SC Question

[Ganesh Malkar]

A survey by the National Council of Churches showed that in 1986 there were 20,736 female ministers, almost 9 percent of the nation's clergy, twice as much as 1977.

A) twice as much as 1977
B) twice as many as 1977
C) double what it was in 1977
D) double the figure for 1977
E) a number double that of 1977's

The answer is D

Not Understood why

My understanding
many - countable and much - uncountable

when to use what? double or twice?

[Abhishek009]

Going through the given options A , B and E can be ruled out based on the following logic -


A : As much as , refers to quantitative comparison , whereas we are interested in the Number .

B : Twice as many as 1977 is incorrect as it gives the impression 2 times 1977.

C : Double what it , " It " is ambiguous , it might refer to clerks or female ministers and its not clearly specified.

E : Modifies the number of Clergies , whereas it must modify the Female ministers....


Hence C is correct..