sc Flashcards
“As the weather gets colder, so do the nights.”
“As the weather gets colder, so it is that the nights do.”
Front: Correct: “As the weather gets colder, so do the nights.” Incorrect: “As the weather gets colder, so it is that the nights do.”
Back: The “as…so” structure requires parallelism. The sentence parts following ‘as’ and ‘so’ should mirror each other in structure for a clear comparison. The incorrect example adds unnecessary words, disrupting the parallel structure.
“Like with her sister, she excels in mathematics.”
“Like her sister, she excels in mathematics.”
Front: Correct: “Like her sister, she excels in mathematics.” Incorrect: “Like with her sister, she excels in mathematics.”
Back: Use “like” for straightforward comparisons between nouns or pronouns. “Like with” is incorrect because it disrupts the direct comparison. “Like” should directly precede the noun or pronoun being compared.
“His style like that Hemingway’s, is concise.”
“His style, like Hemingway’s, is concise.”
“His style, like that of Hemingway, is concise.”
Front: Correct: “His style, like Hemingway’s, is concise.” or “His style, like that of Hemingway, is concise.”
Incorrect: “His style like that Hemingway’s, is concise.”
Back: Avoid using “that” in simple comparisons. It’s used for defining or specifying in more complex sentences. The incorrect example interrupts the flow of the comparison and is grammatically incorrect.
“As demand increases, so does supply.”
“As demand increases, so it is that supply does.”
Front: Correct: “As demand increases, so does supply.” Incorrect: “As demand increases, so it is that supply does.”
Back: Avoid redundancy in comparisons. Phrases like “so it is that” are unnecessary and make the sentence awkward. The correct structure directly parallels the two compared elements without extra words.
“whether it has been altered since completion and whether Leonardo da Vinci first sketched the figure in black, a practice employed”
“whether it was altered since completion and whether Leonardo da Vinci first sketched the figure in black, as was done”
the word “since” requires the present perfect (have attracted)to show that the event started in the past, but is still going on today.
“whether it has been altered since completion and whether Leonardo da Vinci first sketched the figure in black, a practice employed”
The TGV, France’s high-speed train, set a record in 2007 to become the fastest nonmagnetic train, which shuttles passengers from Lorraine to Champagne-Ardenne and averages over 293 kilometers per hour (173 miles per hour).
C. set a record in 2007 to become the fastest nonmagnetic train, it shuttles
D. which set a record in 2007 to become the fastest nonmagnetic train, shuttles
The TGV, France’s high-speed train, set a record in 2007 to become the fastest nonmagnetic train, which shuttles passengers from Lorraine to Champagne-Ardenne and averages over 293 kilometers per hour (173 miles per hour).
C. set a record in 2007 to become the fastest nonmagnetic train, it shuttles
D. which set a record in 2007 to become the fastest nonmagnetic train, shuttles
D is correct as C has run on sentence
A block of multimedia text differs from a paragraph in that the work is necessarily fragmented
(A) in that the
(B) since the
(C) because of the
(D) due to the
(E) that the
I didn’t understand the question at all, but I solved it using the SC principles.
A. Correct
B. Wrong: “since” (to indicate causality) is wrong in SC, ONLY in SC. “since” is valid in SC, if it refers to time.
C .Wrong: clauses cannot be located after “because of”
D. Wrong: “due to” means “caused by”. It doesn’t match in this sentence.
E. Wrong: Usually, a relative clause inside other relative clause is wrong.
“Because of the rain was heavy, the event was canceled.”
“Because of the rain, the event was canceled.”
Front: Correct: “Because of the rain, the event was canceled.” Incorrect: “Because of the rain was heavy, the event was canceled.”
Back: “Because of” should be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a clause. A clause has a subject and a verb, which “because of” cannot introduce. The correct sentence uses “because of” followed by the noun phrase “the rain”. An incorrect usage mistakenly follows “because of” with a clause “the rain was heavy”. If you need to use a clause, use “because”: “Because the rain was heavy, the event was canceled.”
The writings of Jorge Luis Borges have been compared to many other authors. Franz Kafka and James Jovce in particular, but with a style that is unique.
“those of many other authors, Franz Kafka and James Joyce in particular, but, in fact, his style is unique.”
“many other authors, Franz Kafka and James Joyce in particular, but with a style that is unique.”
“that of many other authors, Franz Kafka’s and James Joyce’s in particular, but with a unique style”
Front: Correct: “those of many other authors, Franz Kafka and James Joyce in particular, but, in fact, his style is unique.” Incorrect: “many other authors, Franz Kafka and James Joyce in particular, but with a style that is unique.”
