Correcting Appositive and Interrupting Phrase Errors - GMAT Verbal
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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 Treasurer of Acme Inc. Melissa Williams presented the CFO with a rigorous analysis of the high-yield bond market ahead of the company’s debt issuance.
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 Treasurer of Acme Inc. Melissa Williams presented the CFO with a rigorous analysis of the high-yield bond market ahead of the company’s debt issuance.
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Appositive clauses that supply additional or optional information must be contained within commas. Since we do not need to know that Melissa is the Treasure of Acme Inc. that information must be contained by commas. The correct answer also uses the active voice.
Appositive clauses that supply additional or optional information must be contained within commas. Since we do not need to know that Melissa is the Treasure of Acme Inc. that information must be contained by commas. The correct answer also uses the active voice.
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.
John Smith the notable economist has difficulty distinguishing his publications from those of other prominent colleagues due to the commonness of his name.
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.
John Smith the notable economist has difficulty distinguishing his publications from those of other prominent colleagues due to the commonness of his name.
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This appositive clause (that John Smith is a notable economist at a certain university) is necessary to understand the meaning of the sentence; therefore, it must not be surrounded by commas. If it is surrounded by commas, the identify of the John Smith in the sentence is still not known because he has several other colleagues that go by the same name. Presumably, identifying him as "the notable economist" removes this ambiguity.
This appositive clause (that John Smith is a notable economist at a certain university) is necessary to understand the meaning of the sentence; therefore, it must not be surrounded by commas. If it is surrounded by commas, the identify of the John Smith in the sentence is still not known because he has several other colleagues that go by the same name. Presumably, identifying him as "the notable economist" removes this ambiguity.
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.
Mary Williams, the interim CEO, took control of the company following a debacle at one of the company's international manufacturing plants.
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.
Mary Williams, the interim CEO, took control of the company following a debacle at one of the company's international manufacturing plants.
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This sentence is correct as written. Appositive clauses that supply additional information should be surrounded by commas.
This sentence is correct as written. Appositive clauses that supply additional information should be surrounded by commas.
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 projections, a new tool for sports franchises gave front offices advantages over their competitors who did not employ as many number crunchers.
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 projections, a new tool for sports franchises gave front offices advantages over their competitors who did not employ as many number crunchers.
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In the sentence, the phrase "a new tool for sports franchises" is an appositive phrase, a phrase that adds extra meaning to the subject "projections," but is not a part of the main subject of the sentence. Any such appositive phrase must be set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas, both before and after the phrase. "The projections, a new tool for sports franchises, gave" is the only answer choice that correctly places commas around the phrase.
In the sentence, the phrase "a new tool for sports franchises" is an appositive phrase, a phrase that adds extra meaning to the subject "projections," but is not a part of the main subject of the sentence. Any such appositive phrase must be set apart from the rest of the sentence with commas, both before and after the phrase. "The projections, a new tool for sports franchises, gave" is the only answer choice that correctly places commas around the phrase.
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 Thomas Aquinas the thirteenth-century philosopher, and theologian, God is not a being in the strict sense and thus, in a way, not a subject for metaphysical investigation.
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 Thomas Aquinas the thirteenth-century philosopher, and theologian, God is not a being in the strict sense and thus, in a way, not a subject for metaphysical investigation.
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In the sentence, "the thirteenth-century philosopher and theologian" is an appositive that renames "Thomas Aquinas"; appositives are set off by commas at both ends, as in the credited response. No comma is needed between "philosopher" and "theologian," however. Because "thirteenth-century" is being used as an adjective in this case a hyphen is needed.
In the sentence, "the thirteenth-century philosopher and theologian" is an appositive that renames "Thomas Aquinas"; appositives are set off by commas at both ends, as in the credited response. No comma is needed between "philosopher" and "theologian," however. Because "thirteenth-century" is being used as an adjective in this case a hyphen is needed.
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 John Duns Scotus, the most notable Scholastic philosopher of the generation after Aquinas, God is a being, albeit one of a very different sort than material beings.
