SC Tips

Question 1

1. For vs To
   To indicates purpose.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKizVOYx0_k

Answer 1

1. For indicates recipients —> we provide [things] for [people]. BUT ‘with’ is to indicate provisions. we supply [people] with things.
2. For can also be used to switch focus:
   Example: The cost to install a radon mitigation system is about the same as for other common home repair.
   Example: While the cost of running nuclear plants is about the same as for other types of power plants
   Example: The movie costs $15 for adults, but the cost for senior citizens is less.

Question 2

“Having” + participle is used to:

Answer 2

Depict a completed event.

Correct Usage: Having finished my lunch, I left for the station
This implies that AFTER I finished my lunch, I left for the station.

Wrong Usage: Having been named for a nymph, the asteroid was discovered.
The above implies that the AFTER the asteroid was named, it was discovered. This is absurd because naming cannot happen before an asteroid is discovered.

Question 3

The verb “try” takes infinite or gerund?

‘Try’ is a special verb in English because we can follow it with either a gerund (ing form) or infinitive.

Answer 3

It can take both. The verb “try” most naturally takes the infinitive; “try” + [gerund] sounds casual

1. try doing something = to do something as an experiment;
2. try to do something= to put in an effort to do something you already know can be successful

Try + -ing means that you are trying something as an experiment, especially as a possible solution to a problem, to see if it works or not.

Have you tried turning the computer off and on again?

Try + to + infinitive means that something is difficult but you are making an effort to do it.

Try + to [hard] Example: We’re trying to do this jigsaw, but it’s very difficult.
Try + gerund [experiment]: The television’s not working. Try plugging it in. Oh.

Question 4

Did you know resumptive modifiers repeat themselves?

Answer 4

Example: Yellow jackets number among the 900 or so species of the world’s social wasps, wasps that live in a highly cooperative and organized society

Question 5

Of vs Of the?

Answer 5

1. 99 % of 500 million species - means well there might 800 million species but 99% of 500 million (a subset)
2. the makes it more focused. “the” makes it sound more focused. 99 % of the 500 million species

Question 6

Nouns in prep phrases cannot be subjects.

Answer 6

A prepositional phrase will function as an adjective or adverb.

Question 7

“Because of verb+ing” is wrong!

Answer 7

Example: because of diminishing is WRONG.

Question 8

An infinitive cannot be intruded by another word

Answer 8

1. “not to build or tear” —> CORRECT

2. “to not build or tear“ —> WRONG

Question 9

Two major uses of the word “with”:

Answer 9

1. To indicate that one thing or person is accompanied by another: “Tim went with Ron to see a nine-hour documentary about wiener dogs.”
2. To modify or describe an action: “Milena ate an entire pizza with great enthusiasm.” The phrase “with great enthusiasm” just describes the action, “Mila ate.”
3. With + noun + participle:
   “with” + [noun] + [participle] structure simply acts a noun modifier to provide some additional description to one of the nouns: Example: With dozens of medal decorating his chest, the general commanded a highly respective presence.

Question 10

Two types of Distinguish:

Answer 10

1. Distinguish between X and Y when you list and contrast qualities of both X and Y.
2. Distinguish X from Y when you cite qualities of X that make it unique from Y, where Y is used as the baseline or frame of reference.

Example: Dr. Leopold distinguishes between Fuji apples and Granny Smith apples in his book, providing tips on how to grow, purchase, and use each type.

Example: Chef Leopold distinguishes Fuji apples from other apples in his cookbook, writing that the high sugar content and dense flesh of Fuji apples makes them the best apple for baking.

Question 11

Antecedent cannot be in a form of possessive.

Answer 11

Hadyn’s symphonies are ….. and he thought …. = mistake: antecedent in the possessive

Question 12

Would and Is don’t go together

Question 13

Prep phrase in most cases cannot be the subject of the sentence. However, they can often indicate inverted sentences

Answer 13

On a wind-swept hill of the Yorkshire moor stands Wuthering Heights.

Question 14

We use whereas to show the difference between two things. But, whereas need not to be identically structured. They are looser than “as” and “like”.

Answer 14

Example: Whereas the paintings of Jackson Pollock are completely non-representational, elements that represent real world objects are included among those of Henry Moore’s sculptures. This sentence IS correct.

Question 15

Idiom: not until X that is a common idiom.

Answer 15

Example: It was not until almost 1950 that modern critics and biographers seriously began considering

Example:
It was not until the 12th congress in 1982 that the party began to arrange press conferences about the proceedings

Example:
It was not until August that year that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an international health emergency.

Example:
Some restrictions were later eased, but it was not until 1995 that the government abolished licensing for rice wholesalers and retailers.

Question 16

Assisting X to verb IS NOT idiomatic [X] — Assisting X in Verb is more idiomatic and correct

Answer 16

Use the correct idiom, ‘assisting…in distinguishing.’ Also, correctly compares species to species.

Example: assisting flies that taste the hydrocarbons on prospective mates in distinguishing their own species

Example: Helping In, Aiding In.

Question 17

Prepositional phrases can act either as adjective or as adverbs.

When prepositional phrases are used as adverbs, they at the same way single-word adverbs and adverb clauses do, modifying adjectives, verbs, and other adverbs.

Answer 17

Prepositional phrases can act as adverbs or adjectives. When they are used as adjectives, they modify nouns and pronouns in the same way single-word adjectives do.

The revised edition of the book is now out of print.
This kind of machine is out of date.
The two countries were at peace.
The paintings are on show until April.
Younger workers tend to be at an advantage when applying for jobs.
The doctor said that I should be [on a diet.]
You’re not allowed to buy alcohol. You’re under age.
Despite applying for hundreds of jobs, he is still out of work.
A passport that is out of date is invalid.
We are happy to be on vacation.
Prepositional phrase examples that function as an adverbs.

The kids spent all their time out of doors.
For a change, it was a gloriously sunny day.
I pushed the problem aside, at present it was insoluble.
The second episode will be screened at the same time tomorrow.
At the beginning of a ceremonial parade,he gives the order to march on.
As regards John, I will write to him at once.
Without warning, the tree crashed through the roof.
I will climb up the highest mountain tomorrow.
It annoys me when people talk during movies.
By my watch it is two o’clock.
With the help of cold water he was soon brought round.
Never tell tales out of school.
Within limits, this seems a not unreasonable request.

