GMAT Verbal : GMAT Verbal

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #47 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

They would soon win the game, they planned to celebrate afterwards.

Possible Answers:

 the game; they planned to celebrate afterwards.

 the game: they planned to celebrate afterwards.

 the game, they planned: to celebrate afterwards.

 the game, they planned to celebrate afterwards.

 the game they planned to celebrate afterwards.

Correct answer:

 the game; they planned to celebrate afterwards.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the comma. The sentence combines two related independent clauses without the use of a conjunction. In these cases, a semicolon should be used instead. Note that a colon would be inappropriate here as "they planned to celebrate afterwards" does not explain how or why they are winning the game or even why they are playing the game. The correct choice is, " the game; they planned to celebrate afterwards."

Example Question #48 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

Shaun was a very creative individual he dabbled in every area of art.

Possible Answers:

creative individual; he dabbled in every area of art.

creative individual he dabbled in every area of art.

creative individual, he dabbled in: every area of art.

creative individual; he dabbled in: every area of art.

creative individual, he dabbled in every area of art.

Correct answer:

creative individual; he dabbled in every area of art.

Explanation:

This sentence combines two related independent clauses without the use of a conjunction. When this occurs, a semicolon should be placed between the clauses. A semicolon should appear after the word "individual." The correct choice is, "creative individual; he dabbled in every area of art."

Example Question #49 : Correcting Semicolon 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 Earth's seasons change because of its orbit around the sun each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines the weather.

Possible Answers:

because of its orbit around the sun, each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines

because, of its orbit around the sun, each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines

because of its orbit around the sun; each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines

because, of its orbit around the sun; each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines

because, of its orbit around the sun each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines

Correct answer:

because of its orbit around the sun; each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines

Explanation:

This sentence does not contain a semicolon where one is necessary. This sentence combines two related independent clauses without the use of a conjunction. When this occurs, a semicolon should appear between them. A semicolon should appear after the word "sun." The correct choice is, "because of its orbit around the sun; each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines."

Example Question #51 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

While walking into the city, he stopped to eat he would not have free time once he reached his destination.

Possible Answers:

 into the city he stopped to eat he would not have free time

 into the city, he stopped to eat, he would not have free time

 into the city, he stopped to eat; he would not have free time

 into the city, he stopped to eat. he would not have free time

 into the city, he stopped to eat he would not have free time

Correct answer:

 into the city, he stopped to eat; he would not have free time

Explanation:

This sentence does not contain a semicolon where necessary. The sentence joins two related independent clauses without the use of a conjunction. When this occurs, the clauses should be separated by a semicolon, which, in this instance, should appear after the word "eat." The correct choice is, " into the city, he stopped to eat; he would not have free time."

Example Question #52 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

After exercising; she drank much water.

Possible Answers:

After exercising she drank

After exercising; she drank

After exercising, she drank

After exercising: she drank

After exercising; she drank,

Correct answer:

After exercising, she drank

Explanation:

This sentence contains a semicolon where a comma should be. The phrase "After exercising" is an example of an introductory phrase, explaining information necessary to the context of the sentence, but outside of the main sentence, grammatically. These types of phrases must be followed by a comma in order to separate them from the rest of the sentence. The correct answer choice is, "After exercising, she drank."

Example Question #53 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

Whenever she completed a task; she hit a bell on her desk.

Possible Answers:

Whenever she completed a task; she hit 

Whenever she completed a task, she hit 

Whenever she completed a task; she, hit 

Whenever she completed a task; she; hit 

Whenever she completed a task, she, hit 

Correct answer:

Whenever she completed a task, she hit 

Explanation:

This sentence contains a semicolon where a comma is necessary. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. The phrase "Whenever she completed a task" is not, however, an independent clause; it is an example of an introductory phrase, explaining information necessary to the context of the sentence, but outside of the main sentence, grammatically. These types of phrases must be followed by a comma in order to separate them from the rest of the sentence. The correct answer choice is, "Whenever she completed a task; she hit a bell on her desk."

Example Question #54 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

They enjoyed their afternoon in the park, however, he sensed some tension between them over dinner.

Possible Answers:

 in the park however he sensed

in the park, and, however, he sensed

in the park; however, he sensed

in the park however, he sensed

 in the park: he sensed, however,

Correct answer:

in the park; however, he sensed

Explanation:

When using a conjunctive adjective to join two independent clauses, one should use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb (in this case "however") and a comma after the conjunctive adverb, in this case "however".

Example Question #55 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

Any obstacle; however, challenging must be overcome by your conviction.

Possible Answers:

Any obstacle—however challenging must 

Any obstacle, however, challenging must 

Any obstacle, however challenging, must 

Any obstacle however challenging must 

Any obstacle; however, challenging must 

Correct answer:

Any obstacle, however challenging, must 

Explanation:

Using the word "however" to join two independent clauses requires the use of a semicolon and a comma. In this case, "however" is not functioning as a conjunctive adverb. It is simply an adverb modifying the word "challenging." Because the modifier  "however challenging" interrupts the independent clause, it is best to set it between commas.

Example Question #56 : Correcting Semicolon 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 cannot simply falsify data: for anyone to do so is highly unethical.

Possible Answers:

One cannot simply falsify data; however, doing so is highly unethical.

One cannot simply falsify data, but for anyone to do so is highly unethical.

One cannot simply falsify data, so for anyone to do so is highly unethical.

One cannot simply falsify data; for anyone to do so is highly unethical.

One cannot simply falsify data, so doing so is highly unethical.

Correct answer:

One cannot simply falsify data; for anyone to do so is highly unethical.

Explanation:

The central issue here is how to effectively combine these two independent statements. Because the clauses do not contrast in meaning, using the conjunction but or the conjunctive adverb however after the semi-colon is inappropriate. However, using a semi-colon to join two independent clauses that are closely related is totally acceptable. Using a comma alone would result in a comma splice error. The correct answer simply implements a semi-colon.

Example Question #57 : Correcting Semicolon 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.

He regarded the award; as the most prestigious in his field.

Possible Answers:

He regarded; the award as the most

He regarded the award, as the most

He regarded, the award as the most

He regarded the award as the most

He regarded the award; as the most

Correct answer:

He regarded the award as the most

Explanation:

This sentence contains an error in the usage of the semicolon. Semicolons are used in order to join two independent clauses without the use of a conjunction. The phrase "He regarded the award" is independent, but "as the most prestigious in his field" is not. The semicolon should be omitted as no punctuation in necessary. The correct choice is, "He regarded the award as the most."

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