GMAT Verbal : Correcting Word Usage Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #85 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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 company held its employees responsible for the success or failure of it's products.

Possible Answers:

for: the success or failure of it's products.

for the success or failure of it's products.

for the success or failure of its products.

for: the success or failure of its products.

for the success, or failure of its products.

Correct answer:

for the success or failure of its products.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "it's." This form of the word "it" is a contraction for "it is." Since the word is meant to be possessive here, the correct form is "its," containing no apostrophe. No other changes are necessary. The correct choice is, "for the success or failure of its products."

Example Question #86 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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.

"Its important to study every day," the teacher stated.

Possible Answers:

I'ts important to study every day

It's important to study every day

Its important to study every day

Its' important to study every day

Its' important to study every day

Correct answer:

It's important to study every day

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "its," which is the possessive form of the word "it." It is clear from context, however, that the contraction, "it's" is necessary here. The correct choice is, "It's important to study every day." The other choices do not contain legitimate forms of the word "it."

Example Question #87 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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 man that's dog bit the infant swears the whole ordeal was far less gruesome than the parents made it out to be.

Possible Answers:

thats dog bit the infant swears

who's dog bit the infant swears

whose dog bit the infant swears

whos' dog bit the infant swears

what's dog bit the infant swears

Correct answer:

whose dog bit the infant swears

Explanation:

You can immediately cross out the answer choice with a gross error in both mechanics and grammar: "whos'". Using the relative pronoun "that" to describe a person is incorrect. In this case, the relationship between the noun "man" and the "dog" is one of ownership. We need to use the possessive relative pronoun "whose". All of the other answer choices incorrectly address these two points.

Example Question #88 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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.

An inspiration to young people, the starlet, who's debut performance earned her three nominations shook hands, with some new friends.

Possible Answers:

the starlet who's debut performance could have earned her three nominations was shaking hands 

the starlet, whose debut performance earned her three nominations, shook hands 

the starlet who's debut performance might have earned her three nominations shook hands 

the starlet who's debut performance had earned her three nominations shook hands 

the starlet, who's debut performance would have earned her three nominations, shook hands 

Correct answer:

the starlet, whose debut performance earned her three nominations, shook hands 

Explanation:

The central issue here is not verb tense usage but, rather, incorrect pronoun usage. "Who's" represents the contraction of the pronoun and verb "who is." The correct possessive form of the pronoun who is "whose." All of the other answer choices do not address this issue.

Example Question #89 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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.

And the World Health Organization estimates that by 2030 that number of people living with diabetes will more than double.  

Possible Answers:

estimates that by 2030 the

estimates that by 2030 even though

estimates that by 2030 because

estimates that by 2030 although

estimates that by 2030 a

Correct answer:

estimates that by 2030 the

Explanation:

The correct answer will resolve the redundant relative pronoun that, replacing it with the definite article "the". Using the article "a" is problematic precisely because the article refers to a definite noun "the number of people...". The other answer choice that attempt to implement a subordinating conjunction all result in issues with awkward syntax.

Example Question #90 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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.

Carl wanted to know who's car was parked in his parking spot.

Possible Answers:

who'se car

whose car

whos car

who's car

whos' car

Correct answer:

whose car

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "who's," which is a contraction for "who is." The context of this sentence dictates that the possessive form of the word be used here. The correct choice is "whose." The other choices are not actual forms of this word.

Example Question #91 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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.

Sharon knew that she had to complete his assignment soon.

Possible Answers:

hers

her

him

she

his

Correct answer:

her

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the pronoun "his." Since a man is not mentioned anywhere in the sentence, it makes no sense to use the word "his." Most likely, it is Sharon's project that is meant here, meaning that "her" should be used. Note that "hers" is not a proper word. The correct choice is "her."

Example Question #92 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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.

When the car refused to start, he tried changing it's battery.

Possible Answers:

he tried changing its battery.

he tried changing battery of the car.

he tried changing that battery.

he tried changing it's battery.

he tried changing the car's battery.

Correct answer:

he tried changing its battery.

Explanation:

This sentence contains an error in the usage of "it's," which is a contraction for "it is." The context of the sentence makes it clear that the possessive pronoun is needed here, which is "its," without the apostrophe. Note that "that" is not specific enough (could be referring so some other battery), and "the car's/of the car" is redundant, given the first half of this sentence. The correct choice is, "he tried changing its battery."

Example Question #93 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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 company assigned it's latest project to Tim.

Possible Answers:

its latest project to Tim.

its latest project to: Tim.

it's latest project: to Tim.

it's latest project to: Tim.

it's latest project to Tim.

Correct answer:

its latest project to Tim.

Explanation:

This sentence uses the wrong form of "it." When the apostrophe is present (it's), the word is a contraction for "it is." The possessive form, which is needed here, is "its" (without the apostrophe). No additional punctuation or other changes are necessary - colons are never used to split up a clause. The correct choice is, "its latest project to Tim."

Example Question #94 : Correcting Pronoun Errors: Incorrect Usage

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

I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was her's.

Possible Answers:

I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was belonging to her.

I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted they were her's.

I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was her's.

I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was hers.

I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted they were hers.

Correct answer:

I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was hers.

Explanation:

The possessive pronouns "hers," "his," "yours," "its," "ours," and "theirs" are never used with apostrophes. The correct version of this sentence reads: "I was fairly certain that the handbag was mine, but she insisted it was hers."

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