Idioms 1 Flashcards
I value my ability to sing
Right
I value my ability of singing
Wrong (ability to)
I value my ability for singing
Wrong (ability to)
I value my ability for me to sing
Wrong (ability to)
This holiday allows Maria to watch the movie today
Right
Maria was allowed to watch the movie
Right
The demolition of the old building allows for new construction
Right
The holiday allowed for Maria to watch the movie
Wrong (should be to)
The holiday allowed Maria the watching of the movie
Wrong
The holiday allows that homework be done
Wrong
Homework is allowed for doing by Maria
Wrong
The allowing of shopping to do
Wrong
We are concerned about the forests and the oceans
Right
We are concerned about the forests, the oceans, and the mountains
Right
We work all night, and we sleep all day
Right
We are concerned about the forests and also the oceans
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We are concerned about the forests, also the oceans
Wrong (need and)
As I walked, I become more nervous
Right (=during)
As I had already paid, I was unconcerned
Right (=because, since)
As we did last year, we will win this year
Right (=in the same way)
Just as we did last year, we will win this year
Right (=in the same way)
As the president of the company, she works hard
Right (=in the role of)
As a child, I delivered newspapers
Right (=in the stage of being)
My first job was an apprenticeship as a sketch artist
Right
As part of the arrangement, he received severance
Right
As a part of the arrangement, he received severance
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
My first job was an apprenticeship of a sketch artist
Wrong (should be as)
They worked as a sketch artist
Wrong (needs to agree in number)
While being a child, I delivered newspapers
Wrong (should be as)
As being a child, I delivered newspapers
Wrong (eliminate being)
While in childhood, I delivered newspapers
Wrong (should be as)
Cheese is as great as people say
Right
Cheese is not as great as people say
Right
We have as many apples as need to be cooked
Right
We have three times as many pears as you
Right
We have 10 apples, about as many as we picked yesterday
Right
His knowledge springs as much from experience as from schooling
Right
He wins frequently, as much because he plays so hard as because he cheats
Right
Cheese is not so great as people say
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We have as many apples as or more apples than you
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We have as many apples as there need to be cooked
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
He wins frequently, as much because he plays as hard as because he cheats
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
Cheese is so great as people say
Wrong (replace so with as)
Cheese is so great that people say
Wrong(replace asÉas)
Cheese is as great that people say
Wrong(replace asÉas)
We have as many apples than you
Wrong
We have so many apples as you
Wrong (replace asÉas)
We have as many apples than you
Wrong (replace asÉas)
We have so many apples as you
Wrong (replace asÉas)
We have as many or more apples than you
Wrong
We have three times as many more pears as you
Wrong
We have 10 apples, about equivalent to what we picked yesterday
Wrong
His knowledge springs not from experience as from schooling
Wrong
Because the sun shines, plants grow
Right
Plants grow because the sun shines
Right
Because of the sun, plants grow
Right
By shining, the sun makes plants grow
Right
Plants grow, for the sun shines
Right (very formal)
Plants grow because of the sun, which shines
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
Plants are amazing in that they grow in the sun
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The growth of plants is explained by the fact that the sun shines
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
Plants grow because of the sun shining
Wrong
Plants grow as a result of the sun shining
Wrong
Because of shining, the sun makes the plants grow
Wrong
On account of shining (its shining), the sun makes plants grow
Wrong
Because the sun shines is the reason that plants grow
Wrong
The ability of plants to grow is because the sun shines
Wrong
Being that the sun shines, plants grow
Wrong
The growth of plants is explained because of the shining of the sun
Wrong
The growth of plants is explained because the sun shines
Wrong
Being infected does not make you sick
Right
The judges saw the horse being led to the stables
Right
Being an advocate of reform, I would like to make a different proposal
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
She believes that Gary is right
Right
She believes Gary to be right
Right
It is believed that Gary is right
Right
Gary is believed to be right
Right
Gary is believed by her to be right
