Sentence Correction historically formed a pillar of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Verbal Reasoning section, evaluating a candidate’s command of standard written English, grammatical precision, and rhetorical effectiveness. Although the streamlined GMAT Focus Edition officially removed standalone Sentence Correction items to focus exclusively on Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning, mastering sentence-level mechanics remains invaluable for recognizing stylistic errors and writing clear business prose. Rigorous practice with targeted multiple-choice questions helps aspirants refine their understanding of subject-verb agreement, modifier placement, parallelism, and idiomatic structure.
1. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The bouquet of red roses [are smelling] beautiful.
Correct Answer: c) smells
Explanation:
The subject 'bouquet' is singular, so it requires the singular verb 'smells'. 'Is smelling' implies a continuous action that does not fit the static nature of the flower's scent.
2. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The number of students attending the seminar [are increasing] every year.
Correct Answer: b) is increasing
Explanation:
In GMAT grammar, the phrase 'The number of' always takes a singular verb, whereas 'A number of' takes a plural verb.
3. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Neither the principal nor the teachers [was aware] of the new policy.
Correct Answer: b) were aware
Explanation:
When using 'neither...nor', the verb must agree with the subject closest to it. Since 'teachers' is plural, the verb must be 'were'.
4. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The committee, which has been meeting for three days, [have finally reached] a verdict.
Correct Answer: b) has finally reached
Explanation:
In American English and GMAT SC, collective nouns like 'committee' are singular when acting as a unified group, requiring the singular verb 'has'.
5. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: A number of investors [has withdrawn] their funds from the volatile market.
Correct Answer: b) have withdrawn
Explanation:
The phrase 'A number of' acts as an indefinite plural quantifier in GMAT grammar and requires a plural verb ('have').
6. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Each of the managers [are responsible] for drafting a quarterly report.
Correct Answer: c) is responsible
Explanation:
The pronoun 'Each' is always singular. The prepositional phrase 'of the managers' does not change the subject, so the singular verb 'is' is required.
7. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The phenomenon of the Northern Lights [are caused] by solar wind.
Correct Answer: b) is caused
Explanation:
'Phenomenon' is a singular noun (the plural is 'phenomena'). Therefore, it requires the singular verb 'is caused'.
8. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Not only the students but also the professor [were surprised] by the results.
Correct Answer: b) was surprised
Explanation:
In the 'not only X but also Y' structure, the verb agrees with the noun closest to it (Y). Since 'professor' is singular, the verb must be 'was'.
9. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The CEO, together with his executive team, [are traveling] to Tokyo.
Correct Answer: b) is traveling
Explanation:
Phrases set off by commas such as 'together with', 'along with', or 'as well as' do not compound the subject. The singular subject 'CEO' dictates the singular verb 'is'.
10. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Mathematics [are considered] one of the most difficult subjects.
Correct Answer: c) is considered
Explanation:
Nouns ending in '-ics' like mathematics, physics, and economics are singular concepts and require singular verbs.
11. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Every student must ensure that [they submit] the assignment on time.
Correct Answer: b) he or she submits
Explanation:
'Every' makes the subject singular. GMAT grammar requires singular pronouns ('he or she', 'his or her') rather than the plural 'they' for singular antecedents.
12. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The company announced that [they] will release a new product next month.
Correct Answer: b) it
Explanation:
'Company' is a singular collective noun. The proper pronoun to refer to a single corporate entity is 'it', not 'they'.
13. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The dog wagged [it's] tail enthusiastically.
Correct Answer: b) its
Explanation:
'Its' without an apostrophe is the possessive pronoun. 'It's' with an apostrophe is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.
14. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: She is one of the employees who [works] diligently every day.
Correct Answer: b) work
Explanation:
In 'one of the [plural noun] who', the pronoun 'who' refers to the plural noun (employees), so the plural verb 'work' is required.
15. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Between you and [I], the new proposal is unlikely to succeed.
Correct Answer: c) me
Explanation:
'Between' is a preposition, and pronouns following a preposition must be in the objective case. Therefore, 'me' is correct, not 'I'.
16. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The manager praised the associate [who] he believed had closed the deal.
