GMAT Verbal : Correcting Word Usage Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal
All GMAT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #62 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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 always practices deliver her new comedic material to her family and friends.
She always practices delivers her new comedic material
She always practice deliver her new comedic material
She always practices deliver her new comedic material
She always practice delivering her new comedic material
She always practices delivering her new comedic material
She always practices delivering her new comedic material
This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. The correct form of the word "deliver" would be "delivering" in this case as it is functioning as a gerund in the sentence. The only choice that fixes this error is, "She always practices delivering her new comedic material."
Example Question #63 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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 girl are playing in the garden.
The girl playing in the garden.
The girl, playing in the garden.
The girl is playing in the garden.
The girl, is playing in the garden.
The girl are playing in the garden.
The girl is playing in the garden.
This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. The correct phrasing is "The girl is playing in the garden" since the word "girl" is a noun, so it is 3rd person, singular.
Example Question #64 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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.
His goals was to become a very famous actor.
His goals was to become
His' goals was to become
His goal was to become
His goal was, to become
His' goal was to become
His goal was to become
This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. The subject, "goals" does not match the verb, "was." In order for these to agree, "goals" either needs to be made singular or "was" made plural. The only choice to fix this error is, "His goal was to become." This is the correct choice.
Example Question #65 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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 artisan use bamboo in order to create various designs.
The artisan using bamboo in order to create
The artisan use bamboo, in order to create
The artisan use bamboo in order to create
The artisan uses bamboo in order to create
The artisan uses bamboo, in order to create
The artisan uses bamboo in order to create
This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. Since the word "artisan" is the subject (3rd person, singular), the correct form of the word "use" is "uses." This is the only change necessary. The correct choice is, "The artisan uses bamboo in order to create."
Example Question #66 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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.
We gives gifts to the children during the holidays.
We giving gifts to the children
We given gifts to the children
We gives gifts to the children
We give gifts to the children
We gived gifts to the children
We give gifts to the children
This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. Since the subject of the sentence is "we" (1st person, plural), the correct form of the word "give" is "give." Note that "given" is passive, and "gived" is not a word. The correct choice is, "We give gifts to the children."
Example Question #67 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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.
Each student at each of the universities were asked to complete the survey.
Each student at each of the universities were always asking
Each student at each of the universities was asked
Each student at each of the universities were asking
Each student at each of the universities were to have been asked
Each student at each of the universities were asked
Each student at each of the universities was asked
The definite pronoun "each" should be treated as singular, and its corresponding verb should be conjugated accordingly. In this case the second instance of the word "each" in the prepositional phrase "at each of the universities" creates about as much confusion as the word "universities" (plural). The only answer choice that resolved the subject / verb agreement error uses the auxiliary verb "was."
Example Question #68 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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 parents buys gifts for the children each year.
The parents buying gifts
The parents buy gifts
The parents buys gifts
The parents buyed gifts
The parents buyings gifts
The parents buy gifts
This sentence uses the wrong form of the verb "buy." In the present tense, the "s" drops off of verbs when its subject is in the third person plural. The correct form is "buy." The answer is, "The parents buy gifts."
Example Question #69 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Choose the best version of the underlined sentence. One option will remain unchanged.
At the moment, her group of schoolchildren is exceptionally well-mannered on the field trip.
At the moment, her group of schoolchildren were exceptionally well-mannered on the field trip.
At the moment, her group of schoolchildren is exceptionally well-mannered on the field.
At the moment, her group of schoolchildren was exceptionally well-mannered on the field trip.
At the moment, her group of schoolchildren are exceptionally well-mannered on the field trip.
At the moment, her group of schoolchildren is exceptionally well-mannered on the field.
Here, we need to match the agreement between the subject and the verb. 'Schoolchildren' are plural, but the true subject is the 'group of schoolchildren', which is singular. Therefore, we need a singular verb. Because of the 'at the moment' at the start of the sentence, we need to be in present tense. Therefore, we need to use the singular verb is.
Example Question #70 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement 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.
Knowledge of core concepts such as particle types, models of the atom, and chemical bonding is required for students to fully understand chemistry.
core concepts—particle types, models of the atom, and chemical bonding—is required
core concepts such as particle types, and models of the atom, and chemical bonding is required
core concepts such as particle types, models of the atom, and chemical bonding are required
core concepts such as particle types, models of the atom, and chemical bonding is required
core concept such as particle types, models of the atom, and chemical bonding is required
core concepts such as particle types, models of the atom, and chemical bonding is required
The correct answer has the correct subject-verb agreement; the subject of the sentence is "knowledge," so the verb "is" is required.
Example Question #1142 : Sentence Correction
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.
What is unique about these category is their relation to these things that are taken on to add to a being’s natural capacities.
What is unique about those category is it's relation to those things which are taken on
What is unique about this category is it's relation to those things that are taken on
What is unique about these category is their relation to these things that are taken on
What is unique about this category is its relation to them things which are taken on
What is unique about this category is its relation to those things that are taken on
What is unique about this category is its relation to those things that are taken on
Pronouns should agree with their noun antecedents in number and case ("this" with the singular "category;" "those" with the plural and inanimate "things;" "that" with the nominative "things"). "It's," being a contraction of "it is," is not a pronoun!
All GMAT Verbal Resources
