GMAT Verbal › Correcting Pronoun Errors: Inconsistent Usage
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.
If students can focus on completing their homework, she will find it easier to score high marks on the unit tests.
If students can focus on completing their homework, they will find it easier to score high marks on the unit tests.
If students can focus on completing their homework, she will find it easier to score high marks on the unit tests.
If students can focus on completing their homework, he will find it easier to score high marks on the unit tests.
If students can focus on completing their homework, it will find it easier to score high marks on the unit tests.
If students can focus on completing their homework, we will find it easier to score high marks on the unit tests.
Given the use of "students" as the subject, we know that we will need to use a plural pronoun. Therefore, "they" would be a more appropriate pronoun to use than "she."
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.
If one is to construct a comprehensive model of the global economy, we must first account for alternating periods of expansion and contraction in the business cycle.
one must first account for
one must first account to
one had first accounted for
we must account firstly for
we must first account for
The original text contains a pronoun consistency error. The underlined portion of the sentence contains the pronoun "we," but the sentence uses "one" before that. In order to maintain consistency, the underlined portion should use "one" rather than "we."
The answer choice "one had first accounted for" contains a tense error, even though it correctly uses "one" instead of "we."
The answer choice "one must first account to" is incorrect because the correct idiom is "account for."
If students can just study harder, our test scores will benefit.
Which option best replaces the underlined sentence?
If students can just study harder, their test scores will benefit.
If students can just study harder, our test scores will benefit.
If students can just study harder, it will benefit our test scores.
If we can just study harder, it will benefit their test scores.
If students can just study harder, your test scores will benefit.
This is an error of inconsistent usage. "Students" does not clearly match up with "our." The speaker needs to identify himself in both words—"we and our" or "students and their."
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.
If one is to be successful in the world, they must make responsible choices.
If one is to be successful in the world, one must make responsible choices.
If one is to be successful in the world, they must make responsible choices.
If one is to be successful in the world, we must make responsible choices.
If one is to be successful in the world, she must make responsible choices.
If one is to be successful in the world, he must make responsible choices.
The error in the current sentence is a lack of consistency in pronoun usage. Since we use the word "one" as our pronoun initially, we should keep using the word "one" as our pronoun throughout the rest of the 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.
If a person wants to live fully and reach their potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach his or her potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach their potential, he or she must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach their potential, they must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach his potential, he must first find a meaningful passion.
If a person wants to live fully and reach its potential, it must first find a meaningful passion.
Because the antecedent (“a person”) is singular, “their” and “they” are incorrect pronouns. Because the antecedent doesn’t indicate gender, the male “he” isn’t sufficient and “he or she” must be used. Although “its” and “it” are singular pronouns, they are used to talk about objects and not about people, so they are incorrect.
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.
When one is expecting a baby, how early should you begin preparing the baby's bedroom?
When one is expecting a baby, how early should one begin preparing the baby's bedroom?
When one is expecting a baby, how early should you begin preparing the baby's bedroom?
When one is expecting a baby, how early should she begin preparing the baby's bedroom?
When one is expecting a baby, how early should they begin preparing the baby's bedroom?
When one is expecting a baby, how early should we begin preparing the baby's bedroom?
Since "one" is the pronoun used in the clause that begins the sentence, "one" should also be the subject of the sentence in all other instances.
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.
If one wishes to understand a musical composition fully, we must consider the time period in which it was written.
one must consider the time period in which it was written.
we will have to consider the time period in which it was written.
we must consider the time period corresponding to when it was written.
we must have considered the time period in which it was written.
we must consider the time period in which it was written.
The answer choice "one must consider the time period in which it was written" is correct because it contains the word "one," which matches the word "one" used in the first clause of the sentence.
All of the other answer choices are incorrect because they contain the pronoun "we," and therefore lead to pronoun agreement 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.
The process of passing a law is a long and tedious process that involves reviewing them multiple times.
it
them
they
the law
which
It is clear that the pronoun is supposed to refer to "law," which is a singular noun. Furthermore, laws do not have a gender, so the correct pronoun would be "it." The choice "the law" would be redundant because it is already clear that we are still speaking about the "law."
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 underlined choices repeats the answer as it is written.
In order for one to be prepared for the SATs, you must practice every skill on the test until one is confident in the material.
one must practice every skill
you must practice every skill
he must practice every skill
we must practice every skill
she must practice every skill
The error in the sentence is in the consistency of pronouns. The sentence begins with "one" and therefore "one" must be used as the pronoun through the remainder of the 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 repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
When one is trying to learn a new skill it is important to control your ego.
When one is trying to learn a new skill it is important to control one's ego.
When you are trying to learn a new skill it is important to control one's ego.
When one is trying to learn a new skill it is important to control his ego.
When one is trying to learn a new skill it is important to control an ego.
When you are trying to learn a new skill it is important to control his ego.
The example sentence includes an inconsistent use of pronouns. The use of the neutral third-person pronoun "one" cannot be followed within the sentence by the second-person pronoun "you." Pronouns must remain consistent within sentences, so starting with "one" means that "one" must remain the pronoun. The correct version of the sentence reads, "When one is trying to learn a new skill it is important to control one's ego."