All GMAT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #31 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
For her New Year's resolution; Monica planned to write every day.
For her New Year's resolution; Monica,
For her New Year's resolution, Monica,
For her New Year's resolution, Monica
For her New Year's resolution Monica
For her New Year's resolution; Monica
For her New Year's resolution, Monica
This sentence misuses a semicolon. Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses without the use of a coordinate conjunction; though, the phrase "For her new year's resolution" is a dependent clause. More specifically, it is an introductory phrase, explaining information necessary to the context of the sentence, but outside of the main sentence, grammatically. These types of phrases must be followed by a comma in order to separate them from the rest of the sentence. The correct answer choice is, "For her New Year's resolution, Monica." No additional changes are necessary.
Example Question #33 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
When studying, Jacob used flashcards; he felt he remembered the most information using this method.
Jacob used flashcards: he felt he remembered the most information
Jacob used flashcards; he felt he remembered the most information
Jacob used flashcards, he felt he remembered the most information
Jacob used flashcards; he felt he remembered the most information,
Jacob used flashcards: he felt he remembered the most information,
Jacob used flashcards: he felt he remembered the most information
This sentence misuses a semicolon. Semicolons are used to join two related independent clauses when a coordinate conjunction is absent. While this is the case in this sentence, a better choice is available: a colon. Colons do the same thing as semicolons, but specifically when the second clause clarifies/explains an element of- or the whole first clause. In fact, the clause "he felt he remembered the most information using this method" explains the specific reason why Jacob uses flashcards over any other method. The correct choice is, "Jacob used flashcards: he felt he remembered the most information."
Example Question #32 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
Mathew began reading many books about investing he wanted to become better at investing than Warren Buffet.
many books about investing, he wanted to become better
many books about investing; he wanted to become better
many books about investing; he wanted to, become better
many books about investing, he wanted to, become better
many books about investing he wanted to become better
many books about investing; he wanted to become better
This sentence does not contain the correct punctuation where it is necessary. The sentence joins two related independent clauses together without the use of a coordinate conjunction; therefore, a semicolon is necessary between the words "investing" and "he." The correct choice is, "many books about investing; he wanted to become better."
Example Question #35 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
Even though the companies are constantly engaged in legal battles; Samretiredsinger makes parts for Apple's iPhone.
Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles, Samretiredsinger, makes
Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles; Samretiredsinger makes
Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles Samretiredsinger makes
Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles - Samretiredsinger makes
Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles, Samretiredsinger makes
Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles, Samretiredsinger makes
This sentence misuses a semicolon. Semicolons are used when joining two independent clauses without the use of a coordinate conjunction. Instead, in this sentence, a dependent clause is joined to an independent clause. The phrase "Even though Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles" is an example of an introductory phrase, explaining information necessary to the context of the sentence, but outside of the main sentence, grammatically. These types of phrases must be followed by a comma in order to separate them from the rest of the sentence. The correct answer choice is, "Samretiredsinger and Apple are constantly engaged in legal battles, Samretiredsinger makes."
Example Question #36 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
It is unusual for a modern company to not have a website, in fact, many people do not take companies without websites seriously.
to not have a website; in fact, many people do not take companies
to not have a website, in fact, many people do not take companys
to not have a website in fact many people do not take companies
to not have a website; in fact; many people do not take companys
to not have a website, in fact, many people do not take companies
to not have a website; in fact, many people do not take companies
This sentence misuses a comma. This sentence combines two independent clauses without the use of a coordinate conjunction. When this is the case, a semicolon must be used. A semicolon should appear before the word "in." Additionally, the phrase "in fact" is an introductory phrase, explaining information necessary to the context of the sentence, but outside of the main sentence, grammatically. These types of phrases must be followed by a comma in order to separate them from the rest of the sentence. The correct answer choice is, "to not have a website; in fact, many people do not take companies."
Example Question #33 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
Samantha listed to the radio; particularly the NPR station every day on her way to work.
the radio: particularly the NPR station every day
the radio particularly the NPR station every day
the radio: particularly the NPR station, every day
the radio; particularly the NPR station every day
the radio, particularly the NPR station, every day
the radio, particularly the NPR station, every day
This sentence misuses a semicolon. The phrase "particularly the NPR station" is 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. These phrases must be introduced and completed with a comma in order to separate them from the main clause of the sentence. The correct answer choice is, "the radio, particularly the NPR station, every day."
Example Question #34 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
After acquiring the tickets, Phillip and his friend would eat dinner; relax in the park; then see the show.
Phillip and his friend would eat dinner relax in the park then see the show.
Phillip and his friend would eat dinner; relax in the park, then see the show.
Phillip and his friend would eat dinner; relax in the park; then see the show.
Phillip and his friend would eat dinner, relax in the park; then see the show.
Phillip and his friend would eat dinner, relax in the park, then see the show.
Phillip and his friend would eat dinner, relax in the park, then see the show.
This sentence misuses semicolons. Semicolons should not be used in a simple list like this (semicolons can be used in a list if the list already contains other items, like adjectives, that are separated by commas). Commas should separate the items in this list/parallel phrase instead. The correct choice is, "Phillip and his friend would eat dinner, relax in the park, then see the show."
Example Question #39 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
Monique loves to run with her dog in the park; specifically, the one right around the corner.
her dog in the park: specifically, the one right around the corner.
her dog in the park specifically the one right around the corner.
her dog in the park; specifically, the one right around the corner.
her dog in the park specifically, the one right around the corner.
her dog in the park, specifically: the one right around the corner.
her dog in the park: specifically, the one right around the corner.
This sentence misuses the semicolon. The sentence joins two related clauses to one another, but the second clause is a dependent one, and semicolons are never used to join a dependent clause to an independent one: they only join two independent clauses. The appropriate punctuation is a colon, since the second clause explains exactly which park Monique frequents. Note that a colon cannot appear after the word "specifically" because it is a part of the second clause and would therefore be out of place. The correct choice is, "her dog in the park: specifically, the one right around the corner."
Example Question #35 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
Tiffany bought a new phone; which she would use for business.
Tiffany bought a new phone: which she would use for business.
Tiffany bought a new phone, which she would use for business.
Tiffany bought a new phone; which she would use for business.
Tiffany bought a new phone - which she would use for business.
Tiffany bought a new phone which she would use for business.
Tiffany bought a new phone which she would use for business.
This sentence misuses the semicolon. Semicolons are used to join two related independent clauses, but the phrase "which she would use for business" is a dependent clause. In fact, no punctuation is necessary as this sentence is simple. "Tiffany bought a new phone which she would use for business" is the correct choice.
Example Question #41 : Correcting Semicolon 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.
Kim's dog; a golden retriever, appears in many commercials.
Kim's dog; a golden retriever, appears
Kim's dog, a golden retriever, appear
Kim's dog, a golden retriever, appears
Kim's dog a golden retriever; appears
Kim's dog; a golden retriever; appears
Kim's dog, a golden retriever, appears
This sentence misuses a semicolon. Semicolons are used to combine two related independent clauses without the use of a conjunction. The phrase "a golden retriever," however, is 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. These phrases must be introduced and completed with a comma in order to separate them from the main clause of the sentence. The correct choice is, "Kim's dog, a golden retriever, appears."