All GMAT Verbal Resources
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.
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.
the game; they planned to celebrate afterwards.
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.
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.
creative individual; he dabbled in every area of art.
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.
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
because of its orbit around the sun; each region's exposure to the sun's rays determines
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.
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
into the city, he stopped to eat; he would not have free time
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.
After exercising she drank
After exercising; she drank
After exercising, she drank
After exercising: she drank
After exercising; she drank,
After exercising, she drank
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.
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
Whenever she completed a task, she hit
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.
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,
in the park; however, he sensed
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.
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
Any obstacle, however challenging, must
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.
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.
One cannot simply falsify data; for anyone to do so is highly unethical.
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.
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
He regarded the award as the most
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."