GMAT Verbal : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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Example Questions
Example Question #91 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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.
Sharon knew that she had to complete his assignment soon.
hers
her
him
she
his
her
This sentence misuses the pronoun "his." Since a man is not mentioned anywhere in the sentence, it makes no sense to use the word "his." Most likely, it is Sharon's project that is meant here, meaning that "her" should be used. Note that "hers" is not a proper word. The correct choice is "her."
Example Question #92 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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.
When the car refused to start, he tried changing it's battery.
he tried changing its battery.
he tried changing battery of the car.
he tried changing that battery.
he tried changing it's battery.
he tried changing the car's battery.
he tried changing its battery.
This sentence contains an error in the usage of "it's," which is a contraction for "it is." The context of the sentence makes it clear that the possessive pronoun is needed here, which is "its," without the apostrophe. Note that "that" is not specific enough (could be referring so some other battery), and "the car's/of the car" is redundant, given the first half of this sentence. The correct choice is, "he tried changing its battery."
Example Question #93 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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 company assigned it's latest project to Tim.
its latest project to Tim.
its latest project to: Tim.
it's latest project: to Tim.
it's latest project to: Tim.
it's latest project to Tim.
its latest project to Tim.
This sentence uses the wrong form of "it." When the apostrophe is present (it's), the word is a contraction for "it is." The possessive form, which is needed here, is "its" (without the apostrophe). No additional punctuation or other changes are necessary - colons are never used to split up a clause. The correct choice is, "its latest project to Tim."
Example Question #94 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was her's.
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was belonging to her.
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted they were her's.
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was her's.
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was hers.
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted they were hers.
I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was hers.
The possessive pronouns "hers," "his," "yours," "its," "ours," and "theirs" are never used with apostrophes. The correct version of this sentence reads: "I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was hers."
Example Question #95 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage
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.
She wished to study in Rome because she was enamored with it's history.
Rome; because she was enamored with it's history.
Rome: because she was enamored with it's history.
Rome, because she was enamored with it is history.
Rome because she was enamored with its history.
Rome because she was enamored with it's history.
Rome because she was enamored with its history.
This sentence misuses the pronoun "it's," which is a contraction for "it is." The correct form (the possessive) is "its," without an apostrophe. The correct choice is, "Rome because she was enamored with its history." No additional punctuation is necessary. The word "because" does not take a comma before it when joining clauses.
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