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 John Duns Scotus, the most notable Scholastic philosopher of the generation after Aquinas, God is a being, albeit one of a very different sort than material beings.
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The appositive phrase that renames "John Duns Scotus" is "the most notable Scholastic philosopher of the generation after Aquinas." Commas are required at both ends of this complete phrase to set it off, but commas are not needed before the prepositional phrases "of the generation" or "after Aquinas."
The appositive phrase that renames "John Duns Scotus" is "the most notable Scholastic philosopher of the generation after Aquinas." Commas are required at both ends of this complete phrase to set it off, but commas are not needed before the prepositional phrases "of the generation" or "after Aquinas."
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 worth considering the work of a transitional figure the Englishman Richard Melville if we are to understand the changes that took place in the twenty years between these two philosophers.
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 worth considering the work of a transitional figure the Englishman Richard Melville if we are to understand the changes that took place in the twenty years between these two philosophers.
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Appositive phrases, which rename a noun, are set off by commas from the rest of the sentence. However, "Richard Melville" is not itself an appositive renaming "the Englishman," as it tells us which Englishman the sentence is talking about, rather than renaming a known Englishman "Richard Melville."
Appositive phrases, which rename a noun, are set off by commas from the rest of the sentence. However, "Richard Melville" is not itself an appositive renaming "the Englishman," as it tells us which Englishman the sentence is talking about, rather than renaming a known Englishman "Richard Melville."
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.
One such transitional figure Richard Melville, who worked in the time between Aquinas and Duns Scotus, developed several new positions that would later be incorporated into the work of later authors.
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.
One such transitional figure Richard Melville, who worked in the time between Aquinas and Duns Scotus, developed several new positions that would later be incorporated into the work of later authors.
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In this case, an appositive comes at the beginning of the sentence, renaming "Richard Melville" as "one such transitional figure" among many. Appositives must be set off by commas from the rest of the sentence if they contain information that is unnecessary for understanding the rest of the sentence. Since taking out the appositive phrase ("One such transitional figure, who worked . . .") yields a complete sentence, the appositive "Richard Melville" must be set apart by commas.
In this case, an appositive comes at the beginning of the sentence, renaming "Richard Melville" as "one such transitional figure" among many. Appositives must be set off by commas from the rest of the sentence if they contain information that is unnecessary for understanding the rest of the sentence. Since taking out the appositive phrase ("One such transitional figure, who worked . . .") yields a complete sentence, the appositive "Richard Melville" must be set apart by commas.
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 seminar presentation, scheduled to take place at 2:00 had to be delayed until 3:30 because of severe technical difficulties.
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 seminar presentation, scheduled to take place at 2:00 had to be delayed until 3:30 because of severe technical difficulties.
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"scheduled to take place at 2:00" is an appositive phrase, adding meaning to the subject "the seminal presentation. Appositive phrases such as these should be offset by commas at both beginning and end. Such phrases often rename the subject of a sentence.
"scheduled to take place at 2:00" is an appositive phrase, adding meaning to the subject "the seminal presentation. Appositive phrases such as these should be offset by commas at both beginning and end. Such phrases often rename the subject of a sentence.
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.
Jeremy Bentham an early advocate for various civil rights and liberties, wished for his body to be preserved and displayed after his death.
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.
Jeremy Bentham an early advocate for various civil rights and liberties, wished for his body to be preserved and displayed after his death.
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"an early advocate..." is an appositive, further describing, renaming, or defining the subject of the sentence (in this case "Jeremy Bentham" is being classified as "an early advocate for various civil right and liberties"). Appositives such as these should be offset by two commas, one each before and after.
"an early advocate..." is an appositive, further describing, renaming, or defining the subject of the sentence (in this case "Jeremy Bentham" is being classified as "an early advocate for various civil right and liberties"). Appositives such as these should be offset by two commas, one each before and after.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Napster, the music sharing service considered a threat to copyright protection was shut down in 2001 following intense legal scrutiny.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Napster, the music sharing service considered a threat to copyright protection was shut down in 2001 following intense legal scrutiny.
