than (is) generally realized

[sitifan]

More middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble than _____ realized.
(A) generally
(B) most people
(C) what people
(D) is generally

Source: written by a Chinese teacher of English.

The answer is option A.
Is option D also acceptable to native speakers?

 

[5jj]

No.

 

[tedmc]

...than they generally realised.

I think "they" is omitted for brevity.

 

[5jj]

...than they generally realised.

I think "they" is omitted for brevity.

That would require present-tense realise.

 

[sitifan]

https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/more-middle-aged-persons-suffer…than-is-are-….3867813/

It is not generally realised that so many middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble.
>> More middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble than it is generally realised.
>> More middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble than is generally realised.

 

[Tarheel]

More middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble than _____ realized.
(A) generally
(B) most people
(C) what people
(D) is generally

Source: written by a Chinese teacher of English.

The answer is option A.
Is option D also acceptable to native speakers?

I think you could use any of them. Nobody would give it a second thought. Why would they? The point is to say what you mean to say and for people to understand you.

 

[tedmc]

https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/more-middle-aged-persons-suffer…than-is-are-….3867813/

It is not generally realised that so many middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble.
>> More middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble than it is generally realised.
>> More middle-aged persons suffer from heart trouble than is generally realised.

"Is" is not in any of the four answers.