GMAT Verbal : Correcting Punctuation Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

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."

Example Question #58 : 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.

Many words in the English language; have more than one meaning.

Possible Answers:

English language have more than one meaning.

English language; have more than one meaning.

English language have more than: one meaning.

English language, have more than one meaning.

English language: have more than one meaning.

Correct answer:

English language have more than one meaning.

Explanation:

This sentence is a simple sentence and is not in need of any punctuation. Semicolons are used in order to separate two related independent clauses when no conjunction is present. This is not the case in this sentence, however. The correct choice is to omit all punctuation. The answer is, "English language have more than one meaning."

Example Question #59 : 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.

She became captain of the team after a few months she planned to make many changes to the team's strategy.

Possible Answers:

a few months she planned to

a few months: she planned to

a few months, she planned to

a few months; she planned to

a few months; she planned, to

Correct answer:

a few months; she planned to

Explanation:

This sentence does not contain a semicolon where necessary. The words "months" and "she" represent the end of one independent clause and the beginning of another. In order to join two related independent clauses without a conjunction, a semicolon should be used. Note that a colon would not be appropriate because, while related, the second clause does not explain anything about/in the first clause. The correct choice is, "a few months; she planned to."

Example Question #60 : 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.

She was not prepared for her first day of class, that is; she had not brought a notebook and pencils.

Possible Answers:

She was not prepared for her first day of class, that is, she had not brought a notebook and pencils. 

She was not prepared for her first day of class, that is; she had not brought a notebook and pencils.

She was not prepared for her first day of class: that is, she had not brought a notebook and pencils. 

She was not prepared for her first day of class; that is, she had not brought a notebook and pencils. 

She was not prepared; for her first day of class, that is, she had not brought a notebook and pencils.

Correct answer:

She was not prepared for her first day of class; that is, she had not brought a notebook and pencils. 

Explanation:

A semicolon separates two independent clauses in one sentence. Also, it is used before introductory words such as "that is" and "for example." The introductory phrase introduces a complete sentence/independent clause with a comma following the introductory phrase.

Tired of practice problems?

Try live online GMAT prep today.

1-on-1 Tutoring
Live Online Class
1-on-1 + Class
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors