1. Grammar & Meaning Flashcards
What are the seven steps to approach Sentence Correction problems?
(1) Read the original sentence carefully, and make sure that you understand it
(2) Scan the choices vertically for splits
(3) Choose an easy split to start with (easy to spot, compare and decide)
(4) Make your decision on the first split
(5) Write down ABCDE and cross out the choices that you have eliminated
(6) Re-split the remaining choices, and eliminate until you have on answer left
(7) Put your final answer back into the original sentence
What are two basic concepts that are being tested on Sentence Correction problems?
(1) Grammar: does the sentence adhere to the rules of standard written English
(2) Meaning: does the sentence clearly indicate the author’s intended meaning?
What are the different ways sentence meaning is tested on the GMAT?
- Choose your words: make sure words with the intended definitions are used
- Place your words: single word placement can alter meaning (e.g. all, only)
- Match your words: pairs of words or phrases must match (e.g. subject-verb match, pronoun-noun match)
- Avoid redundancy: no GMAT correct answer will contain redundant words (e.g. expressions of time)
What is the difference between “economical” and “economic”?
Economical – cost-effective, efficient
Economic – monetary, business
What is the difference between “aggravate” and “aggravating”?
Aggravate – worsen
Aggravating – irritating
What is the difference between “known as” and “known to be”?
Known as – named
Known to be – acknowledged as
What is the difference between “loss of” and “loss in”?
Loss of – no longer in possession of
Loss in – decline in value
What is the difference between “mandate” and “have a mandate”?
Mandate – command
Have a mandate – have authority from voters
What is the difference between “native of” and “native to”?
Native of – person from
Native to – species that originated in
What is the difference between “range of” and “ranging”?
Range of – variety of
Ranging – varying
What is the difference between “rate of” and “rates for”?
Rate of – speed or frequency of
Rates for – prices for
What is the difference between “rise” and “raise”?
Rise – general increase
Raise – a bet or salary increase
What is the difference between “try to do” and “try doing”?
Try to do – seek to accomplish
Try doing – experiment with
What is the difference between “should” and “must”?
Should – moral obligation
Must – binding legal obligation
