GMAT Verbal : Correcting Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #21 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent Agreement Errors
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.
The recent photographs of the giant squid are remarkable because they show these enormous living creatures as moving around in their natural environment, whereas previous pictures have been of only dead animals.
because they show this enormous living creature moving around in a
because these enormous living creatures are shown to be moving around in their
because they show these living creatures as moving around in their
in that they show this enormous living creature moving around in its
in that they show this most enormous of living creatures moving around in its
in that they show this enormous living creature moving around in its
Do not make the mistake of deciding to eliminate either ‘because’ or ‘in that’ – both are more or less the same, and they are not what is being tested. The main problem with the sentence is that suddenly the single squid has become a multitude. Thus you can immediately eliminate those containing "these creatures". You can also eliminate the phrase which changes the meaning and makes the squid one of the most enormous of all living creatures. Finally, we are talking about the creature in its natural environment and so the vague ‘a natural environment’ is not appropriate.
Example Question #22 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent Agreement Errors
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.
The committee has decided to forward their findings to the state licensing board in the hopes that being proactive will lessen the sanctions against the corporation.
their's
it's
its
their
theirs
its
The antecedent for the pronoun is "the committee" which is singular and must be referenced by a singular pronoun. "It's" means "it is" and is thus not appropriate in this sentence.
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