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
She was interested both in plants and in animals
Right
She was interested in both plants and animals
Right
She was interested both in plants and animals
Wrong
She was interested both in plants as well as in animals
Wrong
She was interested both in plants but also in animals
Wrong
I study hard but take breaks
Right
I study hard, but I take breaks
Right
Although I take frequent naps, I study effectively
Right
Despite taking frequent naps, I study effectively
Right
I take frequent naps, yet I study effectively
Right
Despite the fact that I take frequent naps, I study effectively
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
Although a frequent napper, I study effectively
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
I study effectively, although taking frequent naps
Wrong
Although I take frequent naps, yet I study effectively
Wrong
Although I take frequent naps, and I study effectively
Wrong
Despite taking frequent naps, yet I study effectively
Wrong
The manager can run the plant
Right
The plant can cause damage
Right
It is possible for the plant to cause damage
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The plant possibly causes damage
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The manager has the capability of running the plant
Wrong
The plant has the possibility of causing damage
Wrong
I consider her a friend
Right
I consider her intelligent
Right
I consider illegal the law passed last week by the new regime
Right
The law is considered illegal
Right
The judge considers the law to be illegal
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The judge considers the law as illegal
Wrong
The judge considers the law should be illegal
Wrong
The judge considers the law as if it were illegal
Wrong
I will take either the subway or the bus
Right
I will take either the subway and the bus
Wrong
We expect the price to fall
Right
The price is expected to fall
Right
We expect that the price will fall
Right
It is expected that the price will fall
Right
Inflation rose more than we expected
Right
There is an expectation that the price will fall
Right
There is an expectation the price will fall
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
There is an expectation of the price falling
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The price is expected for it to fall
Wrong
It is expected that the price should fall
Wrong
The price fell from 10 euros to 3 euros
Right
The price fell to 3 euros from 10 euros
Right
The price fell from 10 euros down to 3 euros
Wrong
The price rose from 3 euros up to 10 euros
Wrong
She drank coffee in order to stay awake
Right
She drank coffee to stay awake
Right
She drank coffee in order that she might stay awake
Wrong
She drank coffee so as to stay awake
Wrong
She drank coffee for staying awake
Wrong
Coffee was drunk by her to stay awake
Wrong
A report indicates that unique bacteria live on our skin
Right
A report is indicative of the presence of unique bacteria in our skin
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
A report indicates unique bacteria live on our skin
Wrong (that is needed)
A report is indicative that unique bacteria live on our skin
Wrong
A report indicates unique bacteria as present on our skin
Wrong
A report indicates unique bacteria to live on our skin
Wrong
Like his sister, Matt drives fast cars
Right
Matt drives fast cars like his sister
Right
Matt drives fast cars like his sister’s
Right
Matt drives fast cars like his sister does
Wrong
Like his sister, so Matt drives fast cars
Wrong
She did not eat mangoes but ate other kinds of fruits
Right
She did not eat mangoes but liked other kinds of fruit and later began to like kiwis, too
Right
A tomato is not a vegetable but a fruit
Right
A tomato is not a vegetable but rather a fruit
Right
She did not eat mangoes but other kinds of fruit
Wrong
We wore not only boots but also sandals
Right
We wore not only boots, but also sandals
Right (comma is option)
We wore not just boots but also sandals
Right
We wore not only boots but sandals
Wrong
We wore not only boots but sandals as well
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We wore boots and also saddles
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We wore not only boots and also sandals
Wrong
We wore not only boots but, as well, sandals
Wrong
He wrote with pencils rather than with pens
Right
He wrote with pencils, but not pens
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
He wrote with pencils instead of with pens
Wrong (of with is incorrect)
The sauce was so hot as to burn my mouth
Right (BE CAFEFUL - GMAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH CALLING THIS CORRECT/INCORRECT)
The sauce had such heat as to burn my mouth
Wrong
The sauce had so much heat as to burn my mouth
Wrong
