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A Comprehensive SC Guide

Subject and verb

The subject of the sentence must agree with the verb of the
sentence.They must agree in number ( singular or plural ) and
person ( first, second or third).e.g

1). He and his friends are at college.

He and his friends--(plural subject).
are---(Plural verb).

2). The pen or the pencil is in the drawer.

The pen--( singular subject)
The pencil--(singular subject)
is---(singular verb)

The following are the situations where subject verb disagreement

is there but it is difficult to spot:-

1). Compound subjects

i). When the subject of a sentence is formed of two or more nouns

or pronouns connected by "and",we use a plural verb.e.g

Gold and silver are precious metals.

gold and silver--(plural subject)
are---(plural verb).

Note: Exception to the above rule is --- when the compound

subjects are preceded by “every,” “no,” or “nothing”

ii). When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected

by "or" or "nor", we use a singular verb.e.g

The book or the dictionary is in the last drawer of the table.

The book or the dictionary --( two singular nouns connected by
"or")
is---(singular verb)

iii). If the subjects are joined by “nor” or “or,” the verb agrees with
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the subject closer to the verb i.e (the last one).e.g

Neither Peter's relatives nor his wife agrees with his decision.
"his wife" is the subject closer to verb "agree "
his wife --(singular).
agrees---(Verb with s-ending).

Neither Peter's wife nor his relatives agree with his decision.
"his relatives" is the subject closer to verb "agree".
his relatives--(plural subject)
agree---(verb without s- ending:in diction form)

2). "Doesn't" is a contracted form of "does not" , so it

should be used only with a singular subject. "Don't" is a
contracted form of "do not" . It should be used only
with a plural subject.
The exception to this rule-- in the case of the first
person and second person, pronouns "I " and "you" as
with these pronouns, the contraction "don't" should be
used.e.g

I don't want it.

I--(singular pronoun)
don't is used.

He doesn't want it
He--(singular pronoun apart from I and you)
doesn't is used.

3). Intervening phrases and clauses do not affect the

subject-verb agreement.The verb agrees with the
subject, not with a noun or pronoun in the phrase or the
sentence.e.g

One of the books is costly.

One--(singular subject)
is---(singular verb)

The people who appreciate art are many.

The people--(plural subject)
are---(plural verb)
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4). The indefinite pronouns somebody, someone, each,

each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody,
anybody, anyone, nobody, and no-one are singular and
require a singular verb.e.g

Each of these recipies is delicious.

Each---( indefinite singular pronoun)
is---(singular verb)

5). Plural indefinite pronouns both, few, many, several

require a plural verb.e.g

Many of the riders were skinny, bold boys.

Many--(indefinite plural pronoun)
were---(plural verb)

6). A noun meaning one thing is always third -person

singular, even if it ends in -s:

The news was shattering.

news---(singular noun)
was---(singular verb)

Mumps is a painful disease.

Mumps--(singular noun)
is---(singular verb)

Note: When talking about an amount of money, the word "dollars"

requires a singular verb, but when referring to the dollars
themselves, a plural verb is required.

7). In sentences starting with there or here, the subject

follows the verb.e.g

There were three cars outside the office.

Cars---(plural subject)
were---(plural verb)

8). Collective nouns are singular when they refer to a

unit and plural when they refer to the individuals or
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elements of a unit.
The committee meets every friday evening.
Committee---(it is singular)
meets---(verb with s- ending)

9). The number of modified noun and pronoun depends

on the noun or pronoun itself--- not on the modifiers
attached to it.

The clouds that hovered over Delhi were thick.

Clouds---(plural subject)
were---(plural verb)

The President, accompanied by his wife, is travelling to New York.

The President--(singular subject)
is---(singular verb)

10). Pronouns variable in number include all, any, many,

more, most, some ,that,which and who.The number of
these pronouns depend on the number of the word or
phrase to which they refer.e.g

Some of the ice was melting.

ice--(Singular)
was---(singular verb)

This is an effort to provide clarity to students who want to improve

the verbal section of Gmat.I will be dealing with all the other rules
too.
If you have any queries regarding the explanation or any rule not
stated, you are most welcome.

Parallelism

GMAT Verbal Section -- Sentence correction

Parallelism or Parallel structure

Parallelism is the coordination of words, clauses and phrases in

a sentence. Parallelism heightens the relation between connected
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elements by lining up noun with noun, phrase with phrase, and

verb with verb.In Parallelism all linked words should match in
form. e.g

1). Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.

2). A living dog is better than a dead lion.

3). Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that
degrades human personality is unjust.

In the 3rd example, the construction of the second sentence is

fully parallel with the construction of the second.The similarity in
form helps to dramatize the difference between uplifts and
degrades, and between just and unjust.

a). Situations in which we should make use of parallel

constructions:

1). LIST

She was a personality before she became a person – she was

simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful, lazy,
and driven.

There are 8 adjectives used in the above sentence since all are adjectives
parallelism is maintained.

2). SERIES

A fool’s brain digests philosphy into folly, science into

superstition, and art into pedantry.

There are 3 matching phrases consisting of a noun plus a prepositional

phrase.

3). CONTRAST

They marched slowly but steadily.

Slowly and steadily show parallelism as both are adverbs.

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4). SERIES PLUS CONTRAST

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.

Use of 4 nouns show parallelism.

5). CHOICE

We can repair the roof now, or we can replace the entire house in a
year.

There are 2 independent clauses with the same subject and similar
predicates.

6). STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENCE

A life without festivities is a long road without inns.

Here there are 2 nouns plus a matching prepositional phrases.

7). CLASSIFICATION/DEFINITION

Economy is the art of making the most of life.

There is a noun and a noun phrase.

8). STATEMENT OF EVALUATION

For most men the love of justice is only the fear of suffering
injustice.

There are 2 noun phrases ,thus it shows parallelism.

9). COMPARISON

Walking in dust can be more rewarding than sitting on silk.

Here there are matching verbal nouns and prepositional phrases.

b). Using Correlatives with Parallelism

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Correlatives are words or phrases used in pairs to join words,

phrases, or clauses. Correlatives include:

Both…..and
Not only…..but also
Either…..or
Neither …..nor
Whether …..or

Examples:

1). Most tourists are willing either to travel by bus or by train.

2). They found mice not only in the cupboard but also under the
sink.

3). Michelangelo was both a great sculptor and a great painter.

NOTE: Besides placing correlatives properly, be careful to

use a parallel structure after each one:

Editing faulty parallelism

1). Incorrect – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than most

people.
Correct – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than most
people’s.
Or
Correct – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than that of most
people.
Or
Correct – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than the way of
most people.

2). Incorrect – The farmers will either find ways to cut their costs,
or the banks will lower the interest
rate on loans.
Correct – Either the farmers will find ways to cut their costs, or the
banks will lower the interest
rate on loans.
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c). Other rules for forming parallel structure

1). When two adjectives modify the same noun, they should have
similar forms.e.g

Incorrect - Brenda treated the patient swiftly and calm.

Correct - Brenda treated the patient swiftly and calmly.

2). When a series of clauses is listed, the verbs in each clause

must have the same form.e.g

Incorrect - On sunny days many like to skate on the village pond or

sledding on Mount
Knox.
Correct - On sunny days many like to skating on the village pond
or sledding on Mount
Knox.
OR
Correct - On sunny days many like to skate on the village pond or
to sled on Mount
Knox.

3). Both halves of a sentence should have the same structure.e.g

Incorrect - To acknowledge Divine wisdom is taking the first step to

nirana.
Correct - Acknowledging Divine wisdom is taking the first step to
nirana.
Correct - To acknowledge Divine wisdom is to take the first step to
nirvana.

Squinting Modifiers

GMAT Verbal Section -- Squinting Modifiers

Squinting modifiers create uncertainity by appearing to either of

two possible headwords
OR
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Squinting modifiers are those modifiers that are placed between two
words so that they could be understood to modify either word. e.g

The sight of teenagers hitting each other violently upset an elderly

couple.

To clarify the statement, we should move violently, placing it before

hitting if that is the correct meaning, or after couple -

Edited A- The sight of teenagers violently hitting each other upset an

elderly couple.

Edited B - The sight of teenagers hitting each other upset an elderly

couple violently.

Similarly below is another example -

To exercise regularly results in aches and pains.

Edited A - Regular exercise results in aches and pains.

Edited B - To exercise results regularly in aches and pains.

Dangling Modifiers

GMAT Verbal Section -- Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier is a modifier without a headword - a word or phrase that it can

modify. Since a modifier always needs a headword, it will attach itself to a false one if
the true one is not present in the sentence. The result will be a sentence like this:

Listening to the sad news, my eyes filled with tears.

Here the sentence opens with a modifier - the participle phrase Listening to the sad
news.After the modifier , there must be a headword naming the person(s) who did the
listening.But instead we come across my eyes.As a result, the sentence seems to say
that eyes heard some sad news .(The presence of my hints at the identity of the true
headword , but my itself is not a headword.It is a modifier of eyes.).

To clarify the sentence,the writer can do one of two things - rewrite the word group
following the modifier, or rewrite the modifier:

Edited A - Listening to the sad news, I felt my eyes filled with tears.

Edited B- As I listened to the sad news, my eyes filled with tears.

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For Gmat example of Dangling modifier click on the link below view sentence 24

Misplaced Modifiers

GMAT Verbal Section -- Misplaced Modifier

Placing modifiers - In general a modifier must be placed close to its

headword - that is the phrase or word it modifies.But different kinds
pf modifiers are placed at different positions.

1). Predicate adjectives follow linking verbs.

e.g

i). The days were cloudy.---- Here linking verb is "were" and cloudy
is predicate adjective .

ii). The ball was large and red.---- Here linking verb is "was" and
large and red is the predicate adjective.

2). Adjective phrases usually follow their headword.

e.g

i). A duffel bag with white lettering was left behind.---- Here "duffel
bag" is the headword and with white lettering is the adjective
phrase.

3). Adjectives and determiners usually precede their headword.

e.g

i). The child was bouncing a large, red ball.---- Here "the" and "a
large, red" are the determiner and adjective preceding their
headword "child" and "ball".

4). Adverbs can appear in various places near or next to their

headwords.

e.g

i). He always handles the eggs carefully.---- Here the adverbs are
"always" and "carefully".

5). Adverb phrases belong near their headword.

e.g
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i). They will work on the roof until sundown.---- Here the adverb
phrase is "on the roof until sundown" and its headword is "work".

6). Appositives usually belong next to their headword.

e.g

i). One of his jokes, a story about two fisherman lost in Chennai,
leaves an audience gasping for breath.---- Here headword is "jokes"
and "a story about two fisherman lost in Chennai" is the appositive.

7). Absolute phrases can precede or follow the noun they modify.

e.g

i). Its old timbers shifting, the house creaked.

