Grammar rules and sentence correction patterns tested on the GMAT verbal section.
39 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- When a compound subject is joined by 'and', what verb form is used?
- Use a plural verb, because the subject is plural.
- What verb form does a collective noun take (committee, team, group)?
- A singular verb, because a collective noun is treated as one unit.
- When joined by 'or' or 'nor', should a compound subject agree with the singular or plural part?
- The verb agrees with the subject nearest to it.
- Do intervening phrases between subject and verb affect subject-verb agreement?
- No, the verb must still agree with the true subject, not the intervening phrase.
- A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in what two ways?
- Number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third).
- What error occurs when a pronoun does not clearly refer to one specific noun?
- Ambiguous pronoun reference, which makes the sentence unclear.
- What is required for words in a list or series to create a clear sentence?
- Parallel structure, meaning they must have the same grammatical form.
- What grammatical error occurs when items connected by correlative conjunctions like 'either...or' have different forms?
- Faulty parallelism or lack of parallel structure.
- What is a dangling modifier?
- A modifier that does not clearly or logically modify any word in the sentence, leaving the intended subject unclear.
- What is a misplaced modifier?
- A modifier placed away from the word it is intended to describe, creating confusion or unintended meaning.
- Should verb tenses stay consistent when describing events at the same time?
- Yes, verb tenses must be consistent when events occur in the same time frame.
- What mood should be used for a hypothetical or contrary-to-fact condition?
- The subjunctive mood, often using 'were' instead of 'was'.
- Which verbs typically require a gerund (verb-ing form) rather than an infinitive?
- Verbs like 'enjoy', 'consider', 'finish', 'avoid', and 'recommend' typically take gerunds.
- Which verbs typically require an infinitive (to + verb) rather than a gerund?
- Verbs like 'want', 'attempt', 'decide', 'aim', and 'refuse' typically take infinitives.
- Is active voice or passive voice preferred in standard writing?
- Active voice is generally preferred because it is clearer and more direct.