The book was so short that I could read it in one night
Right
The book was short enough for me to read in one night
Right
The book was so short I could read it
Suspect (that is preferred)
The book was of such shortness that I could read it
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
Such was the shortness of the book that I could read it
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The book had so much shortness that I could read it
Wrong
The book was of such shortness, I could read it
Wrong
The book was short to such a degree as to allow me to read it
Wrong
She gave money so that the school could offer scholarships
Right (=purpose)
She gave money, so the school was grateful
Suspect (=result)
She gave money so the school could offer scholarships
Wrong
Matt drives fast cars, such as Ferraris
Right (=example)
Matt enjoys driving such cars as Ferraris
Right
Matt enjoys intense activities, such as driving fast cars
Right
Marr drives fast cars like Ferraris
Suspect (= similar to, ‘example’ is implied)
Matt drives Ferraris and the like
Wrong
Matt drives Ferraris and other cars such as these
Wrong
Matt rains in many ways such as by driving on racetracks
Wrong
Matt enjoys intense activities, such as to drive fast cars
Wrong
His books are more impressive than those of other writers
Right
The paper is less impressive than that one
Right
This paper is no less impressive than that one
Right
This newspaper cost 50 cents more than that one
Right
More than 250 newspapers are published here
Right
Sales are higher this year than last year
Right
His books are more impressive as those of other writers
Wrong
This paper is more impressive rather than that one
Wrong
The paper is more impressive instead of that one
Wrong
This paper is no less impressive as that one
Wrong
This paper is none the less impressive than that one
Wrong
This newspaper cost 50 cents as much as that one
Wrong
As many as or more than 250 newspapers are published here
Wrong
Sales are higher this year over last year
Wrong
Unlike the spiny anteater, the aardvark is docile
Right
Unlike with the spiny anteater, the aardvark is docile
Wrong
I do not know whether I will go
Right
I do not know whether or not I will go
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
I do not know if I will go
Wrong (if requires a consequence)
I decided to eat the food, whether it was tasty or not
Right
Whether trash or treasure, the recyclables must be picked up
Right
Whether trash or also treasure, the recyclables must be picked up
Wrong
Whether they be trash or treasure, the recyclables must go
Wrong
The bay acted as a funnel for the tide
Right (=functioned as)
My friend acted like a fool
Right (=behaved in a similar manner)
The bay acted like a funnel for the tide
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The new rules will affect our performance
Right
The new rules will cause an effect on our performance
Wrong
After the gold rush, the mining town collapsed
Right
Following the gold rush, the mining town collapsed
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
His behavior aggravated the problem
Right (=made worse)
His behavior was aggravating to the problem
Wrong (=was annoying to)
They agree that electrons exist
Right
Electrons are particles that physicians agree exist
Right
They agree electrons exist
Suspect (that is preferred)
There is agreement among them to the fact that electrons exist
Wrong
Electrons are particles physicists agree that exist
Wrong
Electrons are particles physicists agree to exist
Wrong
Electrons are particles that physicians agree on as existing
Wrong
She aids her neighbor
Right
She provides aid to victims
Right
Aid for victims is available
Right
Her aid in walking the dog was appreciated
Right
Her aid to walk the dog was appreciated
Wrong
We adopted new procedures aimed at reducing theft
Right
We adopted new procedures with the aim of reducing theft
Right
We adopted new policies with the aim to reduce theft
Wrong
His anxiety about his company’s future is ill-founded
Right
His anxiety that his company may be sold is ill-founded
Right
His anxiety about his company may be sold is ill-founded
Wrong
Imperfections appear as tiny cracks
Right (=show up as)
He appears confused
Right (=seems)
The dinosaurs appear to have been relatively smart
Right
It appears that the dinosaurs were smart
Right
He appears as confused
Wrong
The dinosaurs appeared as smart
Wrong
The rules apply to all of us
Right
All of us are subject to the applicability of the rules
Wrong
I will leave, as long as it is safe
Right
I will leave, so long as it is safe
Right
I will leave, provided that it is safe
Right
I will leave, but it has to be safe
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
I will leave, but it be safe
Wrong
As you practice, so shall you play
Right (=in the same way or manner)
