GMAT Verbal : Sentence Correction

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #47 : 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 bought a luxuriant watch for her husband for their anniversary.

Possible Answers:

reasonable

luxurious

thriving

luxuriant

courteous

Correct answer:

luxurious

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "luxuriant," which means abundant. The more appropriate word is "luxurious," which means ornate, showing luxury.

Example Question #48 : 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 felt that the managers depreciated her contributions to the company; they always made comments about how little her projects mattered. 

Possible Answers:

denounced her contributions to the company.

discouraged her contributions to the company.

demurred her contributions to the company.

disparaged her contributions to the company.

depreciated her contributions to the company.

Correct answer:

disparaged her contributions to the company.

Explanation:

This sentence misuses the word "depreciate," which means to reduce in value. From the context of the sentence, it is clear that a word with the meaning to make fun of or belittle is meant. The word that fits here is "disparage." The correct choice is, "disparaged her contributions to the company."

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 #1051 : 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.

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

Possible Answers:

energized

embed

enervated

enervated

entreated

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 #1052 : 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 CEO asked the people on the team to be discrete concerning the confidential information about the new deal.

Possible Answers:

deliberate

discreet

discrete

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 #1053 : 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 decided to talk to her neighbor since his music played continually: it never stopped, even at night.

Possible Answers:

continuously

congenially

continually

consternately

conveniently

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 #1054 : 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 CEO created a systemic plan detailing the changes that would affect the company, step-by-step.

Possible Answers:

subtle

system

systematic

synergy

systemic

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 #1055 : 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, she planned to walk far than she had ever before.

Possible Answers:

more

further

farther

increased

far

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."

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