Question 18

Prep phrases can act either as adjective or as adverbs.

Answer 18

1. When acting as adjective the modify the noun that is closes to them: The books in my collection belonged to my grandfather —> Acting as adjective (i.e., modifying books)
2. When prepositional phrases act as adverbs, they modify the whole clause before or after them. Example: On Earth, the rate at which trees grow is believed to be among the surest indications of sunspot cycles, as seen in the rings visible in the cross sections of their trunks.
3. Another example: The greatest road system built in the Americas prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Incan highway was over 2,500 miles long.

Question 19

From X into Y is WRONG. It’s From X To Y.

Question 20

“As” is versatile — “as” is often followed by “though” and “if” or it can be preceded with “just” e.g., “just as”. It is very common to see with “as though” and “as if” subjunctive mood.

Answer 20

1. Example: The judge is acting as though she would prefer to be somewhere else today.
2. Example: Just as eating vegan diet is good for the body, drinking organic coffee regularly is good for the minds
3. Just as the body needs regular exercise, so too an engine needs to be run at regular intervals.

As can also be used in “as to” - which means concerning. with respect to;

Example: t’s extremely unpredictable as to what happens next, even by Amazon’s own standards.

“So as to” means in order to:
Example: Since the industrial revolution people have changed their habits so as to be able to afford new consumer goods.

Question 21

It is correct to say “so X that.” Here, the word “that” introduces a clause. (E.g., so loud that you can hear him inside the building across the street)
It is also correct to say “so X as to,” where “to” begins an infinitive.

Answer 21

Example: So buoyant as to drift off the ground without weights
Example: So tired as to appear drunk
Example: So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing.

Question 22

so … as (without infinitive), and as … than are wrong when the structure used for comparison.

Answer 22

1. Land values in most parts of the pine-lands rose almost so fast as those outside the pine-lands. [Wrong]
   2. Land values in most parts of the pine-lands rose almost as fast as those outside the pine-lands. [Right]

Question 23

Countable vs Non countable is a sub category of the comparison topic. You have to be very familiar with these

Answer 23

1. Much vs Many
   
   2. Less vs Fewer
   3. Amount vs Number
   4. Greater than vs More than

Example: The campaign director estimated that over 3000 people were in attendance at the rally, many more than they had expected.

Question 24

When comparing statistics use greater than, not “more than”!

Answer 24

Example: “greater than” is used for uncountable nouns. “more than” is typically used for countable nouns.

Question 25

Use “more than” when talking about the things you’re comparing. Use “greater than” when talking about a measure of the things you’re comparing.

Question 26

Between X and Y vs from X to Y. We don’t have between X to Y.

Question 27

Distinguish between x and y AND distinguish x from y are both correct.

Question 28

Adverbial prep phrase structure: prep phrase + comma + sentence then that entire prep phrase should describe the entire idea of the sentence.

Question 29

“so as to” vs “so that”. the “so.. as to” emphasizes theextremenature of whatever you’re talking about.

Answer 29

Example: The ribbon I bought was so long as to wrap around my entire house. In contrast, “so that” has exactly one specific function, which is to indicate that x was done to produce y result.

Question 30

Being 99% of the time cannot ACT as a modifier. —> (e.g., congressional passage being the concern). It can however act as verb. I.e., the video is being recorded.

Question 31

Two common ways of introducing examples are such as and including. Like cannot be used to introduce examples.

Answer 31

such as x, which shows — or including x, which shows—> this is often wrong.

Question 32

As opposed to something seems to suggestcomparison and is different from opposite of.

Question 33

It is not correct to start an IC with ‘and’ after a semi colon.

Question 34

Only nouns, pronouns, and gerunds can act as referents. Any sentence that attempts to use another part of speech as a referent is incorrect.

Answer 34

Activist who defend endangered species from poaching do it on the grounds that such animals, once gone, cannot be replaced [WRONG]

TL;DR Above “it” is wrong. It is trying to refer to an act.

More explanation: The above sentence is wrong. Because, “it” is trying to refer to the act of defending endangered species. But since the gerund defending doesn’t appear, there is NO real referent. AGAIN: only noun, pronoun and gerund can act as referents.

CORRECTED VERSION: Activists who defend endangered species from poaching do so on the grounds that such animals, once gone, cannot be replaced.

Question 35

Answer choices with “that” split (i.e., clause without that vs that)

Answer 35

Example: Study revealed creatures or study revealed creatures that live under the sea? I don’t think the study actually revealed creatures. Creatures themselves are not the focus.

Question 36

Idiom: The same to X as to Y

Answer 36

The sea would appear THE SAME TO A SAILOR AS TO A CAPTAIN .

Question 37

The GMAT requires the use of the serial comma (aka the Oxford comma) for every item in a list.

Question 38

Dangling modifier vs Misplaced Modifier

Answer 38

Dangling: After walking for hours, the cabin appeared in the distance
Misplaced: While walking down the street, I saw a man with a mustache weighing 300 pounds.

Question 39

Make you sure you don’t compare things to themselves (comparisons that don’t have “other”)

Answer 39

1. Julie is more skilled at singing than any singer I’ve encountered [WRONG]
   
   2. Julie is more skilled at singing than any other singer I’ve encountered [CORRECT]

Question 40

Idiom: “So as to”

Answer 40

So as to means in order to.

Example: I went into town so as to see Marcia before she left.

Question 41

“distinguish A from B” and “distinguish between A and B” are the only two correct usages of “distinguish”.

Question 42

Though “dated at” is preferred to “dated to be”, the same construction is not necessarily true for “estimated at” and “estimated to be” construction.

Answer 42

dated at denotes a time period. (dated at + number of years)

dated to is followed by a date. (dated to + date)

Question 43

We have in spite of, despite of, but in despite of is WRONG.

