Correcting Other Errors and Recognizing Correct Sentences - GMAT Verbal
Card 1 of 1168
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 cause of the disease was still unclear to the scientific community, despite copious tests.
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 cause of the disease was still unclear to the scientific community, despite copious tests.
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The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it to improve it. Additionally, all the answer choices that do make a change create one or more grammatical issues. The best choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it to improve it. Additionally, all the answer choices that do make a change create one or more grammatical issues. The best choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
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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 crew team was made up of a random assortment of people who would never have come together otherwise.
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 crew team was made up of a random assortment of people who would never have come together otherwise.
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The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it to improve it. Additionally, all of the answer choices that do make a change make the sentence confusing or grammatically incorrect. The best answer choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it to improve it. Additionally, all of the answer choices that do make a change make the sentence confusing or grammatically incorrect. The best answer choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
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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 man was barred from entering any of the company's franchises until five years had passed.
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 man was barred from entering any of the company's franchises until five years had passed.
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The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it in order to improve it. Additionally, all of the answer choices that do add punctuation add it incorrectly. The best answer choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it in order to improve it. Additionally, all of the answer choices that do add punctuation add it incorrectly. The best answer choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
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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.
Making amends for his past, the former criminal sought out every one of his victims and made an apology face to face.
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.
Making amends for his past, the former criminal sought out every one of his victims and made an apology face to face.
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The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it to improve it. The answer choices that do make changes actually make the sentence confusing, grammatically incorrect, or oddly phrased. The best choice is to leave the sentence as it is.
The sentence is perfectly correct as written, and needs nothing done to it to improve it. The answer choices that do make changes actually make the sentence confusing, grammatically incorrect, or oddly phrased. The best choice is to leave the sentence as it is.
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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 reasons only he would know, the general moved his troops into an unconventional formation right before attacking his opponent.
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 reasons only he would know, the general moved his troops into an unconventional formation right before attacking his opponent.
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The sentence is perfectly correct as written; nothing needs to be done to improve it grammatically or mechanically. The answer choices that do make a punctuation change actually make the sentence grammatically incorrect. The best answer choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
The sentence is perfectly correct as written; nothing needs to be done to improve it grammatically or mechanically. The answer choices that do make a punctuation change actually make the sentence grammatically incorrect. The best answer choice is to leave the sentence as it is written.
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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.
Toni Morrison does not identify her works as “feminist,” but critics have referred to them as exemplifying characteristics of "postmodern feminism" because she typically focuses on black female protagonists and makes use of shifting narration.
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.
Toni Morrison does not identify her works as “feminist,” but critics have referred to them as exemplifying characteristics of "postmodern feminism" because she typically focuses on black female protagonists and makes use of shifting narration.
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The correct answer not only uses the correct tense but also has a concise (i.e., non-wordy) construction. There are no extra words or strange constructions.
The correct answer not only uses the correct tense but also has a concise (i.e., non-wordy) construction. There are no extra words or strange constructions.
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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 order to prevent rhino poaching, members of the Rhino Rescue Project have developed a novel technique, injecting a mixture of indelible dye and a parasiticide that allows them to track the horns and poison the rhino horn consumers.
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 prevent rhino poaching, members of the Rhino Rescue Project have developed a novel technique, injecting a mixture of indelible dye and a parasiticide that allows them to track the horns and poison the rhino horn consumers.
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The correct answer is the only one that constructs the sentence is a logical way that is not wordy or convoluted.
The correct answer is the only one that constructs the sentence is a logical way that is not wordy or convoluted.
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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.
Colleges have begun offering students more courses related to careers in fields such as those like petroleum engineering, environmental sciences, and natural gas extraction.
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.
Colleges have begun offering students more courses related to careers in fields such as those like petroleum engineering, environmental sciences, and natural gas extraction.
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The phrase "such as those like" is simultaneously awkward and redundant, as its two component parts, "such as" and "those like," mean essentially the same thing. The best approach to improving the sentence is to delete one half of the awkward phrase. The only answer choice which properly does this is "in fields such as petroleum engineering, environmental sciences, and natural gas extraction."
The phrase "such as those like" is simultaneously awkward and redundant, as its two component parts, "such as" and "those like," mean essentially the same thing. The best approach to improving the sentence is to delete one half of the awkward phrase. The only answer choice which properly does this is "in fields such as petroleum engineering, environmental sciences, and natural gas extraction."