OR

ii). The house, its old timbers shifting, creaked.

OR

iii). The house creaked, its old timbers shifting.---- In all 3 sentences
the noun is "house" and absolute phrase is "Its old timbers shifting".

8). Like adjectives, single participles normally precede their

headword.

e.g

i). A piece of broken glass glittered on the path.---- Here "broken" is

the single participle before its headword "glass".

9). Participle phrases can appear in various positions.

e.g

i). Waving to reporters, the President looked jubliant.---- Here

participle phrase is "waving to reporters" and its headword is
"president".

10). Infinitives and infinitive phrases follow the noun or adjective

they modify.

e.g
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i). Sacket is definitely one film to see.---- Here "to see" to see" is the
infinitive phrase following the noun "one film".

Editing misplaced modifiers

Misplaced modifiers do not point clearly to their headwords - the

words or phrases they modify.The result is a misleading, confusing
sentence.To edit the mistake, move the modifier next to its
headword.

e.g

i). Incorrect - There was a pumpkin on the porch witha a

smiling face.
Correct - There was a pumpkin with a smiling face on the
porch.

ii). Incorrect - The final scene two characters who, in the

beginning,had hated each other in a convincing
way.
Correct - The final scene unites in a convincing way two
characters who, in the beginning, had hated
each other.

Tomorrow I will introduce Dangling modifiers, editing of squinting modifiers editing

of misplaced restricters, and avoiding of split infinitive with examples.Any queries you
are most welcome to ask.

Tenses - 1

If an action began in the past and continues into the present, use the present perfect
tense.(Present Perfect = HAVE/ HAS + Past participle).

e.g - We have lived in a big mansion for five days.

(We lived in a big mansion for five days and still live there today)

If an action precedes an earlier past action, use the past perfect tense.(Past Perfect =
HAD + Past Participle)

e.g - The play had started by the time we arrived at the theater.
(The earlier past action -- had started - is in the past perfect tense, while the later past
action - arrived - is in the simple past tense.)

Otherwise, stick to simple tenses - as GMAT prefers simplicity.

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e.g -

Incorrect - I think that ancient people HAD BELIEVED in many Gods.

Correct - I think that ancient people BELIEVED in many Gods.

In the above sentence the past perfect (had believed) is unnecessary because the
sentence involves only one action in the past tense. Therefore, the simple past
(believed) is correct.

Note the difference in meanings in the two sentences stated below

When I switched the TV on, the programme started. I was just in time.

When I switched the TV on, the programme had started. I missed the beginning.

Few quick tips

1). There is -- considered wordy and may be frequently be omitted to create a more
concise sentence.

2). When more is used in the comparative form of an adjective (more difficult) or
adverb (more likely), it is followed by than.

3). They or it should not be used without definite antecedents. It must always be able to
replace a noun.

e.g -- In that store they make a customer feel stupid.--- they is referring to whom? Here
use of they is incorrect as there is no antecedent for they in this sentence so instead of
they a proper noun should be used.

Note:In expressions of time and weather antecedent of it is not given.

e.g -- It is too hot today.

4). Subject form of pronoun always comes after ‘than’ or ‘as’.

e.g -- Peggy is smaller than I (am).

5). Because of is not same as caused by. An adverbial phrase beginning with because
of answers the question "why" ?

e.g -- He is distrusted because of his deviousness. Here because of his deviousness is

an adverbial phrase.

Why is he distrusted ? because of his deviousness.

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6). Due to means caused by - Use due to only if it can be substituted by caused by.

7). Even if is used in conditional sentences to mean 'it doesn't matter if'.

e.g -- I will go on a tour of Europe next year even if none of you want to come with me.

8). We use a singular verb with the phrase the number of.

e.g -- The number of club members has increased this year.

9). We use a plural verb with the phrase a number of.

e.g -- A number of students were absent today.

10). Use of IN

i). IN + year / month / season

e.g -- in 1988 ; in september ; in winter ; in 21st century

ii). IN + a week or more

e.g -- in the easter holiday ; in the summer term

iii). IN + part of day

e.g -- in the morning ; in the evening

11). Use of ON

i). ON + day / date

e.g -- on wednesday ; on 15 April ; on that day

ii). ON + a single day

e.g -- on Easter monday ; on Christmas Day

iii). ON + day + part of day

e.g -- on Friday morning ; on Tuesday evening

12). Use of AT

i). AT + clock time / meal time

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e.g -- at three o'clock ; at lunch (- time) ; at that time ; at the moment

ii). AT + two or three days

e.g -- at Easter / Christmas ; at the weekend (US : on the weekend)

Note - Exceptions - I woke up in the night (= in the middle of the night) ; It happened
on Monday night ; I can't sleep at night (= when it is night)

13). We do not use in, on, or at before every, last, next, this, tomorrow and yesterday.

14). In time means 'early enough'

15). On time means at the right time , on schedule

"Like" vs "As"

Like - used to compare two nouns.

e.g

Incorrect - Gita and Sita, as their mother Reema, are extremely smart.
Correct - Gita and Sita, like their mother Reema, are extremely smart.

As - used to compare two clauses. (A clause is a phrase that includes a verb).

Incorrect - Just like swimming is good exercise, running is a way to burn calories.
Correct - Just as swimming is good exercise, running is a way to burn calories.

Note : Do not use Like when you mean for example.

