[Grammar] two times as much as

[wahaha]

The population fo the world is expected to be _____ that of today by the end of this century. Therefore, how to produce enough food for this population is regarded as one of the most urgent problems.
(A) two times as much as (B) twice as large as
(C) as large again as (D) again as large as

The answers are B and C.

Why is A not a correct answer:?:

 

[stanislaw.masny]

The population fo the world is expected to be _____ that of today by the end of this century. Therefore, how to produce enough food for this population is regarded as one of the most urgent problems.
(A) two times as much as (B) twice as large as
(C) as large again as (D) again as large as

The answers are B and C.

Why is A not a correct answer:?:

Dear wahaha
I propose - 'The population of the world is expected to be doubled...'
Thank you
S.M.

 

[Raymott]

The population fo the world is expected to be _____ that of today by the end of this century. Therefore, how to produce enough food for this population is regarded as one of the most urgent problems.
(A) two times as much as (B) twice as large as
(C) as large again as (D) again as large as

The answers are B and C.

Why is A not a correct answer:?:

You can't use 'much' with 'population'.
How large is the population. OK
* How much is the population. Not OK
Much is used for uncountable things.
"How much water is in the dam?" but not "How much people does your city have".
B is the best answer. C is an awkward way to say it.

 

[wahaha]

:-D Million thanks, Raymott!

I wonder if "two times as large as" would be a correct answer?

Plus, "as large again as" (I googled) is often used with half, i.e. The letters, symbols and numbers are almost half as large again as those on a standard keyboard.

 

[Raymott]

:-D Million thanks, Raymott!

I wonder if "two times as large as" would be a correct answer?

Plus, "as large again as" (I googled) is often used with half, i.e. The letters, symbols and numbers are almost half as large again as those on a standard keyboard.

Yes, "two times" and "twice" are usually interchangeable.
"B is half as large again as A" means "B is one and a half times as large as A"; B = 1.5 * A

 

[wahaha]

I see! :-D

It is so great to have such a nice teacher like you, Raymott! :up: Many thanks!!