Basic Grammar Drills PDF

Additional Questions from the new Sentence Corrections Guide
Grammar Review
Test Yourself with this Mini-drill
Identify whether the nouns in boldface are countable or

uncountable
1. The children are playing in the garden.

2. I don't like milk.
3. I prefer tea.
4. Scientists say that the environment is threatened by pollution.
5. My mother uses butter to prepare cakes.
6. There are a lot of windows in our classroom.
7. We need some glue to fix this vase.
8. The waiters in this restaurant are very professional.
9. My father drinks two big glasses of water every morning.
10. Drivers must be careful; the road is slippery.
11. Some policemen are organizing road traffic to avoid any accidents.
Answers:
1. The children are playing in the garden.- Countable!

2. I don't like milk. -Uncountable!
3. I prefer tea. -Uncountable!
4. Scientists say that the environment is threatened by pollution. -
Countable!
5. My mother uses butter to prepare cakes. -Uncountable!
6. There are a lot of windows in our classroom. - Countable!
7. We need some glue to fix this vase. -Uncountable!
8. The waiters in this restaurant are very professional. - Countable!
9. My father drinks two big glasses of water every morning. -
Countable!
10. Drivers must be careful; the road is slippery.- Countable!
11. Some policemen are organizing road traffic to avoid any accidents
- Countable!
Rate Yourself!
9 – 11 Great going!
5 – 10 Not bad!
0 to 4 Perhaps you need to read the concepts again.

Test Yourself with this Mini-Drill
Identify whether each of the following sentences is a fragment,

run-on or complete sentence.
1. Joan played.
2. Because she swims regularly, she is in good condition.
3. It has been raining all day.
4. He's quiet, and he's very polite.
5. Although Mary has been my best friend.
6. No one I know watches that television show, I can't believe it.
7. Be quiet.
8. James loves to cook, however, he does not like to clean the kitchen
afterwards.
9. Bob started his new job last Wednesday, and he really likes the
boss.
10. I have a hard time understanding her lectures, when I talk to her
one-on-one, I understand her fine.
11. Ryan signed up because she thought the training would be
interesting and help her on the job.
12. Meet me after class, I want to talk with you about the upcoming
test.
13. The one who looks like a military officer but acts like a spoiled brat.
14. Although she has studied very hard, she is still worried about the
midterm exam.
15. Joe was happy about the raise he felt like celebrating.
16. Joe was happy about the raise, he felt like celebrating.
17. One of the best ways to improve your writing. Is to read and
analyze what you read.
18. It has been a long time since I have been to the beach, I am looking
forward to the trip.
Answers
1. Joan played. - Sentence

2. Because she swims regularly. she is in good condition. – Sentence
fragment
Correct answer: Replace the full stop with a comma.
“Because she swims regularly, she is in good condition.”
3. It has been raining all day. - Sentence
4. He's quiet, and he's very polite. - Sentence
5. Although Mary has been my best friend. – Sentence fragment
Correct answer: Complete the word group
Although Mary has been my best friend, I hardly talk to her.
6. No one I know watches that television show, I can't believe it. –
Run-on
Correct answer: replace the comma with a semi colon
“No one I know watches that television show; I can't believe it.”
7. Be quiet. - Sentence
8. James loves to cook, however, he does not like to clean the kitchen
afterwards. – Sentence
9. Bob started his new job last Wednesday, and he really likes the
boss. - Sentence
10. I have a hard time understanding her lectures, when I talk to her
one-on-one, I understand her fine. – Run-on
“I have a hard time understanding her lectures; when I talk to her one-
on-one, I understand her fine.”
11. Ryan signed up because she thought the training would be
interesting and help her on the job. - Sentence
12. Meet me after class, I want to talk with you about the upcoming
test. - Run-on
“Meet me after class; I want to talk with you about the upcoming test.”
13. The one who looks like a military officer but acts like a spoiled brat.
– Sentence fragment
Correct answer: Complete the sentence by adding a verb
“The one who looks like a military officer but acts like a spoiled brat is
my younger brother.”
14. Although she has studied very hard, she is still worried about the
midterm exam. - Sentence
15. Joe was happy about the raise he felt like celebrating. - Run-on
“Joe was happy about the raise; he felt like celebrating.”
16. Joe was happy about the raise, he felt like celebrating. - Run-on
“Joe was happy about the raise; he felt like celebrating.”
or
“Joe was happy about the raise so he felt like celebrating.”
17. One of the best ways to improve your writing. Is to read and
analyze what you read. – Sentence fragment
Correct answer: Replace the full stop with a comma
“One of the best ways to improve your writing is to read and analyze
what you read.”
18. It has been a long time since I have been to the beach, I am looking
forward to the trip. - Run-on
“It has been a long time since I have been to the beach; I am looking
forward to the trip”
Rate Yourself!
15 - 18 Great going!
11- 14 Pretty good!
7 - 10 Not bad.
<7 Perhaps you need to read the concepts again. L

Identify the infinitive (I), the gerund (G), the participle (P) in
each sentence.
1. Charlie wants to learn Japanese.
2. Do you enjoy going to the beach in the summer?
3. The doctor is saving the injured man’s life.
4. My friend went shopping with me yesterday.
5. I am really frightened of my new manager!
6. Would you come with me?
7. The play was boring.
8. You should listen to me!
9. He is too young to understand the situation.
10. The finished product is a piece of artwork!

Answers
1. Charlie wants to learn Japanese. - (Infinitive)
2. Do you enjoy going to the beach in the summer? – (Gerund)

3. The doctor is saving the injured man. – (Participle)
4. My friend went shopping with me yesterday. – (Gerund)
5. I am really frightened by new manager! – (Participle)
6. Would you come with me? - (Infinitive)

7. The play was boring. – (Participle)
8. You should listen to me! - (Infinitive)
9. He is too young to understand the situation. - (Infinitive)
10. The finished product is a piece of artwork! – (Participle)

Underline and punctuate the appositives in the following

sentences. Keep in mind that not all require punctuation, and
not all are appositives.
1. Mr. Williams, our principal, will be visiting us next week.
2. The captain ordered the worker to assemble the shallop, a large

rowboat.
3. The youngest of thirteen surviving children, Tagore was born in

the Jorasanko mansion in Calcutta.
4. Leonardo Dicaprio the famous American actor and film producer

owns a production company named Appian Way Productions
5. Sweetbriar a company known throughout the South is considering a

nationwide advertising campaign.
7. An extraordinary student and talented musician Harry made his

family proud.
8. Pay it forward, an extremely popular American film was panned by

some critics for its weak storyline.
9. The greatest American film ever made Citizen Kane won only one
Academy Award.
10. Couplings, a British television sitcom, debuted to unimpressive

ratings, but its popularity soon increased.
Answers
1. Mr. Williams, our principal, will be visiting us next week.
2. The captain ordered the worker to assemble the shallop, a large

rowboat.
3. The youngest of thirteen surviving children, Tagore was born in

the Jorasanko mansion in Calcutta.
4. Leonardo Dicaprio, the famous American actor and film

producer, owns a production company named Appian Way Productions
5. Sweetbriar, a company known throughout the South, is

considering a nationwide advertising campaign.
7. An extraordinary student and talented musician. Harry made

his family proud.
8. Pay it forward, an extremely popular American film, was panned

by some critics for its weak storyline.
9. The greatest American film ever made, Citizen Kane won only
one Academy Award.
10. Couplings, a British television sitcom, debuted to unimpressive

ratings, but its popularity soon increased
Rate Yourself!
8 - 10 Great going!
4-7 Not bad!
0-3 Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L

Choose the correct form of the verb that agrees with the
subject.
1. Suzanne and her brothers (is, are) at home.
2. Either my sister or my father (is, are) going to the meeting.
3. The pens or the pencils (is, are) in the bag.
4. Either your pants or your coat (is, are) always on the floor.
5. Rose and Anne (doesn't, don't) want to see that play.
6. Ben (doesn't, don't) know the answer.
7. One of my friends (is, are) going on a trip to Kashmir.
8. The man with all the animals (live, lives) on my street.
9. The movie, including all the previews, (take, takes) about two hours
to watch.
10. The players, as well as the captain, (want, wants) to win.
11. Either answer (is, are) acceptable.
12. Every one of those books (is, are) fiction.
13. Nobody (know, knows) the trouble I've seen.
14. (Is, Are) the news on at five or at six?
15. Economics (is, are) Annie’s favorite subject, while Civics (is, are)
Mona’s favorite subject.
16. Eight dollars (is, are) the price of a movie ticket these days.
17. (Is, Are) the tweezers in this drawer?
18. Your clothes (is/are) at the cleaner's.
19. There (was, were) fifteen candies in that bag. Now there (is, are)
only one left!
20. The panel (debates, debate) these questions carefully.
21. The committee members (leads, lead) very different lives in private.
22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, (greets, greet) the press
cordially.
23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, (is, are) in this case.
Answers
1. Suzanne and her brothers are at home.
2. Either my sister or my father is going to the meeting.
3. The pens or the pencils are in the bag.
4. Either your pants or your coat is always on the floor.
5. Rose and Anne don't want to see that play.
6. Ben doesn't want to apply for this job.
7. One of my friends is going on a trip to Kashmir.
8. The man with all the animals lives on my street.
9. The movie, including all the previews, takes about two hours to
watch.
10. The players, as well as the captain, want to win.
11. Either answer is acceptable.
12. Every one of those books is fiction.
13. Nobody knows the trouble I've seen.
14. Is the news on at five or at six?
15. Economics is Annie’s favorite subject, while Civics is Mona’s favorite

subject.
16. Eight dollars is the price of a movie ticket these days.
17. Are the tweezers in this drawer?
18. Your clothes are at the cleaner's.
19. There were fifteen candies in that bag. Now there is only one left!
20. The panel debates these questions carefully.
21. The committee members lead very different lives in private.
22. The Prime Minister, together with his wife, greets the press
cordially.
23. All of the CDs, even the scratched one, are in this case.
Rate Yourself!
13 -18 Pretty good!
9 - 13 Try to be more careful next time.
<9 Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L

Try out another drill. Here, identify and correct the subject-
verb agreement errors in the following sentences:
1. Cars and trucks has/ have four wheels each.
2. Cars or trucks has/ have four wheels each.
3. Baking cakes or attending guests is/ are not (a) comfortable job/ jobs
4. Each of the students has/ have five pens.
5. Each of the students or teachers has/ have five pens.
6. Every performer and technician has/ have to fill this form.
7. Bread and jam is/ are Joe’s favourite food items.
8. Break and Jam is/ are Joe’s favourite food.
9. Neither the participants nor the judge was/ were happy with the
event organizers.
10. Neither the judge nor the participants was/ were happy with the
event organizers.
11. Neither of the judges was/ were happy with the event organizers.
12. A group of NGOs supports/ support the cause.
13. A majority of employees is/ are against the new scheme.
14. A number of bills is/ are pending to be passed.
15. The number of pending bills is/ are is increasing at a alarming rate.
16. Through this road pass/ passes thousands of commuters every day.
17. The best part of the show was/ were last three performances.
18. The last three performances was/ were the best part of the show.
19. Joe told the waiter that either of the dishes was/ were good with
him.
20. The lake, along with beautiful gardens, attract/ attracts many
visitors.
21. The trainer as well as the assistances is/ are coming for the show.
22. The assistances as well as the trainer is/ are coming for the show.
23. Neither the worst of loneliness nor the best of relationships last/
lasts forever.
24. It is important that everyone participate/ participates in the team

building activities.
25. One of the boys has/ have been selected.
26. One of the boys that has/ have been selected is my brother.
27. Five years is/ are a long time to work at the same company.
28. The simplest of doubts is/ are important.
29. In a school bus, there is/ are always a tool bag and a safety kit.
30. Joe’s incredible work for the companies has/ have won him many
admirers.
Answers
1. Cars and trucks has/ have four wheels each.
Explanation: The plural subject ‘cars and trucks’ requires the plural
verb ‘have’.
2. Cars or trucks has/ have four wheels each.
Explanation: In such ‘or’ constructions, the verb needs to agree with

the last item in the list i.e. the subject closer to the verb. The plural
subject ‘trucks’ obviously requires the plural verb ‘have’.
3. Baking cakes or attending guests is/ are not (a) comfortable job/
jobs
Explanation: The subject is after ‘or’ i.e. ‘attending guests’, which is

singular and needs the singular verb ‘is’.
4. Each of the students has/ have five pens.
Explanation: The use of ‘each’ always require a singular verb, in this

case ‘has’.
5. Each of the students or teachers has/ have five pens.
Explanation: The use of ‘each’ always require a singular verb, in this

case ‘has’.
6. Every performer and technician has/ have to fill this form.
Explanation: The use of ‘and’ may be confusing. However, the use of

‘every’ always require a singular verb, in this case ‘has’.
7. Bread and Jam is/ are Joe’s favourite food items.

