Correcting Verb Mood 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 cheese was given to the child by the parent, who then complained that it was too smelly to eat.
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 cheese was given to the child by the parent, who then complained that it was too smelly to eat.
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The correct answer choice ("The cheese was given to the child by the parent") uses the active voice instead of the passive voice and makes the most grammatical sense in the sentence. Sometimes the passive voice is necessary, but when it is not necessary, it should be avoided.
The correct answer choice ("The cheese was given to the child by the parent") uses the active voice instead of the passive voice and makes the most grammatical sense in the sentence. Sometimes the passive voice is necessary, but when it is not necessary, it should be avoided.
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.
Victory is the ultimate goal of any general, but too precise a focus can clouds a leader's judgement.
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.
Victory is the ultimate goal of any general, but too precise a focus can clouds a leader's judgement.
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The phrase underlined in the sentence uses the modal verb "can," which conditions what might happen in the future. The verb form "clouds" is incorrect as the verb after "can" still needs to feature the singular form necessary with the subject "focus." "Can cloud a leader's judgement" is the best choice among the answer.
The phrase underlined in the sentence uses the modal verb "can," which conditions what might happen in the future. The verb form "clouds" is incorrect as the verb after "can" still needs to feature the singular form necessary with the subject "focus." "Can cloud a leader's judgement" is the best choice among the 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.
If I was a betting man, I would put my money down on the continued health and strength of the market for imports.
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.
If I was a betting man, I would put my money down on the continued health and strength of the market for imports.
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This sentence is a rare use of the subjunctive mood, a verb mood that is used to indicate a hypothetical state or a statement contrary to reality. The subjunctive verb does not use the otherwise more appropriate verb tense "was," as it is indicating a desire of something not real and should use "were." "If I were a betting man" is the only answer choice that uses the correct verb form.
This sentence is a rare use of the subjunctive mood, a verb mood that is used to indicate a hypothetical state or a statement contrary to reality. The subjunctive verb does not use the otherwise more appropriate verb tense "was," as it is indicating a desire of something not real and should use "were." "If I were a betting man" is the only answer choice that uses the correct verb form.
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.
Take these papers to the processing department immediately, and you wait for them to be completely finished before returning.
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.
Take these papers to the processing department immediately, and you wait for them to be completely finished before returning.
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Sticking "you" in this sentence is unnecessary with the phrase's imperative mood and the implied subject of "you" in the first part of the sentence, which creates a lack of parallel structure. "You" should be taken out of the underlined portion of the sentence to fix these problems. As only one answer choice makes this change, the correct answer is "and wait for them to be completely finished before returning."
Sticking "you" in this sentence is unnecessary with the phrase's imperative mood and the implied subject of "you" in the first part of the sentence, which creates a lack of parallel structure. "You" should be taken out of the underlined portion of the sentence to fix these problems. As only one answer choice makes this change, the correct answer is "and wait for them to be completely finished before returning."
It is imperative that he knows the truth.
Which option best replaces the underlined sentence?
It is imperative that he knows the truth.
Which option best replaces the underlined sentence?
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In the original sentence, the verb "knows" is in the incorrect mood—the indicative. Because of the word "that", we know the sentence contains an order, which means that we must change the verb to the subjunctive mood ("know").
In the original sentence, the verb "knows" is in the incorrect mood—the indicative. Because of the word "that", we know the sentence contains an order, which means that we must change the verb to the subjunctive mood ("know").
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.
Were you to have chosen that restaurant, we would have to dress up.
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.
Were you to have chosen that restaurant, we would have to dress up.
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This sentence is an example of the present subjunctive, which is most commonly used in English to express hypothetical situations, wishes, and desires. The correct long form of the sentence is “if you were to choose that restaurant,” and “were you to choose that restaurant” is simply an inversion and shortening of the long form. (“Were you to have chosen that restaurant” is the past subjunctive, which doesn’t match the future conditional form of the second half of the sentence.)
This sentence is an example of the present subjunctive, which is most commonly used in English to express hypothetical situations, wishes, and desires. The correct long form of the sentence is “if you were to choose that restaurant,” and “were you to choose that restaurant” is simply an inversion and shortening of the long form. (“Were you to have chosen that restaurant” is the past subjunctive, which doesn’t match the future conditional form of the second half 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
He said he wouldn’t have jumped into the murky lake if someone else hasn’t jumped before him.
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.
He said he wouldn’t have jumped into the murky lake if someone else hasn’t jumped before him.
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This sentence will try to trick you into using the subjunctive mood, but remember that the subjunctive is only used to describe hypothetical situations and dreams. Because the character actually did jump into the murky lake, the correct mood is simply the past indicative: “He said he wouldn’t have jumped into the murky lake if someone else hadn’t jumped before him.”
