The Sentence Correction segment on the GMAT is intended to assess your grasp of the basics of English grammar and its applications. In a typical question, you will be offered a sentence, wherein all or some parts are underlined. You will be required to choose the best possible replacement for the underlined part from among the choices given.
EXAMPLE
Not the one to take anything lying down, it was decided by Rosa Parks to raise a voice against such atrocities.
A. it was decided by Rosa Parks to raise a voice against such atrocities
B. it was a decision by Rosa Parks to raise a voice against such atrocities
C. Rosa Parks decided to raise a voice against such atrocities
D. Rosa Parks had decided to rise a voice against such atrocities
E. it was decided to raise a voice by Rosa Parks against such atrocities
In the question above, the best choice is C.
Typically, the first option marked A would simply repeat the original and is to be marked only if you believe that the original is the best. Else, select your answer from the rest as per your best judgment.
Looking For Errors On GMAT Sentence Correction Questions
We shall focus on ways and means to help you discover errors in grammar and usage for the purpose of cracking the GMAT. In the process, we’ll skip any discussion on the basics of grammar for we assume that a GMAT candidate is well-versed with this stuff and he should better concentrate on error recognition.
Types of Errors on GMAT Sentence Correction Segment
Fortunately, for the test-takers, the job of recognizing errors has been made more manageable due to the fact that the GMAT Sentence Correction errors can be classified into clearly defined categories. Some of the prominent error types and the examples thereof are being taken up in the following discussion:
1. Errors of the Verb
1.1. Subject-Verb agreement
Look out for any mismatch between the subject and the verb. Typically, there could be a subject -verb pair mismatch due to several permutations as illustrated below:
WRONG: Along the patch of greenery, there is many lakes which I have not seen. (wrong due to is which does not agree with lakes, the subject here)
RIGHT: Along the patch of greenery, there are many lakes which I have not seen.
WRONG: A number of events has been lined up in preparation for the Games.
(wrong because a number implies many and should, therefore take have)
RIGHT: A number of events have been lined up in preparation for the Games.
WRONG: Ryes, along with his wife, were there at the function.
(wrong because in this case were should go with Ryes, the first subject)
RIGHT: Ryes, along with his wife, was there at the function.
WRONG: Her analysis of the causes and the consequences of serfdom are very sharp indeed.
(wrong because the subject is analysis and therefore, it should take is)
RIGHT: Her analysis of the causes and the consequences of serfdom is very sharp indeed.
1.2. Verb Tense
We need to look out for if the right verb tense has been used in the sentence. Sample the following cases:
WRONG: As they read the letter, the bell gave a nice sound.
(wrong because one of the activities is going on continuously and to depict it, we need a past continuous tense here)
RIGHT: As they were reading the letter, the bell gave a nice sound.
In case of reported speech, we need to be careful about maintaining the rule of sequence of events.
WRONG: Lilac told me that she does not intend to have an accounting major.
(wrong because the reported speech has to be changed into the past tense to agree with told)
RIGHT: Lilac told me that she did not intend to have an accounting major.
WRONG: I asserted that I have never met him before anywhere.
(wrong because the reported speech has to be changed into the past perfect tense to agree with asserted)
RIGHT: I asserted that I had never met him before anywhere.
1.3. Errors in tense formation
Though it appears to be very basic, yet many test-takers ignore it at their own peril. Make sure that you use the right tense construction, especially in case of irregular verbs.
WRONG: After having ran the 10-mile race, I was totally exhausted.
RIGHT: After having run the 10-mile race, I was totally exhausted.
WRONG: Her stubborn attitude splitted the party into two warring factions.
RIGHT: Her stubborn attitude split the party into two warring factions.
To Be Continued in the Next Post.......
EXAMPLE
Not the one to take anything lying down, it was decided by Rosa Parks to raise a voice against such atrocities.
A. it was decided by Rosa Parks to raise a voice against such atrocities
B. it was a decision by Rosa Parks to raise a voice against such atrocities
C. Rosa Parks decided to raise a voice against such atrocities
D. Rosa Parks had decided to rise a voice against such atrocities
E. it was decided to raise a voice by Rosa Parks against such atrocities
In the question above, the best choice is C.
Typically, the first option marked A would simply repeat the original and is to be marked only if you believe that the original is the best. Else, select your answer from the rest as per your best judgment.
Looking For Errors On GMAT Sentence Correction Questions
We shall focus on ways and means to help you discover errors in grammar and usage for the purpose of cracking the GMAT. In the process, we’ll skip any discussion on the basics of grammar for we assume that a GMAT candidate is well-versed with this stuff and he should better concentrate on error recognition.
Types of Errors on GMAT Sentence Correction Segment
Fortunately, for the test-takers, the job of recognizing errors has been made more manageable due to the fact that the GMAT Sentence Correction errors can be classified into clearly defined categories. Some of the prominent error types and the examples thereof are being taken up in the following discussion:
1. Errors of the Verb
1.1. Subject-Verb agreement
Look out for any mismatch between the subject and the verb. Typically, there could be a subject -verb pair mismatch due to several permutations as illustrated below:
WRONG: Along the patch of greenery, there is many lakes which I have not seen. (wrong due to is which does not agree with lakes, the subject here)
RIGHT: Along the patch of greenery, there are many lakes which I have not seen.
WRONG: A number of events has been lined up in preparation for the Games.
(wrong because a number implies many and should, therefore take have)
RIGHT: A number of events have been lined up in preparation for the Games.
WRONG: Ryes, along with his wife, were there at the function.
(wrong because in this case were should go with Ryes, the first subject)
RIGHT: Ryes, along with his wife, was there at the function.
WRONG: Her analysis of the causes and the consequences of serfdom are very sharp indeed.
(wrong because the subject is analysis and therefore, it should take is)
RIGHT: Her analysis of the causes and the consequences of serfdom is very sharp indeed.
1.2. Verb Tense
We need to look out for if the right verb tense has been used in the sentence. Sample the following cases:
WRONG: As they read the letter, the bell gave a nice sound.
(wrong because one of the activities is going on continuously and to depict it, we need a past continuous tense here)
RIGHT: As they were reading the letter, the bell gave a nice sound.
In case of reported speech, we need to be careful about maintaining the rule of sequence of events.
WRONG: Lilac told me that she does not intend to have an accounting major.
(wrong because the reported speech has to be changed into the past tense to agree with told)
RIGHT: Lilac told me that she did not intend to have an accounting major.
WRONG: I asserted that I have never met him before anywhere.
(wrong because the reported speech has to be changed into the past perfect tense to agree with asserted)
RIGHT: I asserted that I had never met him before anywhere.
1.3. Errors in tense formation
Though it appears to be very basic, yet many test-takers ignore it at their own peril. Make sure that you use the right tense construction, especially in case of irregular verbs.
WRONG: After having ran the 10-mile race, I was totally exhausted.
RIGHT: After having run the 10-mile race, I was totally exhausted.
WRONG: Her stubborn attitude splitted the party into two warring factions.
RIGHT: Her stubborn attitude split the party into two warring factions.
To Be Continued in the Next Post.......
