Need help for explaining a grammar question, thanks!

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1

<p>The library is older than it but still just as beautiful as the courthouse. </p>

<p>A. older than it but still just as beautiful s the courthouse
B. older and it is just as beautiful as the courthouse
C. old than the courthouse; it is just as beautiful as it
D. older than the courthouse but just as beautiful
E. just as beautiful as the courthouse and it is older than it</p>

<p>the right is D, but i don't know the reason.</p>

<p>Besides, i find difficulty in understanding the "than" and "as...as"</p>

<p>is it necessary to follow this formula that the verb before than or as must be repeated after than or as?</p>

<p>Many thanks.</p>

2

<p>If for no other reason, the other four are blatantly wrong.</p>

3

<p>Let's breakdown each answer choice:</p>

<p>A- "Older than it but still just as beautiful as the courthouse" What is "IT" referring to? It's ambiguous, therefore eliminated.</p>

<p>B- "older and it is just as beautiful as the courthouse". Older than what? what is it? Ambiguity is an issue again, therefore eliminated.</p>

<p>C- "old than the courthouse" Stop right there, eliminate.</p>

<p>D- "older than the courthouse but just as beautiful" Concise and clear. Checkmark it.</p>

<p>E- "Just as beautiful as the courthouse and it is older than it" Too many "its", and once again, ambiguous, and wordy. Eliminated.</p>

<p>You want to look for concise and coherent answers that do not have unnecessary words.</p>

4

<p>yes, lots of ambiguity</p>