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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.
Sania asked her friends to bring desserts to the potluck such as like cookies, cupcakes, and cake.
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.
Sania asked her friends to bring desserts to the potluck such as like cookies, cupcakes, and cake.
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"Such as" and "like" are similar words and therefore having both next to each other in the sentence is redundant. It makes the most sense to keep only "like" in the sentence.
"Such as" and "like" are similar words and therefore having both next to each other in the sentence is redundant. It makes the most sense to keep only "like" 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.
Even though although his dad's shoes were too big for him, Devin was proud to wear them to church.
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.
Even though although his dad's shoes were too big for him, Devin was proud to wear them to church.
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Saying both "even though" and "although" is redundant, so we should use only "even though" in the updated sentence.
Saying both "even though" and "although" is redundant, so we should use only "even though" in the updated 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.
Meanwhile at the same time, José was running back home to retrieve his keys.
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.
Meanwhile at the same time, José was running back home to retrieve his keys.
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Saying both "meanwhile" and "at the same time" is redundant, so it is best here to use only "meanwhile" to start the sentence.
Saying both "meanwhile" and "at the same time" is redundant, so it is best here to use only "meanwhile" to start 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.
The team was praised by management for their great contributions to 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.
The team was praised by management for their great contributions to the company.
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There are two errors in the sentence above. First, the main verb of the sentence, "praised," is in passive voice. While the passive voice is not necessarily grammatically incorrect, in this case the subject should always be doing the action of the verb, not having the action done to it for clarity's sake. Second, the word "team" is an example of a collective noun. Even though it refers to many different individuals, it is grammatically singular, so the correct modifier for it in this sentence is "its." The most clear and concise choice is, "Management praised the team for its great contributions to the company."
There are two errors in the sentence above. First, the main verb of the sentence, "praised," is in passive voice. While the passive voice is not necessarily grammatically incorrect, in this case the subject should always be doing the action of the verb, not having the action done to it for clarity's sake. Second, the word "team" is an example of a collective noun. Even though it refers to many different individuals, it is grammatically singular, so the correct modifier for it in this sentence is "its." The most clear and concise choice is, "Management praised the team for its great contributions to 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.
Many people consider William Shakespeare being the best English writer of all 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.
Many people consider William Shakespeare being the best English writer of all time.
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This sentence contains an error in verb usage. The word "to be" is being used to complete the action of "consider," so the infinitive form of this word should be used instead of "being." The correct answer is: "William Shakespeare to be the best English writer of all time."
This sentence contains an error in verb usage. The word "to be" is being used to complete the action of "consider," so the infinitive form of this word should be used instead of "being." The correct answer is: "William Shakespeare to be the best English writer of all 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.
The children saw many deers through the windows of the vehicle.
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 children saw many deers through the windows of the vehicle.
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This sentence contains a pluralization error. The plural of "deer" is "deer," so the correct answer choice is "deer," as in: "The children saw many deer through the windows of the vehicle."
This sentence contains a pluralization error. The plural of "deer" is "deer," so the correct answer choice is "deer," as in: "The children saw many deer through the windows of the vehicle."
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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.
Lennard asked Carla "do you have the reports?"
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.
Lennard asked Carla "do you have the reports?"
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This sentence contains two errors. The first is a punctuation error: a comma should appear after the name "Carla," since this is where the quote begins in the sentence. This is a more appropriate choice than a colon. The second error lies in the capitalization (or lack thereof) of the word "do." The first word in a direct quote should always be capitalized. The correct answer choice is, "asked Carla, "Do you have the reports?" "
This sentence contains two errors. The first is a punctuation error: a comma should appear after the name "Carla," since this is where the quote begins in the sentence. This is a more appropriate choice than a colon. The second error lies in the capitalization (or lack thereof) of the word "do." The first word in a direct quote should always be capitalized. The correct answer choice is, "asked Carla, "Do you have the reports?" "
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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 worlds first University was established in Morocco.
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 worlds first University was established in Morocco.
