Correcting Preposition Errors - GMAT Verbal
Card 1 of 124
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.
In the past, corporations had very few restrictions on what they had to pay from employee's wages.
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.
In the past, corporations had very few restrictions on what they had to pay from employee's wages.
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The use of the preposition "from" in the sentence is very odd. The correct preposition needs to indicate the the "wages" are something the "corporations" give to the "employees." The answer choice that best reflexts this is "to pay for employees' wages."
The use of the preposition "from" in the sentence is very odd. The correct preposition needs to indicate the the "wages" are something the "corporations" give to the "employees." The answer choice that best reflexts this is "to pay for employees' wages."
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
She would frequently compare her mother with the most loving of saints_._
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.
She would frequently compare her mother with the most loving of saints_._
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The grammatical error in the underlined portion is the use of the word "with." Comparisons are not done "with" something else, but "to" something else. The correct answer choice is "to the most loving of saints."
The grammatical error in the underlined portion is the use of the word "with." Comparisons are not done "with" something else, but "to" something else. The correct answer choice is "to the most loving of saints."
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The amount of people living in the area was still a matter of much debate in researchers.
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.
The amount of people living in the area was still a matter of much debate in researchers.
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The underlined elements of the sentence have an issue with the usage of the preposition before researchers. The debate happens from one researcher to the next, and the correct preposition would indicate this. "Among researchers" is the best choice among the answers.
The underlined elements of the sentence have an issue with the usage of the preposition before researchers. The debate happens from one researcher to the next, and the correct preposition would indicate this. "Among researchers" is the best choice among the answers.
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Questions are rarely asked by students in an imposing teacher.
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.
Questions are rarely asked by students in an imposing teacher.
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The underlined portion of the sentence has an odd use of the preposition "in." The questions are actually being asked by students, directed at the teacher, and the preposition needs to reflect this; therefore, "to an imposing teacher" is the correct answer choice.
The underlined portion of the sentence has an odd use of the preposition "in." The questions are actually being asked by students, directed at the teacher, and the preposition needs to reflect this; therefore, "to an imposing teacher" is the correct answer choice.
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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.
Never before did the members of the class see a sight such like that.
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.
Never before did the members of the class see a sight such like that.
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"Such as" and "like" are related terms, with both being used to indicate examples of things mentioned earlier in the sentence. The correct usage, however, is either "such as" or "like," with "such like" being completely incorrect. The correct answer is "a sight such as that."
"Such as" and "like" are related terms, with both being used to indicate examples of things mentioned earlier in the sentence. The correct usage, however, is either "such as" or "like," with "such like" being completely incorrect. The correct answer is "a sight such as that."
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The night grew so cold that all the campers were shivering although a raging fire.
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.
The night grew so cold that all the campers were shivering although a raging fire.
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The use of "although" in the last part of the sentence is confusing and awkward. A different preposition can more clearly indicate the fact the campers "were shivering" while a fire was "raging," which should warm them. The best answer choice to do this is "despite a raging fire."
The use of "although" in the last part of the sentence is confusing and awkward. A different preposition can more clearly indicate the fact the campers "were shivering" while a fire was "raging," which should warm them. The best answer choice to do this is "despite a raging fire."
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.
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.
The beach can be a fun place to visit about long weekends.
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Here, the preposition "on" is most appropriate of the choices available.
Here, the preposition "on" is most appropriate of the choices available.
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
To some people, the idea of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is synonymous for rowdy behavior, noisiness, and disorder.
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.
To some people, the idea of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is synonymous for rowdy behavior, noisiness, and disorder.
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According to the idiomatic usage of prepositions, "synonymous" is typically followed by the preposition "with," not "for." All other variations are grammatically incorrect.
According to the idiomatic usage of prepositions, "synonymous" is typically followed by the preposition "with," not "for." All other variations are grammatically incorrect.
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The girls were always challenging their father's rules for every opportunity.
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.
The girls were always challenging their father's rules for every opportunity.
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The use of the preposition "for" in the sentence is odd, and does not properly reflect what the girls are doing. The preposition should be changed to indicate that they challenged during certain moments. The preposition that best shows this is "at," making the correct answer choice "their father's rules at every opportunity."
The use of the preposition "for" in the sentence is odd, and does not properly reflect what the girls are doing. The preposition should be changed to indicate that they challenged during certain moments. The preposition that best shows this is "at," making the correct answer choice "their father's rules at every opportunity."
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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.
While I really enjoy studying the French language, I would also like to try and learn some Portuguese as well.
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.
While I really enjoy studying the French language, I would also like to try and learn some Portuguese as well.
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Only the preposition “to” can follow the verb “to try.” It isn’t necessary to include the “as well” because “also” means the same thing; the original phrasing is redundant.
Only the preposition “to” can follow the verb “to try.” It isn’t necessary to include the “as well” because “also” means the same thing; the original phrasing is redundant.
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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. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
That author's most recent novel is based on the Civil War in Spain, but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
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.
That author's most recent novel is based on the Civil War in Spain, but, on a deeper level, many perceive the book as a protest on Spanish social conventions.
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The fragment “on a deeper level” must have a comma before and after it because it interrupts the second clause of the sentence. Also, the word “protest” must be paired with the preposition “against.”
The fragment “on a deeper level” must have a comma before and after it because it interrupts the second clause of the sentence. Also, the word “protest” must be paired with the preposition “against.”
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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.
Prior to becoming involved in politics, she was a schoolteacher at a public elementary school in her hometown for special needs children.
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.
Prior to becoming involved in politics, she was a schoolteacher at a public elementary school in her hometown for special needs children.
