GMAT Verbal : Correcting Phrase, Clause, and Sentence Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Correcting 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.
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, and what did she mean by compelling?
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, in which
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, but
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, for
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, where
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, when
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, but
The central issue here is correctly joining the two clauses using an effective conjunction. The first clause contrasts with the second clause, making the conjunctions and modifiers "for," "when," "in which," and "where" irrelevant. The correct conjunction is "but"; it is the only answer choice which conveys the correct relationship between the clauses.
Example Question #12 : Correcting 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.
Mark's conviction was laudable, and his behavior, however, was completely unprofessional.
Mark's conviction was laudable however his behavior
Mark's conviction was laudable, so his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable; his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable, for his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable, however, his behavior
Mark's conviction was laudable; his behavior, however,
In order to arrive at the correct answer, one must effectively combine the two independent clauses. Because they contrast in meaning, using the conjunctive adverb however after a semi-colon is appropriate. The other answers incorrectly implement conjunctions or punctuation to resolve the issue. Using a semi-colon to join two independent clauses that contrast will work when using a conjunctive adverb like "however" to convey the appropriate relationship between the clauses. Note that comma usage also comes into play here.
Example Question #13 : Correcting Other 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.
The international organization is currently updating its Human Index, which takes into account life expectancy, education, as well as income per person.
into account life expectancy, and education, and income per person
life expectancy, education, and income per person in its account
into account life expectancy, education, as well as income per person
into account life expectancy and education, as well as income per person
life expectancy, education, as well as income per person into account
into account life expectancy and education, as well as income per person
The problem with the original sentence is the list: It is missing an "and," and we must find the right place for it. We can only have a list in the vein of "a, b, and c" when we intend the items to have equal weight. Otherwise we can have a list such as "a and b, as well as c" to denote that the first two items are to be taken together. But we cannot have a combination of the two lists in the form of "a, b, as well as c." Nor can we have "a and b and c." This is answer is best, as it also avoids an unnecessary "its."
Example Question #13 : Correcting 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.
The analysis both fascinated Amy and it showed her that there was another side to the story.
The analysis both fascinated Amy, and showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy and showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy and it showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy; and it showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy, and it showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy and showed her that there was another
Correlative conjunctions must conserve the parallel structure of the items in the sentence. In this case, we need "fascinated" and "showed" to be conjugated in the same way. The latter cannot be treated as an independent clause (i.e., "it showed") when we use words like "both" because it would not make sense as a stand-alone sentence (i.e., "The analysis both fascinated Amy").
Example Question #13 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor Karl Marx are adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor that of Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor that of Karl Marx are adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith or that of Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith or Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor that of Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
When using "neither . . . nor" with singular nouns, the verb of the sentence must be conjugated to agree with a singular noun. Also, you must make sure that you are making "apples to apples" comparisons. Some of the answer choices compare the theory of Adam Smith to Karl Marx (the person), not to Karl Marx's theory, which would be the correct way to make the comparison.
Example Question #3 : Correcting Correlative 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.
The remarkable thing about the new service was that it not only shortened wait times but also provides better service for customers.
not only shortened wait times but also provides better service for customers.
not only shortened wait times for customers but also provides better service.
not only for customers shortened wait times but also provides better service.
not only shortened wait times but it also provides better service for customers.
not only shortens wait times but also provides better service for customers.
not only shortens wait times but also provides better service for customers.
The correlative conjunction phrase that is underlined in the sentence does not feature parallel verb forms, using the past tense "shortened" and the present tense "provides." Any correlative conjunction phrase needs to feature a parallel structure with each verb being in the same tense. The only answer choice which has the correct parallel structure is "not only shortens wait times but also provides better service for customers."
Example Question #3 : Correcting Correlative Conjunction Errors
Neither the ringing alarm clock or the crowing rooster were enough to rouse Old MacDonald from his slumber.
Which option best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?
Neither the ringing alarm clock or the crowing rooster
Either the ringing alarm clock nor the crowing rooster
Either the ringing alarm clock or the crowing rooster
Neither the ringing alarm clock and the crowing rooster
Neither the ringing alarm clock nor the crowing rooster
Neither the ringing alarm clock nor the crowing rooster
Neither always goes with nor, and either always goes with or. Neither neither nor either go with "and."
Example Question #5 : Correcting Correlative 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.
Just as "he who sings, prays twice" cannot be properly attributed to Augustine, even if similar statements can be found in his sermons, so too is there no evidence that his mentor Ambrose is responsible for the saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans do."
While "he who sings, prays twice" cannot be properly attributed to Augustine, even if similar statements can be found in his sermons, so too is there no evidence
Just as "he who sings, prays twice" cannot be properly attributed to Augustine, even if similar statements can be found in his sermons, so too is there no evidence
While "he who sings, prays twice" cannot be properly attributed to Augustine, even if similar statements can be found in his sermons, and there is no evidence
While "he who sings, prays twice" cannot be properly attributed to Augustine, even if similar statements can be found in his sermons, but there is no evidence
Just as "he who sings, prays twice" cannot be properly attributed to Augustine, even if similar statements can be found in his sermons, and there is no evidence
Just as "he who sings, prays twice" cannot be properly attributed to Augustine, even if similar statements can be found in his sermons, so too is there no evidence
"Just as . . . so too" is the proper form of the correlative conjunction in this instance, establishing the relationship (one of similarity) between the two examples mentioned in the passage.
Example Question #4 : Correcting Correlative Conjunction Errors
The two hour delay caused problems not only for Buckley, and Ronnie as well.
What option best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?
not only for Buckley and Ronnie.
not for Buckley, but also for Ronnie.
not only for Buckley, but also for Ronnie.
not only for Buckley, but also for Ronnie as well.
not only for Buckley, also Ronnie.
not only for Buckley, but also for Ronnie.
"Not only" is a conjunction that always correlates with "but also;" furthermore, "but also" is sufficient, adding "as well" on top of that is needlessly repetitive.
Example Question #1 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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.
In Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights, the heroine, Catherine, must choose between true love or social preeminence.
the heroine, Catherine, must make a choice between true love or social preeminence.
the heroine, Catherine, must have to be choosing between true love either or social preeminence.
the heroine, Catherine, must choose between true love and social preeminence.
the heroine, Catherine, must have chosen between true love or social preeminence.
the heroine, Catherine, must choose between true love or social preeminence.
the heroine, Catherine, must choose between true love and social preeminence.
Only answer choice "the heroine, Catherine, must choose between true love and social preeminence" correctly uses "and" with the preposition "between."
The other answer choices, including the original text "the heroine, Catherine, must choose between true love or social preeminence," contain an incorrect idiomatic expression. When we have "between," we typically need the word "and"—rather than "or"—to separate the entities that follow.
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