It vs It's

Never confuse It with It's

A). Its - is a possessive determiner. (Possessive Pronoun)

Meaning - belonging to or associated with a thing previously mentioned or easily

identified.

e.g - Turn the camera on its side.

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B). It's - short form for either it is or it has.(Contraction)

e.g - 1). It's my fault. 2). It's been a hot day.

If you have trouble keeping them straight, try remembering this phrase:

Use its like his ; use it's like he's.

1). His tact impressed us. --- He's tactful.

2). Its beauty pleased us. --- It's beautiful.

Like vs Such As

What's the difference between like and such as?

Common mistake we make in there use -

Can you buy me some fruit like apples or pomegranate?

Why the above sentence is wrong?

Use of like in the above sentence mistakenly suggests that the speaker
does not wants apples or pomegranate, but rather some other fruit that is
similar to apples or watermelon.

In GMAT, like means similar to, and such as means for example.

e.g

Can you buy me some fruit like apples or watermelon?

In GMAT, this sentence implies that the speaker does NOT want apples or
watermelon; instead, he prefers some fruit similar to apples and
watermelon.

Correct - Can you buy me some fruit such as apples or watermelon?

apples and watermelon are examples of the type of fruit we want.

I would like you to buy such fruit as apples and watermelon for me.
This is simply a variation -- notice how such and as are separated.

Subjunctive Verbs

Subjunctive Verbs

A subjunctive verb is used to express -

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(1) conditional tenses, most of which involves would and were.

(2) wishes and demands, the construction of which follows two strict rules
(a) that always comes right after the verb, and
(b) the second verb is always in the infinitive form and should is always omitted.

The second use of a subjunctive construction

1). The following verbs are used --- with such a construction to express importance (in
such moods only).
Also remember that such verbs have other forms of usage (followed by to infinitive, for
example) when used in other moods.

ask
propose
demand
recommend
desire
request
insist
require
prefer
suggest .
urge

e.g

The Indian government demanded that the UK pay compensations for damages of the
Indian embassy.

2. Nouns derived from subjunctive verbs above are also used with the construction.

demand
recommendation
insistence
request
preference
request
proposal
suggestion

e.g

The UK is considering the proposal that it pay compensations for damages of the
Indian embassy.
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3. The adjectives below are also used to express subjunctive moods -

essential
imperative
important
necessary

e.g:

It is essential that the UK pay compensation for the Indian government for the
damages of the Indian embassy.

How to apply on Gmat questions:

The Forton-Dodd bill requires that a bank disclose to their customers how long they
will delay access to funds from deposited checks.

A.that a bank disclose to their customers how long they will delay access to funds from
deposited checks

B. a bank to disclose to their customers how long they will delay access to funds from a
deposited check.

C. that a bank disclose to its customers how long it will delay access to funds from
deposited checks

D. a bank that it should disclose to its customers how long it will delay access to funds
from a deposited check

E. that banks disclosed to customers how long access to funds from their deposited
check is to be delayed

Answer and Explanation -

Ans - C.
D, E - Subjunctive mood rules violated.
A, C - are all fine in the subjunctive rules while B conforms with the use of require
someone to do something.
The next point to choose the answer is a pronoun reference. Their and they in A and B
do not agree with a bank so these two choices get eliminated also.

Gmat Idioms

Most frequently used Idioms in Gmat questions -

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allow for
argue over
at a disadvantage
attribute to
between A and B
capable of
consider (without as, to be etc.)
consist of
contribute to
cost of something
cost to someone
be credited with
be given credit for - e.g Hipparchus, a Greek astronomer and mathematician, is
credited with designating positions on Earth.Hipparchus, a Greek astronomer and
mathematician, is given credit for designating positions on Earth.
debate over
define as
different from
distinguish A from B
distinguish between A and B
either A or B
forbid to
from A to B
in danger of
just as + clause, so too + clause
mistake for
model after
a native of
be native to
neither A nor B
not A but Bnot only A but also B (also observe parallelism)
not so much as
prevent from
prohibit from
persuade to
range from A to B
regard as
require to
required of
see as
so + adj. + as to
so + adj./adv. + that + clause
substitute A for B
view as
whether (not if and without or not)
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Here are few more IDIOMS

able to
ability to
accede to
according to
account for
accuse of
acquaint with
agree with
allow for
amount to
appear to
apply to
argue over
as __ as
associate with
assure that
at a disadvantage
attempt to
attend to
attention to
attest to
attribute to
available to
afflicted with
argue with
averse to
ask of
agree to
angry at

based on
because of
believe to be
between [a] and [b]

call for
craving for
choice of
choose from
choose to
claim to
collaborate with
conclude that
consequence of
 21

consider
consistent with
continue to
contrast with
contribute to
convert to
cost to/of
credit with
comply with
conform to
consider to be
composed of
compare with/to
consist in
consist with
consist of
correspond to
correspond with

date from
deal with
debate over
decide to
defend against
define as
delighted by
demonstrate that
depend on
depict as
descend from
different from
difficult to
distinguish [a] from [b]
draw on
due to
desirous of
divergent from
decide on