Explanation: The last word ‘items’ implies that ‘Bread’ and ‘Jam’ are
considered two separate items and hence require a plural verb ‘are’
8. Break and Jam is/ are Joe’s favourite food.
Explanation: The last word ‘food’ implies that the two items ‘Bread
and Jam’ are actually considered one single entity/ item in this
sentence and hence requires the singular verb ‘is’.
9. Neither the participants nor the judge was/ were happy with the
event organizers.
Explanation: In the ‘neither... nor’ constructions, the verb needs to

agree with the subject that is closer to it. Hence the singular subject
‘judge’ requires the singular verb ‘was’. In general if two or more nouns
are joined by ‘or’ or ‘nor’, the verb agrees with the last element in the
list.
10. Neither the judge nor the participants was/ were happy with the
event organizers.
Explanation: In the ‘neither... nor’ constructions, the verb needs to

agree with the subject that is closer to it. Hence the plural subject
‘participants’ requires the plural verb ‘were’.
11. Neither of the judges was/ were happy with the event organizers.
Explanation: ‘Neither of X’ and ‘either of X’ are always singular and

require singular verb, in this case ‘was’.
12. A group of NGOs supports/ support the cause.
Explanation: In the case of prepositional phrases, the subject is

always before the preposition. In this sentence, the preposition is ‘of’,
making ‘group’ the subject. The singular subject ‘group’ requires the
singular verb ‘supports’.
13. A majority of employees is/ are against the new scheme.
Explanation: ‘Majority of countable nouns’ is plural. For example:

Majority of the elements in the periodic table are metals. However,
‘Majority of uncountable noun’ requires a singular verb.
For example: ‘Majority of the day was dedicated to the SC rules’ or

‘A majority of the Senate is voting for the measure’.
14. A number of bills is/ are pending to be passed.
Explanation: ‘A number’ is always plural and requires a plural verb.
15. The number of pending bills is/ are is increasing at a alarming

rate.
Explanation: ‘The number’ is always singular and requires a singular

verb.
16. Through this road pass/ passes thousands of commuters every

day.
Explanation: This is a reverse/ inverted construction. The use of such

a structure is correct of nothing before the verb is eligible to be the
subject. ‘Through this road’ can’t be the subject as prepositional
phrases can’t be the subject of a sentence. Hence this sentence is
required to have a reversed construction. ‘Thousands’ is the subject of
the sentence and requires the plural verb ‘pass’.
17. The best part of the show was/ were last three performances.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘The best part’ requires the

singular verb ‘was’. ‘The best part’ is eligible to be the subject of the
sentence and hence this sentence is not forced to have a reverse
construction.
18. The last three performances was/ were the best part of the show.
Explanation: The plural subject ‘The last three performances’

requires the plural verb ‘were’.
19. Joe told the waiter that either of the dishes was/ were good with
him.
Explanation: ‘Neither of ... and either of... ’ are singular and require
the singular verb ‘were’.
20. The lake, along with beautiful gardens, attract/ attracts many
visitors.
Explanation: ‘Along with’ is an additive phrase and the subject is

always before the additive phrase. Hence, the singular subject ‘lake’
requires the singular verb ‘attracts’.
21. The trainer as well as the assistants is/ are coming for the show.
Explanation: ‘As well as’ is an additive phrase and the subject is

always before the additive phrase. Hence, the singular subject ‘trainer’
requires the singular verb ‘is’.
22. The assistants accompanied by the trainer is/ are coming for the
show.
Explanation: ‘Accompanied by’ is an additive phrase too and the

subject is always before the additive phrase. Hence, the plural subject
‘assistances’ requires the plural verb ‘are’.
23. Neither the worst of loneliness nor the best of relationships last/
lasts forever.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘best of relationships’ requires the

singular verb ‘lasts’.
24. It is important that everyone participate/ participates in the
team building activities.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘everyone’ requires the singular

verb ‘participates’.
25. One of the boys has/ have been selected.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘one’ requires the singular verb

‘has’.
26. One of the boys that has/ have been selected is my brother.
Explanation: ‘that’ refers to the plural noun ‘boys’. The plural subject
‘boys’ requires the plural verb ‘have’.
27. Five years is/ are a long time to work at the same company.
Explanation: In the context, ‘five years’ is considered one single entity

and hence requires the singular verb ‘is’.
28. The simplest of doubts is/ are important.
Explanation: The subject of the sentence is not multiple doubts but

the simplest one. The singular subject ‘simplest’ requires the singular
verb ‘is’. However, in some cases, ‘simplest’ may refer to ‘more than
one’. For example: The simplest eukaryotes are classified as protists.
29. In a school bus, there is/ are always a tool bag and a safety kit.
Explanation: School bus has two things- a tool bag and a safety kit.
Since the two are connected by ‘and’, we get a plural subject and
requires the plural verb ‘are’.
30. Joe’s incredible work for the companies has/ have won him many
admirers.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘work’ requires the singular verb
‘has’.
Concept Test #1: Subject Verb Agreement

1. While a decline in stock prices have led to skepticism that there is a
recession clearly inescapable, many theorists see the current economic
climate as an opportunity to build infrastructure and develop the economy
of the future.
(A) have led to skepticism that there is a recession clearly
(B) led to skepticism for there being recession that are clearly
(C) has led to skepticism that a recession is clearly
(D) have led to skepticism for a recession clearly being
(E) led to skepticism for a recession that are clearly
2. According to research studies conducted by environmentalists, the

recent surge in the number of pollutants in metropolitan cities are likely
to cause major ecological challenges in the future.
(A) the number of pollutants in major metropolitan cities are
(B) the number of pollutants in major metropolitan cities is
(C) the numbers of pollutants in major metropolitan cities are
(D) the numbers of pollutants in major metropolitan cities is
(E) pollutants’ numbers in major metropolitan cities are

3. The rise in prices of essential goods have raised concerns about the
credibility of the government’s policies; however, many politicians claim
that price inflation is a harbinger of economic development.
(A) have raised concerns about the credibility of the government’s

policies; however, many politicians claim
(B) has raised concerns about the credibility of the government’s

policies; however many politicians claim
(C) raised concerns about the credibility of the government’s policies;

however many politicians claims
(D) had raised concerns about the credibility of the government’s

policies, and many politicians claim
(E) has raised concerns about the credibility of the government’s

policies; however many politicians claims
4. Psychological conundrums such as the ability to read another person’s

mind, intentions or cognitive processes are of interest to both scientists
and philosophers.
(A) are of interest to both
(B) are both interesting to
(C) is interesting for both
(D) is interesting to both
(E) is of interest to both

5. Storm water has collected dirt, oil, grease and a lot of other pollutants
along the way, travels through extensive storm sewer system and mixes
with wastewater in the combined sewers or infiltrates into sanitary
sewers.
(A) Storm water has collected dirt, oil, grease and a lot of other
pollutants along the way, travels
(B) Storm water has collected, dirt, oil, grease and a lot of other
pollutants along the way, travel
(C) Storm water, having collected dirt, oil, grease and a lot of other
pollutants along the way, and travel
(D) Storm water collecting dirt, oil, grease and a lot of other pollutants
along the way, and travels
(E) Storm water, having collected dirt, oil, grease and a lot of other
pollutants along the way, travels
6. Having established that the rate of poverty, a major factor in the

development of the country, have increased and will continue to increase,
the state welfare organization has expressed a pessimistic outlook about
the economic development in the upcoming years.
(A) have increased and will continue to increase, the state welfare
organization has expressed a pessimistic outlook about the
(B) have increased and will continue to increase, the state welfare
organization has expressed a pessimistic outlook about their
(C) has increased and will continue to increase, the state welfare
organization have expressed a pessimistic outlook about the
(D) has increased and will continue to increase, the state welfare
organization has expressed a pessimistic outlook about the
(E) and will continue to increase, the state welfare organization has
expressed a pessimistic outlook about their
7. A risk corridor is one of the main provisions, albeit not the only one,
that protects the insurance industry from hitting rock bottom, like it did
earlier in the decade.
(A) protects the insurance industry from hitting rock bottom, like it did
(B) protect the insurance industry from hitting rock bottom, as it did
(C) protects the insurance industry from hitting rock bottom, as it did
(D) protect the insurance industry from hitting rock bottom, like
(E) protect the insurance industry from hitting rock bottom, like they
did
8. The U.S. Revolutionary War Rolls, a collection of records kept by the

National Archives, lists only individuals who fought for the colonies in the
American Revolutionary War.
(A) lists only individuals who fought for the colonies in the American
Revolutionary War.
(B) only list individuals who fought for the colonies in the American
Revolutionary War.
(C) list individuals who fought for the colonies in the American
Revolutionary War only.
(D) listing individuals who fought for the colonies in the American
Revolutionary War.
(E) lists individuals who fought for the colonies in the American
Revolutionary War only.
9. High intake of dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and
grain products such as breads and cereals sometimes causes thyroid gland
inflammation and thyroid cancer, but, at a proper dose, also improve both
neurological and physical development.
(A) dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and grain products
such as breads and cereals sometimes causes thyroid gland
inflammation and thyroid cancer, but, at a proper dose, also improve
(B) dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and grain products
such as breads and cereals sometimes cause thyroid gland
inflammation and thyroid cancer but, at a proper dose, also improve
(C) products made from dairy such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and grain
products such as breads and cereals sometimes causes thyroid gland
inflammation and thyroid cancer, and, at a proper dose, also improves
(D) dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and grain products
such as breads and cereals sometimes causes thyroid gland
inflammation and thyroid cancer, but, at a proper dose, also improves
(E) products made from dairy such as milk, yogurt and cheese, and grain
products such as breads and cereals sometimes cause thyroid gland
inflammation and thyroid cancer, but, at a proper dose, also improves
10. Cherries that contain beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium,
magnesium, iron and fiber, are considered one of the most nutritional
fruits and help relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce risk factors for heart
disease and diabetes, prevent memory loss and delay the ageing process.
(A) Cherries that contain beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium,

magnesium, iron and fiber, are considered one of the most nutritional
fruits and help relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce risk factors for
heart disease and diabetes, prevent memory loss and delay the ageing
process.
(B) Cherries, which contain beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium,

magnesium, iron and fiber, are considered to be one of the most
nutritional fruits and helps relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce risk
factors for heart disease and diabetes, prevent memory loss and delay
the ageing process.
(C) The cherry, which contains beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium,

magnesium, iron and fiber, is considered one of the most nutritional
fruits and helps relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce risk factors for
heart disease and diabetes, prevent memory loss and delay the ageing
process.
(D) The cherry, which contains beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium,

magnesium, iron and fiber, is considered to be one of the most
nutritional fruits and helps relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce risk
factors for heart disease and diabetes, prevents memory loss and delay
the ageing process.
(E) The cherry that contains beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium,

magnesium, iron and fiber, is considered one of the most nutritional
fruits and helps relieve the pain of arthritis, reduce risk factors for
heart disease and diabetes, preventing memory loss and delaying the
ageing process.
Answer & Explanations
1. OA - C
Concept tested: subject verb agreement
The subject here is ‘decline’ – singular. So, it must be paired with a

singular verb ‘has’, not ‘have’. This eliminates options A and D.
Similarly, ‘recession’ is also singular and deserves a singular verb ‘is’, not
‘are’. This eliminates options B and E, leaving us with the right answer C.
2. OA – B
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, possessive nouns, idioms
The subject here is ‘surge’, which is likely to cause major challenges in the
future. Hence, we must couple it with the singular verb ‘is’, not ‘are’. This
eliminates options A, C and E.
We are talking about the number of pollutants – it is a single number of

any magnitude. ‘Numbers’ doesn’t make sense in the context. So, option D
is incorrect.
In option E, the use of possessive ‘pollutants’ numbers’ seems to indicate

that pollutants somehow possess certain numbers à this is illogical. Thus,
B is the correct answer.
3. OA – B
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, tenses
The subject is ‘rise’, which is singular. So it must be paired with the

singular verb ‘has’ and not ‘have’ – so, option A is out.
Similarly, the subject ‘politicians’ is plural and must be paired with the
plural verb ‘have’. This is incorrect in options C and E.
Option D: There is a tense mismatch between ‘had raised’ and ‘claim’.
Thus, the answer is B.

4. OA – A
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, idioms
The subject is ‘psychological conundrums’ – plural. So, must be paired

with plural verb ‘are’, not ‘is’. So, options C, D and E are out.
The correct idiom structure is ‘interesting to both X and Y’. In option B,

the structure is ‘both interesting to X and Y’. Therefore, B is incorrect,
leaving us with the right answer A.
5. OA – E
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, run-on sentence, sentence
fragment
‘Storm water’ is the subject and is singular. So it cannot be paired with

plural verb ‘travel’ – options B and C are out.
Option A: Is a run-on sentence because there is no conjunction before

‘travels’.
Option D: Is a sentence fragment because it lacks a main verb – uses the

participle ‘collecting’ instead of a verb. Thus, E is the right answer.
6. OA – D
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, meaning
The subject here is ‘rate’ – singular; therefore, it cannot be paired with the
plural verb ‘have’ – options A and B are out.
In option C, the plural verb ‘have expressed’ is used to refer to singular

subject ‘state welfare organization’ – incorrect.
Option E: The use of ‘and’ before ‘will’ is incorrect – this option reads
“Having established that the rate of poverty…and will”. Additionally,
economic development refers to the economy as a whole – of a state, a
country or the world. It cannot refer to an organization. Therefore, the use
of ‘their’ is incorrect. The same issue is present in option B too. Thus, D is
the right answer.
7. OA – B
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, pronouns, clarity
The subject ‘provisions’ is plural and must be coupled with a plural verb
‘protect’, not singular ‘protects’. Therefore, options A and C are out.
Option D – the phrase ‘like earlier in the decade’ doesn’t make it clear
what happened earlier in the decade – the comparison is ambiguous.
Option E – the plural pronoun ‘they’ is incorrectly used to refer to the

singular noun ‘insurance industry’ – incorrect. Thus B is the right answer.
8. OA – A
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, meaning
The subject here is ‘a collection’ – this is singular. So, it must be paired

with singular verb ‘lists’, not ‘list’. So, options B and C are out. Option D
lacks a main verb – ‘listing’ is a participle – and is thus a sentence
fragment. Hence, D is also incorrect.
Option E changes the intended meaning – it implies that the

Revolutionary War lists the names of soldiers who fought only in the
American Revolutionary War. The intended meaning is actually that this
particular set of records lists only the names of soldiers who fought in the
American Revolutionary War. Thus, A is the right answer.
9. OA – D
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, conjunctions/meaning
The subject here is ‘intake’ – singular. Therefore, it must be paired with a

singular verb ‘causes’, not ‘cause’ – thus, options A and E are out.
At a proper dose, this ‘intake’ has some positive effects. Again, the subject
is the singular word ‘intake’, and must be paired with ‘improves’, not
‘improve’. This is incorrect in option B.
The use of the conjunction ‘and’ in C fails to bring out the contrast
between the effects of a high intake and a proper intake. ‘but’ is the
appropriate conjunction. Thus, D is the right answer.
10. OA – C
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, meaning, parallelism
Option A: By using the restrictive pronoun ‘that’, this option implies that
only ‘cherries that contain beta carotene etc.’ are considered nutritional.
The implication is that other cherries, which do not contain these, are not
nutritional. This is not the correct meaning as we are talking about
cherries in general, and not about specific subsets.
The same issue is present in option E too, in which the implication is that
only a cherry that contains beta carotene et al is considered nutritional.
This brings us down to options B, C and D.
Options A and B begin with the plural subject ‘cherries’ and goes on to say
that they are ‘one of the most nutritional fruits’ – mismatch in number.
Option B also incorrectly uses the singular verb ‘helps’ to refer to

‘cherries’. Thus, B is incorrect.
Option D has a subject verb mismatch within the list: The cherry… helps
(relieve X, reduce Y, prevents Z and delays Q)
Option E: the list is not parallel. The cherry… helps (relieve X, reduce Y,
preventing Z and delaying Q) Items 3 and 4, being participial phrases,
modify the entire preceding clause indirectly. The implication is that
relieving X and reducing Y has somehow resulted in preventing Z and
delaying Q. This is not the intended meaning.
Thus, C is the correct answer.