Correct Answer: a) who
Explanation:
Even though 'whom' often follows 'praised', the pronoun serves as the subject of the clause 'had closed the deal' ('he believed' is an interjection). Thus, 'who' is the correct subjective pronoun.
17. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Anyone who wishes to participate must bring [their] own equipment.
Correct Answer: c) his or her
Explanation:
'Anyone' is an indefinite singular pronoun. Standard GMAT grammar prefers 'his or her' to the plural 'their' to maintain number agreement.
18. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The artwork was created by a painter [whose] style is completely unique.
Correct Answer: a) whose
Explanation:
'Whose' is the possessive pronoun used to denote ownership. 'Who's' is a contraction of 'who is'.
19. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: When an employee fails to follow instructions, [you] will face disciplinary action.
Correct Answer: b) he or she
Explanation:
Pronoun shift error. The subject begins in the third person ('an employee'), so the pronoun must also be third person ('he or she'), not second person ('you').
20. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The CEO awarded the bonus to the manager and [myself].
Correct Answer: c) me
Explanation:
The pronoun acts as the object of the preposition 'to'. The objective case 'me' is correct. 'Myself' is a reflexive pronoun and cannot be used here.
21. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Walking down the street, the trees] looked beautiful.
Correct Answer: b) As I was walking down the street, the trees
Explanation:
The original sentence has a dangling modifier. Trees cannot walk. The phrase 'As I was walking' correctly attributes the action to a person.
22. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: She [almost read the entire] novel in one afternoon.
Correct Answer: b) read almost the entire
Explanation:
Misplaced modifier. She didn't 'almost read' it (which implies she barely started). She read 'almost the entire' novel.
23. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Covered in wildflowers, we] admired the beautiful meadow.
Correct Answer: c) We admired the beautiful meadow, covered in wildflowers.
Explanation:
Dangling modifier. The meadow was covered in wildflowers, not 'we'. The modifier must be placed next to the noun it modifies.
24. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: To bake a perfect cake, [the oven must be preheated].
Correct Answer: b) one must preheat the oven
Explanation:
The infinitive phrase 'To bake a perfect cake' acts as an adverbial modifier. It must modify a logical subject capable of baking a cake, such as 'one' or 'a baker', not 'the oven'.
25. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Exhausted from the marathon, a nap] was desperately needed by John.
Correct Answer: b) Exhausted from the marathon, John
Explanation:
Dangling modifier. John is the one who was exhausted, not 'a nap'. The noun immediately following the introductory modifier must be the one performing or receiving the modified action.
26. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The police officer pulled over the speeding driver [in the unmarked car].
Correct Answer: d) driving the unmarked car
Explanation:
As originally phrased, it implies the speeding driver was in the unmarked car, which is ambiguous. 'driving the unmarked car' or placing the phrase next to 'officer' resolves the ambiguity depending on intended meaning. If the officer is in the unmarked car, it should be 'The police officer in the unmarked car pulled over...'
27. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Barking loudly, the mailman] ran away from the aggressive dog.
Correct Answer: c) Because the dog was barking loudly, the mailman
Explanation:
Dangling modifier. The dog was barking, not the mailman. Rewording the dependent clause clearly establishes who is performing the action.
28. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [At the age of five, my father] bought me a bicycle.
Correct Answer: b) When I was five, my father
Explanation:
Dangling modifier. The father was not five years old when he bought the bicycle. 'When I was five' corrects the illogical modification.
29. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The company bought a new software system for its accounting department [that cost millions of dollars].
Correct Answer: b) costing millions of dollars
Explanation:
'that cost millions of dollars' incorrectly modifies 'accounting department' due to its placement. 'costing' acts as an adverbial participle modifying the purchase action, or the sentence should be reordered.
30. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The CEO only approved the budget [after reading the executive summary].
Correct Answer: c) approved the budget only
Explanation:
Misplaced modifier. 'Only' should be placed immediately before the word or phrase it modifies ('after reading'). Therefore, 'approved the budget only after reading' is the precise meaning.
31. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The new employee was trained in writing reports, analyzing data, and [to manage projects].
