Sentence Correction - GMAT Verbal
Card 1 of 7088
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.
What is most importantest in life is having love, health, and happiness in personal relationships.
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.
What is most importantest in life is having love, health, and happiness in personal relationships.
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"Importantest" is not a word, and is an incorrect superlative form. The proper superlative form of "important" is "most important," which is the correct answer choice.
"Importantest" is not a word, and is an incorrect superlative form. The proper superlative form of "important" is "most important," which 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Marlene and Josh spent hours debating what to wear and where to go for dinner.
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.
Marlene and Josh spent hours debating what to wear and where to go for dinner.
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"Wear" is a verb, "where" is an adverb, and "were" is the plural past tense form of the verb "to be." So, the correct answer is "wear and where."
"Wear" is a verb, "where" is an adverb, and "were" is the plural past tense form of the verb "to be." So, the correct answer is "wear and where."
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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 politicians couldn't hardly believe their luck.
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 politicians couldn't hardly believe their luck.
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We are looking for the answer choice without negation. "Could hardly believe their luck" is the only answer that does not contain a negative.
We are looking for the answer choice without negation. "Could hardly believe their luck" is the only answer that does not contain a negative.
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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 snob woman looked down on the slovenly young man, who always dressed in a disheveled manner.
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 snob woman looked down on the slovenly young man, who always dressed in a disheveled manner.
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The use of "snob" as an adjective in this sentence is incorrect, as "snob" is a noun and cannot properly modify "woman." The word needs to be changed to an adjectival form. "The snobby woman looked down on the slovenly young man" is the only answer choice to appropriately use an adjective.
The use of "snob" as an adjective in this sentence is incorrect, as "snob" is a noun and cannot properly modify "woman." The word needs to be changed to an adjectival form. "The snobby woman looked down on the slovenly young man" is the only answer choice to appropriately use an adjective.
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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.
Many New Yorkers had no choice but to evacuate the area because of the imminent danger of the approaching snow storm.
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.
Many New Yorkers had no choice but to evacuate the area because of the imminent danger of the approaching snow storm.
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“Imminent” means threatening or looming, while “eminent” means well-known or famous. Also, “snowstorm” is a compound word (two words put together).
“Imminent” means threatening or looming, while “eminent” means well-known or famous. Also, “snowstorm” is a compound word (two words put together).
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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.
If one wishes to understand a musical composition fully, we must consider the time period in which it was 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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
If one wishes to understand a musical composition fully, we must consider the time period in which it was written.
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The answer choice "one must consider the time period in which it was written" is correct because it contains the word "one," which matches the word "one" used in the first clause of the sentence.
All of the other answer choices are incorrect because they contain the pronoun "we," and therefore lead to pronoun agreement errors.
The answer choice "one must consider the time period in which it was written" is correct because it contains the word "one," which matches the word "one" used in the first clause of the sentence.
All of the other answer choices are incorrect because they contain the pronoun "we," and therefore lead to pronoun agreement errors.
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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.
Some writers use literary illusions to tactfully reference authors who previously wrote about similar themes.
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.
Some writers use literary illusions to tactfully reference authors who previously wrote about similar themes.
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An illusion is a hallucination, an image that isn’t really there. An allusion is a reference or citation, especially to/from another text. Also, there is a split infinitive; the adverb “tactfully” must be moved elsewhere in the sentence so the verb “to reference” is kept together.
An illusion is a hallucination, an image that isn’t really there. An allusion is a reference or citation, especially to/from another text. Also, there is a split infinitive; the adverb “tactfully” must be moved elsewhere in the sentence so the verb “to reference” is kept together.
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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.
Floridians often have to secure and fortify their homes in anticipation of an eminent costal hurricane.
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.
Floridians often have to secure and fortify their homes in anticipation of an eminent costal hurricane.
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Eminent means famous or well known, while imminent means threatening or looming. These two words sound identical in speech, but only imminent can describe a hurricane (unless it is a specific and famous hurricane in history, such as Hurricane Sandy).
Eminent means famous or well known, while imminent means threatening or looming. These two words sound identical in speech, but only imminent can describe a hurricane (unless it is a specific and famous hurricane in history, such as Hurricane Sandy).
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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.