Answer 43

In spite of (Correct)
Despite of (Correct)
In despite of (WRONG)

Question 44

According to vs Based on

Answer 44

Examples needed

Question 45

Like vs Such as vs Including

Answer 45

1. The word “like” can be used in a comparison, but can’t be used to introduce an example. For that we need to use “such as” OR “including”.
   
   2. When traveling through the Everglades, one may see many animals, such as Snakes, Mammals, and Alligators.
   3. When traveling through the Everglades, one may see many animals, including Snakes, Mammals, and Alligators.
   4. Visiting wineries, like Domain Carneros and Etude, was a highlight of our trip. [INCORRECT]
   5. Jumping out of an airplane is like having all your senses stimulated at once. [CORRECT]
   6. The shirts that the company produces, like the pants that it produces, are well made and tend to fit well. [Correct]
   7. Just like soccer, water polo is a physical game that requires a great deal of strength and stamina. [Correct]
   8. Like some of the guitarists who had come before him, Jimi Hendrix played predominantly with his left hand [Correct]

Question 46

Full sentence followed by LIKE can often be a red flag.

Answer 46

Further, Option A incorrectly uses “like” to compare a clause; remember, “like” is used for comparing nouns, “as” is used for comparing actions/clauses, and “such as” is used for giving examples.

Question 47

Ellipses in comparison:

Answer 47

1. The food wasn’t as good as last time. (as it was last time). [CORRECT]
   
   2. I ate more cookies than you (than you ate). [Correct]
   3. Jane knows more about cooking biscuits than Sean [Ambiguous]
   4. The head of sales attends webinars more often than other team members [Correct]
   5. Alex is much nicer to me than Alfredo [Incorrect]

Question 48

There are two cases in which “would” would be needed:

Answer 48

1. Projection from the past into the future: “All of his teachers knew that he would grow up to be a criminal.”
   
   2. Past conditional: “Everyone believed that the economy would keep growing as long as the peace was maintained.”

Question 49

Idiom: believe X to be Y

Side note: Believe that is ok as long as we have noun + verb

Answer 49

The judge did not believe the evidence to be sufficient.

Example:
Fire department officials believed faulty wiring to be the cause of the explosion. [Correct]

Fire department officials believed faulty wiring as being the cause of the explosion. [Wrong]

Fire department officials believed in faulty wiring to be the cause of the explosion. [Wrong]

Believe that + Clause

There are still some conspiracy theorists who believe that the moon landing was staged.

Question 50

These are the SANAM pronouns: Some, Any, None, All, More / Most.

Answer 50

Any of the SANAM Pronouns ( Some, Any, None, All and Many ) can be either singular or plural depending upon the context of the sentence
or more specifically based on the ‘of’ construction.

Example: If the noun is a countable noun (nouns for which the plural form exists), then the verb is plural. Some of the girls are going out.
Example: If the noun is an uncountable noun (nouns for which only the singular forms exists), then the verb is singular.

Question 51

We always use different from [√]. [X] different than is incorrect

Answer 51

1. Her hobbies are different than mine. —> incorrect

2. I am very different from my twin sister. —> correct

Question 52

Idioms:

indifferent + towards, prejudice + against.

Answer 52

Example: Watching the children eat breakfast, he decides that they are now indifferent towards him.

Example: Han Chinese are more than 90% of the population and their prejudice against ethnic minorities is well documented.

Question 53

It is best to avoid repeating “with” in parallelism. Example: with the patience of X and with the instability y

Answer 53

More examples:
1. If I write, “With X and with Y,” I’m referring to two independent phenomena!

2. Example:
    1. With his phone and his internet connection not working, he couldn't contact anyone.
    2. With his phone and with his internet connection not working, he couldn't contact anyone.
    3. First one is saying: With (his phone and his internet connection) not working, he couldn't contact anyone.
    4. (With his phone) and (with his internet connection not working), he couldn't contact anyone.

Question 54

Using “rather than” in a comparison is not idiomatically correct. It should just be than.

Answer 54

Example: Ashkan is better rather than Ben.

Question 55

Resumptive modifiers repeat themselves

Answer 55

Example: Yellow jackets number among the 900 or so species of the world’s social wasps, wasps that live in a highly cooperative and organized society

Example: Since the 1930’s aircraft manufacturers have tried to build airplanes with laminar-flow wings, wings so smooth and perfectly shaped

Question 56

We can separate coordinate adjectives with either a comma or anand. For example, we could go with something like.

Answer 56

1. The talented, culturally-diverse set of students in the class
   
   2. It was a cold, dark room, but the interviewer had a warm, welcoming smile.

Question 57

Additive phrases do not create plural subjects

Answer 57

Example: Estella, in addition to Frisky and Molly, was sleeping on the soft couch. –> singular

Question 58

In Which Vs Where

Answer 58

Where = indicates or modifies a location
Example: We got married at our local park, where we first met last summer, because it was beautiful and fit our whole family. –> “where” is modifying “park,” which is a location.

In which = modifies nouns
Example: The wedding lasted only 30 minutes, in which the officiant only stuck to the basic ceremony traditions. –> “in which” is modifying “wedding,” which is a noun.)

Question 59

Appositives can act as openning modifiers.

Answer 59

Example: An example of Renaissance art, the statute dominated the exhibit.

Question 60

If you have a sentence followed by an adverbial modifier that is comprise of two parts. each part is responsible to describe the proceeding action. Similarly if you an opening modifier conjucted with two descriptions they both describe the following action.

Answer 60

sentence, adverbial modifier (i.e.,g x + ing and y + ing)
x + ing is connected with y+ing –> x + ing describes sentence, and y + ing describes sentence.

Example:

Joe ran down the street, [flapping] his arms wildly and [screaming] at the top off his lungs.

Flapping and screaming both explain “Joe ran down the street”

OM [two action]:
[As an actress] and, more importantly, [as a teacher of acting], Stella Adler was one of the most influential artists in the American theater, training several generations of actors whose ranks included Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro.

Question 61

The GMAT always uses “that” for restrictive/vital modifiers, and always uses “which” for non-restrictive/non-vital modifiers. Where which is preceded by a comma.

