All GMAT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #89 : Correcting Comma 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.
She considered herself a collector of fine arts, and took much pride in the pieces that adorned her walls.
a collector of fine arts and took much pride in: the pieces
a collector of fine arts, and took much pride in: the pieces
a collector of fine arts and took much pride, in the pieces
a collector of fine arts and took much pride in the pieces
a collector of fine arts, and took much pride in the pieces
a collector of fine arts and took much pride in the pieces
This sentence contains an error in the usage of the comma. Commas should only appear before a coordinating conjunction like "and" when the conjunction joins two independent clauses. The phrase "took much pride in the pieces that adorned her walls" is not an independent clause, however. If the phrase had the word "she" before the word "took," then the comma would be appropriate. The correct choice is, "a collector of fine arts and took much pride in the peices."
Example Question #91 : Correcting Comma 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.
Nina had been collecting stamps for years, her collection is now filled with many rare stamps.
collecting stamps for years; her collection is now filled
had been collecting stamps for years, her collection filled now
had been collecting stamps for years, her collection is now filled
had been collecting stamps for years: her collection is now filled
had been collecting stamps for years; her collection is now filled
had been collecting stamps for years; her collection is now filled
This sentence misuses a comma. Commas can only be used to combine independent clauses when a conjunction is present. This is not the case. When a conjunction is not present, the most appropriate punctuation in this case is a semicolon. Note that a colon would not be appropriate since the second clause, while related, does not actually explain anything about the act of collecting the stamps. The correct choice is "had been collecting stamps for years; her collection is now filled."
Example Question #92 : Correcting Comma 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 visited the library, in hope of finding a rare book.
the library, in hope of finding a rare book.
the library in hope of finding the rare book he searched for.
the library, in hope of finding a rare book he wanted.
the library in hope of finding a rare book.
the library in hope of finding a rare book he was searching for.
the library in hope of finding a rare book.
This sentence misuses a comma. Commas are generally used to separate clauses, but a prepositional phrase (here: "in hope of finding a rare book") does not start a new clause. Commas generally do not appear before prepositions. The correct chocie is "the library in hope of finding a rare book." The other choices contain dangling prepositions or the same error in using the comma (among others).
Example Question #93 : Correcting Comma 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 coach said "It is always important to stretch before running."
The coach said It is always important to stretch before running.
The coach said "It is always important to stretch before running."
The coach said: It is always important to stretch before running.
The coach said, "It is always important to stretch before running."
The coach said, 'It is always important to stretch before running.'
The coach said, "It is always important to stretch before running."
This sentence does not contain a comma where one is necessary. Since the phrase "It is always important to stretch before running" is a direct quote, a comma should appear after the word "said." A colon could also be used (though, commas are more appropriate), but not with single quotation marks, since this is not a quote within a quote.
Example Question #94 : Correcting Comma 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 he completed the test he forgot to check his answers.
While he completed the test, he forgot
While he completed the test - he forgot
While he completed the test; he forgot
While he completed the test: he forgot
While he completed the test he forgot
While he completed the test, he forgot
This sentence does not contain a comma where necessary. The phrase "While he completed the test" 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, "While he completed the test, he forgot."
Example Question #95 : Correcting Comma 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.
Doing simple things such as sleeping and eating well can have a huge impact on a person's productivity.
things, such as sleeping and eating well can have a huge impact
things such as: sleeping and eating well, can have a huge impact
things such as sleeping and eating well can have a huge impact
things, such as sleeping and eating well, can have a huge impact
things; such as sleeping and eating well, can have a huge impact
things, such as sleeping and eating well, can have a huge impact
This sentence does not contain commas where they are necessary. The phrase "such as sleeping and eating well" is a paranthetical expression: a phrase that explains more about a particular word or phrase in the sentence, but is not introduced by a relative pronoun. These phrases must be introduced and completed with a comma in order to separate them from the main clause of the sentence. The correct answer choice is, " things, such as sleeping and eating well, can have a huge impact."
Example Question #96 : Correcting Comma 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 much practice Tammy's tennis game seemed to be improving.
After much practice, Tammy's tennis game
After much practice, Tammy's tennis game,
After much practice Tammy's tennis game;
After much practice Tammy's tennis game
After much practice; Tammy's tennis game
After much practice, Tammy's tennis game
This sentence does not contain a comma where one is necessary. The phrase "After much practice" 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 much practice, Tammy's tennis game."
Example Question #225 : Correcting Punctuation 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.
Michael Dell said "You don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful. You just need a framework and a dream."
Michael Dell said "You don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful.
Michael Dell said you don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful.
Michael Dell said: 'You don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful.
Michael Dell said, "You don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful.
Michael Dell said, you don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful.
Michael Dell said, "You don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful.
This sentence does not contain a comma where one is necessary. Since this is a direct quote, a comma should appear after the word "said." Note that Double quotations must be used (single quotations are only used when a quote appears within an already existing quote). The correct choice is, "Michael Dell said, "You don't have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful."
Example Question #97 : Correcting Comma 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 of her promotion Heidi was moving across the country.
Because of her promotion: Heidi was moving
Because of her promotion, Heidi was moving
Because of her promotion, Heidi was moved
Because of her promotion, Heidi moving
Because of her promotion Heidi was moving
Because of her promotion, Heidi was moving
This sentence does not contain a comma where one is necessary. The phrase "Because of her promotion" 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, "Because of her promotion, Heidi was moving."
Example Question #98 : Correcting Comma 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.
Surprisingly he managed to win the contest with little practice.
Surprisingly; he managed to win the contest
Surprisingly he managed to win the contest,
Surprisingly, he managed to win the contest
Surprisingly he managed to win the contest:
Surprisingly he managed to win the contest
Surprisingly, he managed to win the contest
This sentence does not contain a comma where necessary. The phrase "Surprisingly" 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, "Surprisingly, he managed to win the contest."