This sentence will try to trick you into using the subjunctive mood, but remember that the subjunctive is only used to describe hypothetical situations and dreams. Because the character actually did jump into the murky lake, the correct mood is simply the past indicative: “He said he wouldn’t have jumped into the murky lake if someone else hadn’t jumped before him.”
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.
Jerry said if he was in my position, he would do the same thing.
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.
Jerry said if he was in my position, he would do the same thing.
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This sentence discusses a condition that is contrary to fact (IF Jerry were in my position, which he is not), and thus uses the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood is used to express a wish, suggestion, condition, condition contrary to fact, or command. Because the sentence requires the subjunctive mood, the correct version reads: "Jerry said if he were in my position, he would do the same thing."
This sentence discusses a condition that is contrary to fact (IF Jerry were in my position, which he is not), and thus uses the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive mood is used to express a wish, suggestion, condition, condition contrary to fact, or command. Because the sentence requires the subjunctive mood, the correct version reads: "Jerry said if he were in my position, he would do the same thing."
Let it be known that we recommend that she is admitted to our company.
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.
Let it be known that we recommend that she is admitted to our company.
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.
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When indicating a desire or proclamation, the subjunctive form of a verb—in this case, "be" instead of the usual indicative "is"—should be used.
When indicating a desire or proclamation, the subjunctive form of a verb—in this case, "be" instead of the usual indicative "is"—should be used.
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 order to correcting John's essay, the professor needed to examine a very obscure theory on paleontology.
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 order to correcting John's essay, the professor needed to examine a very obscure theory on paleontology.
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The phrase "to correcting" is grammatically incorrect in standard written English, and needs to be "to correct" in the underlined phrase.
The phrase "to correcting" is grammatically incorrect in standard written English, and needs to be "to correct" in the underlined 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.
If I was you, I would leave that job immediately.
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.
If I was you, I would leave that job immediately.
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The example sentence expresses a hypothetical condition that is contrary to fact ("I," by definition, am not "you"), and therefore needs to be expressed using verbs in the subjunctive mood. "If" is a usually a good indication that a sentence will be in the subjunctive mood. In the subjunctive, "were" should be used instead of "was." "If I were you, I would leave that job immediately."
The example sentence expresses a hypothetical condition that is contrary to fact ("I," by definition, am not "you"), and therefore needs to be expressed using verbs in the subjunctive mood. "If" is a usually a good indication that a sentence will be in the subjunctive mood. In the subjunctive, "were" should be used instead of "was." "If I were you, I would leave that job immediately."
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.
Touching on subjects like greed and corruption in Chilean politics and delivering a scathing condemnation of neo-liberalism, the novel will tell of one bureaucrat ’s attempts to take down Chile’s dictatorial regime.
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.
Touching on subjects like greed and corruption in Chilean politics and delivering a scathing condemnation of neo-liberalism, the novel will tell of one bureaucrat ’s attempts to take down Chile’s dictatorial regime.
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The choices that include the pronoun "it" are clearly wrong because there is no noun preceding the word "it" that can be referenced. This question involves a dangling modifier. What is touching on those subjects? The novel. The novel should therefore come after the comma. Eliminate answers that do not have this structure. "Shall" is not usually used in the third person. It is usually used in the first person. It is used to make suggestions or to give offers of help. For example, "shall we go the beach" and "shall I help you with those bags". The sentence is correct as written.
The choices that include the pronoun "it" are clearly wrong because there is no noun preceding the word "it" that can be referenced. This question involves a dangling modifier. What is touching on those subjects? The novel. The novel should therefore come after the comma. Eliminate answers that do not have this structure. "Shall" is not usually used in the third person. It is usually used in the first person. It is used to make suggestions or to give offers of help. For example, "shall we go the beach" and "shall I help you with those bags". The sentence is correct as written.
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 con artist evaded detection for years by conducting himself as though he were a registered clinical practitioner.
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 con artist evaded detection for years by conducting himself as though he were a registered clinical practitioner.
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The sentence is correct because we change "was" to "were" following a noun in situations in which the statement communicates something contrary to fact or highly unlikely.
The sentence is correct because we change "was" to "were" following a noun in situations in which the statement communicates something contrary to fact or highly unlikely.
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.
Touching on subjects like corruption in Brazilian politics and delivering a scathing condemnation of globalization and liberalism, the book must tell of one politician’s failed attempt to take down a corrupt system.
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.
Touching on subjects like corruption in Brazilian politics and delivering a scathing condemnation of globalization and liberalism, the book must tell of one politician’s failed attempt to take down a corrupt system.
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The choices that include the pronoun "it" are clearly wrong because there is no noun preceding the word "it" that can be referenced. This question involves a dangling modifier. What is touching on those subjects? The book. The book should therefore come after the comma. Eliminate answers that do not have this structure. "Must" is clearly awkward. "Shall" is not usually used in the third person. It is usually used in the first person. It is used to make suggestions or to give offers of help, for example, "shall we go to the beach" and "shall I help you with those bags". The correct choice implements the simple structure "the book will tell".
