GRE Verbal : Verbs in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The girl decided to _______________ her abilities by shooting at a basketball hoop for hours every day.

Possible Answers:

hone

broach

stymie

laud

loosen

Correct answer:

hone

Explanation:

The idea of repetition indicated by the girl's hours of shooting means she is not expanding her abilities or weakening them. Instead, she is sharpening and refining them, which is the definition of "hone."

Example Question #11 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The crackdown on illegal contributions ______________ the need for further laws on the matter.

Possible Answers:

obviated

understated

exacerbated

excelled

overwhelmed

Correct answer:

obviated

Explanation:

The "crackdown" and "further laws" would be going toward the same cause. If the "crackdown" did anything to "further laws," it would be to make them unnecessary or unimportant, the definition of "obviated."

Example Question #12 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The philosopher's new book was ____________ with logical problems.

Possible Answers:

completed

riddled

lauded

obviated

defunct

Correct answer:

riddled

Explanation:

A philosopher essentially deals in logic, and to have "logical problems" in a philosophy book is a concern. The correct answer chocie should indicate that the book is full of issues.  "Riddled," which means being full of or permeated by, is the correct answer.

Example Question #14 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The erroneous book _____________ many myths about American history.

Possible Answers:

conflagrated

criticized

perpetuated

subpoenaed

confounded

Correct answer:

perpetuated

Explanation:

The structure of the sentence links the words "erroneous" and "myths" through the answer.  Both words have to do with mistakes or incorrect facts, so the correct choice should indicate the errors help the myths. "Perpetuated," meaning to help continue or further, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #15 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

Every time he made a sale, he would ____________ around the office in celebration.

Possible Answers:

totter

strut

sprint

shuffle

cower

Correct answer:

strut

Explanation:

The key phrase in the sentence is "celebration." The answer should indicate some movement that is celebratory or boasting. "Strut," meaning a swaggering walk, is the correct answer.

Example Question #13 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The football coach was most well known for _________________ his opponents , making them unsure what he would do.

Possible Answers:

complementing

reassuring

condoning

navigating

confounding

Correct answer:

confounding

Explanation:

The opponents are "unsure" about the coach's actions, so the correct answer will indicate that. "Confounding," meaning confusing and baffling, is the best choice.

Example Question #17 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

Despite his boasting, the scientist could never _____________ his claims with evidence.

Possible Answers:

repudiate

criticize

substantiate

congeal

stupefy

Correct answer:

substantiate

Explanation:

The scientist had no evidence "despite his boasting," and the "never" means the correct answer will be a word indicating support. "Substantiate," meaning to verify with evidence, is the best choice.

Example Question #18 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

Although he believed he was the perfect candidate, he never ____________ the man who received the promotion instead.

Possible Answers:

beknighted

begrudged

adored

complimented

lavished

Correct answer:

begrudged

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts the candidate's belief in his perfection with the way he approached the promoted man. The correct answer will show there was never any ill will from the candidate. "Begrudged," meaning to resent, is the best fit in the sentence.

Example Question #19 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The company's board slowly _____________ around the plan of buying out their competitor.

Possible Answers:

splintered

equivocated

muddled

dismembered

congealed

Correct answer:

congealed

Explanation:

The board eventually agreed, as the sentence indicates the board decided on the plan to sell. The correct answer will describe the board coming together "around the plan." "Congealed," meaning to solidify, is the best fit among the answer choices.

Example Question #14 : Verbs In One Blank Texts

The entire city block had to be ____________ to make room for the new arena.

Possible Answers:

envisaged

enlivened

razed

ratified

coalesced

Correct answer:

razed

Explanation:

The city block is in the way of the new arena, which is why it has "to make room for the new arena." The correct answer will indicate the block was destroyed for the arena. "Razed," meaning completely destroyed or flattened, is the best choice.

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