Back: The correct sentence uses “those of” to clearly refer to the writings of other authors, ensuring a proper and clear comparison. It compares Borges’s writings (“those of”) with the writings of other authors, specifically Kafka and Joyce. The incorrect sentence lacks this clear referent, making the comparison ambiguous. Additionally, the correct sentence concisely states that Borges’s style is unique, avoiding the awkward and less clear phrasing “but with a style that is unique.”
“Many classic novels, such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ explore themes of social justice and morality.”
“Many classic novels, like ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ explore themes of social justice and morality.”
In the correct example, “such as” is appropriately used to introduce specific examples of classic novels. In the incorrect example, “like” is used instead of “such as,” which is less appropriate for listing examples. “Like” is generally used for comparisons, not for providing examples.
“The menu offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, like tofu stir-fry, vegetable curry, and mushroom risotto.”
“The menu offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, including tofu stir-fry, vegetable curry, and mushroom risotto.”
In the correct example, “including” is properly used to introduce specific examples of vegetarian dishes. In the incorrect example, “like” is inappropriately used where the intention is to list examples of dishes. “Like” is generally better suited for drawing comparisons rather than listing specific examples.
“His behavior is like a lion’s, fierce and commanding.”
Playing squash, just like playing soccer, is a great way of staying fit
Such as vs. Like
○ Such as (examples)
○ Like = comparison (similar to)
○ Never use “like” to introduce examples… use “Such as” or “Including”
John has joined Biotech industry as his brother.
Should be:
* John has joined Biotech industry as his brother did.
* John has joined Biotech industry like his brother.
“The cancellation was due to the rain.”
“He missed the bus due to waking up late.”
“Due to” modifies nouns and is generally used after some form of the verb “to be.” It’s typically used to give the reason for a noun’s state or condition. In the correct example, “due to the rain” modifies the noun “cancellation.” In the incorrect example, “due to” improperly attempts to modify the verb phrase “missed the bus,” which requires “because of.”
“The cancellation was because of the rain.”
“He missed the bus because of waking up late.”
“Because of” modifies verbs and is used to indicate the cause of an action. It gives the reason why something happens. In the correct example, “because of waking up late” explains why “he missed the bus.” In the incorrect example, “because of” is awkwardly used with the noun “cancellation,” where “due to” would be more appropriate.
“She asked whether he would attend the meeting.”
“She asked if he would attend the meeting “
“Whether” is used when indicating two or more alternatives or when the statement is followed by “or not.” It is often the correct choice in formal writing when referring to a situation with two distinct possibilities. In the correct example, “whether” properly introduces the alternatives (attending or not attending the meeting).
“If” is used to introduce a conditional clause and is suitable when there are no explicit alternatives or ‘or not’ scenario. It is appropriate when the focus is on a single conditional possibility. In the correct example, “if” introduces the condition of coming to the party.
“Let me know whether you will be coming to the party or not.”
“Choose between the many colors available.”
“Choose between the red and blue shirts.”
Front: Correct: “Choose between the red and blue shirts.” Incorrect: “Choose between the many colors available.”
Back: “Between” is used when referring to distinct, individual items, usually two. It emphasizes one-to-one relationships. In the correct example, the choice is clearly between two specific shirts. In the incorrect example, “between” is improperly used for a choice among multiple items, where “among” would be more appropriate.
“She is popular among her classmates.”
“She had to choose among the red and blue shirts.”
Front: Correct: “She is popular among her classmates.” Incorrect: “She had to choose among the red and blue shirts.”
Back: “Among” is used when referring to things that are part of a group or mass of items, typically more than two. It is used when the items are part of a collective or undefined group. In the correct example, “among” is used correctly to indicate a relationship within a group. In the incorrect example, the choice is between two distinct items, making “between” the appropriate word.
“His advice is always valuable, the more so because of his extensive experience.”
“His advice is always valuable, the more so he has experience.”
Front: Correct: “His advice is always valuable, the more so because of his extensive experience.” Incorrect: “His advice is always valuable, the more so he has experience.”
Back: “The more so” is used to emphasize a particular reason that adds to a previous statement, making it more significant or true. It’s typically followed by a clause starting with “because” or a similar word to explain why the first part of the statement is particularly true or important. In the correct example, “the more so” is used effectively to emphasize why his advice is valuable (because of his extensive experience). In the incorrect example, the structure is awkward and does not properly convey the intended meaning. The phrase “the more so” should lead into a reason or explanation, not just be followed by a phrase or clause without a conjunction.
The more so = even more so
○ Examples:
○ 1. The play was impressive, [all] the more so because the students had written it
themselves. (all is not necessary)
○ Same as saying: The play was impressive, even more so because the students had written
it themselves.
