Correcting Pronoun Errors
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GMAT Verbal › Correcting Pronoun 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 publicist made it clear that he was speaking for both the organization and him, inviting even more criticism from the press.
for both the organization and himself
for both the organization and him
to both the organization and him
for both the organization's and him
for both the organization and he
Explanation
The pronoun "him" in this sentence is confusing and ambiguous, as it makes it unclear precisely to whom the pronoun is referring. By making it a reflexivepronoun, the sentence will be made much less confusing. The only choice that uses the reflexive pronoun is "for both the organization and himself," making it the correct answer.
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.
Few domesticated animals have the ability to fend for themselves without humans providing for themselves.
providing for them
providing for themselves
providing themselves
provide for themselves
provide for them
Explanation
"Themselves" is a referential pronoun, and the structure of the sentence would make it refer to "humans." For the sentence to make sense, the pronoun needs to indicate "domesticated animals" are the ones being provided for. "Providing for them" is the correct answer choice.
She and him have been bitter enemies since they were children in Little League.
She and he have been
She and him have been
She and him has been
She and him having been
She and he having been
Explanation
The use of the pronoun "him" is incorrect in the sentence, as it used as the subject, but can only be used as the object of the sentence. The pronoun needs to be changed to "he," but otherwise the sentence is absolutely correct. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "She and he have been."
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 publicist made it clear that he was speaking for both the organization and him, inviting even more criticism from the press.
for both the organization and himself
for both the organization and him
to both the organization and him
for both the organization's and him
for both the organization and he
Explanation
The pronoun "him" in this sentence is confusing and ambiguous, as it makes it unclear precisely to whom the pronoun is referring. By making it a reflexivepronoun, the sentence will be made much less confusing. The only choice that uses the reflexive pronoun is "for both the organization and himself," making it the correct answer.
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 questions have only been seen by myself.
been seen by me.
been seen by myself.
being seen by myself.
been seeing myself.
been seen myself.
Explanation
The use of "myself" is incorrect in the sentence, as it is a reflexive pronoun and needs the first person pronoun "me" to precede it. Therefore, "myself" must be changed to the first person pronoun "me," making the correct answer "been seen by me."
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.
Few domesticated animals have the ability to fend for themselves without humans providing for themselves.
providing for them
providing for themselves
providing themselves
provide for themselves
provide for them
Explanation
"Themselves" is a referential pronoun, and the structure of the sentence would make it refer to "humans." For the sentence to make sense, the pronoun needs to indicate "domesticated animals" are the ones being provided for. "Providing for them" is the correct answer choice.
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.
An inspiration to young people, the starlet, who's debut performance earned her three nominations shook hands, with some new friends.
the starlet, whose debut performance earned her three nominations, shook hands
the starlet who's debut performance had earned her three nominations shook hands
the starlet, who's debut performance would have earned her three nominations, shook hands
the starlet who's debut performance might have earned her three nominations shook hands
the starlet who's debut performance could have earned her three nominations was shaking hands
Explanation
The central issue here is not verb tense usage but, rather, incorrect pronoun usage. "Who's" represents the contraction of the pronoun and verb "who is." The correct possessive form of the pronoun who is "whose." All of the other answer choices do not address this issue.
She and him have been bitter enemies since they were children in Little League.
She and he have been
She and him have been
She and him has been
She and him having been
She and he having been
Explanation
The use of the pronoun "him" is incorrect in the sentence, as it used as the subject, but can only be used as the object of the sentence. The pronoun needs to be changed to "he," but otherwise the sentence is absolutely correct. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "She and he have been."
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 questions have only been seen by myself.
been seen by me.
been seen by myself.
being seen by myself.
been seeing myself.
been seen myself.
Explanation
The use of "myself" is incorrect in the sentence, as it is a reflexive pronoun and needs the first person pronoun "me" to precede it. Therefore, "myself" must be changed to the first person pronoun "me," making the correct answer "been seen by me."
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.
An inspiration to young people, the starlet, who's debut performance earned her three nominations shook hands, with some new friends.
the starlet, whose debut performance earned her three nominations, shook hands
the starlet who's debut performance had earned her three nominations shook hands
the starlet, who's debut performance would have earned her three nominations, shook hands
the starlet who's debut performance might have earned her three nominations shook hands
the starlet who's debut performance could have earned her three nominations was shaking hands
Explanation
The central issue here is not verb tense usage but, rather, incorrect pronoun usage. "Who's" represents the contraction of the pronoun and verb "who is." The correct possessive form of the pronoun who is "whose." All of the other answer choices do not address this issue.