GMAT Verbal : Correcting Word Usage Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #49 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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.

His poetry invoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.

Possible Answers:

His poetry invoked laughter in: all from toddlers to the elderly.

His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.

His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.

His poetry invoked laughter in all from toddlers to the elderly.

His poetry invoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.

Correct answer:

His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "invoke," which means to call upon. The more appropriate word is "evoke," which means to bring forth, to produce. No additional changes are necessary to the sentence. The correct choice is, "His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly."

Example Question #50 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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 found that coffee no longer enervated him; he would have to find something else to wake him in the mornings.

Possible Answers:

entreated

enervated

energized

embed

enervated

Correct answer:

energized

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "enervate," which means to weaken. It is clear from the context of this sentence that the subject is looking for something to give him energy. The correct word is "energized," which means to give energy. 

Example Question #51 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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 CEO asked the people on the team to be discrete concerning the confidential information about the new deal.

Possible Answers:

discrete

discreet

deliberate

discerning

direct

Correct answer:

discreet

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "discrete," which means individual/distinct. The correct word is "discreet," which means cautious/using good judgement and can be interpreted also as secretive. The context of the sentence (use of the word "confidential") tell us this is the correct choice: "discreet."

Example Question #52 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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 wished to illicit feelings of nostalgia in audiences with his new movie.

Possible Answers:

illicit

implicit

illegitimate

elicit

revisit

Correct answer:

elicit

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "illicit," which means illegal. From the context of the sentence, it is clear that the subject wants to bring out or evoke these feelings in his audiences. The correct choice is "elicit," which fits this definition. 

Example Question #53 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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.

Kenda complemented Michael's effort on the project when she made him employee of the month.

Possible Answers:

completed

complemented

claimed

censured

complimented

Correct answer:

complimented

Explanation:

This sentence contains an error in word choice. The word "complement" means to complete. It is clear from the context of the sentence that Kendra intends to give Michael recognition for his effort. The choice that means this is "compliment (with an "i")."

Example Question #54 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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 decided to talk to her neighbor since his music played continually: it never stopped, even at night.

Possible Answers:

conveniently

continuously

continually

congenially

consternately

Correct answer:

continuously

Explanation:

This sentence contains an error in word choice. The word "continually" means to happen constantly, but most importantly is that this word implied that whatever is happening starts and stops. "Continuously," the correct choice, means to go on/never-ending. From the structure of the sentence, it is apparent that the second clause explains whatever word precedes it (hence the colon). The answer is "continuously." 

Example Question #55 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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 CEO created a systemic plan detailing the changes that would affect the company, step-by-step.

Possible Answers:

systemic

systematic

subtle

system

synergy

Correct answer:

systematic

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "systemic," which means affecting an entire system. While it is likely that any changes a CEO makes may be systemic, the key to this sentence are the words "step-by-step," which indicates a plan that will be rolled out in pieces or in a system. The correct choice is "systematic," which means according to plan/arranged into a system.

Example Question #56 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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.

Today, she planned to walk far than she had ever before.

Possible Answers:

more

far

farther

further

increased

Correct answer:

farther

Explanation:

This sentence misused the word "far." While this word does denote distance, it is in the positive form when the comparative form is necessary in order to compare things, as in this sentence. The correct choice is "farther" which indicates a literal increase in distance. Do not confuse this with "further," which means a figurative increase in distance/progression. Additionally, the word "more" simply indicates an increase in frequency, not distance, and "increased" is too vague. The correct choice is, "farther."

Example Question #57 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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 decided to sue the newspaper for the slanderous statements it printed.

Possible Answers:

slanderous

absurd

obstreperous

libelous

incredulous

Correct answer:

libelous

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "slander." Though slander does mean a statement(s) harmful to a person's reputation, it specifically applies to spoken statements. Since the sentence states that the statements were published (i.e. written), they cannot be slanderous by definition. The correct word here is "libelous," which refers to written defamatory statements. The correct choice is "libelous."

Example Question #58 : Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words

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.

Thought the medicine seemed to have many averse effects, they board approved it.

Possible Answers:

averse 

averted

availed

adverse

avalon

Correct answer:

adverse

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "averse," which means to dislike. It is clear from the context of the sentence, however, that unintentional/harmful is meant. This is the definition of "adverse." The correct choice is, "adverse."

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