GMAT Verbal : GMAT Verbal

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Correcting 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 lions, each of which are a fine specimen, was raised entirely in captivity and never intended to be released into the wild.

Possible Answers:

each of which is a fine specimen, were raised

each of which is a fine specimen, was being raised

each fine specimens, was raised

each of which are a fine specimen, was raised

each of which are a fine specimen, were raised

Correct answer:

each of which is a fine specimen, were raised

Explanation:

Although the interrupting phrase uses the singular "each," the subject of the sentence is the plural "lions," making the singular verb form "was" incorrect. The verb must be changed to a plural verb form. Furthermore, within the interrupting phrase itself, the singular "each" calls for a singular verb in the phrase: "is." As the only answer choice which makes this change, "each of which is a fine specimen, were raised" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1072 : 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.

Any attempt to summarize modern music is not only challenging but also misled, as there are an incredible range of styles and expression in today’s music.

Possible Answers:

but also misled, with there being an incredible range of styles

but also misled, there being an incredible range of styles

but also misled; there are an incredible range of styles

but also misled, as there are an incredible range of styles

but also misled, as there is an incredible range of styles

Correct answer:

but also misled, as there is an incredible range of styles

Explanation:

The subject is "range of styles," which is singular. Therefore, the verb should refer to a singular subject. The correct answer choice does this and also makes the most efficient use of language. 

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

John and Susan runs to the finish line as fast as possible.

Possible Answers:

are run

run to the finish line

having run to the finish line

runs to the finish line

running to the finish line

Correct answer:

run to the finish line

Explanation:

The underlined portion of the sentence contains a verb error with "runs." "John and Susan," while both singular nouns, are together a plural, and need a plural verb form, instead of the singular "runs." "Run to the finish line" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #3 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

The boy, among many friends, celebrate his birthday in lavish style.

Possible Answers:

celebrate

is celibrant

celebrates

having been celebrated

is celebrated

Correct answer:

celebrates

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is singular, "the boy," and not the plural "many friends," meaning the verb needs to be singular as well. Additionally, the sentence must keep the same meaning, that they boy is doing the celebrating. "Celebrates" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #3 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Autocratic styles of leadership frequently annoys the people who must work under such leaders.

Possible Answers:

frequently annoys

frequent annoys

frequented annoying

frequently annoy

frequent annoy

Correct answer:

frequently annoy

Explanation:

The verb "annoy" is used with the subject "styles," although the prepositional phrase "of leadership" and the adverb "frequently" come between the two words. Therefore, the verb form must take a plural form to match the subject. "Styles...frequently annoy" is the correct answer form.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Every one of the new coaches face serious troubles with their teams.

Possible Answers:

the new coach faces

new coaches face

the new coach face

the new coaches face

the new coaches faces

Correct answer:

the new coaches faces

Explanation:

The verb in the sentence, written in the underlined portion as "face," must actually be in the singular form "faces." The subject of the sentence is "every," which is actually a singular form, even though the verb sits next to "new coaches." "The new coaches faces" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

One of the boys are coming over to help build the model car.

Possible Answers:

One of the boys are coming over

One of the boys is came over

One boy comes over

One of the boys are came over

One of the boys is coming over

Correct answer:

One of the boys is coming over

Explanation:

The problem with the sentence is that the verb "are" is a plural form, but is matched with "One," a singular noun, even though "boys" is the closest word to the verb in the sentence. The correct answer is "One of the boys is coming over."

Example Question #3 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

There is no players in the league who would be comfortable in such a situation.

Possible Answers:

They're no players

There's no players

There are no players

There is no players

There is not players

Correct answer:

There are no players

Explanation:

The underlined phrase has an incorrect use of the verb "is," as the subject, "players," is a plural form. The verb needs to be similarly plural. "There are no players" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

The youngest girl among the students have dark hair.

Possible Answers:

have dark hair.

has dark hair.

has darkest hairs.

have darker hair.

have dark hairs.

Correct answer:

has dark hair.

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is "youngest girl," a singular noun. Although the verb is next to the plural "students," a plural, the verb form must be a singular verb. Additionally, a superlative need a comparison to be used appropriately, making "has dark hair" the correct answer choice.

Example Question #1081 : Sentence Correction

Every night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Possible Answers:

Each of the nights for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing.

Every night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Each night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Every night for five nights straight were well below freezing.

Correct answer:

Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing.

Explanation:

The issue with the sentence as it is written is that the subject of the sentence, "every night," is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. The subject and the verb must agree. The correct answer is "Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing."

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