GMAT Verbal : GMAT Verbal

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #2131 : Sat Writing

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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

Though most people are unaware of it, there is over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.

Possible Answers:

there is over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.

there is over a hundred varieties of coffees that grow throughout the world.

there is over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.

there are over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.

there are over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.

Correct answer:

there are over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.

Explanation:

"There are” is correct because it indicates the existence of more than one thing (e.g., varieties). “Which” is incorrect because it does not follow a comma, nor does it refer to a complement/predicate. 

Example Question #2132 : Sat Writing

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 members of the group was frequently at odds with their rivals over petty differences.

Possible Answers:

the group were frequently at odds

the group was frequent at odds

the group was frequently in odds

the group was at odds frequently

the group was frequently at odds

Correct answer:

the group were frequently at odds

Explanation:

The use of the singular verb "was" is incorrect with the plural subject "members." Even though the verb is next to the singular group, the verb needs to match the subject. Thus the correct answer choice is "the group were frequently at odds," which is the only choice with the appropriate verb tense.

Example Question #36 : Correcting Subject Verb 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. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.

Both Mark and his friend Josh is a type of person called introverts.

Possible Answers:

is a types

is a type

are a types

is one type

are a type

Correct answer:

are a type

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence, "Mark and his friend Josh," is plural. Therefore, the sentence must use a verb that agrees with a plural subject. So, "are" needs to be used instead of "is." In choosing between "are a type" and "are a types," the phrase "a types" is grammatically incorrect because "a" is an indefinite article used with singular nouns, and "types" is a plural noun. Plus, you can see that the sentence is discussing one type of person "called introverts"—there is no discussion provided of any other type of person, so using the plural "types" would not make sense in the sentence's context. So, "are a type" is the correct answer.

Example Question #37 : Correcting Subject Verb 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

Despite positive reviews from movie critics, the quality of the young director’s recent films are rather questionable.

Possible Answers:

the quality of the young directors recent films is rather questionable.

the quality of the young Director’s recent films is rather questionable.

the quality of the young Director’s recent films are rather questionable.

the quality of the young director’s recent films is rather questionable.

the quality of the young director’s recent films are rather questionable.

Correct answer:

the quality of the young director’s recent films is rather questionable.

Explanation:

An apostrophe is necessary to show possession, but the word “director” doesn’t need to be capitalized unless it is the official title or nickname of the person. Since “the quality” is singular, the sentence must read, "Despite positive reviews from movie critics, the quality of the young director’s recent films is rather questionable."

Example Question #62 : Subject Verb 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

The treatment of animals in laboratories have become a controversial issue in recent years.

Possible Answers:

has become

having been becoming

have been becoming

had becoming

have become

Correct answer:

has become

Explanation:

The underlined words, the verb phrase "have become," must be in agreement with the subject of the sentence, which is "treatment." In the sentence, treatment is singular, even though it discusses "animals in laboratories." Thus, the singular verb form "has become" is the correct answer.

Example Question #63 : Subject Verb 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

The oldest of the veterans hold a special place of honor in the group.

Possible Answers:

the veteran's hold a special place

the veterans holds a special place

the veterans hold the special place

the veterans hold a special place

the veterans holding a special place

Correct answer:

the veterans holds a special place

Explanation:

The verb "hold" is a plural verb, but the subject of the sentence is the singular "The oldest." The verb needs to be changed to a singular form to be in agreement with the subject. The only answer choice that uses the correct verb is "the veterans holds a special place."

Example Question #31 : 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

Each of the teenagers have a brand new cellular phone.

Possible Answers:

Each of the teenagers having

Each of the teenagers has

Each, of the teenagers, have

Each teenager have

Each of the teenagers have

Correct answer:

Each of the teenagers has

Explanation:

The underlined section of the sentence has a problem with the verb "have." While the verb is situated next to the plural noun "teenagers," the subject of the sentence is the word "each," which is singular. Therefore, the verb needs to be a singular form, and "Each of the teenagers has" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #32 : 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

The teenager, along with her classmates, object to the school's use of uniforms beginning next year.

Possible Answers:

The teenager along with her classmates objects

The teenager along with her classmates object 

The teenager along with her classmates, objects

The teenager, along with her classmates, object 

The teenager, along with her classmates, objects 

Correct answer:

The teenager, along with her classmates, objects 

Explanation:

The issue in the underlined portion of the sentence is that the sentence and verb are not in agreement. While the sentence references "classmates," that is in an interrupting phrase set off by commas, and the subject is the singular "teenager." "The teenager, along with her classmates, objects" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #2141 : Sat Writing

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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.

The most challenging thing for young musicians are to listen to the rest of the ensemble.

Possible Answers:

are to listen

are listen

is having listened

is to listen

are listening

Correct answer:

is to listen

Explanation:

The use of "are" is incorrect in the sentence, as it is a plural form and the subject of the sentence, "thing," is in the singular. The verb tense for "are" needs to be adjusted to the singular form; therefore, the correct answer is "is to listen."

Example Question #1311 : Gmat Verbal

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.

That actor, who gained fame with his early comedic roles, have also given moving performances in dramatic films.

Possible Answers:

was also being known for moving performances

but also gave moving performances

have also given moving performances

and also has given moving performances

has also given moving performances

Correct answer:

has also given moving performances

Explanation:

This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. The subject of the sentence ("That actor") is singular, so change the plural verb "have" to "has."  Adding a conjunction ("and" or "but") in this case creates a sentence structure error. To avoid wordiness, stay away from answer choices that add additional "-ing" verbs.

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GMAT prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors