SC: More Idioms (Choose the correct sentence(s), or fill in the blank to complete the idiom)

Question 1

1) Hawaii is a state composed of several islands.

Hawaii is a state composing several islands.

2) The Islands composed of the Caribbean are beautiful.

The islands composing the Caribbean are beautiful.

Answer 1

1) composed of

“compose” relates parts to whole

[whole] is composed of [parts]

2) composing

[parts] compose the [whole]

Question 2

1) The blast was so powerful as the shock was felt for miles

The blast was so powerful that the shock was felt for miles

2) This blast was as powerful as last year’s blast

This blast was as powerful that the shock was felt for miles

Answer 2

1) so X that Y
2) as X as Y

Question 3

She values her ability to dance

She values her ability of dancing

She values her ability for dancing

Answer 3

to

Question 4

Because of the population increasing, traffic got worse

Because the population increased, traffic worsened

Plants grow because the sun shines.

Plants grow because of the sun shining.

Answer 4

1) population increased
2) sun shines

In general, it’s better to use an active verb

“the population increasing” is a noun

“the sun shining” is a noun

Question 5

Both X _______

Answer 5

Both X and Y

“both X… as well as Y” is a common error

Question 6

not only X ________

Answer 6

not only X but also Y

Question 7

between X ______

Answer 7

between X and Y

Question 8

not X ________

Answer 8

not X but Y

Question 9

The cost fell from $3 to $2.

The cost fell from $3 down to $2.

Answer 9

to

“from X to Y”

“fell…down to” is redundant

Question 10

A study indicates that health is improving.

A study indicates health is improving.

Answer 10

indicates that

A number of verbs require “that”

examples:

demand that

claim that

recommend that

Question 11

she failed to control her temper

she failed in controlling her temper

Answer 11

failed to control

Question 12

The document states that the terrain is challenging

The document states the terrain is challenging

Answer 12

states THAT

Subject + Verb + THAT + Subject + Verb is a common correct structure

Question 13

They created a team for taking charge of the situation.

They created a team to take charge of the situation.

Answer 13

to take

Question 14

In contrast to weakness, strength is healthy.

As contrasted to weakness, strength is healthy.

Unlike weakness, strength is healthy.

Answer 14

Unlike X, Y

OR

In contrast to X, Y is also ok

Question 15

They help to make bread

They help in making bread

They help make bread

Answer 15

help to make

OR

help make

Question 16

They try and build it.

They try that they build it.

They try to build it.

Answer 16

try to build

Question 17

1) Price increases had an (economic/economical) impact on the country.
2) The bulk purchases were more (economic/economical) for the family.

Answer 17

1) economic (=financial)
2) economical (=efficient)

Question 18

The number is estimated (as / to be / at) 200.

Answer 18

to be

Question 19

Although he takes frequent naps, he works efficiently.

Although a frequent napper, he works efficiently.

Answer 19

he takes frequent naps

Although X, Y

Although should generally be followed by a clause –> Subject + Verb

Question 20

The result depends on if I can get it done.

The result depends on whether I can get it done.

The result depends on whether or not I can get it done.

Answer 20

whether

“whether or not” is redundant

“whether” introduces a choice/uncertainty; “if” introduces a condition or hypothetical.

“Whether” is much more common on GMAT. “If” is only used in an IF X, (THEN) Y construction.