GMAT Verbal › Correcting Conventional and Idiomatic Usage Errors
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.
For all intents and purposes, the new plan was essentially the same
For all intensive purposes, the new plan was essentially the same
For all intensive purposes, the new plan was effectively the same
For all intensive purposes, the new plan was essentially the same thing
For all intensive purposes, the new plan being essentially the same
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.
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.
tactfully use literary allusions to reference authors
tactfully use literary illusions to reference authors
use literary allusions to tactfully reference authors
use literary illusions tactfully to reference authors
use literary illusions to tactfully reference authors
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.
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.
Driverless cars are an example of new age technology.
Driverless cars are an example of modern technology.
Driverless cars are an example of new age technology.
Driverless cars are an example of new aged technology.
Driverless cars are an example of newly aged technology.
Driverless cars are an example of news age technology.
This sentence misuses the phrase "new age." The phrase "new age" means spiritual, not new/modern, which is what is meant here. The correct choice is, "Driverless cars are an example of modern technology."
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.
Since his wife began playing the piano, Tommy has become far more expert a distinguisher of a tuned instrument and an out of tune one, a grand piano and a baby grand.
far more expert in distinguishing a tuned instrument from an out of tune one, a grand piano from
far more expert a distinguisher of a tuned instrument and an out of tune one, a grand piano and
much more expert when it comes to distinguishing a tuned instrument and an out of tune one, a grand piano from
far more expert in distinguishing a tuned one and an out of tune one, a grand piano or
far more the expert as far as distinguishing between a tuned instrument, an out of tune one, a grand piano, and
This question queries the idiomatic usage of distinguish. One should observe immediately upon reading the underlined section of this sentence the extreme strangeness and awkwardness of the language, suggesting that a significant revision is required.
One can distinguish one thing from another, or distinguish between one thing and thing. The correct answer is the only one which follows this idiomatic pattern.
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.
Different groups of professional athletes have argued over the best way to increase player safety while at the same time maintaining the essence of their particular sports.
about
over
to
on
with
The correct idiomatic complement for the verb "over" in this case is "about". While "over" is very common in colloquial usage, its literal meaning is "to be situated above". Therefore, "over" is not appropriate in this sentence.
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.
The magician performed a cunning illusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning allusion for the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion to the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning allusion to the captivated audience.
The magician performed a cunning illusion at the captivated audience.
An “illusion” is a trick; an “allusion” is a reference (often literary). Tricks and illusions are performed “for” audiences, not “to” or “at” them.
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.
felt nauseated
felt nauseous
will feel nauseous
feels nauseous
feels 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."
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.
Kylie studied until morning in preparing her test stategy for the next exam.
to prepare her test strategy
in preparing her test strategy
for preparing her test strategy
in an effort to prepare her test strategy
for the preparation of her test strategy
This is an usual utilization of the word "preparing." Simply "to prepare" is more practical.
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 rain has a big affect on his mood.
The rain has a big effect on his mood.
(No changes to original.)
On his mood, the rain is largely effecting.
The rain affects his mood.
His mood has a big affect on the rain.
Here, we need the noun “effect,” not the verb “affect.”
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.
because of the imminent danger of the approaching snowstorm.
because of the eminent danger from the approaching snowstorm.
because of the imminent danger from the approaching snow storm.
because of the eminent danger of the approaching snow storm.
because of the imminent danger of the approaching snow storm.
“Imminent” means threatening or looming, while “eminent” means well-known or famous. Also, “snowstorm” is a compound word (two words put together).