[in an] effort to

either…or
enamored with
encourage to
estimate to be
expose to
extend to
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extent of
equal to

fear that
fluctuations in
forbid to
force to
frequency of
from [a] to [b]
fail in hypothesize that

in contrast to
in danger of
in order to
in violation of
inclined to
infected with
instead of
introduce to
isolate from
intent to
in search of
inside

just as…so too

less than
likely to
liken to mistake for

model after
more than
move away from
meet with

[a] native of
native to
neither…nor
not [a] but [b]
not only…but also
not so much…as
necessity of
necessity for
name

on account of
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opportunity for
opportunity to
opposed to
opposite of
ought to

prejudiced against
permit to
persuade to
predisposed to
pressure to
prevent from
prized by
prohibit from
protect against
provide with
preferable to
prior to
partake of
practice for
practice to
practice of

question whether

range from [a] to [b]

rather than
regard as
replace with
require to
required of
[the] responsibility to
responsible for
result from, result in
rule that
result of

[the] same as
see as, send to
sense of so…that
spend on
subject to
substitute [a] for [b]
suffer from
superior to
supplant by
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suspicious of
sympathy for
sympathize with
separate from

target at
think of…as
threaten to
train to
transit to
try to
type of
tamper with
tie to
tend to

use as
[the] use of

view as
vote for

willing to
worry about

posted by Prachi Pareekh | Friday, June 16, 2006 | 1 comments links to this post

Problems with comparatives

Problems with Comparatives

Basics

1. Specific similarlity = as + adj./adv. + as

2. Comparative = adj./adv.: more + adj./adv. + than or

adj.er /adv.er + than

3. Superlative = adj./adv.: the most + adj./adv. or

the adj.est/adv.est

Always remember some irregular adjectives/adverbs like these -

good - better - best

far - farther or further - farthest or furthest
little - less - least
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many/much - more - most

bad - worse - worst

Points to remember

1). Be sure that you make a comparison with logically comparable nouns. You cannot
compare a company in India with USA but you can compare a company in India and a
company in USA.

You usually use "that of" or "those of" instead of repeating a noun to express a
logical comparative.

e.g

Incorrect: A car in India is much different from USA

Correct: A car in India is much different from that of USA

Incorrect: The question whether to divest themselves of stock in companies that do

business in South Africa is particularly troublesome for the nations 16 private Black
colleges because their economic bases are often more fragile than most predominantly
White colleges.

Correct: The question whether to divest themselves of stock in companies that do

business in South Africa is particularly troublesome for the naiton’s 16 private Black
colleges because their economic bases are often more fragile than those of most
predominantly White colleges.

You’re comparing between economic bases of Black colleges and economic bases of
White colleges.

2). Take care while using these pairs of similar words -

the same as - the same

similar to - similar
different from - different
like - alike

The formers are always followed by noun while the latters aren’t.

e.g

American cultures are (the same as/similar to/different from/like) those of England.
or
American cultures and those of England are (the same/similar/different/alike).
 26

3). Multiple numbers (half/twice/three times/ten times etc.) are always used with as
much/many as

e.g

USA has roughly twice as many people as India (does).

4). Fewer than and less than - Always use fewer than with a countable noun and leave
an uncountable noun for less than. Fortunately you don’t have a problem between
more (many) than and more (much) than!

e.g.

There are fewer people in Japan than there are in India. People in Japan spend less
time at home than do Americans.

5). Double comparatives - Remember this structure; The more ..........., the more........

e.g

Incorrect: Dr. Hakuta’s research among Hispanic children in the United States
indicates that the more the children use both Spanish and English , their intellectual
advantage is greater in skills underlying reading ability and nonverbal logic.

Correct: Dr. Hakuta’s research among Hispanic children in the United States indicates
that the more the children use both Spanish and English , the greater their intellectual
advantage in skills underlying reading ability and nonverbal logic.

When to use the Passive voice ????

Active voice is the better form to use. As a rule, the active voice is
preferred for business writing, and for any other form of writing that
requires the direct approach. The use of active voice increases vividness.

However, the passive voice is generally used when the subject of the
sentence is indefinite, general, or unimportant. In the sentence, They mine
coal in Pennysylvania, the subject is so indefinite that it is not clear what
is meant by they. It might mean the miners, the people, or the
companies.This sentence, and sentences like it, are improved by putting
the verb in the passive voice.

They mine coal in Pennysylvania. (Poor)

Coal is mined in Pennysylvania. (Better)

They grow wheat in many of our states. (Poor)

Wheat is grown in many of our states. (Better)
 27

The passive voice is also used when what was done is more important than
doer of the action. Study the following sentences:

The play, "Man and Superman," was written by Shaw. (Passive)

Shaw wrote the play "Man and Superman." (Active)

America was discovered by Columbus. (Passive)

Columbus discovered America. (Active)

In the first sentence, if you wish to emphasize the play more than the
author, put the verb in the passive voice. In the third sentence , if you
wish to emphasize the discovery more than the discoverer, put the verb in
the passive voice.

The use of the passive voice is generally used when you want to emphasize
the receiver rather than the doer. However, in the majority of cases the
active voice is more effective than the passive voice.

Note - In general, one should avoid passive voice in GMAT, passive voice
form may appear in a correct answer choice - especially in science,
medical and technical writing styles.

The passive voice is required when the non - underlined part of the
sentence contains the person or agent performing the action preceded by
the word by.

e.g - The shuttle launch seen around the world by people of all ages, all
races, and all religions.

This sentence is missing a verb, and it is therefore a fragment. Because

the people who are seeing the launch are at the end of the sentence,
preceded by the word by, we must use the passive voice to complete this
sentence:

The shuttle launch WAS seen sround the world by people of all ages, all
races, and all religions.

Forms of Verb 1 - Infinitive

What is infinitive form of verb? - It is of the form to + simple form of

verb.e.g - to take ; to surprise.