Rate Yourself!
8 - 10 Great going – you seem to have mastered SVA!
4-7 Not bad! Make sure you analyze your mistakes.
0-3 Ouch! Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L

Pronouns
Correct these sentences for pronoun ambiguity.
1. When Robin drove the car through the garage door, he badly damaged
it.
2. Melissa was surprised that she had been chosen by her classmates who
never had much confidence.
3. Andrew met Victor after his graduation.
4. Tom visited Hank even though he was suffering from conjunctivitis.
Answers
1. When Robin drove the car through the garage door, he badly damaged
it.
Ambiguity: Did Robin damage the garage door or the car? J
Correct Sentence: When Robin drove the car through the garage door,
he badly damaged the door OR When Robin drove the car through the
garage door, he badly damaged the car.
2. Melissa was surprised that she had been voted the president by her
classmates who never had much confidence.
Ambiguity: Was Melissa surprised that her classmates had voted for her
because she herself had little confidence? Or was she surprised because
her classmates never had much confidence in her?
Correct Sentence: Melissa, who never had much confidence, was

surprised that she had been voted president by her classmates OR Melissa
was surprised that she had been voted president by her classmates since
they never had much confidence in her.
3. Andrew met Victor after his graduation.
Ambiguity: Who graduated? Andrew or Victor? J
Correct Sentence: Andrew met Victor after Victor’s graduation OR

Andrew met Victor after Andrew’s graduation.
4. Tom visited Hank even though he was suffering from conjunctivitis.
Ambiguity: who was suffering from conjunctivitis – Tom or Hank? J
Correct Sentence: Tom visited Hank even though Tom was suffering
from conjunctivitis OR Tom visited Hank even though Hank was suffering
from conjunctivitis.
Rate Yourself!
3-4 Great going!

Check the following sentences for missing antecedents, and

provide them wherever applicable.
1. After reading the medical professor's recent publication on patient

care, the students contacted her to obtain more information.
2. I never go to that bakery because they have stale bread.
3. Every student must have their pencils.
4. Politics is my favourite subject. They are such fascinating people.
5. He ought to speak French well. He lived there for twenty years.
Answers
1. After reading the medical professor's recent publication on patient

care, the students contacted her to obtain more information.
Correct Sentence: After reading the recent publication on patient care

by their medical professor, the students contacted her to obtain more
information OR
The students contacted their medical professor to obtain more information
after reading her recent publication on patient care.
Explanation: What is the antecedent of ‘her’ in the above sentence? If

you thought it was ‘medical professor’, think again! is this noun mentioned
anywhere in the sentence? The only noun you can see is ‘medical
professor’s recent publication’. In the first correction, a noun or noun
phrase (their medical professor) has been added as the antecedent. In the
second correction, the pronoun has been replaced with a noun. Note in the
first correction that another pronoun (their) has been added. In this case,
its antecedent (the students) appears later, not earlier, in the sentence.
2. I never go to that bakery because they sell stale bread.

Correct Sentence: I never go to that place because it sells stale bread.
Explanation: What does ‘they’ refer to? Both I and place are singular.
Hence, the pronoun ‘they’ needs to be replaced with ‘it’.
3. Every student must have their pencils.
Correct Sentence: Every student must have his or her pencil.
Explanation: Both ‘every’ and ‘student’ are singular; therefore, his,

her, or ‘his or her’ must be used. ‘Their’ is plural and cannot refer to a
singular noun.
4. Politics is my favourite subject. They are such fascinating people.
Correct Sentence: Politics is my favourite subject. Politicians are such

fascinating people.
Explanation: What does ‘they’ refer to? When the antecedent is a

different gender, person, or number than the pronoun it is supposed to
replace; the error is sometimes called a "faulty co-reference.
5. He ought to speak French well. He lived there for twenty years.
Correct Sentence: He ought to speak French well. He lived in France for

twenty years.
Explanation: ‘there’ seems to refer to a place. However, the sentence

doesn’t mention any place. The sentence must mention the name of the
place to avoid any ambiguity.
Rate Yourself!
3-5 Great going!

Identify and correct the pronoun mismatch errors, if any, in these

sentences.
1. Each of his students was an accomplished artist in their own way.

2. The Australian players performed so well that it won the cricket World
Cup in 2011.
3. Nobody achieves success – whether in education, sports, business or
any other field - all by themselves.
Answers
1. Each of his students was an accomplished artist in their own way.
Correct Sentence: Each of his students was an accomplished artist in

his/ her own way.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘Each of the students’ requires the

singular pronoun ‘his/ her’.
2. The Australian players performed so well that it won the cricket World
Cup in 2011.
Correct Sentence: Australia performed so well that it won the cricket

world cup in 2011 OR The Australian players performed so well that they
won the World Cup in 2011.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘Australia’ requires the singular

pronoun ‘it’ whereas the plural subject ‘Australian players’ needs the
plural pronoun ‘they’.
3. Nobody achieves success – whether in education, sports, business or
any other field - all by themselves.
Correct Sentence: Nobody achieves success – whether in education,

sports, business or any other field - all by himself or herself.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘Nobody’ requires the singular

pronoun ‘himself or herself’.
Identify and correct the pronoun errors in the following

sentences. Some sentences may be correct as written.
1. Even through Jacob and Joey reminded each other to arrive early at
the meeting, he still arrived late.
2. Madrid is an extremely beautiful city largely because they have
beautiful gardens and many historical sites.
3. Lungs of reptiles function like that of birds.
4. Lungs of reptiles function like those of birds.
5. Jake’s ideas, like that of Albert, were very unconventional
6. Alex has tried to fix the error several times but so far he has failed to
do so.
7. Although the board members agreed to support the new project, they
haven’t signed the proposal yet.
8. It was surprising to hear the manager address my friend and me as co-
contributors in the current project.
9. My friend and me were surprised to hear the manager address us as
co-contributors in the current project.
10. If one wants to ace sentence correction concepts and do well in the
verbal section, you should be willing to practice regularly.
11. When I visited the village for the survey, I was surprised to see their
miserable state.
12. The company consists of 1000 employees, many of who stay in the
quarters provided by the management.
13. The historical sites that surround the village bustle with tourists,
many of them are in the area temporarily.
many of whom are in the area temporarily.
15. The painter’s works, some of which are extremely avant-garde, have
earned him praise from critics.
Answers
1. Even through Jacob and Joey reminded each other to arrive early at
the meeting, Jacob/ Joey still arrived late.
Explanation: The sentence needs to make it clear who arrived late- Jacob
or Joey.
2. Madrid is an extremely beautiful city largely because it has beautiful

gardens and many historical sites.
Explanation: The singular subject ‘Madrid’ requires the singular

pronoun ‘it’.
3. Lungs of reptiles function like those of birds.
Explanation: The plural subject ‘lungs’ requires plural pronoun ‘those’.
4. Correct Sentence: Lungs of reptiles function like those of birds.
Explanation: The sentence is correct as written. Demonstrative pronoun

‘they’ refers correctly to the plural subject ‘lungs’.
5. Jake’s ideas, like those of Albert, were very unconventional.
Explanation: We are comparing the ‘ideas’ (plural) of Jake and Albert.

Therefore, the singular pronoun ‘that’ is incorrect. We can use a plural
pronoun ‘those’ instead.
6. Alex has tried to fix the error several times but so far he has failed to
do so.
Explanation: The pronoun ‘it’ cannot refer to the act of ‘failing to fix the
error. Use ‘so’ instead.
7. Although the board members agreed to support the new project, they
haven’t signed the proposal yet.
Explanation: The sentence is correct as it is.
8. It was surprising to hear the manager address my friend and me as co-

Explanation: The sentence is correct as written. In case, you are

confused, omit the other subject, in this case ‘my friend’, and read the
sentence.
9. My friend and I were surprised to hear the manager address us as co-

Explanation: “me” is in object case and cannot be the subject of the verb
‘were surprised’. The sentence requires the use of pronoun in subject
case ‘I’. Once again you can try reading the sentence by omitting ‘my
friend and’ from it.
10. If one wants to ace sentence correction concepts and do well on the
verbal section, one should be willing to practice regularly.
Explanation: Pronouns are inconsistent. ‘one’ and ‘you’ cannot be used
interchangeably. To correct the sentence, either use ‘one’ at both the
places or use ‘you’.
11. When I visited the village for the survey, I was surprised to see its
miserable state OR When I visited the village for the survey, I was
surprised to see the miserable state of the villagers.
Explanation: ‘their’ doesn’t have an antecedent in the sentence. To

correct the sentence, either ‘their’ needs to be removed or a logical
antecedent such as villagers/ villages needs to be inserted.
12. The company consists of 1000 employees, many of whom stay in the
quarters provided by the management.
Explanation: The object form ‘whom’ is required to refer back to the

employees. In case you are confused, try replacing ‘who’ with they
(subject case)/ them (object case). As a rule, use ‘who’ when you can
replace it with a subjective noun and use ‘whom’ when an object case is
required. ‘Many of they’ is illogical but ‘many of them’ is correct. Hence
the sentence requires ‘whom’.
many of them are in the area temporarily.
Explanation: The use of ‘them’ is ambiguous. ‘whom’ is required to refer

clearly to the ‘tourists’.
14. Correct Sentence: The historical sites that surround the village
bustle with tourists, many of whom are in the area temporarily.
Explanation: The sentence is correct as written. ‘many of whom’ clearly

refer to the ‘tourists’.
15. The painter’s works, some of which are extremely avant-garde, have
earned the painter praise from critics.
Explanation: The object case pronoun ‘him’ cannot refer to the possessive
‘painter’s’. So the noun needs to be changed to painter.
Rate Yourself!
6 - 10 Not bad!

Concept Test #2: Pronouns
1. Proponents of monetary rewards that managements awards to

employees to prevent them from leaving consider these vital extrinsic
motivation, while critics of the policy condemn these as corporate benefit
that helps some workers but debilitates the work culture of the industry.
(A) awards to employees to prevent them from leaving consider these vital
extrinsic motivation, while critics of the policy condemn these as
corporate benefit that helps some workers but debilitates
(B) awards to employees to prevent leaving consider these vital extrinsic
motivation, while critics of the policy condemn it as corporate benefit
that helps some workers but debilitates
(C) award to employees to prevent them from leaving consider these vital
extrinsic motivation, while critics of the policy condemn these as
corporate benefit that help some workers but debilitate
(D) award to employees to prevent leaving consider these vital extrinsic
motivation, while critics of the policy condemn these as corporate
benefit that helps some workers but debilitates
(E) award to employees to prevent them from leaving considers it vital
extrinsic motivation while critics of the policy condemn it as corporate
benefit that helps some workers but debilitates
2. The Maya are the indigenous people of southern Mexico and parts of
central America that are known for their brightly-colored yarn-based
textiles that are woven into capes, shirts and dresses.
(A) America that are known for their brightly-colored yarn-based
textiles that are
(B) America that are known for their brightly-colored yarn-based
textiles, which are
(C) America who are known for their brightly-colored yarn-based
textiles that are
(D) America, who are known for the brightly-colored yarn-based textiles
that were
(E) America, known for their brightly-colored yarn-based textiles, and
3. The Davenport Oil & Gas Company has announced that, beginning
next year, they plan to share their highly successful sustainability
framework and initiatives on their public domain.
(A) they plan to share their highly successful sustainability framework

and initiatives on their
(B) they are planning to share their highly successful sustainability

framework and initiatives on its
(C) it plans to share its highly successful sustainability framework and

initiatives on the
(D) it plans to share the highly successful sustainability framework and

initiatives on their
(E) it plans to share their highly successful sustainability framework