Correct Answer: c) managing projects
Explanation:
To maintain parallelism, all items in the series must have the same grammatical form: writing, analyzing, and managing (all gerunds).
32. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: She is considered both highly intelligent [as well as] incredibly hardworking.
Correct Answer: b) and
Explanation:
The correlative conjunction 'both' must be paired with 'and', not 'as well as'.
33. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The recipe requires that the chef chop the onions, dice the tomatoes, and [simmering the sauce].
Correct Answer: c) simmer the sauce
Explanation:
Parallel structure requires base verbs following the subjunctive 'that the chef': chop, dice, and simmer.
34. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: For many people, to understand complex grammar rules is [mastering] a foreign language.
Correct Answer: b) to master
Explanation:
Parallelism dictates that an infinitive subject ('to understand') must be equated with an infinitive object ('to master').
35. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: He not only excels in mathematics [but also in physics].
Correct Answer: a) but also in physics
Explanation:
The 'not only X but also Y' structure requires parallel elements. 'in mathematics' is a prepositional phrase, so Y must also be a prepositional phrase: 'in physics'.
36. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The committee decided either to delay the launch or [canceling] the project entirely.
Correct Answer: b) to cancel
Explanation:
The correlative conjunctions 'either...or' require parallel structures. 'to delay' is an infinitive, so 'to cancel' is required.
37. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The athlete prefers running long distances over [to swim in the pool].
Correct Answer: b) swimming in the pool
Explanation:
Parallelism requires the two compared activities to be in the same form. 'running' is a gerund, so 'swimming' is required.
38. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: She neither likes drinking coffee [or] consuming sugary sodas.
Correct Answer: b) nor
Explanation:
The correlative conjunction 'neither' must strictly be paired with 'nor' in GMAT grammar.
39. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: It is much easier to forgive a mistake than [forgetting] a betrayal.
Correct Answer: b) to forget
Explanation:
Parallelism in comparisons requires identical grammatical structures. 'to forgive' (infinitive) must be paired with 'to forget' (infinitive).
40. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The politician's speech was passionate, articulate, and [it persuaded the audience].
Correct Answer: c) persuasive
Explanation:
Parallel structure: the series uses adjectives ('passionate', 'articulate'), so the third item must also be an adjective ('persuasive').
41. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The climate in southern California is much milder than [New York].
Correct Answer: b) that of New York
Explanation:
Illogical comparison. You cannot compare 'climate' to a city ('New York'). You must compare 'climate' to 'that of New York' (where 'that' stands for climate).
42. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Of the three siblings, Sarah is clearly the [taller].
Correct Answer: b) tallest
Explanation:
When comparing three or more items, the superlative form ('tallest') must be used, not the comparative form ('taller', used for exactly two).
43. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: He plays the piano as well as, [if not better than, his instructor].
Correct Answer: a) if not better than, his instructor
Explanation:
The dual comparison 'as well as' and 'better than' is structurally sound. Commas properly offset the interjecting phrase 'if not better than'.
44. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Like [a reptile, a mammal's] body temperature fluctuates in extreme conditions.
Correct Answer: d) a reptile's, a mammal's
Explanation:
Logical comparison. 'a mammal's body temperature' must be compared to 'a reptile's [body temperature]', not the reptile itself.
45. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The stadium was empty; [fewer] than fifty people attended the game.
Correct Answer: a) fewer
Explanation:
The word 'fewer' is used for countable nouns (people), while 'less' is used for uncountable or continuous quantities (water, money).
46. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The total revenue of Corporation A is significantly greater than [Corporation B].
Correct Answer: b) that of Corporation B
Explanation:
Revenue (singular) must be compared to revenue, represented by the singular pronoun 'that of' (that of Corporation B).
47. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: I have [less] coins in my pocket than you do.
Correct Answer: b) fewer
Explanation:
Coins are countable nouns. Therefore, 'fewer' is the correct comparative adjective in GMAT grammar, not 'less'.
48. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Maria runs faster than [any girl] on her track team.
Correct Answer: b) any other girl
Explanation:
Since Maria is on the track team, she cannot run faster than 'any girl' (which would include herself). She runs faster than 'any OTHER girl'.
49. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Unlike [a conventional airplane, a helicopter] can take off vertically.