Uses of the Infinitive -

 28

1). After a verb - Verbs such as want, promise, plan, manage, forget,
choose, prove, hope, pretend, need, expect, decide are followed
immediately by an infinitive.

They expect to win the game.

She needs to apply for a scholarship.

2). After verb and object - With verbs that take an object, such as force,
allow, believe, need, persuade, urge, expect, want, the infinitive follows
the object.

She persuaded us to wait.

She urged her supporters not to leave.

3). After certain adjectives and nouns - Adjectives such as anxious, sorry,
easy, difficult, right, wrong, can be followed by infinitives.

It is easy (for you) to get to my house.

He was eager to meet his new boss.

Some nouns (such as way, place, time, decision, job, aim) are frequently
followed by an infinitive.

He has no place to relax.

It is time to go.

4). To express purpose

He is working at night (in order) to earn more money.

The Infinitive Without to

The infinitive form without to is used in the following idiomatic

expressions.

1). After a causative make, let , have + object

He made his sister drive the whole way.

He had her pay for the gas, too.

2). After the verb help

They helped us solve the problem.

Whether" vs 'If"
 29

Using ---- Whether and If

1). After Prepositions , we use only whether.

I haven't settled the question of whether I'll go back home.

There was a big argument about whether we should move to a new house.

2). Whether, but not if, is used before infinitives.

They can't decide whether to get married now or wait.

3). When a question-word clause is a subject or complement, whether is

preferred.

Whether we can stay with my mother is another matter. - (Subject)

The question is whether the man can be trusted. - (Complement)

The question is if the man can be trusted. - Correct but less preferred.

4). If an indirect question is fronted , whether is used.

Whether I'll have time I'm not sure at the moment.

5). Whether is generally preferred in a two - part question with or.

The Directors have not decided whether they will recommend a dividend or
reinvest the profits.

6). After verbs that are more common in a formal style, whether is
preferred.

We discussed whether we should close the shop.

7). Whether and if both can introduce indirect questions.

I'm not sure whether / if I'll have time.

8). Yes / No questions are reported with if or whether.

I don't know if / whether I can help you.

The link below further clarifies the use of "whether" and "if"
whether vs if
 30

Note - The word IF does not always signal a conditional sentence. In such
cases, the GMAT prefers "whether" instead of "if"

I don't know if I will go to the dance. (Incorrect)

I don't know whether I will go to the dance. (Correct)

t -- as subject of a sentence

The Third Person It as Subject of a sentence

It as a subject of a sentence can be used in two different ways.

1). As an empty or meaningless word in expressions that concern the time

or the weather:

It is one o'clock.
It is raining.
It will soon be suppertime.
It is frosty.

2). As the formal subject of a sentence, referring to the deferred real

subject that follows the verb:

It is useless to wait. (defered subject - to wait)

It is a pity that you must go. (defered subject - that you must go)

In sentences where it refers to a deferred subject, the latter can be moved

to the normal position preceding the verb;

To wait is useless.
That you must go is a pity.

In spite of vs Despite

In spite of - used to express the idea of contrast.

A). In spite of - is used as a preposition. In spite of + noun means almost same as

although + clause.

e.g - We went out in spite of the rain. ( = .... although it was raining.)

B). In spite of is the opposite of because of .

e.g - She passed her exams in spite of her teacher. => (She had a bad teacher)

She passed her exams because of her teacher. => (She had a good teacher).
 31

C). In spite of cannot be followed directly by a that - clause. Instead we can use in spite
of the fact that

e.g - He is a good company in spite of the fact that he talks all the time.

Note - In formal English, despite can be used in the same way as in spite of.

e.g

Sita went on working in spite of feeling unwell.-- Correct

Sita went on working despite feeling unwell.-- Correct

Using the Colon

Use a colon

1). To introduce a list coming at the end of sentence

Her house has four rooms: a kitchen, a parlor, a bedroom, and a bath-room.

2). To introduce an example or an explanation related to something just mentioned

The miser had only one desire: to see his gold coins.

3). To introduce a quotation (usually of more than one line) in an essay

4). After the salutation in a formal letter

5). To seperate hours from minutes when the time of day is shown in numerals.

Misusing the Colon

Do not use a colon

1). After such as or including

All of the old gang were there, including : Mush Head, Beaver, Sparky, and Mole.-
Incorrect colon use

2). Directly after a form of verb be

The three most popular composers of classical music, according to the poll, are : Bach,
Mozart, and Beethoven.- Incorrect colon use

3). Between a verb and its object or between a preposition and its object.
 32

The tourists went to: Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec.- Incorrect colon use

Using the Semicolon

Use a semicolon

1). To join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning

Some visitors thrive on activities; others seldom leave the lounge.

2). To join two independent clauses when the second begins with or includes a
conjunctive adverb, such as however, for example, or in addition

Everyone agrees that nuclear warfare is horrible; several nations, however, continue to
manufacture nuclear weapons.

3). To seperate main clauses linked by a conjunction if commas appear in the clauses

Early in the play, Samson, tormented by his bondage to the Phillistines, his blindness,
and his fall from glory, laments his condition; but he is careful to blame himself, not
God.

4). Between items in a series when one or more of the items include commas

The furniture consisted of a bed, with four large, shapeless pillows; five matching
wooden chairs with upright backs; and a corner cupboard imported from Bristol,
England.

Misusing Semicolons

Do not use semicolon

1). Between a phrase and the clause to which it belongs

We tinkered with the wiring of the loudspeakers; to increase the volume - Use of
semiclon is incorrect here.

