GMAT Verbal : GMAT Verbal
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal
All GMAT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1224 : 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.
Although we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully, we see that the "Last of the Romans" had a critical view of the Roman Empire, but not one without qualifications.
Although we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully,
If we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully,
Whereas we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully,
Wherever we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully,
Since we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully,
If we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully,
The structure of the sentence suggests a need for a conditional subordinating conjunction—one indicating an if-then relationship between the dependent and independent clauses.
Example Question #1225 : 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.
Many of Augustine's writings evince the growing influence of Punic identity, however, his many surviving letters showcase this influence most prominently.
Punic identity; nevertheless, his many surviving letters showcase
Punic identity, however his many surviving letters showcase
Punic identity, and his many surviving letters showcase
Punic identity, however, his many surviving letters showcase
Punic identity; however, his many surviving letters showcase
Punic identity; however, his many surviving letters showcase
"However" in this instance indicates a case worthy of special consideration among many other cases, rather than a strict contrast indicated by "nevertheless," or similarity indicated by "and." Furthermore, the two independent clauses should be joined by a semicolon before the conjunction, rather than a comma or no punctuation.
Example Question #1226 : 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.
Wherever he writes about his native Africa Augustine does so in the context of the Roman Empire it was a part of during his lifetime.
Whenever he writes about his native Africa Augustine does so
Wherever he writes about his native Africa, Augustine does so
However he writes about his native Africa, Augustine does so
Should he write about his native Africa, Augustine does so
Wherever he writes about his native Africa Augustine does so
Wherever he writes about his native Africa, Augustine does so
Dependent clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction are followed by a comma before the independent clause. Furthermore, because this passage discusses its subject writing, rather than speaking, a subordinating conjunction referring to locations in a body of work ("wherever") rather than moments in time ("whenever") is more contextually appropriate.
Example Question #1227 : 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.
While I was busy working on the grant proposal; Kevin was taking care of the day-to-day operations of the organization.
While I was busy working on the grant proposal
While I was busily working on the grant proposal;
While I was busy working on the grant proposal:
While I was busy working on the grant proposal.
While I was busy working on the grant proposal,
While I was busy working on the grant proposal,
"While I was busy working on the grant proposal" is a subordinate clause, so the sentence requires the second clause—an independent clause—in order to be a complete grammatical sentence. Because "While I was busy working on the grant proposal" is a dependent clause, it should thus be followed with a comma. Semicolons and periods can only be used to punctuate independent clauses. The correct version of the sentence reads, "While I was busy working on the grant proposal, Kevin was taking care of the day-to-day operations of the organization."
Example Question #5 : Correcting Subordinating Conjunction Errors
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas where he went throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
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.
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas where he went throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas wherever he went through his many travels in every part of Europe.
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas wherever he went throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas wherever he went, throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas where he went, throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas wherever he went throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
"Wherever," not "where," is the appropriate subordinating conjunction in this instance, as "where" implies a singular and somewhat specific place; however, the passage implies a large area or a multitude of places. As the subordinate clause does not come at the beginning of the sentence, it does not need to be separated from the main clause by a comma.
Example Question #1 : Correcting Subordinate Conjunction 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.
Because the giant squid is an elusive creature rarely seen by humans, scientists are beginning to gain a better understanding of the creature by studying it using remote cameras.
Although
Considering
As
Because
Since
Although
The sentence is trying to explain that in spite of the giant squid's elusiveness, scientists are finding new ways of studying it. The sentence therefore is trying to contrast two ideas, as opposed to showing causation with the word "because." The only answer choice that uses a contrasting conjunction is "Although," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #1231 : 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Because my father was afraid of fish, so he would never take us to the aquarium.
Although my father was afraid of fish, he would never take us to the aquarium.
Because my father was afraid of fish, so he would never take us to the aquarium.
Because my father was afraid of fish the aquarium he would never take us to.
He would never take us to the aquarium because my father was afraid of fish.
Because my father was afraid of fish, he would never take us to the aquarium.
Because my father was afraid of fish, he would never take us to the aquarium.
Subordination problems happen when there are two subordinate clauses and no main clause. The "because" and "so" in the original sentence clash with each other. We only need one. That way, the clause from which a subordinating conjunction is omitted becomes an independent clause, and we need at least one independent clause in the sentence for it to be complete.
Example Question #1792 : Correcting Grammatical 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.
Prisons are a relatively recent phenomenon in world history, because exorbitant costs.
because exorbitant costs of prisons.
because they have exorbitant costs.
exorbitant costs.
because exorbitant costs.
because exorbitant cost.
because they have exorbitant costs.
The underlined phrase, a separate clause further explaining the first half of the sentence, does not work as a complet sentence. In order to appropriately fit after "because," the phrase needs to be turned into a complete thought. "Because they had exorbitant costs" is the best choice among the answers.
Example Question #1231 : 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. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Whether the Donatists were active while Augustine was bishop, their roots were in controversies and long-simmering resentments from the time of his childhood.
Whether the Donatists were active whether or not Augustine was bishop their roots
Whether the Donatists were active while Augustine was bishop, their roots
While the Donatists were active whether or not Augustine was bishop, their roots
While the Donatists were active while Augustine was bishop, their roots
While the Donatists were active while Augustine was bishop their roots
While the Donatists were active while Augustine was bishop, their roots
As the context implies, "while" is the appropriate subordinating conjunction to use in both places; however, it is worth noting that, in the credited response, it is used in two different senses—first to indicate a sort of concession or piece of important information that will find a contrast later, and later in the sentence to indicate a time when something was happening. Finally, the subordinate clause that begins the sentence should be separated from the main clause by a comma.
Example Question #52 : Conjunction 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.
Some prescription drugs can produce dangerous interactions when combined with other chemicals, and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
so you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
but you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
and you should always be telling your physician about any medications you take at home.
although you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
so you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
This sentence contains an error in its logic of cause and effect. The first part of the sentence is the reason for the advice offered in the second part. So, you should change "and" to a word that demonstrates the cause-and-effect relationship. Do not add a contrast word like "but" or "although" unless the sentence includes some sort of contradiction or opposition.
All GMAT Verbal Resources