Just as you practice, so shall you play
Right(=in the same way or manner)
Just as you practice the piano regularly, you should study regularly
Right (=in the same way; the situations are analogous)
You practice, so shall you play
Wrong
Just like you practice, so shall you play
Wrong
I asked for his aid
Right
He asked her to go to the store
Right
He asked that she go to the store
Right (subjunctive)
He asked that she should go to the store
Wrong
We attribute the uprising to popular discontent
Right
We attribute the uprising as popular discontent
Wrong
Tech companies are as likely as the average company to fail
Right
Tech companies are as likely as the industry average to fail
Wrong (doesn’t compare apples to apples)
Aware of the danger, he fled
Right
Aware that danger was near, he fled
Right
With an awareness that danger was near, he fled
Wrong
With an awareness of the danger, he fled
Wrong
They passed a ban prohibiting us from carrying bottles
Right
They passed a ban that we cannot carry bottles
Wrong
The verdict was based on the evidence
Right
The jury reached a verdict based on the evidence
Right
Based on the evidence, the jury reached a verdict
Wrong
The movement began as a protest
Right (=was born as)
The movement began with a protest
Right (=protest was the first part)
The protest began a movement
Right (=causal)
The movement was begun from a protest
Wrong
A battle ensued between the reactionaries and the radicals
Right
A skirmish ensued among the combatants
Right (use among for more than two parties)
A battle ensued between the reactionaries with the radicals
Wrong
A battle ensued among the reactionaries and the radicals
Wrong
A battle ensued among the reactionaries with the radicals
Wrong
Within the boarders of a country
Right
In the boarders of a country
Wrong
Inside the boarders of a country
Wrong
I have one chance in a thousand of winning tonight
Right
I have one chance in a thousand for winning tonight
Wrong
I have one chance in a thousand that I will win tonight
Wrong
I have one in a thousand chances to win tonight
Wrong
I have one chance in a thousand for me to win tonight
Wrong
They claim that they can read minds
Right
They claim to be able to read minds
Right
They claim being able to read minds
Wrong
Costs are rising, but incomes have not increased comparably
Right
Costs are rising, but incomes have not increased to a comparable extent
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
In comparison with (or to) horses, zebras are vicious
Right
A zebra can be compared to a horse in many ways
Right
Compared with a horse, however, a zebra is very hard to tame
Right
When compared to horses, zebras are vicious
Wrong
Zebras are more vicious compared to horses
Wrong
He conceives of architecture as a dialogue
Right
His conception of architecture is as a dialogue
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
He conceives of architecture to be a dialogue
Wrong
We have confidence that the market will recover
Right
We have confidence in the market’s ability to recover
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We have confidence in the market to recover
Wrong
There is a strong connection between his grades and his effort
Right
There is a strong connection of his grades and his effort
Wrong
They contend that they can decipher the code
Right
They contend they can decipher the code
Wrong
They contend the code to be decipherable
Wrong
They contend the ability to decipher the code
Wrong
The danger will continue to grow
Right
The danger will continue its growth
Wrong
The danger will continue growth
Wrong
The danger will continue its growing
Wrong
In contrast with the zoo, the park charges no admission
Right
In contrast to the zoo, the park charges no admission
Right
Unlike the zoo, the park charges no admission
Right
As contrasted with the zoo, the park charges no admission
Wrong
In contrast to the zoo charging admission, the park does not
Wrong
She was convinced that she had been robbed
Right
Pollution costs us billions in increased medical bills
Right
The cost of pollution to us in billions in increased medical bills
Wrong
Increased medical bills cost us billions because of pollution
Wrong
You could do anything you want
Right
You have (or may have) the possibility of doing anything you want
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
You could possibly do anything you want
Wrong
We will create a team to lead the discussion
Right
We will create a team for leading the discussion
Wrong
Hugo credits Sally with good taste
Right
Sally is credited with good taste
Right
Sally is credited for good taste
Wrong
Sally is credited as a person with good taste
Wrong
Sally is credited to be a person with good taste
Wrong
We are in danger of forgetting the past
Right
We are endangered by forgetting the past
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We are in danger to forget the past