Answer 61

A restrictive modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that defines another element. A restrictive modifier is essential for meaning. If a restrictive modifier were to be removed, readers would be left with a question like “Which one are we talking about?”.

Question 62

If the information seems important make sure it’s not conveyed through non restrictive modifier

Question 63

An absolute phrase (nominative absolute) is generally made up of a noun or pronoun with a participial phrase. It modifies the whole sentence, not a single noun, which makes it different from a participial phrase.

Absolute phrases are always set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.

TL;DR Absolute phrases: consists only of noun/pronoun and its modifiers, and they modify the entire clause.

Answer 63

• His work completed, John headed home for the night
• The boat sat anchored, its sails billowing in the wind.
• The restaurant was very busy every night, its menu having been well received by the target clientele.
• Its branches covered in icicles, the tall oak stood in our yard.

Question 64

Choose to and choose from both correct. Choose from is correct. Choose out of is wrong [X]! Choose to is correct.

Answer 64

Example:
The actor chose a brightly colored suit from the designer’s fall collection.

Example:
The actor chose to practice his lines without the aid of a teleprompter.

Question 65

Separate ideas or related? Cause and effect?

Answer 65

Fashioned from is not related to date from —> separate ideas. —> AND needed not a modifier.

Question 66

Subjunctive Mood

Case1: To indicate a hypothetical situation, a wish, or a circumstance contrary-to-fact.

Case2: These are verbs that command, order, require, suggest or demand! Insist is part of this (bossy tone).

Answer 66

Example: (bossy) I suggest that she drink water

The teacher recommended that Jerry be expelled from the class

Question 67

GMAT seems to prefer the idiom “help in buying” over “help to buy.”

Answer 67

1. help in —> CORRECT
   
   2. Aid in —> correct
   3. help to —> INCORRECT

Question 68

Prepositions describe, where, when, or how things are.

Question 69

“because of verb+ing” is wrong! e.g (verify)

Answer 69

because of diminishing is WRONG.

Question 70

Be careful of Reduce. We want to reduct the number of guest not the guests themselves

Answer 70

with the ultimate goal of reducing the guests who end up expressing overall dissatisfaction with the service in the hotels

Question 71

When you connect two clauses or phrases with a word of comparison, such as ‘than’ or ‘as’, then you need to use parallel structure.

Answer 71

Wrong: I would rather pay for my education than financial aid.
Correct: I would rather pay for my education than receive financial aid.

Question 72

“Named for” and “Named after” can be used interchangeably

Question 73

If a conjunction is not joining independent clauses (noun + verb), it must be building parallel structure.

Question 74

Whereby is defined as in agreement with which, by which or through which. An example of whereby used as a conjunction is in the sentence, “He was found guilty, whereby he was sentence to five years in prison” which means through finding him guilty, he was sentenced to the prison term.

Answer 74

“Whereby” is a conjunction that means “by” or “through.” It’s akin to “by means of.” Example:
We have a new computer system whereby we can track all sales and shipments at all times.

Question 75

“In which” is a modifier, and you could very well see it or other similar phrases on the GMAT (e.g. of which, for which, over which, etc.)

Answer 75

The Jerk is my favorite movie in which Steve Martin starred.
During our school years, the area in which we lived was transformed.
In which century did King Henry II reign?

Question 76

Many usages of Although:

Although in the middle? Can’t create a full clause.

Answer 76

1. If the although appears in the beginning of a sentence, then it can either be a modifier or a conjunction
   1. Although feeling damn hungry, I had to stay to listen to the boss’s sermon/harangue (Acting as a modifier)
   2. Although I was feeling damn hungry, I had to stay to listen to the boss’s sermon (Conjunction)
   
   2. If ‘although’ is in the middle of a sentence, then it can only be a modifier, never a clause
      
      1. The philosopher Socrates, who was as controversial as he was influential, though well known in Athenian society and revered by some, received the harsher penalty possible for the crime of corrupting the youth.c
      2. I, although feeling damn hungry, had to stay to listen to the boss’s sermon. This is a correct sentence.
      3. I, although was feeling damn hungry, had to stay to listen to the boss’s sermon – This is incorrect because we cannot insert a clause after ‘although’ in the middle of a sentence.( I am not sure whether it is a rule but it may more of a native custom)

Question 77

Generally the best placement of a limiting adverb is immediately before the word or phrase the it modifies. Examples: only, just, even, almost, merely, simply, exactly, nearly, hardly.

Answer 77

Generally, the best placement of a limiting adverb is immediately before the word or phrase that it is meant to modify.
Ex1: The team practices only on Mondays.
Ex2: The team only practices on Mondays [Wrong] -> they don’t do anything else on mondays?

Question 78

ING openers often indicate simultaneous actions/things and needs to be logical:

Question 79

Other Structures that demand parallelism:

1. X rather than Y
2. Mistake X for Y
3. Prefer X to Y
4. Range from X to Y
5. More X than Y
6. From X to Y

Question 80

Instead of suggests that one person, thing or action replaces another. Instead is not used alone as a preposition; we use the two words instead of.
Rather than shows preference. This expression is generally used in ‘parallel’ structures similar to “than” and “as”

Question 81

Among vs Between (b/w is for two items, among is for more than two!)

Question 82

You either say more than or you say rather than — you don’t say more rather than

Question 83

“Dated At” vs “Dated to be” —> Dated at is correct.

Answer 83

I’ve mostly seen ‘dated to’, followed by a date: ‘dated to 5000 b.c.’ i don’t think i’ve come across either of the two competing constructions here, at least not anytime in the recent past

Example:
dated at denotes a time period.
A third, found near another village called Krestovka, was dated at between 1.1m and 1.2m years.

dated to is followed by a date. (dated to + date)
He has found the oldest examples of winemaking jars (dated to 5400-5000BC),

The tools in question come from Attirampakkan, in Tamil Nadu, and have been dated to at least 1m years ago,

Question 84

“Just as.. so too…”

Answer 84

Example: Just as a car needs gas, so too does the body need food.