During the political debate, it was quite obvious whom the speaker’s insult was directed at.
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.
During the political debate, it was quite obvious whom the speaker’s insult was directed at.
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In a grammatical sense, the person being insulted acts as an object, so we should use “whom” to describe him/her. Also, sentences should not be ended with prepositions, so the word “at” should be placed earlier on in the sentence.
In a grammatical sense, the person being insulted acts as an object, so we should use “whom” to describe him/her. Also, sentences should not be ended with prepositions, so the word “at” should be placed earlier on in the sentence.
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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.
A good artist does not just have an ability to draw figures, but also excels at shading, coloring, and to frame.
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.
A good artist does not just have an ability to draw figures, but also excels at shading, coloring, and to frame.
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The list that ends this sentence contains three unlike items, two gerunds ("shading" and "coloring") and an infinitive ("to frame"). Any such list needs to feature a parallel structure, with all items being the same kind of word. The only answer choice that features a correct parallel structure is "but also excels at shading, coloring, and framing."
The list that ends this sentence contains three unlike items, two gerunds ("shading" and "coloring") and an infinitive ("to frame"). Any such list needs to feature a parallel structure, with all items being the same kind of word. The only answer choice that features a correct parallel structure is "but also excels at shading, coloring, and framing."
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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.
When one is trying a dangerous sport such as rock-climbing, you should always use the proper safety equipment.
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.
When one is trying a dangerous sport such as rock-climbing, you should always use the proper safety equipment.
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Because “one” is the subject in the relative clause that begins the sentence, “one” must also be the subject of the main independent clause that concludes the sentence. Pronouns and their antecedents must match, and “you,” “they,” and “he” do not match “one.” Also, “use” is more concise than “be using,” which is unnecessarily wordy.
Because “one” is the subject in the relative clause that begins the sentence, “one” must also be the subject of the main independent clause that concludes the sentence. Pronouns and their antecedents must match, and “you,” “they,” and “he” do not match “one.” Also, “use” is more concise than “be using,” which is unnecessarily wordy.
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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.
Many soldiers have undertaken specialized education, which both helps them with current combat tasks and future endeavors.
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.
Many soldiers have undertaken specialized education, which both helps them with current combat tasks and future endeavors.
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The placement of "both" in this sentence makes the underlined phrase confusing and awkward. By placing the word "both" nearer to the two things it joins together, "current combat tasks and future endeavors," makes the meaning of the sentence much more clear. The only answer choice which correctly makes this change is "which helps them with both current combat tasks and future endeavors."
The placement of "both" in this sentence makes the underlined phrase confusing and awkward. By placing the word "both" nearer to the two things it joins together, "current combat tasks and future endeavors," makes the meaning of the sentence much more clear. The only answer choice which correctly makes this change is "which helps them with both current combat tasks and future endeavors."
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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.
Citing an obscure point of law, the firm’s general council insisted his client had every right to continue with the buyout, and that any challenge to the plan would be unsuccessful.
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.
Citing an obscure point of law, the firm’s general council insisted his client had every right to continue with the buyout, and that any challenge to the plan would be unsuccessful.
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The word "council" in this sentence is incorrect. A lawyer, which is clearly what is being described in this sentence, would be a firm's "counsel," which is the term for an organization's legal advisor. "Citing an obscure point of law, the firm’s general counsel" is the only answer choice to use the right word, making it the correct answer.
The word "council" in this sentence is incorrect. A lawyer, which is clearly what is being described in this sentence, would be a firm's "counsel," which is the term for an organization's legal advisor. "Citing an obscure point of law, the firm’s general counsel" is the only answer choice to use the right word, making it the correct answer.
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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 abrupt resignation of the CEO was not very surprising to those close to him, who knew that he would always put his family first.
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 abrupt resignation of the CEO was not very surprising to those close to him, who knew that he would always put his family first.
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The sentence is not technically gramatically correct as it is written, but it is awkwardly worded and unnecessarily long. The sentence is best served by being shortened to a more direct statement that conveys the same meaning. The answer choice that best does this kind of streamlining is "who knew he would always puthis family first."
