It's probable that there

[Freeguy]

It's probable that there were many severe storms in this area ..... ships sank.

1. so many
2. that many
3. and many
4. and that many

Why not No.3?

 

[5jj]

Why not No.3?

Are you asking if #3 is possible or suggesting that you are doubting somebody who has said it is not?

 

[Freeguy]

My opinion: No.3
Answer key: No.4 ( I haven't seen this structure before )

 

[bhaisahab]

My opinion: No.3
Answer key: No.4 ( I haven't seen this structure before )

Both 3 and 4 are possible. I prefer #4.

 

[5jj]

Answer key: No.4 ( I haven't seen this structure before )

There's nothing special about it:

It's probable that there were many severe storms in this area and ((it is probable) that) ships sank.

 

[Freeguy]

So 5jj it must be kind of ellipsis. Right?

 

[5jj]

Yes

 

[Raymott]

I note that bhaisahab says that 3 is possible. It is grammatical, but ambiguous. It could be taken that the storms were 'probable' but [that] you are certain that the ships sank. Using 'that' (4) specifically links the sinking ships to 'probable'.