanations

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Mohit Koladia

Hi Mike,

Just to add here, i think between A and C there is difference in saying "Surpassed only" and "only Surpassed"... Do you think i am right on track here?

Thanks,
Mohit

Oct 9, 2015 • Comment

Pete Rossman, Magoosh Tutor

Hi Mohit! Yes, there is a difference between "surpassed only" and "only surpassed" in what the phrases modify. The word "only" in the phrase "surpassed only" modifies the diseases that come after it -- "heart disease and cancer".

However, "only surpassed" would modify "surpassed" first. It's important to note, though, that this difference isn't a big one, and it isn't the best reason to eliminate choice C: we eliminate choice C because it is wordier and more awkward than choice A.

Nov 10, 2015 • Reply

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Mike McGarry, Magoosh Tutor