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"The music sharing service considered a threat to copyright protection" is a phrase modifying the subject noun "Napster." It is an appositive phrase and should, therefore, be offset by two commas. Appositives define or rename the subject of the sentence, in this case Napster (the subject) is being re-characterized as "the music sharing service considered a threat to copyright protection." The appositive must be offset with commas because it is outside of the fundamental grammatical structure of the sentence.
"The music sharing service considered a threat to copyright protection" is a phrase modifying the subject noun "Napster." It is an appositive phrase and should, therefore, be offset by two commas. Appositives define or rename the subject of the sentence, in this case Napster (the subject) is being re-characterized as "the music sharing service considered a threat to copyright protection." The appositive must be offset with commas because it is outside of the fundamental grammatical structure of the sentence.
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 years he sought to get a pardon for his late father, until new evidence came out that convinced him his father was in fact guilty.
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 years he sought to get a pardon for his late father, until new evidence came out that convinced him his father was in fact guilty.
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In the underlined portion of the sentence, "in fact" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that adds extra meaning to the sentence, but is not a part of the sentence's main structure. Any interrupting phrase must be set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas. The only answer choice that makes this correction is "that convinced him his father was, in fact, guilty."
In the underlined portion of the sentence, "in fact" is an interrupting phrase, a phrase that adds extra meaning to the sentence, but is not a part of the sentence's main structure. Any interrupting phrase must be set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas. The only answer choice that makes this correction is "that convinced him his father was, in fact, guilty."
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.
Working together, which was a process fraught with problems the two research teams were able to meet the incredibly tough deadline.
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.
Working together, which was a process fraught with problems the two research teams were able to meet the incredibly tough deadline.
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The phrase "which was a process fraught with problems" is an interrupting phrase, one that adds meaning to the sentence, but is not a part of the main structure of the sentence. All interrupting phrases must be set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas. "Working together, which was a process fraught with problems, the two" is the only answer choice which appropriately sets off the interrupting phrase.
The phrase "which was a process fraught with problems" is an interrupting phrase, one that adds meaning to the sentence, but is not a part of the main structure of the sentence. All interrupting phrases must be set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas. "Working together, which was a process fraught with problems, the two" is the only answer choice which appropriately sets off the interrupting phrase.
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 volcano a massive geothermal spot in the middle of the landmass threatened the lives of most of the island's residents.
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 volcano a massive geothermal spot in the middle of the landmass threatened the lives of most of the island's residents.
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The phrase "a massive geothermal spot in the middle of the landmass" functions in this sentence as an interrupting phrase, one which conditions the meaning of the sentence, but sits outside the core structure of the sentence. Any interrupting phrase must be set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas. "The volcano, a massive geothermal spot in the middle of the landmass, threatened" is the only answer choice which correctly deploys commas around the phrase.
The phrase "a massive geothermal spot in the middle of the landmass" functions in this sentence as an interrupting phrase, one which conditions the meaning of the sentence, but sits outside the core structure of the sentence. Any interrupting phrase must be set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas. "The volcano, a massive geothermal spot in the middle of the landmass, threatened" is the only answer choice which correctly deploys commas around the phrase.
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.
For Kant, ever the optimist moral progress within a community is almost inevitable.
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.
For Kant, ever the optimist moral progress within a community is almost inevitable.
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In formal written English, em-dashes (—) or commas are used to set off interrupting phrases. Commas would also be correct if used to set apart the phrase "ever the optimist," but that option is not provided as an answer choice, so the option that uses em-dashes to set apart the phrase is the correct answer.
In formal written English, em-dashes (—) or commas are used to set off interrupting phrases. Commas would also be correct if used to set apart the phrase "ever the optimist," but that option is not provided as an answer choice, so the option that uses em-dashes to set apart the phrase is the correct answer.
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 Oxford Ordinatio (or what's left of it, at any rate), Scotus seems to suggest a moral psychology that anticipates Kant's by a good five hundred years.
