GMAT Verbal : Sentence Correction
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #4 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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.
While his new acquaintances always initially think that Daniel is a very shy person, but longtime friends know that he can be very outgoing in the right circumstances.
that Daniel is a very shy person, though longtime friends know
that Daniel is a very shy person, or longtime friends know
that Daniel is a very shy person, and longtime friends know
that Daniel is a very shy person, while longtime friends know
that Daniel is a very shy person, longtime friends know
that Daniel is a very shy person, longtime friends know
The original sentence is constructed in such a way that its two clauses are meant to contrast each other. In this instance, there is no need for any conjunction after the comma since the second clause stands in clear contrast to the first without one.
Example Question #4 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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.
Janice was the top student in her graduating high school class, but so the principal invited her to be valedictorian of the class.
Janice was the top student in her graduating high school class, and so the principal invited her to be valedictorian of the class.
Janice was the top student in her graduating high school class, so the principal invited her to be valedictorian of the class.
Janice was the top student in her graduating high school class, while so the principal invited her to be valedictorian of the class.
Janice was the top student in her graduating high school class, that so the principal invited her to be valedictorian of the class.
Janice was the top student in her graduating high school class, however so the principal invited her to be valedictorian of the class.
Janice was the top student in her graduating high school class, so the principal invited her to be valedictorian of the class.
The original sentence consists of two clauses, the second of which is the result of the first. "But" is therefore not an appropriate conjunction to use in this sentence, and the inclusion of the word "so" is enough to demonstrate cause and effect.
Example Question #4 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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.
Paul knew that summer was coming, and he hadn't confirmed any plans for vacation.
Paul knew that summer was coming, while he hadn't confirmed any plans for vacation.
Paul knew that summer was coming, so he hadn't confirmed any plans for vacation.
Paul knew that summer was coming, that he hadn't confirmed any plans for vacation.
Paul knew that summer was coming, but he hadn't confirmed any plans for vacation.
Paul knew that summer was coming, which he hadn't confirmed any plans for vacation.
Paul knew that summer was coming, but he hadn't confirmed any plans for vacation.
The second clause in the sentence is intended to stand in contrast to the first, so the best conjunction to use in this instance is "but."
Example Question #1 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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 weather forecast predicted snow for today, and it is raining.
predicted it to be snowing today, and it is
predicted snow for today, but it is
predicted snow around today, and it is
predicted snow, for today and it is
predicted snow for today, and it is
predicted snow for today, but it is
Because the second independent clause contradicts the first in this compound sentence it is more correct to separate the two with the conjunction "but," not "and."
Example Question #5 : Correcting Phrase, Clause, And Sentence 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.
Her father indicated his willingness to lend her the money and she hated the idea of being indebted to her father.
the money but she hated that the idea
the money, and she hated the idea of
the money and hated the idea of
the money, but she hated the idea of
the money but then she hated the idea that
the money, but she hated the idea of
When connecting two independent clauses using a coordinating conjunction, one should use a comma after the word preceding the conjunction. When the sentences seem to contrast, it is most likely most appropriate to implement "but" rather than "and". The incorrect answers all show errors of this kind. Some of the incorrect answer choices also incorrectly use the relative pronoun "that" in place of the preposition "of," resulting in a syntactic error.
Example Question #1201 : 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 was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, and what did she mean by compelling?
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, but
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, when
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, where
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, for
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, in which
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, but
The central issue here is correctly joining the two clauses using an effective conjunction. The first clause contrasts with the second clause, making the conjunctions and modifiers "for," "when," "in which," and "where" irrelevant. The correct conjunction is "but"; it is the only answer choice which conveys the correct relationship between the clauses.
Example Question #1202 : 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.
Mark's conviction was laudable, and his behavior, however, was completely unprofessional.
Mark's conviction was laudable, for his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable; his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable, however, his behavior
Mark's conviction was laudable, so his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable however his behavior
Mark's conviction was laudable; his behavior, however,
In order to arrive at the correct answer, one must effectively combine the two independent clauses. Because they contrast in meaning, using the conjunctive adverb however after a semi-colon is appropriate. The other answers incorrectly implement conjunctions or punctuation to resolve the issue. Using a semi-colon to join two independent clauses that contrast will work when using a conjunctive adverb like "however" to convey the appropriate relationship between the clauses. Note that comma usage also comes into play here.
Example Question #13 : Correcting Other Conjunction 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 international organization is currently updating its Human Index, which takes into account life expectancy, education, as well as income per person.
into account life expectancy, and education, and income per person
life expectancy, education, and income per person in its account
into account life expectancy, education, as well as income per person
into account life expectancy and education, as well as income per person
life expectancy, education, as well as income per person into account
into account life expectancy and education, as well as income per person
The problem with the original sentence is the list: It is missing an "and," and we must find the right place for it. We can only have a list in the vein of "a, b, and c" when we intend the items to have equal weight. Otherwise we can have a list such as "a and b, as well as c" to denote that the first two items are to be taken together. But we cannot have a combination of the two lists in the form of "a, b, as well as c." Nor can we have "a and b and c." This is answer is best, as it also avoids an unnecessary "its."
Example Question #1 : Correcting Correlative Conjunction 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 analysis both fascinated Amy and it showed her that there was another side to the story.
The analysis both fascinated Amy, and it showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy and showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy; and it showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy and it showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy, and showed her that there was another
The analysis both fascinated Amy and showed her that there was another
Correlative conjunctions must conserve the parallel structure of the items in the sentence. In this case, we need "fascinated" and "showed" to be conjugated in the same way. The latter cannot be treated as an independent clause (i.e., "it showed") when we use words like "both" because it would not make sense as a stand-alone sentence (i.e., "The analysis both fascinated Amy").
Example Question #1203 : 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.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor Karl Marx are adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith or Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith or that of Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor that of Karl Marx are adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor that of Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
Neither the economic theory of Adam Smith nor that of Karl Marx is adequate to describe the complexities of the modern economy.
When using "neither . . . nor" with singular nouns, the verb of the sentence must be conjugated to agree with a singular noun. Also, you must make sure that you are making "apples to apples" comparisons. Some of the answer choices compare the theory of Adam Smith to Karl Marx (the person), not to Karl Marx's theory, which would be the correct way to make the comparison.
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