Sentence correction - Idiom - (A theory) holds that..

[alicegmat]

Hello!

We commonly use the idiom 'The theory holds that ... (facts that a theory states)'.
Eg. The theory holds that photons exhibit wave-particle duality.

While this usage is correct, is the following usage acceptable as well?
The theory holds..(the noun) to ..(verb)

Eg. The theory holds photons to exhibit wave-particle duality.


Regards.
Alisha.

[george.kourdin]

don't think thats correct, but probably best to get an instructor's opinion

[messi10]

Hi Alisha,

I think your question is asking whether the verb "holds" can take the infinitive form or not. (If you have the SC guide then this has been explained very well in the 7th chapter). If not and you want further explanation, please post back.

Eg. The theory holds that photons exhibit wave-particle duality.

As you say, this is a common usage. You are using the command subjunctive form here
Bossy verb (holds) + that + noun + Subjunctive (infinitive minus the "to")

Eg. The theory holds photons to exhibit wave-particle duality.

This sentence does sound a bit awkward but according the SC guide idioms chapter, this usage is not incorrect. However, it is considered suspect.

Basically, "holds" seems to be one of those verbs that can take either form but the subjunctive form is preferred on the GMAT.

Regards

Sunil

[jnelson0612]

Sunil,
Overall, great explanation! However, boy, I don't like the looks of that second sentence. I think a better, yet still suspect, construction would be:

The theory holds photons to be an example of wave-particle duality.

I think we need the "to be" construction for this to even be suspect.

Again, thanks Sunil!

[messi10]

Hi Jamie,

You are right. :) The suspect form includes a "to be". I missed that completely.

Thanks

Sunil

[alicegmat]

Thanks Jamie Nelson and Sunil.
The guide says 'holds..to be' is suspect.

Thanks for the explanation.

Regards.
Alisha.

[jnelson0612]

You are welcome Alisha!