Wrong
We have a danger of forgetting (or to forget) the past
Wrong
They dated the artifact at three centuries old
Right
The artifact was dated at three centuries old
Right
The artifact was dated to be three centuries old
Wrong
The artifact was dated as being three centuries old
Wrong
She decided to start a company
Right
Her decision was to start a company
Wrong
I declared the election a fraud
Right
I declared the referendum invalid
Right
I declared invalid the referendum that the new regime imposed
Right
They declared that the election was a fraud
Right
They declared the election was a fraud
Suspect (that is preferred)
The judge declared the election to be a fraud
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The judge declared the election as a fraud
Wrong
The price of oil declined
Right
Oil declined in price
Right
The decline in the price of oil was unexpected
Right
My friend’s reputation declined
Right
My friend declined in reputation
Wrong
They demanded that the store be closed
Right
Their demand their the store be closed was not met
Right
They demanded the store to be closed
Wrong
They demanded that the store should be closed
Wrong
This window is designed to open
Right
The window is designed so that it opens
Wrong
The window is designed so as to open
Wrong
The winner was determined by a coin toss
Right
The winner was determined through (or because of) a coin toss
Wrong
The winner was determined from (or as a result of) a coin toss
Wrong
The executive developed her idea into a project
Right
The idea developed into a project
Right
An idea developed itself into a project
Wrong
My opinion differs from yours
Right
My opinion is different from yours
Right
My opinion is different in comparison to yours
Wrong
There is a difference in ability between us
Right
There is a difference between what you can do and what I can do
Right
There are differences in what you and I can do
Right
There are differences between what you and I can do
Wrong
Quantum mechanics is difficult to study
Right
Quantum mechanics is difficult for study
Wrong
I love the discovery that carbon can form soccer-ball molecules
Right
I love the discovery of carbon’s ability to form soccer-ball molecules
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
I love the discovery of carbon being able to form soccer-ball molecules
Wrong
She is disinclined to write to her parents
Right
She has a disinclination to write to her parents
Wrong
There is a disinclination on her past to write to her parents
Wrong
Her busy schedule brings out a disinclination in her to write to her parents
Wrong
The investor distinguished between trends and fads.
Right
There is a distinction between trends and fads
Right
The investor distinguished trends and fads
Wrong
The investor distinguished between trends from fads
Wrong
There is a distinction between trends with fads
Wrong
There is a distinction of trends to fads
Wrong
Trends have a distinction from fads
Wrong
I did not eat the cheese, but my mother did (or did so)
Right
I did not eat the cheese, but my mother did it (or did this)
Wrong
We do not doubt that the apples are ripe
Right
We have no doubt that the apples are ripe
Right
She doubts whether Jan will arrive on time
Right
She doubts that Jan will arrive on time
Suspect (doubt without no or not should not be followed by that - only whether or if)
We do not about whether the apples are ripe
Wrong
We have no doubt whether the apples are ripe
Wrong
The deficit is due to overspending
Right (=results from)
Our policy will not cover the damage due to fire
Right (=resulting from)
Because politicians spend money, we have a deficit
Right
Due to politicians spending money, we have a deficit
Wrong
Due to the fact that politicians spend money, we have a deficit
Wrong
The rise in gasoline prices has an economic impact on consumers
Right (=financial)
Our new car is more economical than our last
Right (=efficient)
The rise in gasoline prices has an economical impact on consumers
Wrong
She elected to withdraw her money early
Right
She elected early withdrawal of her money
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
She elected withdrawing her money early
Wrong
The book was short enough to read in a night
Right
The book was short enough for me to read in one night
Right
The power plant has found a way to generate energy at an unprecedented scale, enough for powering an entire city
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The book was short enough that I could read it in a single night
Wrong
The book was short enough for it to be read in a night
Wrong
The book was short enough so that I could read it in a night
Wrong
The book was short enough as to be read in a night
Wrong
He ensures that deadlines are (or will be) met
Right
He ensures that deadlines must be (or should be) met
