GMAT Verbal : Sentence Correction
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #1891 : Sat Writing
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Various theories were proposed, but none prove satisfactory to the investigators.
nothing proving satisfactory
none proved satisfactory
none proving satisfactory
nothing prove satisfactory
none prove satisfactory
none proved satisfactory
The verb in the underlined portion of the sentence is in the present tense, while the verb in the first part of the sentence is in the past tense. The two verbs need to match their tenses due to the construction of the sentence. The correct answer choice is " none proved satisfactory."
Example Question #1892 : Sat Writing
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Although he was suspicious of the deal, the negotiator knew he has to accept what he was offered or get nothing at all.
the negotiator knew he has to accepted
the negotiator knew he having to accept
the negotiator knew he has to accept
the negotiator knew he had to accept
the negotiator knew he is accepting
the negotiator knew he had to accept
The issue with the underlined sentence is quite simple, with the verb form "knew," a past tense construction, being at odds with "has," a present tense form. These need to work together, making the correct answer choice "the negotiator knew he had to accept."
Example Question #51 : Correcting Verb Tense Errors
The filmmaker's stated intention to shock his audiences with scenes of horror and violence.
The filmmaker's statement of intention to shock
The filmmakers stated intention to shock
The filmmaker's stated intention shocking
The filmmaker's stated intention was to shock
The filmmaker's stated intent to shock
The filmmaker's stated intention was to shock
The sentence as written actually contains no verb, as "stated" is used as an adjective to describe "intention," and the infinitive form "to shock" needs some form of the verb "to be." The only answer choice that remedies the lack of a verb is "The filmaker's stated intention was to shock," and is the correct answer.
Example Question #52 : Correcting Verb Tense 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. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Traditionally, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences showing favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditional, movie audiences shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences show of favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare.
Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare.
"Shown" is a past perfect verb, and any past perfect construction cannot stand alone as the verb in the sentence without a helping verb, also known as an auxilary verb. The past perfect verb "shown" needs to be accompanied by the verb "have" to make it a complete verbal phrase. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "Traditionally, movie audiences have shown favor towards lighter fare."
Example Question #111 : Correcting Verb 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. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
The falling oil prices were a stunning development to most forecasters, as a poll from the beginning of the year showing only a small percentage of experts calling for such a drop.
were showing only a small percentage of experts calling for such a drop.
showed only a small percentage of experts calling for such a drop.
showed only a small percentage of experts called for such a drop.
showing only a small percentage of experts calling for such a drop.
showing only a small percentage of experts called for such a drop.
showed only a small percentage of experts called for such a drop.
The use of the present participle verb forms "showing" and "calling" is incorrect in the underlined portion of the sentence. Both words need to be in the past tense to show that the poll was taken before oil prices had begun falling. The only answer choice which appropriately makes these corrections is "showed only a small percentage of experts called for such a drop."
Example Question #137 : Verb Tense 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Coastal communities are hoping a mild winter makes summer arrive sooner, bring more tourists.
bring more tourists.
bringing more tourists.
bring many tourists.
more tourists bringing.
more tourists brought.
bringing more tourists.
The underlined portion of the sentence is a dependent clause that relies on the rest of the sentence for its meaning. As such, the verb form "bring" does not appropriately connect to the rest of the sentence. "Bringing more tourists, featuring the gerundive is the best answer choice.
Example Question #164 : Verb Formation 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
American history littered with tales of prospective candidates who flopped in a Presidential election.
American history is littered
American history is littering
American history littered
American history litters
American history littering
American history is littered
The construction of the sentence makes it clear the "litter" is taking place throughout "American history." This means the verb should take the passive voice. "American history is littered" is therefore the correct answer choice.
Example Question #181 : Usage 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Few people understand the depth of the deception from the Governor at the time.
Few understand
Few people understand
Few people understood
Fewer people understand
Few persons understand
Few people understood
The sentence describes what happened "at the time," or in the past; therefore, the verb usage must indicate the action taking place in the past, with a past tense verb. "Few people understood" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #61 : Correcting Verb Tense 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.
She was going to the grocery store; she buys a few things for the party.
She were going to the grocery store; she was buying a few things for the party.
She was going to the grocery store; she was going to buy a few things for the party.
She was going to the grocery store; she will buy a few things for the party.
She was going to the grocery store; she buys a few things for the party.
She will go to the grocery store; she was buying a few things for the party.
She was going to the grocery store; she was going to buy a few things for the party.
The correct choice is, "She was going to the grocery store; she was going to buy a few things for the party." The other choices contain examples of tense-shifts that make the sentence awkward. This is the best choice because it the verbs are in the same tense throughout the sentence and the structure of both clauses are parallel to one another.
Example Question #62 : Correcting Verb Tense 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.
Maria loves to tinker with technology ever since she was a kid.
loved
was love
loves
love
will love
loved
This sentence contains an error in verb tense. The phrase "ever since she was a kid" indicates that the actions of this sentence describe the past. The current word, "loves," is in the present tense. The correct choice is, "loved."
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