Question 85

“IT - THAT- THEIR- THEY - THOSE - THEM” —> deadly pronoun

Answer 85

“IT - THAT- THEY - THOSE - THEM” —> deadly pronoun

Question 86

One of the most widely tested construction in GMAT. This is usually a conditional Statement, whenever ‘X’ happens —–→ Then ‘Y’ (will/would/would have) happen depending upon the verb tenses used in the ‘IF’ Clause.

Answer 86

1. IF CLAUSE: If you exercised

2. THEN CLAUSE: You would become healthy

Question 87

I can think of two major uses of the word “with”:

Answer 87

1. To indicate that one thing or person is accompanied by another: “Tim went with Ron to see a nine-hour documentary about Weiner dogs.”
2. To modify or describe an action: “Milena ate an entire pizza with great enthusiasm.” The phrase “with great enthusiasm” just describes the action, “Mila ate.”
3. Similar to two this is common structure: “with” + [noun] + [participle] structure simply acts a noun modifier to provide some additional description to one of the nouns.

Example: With dozens of medals decorating his chest, the general commanded a highly respected presence before the congressional committee.

Question 88

Because vs Because of

Answer 88

1. Becauseis a conjunction.Because ofis a preposition. As a conjunction, because is followed by a clause. Because of is followed by a noun/pronoun.
   
   2. Example: Two new studies indicate that many people become obese more because oftheir bodiesburning calories. [WRONG]
   3. At first glance, the BECAUSE + OF construction makes it seems as though the bodies are themselves the cause. But that doesn’t make sense. The people aren’t obese because of their bodies. They’re obese because their bodies do something. Again, I can probably figure out what the writer means if I reread the sentence a few times, but this version is confusing at best.

Examples:
Because of her sickness, Maria didn’t go to the supermarket.
He moved to London because of his girlfriend.
He moved to London because his girlfriend lives there.

Question 89

3 types of conjunctions:
Coordinating Conjunctions (fanboys)
Connect two equally important clauses.
Correlative Conjunctions List (both/and, but not)
Subordinating Conjunctions List: (although, because, wherever, whoever, unless)
Subordinating conjunctions establish a relationship between two clauses. when one is more important than the other.

Question 90

Believe X vs Believe That. Which one of these is correct?

A) People believe the disturbances in transmissions to be a result of solar flares.
B) People believe that the disturbances in transmissions to be a result of solar flares.

Answer 90

“believe” can take a “that” clause or an in infinitive. But if a that clause is used, it must be followed by a bonafide [noun] + [verb] pair. “to be” is a helping verb and not a main verb. The construction “that” + [infinitive] is always grammatically incorrect.

Question 91

The idiomatic structure “without X or Y” is perfectly acceptable (“The pirate couldn’t survive on the island without food or water.”).
Example: “Without” can be replaced with “contain no”

Answer 91

Example: Books to be added to the high school curriculum should be educational and contain no profanity or lewdness –> Correct, parallel entities, and uses “Without X or Y”

Example: Genetically modified seeds, without the requirement of costly fertilizer or expensive agriculture, help farmers grow crops in a cost effective manner.

Example: Bernie drops out, without dropping out or endorsing Hillary.

Example: Young nomads not only write without thinking or leave home in the morning without planning but also enter relationships without tying themselves down.

Example: Applications that depend on basic features of the blockchain can thus be developed without asking anybody for permission or paying anyone for the privilege

Question 92

Infinitive (Does it hinge on the intent) vs Present Participles (for + ing):
For referring to the purpose/intent of an action, the infinitive verb form (“to + base form of verb”) is preferred over the present participle (“verb+ing” - “participating” in this sentence).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKizVOYx0_k

Answer 92

Example: Chess is a great sport for enhancing mental clarity. [Correct. Describing quality of a noun, Chess]
Example: Chess is a great sport to enhance mental clarity. [Wrong – Sentence doesn’t hinge on the intent of playing Chess]

Example: Jack plays chess regularly to enhance his mental clarity. [Correct]
Example: Jack plays chess regularly for enhancing mental clarity. [Now it hinges on the intent. Why does Jack play chess? To enhance his mental clarity]

Question 93

Compare to vs Compare with

Answer 93

Compare with is used to juxtapose two or more things with each other, looking at similarities and differences. Compare to is used when likening two things together.

“Compared with” is used for comparing similar things.
“Compared to” is used for comparing dissimilar things.

“Compared with”:

Example: The government reported more than 8,000 new cases on February 23rd—compared with 100 a month ago.

Example: Its latest forecast estimates that there will be 52m fewer jobs in 2022 compared with 2019, and that a full recovery in 2023

Example: Compared with its rivals—Facebook, Instagram and TikTok—Twitter is a minnow.

“Compared to”:
Today’s elite is a long way from the rotten lot of West Egg. Compared to those of days past it is by and large more talented, better schooled, harder working (and more fabulously remunerated) and more diligent in its parental duties

Question 94

“goal of” vs “goal to”

Answer 94

When “goal” is part of a noun phrase, “goal + of” is the correct, idiomatic construction; “goal + to” is used when “goal” is part of a verb phrase; respective correct usages “I succeeded in my goal of learning French.” and “My goal is to learn French.”

Example: As a result, Max set about a very dedicated and well-structured course of studywith the goal ofimproving his score considerably.

Example: In 2011 a handful of firms began a veteran employment project, with the goal of hiring 100,000 veterans by 2020.

Example: The goal is to re-establish the West as a purposeful force that’s able to act together.

Example: The wry and diminutive governor of Nigeria’s central bank, has a simple enough goal: to use the country’s banks to make its economy bigger.

Example: All have the same goal: to gain insights into the future by giving those who hold useful information an incentive to reveal it.

Example: A fivefold increase in carbon reductions is needed to get on track with the Paris Agreement’s [goal to] limit global warming to 1.5℃.
Example: The policy goal of [restricting global warming to 2°C is to be achieved.]

Question 95

Ultimate vs Ultimately

Answer 95

The difference between the two phrases comes down to what “ultimate” or “ultimately” is modifying. “Ultimate” means “final,” so the “ultimate goal” would be the final goal. That makes perfect sense in this context. Maybe there are intermediate goals along the way, and the final one is to limit the number of unhappy guests. This is what we have in (E).