The choices that include the pronoun "it" are clearly wrong because there is no noun preceding the word "it" that can be referenced. This question involves a dangling modifier. What is touching on those subjects? The book. The book should therefore come after the comma. Eliminate answers that do not have this structure. "Must" is clearly awkward. "Shall" is not usually used in the third person. It is usually used in the first person. It is used to make suggestions or to give offers of help, for example, "shall we go to the beach" and "shall I help you with those bags". The correct choice implements the simple structure "the book will tell".
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 cheese was given to the child by the parent, who then complained that it was too smelly to eat.
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 cheese was given to the child by the parent, who then complained that it was too smelly to eat.
Tap to see back →
The correct answer choice ("The cheese was given to the child by the parent") uses the active voice instead of the passive voice and makes the most grammatical sense in the sentence. Sometimes the passive voice is necessary, but when it is not necessary, it should be avoided.
The correct answer choice ("The cheese was given to the child by the parent") uses the active voice instead of the passive voice and makes the most grammatical sense in the sentence. Sometimes the passive voice is necessary, but when it is not necessary, it should be avoided.
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.
Victory is the ultimate goal of any general, but too precise a focus can clouds a leader's judgement.
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.
Victory is the ultimate goal of any general, but too precise a focus can clouds a leader's judgement.
Tap to see back →
The phrase underlined in the sentence uses the modal verb "can," which conditions what might happen in the future. The verb form "clouds" is incorrect as the verb after "can" still needs to feature the singular form necessary with the subject "focus." "Can cloud a leader's judgement" is the best choice among the answer.
The phrase underlined in the sentence uses the modal verb "can," which conditions what might happen in the future. The verb form "clouds" is incorrect as the verb after "can" still needs to feature the singular form necessary with the subject "focus." "Can cloud a leader's judgement" is the best choice among the 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.
If I was a betting man, I would put my money down on the continued health and strength of the market for imports.
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.
If I was a betting man, I would put my money down on the continued health and strength of the market for imports.
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This sentence is a rare use of the subjunctive mood, a verb mood that is used to indicate a hypothetical state or a statement contrary to reality. The subjunctive verb does not use the otherwise more appropriate verb tense "was," as it is indicating a desire of something not real and should use "were." "If I were a betting man" is the only answer choice that uses the correct verb form.
This sentence is a rare use of the subjunctive mood, a verb mood that is used to indicate a hypothetical state or a statement contrary to reality. The subjunctive verb does not use the otherwise more appropriate verb tense "was," as it is indicating a desire of something not real and should use "were." "If I were a betting man" is the only answer choice that uses the correct verb form.
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.
Take these papers to the processing department immediately, and you wait for them to be completely finished before returning.
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.
Take these papers to the processing department immediately, and you wait for them to be completely finished before returning.
Tap to see back →
Sticking "you" in this sentence is unnecessary with the phrase's imperative mood and the implied subject of "you" in the first part of the sentence, which creates a lack of parallel structure. "You" should be taken out of the underlined portion of the sentence to fix these problems. As only one answer choice makes this change, the correct answer is "and wait for them to be completely finished before returning."
Sticking "you" in this sentence is unnecessary with the phrase's imperative mood and the implied subject of "you" in the first part of the sentence, which creates a lack of parallel structure. "You" should be taken out of the underlined portion of the sentence to fix these problems. As only one answer choice makes this change, the correct answer is "and wait for them to be completely finished before returning."
It is imperative that he knows the truth.
Which option best replaces the underlined sentence?
It is imperative that he knows the truth.
Which option best replaces the underlined sentence?
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In the original sentence, the verb "knows" is in the incorrect mood—the indicative. Because of the word "that", we know the sentence contains an order, which means that we must change the verb to the subjunctive mood ("know").
In the original sentence, the verb "knows" is in the incorrect mood—the indicative. Because of the word "that", we know the sentence contains an order, which means that we must change the verb to the subjunctive mood ("know").
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.
Were you to have chosen that restaurant, we would have to dress up.
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.
Were you to have chosen that restaurant, we would have to dress up.
Tap to see back →
This sentence is an example of the present subjunctive, which is most commonly used in English to express hypothetical situations, wishes, and desires. The correct long form of the sentence is “if you were to choose that restaurant,” and “were you to choose that restaurant” is simply an inversion and shortening of the long form. (“Were you to have chosen that restaurant” is the past subjunctive, which doesn’t match the future conditional form of the second half of the sentence.)
This sentence is an example of the present subjunctive, which is most commonly used in English to express hypothetical situations, wishes, and desires. The correct long form of the sentence is “if you were to choose that restaurant,” and “were you to choose that restaurant” is simply an inversion and shortening of the long form. (“Were you to have chosen that restaurant” is the past subjunctive, which doesn’t match the future conditional form of the second half of the sentence.)