GMAT Verbal : Sentence Correction

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #161 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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 he said he was "reading," he was actually referring to listening to audiobooks.

Possible Answers:

When he said he was "reading," he was actually referring to listening: to audiobooks.

When he said he was "reading" he was actually referring to listening to audiobooks.

When he said he was "reading," he was actually referring to listening to audiobooks.

When he said he was reading, he was actually referring to listening to audiobooks.

When he said he was reading he was actually referring to listening to audiobooks.

Correct answer:

When he said he was "reading," he was actually referring to listening to audiobooks.

Explanation:

There are no errors in this sentence. The use of quotation marks is appropriate because the word "reading" is being used in an usual way in that it does not actually refer to what most people would call reading. The comma is necessary after "reading" because the phrase "When he said he was 'reading' " is an example of an introductory phrase. It explains information necessary to the context of the sentence, but is 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, "When he said he was "reading," he was actually referring to listening to audiobooks."

Example Question #167 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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.

Many considered Helen's collection remarkable; she began collecting when she was very young.

Possible Answers:

Helen's collection was considered impressive by all, collecting since she was very young.

Helen's collection was considered impressive by all; she began collecting when she was very young.

Many considered Helen's collection remarkable; she collected when she was very young.

Many considered Helen's collection remarkable; she began collecting when she was very young.

Many considered Helen's collection remarkable, she began collecting when she was very young.

Correct answer:

Many considered Helen's collection remarkable; she began collecting when she was very young.

Explanation:

This sentence contains no errors. The sentence joins two related independent clauses without the use of a coordinate conjunction, so a semicolon should appear after the word "remarkable." The other sentences contain errors in voice (Using "was considered"), punctuation (Using a comma where a semicolon is needed), or tense (The use of "collected" instead of "she began collecting"). The correct choice is, "Many considered Helen's collection remarkable; she began collecting when she was very young."

Example Question #162 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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.

Advertisers must compete in order to get in front of viewers.

Possible Answers:

Advertisers must compete, in order to get in front of viewers.

Advertisers are challenged to get in front of viewers.

Advertisers must compete in order to get in front of viewers'.

Advertisers must compete in order to get in front of viewer's.

Advertisers must compete in order to get in front of viewers.

Correct answer:

Advertisers must compete in order to get in front of viewers.

Explanation:

This sentence contains no errors. It is a simple sentence, so no punctuation is necessary. The correct choice is, "Advertisers must compete in order to get in front of viewers." All of the other sentences misuse punctuation, except for one, which has a voice error ("are challenged").

Example Question #169 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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.

Many people have different ideas of what makes the ideal parent; while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development, others prefer to let their children make their own mistakes. 

Possible Answers:

what makes the ideal parent's; while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development; others prefer

what makes the ideal parent; while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development, others prefer

what makes the ideal parent, while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development, others prefer

what makes the ideal parents; while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development, others prefer

what makes the ideal parent, while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development; others prefer

Correct answer:

what makes the ideal parent; while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development, others prefer

Explanation:

This sentence contains no errors. The sentence combines two independent clauses without the use of a coordinating conjunction, so a semicolon is appropriate after the word "parent." Additionally, the phrase "while some people prefer to be very hands-on with their children" is an example of an introductory phrase, which explains 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, "what makes the ideal parent; while some people prefer to guide their children throughout their development, others prefer."

Example Question #164 : Correcting Other Errors And Recognizing Correct Sentences

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.

In the past few decades, workplaces have been moving to a more collaborative model.

Possible Answers:

In the past few decades; workplaces have been moving to a more collaborative model.

In the past few decades workplaces have been moving to a more collaborative model.

In the past few decades - workplaces have been moving to a more collaborative model.

In the past few decades workplaces have been moving to a more, collaborative model.

In the past few decades, workplaces have been moving to a more collaborative model.

Correct answer:

In the past few decades, workplaces have been moving to a more collaborative model.

Explanation:

There are no errors in this sentence. The phrase "In the past few decades" 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. No additional punctuation is needed. The correct choice is, "In the past few decades, workplaces have been moving to a more collaborative model."

Example Question #171 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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.

Technology, such as the Internet, has been changing the way we work at an increasingly rapid pace.

Possible Answers:

Technology such as the Internet, has been changing the way we work at an increasingly rapid pace. 

Technology such as the Internet has been changing the way we work at an increasingly rapid pace. 

Technology, such as the Internet, has been changing the way we work at an increasingly rapid pace. 

Technology, such as the Internet, has been changing the way we work at an increasing rapid pace. 

Technology, such as the Internet, has been changing how we work at an increasing rapid pace. 

Correct answer:

Technology, such as the Internet, has been changing the way we work at an increasingly rapid pace. 

Explanation:

There are no errors in this sentence. This sentence contains a relative clause, "such as the Internet," 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.  Additionally, the word "increasingly" is correct because it is describing the word "rapid." Since only adverbs can describe adjectives, the correct form is "increasingly." The correct answer is, "Technology, such as the Internet, has been changing the way we work at an increasingly rapid pace."

Example Question #171 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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.

Rebecca loved to study the mythologies of other cultures.

Possible Answers:

loved to study the mythology of other cultures.

loved to study, the mythology of other cultures.

loved to study the mythologies of other cultures.

loved to study mythologies, of other cultures.

loved to studying the mythology of other cultures.

Correct answer:

loved to study the mythologies of other cultures.

Explanation:

There are no errors in this sentence. It is a basic simple sentence. Note that the word "mythology" is not correct because it would imply that there is one universal mythology shared by the many different cultures. Instead "mythologies" is appropriate to refer to the differences between the types of mythology. The correct choice is, "loved to study the mythologies of other cultures."

Example Question #172 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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.

To be considered "good" by his standards, the product had to be one of the best of its kind.

Possible Answers:

To be considered, "good" by his standards, the product

To be considered "good," by his standards, the product

To be considered "good" by his standards, the product

To be considered good by his standards, the product

To be considered, good by his standards, the product

Correct answer:

To be considered "good" by his standards, the product

Explanation:

There are no errors in this sentence. The use of the quotation marks around "good" are appropriate because it indicates a special usage of the word - that being that "good" by this person's standards differs from average standards. No additional punctuation or changes are necessary. The correct choice is, "To be considered "good" by his standards, the product."

Example Question #173 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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 much deliberation, he decided to buy pink roses for his date.

Possible Answers:

After much deliberation - he decided to buy pink roses for his date.

After much deliberation he decided to buy pink roses for his date.

After much deliberation: he decided to buy pink roses for his date.

After much deliberation; he decided to buy pink roses for his date.

After much deliberation, he decided to buy pink roses for his date.

Correct answer:

After much deliberation, he decided to buy pink roses for his date.

Explanation:

This sentence contains no errors. The phrase "After much deliberation" 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 choice is, "After much deliberation, he decided to buy pink roses for his date."

Example Question #174 : Recognizing Sentences That Contain No 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.

According to Ancient Greek Mythology, Zeus was the king of the Gods.

Possible Answers:

According to Ancient Greek Mythology, Zeus was the king of the Gods.

According to Ancient Greek Mythology. Zeus was the king of the Gods.

According to Ancient Greek Mythology - the king of the Gods was Zeus.

According to Ancient Greek Mythology Zeus was the king of the Gods.

According to Ancient Greek Mythology the Zeus was the king of the Gods.

Correct answer:

According to Ancient Greek Mythology, Zeus was the king of the Gods.

Explanation:

There are no errors in this sentence. The phrase "According to Ancient Greek Mythology" 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 choice is, "According to Ancient Greek Mythology, Zeus was the king of the Gods."

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