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The prepositional phrase "for special needs children" is awkwardly appended to the end of the sentence, making it read as though the subjects "hometown" was "for special needs children," rather than her teaching. The phrase should be moved closer to the mentioning of her career as a teacher, which is only done in the answer choice "she was a schoolteacher for special needs children at a public elementary school in her hometown."
The prepositional phrase "for special needs children" is awkwardly appended to the end of the sentence, making it read as though the subjects "hometown" was "for special needs children," rather than her teaching. The phrase should be moved closer to the mentioning of her career as a teacher, which is only done in the answer choice "she was a schoolteacher for special needs children at a public elementary school in her hometown."
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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 young woman had severed all ties with her family after they had shown strong disapproval for her choice to move across the country.
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 young woman had severed all ties with her family after they had shown strong disapproval for her choice to move across the country.
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The use of the preposition "for" in this sentence is incorrect, as it is not the common preposition matched with disapproval. The commonly used word is "of," which more properly conveys the connection to disapproval. The only answer choice which makes this change is "they had shown strong disapproval of her choice."
The use of the preposition "for" in this sentence is incorrect, as it is not the common preposition matched with disapproval. The commonly used word is "of," which more properly conveys the connection to disapproval. The only answer choice which makes this change is "they had shown strong disapproval of her choice."
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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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The mother was endlessly comparing her friends’ children against her own, something that drove her whole family crazy.
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.
The mother was endlessly comparing her friends’ children against her own, something that drove her whole family crazy.
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“With” and “to” are the only possible prepositions for the verb “compare.” “Compare with” is used for objects of essentially the same type (for example, comparing one family’s children with another family’s), while “compare to” is used for objects of essentially different types (for example, comparing a mother to a raging forest fire).
“With” and “to” are the only possible prepositions for the verb “compare.” “Compare with” is used for objects of essentially the same type (for example, comparing one family’s children with another family’s), while “compare to” is used for objects of essentially different types (for example, comparing a mother to a raging forest fire).
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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 young man had many run-ins with the law at one point in his life, but has not been arrested since a long time.
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 young man had many run-ins with the law at one point in his life, but has not been arrested since a long time.
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The use of the preposition "since" in this sentence is incorrect, as "since" must only be used to indicate a specific length of time. Because the sentence only indicates a general length of time, the proper preposition is "for." As the only choice to use the right word, the correct answer choice is "but has not been arrested for a long time."
The use of the preposition "since" in this sentence is incorrect, as "since" must only be used to indicate a specific length of time. Because the sentence only indicates a general length of time, the proper preposition is "for." As the only choice to use the right word, the correct answer choice is "but has not been arrested for a long time."
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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.
She compared the merger with a bloodless coup.
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 compared the merger with a bloodless coup.
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The example sentence includes a preposition error. Prepositions are used to describe relationships of time, space, or logic between parts of a sentence. When a comparison is being made between two things, one thing (in this case the merger) is compared TO another thing (in this case a bloodless coup). "With" is used to describe combinations ("Tommy went to school with Jane), and compliance ("they complied with regulations"). The correct version of this sentence reads, "She compared the merger to a bloodless coup."
The example sentence includes a preposition error. Prepositions are used to describe relationships of time, space, or logic between parts of a sentence. When a comparison is being made between two things, one thing (in this case the merger) is compared TO another thing (in this case a bloodless coup). "With" is used to describe combinations ("Tommy went to school with Jane), and compliance ("they complied with regulations"). The correct version of this sentence reads, "She compared the merger to a bloodless coup."
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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. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Even though we started on the same day, at this point Robert is junior than me in the 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. One of the answer choices repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Even though we started on the same day, at this point Robert is junior than me in the company.
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Comparative prepositions (like "senior" or "junior") are followed by "to", not than, from, or against. The correct version of the sentence reads, "Even though we started on the same day, at this point Robert is junior to me in the company."
Comparative prepositions (like "senior" or "junior") are followed by "to", not than, from, or against. The correct version of the sentence reads, "Even though we started on the same day, at this point Robert is junior to me in the company."
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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.
When the CFO hired an outside consulting group to double-check the already-completed project, she was disappointed to learn that the new results were inconsistent to those presented by her team.
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.
When the CFO hired an outside consulting group to double-check the already-completed project, she was disappointed to learn that the new results were inconsistent to those presented by her team.
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"Inconsistent with" is the correct adjective/preposition pair. The determiner "those" should match what it refers to in number, so "those (results)" is the appropriate choice over "that."
"Inconsistent with" is the correct adjective/preposition pair. The determiner "those" should match what it refers to in number, so "those (results)" is the appropriate choice over "that."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The COO strove to make her habits quite different than those of her predecessor, a change that did not go underappreciated by her subordinates.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The COO strove to make her habits quite different than those of her predecessor, a change that did not go underappreciated by her subordinates.
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The correct pairing is "different from;" "than" is only used with comparative adjectives such as "larger than" or "smarter than." "Different from those" is correct - the demonstrative "those" must match, in number, what it refers to - in this case, "habits."
The correct pairing is "different from;" "than" is only used with comparative adjectives such as "larger than" or "smarter than." "Different from those" is correct - the demonstrative "those" must match, in number, what it refers to - in this case, "habits."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The professor's ramblings were inconsistent to facts mentioned in the textbook, leaving the students confused and feeling lost.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The professor's ramblings were inconsistent to facts mentioned in the textbook, leaving the students confused and feeling lost.
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The correct preposition pairing is "inconsistent with," not "inconsistent to" or "inconsistent from."
The correct preposition pairing is "inconsistent with," not "inconsistent to" or "inconsistent from."
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