GMAT Verbal : Sentence Correction

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #37 : 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 words were not credulous, since he would always break his promises.

Possible Answers:

credulous

incredulous

skeptical

thoughtful

credible

Correct answer:

credible

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "credulous," which means gullible. It is clear from the phrase "since he would always break his promises" that the sentence means not trustworthy. This is the definition of "credible," which is the correct answer.

Example Question #1041 : 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 invent of products like the GoPro have made extreme sports more popular.

Possible Answers:

The advent of products, like the GoPro have made

The invent of products like the GoPro were made

The invent of products, like the GoPro have made

The invent of products; like the GoPro, have made

The advent of products like the GoPro have made

Correct answer:

The advent of products like the GoPro have made

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "invent," which means to create. What is meant in this sentence is the arrival, which is the meaning of the word "advent." No punctuation is necessary because this is a simple sentence. Technically, you could use commas to separate the phrase "like the GoPro," because it can function as a parenthetical expression: a phrase that explains more about a particular word or phrase in the sentence, but is not introduced by a relative pronoun; however, the correct punctuation is not available as a choice here. The correct choice is, "The advent of products like the GoPro have made."

Example Question #1042 : 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.

Music has a demonstrated affect on our emotions and how we act.

Possible Answers:

demonstrated affect on our emotions and how we act.

demonstrated affect on our emotions, and how we act.

demonstrated effect on our emotions, and how we act.

demonstrated affect on: our emotions and how we act.

demonstrated effect on our emotions and how we act.

Correct answer:

demonstrated effect on our emotions and how we act.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "affect," which is a verb meaning to change. It is clear from the context of the sentence, however, that a change (noun) is meant here. The word "effect" is the correct choice. Furthermore, there should not be a comma before "and" because "emotions and how we act" is not a list (lists contain 3+ items). The correct choice is, "demonstrated effect on our emotions and how we act."

Example Question #1043 : 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.

Kareem was not bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.

Possible Answers:

bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.

was not amused by Kelly's awful jokes.

is not bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.

was not bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.

amused by Kelly's awful jokes.

Correct answer:

was not amused by Kelly's awful jokes.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "bemused," which means confused. It is clear from the context of the sentence, however, that Kareem does not find Kelly's jokes funny. The word "amused," meaning entertained is meant here. Note that the phrasing "was not amused" is not passive voice here because "amused" is an adjective, linked to Kareem by the linking verb "was." The correct choice is, "was not amused by Kelly's awful jokes."

Example Question #41 : 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.

Passing the test is the only criteria for the position.

Possible Answers:

the test is the only criteria, for the position.

the test is the only criteria for the position.

the test is the only, criterion, for the position.

the test is the only criterion for the position.

the test is the only criterion, for the position.

Correct answer:

the test is the only criterion for the position.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "criteria," which is plural. The word "only" dictates that the word following it must be singular. The singular form of "criteria" is criterion. The correct choice is, "the test is the only criterion for the position."

Example Question #42 : 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 ironic that they did not pick Julie for the part; she seemed like the likely choice.

Possible Answers:

bad

fortunate

fortuitous

unfortunate

ironic

Correct answer:

unfortunate

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "ironic," which means contrary to what is expected. Since the latter half of the sentence states that other believed that she would obtain the part, it is most likely that "unfortunate," meaning not lucky, would be the correct choice since it is likely that people wanted Julie to get the part. The correct choice is, "unfortunate."

Example Question #43 : 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 parameter of the compound was heavily guarded; the guards constantly walked around its border.

Possible Answers:

The parameter of the compound

The people of the compound

The outside of the compound

The top of the compound

The perimeter of the compound

Correct answer:

The perimeter of the compound

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "parameter," which means a variable (something that changes). The second half of the sentence uses the word "border," which indicates that "perimeter," which means a border, is the correct choice. The answer is, "The perimeter of the compound."

Example Question #44 : 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 affects of such a large company declaring bankruptcy lasted for years. 

Possible Answers:

The effects, of such a large company

The effects of such a large company

The affects of such a large company

The affects of: such a large company

The affects, of such a large company

Correct answer:

The effects of such a large company

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "affect," which is a verb meaning to cause a change. The appropriate word here is "effect," which is a noun meaning a change. No other changes are necessary; the correct answer is, "The effects of such a large company."

Example Question #45 : 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 officers kept in constant contact in order to hone in on the fleeing suspect.

Possible Answers:

avoid

diverge

converge

hone in

home

Correct answer:

converge

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "hone," which means to sharpen. The correct phrasing would be to "home in," but note that the answer choices does not include the "in" after the word "home," which changes the meaning of the word to a house, instead of the action meant here. It can be concluded from the context of the sentence that the officers want to surround/close in on the suspect. "Converge," which means this, is the correct choice ("Diverge" means to separate). 

Example Question #46 : 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.

Her book had an enormous affect on companies around the world; governments were moving very quickly to add much tougher regulations to every industry.

Possible Answers:

Her book had an enormous affects on companies around the world

Her book had an enormous effect on companies around the world

Her book had an enormous affect on companies around the world

Her book had an enormous, affect on companies around the world

Her book had an enormous effect on companies: around the world

Correct answer:

Her book had an enormous effect on companies around the world

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "affect," which is a verb means to cause a change. The context of this sentence indicates that the noun, "effect," meaning a change, should be used here. The correct choice is, "Her book had an enormous effect on companies around the world."

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