GMAT Verbal : Sentence Correction

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1011 : 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.

She loved to walk through the park, irregardless of the constant stormy weather.

Possible Answers:

She loved to walk through the park regardless of the constant stormy weather.

She loved to walk through the park, regardless of the constant stormy weather.

She loved to walk through the park, regarding of the constant stormy weather.

She loved to walk through the park, irregardless of the constant stormy weather.

She loved to walk through the park irregardless of the constant stormy weather.

Correct answer:

She loved to walk through the park, regardless of the constant stormy weather.

Explanation:

The word "irregardless" is not an actual word. The correct word is "regardless," which means "without concern" or "in spite of." The punctuation and everything else is correct in this sentence, so the correct answer is, "She loved to walk through the park, regardless of the constant stormy weather."

Example Question #1012 : 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.

Today, Jacob ran further than he ever had before.

Possible Answers:

Jacob ran far than he ever had before.

Jacob ran farther, than he ever had before.

Jacob ran farther than he ever had before.

Jacob ran further, than he ever had before.

Jacob ran further than he ever had before.

Correct answer:

Jacob ran farther than he ever had before.

Explanation:

The use of "further" is incorrect in this sentence. The sentence is attempting to convey the amount of distance that Jacob ran on a particular day; the correct word to portray this is "farther." You use "farther" when talking about an actual distance and "further" when talking about a more general/abstract concept of advancement in something. Furthermore, no commas are necessary in the underlined portion of this sentence. The correct answer is, "Jacob ran farther than he ever had before."

Example Question #1013 : 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.

The company hired the consultants in order to advice its staff on the new industry standards.

Possible Answers:

the consultants, in order to advise its staff on the new industry

the consultants, in order to advice its staff on the new industry

the consultants in order to advice its staff on the new industry

the consultants in order to advice its staff on the newer industry

the consultants in order to advise its staff on the new industry

Correct answer:

the consultants in order to advise its staff on the new industry

Explanation:

The use of "advice" is incorrect here. "Advice" is a noun meaning "a recommendation, but we need the verb in this sentence. The verb for "to give a recommendation" is spelled "advise." The correct choice is, "the consultants in order to advise its staff on the new industry."

Example Question #1014 : 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.

It is important to obtain your license first; than, you may work in this industry.

Possible Answers:

obtain your license first; you may work in this industry.

obtain your license first, than, you may work in this industry.

obtain your license first; then, you may work in this industry.

obtain your license first; only than, you may work in this industry.

obtain your license first; than, you may work in this industry.

Correct answer:

obtain your license first; then, you may work in this industry.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "than," which is used to show comparison between two or more things. The correct word here is "then" because the sentence is showing a progression of events. Furthermore, "then" cannot be omitted from the sentence as it would alter the meaning (a semicolon would no longer be appropriate to join the sentences since there would be no indication of the relation between those two phrases. The correct choice is, "obtain your license first; then, you may work in this industry."

Example Question #11 : 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 leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would effect the company's stocks.

Possible Answers:

The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would effect the stocks.

The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would affect the company's stocks.

The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would affect the companies stocks.

The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would affect the stocks.

The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would effect the companies stocks.

Correct answer:

The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would affect the company's stocks.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "effect," which is a noun. The verb is spelled "affect," which is how the word is being used in this sentence. The choice "The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would affect the stocks" is a little vague, however, as "stocks" in this case may not refer to the company's stocks specifically, but the market in general or maybe the stocks of a supplier or otherwise. The best choice is, "The leaders of the company were nervous because they were unsure of how the newest report would affect the company's stocks" since it is the most clear.

Example Question #12 : 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.

They all thought that she did her job good.

Possible Answers:

They all thought that she did her job in a great fashion.

They all thought that she did her job well.

They all thought that she did her job good.

They all thought that she did her job goodly.

They all thought that she did her job great.

Correct answer:

They all thought that she did her job well.

Explanation:

The word "good" is used incorrectly, since "good" is an adjective. It is being used in this sentence, however, to modify the verb "did;" therefore, we need an adverb. The correct word is "well." The correct choice is, "They all thought that she did her job well" as it is the clearest and most concise option.

Example Question #13 : 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 marketers intended to peek everyone's interest with their new viral ad campaign. 

Possible Answers:

The marketers intended to pique everyone's interest with their new viral ad campaign. 

The marketers intended to peak everyone's interest with their new viral ad campaign. 

The marketers intended to peek everyone's interest; with their new viral ad campaign. 

The marketers intended to pique everyone's interest; with their new viral ad campaign. 

The marketers intended to peek everyone's interest with their new viral ad campaign. 

Correct answer:

The marketers intended to pique everyone's interest with their new viral ad campaign. 

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "peek," which means "to glance at." The meaning in this sentence is to excite, which is the meaning of the word "pique." The correct choice is, "The marketers intended to pique everyone's interest with their new viral ad campaign" since all other punctuation and usage are correct.

Example Question #14 : 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.

It was hard to perceive exactly what the object was, even though it was stationery.

Possible Answers:

even though it was staticy.

even though it was unfixed.

even though it was stationery.

even though it was stationed.

even though it was stationary.

Correct answer:

even though it was stationary.

Explanation:

The word "stationery" refers to office supplies. Do not confuse this with "stationary," which means "something that is still." The meaning in this sentence refers to the latter meaning, so the correct choice is, "even though it was stationary."

Example Question #15 : 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.

Despite all her pleas, the council thought that it was mute to continue debating the proposed changes. 

Possible Answers:

her please, the council thought that it was moot to continue debating the proposed changes. 

her pleas, the council thought that it was moot to continue debating the proposed changes. 

her please, the council thought that it was mute to continue debating the proposed changes. 

her pleas, the council thought that it was resolved to continue debating the proposed changes. 

her pleas, the council thought that it was proven to continue debating the proposed changes. 

Correct answer:

her pleas, the council thought that it was moot to continue debating the proposed changes. 

Explanation:

The above sentence misused the word "mute." It is clear that whatever word should go there means something along the lines of "pointless," due to the presence of words like "despite" which indicate that something (the debates) is no longer happening. The correct word here is "moot," which means pointless or impractical. The other choices are antonyms of "moot." The correct choice is: "her pleas, the council thought that it was moot to continue debating the proposed changes."

Example Question #16 : 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.

It is important to turn in you're homework every day. 

Possible Answers:

to turn in you're homework every day.

to turn in your homework every day.

to turn in you're homework, every day.

to turn in: you're homework every day.

to turn: in your homework every day.

Correct answer:

to turn in your homework every day.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "you're." This word is a contraction for "you are," when the possessive form is meant here. The correct word is "your." No additional punctuation or changes is needed, so the correct choice is, "to turn in your homework every day."

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