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There are three errors in this sentence:
- The absence of an apostrophe for "worlds"
- The capitalization of the word "University"
- The use of the passive voice in the verb "was established"
There should be an apostrophe before the "s" in "worlds" because it is possessive. Second, the word "university" should not be capitalized because the sentence is not referring to a specific university, but universities in general. Besides capitalization due to the position of a word at the beginning of a sentence, words are only capitalized when the word is a name or is referring to something specific that has already been named. Lastly, passive voice is a worse option than active voice in this case (the subject of the sentence should do the action of the sentence). The correct choice is, "Morocco is home to the world's oldest university."
There are three errors in this sentence:
- The absence of an apostrophe for "worlds"
- The capitalization of the word "University"
- The use of the passive voice in the verb "was established"
There should be an apostrophe before the "s" in "worlds" because it is possessive. Second, the word "university" should not be capitalized because the sentence is not referring to a specific university, but universities in general. Besides capitalization due to the position of a word at the beginning of a sentence, words are only capitalized when the word is a name or is referring to something specific that has already been named. Lastly, passive voice is a worse option than active voice in this case (the subject of the sentence should do the action of the sentence). The correct choice is, "Morocco is home to the world's oldest university."
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Which option best replaces the underlined sentence?
Some cities are now so big that we classify them as mega cities; the metro-Tokyo area - and this is amazing - has a population of over 36 million people.
Which option best replaces the underlined sentence?
Some cities are now so big that we classify them as mega cities; the metro-Tokyo area - and this is amazing - has a population of over 36 million people.
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While this sentence does not have anything grammatically wrong with it (the interjection is fine), it is wordy due to the inclusion of the interjection, which is somewhat unnecessary; therefore, it is best to omit it. The best choice is, "Some cities are now so big that we classify them as mega cities; the metro-Tokyo area has a population of over 36 million people."
While this sentence does not have anything grammatically wrong with it (the interjection is fine), it is wordy due to the inclusion of the interjection, which is somewhat unnecessary; therefore, it is best to omit it. The best choice is, "Some cities are now so big that we classify them as mega cities; the metro-Tokyo area has a population of over 36 million people."
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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.
Studies have found that the safer we make things, the more wreckless people act.
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.
Studies have found that the safer we make things, the more wreckless people act.
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This sentence contains a spelling error. "Wreckless" is not a word. It is spelled "reckless." The phrase "Studies have found that the safer we make things" is an example of an introductory phrase, explaining information necessary to the context of the sentence, but outside of the main sentence, grammatically. These types of phrases must be followed by a comma in order to separate them from the rest of the sentence, so the comma should stay where it is. The correct choice is, "safer we make things, the more reckless people act."
This sentence contains a spelling error. "Wreckless" is not a word. It is spelled "reckless." The phrase "Studies have found that the safer we make things" is an example of an introductory phrase, explaining information necessary to the context of the sentence, but outside of the main sentence, grammatically. These types of phrases must be followed by a comma in order to separate them from the rest of the sentence, so the comma should stay where it is. The correct choice is, "safer we make things, the more reckless people act."
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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.
Benjamin, running around his neighborhood.
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.
Benjamin, running around his neighborhood.
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This sentence contains two errors:
- "Running" is not a verb; it is a participle. Without a verb, this is not a sentence.
- There is no need for a comma between "Benjamin" and the "verb."
The correct choice is, "Benjamin was running around his neighborhood."
This sentence contains two errors:
- "Running" is not a verb; it is a participle. Without a verb, this is not a sentence.
- There is no need for a comma between "Benjamin" and the "verb."
The correct choice is, "Benjamin was running around his neighborhood."
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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.
Veronica stated, "Ralph Marston said what you do today can improve all your tomorrows."
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.
Veronica stated, "Ralph Marston said what you do today can improve all your tomorrows."
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This sentence contains three errors:
- The quote "What you do today can improve all your tomorrows" is not in quotation marks.
- There is not a comma after "said."
- The word "what" is not capitalized.
Note two things: quotations inside of quotations must take single quotation marks ('), instead of the usual double quotation marks. Additionally, ending punctuation should always appear within quotation marks. The correct choice is, "Veronica stated, "Ralph Marston said, 'What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.' " "
This sentence contains three errors:
- The quote "What you do today can improve all your tomorrows" is not in quotation marks.
- There is not a comma after "said."
- The word "what" is not capitalized.
Note two things: quotations inside of quotations must take single quotation marks ('), instead of the usual double quotation marks. Additionally, ending punctuation should always appear within quotation marks. The correct choice is, "Veronica stated, "Ralph Marston said, 'What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.' " "
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