and initiatives on the
4. The South African delegation expressed its grief on the demise of
Nelson Mandela; they applauded his decision to seek treatment at
home rather than go abroad.
(A) Mandela; they applauded
(B) Mandela; it applauded
(C) Mandela; applauding
(D) Mandela, they applauded
(E) Mandela, it applauded
5. Creative councils and other vocational education groups, academic

institutions, and industry experts divisions often have multilevel talent
sessions where senior teachers strive to identify the best teachers
junior to them and the junior teachers compete for the projects that
they find most challenging.
(A) where senior teachers strive to identify the best teachers junior to
them and the junior teachers compete for the projects that they find
most challenging.
(B) in which senior teachers strive and identify the best junior teachers
and the junior teachers compete for the assignments that they find
most challenging.
(C) where senior teachers strive to identify the best junior teachers and
the best junior teachers compete for the most challenging
assignments.
(D) that enable senior teachers to strive and identify the best junior
teachers and the best junior teachers compete for the most
challenging assignments.
(E) in which senior teachers strive to identify the best junior teachers
and the best junior teachers compete for the most challenging
assignments.
6. Extensively studied by many researchers over the last five decades, the
Asian long horned beetle feed on leaves, twigs, and most other plant
matter, causing the death of many species of hardwood trees.
(A) the Asian long horned beetle feed on leaves, twigs, and most other
plant matter, it causing
(B) the Asian long horned beetle feeds on leaves, twigs, and most other
plant matter and it causes
(C) Asian long horned beetles feeds on leaves, twigs, and most other
plant matter and it causes
(D) Asian long horned beetles feed on leaves, twigs, and most other
plant matter, causing
(E) it feeding on leaves, twigs, and most other plant matter, the Asian
long horned beetle causes
7. The Dutch was aided in establishing an overseas colonial empire by its

skills in shipping and trade while the United Kingdom lost many of
their colonial possessions during the Revolutionary War.
(A) The Dutch was aided in establishing an overseas colonial empire by

its skills in shipping and trade while the United Kingdom lost many
of their
(B) In establishing an overseas colonial empire, The Dutch were aided

by their skills in shipping and trade while the United Kingdom lost
many of their
(C) In establishing an overseas colonial empire, The Dutch was aided

many of its
(D) The Dutch were aided in establishing an overseas colonial empire

many of its
(E) In establishing an overseas colonial empire, The Dutch were aided

in shipping and trade by its skills while the United Kingdom lost
many of its
8. The artwork of Native Americans, mostly paintings created using sand
mixed with dry powdered gum arabic and painted using feathers as
brushes, will be presented for the first time in the small gallery where
they can be appreciated by people who a trip to a major city may be too
expensive for.
(A) they can be appreciated by people who a trip to a major city may be
too expensive for
(B) they can be appreciated by people for whom a trip to a major city
may be too expensive
(C) people who a trip to a major city is too expensive for can appreciate
it
(D) it can be appreciated by people for whom a trip to a major city may
be too expensive
(E) it can be appreciated by people who a trip to a major city may be too
expensive for
9. A major challenge faced by democracies worldwide is to decide if they

should penalize the members of social media groups, which subtly
promote racial discrimination.
(A) to decide if they should penalize the members of social media

groups, which
(B) deciding whether to penalize the members of social media groups

that
(C) deciding whether to penalize social media groups, which
(D) to decide whether they should penalize the members of social media
groups, which
(E) deciding whether they should penalize social media groups to have
members that
10. Although they have established that the Russian government did not
directly participate in the attacks, it angered Russian citizens by
endorsing the attacks.
(A) they have established that the Russian government did not directly
participate in the attacks, it angered
(B) it has been established that the Russian government did not directly
participate in the attacks, it angered
(C) it has been established by them that the Russian government did not
directly participate in the attacks, they angered
(D) they have established that the Russian government did not directly
participate in the attacks, they angered
(E) it has been established that the Russian government did not directly
participate in the attacks, angering
Answers & Explanations
1. OA- C
Concepts tested: subject verb agreement, pronouns
Option A: “managements” is plural – must be coupled with verb “award”,

not “awards”. Same issue is present in B too.
Option B – The subject ‘monetary rewards’ is incorrectly referred to by the

pronoun ‘it’. This issue is seen in option E. Secondly, ‘‘prevent leaving’ is
ambiguous – needs the pronoun ‘them’ in bring the clarity that the
question is talking about employees leaving. This issue is present in
option D too.
Option E – ‘Proponents’ is plural and must be paired with plural verb

‘consider’, not ‘considers’. Thus, C is the right answer.
2. OA - C
Concepts tested: pronouns, modifiers, tenses
The Maya are people – so the pronoun ‘that’ is inappropriate to refer to

them. This eliminates options A and B.
Option D has a tense mismatch – while the non-underlined part of the

sentence is in simple present, D switches to past tense ‘that were’
unnecessarily.
Option E: the core sentence is ‘The Maya are X, known for their brightly-
colored… textiles, and woven into capes, shirts and dresses.’ Implies that
the Maya are woven into capes et al. This is illogical. Thus, C is the
correct answer.
3. OA- C
Concepts tested: pronouns
The subject ‘Davenport Oil & Gas Company’ is singular, as can be seen
from the use of singular verb ‘has’ in the non-underlined part of the
sentence. So, it must be referenced only by singular pronouns ‘it’ or ‘its’.
Options A and B incorrectly use ‘they’.
The intended meaning is that the company will now start sharing its own
highly successful sustainability framework and initiatives – option D says
‘the highly successful…’ à it is not clear that the frameworks are the
company’s own.
Option E incorrectly uses ‘their’ to refer to the company.
Options A, B and D all use different pronouns ‘their’ and ‘its’ before ‘public
domain’. But the public domain doesn’t belong to anyone – it is ‘the’ public
domain. Thus, option C is the correct answer.
4. OA- B
Concepts tested: pronouns, run on sentences, clauses
The subject here is ‘delegation’ and the non-underlined part already refers
to it using the pronoun ‘it’. Therefore, we cannot use ‘they’ in the
underlined part. This eliminates options A and D.
Option C: the second half of the sentence “applauding his decision…” is a

dependent clause. Therefore, it cannot stand on its own, and cannot be
connected to the rest of the sentence by a semi colon.
Option D: the second half of the sentence ‘they applauded his decision…’ is
an independent clause and must be separated from the rest of the
sentence using a semi colon, not a comma. So, D is a run-on sentence in its
current form.
Option E: has the same issue as in D à Run-on sentence.

5. OA- E
Concepts tested: pronouns
The talent sessions are events, not places. Therefore, ‘in which’ is the
correct pronoun, and not ‘where’. This eliminates options A and C.
‘and’ is inappropriate to connect ‘strive’ and ‘identify’ as it must be used

only to connect 2 separate ideas. Here, senior teachers are striving
(meaning ‘trying’) to identify the best junior teachers. This eliminates
options B and D.
‘compete for the most challenging assignments’ is crisper and more concise
than ‘assignments that they find most challenging’. Thus, E is the right
answer.
6. OA - D
Concepts tested: subject verb, pronouns, modifiers
Option A: the subject is ‘the Asian long horned beetle’ à singular.

Therefore, the singular verb ‘feeds’ must be used. Additionally, the
presence of the pronoun ‘it’ is unnecessary.
Option B: We are trying to show a cause-effect relationship between the

beetle feeding on most plant matter and thus, causing the death of
hardwood trees. The conjunction ‘and’ is used to connect 2 separate,
distinct events. It is not used to show the cause-effect relationship.
Option C: the subject is ‘Asian long horned beetles’ à plural. Therefore,

the plural verb ‘feed’ must be used. The singular pronoun ‘it’ has no
legitimate antecedent.
Option E: the subject of the clause ‘extensively studied…’ must be ‘Asian

long horned beetles’ or ‘The Asian long horned beetle’. 2 successive
clauses, both modifying the same subject is not correct on the GMAT. So,
‘extensively studied…’ must be followed by what it modifies, not ‘it
feeding…’
Thus, D is the correct answer.

7. OA - D
Concepts tested: subject verb, pronouns
‘Here, ‘The Dutch’ refers to the people of Netherlands or Holland, and is

therefore, plural. So, must be accompanied by plural verb ‘were aided’ and
replaced with plural pronoun ‘their’. On the other hand, ‘The United
Kingdom’ refers to the country itself and must be referred to by the
pronoun ‘it’. This is correct only in option D.
8. OA - D
Concepts tested: pronouns, concision
The subject here is ‘artwork’ à singular. So, it must be referred to by the

singular pronoun ‘it’, not ‘they’. This eliminates options A and B.
The next step is to choose whether the possessive pronoun ‘whom’ is

necessary here. So, fill in this blank: A trip to a major city museum may be
too expensive for _____ (they/them). The correct answer is ‘them’. This tells
us that we need the possessive form if we were to express the same as a
question. So, the correct phrase is ‘people for whom a trip to a major city
museum…’ This eliminates options A, C and E.
Between the phrases ‘people for whom a trip to a major city museum may
be too expensive’ and ‘people whom a trip to a major city museum may be
too expensive for’, the former is crisper and clearer. Ending a clause or a
sentence with a preposition (in this case, ‘for’) is not preferred on the
GMAT. This error is present in options A, C and E. Thus, D is the correct
answer.
9. OA - B
Concepts tested: idioms, modifiers, pronouns
‘If’ is used to denote a condition. Example: Let me know if anyone calls for
me. ‘Whether’ is used to denote choice. This question is about making a
certain choice. So, ‘whether’ is correct. This eliminates option A.
Secondly, we are talking about specific social media groups à ones that
subtly promote racial discrimination. Therefore, we need an essential
modifier that uses the restrictive clause ‘that promote…’, and not a non-
restrictive clause ‘which promotes’. This is incorrect in options A, C and D.
Option E uses the phrase ‘penalize… groups to have members that

promote racial discrimination’. As members of social media groups are
people, the pronoun ‘who’ is correct, not ‘that’. secondly, ‘penalize X to
have Y’ is unidiomatic. Thus, B is the correct answer.
10. OA - B
Concepts tested : pronouns, sentence fragment
Options A and D begin with the pronoun ‘they’, which has no legitimate
antecedent. Who is ‘they’?
Option C says “it has been established by them” – the pronoun “them” also
has no legitimate antecedent. Similarly, ‘they’ in option C cannot refer to
the Russian government, which is singular.
Option E has no main verb and is a sentence fragment. Thus, B is the

correct answer.
Rate Yourself!
8 - 10 Great going! You seem to have mstered Pronouns!

Modifiers
Identify and correct the modifier errors in each of the following

sentences.
1. Reading a novel, my dog crawled into my lap.
2. The girl walked in with her assignment in the pink skirt.
3. The inspector crouched behind a tree waiting for the kidnapper to

come along with a pistol and handcuffs.
4. We saw several monkeys on a school trip to the city museum.
5. The author has dedicated his new book to his cat who is an
esteemed economist.
6. The library has several books about thieves in our school.
7. While watching the movie, the doorbell rang.
8. Daisy made a brownie for Anne with cherries on top.
9. Aston found his missing book cleaning his room.
10. The teenager was referred to a counsellor with several emotional

problems.
11. Cameras, which are used to shoot movies, are different from those
that are used to spy.
12. Hanging on the wall, my friend really liked the painting.
13. Using an oven, cakes can be baked.
14. While they did not work last year, researchers believe that the
experiments may just show results this year.
15. Sharing its border with Bangladesh and Nepal, India’s handicrafts
are famous all over the world.
16. An intellectual author, Richard Bach’s works include several best

sellers.
17. Delighted by the yearly performance of the students, it was decided

by the teacher to reward her students
18. Rising supply, if not accompanied by a corresponding increase in

demand for products, can strangle economic growth.
19. Performing a play before an audience, nervousness overcame the

actor and he forgot his dialogues.
20. Elaborating his detailed approach for tackling misplaced modifiers,

the teacher’s practice drills were assigned to the students.
Answers
1. While I was reading a novel, my dog crawled into my lap.
2. The girl in the pink skirt walked in with her assignment.
3. Waiting for the kidnapper to come, the inspector crouched behind a

tree with a pistol and handcuffs.
4. On a school trip to the city museum, we saw several monkeys.
5. The author, who is an esteemed economist, has dedicated his new

book to his cat.
6. The library in our school has several books about thieves.
7. While I was watching the movie, the doorbell rang.
8. Daisy made a brownie with cherries on top for Anne.
9. Cleaning his room, Aston found his missing book.
10. The teenager with several emotional problems was referred to a

counsellor.
11. Cameras that are used to shoot movies are different from those that
are used to spy.
12. My friend really liked the painting hanging on the wall.
13. While they did not work last year, the experiments, researchers
believe, may just show results this year.
14. Sharing its border with Bangladesh and Nepal, India is famous all
over the world for its handicrafts.
15. The works of Richard Bach, an intellectual author, include several

best sellers.
16. Delighted by the yearly performance of the students, the teacher
decided to reward the students
17. Some parents are averse to computer games because they fear that
playing computer games that depict extreme violence could be
harmful to young children.
18. Rising supply, if not accompanied by corresponding increase in

demand for products, can strangle economic growth.
19. Performing a play before an audience, the actor was overcome by

nervousness and forgot his dialogues.
20. Elaborating his detailed approach to tackle misplaced modifiers, the

teacher assigned practice drills to the students.
Rate Yourself!
11 – 15 Good work!
6 – 10 Not bad.
<5 Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L

Concept Test #3: Modifiers
1. Owls have elongated eye tubes that are efficient at collecting and
processing light, which makes it easier for them to see clearly at night.
(A) which makes it easier for them

(B) which makes it easier for it
(C) making it
(D) making it easier for the owls
(E) making it easier for it
2. The potential hazards of nuclear power, which include health hazards of

radiation and improperly disposed toxic nuclear waste, were studied in-
depth.
(A) which include

(B) including
(C) which is inclusive of
(D) which includes
(E) which are inclusive of
3. Agatha Christie wrote some of her best works between 1920 and 1940, a
period when many successful light-hearted whodunits were written.
(A) a period when

(B) in which
(C) during which
(D) when
(E) a period during which
4. In 1910, radium, a luminescent radioactive element, was isolated as a
pure metal by Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne, which led to its
industrial production subsequently.
(A) a luminescent radioactive element, was isolated as a pure metal by

Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne, which led
(B) a luminescent radioactive element, was isolated as a pure metal by
Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne, leading
(C) Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne isolated radium, a
luminescent radioactive element, as a pure metal in 1910, which led
(D) Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne isolated radium as a pure
metal in 1910, a luminescent radioactive element, leading
(E) Marie Curie and André-Louis Debierne who isolated radium, a
luminescent radioactive element, as a pure metal in 1910, leading
5. Designed by John and Washington Roebling in 1883, the Brooklyn

Bridge, 1825 meters long and 26 meters wide, connecting the boroughs
of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
(A) Designed by John and Washington Roebling in 1883, the Brooklyn
Bridge, 1825 meters long and 26 meters wide, connecting the
boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
(B) Designed by John and Washington Roebling in 1883, 1825 meters
long and 26 meters wide, the Brooklyn Bridge connects the
boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
(C) Designed by John and Washington Roebling in 1883, the Brooklyn
Bridge is 1825 meters long and 26 meters wide, and connects
Manhattan and Brooklyn.
(D) The Brooklyn Bridge, designed by John and Washington Roebling
in 1883, connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, 1825
meters long and 26 meters wide.
(E) 1825 meters long and 26 meters wide, the Brooklyn Bridge connects
the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, designed by John and
Washington Roebling in 1883.
6. One of the earliest novels to deal with sexually explicit content and the
tabooed relationship between a working class man and an aristocratic
woman, the publisher of D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover was
banned from publication under the Obscene Publications Act of 1959.
(A) the publisher of D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover
(B) it was D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover that
(C) D. H. Lawrence, the author of Lady Chatterley’s Lover
(D) Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
(E) Lady Chatterley’s Lover, D. H. Lawrence’s novel that
7. The tallest building in the world constructed in the 1100s is the St.
Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln, England, which, nearly 520 feet tall and
having 20 bells spread across 3 towers.
(A) 1100s is the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln, England, which,

nearly 520 feet tall and having 20 bells
(B) 1100s, the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln, England, nearly 520 feet
tall and has 20 bells
(C) 1100s, the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln, England, which is
nearly 520 feet tall and has 20 bells
(D) 1100s, is the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln, England, being nearly
520 feet tall and with 20 bells
(E) 1100s, the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lincoln, England, is nearly 520
feet tall and has 20 bells
8. French economics professor Guy Sorman has said that most
philanthropists are so blinded by their desire to play God that they fail
to assess the impact of their donations, an observation that is heartily
echoed not just by other social critics, but also by economists and media
persons.
(A) an observation that is heartily echoed not just by other social
critics, but also by
(B) an observation being heartily echoed by not just other social critics,
but also
(C) heartily echoed not just by other social critics, but also by
(D) heartily echoed by not just other social critics, but also
(E) being echoed heartily not just by other social critics, but also by
9. Large scale mining of metal and coal in the region has led to both acid
rock drainage, acid water flowing out from abandoned mines, and the
deposition of tailings, elements or compounds uncovered during
mining, altering the receiving environment to its detriment, but are
harmless if collected and disposed of in time.
(A) acid water flowing out from abandoned mines, and the deposition of
tailings, elements or compounds uncovered during mining, altering
(B) which is the outflow of acidic water from abandoned mines, as well
as the deposition of tailings, elements or compounds uncovered
during mining, altering
(C) the outflow of acidic water from abandoned mines, the deposition of
tailings, elements or compounds uncovered during mining, which
may alter
(D) acid water flowing out from abandoned mines, the deposition of
tailings, elements or compounds uncovered during mining, which
may alter
(E) which is the outflow of acidic water from abandoned mines, and the
deposition of tailings, elements or compounds uncovered during
mining, which may alter
10. A Mars rover is an automated motor vehicle which propels itself across
the surface of the planet Mars, gathering observations about the
territory and conditions on Mars helping scientists determine whether
life ever existed there.
(A) conditions on Mars helping

(B) conditions on Mars, with information helping
(C) conditions on Mars that help
(D) conditions on Mars, information that will help
(E) conditions on Mars, those that helped
1. OA - D
Concepts tested: modifiers, pronouns
Options A and B are incorrect because ‘which’ modifies ‘light’, the

immediately preceding noun, incorrectly.
Options C, D and E all being with ‘making..’ and this modifies the entire
preceding clause correctly.
Option C: has pronoun ambiguity – ‘it’ has no clear antecedent.

Additionally, ‘making it to see’ is unidiomatic.
Option E: singular pronoun ‘it’ is incorrectly used to refer to plural subject

‘owls’. Thus, D is the right answer.
2. OA - B
Concepts tested: modifiers, subject verb
‘Hazards’ is a plural subject; therefore, should be accompanied by verb

‘include’, not ‘includes’ and ‘are’, not ‘is’. The use of ‘which’ is incorrect as it
refers to nuclear power – should actually refer to the entire preceding
clause. So, all options except B are out.
3. OA - E
Concepts tested: modifiers, idioms
Option A: ‘when’ is typically used to refer to a certain point in time, not a

period. The same issue is present in D too.
1920-1940 is a time frame of 20 years – therefore, we need a word such as

‘a period’ or ‘a time frame’ or ‘an era’ following the comma. Options B and
C are out because they do not have such a word. Thus, E is the right
answer.
4. OA - B
Concepts tested: modifiers
Options A and C – ‘which led’ refers incorrectly to Debierne, 1910 and

element respectively.
Option D: ‘a luminescent radioactive element’ refers incorrectly to 1910.
Option E: is a sentence fragment because it lacks a main verb – notice the

use of ‘who isolated radium’. Thus, B is the right answer.
5. OA - C
Option A: lacks a main verb and is therefore, a sentence fragment. This

issue could be fixed if the verb ‘connects’ were present instead of the
participle ‘connecting’.
Option B: 2 consecutive modifiers, both modifying the same subject is

unacceptable on the GMAT. Here, both ‘Designed by…’ and ‘1825
meters…’ modify ‘the Brooklyn Bridge’.
Option D: ‘1825 meters..’ incorrectly modifies ‘the boroughs of…’
Option E: ‘designed by…’ incorrect modifies Brooklyn. Thus, C is the right

answer.
6. OA - D
The book Lady Chatterley’s Lover was banned from publication. Option A
says that the publisher was banned. Option C says that the author was
banned. So, both are incorrect.
‘One of the earliest…’ modifies the book and its title must follow the
comma – this is incorrect in option B.
Option E: Lacks a main verb – therefore, a sentence fragment. Thus, D is

the right answer.
7. OA - E
Option A: is a sentence fragment because it has no main verb.

Options B and C: miss ‘is’ before ‘the St. Mary’s Cathedral’.
Option D: the use of ‘being’ is incorrect as we need a verb and not a

participle. Thus, E is the right answer.
8. OA - A
Concepts tested: modifiers, idioms
The phrase ‘an observation heartily echoed…’ is an absolute modifier and

it modifies the entire preceding clause. Try the ‘Preceding Clause. This
IS/ARE modifier’ Rule here - French economics professor Guy Sorman has
said that most philanthropists are so blinded by their desire to play God
that they fail to assess the impact of their donations. This is an
observation that is heartily echoed not just by other social critics, but also
by economists and media persons. This makes sense.
Options C, D and E are incorrect because the word ‘an observation’ is

missing; so it’s not clear what is being heartily echoed.
Option B: ‘by not X… but also Y’ is the incorrect idiom; secondly, ‘being’ is
inappropriate in this context.
9. OA - E
Concepts tested: modifiers, parallelism, idioms
Option A: ‘altering…’ modifies the entire preceding clause, whereas it

must modify ‘tailings’. The same issue is present in B too.
Additionally, the use of ‘both’ and ‘as well as’ in B is redundant.
Options C and D: Misses ‘and’ before ‘the deposition’ and are, therefore,
run-on sentences. Thus, A is the right answer.
10. OA - D
Concepts tested: Modifiers
Option A: Semantic error – implies that the territory and conditions on

Mars can themselves help scientists determine whether life ever existed
there. The observations about these are what will help scientists
determine whether life ever existed there.
Option B: The use of ‘with’ is incorrect as it tampers with the meaning –

not clear that the information that will help scientists is the information
about territory and conditions on Mars.
Option C: same semantic error as in A.
Option E: tense mismatch – shift from present to past; additionally, not

sure what the antecedent of ‘those’ is – it can refer to ‘conditions’, ‘territory
and conditions’ and ‘observations’. Thus, D is the right answer.
Rate Yourself!
8 - 10 Great going! You seem to have mastered Modifiers!

Parallelism
Identify the parallelism errors, if any, in the following sentences:
1. Samantha didn’t like her hostel because she could not talk on the
phone, use the internet, or she could not watch television.
2. His submission reflected both intelligence as well as competence.
3. To score 700+ on GMAT, one not only has to be willing to study for long
hours but also he has to plan his preparation.
4. To live comfortably, we must either earn more or it will be necessary to

reduce expenditure.
5. Because of its new set up, the company was able to produce more, using
new technology, improve product design and features, and to predict sales
volume in advance.
6. While buying accessories, you must select a brand that reflects your
personality and that it fits your budget.
7. Poppy was looking for someone who could not only accompany her to the
class, but also compete with her in order to keep her motivated.
8. The toughest challenge has been to choose the right candidates for the
project, and, after observing their performance, assigning them the right
tasks.
Answers
1. Correct Answer: Samantha didn’t like her hostel because she could not
talk on the phone, use the internet, or watch television.
Explanation: The three items at the end of the sentence- talk on the
phone, use the internet, or she could not watch television – need to be
parallel.
1. Correct Answer: His submission reflected both intelligence and

competence.
OR
His submission reflected intelligence as well as competence.
Explanation: The correct idiom is ‘both X and Y’. OR if you wish to use ‘as
well as’, then remove ‘both’ from the sentence.
2. Correct Answer: To score 700+ on GMAT, one has to be willing to not

only study for long hours but also plan one’s preparation.
Explanation: What comes after ‘not only’ needs to be repeated after but
also.
3. Correct Answer: To live comfortably, we must either earn more or

reduce expenditure.
Explanation: The sentence uses the idiom ‘either X or Y’. X and Y should
be logically and grammatically parallel.
4. Correct Answer: Because of its new set up, the company was able to
produce more, using new technology, to improve product design and
features, and to predict sales volume in advance.
OR
Because of its new set up, the company was able to produce more, using
new technology, improve product design and features, and predict sales
volume in advance.
Explanation: All the items in the list- to produce, improve and to predict-
need to be parallel. ‘to’ can either be repeated for all the list items, or
considered as a ‘common factor’ and removed from the 2nd and subsequent
list items.
5. Correct Answer: While buying accessories, you must select a brand

that reflects your personality and fits your budget.
Explanation: X and Y should be logically and grammatically parallel. ‘that
X and Y’ is the right structure.
6. The sentence is correct as written.
7. Correct Answer: The toughest challenge has been to choose the right
candidates for the project, and, after observing their performance, to
assign them the right tasks.
Explanation: ‘to choose’ is parallel with ‘to assign’.

