GMAT Verbal : Sentence Correction
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #101 : Gmat Verbal
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.
That textbook, which discusses many legal cases, are non-fictional works.
are a non-fictional work.
is a non-fictional works.
are works of non-fiction.
are non-fictional works.
is a non-fictional work.
is a non-fictional work.
"That textbook" is singular, as it refers to a single book. Therefore, the corresponding verb should be one that agrees with a singular noun, so "are" should be changed to "is," and "works" should be changed to "work."
Example Question #11 : 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.
All of Oscar Wilde’s best-selling works are also a play, and still performed today for a modern audience.
also a play, and still performed today for a modern audience.
also plays, and still performed today for a modern audience.
also plays but still performed today for a modern audiences.
also a play, and still performed today for modern audiences.
also a play and still performed today for a modern audience.
also plays, and still performed today for a modern audience.
Given that this sentence refers to multiple works written by Oscar Wilde, “a play” should not be singular. Rather, it should take on the plural form, “plays.”
Example Question #12 : 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.
Greg has worked in the legal department of a real estate holding, management, and investment company, which were great experiences for him.
which was a great experience
which were great experiences
which have been great experiences
which are great experiences
which is a great experience
which was a great experience
While there are many modifiers that describe that company that Greg worked for, it was in fact a single company. Therefore, the corresponding verb should also be singular. Therefore, "which was a great experience" is the correct answer because "was" corresponds to a singular noun. Additionally, given that the sentence is in the past tense, a past tense verb is appropriate, not a present tense verb.
Example Question #13 : 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 professor's collection of Russian literature books are the oldest at the college, consistently impressing the students and colleagues who visit his office.
collection of Russian literature books is the older at the college
collection of Russian literature books is the oldest at the college
collection of Russian literature books are the oldest at the college
collection of Russian literature books is the most old at the college
collection of russian literature books is the oldest at the college
collection of Russian literature books is the oldest at the college
In the underlined part of the sentence, "collection of Russian literature books are the oldest at the college," the subject is "collection." (The phrase "of Russian literature books" is a modifier.) Therefore, "is" would be the appropriate corresponding verb to the singular "collection."
Russian should be capitalized, and "oldest" is the appropriate superlative, not "most old."
Example Question #14 : Sentence Correction
I cannot distinguish the actual dictator and his body double.
(No changes needed)
I cannot distinguish the actual dictator with his body double.
I cannot distinguish between the actual dictator from his body double.
I cannot hardly distinguish the actual dictator and his body double.
I cannot distinguish between the actual dictator and his body double.
I cannot distinguish between the actual dictator and his body double.
The correct verb phrase is “to distinguish between someone (or something) and someone (or something).” Another correct verb phrase is “to distinguish someone (or something) from someone (or something).”
Example Question #15 : Sentence Correction
I will not apologize of the lines that I have crossed.
I will not apologize to the lines which I have crossed.
I will not apologize to the lines that I have crossed.
(No changes needed)
I will not apologize for the lines that I have crossed over.
I will not apologize for the lines that I have crossed.
I will not apologize for the lines that I have crossed.
When one wants to demonstrate remorse, one says “I apologize for (an act).”
One apologizes to a person, but one apologizes for an act.
Example Question #16 : Sentence Correction
I mistook that stapler with a mouse.
I mistook that stapler of a mouse.
(No changes to original)
I mistook that stapler for a mouse.
I mistaken that stapler for a mouse.
I mistaken that stapler with a mouse.
I mistook that stapler for a mouse.
The correct verb phrase is “to mistake someone (or something) for someone (or something).” The past tense of the verb “mistake” is “mistook.”
Example Question #17 : Sentence Correction
Because Michael had leaked information to the press, the board excluded him to the meeting.
Because Michael had leaked information to the press, the board excluded him from the meeting.
Because Michael had leaked information to the press, the board excluded the meeting from him.
(No changes needed)
Because Michael had leaked information to the press, the board excluded him without the meeting.
Because Michael had leaked information to the press, the board excluded the meeting to him.
Because Michael had leaked information to the press, the board excluded him from the meeting.
The correct verb phrase is “to exclude someone from something.”
Example Question #18 : Sentence Correction
Replace the underlined portion of the sentence with the answer choice that results in a clear, precise sentence that meets the requirements of standard written English.
The potential consequences from drinking too much alcohol include liver damage, irregular heartbeat, stroke, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of cancer.
The potential consequences from drinking too much alcohol include
From drinking too much alcohol, the consequences can be
Drinking alcohol, especially too much, can have the potential consequences of
Potential consequences from drinking way too much alcohol may include anything such as
The potential consequences of drinking too much alcohol include
The potential consequences of drinking too much alcohol include
The key here is the correct use of the proposition “of” in the phrase “consequences of” (and not "from"). Knowing this, you can pretty quickly eliminate the other options until you have "The potential consequences of drinking too much alcohol include" and "Drinking alcohol, especially too much, can have the potential consequences of" to choose from. "The potential consequences of drinking too much alcohol include" is the better answer because it is more concise.
Example Question #110 : Gmat Verbal
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 winter of 1978 in Chicago was as cold, if not more so, than the winter of 1993; the average wind chill was two degrees below zero.
The winter of 1978 in Chicago was as cold, if not more so, as the winter of 1993; the average wind chill was two degrees below zero.
Chicago, in the winter of 1978, is maybe as cold, or colder, than the winter of 1993, when the average wind chill was two degrees below zero.
The winter of 1978 in Chicago was maybe as cold, if not certainly much colder, as the winter of 1993; there was an average wind chill of somewhere around the area of two degrees below zero.
The winter of 1978 in Chicago was as cold as the winter of 1993, maybe colder, the average wind chill of two degrees below zero.
The winter of 1978 in Chicago was as cold as, if not more so, than the winter of 1993; the average wind chill was two degrees below zero.
The winter of 1978 in Chicago was as cold, if not more so, as the winter of 1993; the average wind chill was two degrees below zero.
The key here is knowing that the correct form of comparison is “as…as” and not “as….than”. Knowing that, you can eliminate all of the answers except for "The winter of 1978 in Chicago was as cold as the winter of 1993, maybe colder, the average wind chill of two degrees below zero," "The winter of 1978 in Chicago was as cold, if not more so, as the winter of 1993; the average wind chill was two degrees below zero," and "The winter of 1978 in Chicago was maybe as cold, if not certainly much colder, as the winter of 1993; there was an average wind chill of somewhere around the area of two degrees below zero." Of those three answers, only the second one listed makes sense. The first answer listed contains a comma splice, while the third answer listed is wordy and awkward.
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