In the phrase “the goal to ultimately reduce,” “ultimately” appears to modify “reduce.” Now the meaning is a little muddier. Does the phrase mean to finally reduce, as though they’d been trying to reduce the number of unhappy guests for some time? Does the phrase suggest that there have been multiple reductions and this is the last one? Neither interpretation is as clear or logical as the “ultimate goal.” That’s enough to kill (B).

However, if you were still on the fence, (B) also contains the phrase, “guests who end up expressing overall dissatisfaction.” The “end up” seems problematic. So the guests don’t express their dissatisfaction at the time of their stay, but “end up” expressing dissatisfaction later? Wouldn’t it be more clearer to just say that they’re trying to reduce the number of guests who express dissatisfaction in general? Again, this is the construction we get in (E), so we have two pretty good reasons to eliminate (B).

Question 96

Which one is best to connect to events? With or as?

TL;DR : Linking the two events with the words “as” or “with”

Answer 96

It’s best to use “as” instead of with. The word “with” forces writers to use gerunds or awkward phrases like “with a sharp slowing of” or “with the piling up of.”

Maybe I’m missing something, but I can think of two major uses of the word “with”:

1. To indicate that one thing or person is accompanied by another: “Tim went with Ron to see a nine-hour documentary about weiner dogs.”
2. To modify or describe an action: “Milena ate an entire pizza with great enthusiasm.” The phrase “with great enthusiasm” just describes the action, “Mila ate.”

Question 97

Don’t pair gerund with past perfect.

Answer 97

unsold goods had piled up on store shelves with a sharp slowing of consumer spending –> WRONG (uses a gerund instead of a past tense verb; when you have a past perfect “had piled up,” you need a past tense event that uses plain past tense to go with it to show these are two events that happen in a particular order)

Question 98

Idiom: Same as

Answer 98

Correct:
Do you believe that omitting the truth is the same as lying?

Incorrect:
Do you believe that omitting the truth is the same with lying?
Do you believe that omitting the truth is the same to lying?

Question 99

Comma + with construction

Answer 99

comma with: if two different entities are carrying out different actions that’s not good!! but if my comma with is adding more info about the clause that it succeeds or proceeds then its ok.

• OK: the dog ran and hid behind the couch, with its tail between it legs
• NOT ok:consumer spending was slowing, with the piling of stocks on shelves [connecting two different entities with “with” not the best idea]
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW-i4a8CGsU

Question 100

Specially vs Especially

Answer 100

Exactly right. “Specially” means ‘for a special purpose.’ “Specially for her daughter’s third birthday, Amy made unicorns out of icing and placed them atop the ‘Fudgy the Whale’ ice cream cake.” This is a very special birthday indeed. (Presumably, the sulfur dioxide cake would have been a good deal less special.)

“Especially,” on the other hand, means “to an increased degree”. “Especially toxic pollutants” are very toxic pollutants, a meaning that makes perfect sense in the context of the problem.

Specially is an adjective used to indicate the uniqueness of something or uniquely targeting a particular thing. Specially has a somewhat festive and celebratory connotation and is most often used in the context of special occasions.

Question 101

Because of verbing is wrong

Answer 101

Incorrect idiom : Because of VERBing (Correct Idiom: Because of Noun [OR] Because Clause)

Question 102

What’s the problem in the sentence below:
While most of the earliest known ball courts in Mesoamerica date to 900–400 b.c., the finding of waterlogged latex balls at El Manati and of representations of ballplayers painted on ceramics at San Lorenzo attest to the fact that the Mesoamerican ballgame was well established by the mid-thirteenth century b.c.

Answer 102

Finding of x and of y is singular and attest is wrong!

Question 103

By verbing is Correct. To describe how something is done.

Answer 103

Using “By” clearly and concisely gives the intended meaning of “How”. To give a couple simple examples:

By running, Joe arrived quickly.
Joe arrived quickly because of his running.

Or, as MentorTutoring explained very well above:

“because of its skimming”
would be much better if changed to:
“because it could skim”.

The green examples above are better because they clearly communicate the action of “How”, as opposed to the nouns “his running” or “its skimming”.

Question 104

Structures such as. x [often subject] + (verb+ing modifier) + verb is perfect for hiding s + v agreement.

Answer 104

Example: The sandpipers [vanishing in the northeastern United States] is a result of.
Obviously is not compatible with sandpipers.

Question 105

Just as X, Y
Just as X, so Y
Just as X, so too Y

Answer 105

JUST AS we did last year, we will win this year
OR
JUST AS we did last year, SO we will win this year
JUST AS each wedding creates potential business for divorce lawyers, SO each engagement gives insurers a chance to drum up business.
OR
Others have since said the same, for just as spoken languages can die, SO TOO can musical ones
OR
Just AS a man only thinks of the dentist when he has a toothache, SO TOO does he care most about the economy when it also is painful.

Question 106

OM with two carry overs:

Answer 106

As an actress and, more importantly, as a teacher of acting, Stella Adler was one of the most influential artists in the American theater, training several generations of actors whose ranks included Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro.

As an actress [1]
As a teacher [2]

Therefore saying the sentence below is wrong:
“As an actress and a teacher of acting, Stella Adler trained several generations of actors.” That doesn’t make any sense. She only taught people as a teacher, not as an actress. Also, the “who include” is modifying incorrectly here.

Also whose ranks included IS grammatically correct!
Example: — Photographs taken by this celebrated group, whose ranks included Dorothea Lange, Ben Shahn, Gordon Parks, Russell Lee and Walker Evans, have since become icons of the 1930s and 1940s.