2). Between a subordinate clause and the main clause

Even though I was exhausted; I listened to his complaints for two hours.- Use of
semicolon is incorrect here, we must use a comma here.

3). A semicolon to introduce a list

 33

Her house has four rooms; a kitchen, a parlor, a bedroom, and a bathroom.- Use of
semicolon is incorrect here, we must use a colon here.

Editing Comma Splices

Comma splice is the error of joining two independent clauses with nothing but a
comma.

Comma splice has two main forms -

1). Run on sentence joined by a comma alone. (Run on sentences are independent
clauses that have not been joined correctly).

e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking; others find it dull. - incorrect -
comma splice run-on.

2). Run on sentence joined by a comma and a word that is not a coordinating
conjunction.

e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking, however, others find it dull. -
incorrect - comma splice run-on.

There are 4 ways to revise a run on sentence.

1). Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking, but others find it dull. - Correct

2). Make the clauses into seperate sentences.

e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking. Others find it dull. - Correct

3). Restructure the sentence i.e convert an independent clause to

subordinate/dependent clause.

e.g - Although some gourmets like the new French cooking, others find it dull. -
Correct

4). Use a semicolon.

e.g -

Some gourmets like the new French cooking; others find it dull. - Correct
 34

OR

Some gourmets like the new French cooking; however, others find it dull. - Correct.

OG 10th - Ques number 10 - Example of Comma splice run-on.

10. However much United States voters may agree that there is waste in government
and that the government as a whole spends beyond its means, it is difficult to find
broad support for a movement toward a minimal state.

(A) However much United States voters may agree that

(E) There is agreement among United States voters that

A is the correct answer.

E - incorrect

E starts with an independent rather than a subordinate clause i.e

(There is agreement among United States voters that there is waste in
government and that the government as a whole spends beyond its means)

and

separates its two independent clauses with a comma hence creates a run-on sentence.
There is agreement among United States voters that there is waste in government and
that the government as a whole spends beyond its means -- Independent clause
It is difficult to find broad support for a movement toward a minimal state. --
Independent clause

Would vs Used to

1). Used to can refer to repeated actions and events in the past, in the same way as
would.

e.g

Sometimes he used to bring me little presents without saying why.

Sometimes he would bring me little presents without saying why.

2). Only used to, not would can refer to past states.

e.g

I used to have an old Rolls-Royce. (NOT - I would have an old Rolls-Royce.)

 35

3). We use used to, not would, to talk about regular and important habitual behaviour.

e.g

I used to smoke. (NOT- I would smoke.)

Would - Uses

Would is a modal auxilliary verb.

Would is used as a softer less definite form of will, in some cases as past of will.

1). In indirect speech, would is used after past reporting verbs where will was used in
direct speech.

e.g

Tomorrow will be fine - DIRECT

The forcast said the next day would be fine - INDIRECT

2). Future in past tense - Would is used to express the idea of "future in the past" - to
talk about a past action which had not yet happened at the time we are talking about.

e.g

In Berlin, he first met the woman he would one day marry.

There was a chance that my letter would arrive in time.

3). Would is used in polite requests and offers as a softer form of will.

e.g

Would you open the window, please?

If you would come this way.....

4). Would can refer to past willingness of a general kind, but not to willingness to do
something on a particular past occassion.

e.g

She would hoover, dust and iron, but she didn't like doing windows.
She agreed to come and see me . (NOT - She would come and see me)

But would not can be used to refer to a refusal on a particular past occassion.

e.g
 36

I asked her very politely, but she wouldn't tell me.

5). Conditional auxiliary: I would....if - Would is often used as an auxiliary with verbs
that refer to unnreal or uncertain situations - for example in sentences with if.

e.g

I would tell you if I knew.

It would have been nice if he'd thanked you.

6). Typical behaviour - Would is used as the past of will to talk about typical behaviour
in the past.

e.g

When she was old, she would sit in the corner talking to herself for hours.

Sentences with stressed would can be used to criticise people's behaviour.

e.g

He was a nice boy, but he would talk about himself all the time.

Stressed would can also be used to criticise a single past action - the meaning is ' that's
typical of you '

e.g

You would tell Sania about the party - I didn't want to invite her.

Ago vs Since

Ago vs. Since

Both words speak of the past, and they are often used interchangeably.

Ago - from the present to the past. It is used after the word or phrase it modifies,
especially with the simple past tense, not with the perfect tense.

e.g - It happened a few minutes ago.

Since - from the past to the present. It is used with the present or past perfect tense.
 37

e.g - I haven't eaten since breakfast.

Compare to vs Compare with

Compare to vs. Compare with

Compare to - is used to liken two things or to put them in the same

category. You should use "compare to" when you intend to simply
assert that two things are alike.Use "compared to" to illustrate that
two things are similar

e.g -

1). The economy can be compared to a stallion charging at the gate.

2). I compare getting comments from students in class to pulling
teeth.
3). She compared her work for women's rights to Susan B. Anthony's
campaign for women's suffrage.

Compare with - is used to place two things side by side for the
purpose of examining their similarities or differences. Use
"compared with" to illustrate the differences a comparison draws

e.g -

1). The American economy can be compared with the European

economy to note how military history impacts future economics.
2). It would be interesting to compare Purdue with Ohio State.
3). Ann has a 3.5 GPA, compared with Jim's 2.9.