○ 2. Like the Dreyfus affair at the turn of the century and the Sacco-Vanzetti trial in 1921,
the Hiss case became the political cause of an era, the more so because it was the first
time a congressional hearing was shown on television.
I consider Karen a friend
I consider Karen as a friend
I consider Karen to be a friend
“Consider” is directly followed by an object and a complement without any preposition.
Correct: I consider Karen a friend
“He is widely regarded to be an expert in his field.”
“He is widely regarded as an expert in his field.”
Front: Correct: “He is widely regarded as an expert in his field.” Incorrect: “He is widely regarded to be an expert in his field.”
Back: “Regard as” is the correct construction when expressing an opinion or perception about someone or something. It directly links the subject with the complement (the opinion or perception), forming a statement of equivalence. In the correct example, “regarded as an expert” clearly conveys the opinion that he is an expert. The incorrect example, “regarded to be an expert,” uses an unconventional and awkward construction that is not standard in English.
“She views him to be a reliable leader.”
“She views him as a reliable leader.”
Front: Correct: “She views him as a reliable leader.” Incorrect: “She views him to be a reliable leader.”
Back: “View as” is the correct construction for expressing a perception or opinion about someone or something. It directly connects the subject with the complement (the opinion or perception), forming a statement of equivalence. In the correct example, “views him as a reliable leader” clearly conveys the perception that he is a reliable leader. The incorrect example, “views him to be a reliable leader,” uses a non-standard and awkward construction that is not typically used in English.
“She prefers reading to watching TV.”
“She prefers reading over watching TV.”
Front: Correct: “She prefers reading to watching TV.” Incorrect: “She prefers reading over watching TV.”
Back: “Prefer to” is used to indicate a preference between two actions, typically with verbs or verb phrases. It is structured as “prefer [verb/verb phrase] to [verb/verb phrase].” In the correct example, the preference is clearly between two activities: reading and watching TV. The incorrect example mistakenly uses “over” where “to” is the appropriate preposition for comparing actions.
“MY dog was estimated to be 4 years old”
“The shelter estimated my dog at 4 years old”
ESTIMATE TO BE vs. Estimate at
○ Correct: MY dog was estimated to be 4 years old.
○ Wrong: The shelter estimated my dog at 4 years old
The bar prohibits that anyone under 21 sits at the bar
The bar prohibits anyone under the age of 21 to sit in the area
The bar prohibits from sitting in the are for anyone under the age of 21
PROHIBIT FROM vs. Prohibit that vs. Prohibit to
○ Prohibit from: I was prohibited from X.
○ WRONG: The bar prohibits that anyone under 21 sits at the bar.
○ WRONG: The bar prohibits anyone under the age of 21 to sit in the area.
The test forbids students from using mechanical pencils.
The test forbids students to use mechanical pencils.
The test forbids that students use their own mechanical pencils.
FORBID TO vs. Forbid from vs. Forbit that
○ RIGHT = Forbid to
○ WRONG: The test forbids students from using mechanical pencils.
○ WRONG: The test forbids that students use their own mechanical pencils.
My shoes are different from Deven’s
My shoes are different than Deven’s
DIFFERENT FROM vs. Different than
○ DIFFERENT FROM is always the right usage in comparisons
○ EX: My shoes are different FROM Deven’s.
“It’s important to distinguish facts from opinions.”
“It’s important to distinguish between facts and opinions.”
Front: Correct: “It’s important to distinguish facts from opinions.” Incorrect: “It’s important to distinguish between facts from opinions.”
Back: “Distinguish X from Y” is used to directly compare two things and emphasize the differences between them. This construction clearly separates X and Y. In the correct example, the sentence directly contrasts “facts” and “opinions.” The incorrect example mixes the constructions, leading to a grammatical error.
DISTINGUISH X FROM y vs. Distinguish between x and y
○ Distinguish… from = right
“I need to decide whether or not to attend the meeting.”
“I need to decide whether to attend the meeting.”
Front: Correct: “I need to decide whether to attend the meeting.” Incorrect: “I need to decide whether or not to attend the meeting.”
Back: “Whether” is used to present two alternatives implicitly, where “or not” is usually understood. Adding “or not” can be redundant. The phrase should be concise and direct. In the correct example, “whether to attend the meeting” clearly suggests the choice between attending and not attending. The incorrect example adds “or not,” which is unnecessary and can be seen as redundant in formal writing and on tests like the GMAT.
“She is skilled in both mathematics as well as science.”
“She is skilled in both mathematics and science.”
Front: Correct: “She is skilled in both mathematics and science.” Incorrect: “She is skilled in both mathematics as well as science.”