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 Oxford Ordinatio (or what's left of it, at any rate), Scotus seems to suggest a moral psychology that anticipates Kant's by a good five hundred years.
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The parenthetical interrupting phrase "or what's left of it, at any rate" is associated with the phrase "In the Oxford Ordinatio," and should come before the comma that separates that phrase from the rest of the sentence. No other punctuation is needed to set off the parenthetical phrase from the phrase it is associated with, nor should this phrase be needlessly split into further parenthetical phrases.
The parenthetical interrupting phrase "or what's left of it, at any rate" is associated with the phrase "In the Oxford Ordinatio," and should come before the comma that separates that phrase from the rest of the sentence. No other punctuation is needed to set off the parenthetical phrase from the phrase it is associated with, nor should this phrase be needlessly split into further parenthetical phrases.
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.
Another solution to the author's problem regards the least possible world: that is, one that is metaphysically simplest; as something that actually does exist, rather than a mental construct.
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.
Another solution to the author's problem regards the least possible world: that is, one that is metaphysically simplest; as something that actually does exist, rather than a mental construct.
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The use of dashes to set off the parenthetical phrase explaining what the least possible world is (rather than simply renaming it, as an appositive phrase set off by commas would do) is the best solution for this sentence.
The use of dashes to set off the parenthetical phrase explaining what the least possible world is (rather than simply renaming it, as an appositive phrase set off by commas would do) is the best solution for this sentence.
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.
William McKinley, who served on the side of the Union in the Civil War, and he was re-elected for his second term as president in 1900.
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.
William McKinley, who served on the side of the Union in the Civil War, and he was re-elected for his second term as president in 1900.
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The relative clause beginning with "who served..." modifies William McKinley. This modifying phrase should be offset by two commas. The verb "was" is the predicate of the sentence - if you remove the modifying clause, you get "William McKinley was re-elected." This is correct, over "William McKinley and he was re-elected." Interrupting phrases should be able to be removed, and still leave a grammatically correct sentence behind.
The relative clause beginning with "who served..." modifies William McKinley. This modifying phrase should be offset by two commas. The verb "was" is the predicate of the sentence - if you remove the modifying clause, you get "William McKinley was re-elected." This is correct, over "William McKinley and he was re-elected." Interrupting phrases should be able to be removed, and still leave a grammatically correct sentence behind.
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 Treasurer of Acme Inc. Melissa Williams presented the CFO with a rigorous analysis of the high-yield bond market ahead of the company’s debt issuance.
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 Treasurer of Acme Inc. Melissa Williams presented the CFO with a rigorous analysis of the high-yield bond market ahead of the company’s debt issuance.
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Appositive clauses that supply additional or optional information must be contained within commas. Since we do not need to know that Melissa is the Treasure of Acme Inc. that information must be contained by commas. The correct answer also uses the active voice.
Appositive clauses that supply additional or optional information must be contained within commas. Since we do not need to know that Melissa is the Treasure of Acme Inc. that information must be contained by commas. The correct answer also uses the active voice.
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.
John Smith the notable economist has difficulty distinguishing his publications from those of other prominent colleagues due to the commonness of his name.
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.
John Smith the notable economist has difficulty distinguishing his publications from those of other prominent colleagues due to the commonness of his name.
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This appositive clause (that John Smith is a notable economist at a certain university) is necessary to understand the meaning of the sentence; therefore, it must not be surrounded by commas. If it is surrounded by commas, the identify of the John Smith in the sentence is still not known because he has several other colleagues that go by the same name. Presumably, identifying him as "the notable economist" removes this ambiguity.
This appositive clause (that John Smith is a notable economist at a certain university) is necessary to understand the meaning of the sentence; therefore, it must not be surrounded by commas. If it is surrounded by commas, the identify of the John Smith in the sentence is still not known because he has several other colleagues that go by the same name. Presumably, identifying him as "the notable economist" removes this ambiguity.