Do vs Make

1. Do - for indefinite activities e.g with words like thing, something,

nothing, anything, what. e.g

a). Do something!
b). What shall we do?
c). Then Ram did a very strang thing.

2. Do - when we talk about work and jobs. e.g

a). I'm not going to do any work today.

b). It's time to do the accounts.
c). I would't like to do your job.
 38

3. We use do...... ing structure to talk about activities that take a certain
time, or are repeated. Usually there is a determiner (e.g the, my, some )
before the -ing form. Verb after do cannot have object in this structure.But
do can be used with a compound noun that includes verb + object. e.g

a). During the holidays I'm going to do some walking and a lot of reading.
b). I'm going to watch some TV.
c). I want to do some bird-watching this weekend.

4. Make - we use make to talk about constructing, building, creating etc.e.g

a). My father and I once made a boat.

b). Let's make a plan.

5. Common fixed expressions

do good, harm, business, one's best, a favour, sport, exercise, one's hair,
one's teeth, one's duty.

make a journey, an offer, arrangements, a suggestion, a decision, an

attempt, an effort, an excuse, an exception, a mistake, a noise, a phone
call, money, a profit, a fortune, peace, love, war, bed, a fire, progress.

6. After make + object, we use the infinitive without to. e.g

I made her cry. (not - I made her to cry. or I made her crying)

The infinitive must follow the object. e.g

I can't make the television work. ( not - I can't make work the television)

In passive constructions the infinitive with to is used. e.g

Ram was made to repeat the whole story.

7. In some cases make can be followed by myself, yourself etc and a past
participle. This structure is common with understood and heard. e.g

She had to shout to make herself heard.

8. We can talk about an effect or change with make + object +

adjective/noun . e.g

The rain made the grass wet. ( not - The rain made wet the grass).

We do not use make ... be in this structure.

 39

You have made me a happy man. ( not - You have made me be a happy
man).

Less vs Fewer

1). Less and Fewer -- Difference -

Less is the comparative of little ( used especially before uncountable

nouns).

e.g - I earn less money than you.

Whereas

Fewer is the comparative of few ( used before plural nouns)

e.g - I've got fewer problems than I used to have.

2). Less of and fewer of - used before determiners such as the,, my,
this and before pronouns.

e.g - At the college reunions, there are fewer of us each year.

I'd like to spend less of my time answering mails.

Before nouns without determiners, of is not used.

e.g - If you want to lose weight, eat less food. (NOT less of food)

3. Nouns can be dropped after less and fewer if the meaning is clear.

e.g - Some people go to church, but less/fewer than 20 years ago

Less can be used as an adverb (the opposite of adverb more)

e.g - I worry less than I used to.

4. Lesser - used to mean "smaller" or "not so much"

e.g - the lesser of two evils.

 40

Pronoun Errors

GMAT Verbal Section -- Pronoun Errors

Pronoun Errors

A pronoun is a word that stands for a noun.This noun is termed as antecedent of

pronoun.

(1). Pronouns must agree with their antecedant in both number (singular or plural)
and person (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.).

Definite Pronouns - Has antecedents.

Indefinite Pronouns - Has no antecedents.

Always singular Indefinite Pronoun - Anybody, either, one, each, none, anyone,
neither, another, some one, each one,anything, nobody,somebody,no-one, something,
everybody, nothing, everyone, whatever, everything, whichever, whoever.

Always plural Indefinite Pronouns - Both, few, others, several.

Sometimes singular sometimes plural Indefinite Pronouns -All, many, some, any, most.

e.g

Everything was in its place.

Everyone at the meeting voiced his/her opinion.

(2). Singular or plural depends on number of word or phrase to which it refers.

e.g

Some of the grass has lost its colour.

Some of the flowers have lost their petals.

(3). A pronoun should refer to one and only one noun or compound noun. This is the
most common error in test questions. If a pronoun follows two nouns, it is often
unclear which of the nouns the pronoun refers to.

Incorrect - The destabilization of the economy has left unstable stocks in the hands of
frightened investors. It is imperative that they be more tightly controlled.

Should the unstable stocks be controlled or the frightened investors?

Either interpretation is possible from the structure of the sentence.

 41

Correct - The destabilization of the economy has left unstable stocks in the hands of
frightened investors. It is imperative that the unstable stocks be more tightly controlled.

(4). Subjects and objects:Objects that come in end of prepositional phrases:

Subject Form --------- Object Form

I --------------------------- Me
You -----------------------You
He ------------------------Him
She ---------------------- Her
It ------------------------- It
We ---------------------- Us
They -------------------- Them

Incorrect - Her and me fought over the tea.

Correct - She and I fought over the tea.

(5). "They" or "it" should not be used without definite antecedents.

e.g

In that store they make a customer feel stupid.---Here use of they is incorrect as there
is no antecedent for "they" in this sentence so instead of they a proper noun should be
used.

Note:In expressions of time and weather antecedent of it is not given.

e.g

It is too hot today.

(6). A pronoun must also agree with its antecedent in person

Incorrect - When atheletes break training rules,we sometimes pay with poor
performances.
Correct - When atheletes break training rules,they sometimes pay with poor
performances.

(7). Subject form of pronoun always comes after ‘than’ or ‘as’.

eg

Peggy is smaller than I (am).

(8). Indefinite pronouns which are always singular require singular verbs.
 42

eg

Somebody has left her purse.

Everyone has done his/her homework.

(9) Pronouns either and neither require singular verbs even if seem to refer,in a sense
two things.

eg

Neither of the two traffic lights is working.