The sentence is not technically gramatically correct as it is written, but it is awkwardly worded and unnecessarily long. The sentence is best served by being shortened to a more direct statement that conveys the same meaning. The answer choice that best does this kind of streamlining is "who knew he would always puthis family first."
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She is as yet regarded as being the best pirate on the seven seas.
What option best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?
She is as yet regarded as being the best pirate on the seven seas.
What option best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?
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"As yet" or "as of yet" can almost always be replaced by "yet." The only exception is when it comes at the beginning of the sentence, where it means the same thing as "so far." "Regarded as being" is a common grammar mistake. It should instead be "regarded as."
"As yet" or "as of yet" can almost always be replaced by "yet." The only exception is when it comes at the beginning of the sentence, where it means the same thing as "so far." "Regarded as being" is a common grammar mistake. It should instead be "regarded as."
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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.
If you enter the contest, you could win a sneak peak at the fall fashion line.
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 you enter the contest, you could win a sneak peak at the fall fashion line.
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In conventional usage, people take a peek “at” something, not “to” or “in” it. The word “peak” refers to a mountaintop; “peek” is the synonym for a glance or look.
In conventional usage, people take a peek “at” something, not “to” or “in” it. The word “peak” refers to a mountaintop; “peek” is the synonym for a glance or look.
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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 magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
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 magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
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An “illusion” is a trick; an “allusion” is a reference (often literary). Tricks and illusions are performed “for” audiences, not “to” or “at” them.
An “illusion” is a trick; an “allusion” is a reference (often literary). Tricks and illusions are performed “for” audiences, not “to” or “at” them.
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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.
In the back corner of the building stood a lone chair, that was said to be a memorial for the property’s original owner who died tragically before the mansion was fully completed.
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 back corner of the building stood a lone chair, that was said to be a memorial for the property’s original owner who died tragically before the mansion was fully completed.
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The use of "which" in the underlined portion of the sentence is incorrect, as it introduces information crucial to the sentence. "Which" is used to introduce non-restrictive clauses, which provide additional but non-essential information in a sentence, and "that" is used to introduce restrictive clauses, which contain information information essential to the sentence. "Which" should be preceded by a comma. In this sentence, the comma that precedes "that" is extraneous and incorrect. As the only answer choice that makes this change, "a lone chair that was said" is the correct answer choice.
The use of "which" in the underlined portion of the sentence is incorrect, as it introduces information crucial to the sentence. "Which" is used to introduce non-restrictive clauses, which provide additional but non-essential information in a sentence, and "that" is used to introduce restrictive clauses, which contain information information essential to the sentence. "Which" should be preceded by a comma. In this sentence, the comma that precedes "that" is extraneous and incorrect. As the only answer choice that makes this change, "a lone chair that was said" 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.
For all intensive purposes, the new plan was essentially the same as the old plan, but with a much tighter time frame in which to accomplish everything.
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 all intensive purposes, the new plan was essentially the same as the old plan, but with a much tighter time frame in which to accomplish everything.
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The use of the phrase "for all intensive purposes," as it is in this sentence, is incorrect. The idiom is actually "for all intents and purposes," which indicates that every element was considered. "For all intents and purposes, the new plan was essentially the same," is the correct answer choice as it is the only one that uses the correct idiom.
The use of the phrase "for all intensive purposes," as it is in this sentence, is incorrect. The idiom is actually "for all intents and purposes," which indicates that every element was considered. "For all intents and purposes, the new plan was essentially the same," is the correct answer choice as it is the only one that uses the correct idiom.
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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.
Kim felt nauseous after he ate at the restaurant.
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.
Kim felt nauseous after he ate at the restaurant.
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The word "nauseous" is used incorrectly in this sentence. While this word is often used colloquially to mean "to feel sick," the word "nauseous" actually means something that causes nausea. The correct word here is "nauseated." Furthermore, the choice should contain the verb "felt" in order to keep consistent with the tense used in the rest of the sentence. The correct choice is, "felt nauseated."
The word "nauseous" is used incorrectly in this sentence. While this word is often used colloquially to mean "to feel sick," the word "nauseous" actually means something that causes nausea. The correct word here is "nauseated." Furthermore, the choice should contain the verb "felt" in order to keep consistent with the tense used in the rest of the sentence. The correct choice is, "felt nauseated."
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