All GMAT Verbal Resources
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.
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.
His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.
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.
entreated
enervated
energized
embed
enervated
energized
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.
discrete
discreet
deliberate
discerning
direct
discreet
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.
illicit
implicit
illegitimate
elicit
revisit
elicit
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.
completed
complemented
claimed
censured
complimented
complimented
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.
conveniently
continuously
continually
congenially
consternately
continuously
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.
systemic
systematic
subtle
system
synergy
systematic
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.
more
far
farther
further
increased
farther
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.
slanderous
absurd
obstreperous
libelous
incredulous
libelous
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.
averse
averted
availed
adverse
avalon
adverse
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."