Question 107

6 types of gerunds:

Answer 107

1 Subject: [Biking] is my newest hobby. -> gerund subject is always singular. acting as a noun

2 Subject complement: My preferred commuting method is [biking].

3 Direct object: I love [biking].

4 Indirect object: My sister gave [biking] a try.

5 Object complement: I see myself [biking] every day.

6 Object of a preposition: I blocked out a few hours this Sunday for [biking].

Question 108

Conform to vs Conform with

Answer 108

• We use “conform to” = when referring to acting in accordance with a documented set of rules or standards
• We use “conform with” when referring to a person or body that places requirements upon us, eg “this product conforms with Government guidelines”

Question 109

TO-infinitive or gerund: BEGIN, START, CONTINUE, CEASE, DREAD, INTEND, LOVE

Answer 109

These verbs can be followed by either a to-infinitive or a gerund with almost no difference in meaning:

I [began to] learn languages when I was ten.
He [began] using this software three years ago.

I [started wondering] what would happen if I lost my job.
After a while, I [started to] wonder why she’d said that.

Kate [continued wearing] her wedding ring after her husband’s death.
You [continue to] surprise me!

Two days later, the screen [ceased to] function.
They [ceased fighting] when the commander was killed.

I [dread to] think what could have happened. (used exclusively in the expression I dread to think/imagine when we don’t want to think about something distressing or unpleasant)
I [dread asking] you this question, but… (I’m afraid to ask you this question, but…)

The list of things [he intended to] do was getting longer and longer.
We [intend contacting] the company before taking any action.

Question 110

3 types of conditional sentences

Answer 110

1) If Wanda STUDIES, she WILL ace the test.

Sub category: can/may category. If Wanda studies, she may ace the test.
Sub category: If Wanda studies, she aces the test. --> acting as whenever.

Outcome first, then if --> Salma will scream if she watches another Vin Diesel movie.

2) If Wanda studied, she would ace the test.
3) If Wanda had studied, she would have aced the test.

Question 111

Little vs Less

Little refers to non-countable nouns, and is used with the singular form. Less is the comparative form of little. Use less in comparative structures, especially before uncountable nouns.

Answer 111

For example:
I have less homework to do today than I had yesterday.
I have little homework to do before I leave.

Question 112

1. On GMAT, a comma + verb-ed modifier placed after a clause cannot refer to the subject of the preceding clause.
2. A verb-ed modifier always refers to the preceding noun entity. This noun entity can be a single noun word or a noun phrase.

Answer 112

• Many of the earliest known images of Hindu deities in India date from the time of the KushanEmpire, fashioned either from the spotted sandstone of Mathura orGandharan grey schist.
  
  • If we study this sentence carefully, we will notice that the verb-ed modifier “fashioned” is meant to modify the Subject of the preceding clause “Many of the earliest known images of Hindu deities”. This usage has been declared incorrect because per the OG explanation “fashioned” “suggests that the Empire (the closest noun), not the images of the deities, was fashioned out of those materials”.

Question 113

These verbs take only the command subjunctive (infinitive without to) when indicating desire:

demand, dictate, insist, mandate, purpose, recommend, request, stipulate, suggest

Answer 113

We demand THAT HE BE here.

The company DEMANDS THAT all prospective employees PASS a drug test before a formal offer is made. [CORRECT] NO TO.

The company DEMANDS THAT for all prospective employees TO PASS a drug test before a formal offer is made. [WRONG]

Question 114

These verbs take ONLY the infinitive:

advise, allow, forbid, persuade, want

Answer 114

We allow HIM TO BE here.

A one-hour meeting doesn’t ALLOW sufficient time for the board TO discuss this quarter’s agenda.

The hunters were FORBIDDEN TO enter private lands.

The therapist ADVISED the couple TO focus on the issues that were most important to them rather than making a big deal out of minor annoyances.

Question 115

Which one is correct?

A) Car dealers are showing scant interest or enthusiasm for electric cars.
B) Car dealers are showing scant interest in or enthusiasm for electric cars.

Answer 115

B is correct. It is incorrect to say interest for. The preposition in must be added after interest.

Question 116

While “super centenarians”, people who live to be well over 100 years old, eventually succumb to a variety of age-related maladies, such individuals resist illness until far later in life than most people ____.

a) have
b) would
c) are
d) do
e) could

Answer 116

The correct answer is “do”. If we were to “expand” the second side of the comparison we could rewrite it as “… until far later in life than other people resist illness”

Question 117

Comparison signal: YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE LOOK OUT FOR THESE!

Answer 117

1) More
2) Less
3) As

Question 118

Contrast:

contrast X with Y
X contrasts with Y
in contrast to + noun;
in contrast to X, Y

In contrast with is WRONG
Contrasting WITH is wrong

Question 119

In 2013, more than three times as many serious automobile accidents were caused by drivers under the age of 20 ___ over it.

a) than
b) than caused
c) than were caused
d) than there were caused
e) than had been caused

Answer 119

Expand. A is the correct answer (it = the age of 20).

B and C are effective distractors. Becuase than can serve in two ways:

Age comparison:
In 2013, more than three times as many serious automobile accidents were caused by drivers under the age of 20 than over it.

OR
Number comparision:
Compare the number of accidents cause by two different groups (age groups to be precise).

In 2013, more than three times as many serious automobile accidents were caused by drivers under the age of 20 than were caused by drivers over it.

Question 120

As sometimes similar to “Like” can take on a noun or a pronoun. Although in most cases as takes a clause.

Answer 120

Exceptions of when “as” takes a noun or a pronoun?
When it is used idiomatically with certain verbs such as regarded, viewed, known.

Example:
Sold for significantly lower prices than their name bran counterparts, medications that are manufactured and distributed with patent protection are known as generic drugs.

Question 121

TO-infinitive or gerund: BEGIN, START, CONTINUE, CEASE, DREAD, INTEND, LOVE

Question 122

As much as vs as well as

Answer 122

As well as means also or too, and as much as means equal amounts

Question 123

A VERBing modifier must serve to express a CONTEMPORANEOUS action: an action happening at the SAME TIME as the main verb.

Answer 123

In January 1994 an oil barge ran aground off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, leaking its cargo of 750000 gallons into the ocean, while causing the pollution of the city’s beaches. [WRONG] –> delayed consequence

The pedestrian was struck by a runaway taxicab, dying twenty minutes later in the hospital. [WRONG] –> delayed consequence

Using fresh ingredients, the chef looked for a recipe. [WRONG]

DELAYED CONSEQUENCE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR COMMA + ING.

