SC: Long-distance runner’s endurance

[pavenleo]

Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than anyone in the general population, it is surprising that their life-expectancy is not longer as well.

a. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than anyone in the general population, it is surprising that their life-expectancy is not longer as well.

b. It is surprising that a long-distance runner does not have a longer life-expectancy than anyone else because his endurance is typically greater than anyone in the general population.

c. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than anyone else’s in the general population, it is surprising that on average they do not live longer as well.

d. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than that of anyone else in the general population, it is surprising that a long-distance runner’s life expectancy is not longer as well.

e. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically the highest of anyone in the general population, it is surprising that their average life-span is not longer as well.

Hi Ron,
Though I can spot errors and eliminate answer choices A, B, C, and E, I eliminate the answer choice D too. IMO, Pronoun "that" in the phrase "that of anyone else" refers to entire noun phrase "a long-distance runner's endurance", so the sentence can be rewritten as "Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than a long-distance runner’s endurance of anyone else in the general population". Thus, the usage of pronoun "that" in this case is incorrect. Is my understanding correct?

Many thanks!

[sharif10.ais.du2004]

Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than anyone in the general population, it is surprising that their life-expectancy is not longer as well.

a. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than anyone in the general population, it is surprising that their life-expectancy is not longer as well.

b. It is surprising that a long-distance runner does not have a longer life-expectancy than anyone else because his endurance is typically greater than anyone in the general population.

c. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than anyone else’s in the general population, it is surprising that on average they do not live longer as well.

d. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than that of anyone else in the general population, it is surprising that a long-distance runner’s life expectancy is not longer as well.

e. Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically the highest of anyone in the general population, it is surprising that their average life-span is not longer as well.

Hi Ron,
Though I can spot errors and eliminate answer choices A, B, C, and E, I eliminate the answer choice D too. IMO, Pronoun "that" in the phrase "that of anyone else" refers to entire noun phrase "a long-distance runner's endurance", so the sentence can be rewritten as "Since a long-distance runner’s endurance is typically greater than a long-distance runner’s endurance of anyone else in the general population". Thus, the usage of pronoun "that" in this case is incorrect. Is my understanding correct?

Many thanks!

Actually "that" refers to the endurance of anyone else. Using "that" is absolutely correct. Using "greater than a long-distance runner’s endurance of anyone else" distorts the original meaning of the sentence.

[jnelson0612]

Thanks, sharif! You are correct.

Please let us know if there are any other questions here.