Concept Test #4: Parallelism
1. The responsibilities of a human resource manager include creating
employee satisfaction, managing the payroll and addressing employee
grievances.
(A) creating employee satisfaction, managing the payroll and

addressing
(B) creating employee satisfaction, management of the payroll and
addressing
(C) the creation of employee satisfaction, management of payroll and
the addressing of
(D) the creation of employee satisfaction, the management of payroll
and addressing
(E) creation of employee satisfaction, management of payroll and
addressing
2. The ‘garden hardy’ variety of chrysanthemum flowers is characterized

by its ability to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if
any, mechanical assistance, withstanding wind and rain, and survive
moderate winters.
(A) to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,

mechanical assistance, withstanding wind and rain,
(B) to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
mechanical assistance, withstand wind and rain,
(C) of producing an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
mechanical assistance, to withstand wind and rain,
(D) to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
(E) of producing an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
3. One of the main ways that photographers rank the quality of an image
is in terms of pixel count; if they rank the pixel count higher, the better
the quality of the image.
(A) if they rank the pixel count higher, the better
(B) the higher the pixel count ranking, the better
(C) ranking of the pixel count higher, that much better
(D) when the pixel count ranking is higher, the better
(E) the higher the pixel count ranking, that much better
4. High concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, precursors of

certain eicosanoids that are known to reduce inflammation in the body,
can promote health by supporting the immune system, enriching the
blood and in providing antioxidant nutrients for preservation and free
radical protection.
(A) supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and in
providing
(B) supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and the
provision of
(C) supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and providing
(D) means of supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and in
the provision of
(E) means of supporting the immune system, by enriching the blood

and providing
5. Visualization of mental images is a central concept in the Bates method-
something not only which could achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but improving focus, eye coordination, blood circulation and
eye movement control.
(A) something not only which could achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but improving
(B) something which not only could achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but also to improve
(C) something which could not only achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but also improve
(D) that being something which could not only achieve a state of inner
balance and relaxation, but also improving
(E) being something not only which could achieve a state of inner
balance and relaxation, but improve
6. With political parties spending large parts of their campaign budgets

online, the market for content such as infographics, videos, polls and
blogs created by a graphic designer, a social media artist and by
bloggers, are thriving at a high pace.
(A) such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by a graphic

designer, a social media artist and by bloggers, are
(B) such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by a graphic

designer, social media artist and blogger, is
(C) such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by graphic

designers, social media artists and bloggers, is
(D) such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by graphic

designers, by social media artists and bloggers, is
(E) like infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by graphic

designers, social media artists and bloggers, are
7. The newly launched healthcare scheme extends the assurance in the
provisions to reduce the risk what many analysts had predicted
previously, and rather to limit the losses insurers incur from higher
than expected medical claims.
(A) in the provisions to reduce the risk what many analysts had
predicted previously, and rather to limit
(B) in the provisions to reduce the risk what many analysts predicted
previously, rather to limit
(C) in the provisions’ ability to reduce the risk what many analysts
were predicting previously, and rather to limit
(D) that the provisions will reduce the risk that many analysts had
predicted previously and limit
(E) that the provisions will reduce the risk that was predicted
previously by many and limiting
8. The literary world’s fascination for Mr. Micawber, Charles Dickens’

famous character from David Copperfield, has been put down to
everything from having an optimistic outlook, which was often without
good reason to his staunch belief that ‘something would turn up’.
(A) having an optimistic outlook, which was often without good reason
(B) having an optimistic outlook, which had often been without good
reason,
(C) his optimistic outlook, for which there has often been no good
reason,
(D) his optimistic outlook, having no good reason often,
(E) his optimistic outlook, which was often without good reason,
9. The large-scale loss of confidence among consumers led to a sudden
reduction in consumption and investment spending, caused both
dramatic drops in demand and credit, and disruption of trade,
ultimately resulting in widespread unemployment.
(A) led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment spending,

caused both dramatic drops in demand and credit, and disruption of
trade, ultimately resulting
(B) led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment spending,
causing dramatic drops in demand and credit, and disruption of
(C) that led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment
spending, causing both dramatic drops in demand and credit, and
disruption of trade, ultimately resulting
(D) that led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment
spending, caused both dramatic drops in demand and credit, and
disruption of trade, ultimately resulted
(E) leading to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment
spending, caused dramatic drops in both demand and credit, and
10. Dung beetles attach themselves to herbivores, waiting for their dung
to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung, following a straight line
in spite of all obstacles, and bury it either for food storage or making a
brooding ball.
(A) waiting for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
following a straight line in spite of all obstacles, and bury it either
for food storage or making a brooding ball.
(B) waiting for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
for food storage or for making a brooding ball.
(C) wait for their dung to drop, and capture it, roll the dung, following
a straight line in spite of all obstacles, and bury it either for food
storage or for making a brooding ball.
(D) wait for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
(E) wait for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
follow a straight line in spite of all obstacles, burying it either for
food storage or for making a brooding ball.
1. OA - A
Concepts tested: Parallelism
For the list to be parallel, all items must be in either participle or in noun
forms. This is true only in option A.
2. OA - B
Concepts tested: Parallelism, idioms
The correct parallel structures are
(1) to produce, to withstand and to survive OR
(2) to (produce, withstand and survive).
Case 1 is correct only in option B. Additionally, ‘ability of verb-ing ‘ is

unidiomatic – this is incorrect in E.
3. OA - B
The correct parallel structure is ‘the higher the X, the better the Y’. This is
correct only in option B.
4. OA- C
The list includes the ways by which omega-3 fatty acids promote health.
The items on this list must be parallel. Option A: supporting…
enriching… in providing à not parallel. ‘in’ in item 3 is unnecessary.
Option B: supporting… enriching… provision of à not parallel. Items 1

and 2 are verbs whereas item 3 is a noun.
Option D: ‘by means of’ is unnecessarily wordy. Within the list,

supporting… enriching… in the provision of à not parallel. Items 1 and 2
are verbs whereas item 3 is a noun.
Option E: supporting… by enriching… providing à not parallel. ‘by’ in
item 2 is unnecessary.
Thus, the correct answer is option C.
5. OA- C
The correct parallel structure is “something which can/could not only X…

but also Y”, where and Y are actions that can be accomplished. Here, X
should be ‘achieve a state of…’ and Y should be ‘improve focus, eye
coordination etc.’. i.e. X and Y are both verbs.
Option A: is of the form ‘something not only which X but Y’ à not parallel.
Option B: the presence of ‘to’ before ‘improve’ is unnecessary.
Option D: ‘that being’ is not required here. ‘achieve’ and ‘improving’ are
not parallel.
Option E: is of the form ‘not only which could X but also Y’ à not parallel.
Thus, C is the right answer.

6. OA - C
Concepts tested: Parallelism, meaning, idioms
‘such as’ is used for specific examples, whereas ‘like’ is used to express
similarity. Here, ‘such as’ is more appropriate as we are talking about
specific types of content. This eliminates option E.
The subject here is ‘market, which is singular. Hence, we need the

singular verb ‘is’ and not ‘are’. This is incorrect in E and A.
We require parallelism within the list of creators. ‘created by X, Y and Z’

or ‘created by X, by Y and by Z’ are the correct versions.
Option D has the list ‘created by X by Y and Z’ à not parallel. Thus, D is

also eliminated.
Option B has a meaning issue – it implies that the market for online
content created by a single person (graphic designer, social media artist
and blogger rolled into one) is thriving. This doesn’t make sense – we are
talking about a whole category and not about a particular individual.
Hence, C is the right answer, not B.
7. OA - D
Concepts tested: parallelism, tenses
This is the sequence of events:
Event 1: analysts predicted that there would be a risk
Event 2: new healthcare scheme is launched. It extends the assurance

that the provisions will reduce the aforementioned risk and limit the
losses faced by insurers.
To bring out this sequence, we need past perfect to refer to event 1 and
simple past to refer to event 2. This is correct only in option D.
The core sentence is “The newly launched scheme extends the assurance
that the provisions will (1) reduce the risk that many had predicted
previously and instead (2) limit the losses insurers incur…” This
parallelism is missing in all options except D.
‘what’ can be used only as an interrogative pronoun or adjective to ask

questions. It cannot be used in place of a relative pronoun such as ‘that’ or
‘which’. In this sentence, we need the relative pronoun ‘that’. Thus, options
A, B and C are incorrect.
‘assurance in X to Y’ is unidiomatic. This is a problem in options A and B.
8. OA – E
Concepts tested: parallelism, tenses, modifiers
The idiom used here is ‘from X to Y’, where X and Y need to be parallel.
Since Y is of the form ‘his staunch belief..’, X must also begin with ‘his…’.
This is correct only in options C, D and E.
The intended meaning is that Mr. Micawber often had no good reason to
have an optimistic outlook. Since he is a character in a book written in the
past, simple past is the tense to be used. So, ‘has often been’ in option C
and ‘had often been’ in option B are both incorrect.
In option D, ‘having…’ modifies the entire preceding clause incorrectly. We

need ‘which’ to modify ‘optimistic outlook’. Thus, option E is correct.
9. OA - B
Concepts tested: parallelism, idioms
Option A: The core sentence is ‘The large-scale loss of confidence… led to

X… caused Y…, ultimately resulting in Z.’ An ‘and’ is missing before
‘caused’.
Option C: Says ‘The large scale loss of confidence that led to X…, causing
both Y and Z, ultimately resulting in A.’ – this is a sentence fragment
because it lacks a main verb; instead, it incorrectly uses the participle
‘causing’.
Option D: Says ‘The large scale loss of confidence that led to X…, caused
both Y and Z, ultimately resulted in A.’ An ‘and’ is missing before
‘ultimately’.
Option E: Says ‘The large scale loss of confidence leading to X…, caused
both Y and Z, ultimately resulted in A.’ The same issue as in D – missing
‘and’ before ‘ultimately’.
10. OA - B
There are 2 sets of actions: the dung beetle attaches itself to herbivores
and wait for them to drop dung; in the second stage, after capturing the
dung, the beetle rolls the dung (following a straight line) and buries it for
food or to make a brooding ball.
The subordinate actions must be in participial form – waiting, capturing,

following. The others must be in present tense and parallel to each other.
Secondly, ‘either for X or for Y’ is the right idiom.
Option A: uses the idiom ‘either for X or Y’ – incorrect.
Option C: ‘and’ before ‘capture’ is not necessary and destroys parallelism.
Option D: uses the incorrect idiom ‘either for X or Y’.
Option E: the use of ‘follow’ is incorrect as it is an action subordinate to

the act of rolling the dung and must be in participial form; if ‘follow’ is to
be used, it must be preceded by ‘and’.
Rate Yourself!
8 - 10 Great going! You seem to have mastered Parallelism!
0-3 Ouch! Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L.
Comparisons
Identify the parallelism errors, if any, in the following sentences:
1. Samantha didn’t like her hostel because she could not talk on the
phone, use the internet, or she could not watch television.
2. His submission reflected both intelligence as well as competence.
3. To score 700+ on GMAT, one not only has to be willing to study for long
hours but also he has to plan his preparation.
4. To live comfortably, we must either earn more or it will be necessary to

reduce expenditure.
5. Because of its new set up, the company was able to produce more, using
new technology, improve product design and features, and to predict sales
volume in advance.
6. While buying accessories, you must select a brand that reflects your
personality and that it fits your budget.
7. Poppy was looking for someone who could not only accompany her to the
class, but also compete with her in order to keep her motivated.
8. The toughest challenge has been to choose the right candidates for the
project, and, after observing their performance, assigning them the right
tasks.
Answers
2. Correct Answer: Samantha didn’t like her hostel because she could not
talk on the phone, use the internet, or watch television.
Explanation: The three items at the end of the sentence- talk on the
phone, use the internet, or she could not watch television – need to be
parallel.
8. Correct Answer: His submission reflected both intelligence and

competence.
OR
His submission reflected intelligence as well as competence.
Explanation: The correct idiom is ‘both X and Y’. OR if you wish to use ‘as
well as’, then remove ‘both’ from the sentence.
9. Correct Answer: To score 700+ on GMAT, one has to be willing to not

only study for long hours but also plan one’s preparation.
Explanation: What comes after ‘not only’ needs to be repeated after but
also.
10. Correct Answer: To live comfortably, we must either earn more or

reduce expenditure.
Explanation: The sentence uses the idiom ‘either X or Y’. X and Y should
be logically and grammatically parallel.
11. Correct Answer: Because of its new set up, the company was able to
produce more, using new technology, to improve product design and
features, and to predict sales volume in advance.
OR
Because of its new set up, the company was able to produce more, using
new technology, improve product design and features, and predict sales
volume in advance.
Explanation: All the items in the list- to produce, improve and to predict-
need to be parallel. ‘to’ can either be repeated for all the list items, or
considered as a ‘common factor’ and removed from the 2nd and subsequent
list items.
12. Correct Answer: While buying accessories, you must select a brand
that reflects your personality and fits your budget.
Explanation: X and Y should be logically and grammatically parallel. ‘that
X and Y’ is the right structure.
13. The sentence is correct as written.
14. Correct Answer: The toughest challenge has been to choose the right
candidates for the project, and, after observing their performance, to
assign them the right tasks.
Explanation: ‘to choose’ is parallel with ‘to assign’.

Concept Test #4: Parallelism
1. The responsibilities of a human resource manager include creating
employee satisfaction, managing the payroll and addressing employee
grievances.
(F) creating employee satisfaction, managing the payroll and

addressing
(G) creating employee satisfaction, management of the payroll and
addressing
(H)the creation of employee satisfaction, management of payroll and
the addressing of
(I) the creation of employee satisfaction, the management of payroll
and addressing
(J) creation of employee satisfaction, management of payroll and
addressing
2. The ‘garden hardy’ variety of chrysanthemum flowers is characterized

by its ability to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if
any, mechanical assistance, withstanding wind and rain, and survive
moderate winters.
(F) to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,

