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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pooja singh

Can anyone please explain the difference between "only surpassed by " and " surpassed by only" in the context of meaning?

Feb 11, 2018 • Comment

David Recine

In this context, "only surpassed by" is somewhat more idiomatically common than both "surpassed by only" and "only surpassed by." However, the meaning would basically be the same for all three options. And the GMAT would never treat this kind of minor distinction as an important split.

Feb 15, 2018 • Reply

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Mike McGarry, Magoosh Tutor

Aug 18, 2015 • Comment

I feel like C is also incorrect as it ends with only surpassed but it would be better if it ends with surpassed only as it will be modifying death in the sentence. Please correct me if i am wrong

Oct 14, 2016 • Reply

Sam Kinsman

Yes, that's right! "surpassed only" works better than "only surpassed" here :)

Oct 19, 2016 • Reply