Correct Answer: a) a conventional airplane, a helicopter
Explanation:
This is a correct, logical comparison. An airplane is logically compared to a helicopter. Both are single vehicles.
50. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The new intern is just as capable [as him].
Correct Answer: c) as he
Explanation:
In comparisons using 'as', the pronoun should be in the subjective case because there is an implied verb: 'as capable as he [is]'.
51. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: I wish I [was] the CEO of this company.
Correct Answer: b) were
Explanation:
The sentence expresses a hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situation, requiring the subjunctive mood 'were', regardless of the singular subject 'I'.
52. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: By the end of this year, the construction crew [will finish] the new bridge.
Correct Answer: c) will have finished
Explanation:
The phrase 'By the end of this year' indicates an action that will be completed before a specific point in the future, requiring the future perfect tense.
53. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The judge demanded that the attorney [apologizes] to the court.
Correct Answer: b) apologize
Explanation:
Verbs like demand, require, and suggest are followed by the subjunctive mood, which uses the base form of the verb without 'to' or '-s' ('apologize').
54. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: If I [had known] about the meeting, I would have attended.
Correct Answer: a) had known
Explanation:
In third conditional sentences (unreal past), the 'if' clause must use the past perfect tense ('had known'), and the main clause uses 'would have' + past participle.
55. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: She [is working] at the firm since 2015.
Correct Answer: c) has been working
Explanation:
The word 'since' indicates an action that started in the past and continues into the present. This requires the present perfect continuous tense.
56. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: We [had gone] to the grocery store yesterday afternoon.
Correct Answer: b) went
Explanation:
The past perfect ('had gone') is only used to show that one past action happened before another past action. For a single past event ('yesterday'), the simple past ('went') is correct.
57. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Ancient scholars correctly deduced that the Earth [revolved] around the Sun.
Correct Answer: b) revolves
Explanation:
Universal truths or scientific facts are always expressed in the present tense, even when the main verb of the sentence is in the past tense.
58. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: They [would have went] to the concert if tickets had been cheaper.
Correct Answer: b) would have gone
Explanation:
The construction 'would have' must be followed by a past participle. The past participle of 'go' is 'gone', not the simple past 'went'.
59. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The exhausted worker [lay] his tools on the workbench and went home.
Correct Answer: b) laid
Explanation:
The verb 'to lay' (meaning to place an object) is transitive and requires a direct object ('tools'). Its past tense is 'laid'. 'Lay' is the past tense of the intransitive verb 'lie'.
60. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The hot air balloon [raised] rapidly into the clear blue sky.
Correct Answer: b) rose
Explanation:
'Raise' is a transitive verb requiring an object (e.g., raise your hand). 'Rise' is an intransitive verb (no object). The past tense of rise is 'rose'.
61. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The new software is highly capable [to perform] complex calculations.
Correct Answer: b) of performing
Explanation:
In standard English idiom, the adjective 'capable' is always followed by the preposition 'of' and a gerund ('performing').
62. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The director is responsible [for ensuring] that the project stays on budget.
Correct Answer: a) for ensuring
Explanation:
The correct idiom is 'responsible for' followed by a gerund or noun. 'Responsible to' is only used when referring to a person or authority (e.g., responsible to the CEO).
63. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The critics consider the indie film [as] a cinematic masterpiece.
Correct Answer: d) Omit 'as' entirely
Explanation:
In GMAT SC, the verb 'consider' requires no preposition. The correct structure is 'consider X Y' (consider the film a masterpiece).
64. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The actual exam was much different [than] the practice test provided online.
Correct Answer: b) from
Explanation:
The standard English idiom is 'different from'. 'Different than' is generally considered incorrect on the GMAT.
65. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The strict company policy prohibits employees [to use] social media during work hours.
Correct Answer: b) from using
Explanation:
The verb 'prohibit' is idiomatically followed by 'from' + gerund. Contrast this with 'forbid', which is followed by an infinitive ('forbids employees to use').
66. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Most young children prefer eating sweets [over] eating vegetables.
Correct Answer: b) to
Explanation:
The standard idiom is 'prefer X to Y'. 'Prefer X over Y' is grammatically incorrect in GMAT English.
67. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The vaccine is designed to prevent the virus [to spread].
Correct Answer: b) from spreading
Explanation:
The correct idiom is 'prevent [noun] from [gerund]'. Therefore, 'prevent the virus from spreading'.
68. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The politician was formally accused [for] embezzling state funds.
Correct Answer: c) of
Explanation:
The verb 'accused' is idiomatically paired with the preposition 'of'. ('Charged' is paired with 'with').
69. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: There was a bitter dispute [between] the four heirs to the massive estate.
Correct Answer: b) among
Explanation:
'Between' is strictly used for two distinct entities. For three or more entities, 'among' is the correct preposition.
70. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: All manufacturing facilities must comply [to] the new environmental regulations.
Correct Answer: b) with
Explanation:
The verb 'comply' idiomatically takes the preposition 'with'. ('Conform' takes 'to').
71. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The [reason] the server crashed was [because] there was a power surge.
Correct Answer: b) reason ... that
Explanation:
Saying 'the reason is because' is redundant on the GMAT. The correct phrasing is 'the reason was that'.
72. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: After a long trip, they finally [returned back] to their hometown.
Correct Answer: b) returned
Explanation:
'Returned' inherently means 'went back'. Adding 'back' creates a redundancy error.
73. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The [end result] of the complex scientific experiment was completely unexpected.
Correct Answer: b) result
Explanation:
A 'result' is by definition at the end. 'End result' is redundant and violates GMAT concision rules.
74. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: She is [currently working on a novel at the present time].
Correct Answer: c) working on a novel
Explanation:
'Currently', 'at the present time', and the present continuous tense ('is working') all convey the same meaning. Concision dictates removing redundant modifiers.
75. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The [consensus of opinion] among the board members was to approve the merger.
Correct Answer: b) consensus
Explanation:
'Consensus' means 'general agreement of opinion'. Adding 'of opinion' or 'general' is redundant.
76. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The speaker attempted to summarize the vast historical era [briefly].
Correct Answer: c) summarize the vast historical era
Explanation:
To 'summarize' means to state briefly. Using the adverb 'briefly' with 'summarize' is a redundancy error.
77. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The two competing software companies [collaborated together] on a new operating system.
Correct Answer: b) collaborated
Explanation:
'Collaborate' means to work together. Adding 'together' is redundant.
78. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The [new innovation] in quantum computing changed the tech industry forever.
Correct Answer: c) innovation
Explanation:
An 'innovation' is by definition a new idea, method, or device. Therefore, 'new innovation' is redundant.
79. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: In [my personal opinion], the company should invest heavily in renewable energy.
Correct Answer: b) my opinion
Explanation:
An opinion is inherently personal. Thus, 'personal opinion' is redundant.
80. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The event organizers need to [plan ahead] for potential weather disruptions.
Correct Answer: c) plan
Explanation:
'Planning' inherently involves thinking about the future or acting in advance. 'Plan ahead' is a classic GMAT redundancy.
81. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Because the bridge was closed, so we had] to take a longer detour.
Correct Answer: b) Because the bridge was closed, we had
Explanation:
Using both 'because' and 'so' creates a redundant double conjunction. Only one is needed to connect the clauses.
82. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Although she was deeply exhausted, but she] managed to finish the marathon.
Correct Answer: c) Although she was deeply exhausted, she
Explanation:
Similar to the 'because/so' error, 'although' and 'but' cannot be used together to join the same clauses.
83. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The antique book, [which cover is completely torn], contains rare manuscripts.
Correct Answer: b) whose cover is completely torn
Explanation:
The relative pronoun 'whose' can be used to show possession for both living and non-living things (unlike 'who', which is only for people).
84. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Due to the fact that] the flight was delayed, he missed his connecting train.
Correct Answer: b) Because
Explanation:
The phrase 'due to the fact that' is wordy and overly complex. GMAT strongly prefers the concise and direct 'Because'.
85. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: He is the elusive author [whom] I believe will win the Nobel Prize.
Correct Answer: b) who
Explanation:
The pronoun acts as the subject of the clause 'will win the Nobel Prize' ('I believe' is an interjection). The subjective form 'who' is required.
86. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Paris is the historic city [where we first met at].
Correct Answer: b) where we first met
Explanation:
The relative adverb 'where' already contains the meaning of 'at which'. Adding 'at' to the end of the clause is redundant and ungrammatical.
87. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The primary reason [why he resigned is because] he wanted to spend time with family.
Correct Answer: c) he resigned is that
Explanation:
'Reason why' and 'reason is because' are heavily redundant. The correct phrasing is 'The reason [subject] [verb] is that...'.
88. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The detective does not know [as] the suspect is telling the truth.
Correct Answer: c) whether
Explanation:
When expressing doubt or a choice between alternatives (true or not true), 'whether' must be used instead of 'if' or 'as' in formal GMAT writing.
89. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The manager asked [if] the new shipment had arrived.
Correct Answer: b) whether
Explanation:
On the GMAT, 'if' is strictly used for conditional statements ('If A happens, B happens'). 'Whether' is used for presenting alternatives or indirect yes/no questions.
90. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: We will proceed with the outdoor event [providing that] it does not rain.
Correct Answer: b) provided that
Explanation:
The correct formal idiom for 'on the condition that' is 'provided that', not the present participle 'providing that'.
91. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Not only [he finished] the intricate sculpture, but he also sold it for a fortune.
Correct Answer: b) did he finish
Explanation:
When a sentence begins with a negative adverbial phrase like 'Not only', the subject and auxiliary verb must be inverted (did he finish).
92. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The rare species of orchids [which grow] in the Amazon [is] facing extinction.
Correct Answer: b) that grow ... are
Explanation:
'Species' can be singular or plural, but the context 'rare species' (plural sense, orchids) dictates a plural verb 'are'. Furthermore, essential modifiers require 'that' instead of 'which'.
93. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Compared [with] last year's dismal revenue, the current quarter is highly profitable.
Correct Answer: b) to
Explanation:
On the GMAT, 'compare to' is used to highlight similarities, while 'compare with' is used to highlight differences. Here, contrasting revenues requires 'compared to'.
94. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The ideal candidate must be analytical, highly motivated, and [a proven leader].
Correct Answer: d) capable of leading
Explanation:
Parallelism dictates that the list uses all adjectives. 'Analytical' and 'motivated' are adjectives; 'capable' is an adjective, whereas 'a proven leader' is a noun.
95. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The city council approved the budget increase, [which means] the public park renovations can begin.
Correct Answer: c) a decision that means
Explanation:
In formal GMAT grammar, the pronoun 'which' must refer to a specific preceding noun, not to an entire preceding clause (the act of approving). Using an appositive phrase ('a decision that') fixes the reference error.
96. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Despite [of the terrible blizzard], the delivery trucks arrived on schedule.
Correct Answer: b) the terrible blizzard
Explanation:
The preposition 'despite' is never followed by 'of'. It is either 'despite the blizzard' or 'in spite of the blizzard'.
97. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: In the company's annual report, [it states] that profits have soared by 20%.
Correct Answer: c) the report states
Explanation:
Pronoun ambiguity. 'It' lacks a logical referent and creates a passive, wordy structure. Making 'the report' the explicit subject is clearer and more concise.
98. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: [Lacking] adequate capital, the ambitious construction project was swiftly abandoned by the developers.
Correct Answer: b) Because it lacked
Explanation:
Dangling modifier. The 'project' did not lack capital (people or companies lack capital). Changing the phrase to a dependent clause ('Because it lacked') resolves the illogical modification.
99. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: The acclaimed artist is not only a masterful painter but also [sculpts beautifully].
Correct Answer: b) a beautiful sculptor
Explanation:
Parallelism with 'not only... but also'. 'a masterful painter' is a noun phrase, so the corresponding element must also be a noun phrase ('a beautiful sculptor').
100. Identify the correct version of the bracketed part: Investors are understandably reluctant [about] funding unproven technological startups.
Correct Answer: b) to
Explanation:
The idiom 'reluctant' is correctly followed by an infinitive verb phrase, hence 'reluctant to fund' is correct, not 'reluctant about funding'.