(G) to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
mechanical assistance, withstand wind and rain,
(H)of producing an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
(I) to produce an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
(J) of producing an abundance of small blooms with little, if any,
3. One of the main ways that photographers rank the quality of an image
is in terms of pixel count; if they rank the pixel count higher, the better
the quality of the image.
(F) if they rank the pixel count higher, the better
(G) the higher the pixel count ranking, the better
(H)ranking of the pixel count higher, that much better
(I) when the pixel count ranking is higher, the better
(J) the higher the pixel count ranking, that much better
5. High concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, precursors of

certain eicosanoids that are known to reduce inflammation in the body,
can promote health by supporting the immune system, enriching the
blood and in providing antioxidant nutrients for preservation and free
radical protection.
(F) supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and in
providing
(G) supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and the
provision of
(H)supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and providing
(I) means of supporting the immune system, enriching the blood and in
the provision of
(J) means of supporting the immune system, by enriching the blood

and providing
5. Visualization of mental images is a central concept in the Bates method-
something not only which could achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but improving focus, eye coordination, blood circulation and
eye movement control.
(F) something not only which could achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but improving
(G) something which not only could achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but also to improve
(H)something which could not only achieve a state of inner balance and
relaxation, but also improve
(I) that being something which could not only achieve a state of inner
balance and relaxation, but also improving
(J) being something not only which could achieve a state of inner
balance and relaxation, but improve
6. With political parties spending large parts of their campaign budgets

online, the market for content such as infographics, videos, polls and
blogs created by a graphic designer, a social media artist and by
bloggers, are thriving at a high pace.
(F) such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by a graphic

designer, a social media artist and by bloggers, are
(G) such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by a graphic

designer, social media artist and blogger, is
(H)such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by graphic

designers, social media artists and bloggers, is
(I) such as infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by graphic

designers, by social media artists and bloggers, is
(J) like infographics, videos, polls and blogs created by graphic

designers, social media artists and bloggers, are
7. The newly launched healthcare scheme extends the assurance in the
provisions to reduce the risk what many analysts had predicted
previously, and rather to limit the losses insurers incur from higher
than expected medical claims.
(F) in the provisions to reduce the risk what many analysts had
predicted previously, and rather to limit
(G) in the provisions to reduce the risk what many analysts predicted
previously, rather to limit
(H)in the provisions’ ability to reduce the risk what many analysts
were predicting previously, and rather to limit
(I) that the provisions will reduce the risk that many analysts had
predicted previously and limit
(J) that the provisions will reduce the risk that was predicted
previously by many and limiting
8. The literary world’s fascination for Mr. Micawber, Charles Dickens’

famous character from David Copperfield, has been put down to
everything from having an optimistic outlook, which was often without
good reason to his staunch belief that ‘something would turn up’.
(F) having an optimistic outlook, which was often without good reason
(G) having an optimistic outlook, which had often been without good
reason,
(H)his optimistic outlook, for which there has often been no good
reason,
(I) his optimistic outlook, having no good reason often,
(J) his optimistic outlook, which was often without good reason,
9. The large-scale loss of confidence among consumers led to a sudden
reduction in consumption and investment spending, caused both
dramatic drops in demand and credit, and disruption of trade,
ultimately resulting in widespread unemployment.
(F) led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment spending,

caused both dramatic drops in demand and credit, and disruption of
(G) led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment spending,
causing dramatic drops in demand and credit, and disruption of
(H)that led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment
spending, causing both dramatic drops in demand and credit, and
disruption of trade, ultimately resulting
(I) that led to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment
spending, caused both dramatic drops in demand and credit, and
(J) leading to a sudden reduction in consumption and investment
spending, caused dramatic drops in both demand and credit, and
10. Dung beetles attach themselves to herbivores, waiting for their dung
to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung, following a straight line
in spite of all obstacles, and bury it either for food storage or making a
brooding ball.
(F) waiting for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
(G) waiting for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
for food storage or for making a brooding ball.
(H) wait for their dung to drop, and capture it, roll the dung, following
a straight line in spite of all obstacles, and bury it either for food
storage or for making a brooding ball.
(I) wait for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
(J) wait for their dung to drop, and after capturing it, roll the dung,
follow a straight line in spite of all obstacles, burying it either for
food storage or for making a brooding ball.
1. OA - A
For the list to be parallel, all items must be in either participle or in noun
forms. This is true only in option A.
2. OA - B
Concepts tested: Parallelism, idioms
The correct parallel structures are
(1) to produce, to withstand and to survive OR
(2) to (produce, withstand and survive).
Case 1 is correct only in option B. Additionally, ‘ability of verb-ing ‘ is

unidiomatic – this is incorrect in E.
3. OA - B
The correct parallel structure is ‘the higher the X, the better the Y’. This is
correct only in option B.
4. OA- C
The list includes the ways by which omega-3 fatty acids promote health.
The items on this list must be parallel. Option A: supporting…
enriching… in providing à not parallel. ‘in’ in item 3 is unnecessary.
Option B: supporting… enriching… provision of à not parallel. Items 1

and 2 are verbs whereas item 3 is a noun.
Option D: ‘by means of’ is unnecessarily wordy. Within the list,

supporting… enriching… in the provision of à not parallel. Items 1 and 2
are verbs whereas item 3 is a noun.
Option E: supporting… by enriching… providing à not parallel. ‘by’ in
item 2 is unnecessary.
Thus, the correct answer is option C.
5. OA- C
The correct parallel structure is “something which can/could not only X…

but also Y”, where and Y are actions that can be accomplished. Here, X
should be ‘achieve a state of…’ and Y should be ‘improve focus, eye
coordination etc.’. i.e. X and Y are both verbs.
Option A: is of the form ‘something not only which X but Y’ à not parallel.
Option B: the presence of ‘to’ before ‘improve’ is unnecessary.
Option D: ‘that being’ is not required here. ‘achieve’ and ‘improving’ are
not parallel.
Option E: is of the form ‘not only which could X but also Y’ à not parallel.
Thus, C is the right answer.

6. OA - C
Concepts tested: Parallelism, meaning, idioms
‘such as’ is used for specific examples, whereas ‘like’ is used to express
similarity. Here, ‘such as’ is more appropriate as we are talking about
specific types of content. This eliminates option E.
The subject here is ‘market, which is singular. Hence, we need the

singular verb ‘is’ and not ‘are’. This is incorrect in E and A.
We require parallelism within the list of creators. ‘created by X, Y and Z’

or ‘created by X, by Y and by Z’ are the correct versions.
Option D has the list ‘created by X by Y and Z’ à not parallel. Thus, D is

also eliminated.
Option B has a meaning issue – it implies that the market for online
content created by a single person (graphic designer, social media artist
and blogger rolled into one) is thriving. This doesn’t make sense – we are
talking about a whole category and not about a particular individual.
Hence, C is the right answer, not B.
7. OA - D
Concepts tested: parallelism, tenses
This is the sequence of events:
Event 1: analysts predicted that there would be a risk
Event 2: new healthcare scheme is launched. It extends the assurance

that the provisions will reduce the aforementioned risk and limit the
losses faced by insurers.
To bring out this sequence, we need past perfect to refer to event 1 and
simple past to refer to event 2. This is correct only in option D.
The core sentence is “The newly launched scheme extends the assurance
that the provisions will (1) reduce the risk that many had predicted
previously and instead (2) limit the losses insurers incur…” This
parallelism is missing in all options except D.
‘what’ can be used only as an interrogative pronoun or adjective to ask

questions. It cannot be used in place of a relative pronoun such as ‘that’ or
‘which’. In this sentence, we need the relative pronoun ‘that’. Thus, options
A, B and C are incorrect.
‘assurance in X to Y’ is unidiomatic. This is a problem in options A and B.
8. OA – E
Concepts tested: parallelism, tenses, modifiers
The idiom used here is ‘from X to Y’, where X and Y need to be parallel.
Since Y is of the form ‘his staunch belief..’, X must also begin with ‘his…’.
This is correct only in options C, D and E.
The intended meaning is that Mr. Micawber often had no good reason to
have an optimistic outlook. Since he is a character in a book written in the
past, simple past is the tense to be used. So, ‘has often been’ in option C
and ‘had often been’ in option B are both incorrect.
In option D, ‘having…’ modifies the entire preceding clause incorrectly. We

need ‘which’ to modify ‘optimistic outlook’. Thus, option E is correct.
9. OA - B
Option A: The core sentence is ‘The large-scale loss of confidence… led to

X… caused Y…, ultimately resulting in Z.’ An ‘and’ is missing before
‘caused’.
Option C: Says ‘The large scale loss of confidence that led to X…, causing
both Y and Z, ultimately resulting in A.’ – this is a sentence fragment
because it lacks a main verb; instead, it incorrectly uses the participle
‘causing’.
Option D: Says ‘The large scale loss of confidence that led to X…, caused
both Y and Z, ultimately resulted in A.’ An ‘and’ is missing before
‘ultimately’.
Option E: Says ‘The large scale loss of confidence leading to X…, caused
both Y and Z, ultimately resulted in A.’ The same issue as in D – missing
‘and’ before ‘ultimately’.
10. OA - B
There are 2 sets of actions: the dung beetle attaches itself to herbivores
and wait for them to drop dung; in the second stage, after capturing the
dung, the beetle rolls the dung (following a straight line) and buries it for
food or to make a brooding ball.
The subordinate actions must be in participial form – waiting, capturing,

following. The others must be in present tense and parallel to each other.
Secondly, ‘either for X or for Y’ is the right idiom.
Option A: uses the idiom ‘either for X or Y’ – incorrect.
Option C: ‘and’ before ‘capture’ is not necessary and destroys parallelism.
Option D: uses the incorrect idiom ‘either for X or Y’.
Option E: the use of ‘follow’ is incorrect as it is an action subordinate to

the act of rolling the dung and must be in participial form; if ‘follow’ is to
be used, it must be preceded by ‘and’.
Rate Yourself!
8 - 10 Great going! You seem to have mastered Parallelism!
0-3 Ouch! Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L.
Tenses
Identify the error and correct the following sentences:
1. I get ready right now.
2. I am living in India.
3. The earth is revolving around the Sun.
4. I’m getting up at 6 am every day.
5. She is coming on time always.
Answers
1. I’m getting ready right now. (the action is in progress)
2. I live in India. ( indefinite time/ not just right now)
3. The earth revolves around the sun. (Universal truth)
4. I get up at 6am every day. (Habit)
5. She comes on time always. (Habit)

Identify the voice and underline the doer of the action
1. Alan feeds his dog.
2. The dog is fed by Alan.
3. The family went to the beach.
4. The letter was written by Marshall.
5. The game had been won by the blue team.
6. The problem was solved.
7. The stunt man risked his life.
8. The fire was extinguished.
9. The car was being cleaned by its owner.
10. It gets cold here during the winter.

Answers
1. Alan feeds his dog. Voice- Active
2. The dog is fed by Alan. Voice- Passive
3. The family went to the beach. Voice- Active
4. The letter was written by Marshall. Voice- Passive
5. The game had been won by the blue team. Voice- Passive
6. The problem was solved. (Doer – Not mentioned) Voice- Passive
7. The stunt man risked his life. Voice- Active
8. The fire was extinguished. (Doer – Not mentioned) Voice- Passive
9. The car was being cleaned by its owner. (Doer – Not mentioned) Voice-
Passive
10. It gets cold here during the winter. Voice- Active
Rate Yourself!
4–7 Not bad!
0–3 Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L

Test Yourself with another Mini-Drill
Identify and correct the tense errors, if any, in the following

exercise.
1. Aliya has been planning join the dance classes; however, after
attending a session, she changed her mind.
2. It is raining since morning.
3. Last week, the actor has worn a yellow shirt with red pants, much to
the dismay of his designer.
4. Between 1992 and 1995, the small photography company had grown
into a $20M company.
5. Over the last decade, Sam’s catering business had grown into a $5M
company.
6. The small photography company had grown into a $20M company

before the competitors entered the market with more advanced
technologies.
7. As Monika goes to sleep, the telephone rang.
8. The salesman had been helping the customer at 6.30PM yesterday.
9. Once a week, Tom is washing his car.
10. The castle was being visited by many tourists ever since it was thrown
open to the public in 1985.
Answers
1. Correct Answer: Aliya had planned to join the dance classes;

however, after attending a session, she changed her mind.
Explanation: The sentence talks about the two sequential actions in the
past. Since Aliya planned first and changed her mind later, we need the
past perfect tense ‘had planned’ with the former action and simple past
‘changed’ in the second action.
2. Correct Answer: It has been raining since morning.

Explanation: ‘since’ suggests that the action started in past and has
continued into the present.
3. Correct Answer: Last week, the actor wore a yellow shirt with red
pants, much to the dismay of his designer.
Explanation: Since the sentence refers to a single action that happened
at a specific time in the past (last week), it requires simple past tense.
4. Correct Answer: Between 1992 and 1995, the small photography

company grew into a $20M company.
Explanation: Since the sentence refers to a single event that happened at
a specific time in the past (between 1992 and 1995), it requires simple
past tense.
5. Correct Answer: Over the last decade, Sam’s catering business has
grown into a $5M company.
Explanation: The phrase ‘over the last decade’ implies that the action
started in past but is true even in the present. The present perfect tense
‘has grown’ is required.
6. Correct Answer: The small photography company had grown into a

$20M company before the competitors entered the market with more
advanced technologies.
Explanation: The sentence talks about the two sequential actions in the
past. Since the company grew into a $20M business first and competitors
entered the market later, we need the past perfect tense ‘had grown’ with
the former event and simple past ‘entered’ for the later event.
7. Correct Answer: As Monika went to sleep, the telephone rang.

OR
As Monika goes to sleep, the telephone rings.
Explanation: “As” suggests simultaneity. The sentences need to maintain

tense consistency.
8. Correct Answer: The salesman was helping the customer at 6.30PM

yesterday.
Explanation: Only a single past event that occurred at a certain time is
being discussed – therefore, past continuous is sufficient.
9. Correct Answer: Once a week, Tom washes his car.

