GMAT Verbal › Correcting Errors Involving Commonly Confused Words
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.
Before she went running, Jennifer made sure to sit the bills on the counter so that she would not forget to attend to them when she returned.
Before she went running, Jennifer made sure to set the bills on the counter so that she would not forget to attend to them when she returned.
Before she went running, Jennifer made sure to sit the bills on the counter so that she would not forget to attend to them when she returned.
Before she went running, Jennifer made sure to sit the bills on the counter, so that she would not forget to attend to them when she returned.
Before she went running, Jennifer made sure to set the bills on the counter, so that she would not forget to attend to them when she returned.
Before she went running Jennifer made sure to sit the bills on the counter so that she would not forget to attend to them when she returned.
This sentence misuses the word "sit." The word "sit" means to rest, remain, or place one's self. The appropriate word here is "set," which means to put/place something. No additional changes are necessary. The phrase "Before she went running" is an example of an introductory statement, 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. The rest of the sentence is one independent clause. The correct choice is, "Before she went running, Jennifer made sure to set the bills on the counter so that she would not forget to attend to them when she returned."
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.
Kenda complemented Michael's effort on the project when she made him employee of the month.
complimented
complemented
completed
censured
claimed
This sentence contains an error in word choice. The word "complement" means to complete. It is clear from the context of the sentence that Kendra intends to give Michael recognition for his effort. The choice that means this is "compliment (with an "i")."
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.
It is important to turn in you're homework every day.
to turn in your homework every day.
to turn in you're homework every day.
to turn in: you're homework every day.
to turn: in your homework every day.
to turn in you're homework, every day.
This sentence misuses the word "you're." This word is a contraction for "you are," when the possessive form is meant here. The correct word is "your." No additional punctuation or changes is needed, so the correct choice is, "to turn in your homework every day."
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 affects of the changes saved billions of dollars.
The effects of the changes saved
The affects of the changes saved
The effects of: the changes saved
The affects of: the changes saved
The affects of the changes, saved
This sentence misuses the word "affect." "Affect" is a verb meaning to change. It is clear that the results of the changes (hence, a noun) is meant in this sentence. "Effect" is the correct choice, meaning a change/result of something. No other changes are necessary. The correct choice is, "The effects of the changes saved."
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.
Apple revolutionized the phone industry with the introduction of it's iPhone.
with the introduction of its iPhone.
with the introduction of it's iPhone.
with the introduction of its, iPhone.
with the introduction of its' iPhone.
with the introduction of it's, iPhone.
This sentence misuses the word "it's." It's is a contraction for "it is," but it is clear from the context of the sentence that what is needed here is the possessive form of the word: its. The possessive form of "it" does not include an apostrophe before the s. Furthermore, the form " its' " is not an actual form of "it" - it is not a word - and no comma is necessary in this sentence. The best choice is, "with the introduction of its iPhone."
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.
Kareem was not bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.
was not amused by Kelly's awful jokes.
was not bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.
bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.
is not bemused by Kelly's awful jokes.
amused by Kelly's awful jokes.
This sentence misuses the word "bemused," which means confused. It is clear from the context of the sentence, however, that Kareem does not find Kelly's jokes funny. The word "amused," meaning entertained is meant here. Note that the phrasing "was not amused" is not passive voice here because "amused" is an adjective, linked to Kareem by the linking verb "was." The correct choice is, "was not amused by Kelly's awful jokes."
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 affect of the meeting was far greater enthusiasm for the upcoming event.
effect
affect
cause
mission
resolution
This sentence misuses the word "affect," which is a verb meaning to cause. It is clear from the context of the sentence that a word meaning a result is necessary here. The appropriate word is "effect," which is the noun to affect. The other words do not fit properly. "Cause" is a verb meaning to change or a noun meaning a mission. "Mission" means a statement of purpose, and resolution means the act of completing an action. The correct choice is "effect."
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.
Thought the medicine seemed to have many averse effects, they board approved it.
adverse
averse
averted
avalon
availed
This sentence misuses the word "averse," which means to dislike. It is clear from the context of the sentence, however, that unintentional/harmful is meant. This is the definition of "adverse." The correct choice is, "adverse."
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.
His poetry invoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.
His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.
His poetry invoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.
His poetry invoked laughter in all from toddlers to the elderly.
His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly.
His poetry invoked laughter in: all from toddlers to the elderly.
This sentence misuses the word "invoke," which means to call upon. The more appropriate word is "evoke," which means to bring forth, to produce. No additional changes are necessary to the sentence. The correct choice is, "His poetry evoked laughter in all, from toddlers to the elderly."
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.
It was ironic that they did not pick Julie for the part; she seemed like the likely choice.
unfortunate
ironic
bad
fortuitous
fortunate
This sentence misuses the word "ironic," which means contrary to what is expected. Since the latter half of the sentence states that other believed that she would obtain the part, it is most likely that "unfortunate," meaning not lucky, would be the correct choice since it is likely that people wanted Julie to get the part. The correct choice is, "unfortunate."