GMAT Sentence Correction: Common Grammar Mistakes

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used for admissions into graduate business programs, including MBA programs. One of the sections on the GMAT is Sentence Correction, which assesses your ability to identify and correct grammatical errors in sentences. To excel in this section, it's crucial to be aware of common grammar mistakes and how to correct them. In this article, we'll explore some of these common grammar errors and provide tips for GMAT Sentence Correction.

 Common Grammar Mistakes Tested on GMAT Sentence Correction

 1. Subject-Verb Agreement:

Error: 

Subject and verb do not agree in number.

Example: 

"The team of players was all wearing their jerseys."

Correction: 

"The team of players were all wearing their jerseys."

 2. Pronoun Agreement:

Error: 

Pronoun does not agree in number or gender with its antecedent.

Example: 

"Each student should bring their textbook."

Correction: 

"Each student should bring his or her textbook."

 3. Verb Tense:

Error: 

Incorrect verb tense usage.

Example: 

"I have met her yesterday."

Correction: 

"I met her yesterday."

 4. Run-On Sentences:

Error: 

Two independent clauses are not properly joined or punctuated.

Example: 

"I wanted to go to the store I was out of milk."

Correction: 

"I wanted to go to the store because I was out of milk."

 5. Modifier Placement:

Error: 

Misplaced or dangling modifiers.

Example: 

"Running late, the car wouldn't start."

Correction: 

"Running late, I found that the car wouldn't start."

 6. Parallel Structure:

Error:

Lack of parallelism in sentence elements.

Example: 

"She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bike."

Correction: 

"She likes hiking, swimming, and biking."

 7. Comparisons:

Error: 

Incorrect or illogical comparisons.

Example: 

"He is taller than his brother."

Correction: 

"He is taller than his brother is."

 8. Double Negatives:

Error:

Use of double negatives that make the sentence confusing.

Example: 

"I don't need no help."

Correction: 

"I don't need any help."

 Tips for GMAT Sentence Correction

1. Read the Entire Sentence: 

Always read the entire sentence before selecting an answer. The error might be at the beginning or middle of the sentence.

2. Understand the Meaning: 

Focus on the intended meaning of the sentence. Sometimes, the correct choice may change the meaning slightly to make it grammatically correct.

3. Pay Attention to Redundancy: 

Look for redundancy and unnecessary repetition in the sentence. Correct answers often eliminate redundancy.

4. Be Cautious of Idioms: 

GMAT Sentence Correction may test idiomatic expressions. Pay attention to common idiomatic phrases and how they should be used.

5. Don't Overcomplicate: 

Often, the simpler answer is the correct one. Don't overcomplicate sentences with unnecessary words or structures.

6. Eliminate Distractors: 

Carefully eliminate answer choices that are grammatically incorrect or change the meaning of the sentence.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice: 

GMAT Sentence Correction requires practice. Work on a variety of sentence correction questions to become familiar with the types of errors tested.

8. Read Actively: 

When reading sentences, read actively. Look for grammatical errors, subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and other common issues.

 Conclusion

GMAT Sentence Correction tests your ability to identify and correct common grammar mistakes. By understanding these mistakes, practicing with GMAT-style questions, and reviewing the rules of English grammar, you can improve your performance in this section and enhance your overall GMAT score.

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