Sentence: The primatologist has argued that sustained...

[Kotov]

this sentence was the correct sentence from a collegeboard sat study guide practice writing section.

"The primatologist has argued that sustained observation of a few animals provides better behavioral data than does intermittent observation of many animals."

but that sounds really weird and I thought this was the answer

"The primatologist has argued that sustained observation of a few animals in contrast to intermittent observation of many animals, provides better behavioral data."

can someone explain?

Kotov

[Goldhat]

I cannot, unfortunately to me the second one also sounds better. I'm sure there is a real reason why the first sentence is correct English usage however. Please register for the forum so our English coaches can help you improve your English. Are you preparing for any of the English tests, such as the TOEIC Listening And Reading?
_________________
Joel Milne,
English-Test.net Developer

[Alan]

Hi Kotov,

The trouble with (2) is the big gap between 'that' and 'provides'. In the first sentence this doesn't happen. My choice would be for (1)

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Eugene2114]

How would you like: "The primatologist has argued that sustained observation of a few animals provides better behavioral data as compared with intermittent observation of many animals."

[Beeesneees]

Personally, I'd use 'compared to' rather than 'as compared with' (Because it's a direct comparison between the two forms of observation).
_________________
Cheers m' dears!