GMAT Verbal : Correcting Apostrophe Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #399 : Sentence Correction

Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.

He loved to watch the race car's race around the track.

Possible Answers:

the race cars race around the track

the race cars race, around the track

the race car's race around the track

the race cars around the track

the race cars' race around the track

Correct answer:

the race cars race around the track

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the apostrophe. The word "cars" is supposed to be plural; apostrophes are never used to pluralize a word. Furthermore, the word "race (after "cars") is necessary because this verb (the first "race" is an adjective, describing "cars") describes what the cars are doing around the track. Without this verb, the last part of the sentence makes little sense. The correct choice is, "the race cars race around the track."

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