Back: The correct structure “both X and Y” is used to emphasize the inclusion of two elements or aspects. It’s straightforward and not redundant. In the correct example, “both mathematics and science” clearly includes the two subjects together. The incorrect example, “both mathematics as well as science,” is redundant because “both” and “as well as” serve the same function, making one of them unnecessary. The standard and concise way to express this idea is simply “both X and Y.”
“He had many water in his glass.”
“He had many questions about the topic.”
“Many” is used with countable nouns, which can be individually counted. In the correct example, “questions” is a countable noun, so “many” is used correctly to indicate a large number of questions. In the incorrect example, “water” is uncountable, so “much” should be used instead of “many.”
“There isn’t much happiness in his life.”
“There isn’t much chairs in the room.”
Front: Correct: “There isn’t much happiness in his life.” Incorrect: “There isn’t much chairs in the room.”
Back: “Much” is used with uncountable nouns, which cannot be individually counted. In the correct example, “happiness” is an uncountable noun, so “much” is used correctly to describe the quantity of happiness. In the incorrect example, “chairs” is a countable noun, so “many” should be used instead of “much.”
There are fewer students in the class.
There is fewer traffic on the road.
Front: Correct: “There are fewer students in the class.” Incorrect: “There are fewer traffic on the road.”
Back: “Fewer” is used with countable nouns, which are things that can be counted individually. In the correct example, “students” is a countable noun, so “fewer” is used appropriately to indicate a smaller quantity. In the incorrect example, “traffic” is not a countable noun, so “less” should be used instead of “fewer.”
“There is less sugar in the bowl.”
“There is less books on the shelf.”
Front: Correct: “There is less sugar in the bowl.” Incorrect: “There is less books on the shelf.”
Back: “Less” is used with uncountable nouns, which cannot be counted individually because they are often seen as a whole or mass. In the correct example, “sugar” is uncountable, so “less” is used correctly to describe a smaller quantity. In the incorrect example, “books” is a countable noun, so “fewer” should be used instead of “less.”
“The number of people in the room.”
“The number of furniture in the room.”
Front: Correct: “The number of people in the room.” Incorrect: “The number of furniture in the room.”
Back: “Number of” is used with countable nouns, which can be counted individually. In the correct example, “people” is a countable noun, so “number of” is used appropriately to quantify the countable noun. In the incorrect example, “furniture” is not countable, so “amount of” should be used instead of “number of.”
“The amount of cars in the parking lot.”
“The amount of rainfall this month.”
Front: Correct: “The amount of rainfall this month.” Incorrect: “The amount of cars in the parking lot.”
Back: “Amount of” is used with uncountable nouns, which cannot be counted individually. In the correct example, “rainfall” is uncountable, so “amount of” is used correctly to quantify the uncountable noun. In the incorrect example, “cars” is countable, so “number of” should be used instead of “amount of.”
“The numbers more than 50.”
“The numbers greater than 50.”
Front: Correct: “The numbers greater than 50.” Incorrect: “The numbers more than 50.”
Back: “Numbers greater than” is the standard way to express that a quantity is larger or exceeds a specific value. In the correct example, “greater than” is used to compare numbers that are larger than 50. The incorrect example, “more than,” is less commonly used in this context and may not sound as natural to native speakers.
“There is increased demand in smartphones.”
“There is increased demand for smartphones.”
Front: Correct: “There is increased demand for smartphones.” Incorrect: “There is increased demand in smartphones.”
Back: “Increased demand for” is the standard way to express a rise in demand for a specific product or service. In the correct example, “for smartphones” indicates that the demand for smartphones has increased. The incorrect example, “in smartphones,” is less commonly used in this context and may not convey the intended meaning as clearly.
“There is decreased availability of the product.”
“There is less availability of the product.”
Front: Correct: “There is decreased availability of the product.” Incorrect: “There is less availability of the product.”
Back: “Decreased availability” is a formal and precise way to indicate that the availability of a product or service has reduced. In the correct example, “decreased availability” clearly conveys this reduction. The incorrect example, “less availability,” is less formal but still conveys the same meaning. However, it may be considered less precise in some contexts.
“They advocate for environmental protection.”
“They advocate for the means of environmental protection.”
Back: “Advocate for” is the correct way to express support for a cause or idea. It’s used when advocating a concept, cause, or action. In the correct example, “advocate for environmental protection” shows support for the cause of protecting the environment. The incorrect example, “advocate the means of environmental protection,” is not a standard construction and may lead to confusion
“He appears as a skilled musician.”
“The situation appears to be improving.”
both correct
APPEAR AS vs. APPEAR TO
○ Appear as = followed by noun
○ Appear to = followed by verb