Right
They are equipped to fight on any terrain
Right
They are equipped for fighting on any terrain
Wrong
She estimates the cost to be ten dollars
Right
The cost is estimated to be ten dollars
Right
She estimates the cost at ten dollars
Wrong
I am even richer than a prince
Right
I earn as much money as even the wealthiest king
Right
I am richer even than a prince
Wrong
I earn even as much money as the wealthiest king
Wrong
The economy is more fragile than ever before
Right
The economy is more fragile than never before
Wrong
The economy is more fragile as never before
Wrong
The economy is more than ever before fragile
Wrong
For every dollar saved, three dollars are wasted
Right
For every dollar saved, you waste three dollars
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
For every dollar saved wastes three dollars
Wrong
Expect for a final skirmish, the war was over
Right
Besides a final skirmish, the war was over
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
With the exception of a final skirmish, the war was over
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
Excepting a final skirmish, the war was over
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
We expend energy on neighborhood development
Right
We expend energy for neighborhood development
Wrong
We enjoyed the film to some extent
Right
The extent to which we enjoyed the film was moderate
Right
The extent that we enjoyed the film was moderate
Wrong
The criminals are at fault for breaking the law
Right
Breaking the law is the fault of the criminals
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
That the criminals broke the law is at fault
Wrong
It is the fault of the criminals who broke the law
Wrong
The scientist found that the reaction was unusual
Right
The scientist found the reaction to be unusual
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The scientist found the reaction was unusual
Wrong
The law forbids any citizen to vote twice
Right
The law forbids any citizen from voting twice
Wrong
The goal is to expand the company
Right
The goal is expansion of the company
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The goal is expanding the company
Wrong
She heard that her investment had paid off
Right
She heard of her investment paying off
Wrong
He helps rake the leaves
Right
He helps to rake the leaves
Right
He helps me rake the leaves
Right
He helps me to rake the leaves
Right
His help in raking the leaves has been welcome
Right
He helps me in raking the leaves
Wrong
I need him as help to rake the leaves
Wrong
The law holds that jaywalking is illegal
Right
The law holds jaywalking to be illegal
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The law holds jaywalking is illegal
Wrong
His example influenced me
Right
His example was an influence on me
Wrong
His example was influential on me
Wrong
We eat out often; for instance, last week we ate out every night
Right
We eat out often; as an instance, last week we ate out every night
Wrong
They avoided the arcade and instead went to a movie
Right
They avoided the arcade and rather went to a movie
Wrong
They avoided the arcade, rather went to a movie
Wrong
These groups often interact with one another (or each other)
Right
These groups often interact among one another
Wrong
These groups often interact with themselves
Wrong
The interaction of two nuclei colliding releases energy
Right
The interaction between two nuclei colliding releases energy
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The interaction where two nuclei collide releases energy
Wrong
She invested funds in research to study cancer
Right
She invested funds into (or for) research to study cancer
Wrong
She invested funds in research for studying cancer
Wrong
The culture was isolated from outside contact
Right
The culture was in isolation
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
The culture was in isolation from outside contact
Wrong
We know her to be brilliant
Right
She is known to be brilliant
Right
We know him as “Reggie”
Right
He is known as “Reggie”
Right
We know her as brilliant
Wrong (know as = named)
Old gadgets are lacking in features
Right
Old gadgets lack features
Right
The lack of features is upsetting
Right
There is a lack of engineers to build new gadgets
Suspect (look for a better alternative)
Old gadgets lack of features
Wrong
It is hard to build bridges lacking engineers
Wrong
Our utilities add up to less than 10% of our income
Right
Our utilities add up to lower than 10% of our income
Wrong
My doctor lets me swim in the ocean
Right
My doctor leaves me swim in the ocean
Wrong
The surgery will leave me to swim in the ocean
Wrong
Our strength lies in numbers
Right (=resides in)
Yesterday, our strength lay in numbers
Right (=resided in)
Tomorrow, our strength will lie in numbers
Right