Explanation: The weekly car wash is a habit or routine of Tom’s –
therefore, simple present is the appropriate tense.
10. Correct Answer: The castle has been visited by many tourists ever
since it was thrown open to the public in 1985.
Explanation: The sentence refers to something that started sometime in
the past and is true to this day. Therefore, present perfect is appropriate.
Rate Yourself!
4–7 Not bad!
0–3 Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L

Concept test #6: Tenses
1. Oncology researchers have to know more about genetic predispositions
to understand the causative agents of cancer better and explore ways
to combat these.
(A) have to know

(B) had to know
(C) would have to know
(D) will have to know
(E) know
2. Critics say that the government had fallen in the recent election
because it had announced higher tax rates and allowed the prices of
essential commodities to soar unchecked last year.
(A) had fallen in the recent election because it had announced higher
tax rates and allowed
(B) fell out of favor in the recent election because it announced higher
tax rates and allowed
(C) fell out of favor in the recent election because it had announced
higher tax rates and allowed
(D) had fallen in the recent election because it announced higher tax
rates and allowed
(E) had fallen in the recent election because it had announced higher
tax rates and had allowed
3. The university pointed out their classes not happening regularly
because of frequent student strikes as the major reason for lacklustre
results in the academic year.
(A) their classes not happening regularly because of frequent student

strikes as
(B) their classes that did not happen regularly because of frequent
student strikes as
(C) that classes did not happen regularly because of frequent student
strikes,
(D) that classes that did not happen regularly because of frequent
student strikes was
(E) that classes not happening regularly because of frequent student

strikes was
4. In a recent New York Times article about teen violence, researchers at

the University of Albany, claiming that since most governmental
measures had failed to control unlicensed gun sales, high schools
became vulnerable targets.
(A) Albany, claiming that since most governmental measures had failed
to control unlicensed gun sales, high schools became
(B) Albany, claiming that since most governmental measures had failed
to control unlicensed gun sales, high schools had become
(C) Albany claimed that since most governmental measures failed to

control unlicensed gun sales, high schools have become
(D) Albany claimed that since most governmental measures had failed
to control unlicensed gun sales, high schools have become
(E) Albany have claimed that since most governmental measures fail to
control unlicensed gun sales, high schools had become
5. Because of the multi-party system in the Netherlands, no single party
has held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition
cabinets had to be formed
(A) has held a majority in parliament since the 19th century,

and coalition cabinets had to be formed.
(B) had held a majority in parliament since the 19th century,

and coalition cabinets were to be formed.
(C) held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition
cabinets had been formed.
(D) held a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and coalition
cabinets being formed.
(E) was holding a majority in parliament since the 19th century, and
coalition cabinets were formed.
6. Since suffrage had become universal in 1919, the Dutch political

system is dominated by three families of political parties to this day.
(A) had become universal in 1919, the Dutch political system is
(B) became universal in 1919, the Dutch political system has been
(C) became universal in 1919, the Dutch political system was
(D) had become universal in 1919, the Dutch political system was
(E) becoming universal in 1919, the Dutch political system has been
7. Since its inception in 1958, NASA led most US space exploration
efforts, and currently supports the International Space Station and
oversaw the development of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle.
(A) led most US space exploration efforts, and currently supports the
International Space Station and oversaw
(B) has led most US space exploration efforts, and currently supported
the International Space Station and oversaw
(C) led most US space exploration efforts, and currently supports the
International Space Station and oversees
(D) has led most US space exploration efforts, and is currently

supporting the International Space Station and overseeing
(E) had led most US space exploration efforts, and is currently

supporting the International Space Station and overseeing
8. A week after the Ministry of Heavy Industries rescued Glasgow’s

shipyards from closure, it announced that the Royal Navy warships
will be built in Scotland, provided the labor unions withdraw their
protests.
(A) rescued Glasgow’s shipyards from closure, it announced that the

Royal Navy warships will be
(B) rescued Glasgow’s shipyards from closure, it announced that the

Royal Navy warships would be
(C) rescued Glasgow’s shipyards from closure, it had announced that

the Royal Navy warships would be
(D) had rescued Glasgow’s shipyards from closure, it announced that

the Royal Navy warships will be
(E) had rescued Glasgow’s shipyards from closure, it had announced

that the Royal Navy warships will be
9. In addition to having directed many of his own star vehicles, Clint

Eastwood also directed films in which he did not appear, such as
Mystic River and Letters from Iwo Jima, for which he had received
Academy Award nominations.
(A) having directed many of his own star vehicles, Clint Eastwood also
directed films in which he did not appear, such as Mystic River and
Letters from Iwo Jima, for which he had received
(B) having directed many of his own star vehicles, Clint Eastwood has
also directed films in which he had not appeared, such as Mystic
River and Letters from Iwo Jima, for which he received
(C) directing many of his own star vehicles, Clint Eastwood has also
Letters from Iwo Jima, for which he received
(D) directing many of his own star vehicles, Clint Eastwood had also
Letters from Iwo Jima, for which he had received
(E) directing many of his own star vehicles, Clint Eastwood also
directed films in which he had not appeared, such as Mystic River
and Letters from Iwo Jima, for which he received
10. According to the latest issue of Traveller magazine, the publicity
campaigns that were conducted by the tourism departments of
Mauritius and Seychelles established these countries as the most
popular beach holiday destinations of the year.
(A) that were conducted by the tourism departments of Mauritius and

Seychelles established
(B) that were conducted by the tourism departments of Mauritius and

Seychelles had established
(C) that had been conducted by the tourism departments of Mauritius

and Seychelles had established
(D) conducted by the tourism departments of Mauritius and Seychelles

have established
(E) conducted by the tourism departments of Mauritius and Seychelles

established
1. OA – C
Concepts tested: tenses, meaning
We are talking about something that’s not materialized yet – in order to

understand the causes of cancer, researchers would need to know more
about genetic predispositions. Therefore, ‘would’ and not ‘will’ is correct.
Option B – past perfect is incorrect; Look for this clue – tense mismatch
between ‘had to’, ‘understand’ and ‘explore’.
Option E – causes a meaning ambiguity. It implies that oncology

researchers already know more about genetic predispositions.
2. OA – C
Concepts tested: tenses
This is the sequence of the 2 past events. Last year, the govt.
(1) announced higher taxes and
(2) allowed prices to soar.
So, in the recent election, it fell out of favor. According to the rule of
tenses, for this sequence to be communicated effectively, the earlier event
must be referred to in past perfect and the later one in simple past. This is
true only in option C, which is the right answer.
3. OA – E
Concepts tested: tenses, idioms, modifiers, subject verb
‘Pointed out that’ is the correct idiom. The missing ‘that’ alters the
meaning in options A and B – implies that the university physically
pointed out their classes – illogical.
Option C – ‘the major reason…’ modifies ‘strikes’ – implies that results

were lackluster because of the strikes; however, the real cause is the fact
that classes didn’t happen regularly.
Option D – plural subject ‘classes’ is incorrectly paired with singular verb

‘was’. Semantic error – implies that the classes were themselves
responsible for lackluster results – illogical. Thus, E is the right answer.
4. OA- D
Government measures were undertaken and had failed in the past. The
article was written recently about an issue (high school vulnerability) that
started in the recent past and has implications in the present. This
sequence of events is brought out most clearly if the oldest event (govt.
measures) is referred to using past perfect, the recent past event is
referred to using simple past, and the third consequential event is in
present perfect. This is correct only in option D. Hence, it is the right
answer.
5. OA – A
Option B – tense mismatch between ‘had held’ and ‘were to be’.
Option C – tense mismatch between ‘held’ and ‘had been’; sequence is

incorrect – the lack of single-party majority happened first, which was
why coalition cabinets were formed. Therefore, the older event must be in
past perfect and the later one in simple past.
Option D – incorrect matching of past tense ‘held’ with participle ‘being’.
Option E – the use of past continuous is inappropriate since simple past

will do. Mismatch between ‘was holding’ and ‘were formed’. Thus, A is the
right answer.
6. OA – B
Suffrage became universal in 1919 – past event 1. As there is only one

past event, simple past tense is sufficient to refer to it. Since then, up until
the present day, 3 political parties have dominated the Dutch political
system. This is something that started in the past and continues to the
present day – so, present perfect is appropriate. This is true only in option
B.
Option A – past perfect ‘had become’ is unnecessary.
Option C – ‘was dominated’ isn’t appropriate to talk about something

that’s still true today.
Option D – same issue as in option C.
Option E – ‘becoming’ is a participle, not a verb.

7. OA – D
NASA began leading US space exploration efforts in 1958, and has

continued to do so until the present. So, present perfect tense ‘has led’
must be used. This eliminates options A, C and E.
Since NASA is currently on these projects, past tense cannot be used – so,
‘supported’ and ‘oversaw’ are incorrect in options A and B.
Thus, D is the right answer.
8. OA – B
Though there are 2 past events here – the saving of the shipyards from
closure and the announcement regarding the warships – we do not need
past perfect to refer to the older event, because the sequence is already
made unambiguously clear through the use of the phrase ‘A week after’.
Therefore, options D and E, which begin with ‘had saved’ are incorrect.
Simple past will suffice. Since we are talking about a conditional

hypothetical statement here, ‘would’ and not ‘will’ is appropriate.
9. OA - C
The award nomination is the later event (happened after Eastwood

directed the films). So, it must be referred to in simple past.
Options A and D are both incorrect because they use ‘had received’.
Option B: tense mismatch between ‘has also directed’, and ‘had not
appeared’.
Option E: tense mismatch between ‘directed’, and ‘had not appeared’.
10. OA – D
This is the sequence of events (1) the tourism departments conducted

campaigns and now, (2) these countries have become established as the
most popular beach destinations. So, event 1 is in the past and event 2 is
in the present. Therefore, event 1 must be referred to in the simple past
tense and event 2 in the present perfect tense. This is correct only in
option D.
Rate Yourself!
8 - 10 Great going! You seem to have mastered Tenses!

Idioms
Identify and correct the idiomatic errors, if any, in the following

sentences.
1. The Mona Lisa is widely considered as the greatest portrait of all time.
2. The Mona Lisa is widely regarded as the greatest portrait of all time.
3. An increase in the incident of cancer in humans correlates to an

increase in the consumption of GM foods.
4. I’m unable to decide between a pie or a pastry.
5. A federal judge in Utah has prohibited the online service to operate in

six western states.
6. The initial decision for most new house buyers is if they want to
purchase a flat or an independent villa.
7. Just as this will improve your grammar, so will it increase your

accuracy on the section.
8. Hindi was declared to be the Official Language of the Union on 14th

September, 1949.
9. Some people associate the posture of a person to the level of his

confidence.
10. Amy gave the GMAT twice last year, but could not reach her target
score.
11. She prefers chocolate over vanilla.
12. The warden has forbidden students from coming late in the night.
Answers
1. The Mona Lisa is widely considered the greatest portrait of all time.
2. The Mona Lisa is widely regarded as the greatest portrait of all time.
3. An increase in the incident of cancer in humans correlates with an

increase in the consumption GM foods.
4. I’m unable to decide between a pie and a pastry.
5. A federal judge in Utah has prohibited the online service from

operating in six western states
6. The initial decision for most new house buyers is whether they want to
purchase a flat or an independent villa.
7. Just as this will improve your grammar, so too will it increase your
accuracy on the section.
8. Hindi was declared the Official Language of the Union on 14th

September, 1949.
9. Some people associate the posture of a person with the level of his
confidence.
10. Amy took the GMAT twice last year, but could not reach her target
score.
11. She prefers chocolate to vanilla.
12. The warden has forbidden students to come late in the night.
Rate Yourself!
5–8 Not bad!
0–4 Maybe you need to read the idiom list again. L

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Additional Questions from the new Sentence Corrections Guide

Test Yourself with this Mini-drill

Identify whether the nouns in boldface are countable or

1. The children are playing in the garden.

1. The children are playing in the garden.- Countable!

0 to 4 Perhaps you need to read the concepts again.

Identify whether each of the following sentences is a fragment,

1. Joan played. - Sentence

11- 14 Pretty good!

<7 Perhaps you need to read the concepts again. L

1. Charlie wants to learn Japanese.

2. Do you enjoy going to the beach in the summer?

3. The doctor is saving the injured man’s life.

4. My friend went shopping with me yesterday.

5. I am really frightened of my new manager!

6. Would you come with me?

7. The play was boring.

8. You should listen to me!

9. He is too young to understand the situation.

10. The finished product is a piece of artwork!

1. Charlie wants to learn Japanese. - (Infinitive)

2. Do you enjoy going to the beach in the summer? – (Gerund)

4. My friend went shopping with me yesterday. – (Gerund)

5. I am really frightened by new manager! – (Participle)

6. Would you come with me? - (Infinitive)

8. You should listen to me! - (Infinitive)

9. He is too young to understand the situation. - (Infinitive)

10. The finished product is a piece of artwork! – (Participle)

Underline and punctuate the appositives in the following

1. Mr. Williams, our principal, will be visiting us next week.

2. The captain ordered the worker to assemble the shallop, a large

3. The youngest of thirteen surviving children, Tagore was born in

4. Leonardo Dicaprio the famous American actor and film producer

5. Sweetbriar a company known throughout the South is considering a

7. An extraordinary student and talented musician Harry made his

8. Pay it forward, an extremely popular American film was panned by

10. Couplings, a British television sitcom, debuted to unimpressive

1. Mr. Williams, our principal, will be visiting us next week.

2. The captain ordered the worker to assemble the shallop, a large

3. The youngest of thirteen surviving children, Tagore was born in

4. Leonardo Dicaprio, the famous American actor and film

5. Sweetbriar, a company known throughout the South, is

7. An extraordinary student and talented musician. Harry made

8. Pay it forward, an extremely popular American film, was panned

10. Couplings, a British television sitcom, debuted to unimpressive

4-7 Not bad!

0-3 Maybe you need to read the concepts again. L

1. Suzanne and her brothers (is, are) at home.

2. Either my sister or my father (is, are) going to the meeting.

3. The pens or the pencils (is, are) in the bag.

5. Rose and Anne (doesn't, don't) want to see that play.

6. Ben (doesn't, don't) know the answer.

7. One of my friends (is, are) going on a trip to Kashmir.

8. The man with all the animals (live, lives) on my street.

10. The players, as well as the captain, (want, wants) to win.

11. Either answer (is, are) acceptable.

12. Every one of those books (is, are) fiction.

13. Nobody (know, knows) the trouble I've seen.

14. (Is, Are) the news on at five or at six?

17. (Is, Are) the tweezers in this drawer?

18. Your clothes (is/are) at the cleaner's.

20. The panel (debates, debate) these questions carefully.

1. Suzanne and her brothers are at home.