Question 124

That cannot be used for people

Question 125

As much as and as well as always show up as options on SC often next to each other/as alternatives.

Similar to the duo “enough x that Y” vs “so x that Y”.

Question 126

Wordiness:

I don’t love the “a result from increasing” at the end of the sentence. “A result of” is the correct idiom. —> WORDY

Being that he was a member of the first Viennese school, Mozart X [Wordy]
As a member of the first Viennese school, Mozart X. [not wordy]

Question 127

Double preps are very confusing to me:

Answer 127

1 ) who might once have died in childhood of such infections as diphtheria
2) ) Among the surest indications on Earth of sunspot cycles is believed to be the rate at which trees grow

HARD : died in childhood of such infections –> i read it as childhood of infections

Question 128

Renown vs Renowned

Answer 128

I’ve seen this mistake a lot over the years; I think many people simply don’t know that renown is a noun and renowned is an adjective. The brilliant speaker who enthralled listeners at this college event may be a researcher of world renown (used as a noun), but he is a world-renowned (adjective) researcher.

Question 129

Simple past + present
Past perfect + present

ASK yourself is that thing still true to this day?

Answer 129

We often see in the GMAT that simple past is paired with present tense, or even past past perfect is paired with present tense. If things stay true or if they are general statement then this structure is absolutely correct.

Examples:
1) By 1999, astronomers had discovered 17 nearby stars that ARE orbited by planets about the size of Jupiter.

2) In ancient Rome, physicians already knew that blood circulates throughout the human body.
3) Researchers agreed that the study of new treatments for heart attack patients was extremely important but that more research was needed to determine whether balloon angioplasty preceded by ultrasound IS any better for heart attack patients than the balloon procedure by itself.

Question 130

Wether vs That

certainty vs uncertainty

Answer 130

John is about to tell us wether he can go to the club with us tomorrow.
John is about to tell us that he can go to the club with us tomorrow.

Whether is superior in situation where uncertainty is implied. whether or not is redundant. whether is superior to was or was not.

Question 131

Odd comparison techniques:

whereas
was the case

Answer 131

There are hopeful signs that we are shifting away from our heavy reliance on fossil fuels: more than ten times as much energy is generated through wind power now than it was in 1990.

Question 132

so as to –> in order to

so x as to where x is an adjective.

Question 133

Non-possesive pronoun referring back to a possessive noun is ACTUALLY OK.

Answer 133

I think it’s worth echoing the wisdom of @EducationAisle’s response. It is not technically a grammatical error for a non-possessive pronoun to refer back to a possessive noun. We’ve seen an OA or two where this has happened, so you wouldn’t want to blindly eliminate an answer choice on this basis.

The potential problem is if the construction creates an unclear meaning. For example:

“When Tim’s cat peed all over the living room carpet, he began to contemplate what life might be like alone.”

Is “he” referring to a “cat” that’s had enough of its tyrannical owner? Or to “Tim”, who is tired of having pets that make a mess? You wouldn’t necessarily eliminate an answer choice right away on the basis of an ambiguous pronoun, but if you had another option that was clearer - for example, “When Tim’s cat peed all over the living room carpet, Tim began to contemplate what life might be like alone” - you’d prefer the clearer alternative.

I hope that helps!

Question 134

Demonstrative pronoun [this, that, these, those] usage:

Example 1:
A) Holmes and Watson had no doubt that the body recovered from the quarry was the woman they were looking for.
B) Holmes and Watson had no doubt that the body recovered from the quarry was that of the woman they were looking for.

Example 2:
A) Students who major in specialized areas such as finance and marketing are becoming increasingly successful in the job market.
A) Students who major in specialized areas such as those of finance and marketing are becoming increasingly successful in the job market.

Answer 134

Example 1:
B –> Correct

Example 2:
A –> Correct.

–> “frankly, such as those of, that of can be often wrong”

Question 135

Exemplifying vs Exemplified by

Answer 135

The key here is in the meaning of the word “exemplify.” It means to serve as an example of illustration of something. With that in mind, we can see why A doesn’t work. What was getting exemplified? The ideal of the philosopher-king. Who or what was exemplifying that ideal? Solon (or a ruler such as Solon).

A says that the Plato exemplified Solon. Neither part of this makes sense. Plato isn’t exemplifying anything, and Solon, as a person, cannot be exemplified. (How can Plato serve as an example of Solon?)

In B, “as exemplifed by” adds detail to the ideal of the philosopher-king. Plato likes this ideal to the extent that it is exemplified by rulers such as Solon. Solon exemplifies, or provides an example of, the ideal of the philosopher-king.

I hope this helps!

Question 136

Because clause, ING

ing modifier is causal. Add because to the main clause and see if it makes sense.

Example:
Emily Dickinson’s letters to Susan Huntington Dickinson were written over a period beginning a few years before Susan’s marriage to Emily’s brother and ending shortly before Emily’s death in 1886, outnumbering her letters to anyone else.

Answer 136

this is exactly the problem: the phrase in question, “outnumbering …”, is NOT, in any way whatsoever, a “(direct/indirect) result” of the time period over which the letters were written. these are tw completely independent and unrelated observations about the letters, and so they can’t be placed into the sort of construction that appears in choice (a). this is thus not a grammatical problem so much as a problem of clarity, but it’s still a problem.

examples:
my brother, who ate bagel bites for breakfast every single day of his high school career, graduated in 1994. –> correct; his eating bagel bites had no impact on his graduation date.
my brother ate bagel bites for breakfast every single day of his high school career, graduating in 1994. –> incorrect; these are two unrelated observations, but this construction erroneously implies some sort of relationship.

Question 137

Of vs Of the

Answer 137

1. 99 % of 500 million species - means well there might 800 million species but 99% of 500 million (a subset)
   
   2. the makes it more focused. “the” makes it sound more focused. 99 % of the 500 million species

Question 138

a + quite + [adj] + [noun] ← This is not correct. We need to move that quiet.

1. Mandy passed an exam that was quite difficult. –> OK
2. Mandy passed a quite difficult exam. –> WRONG

Answer 138

Mandy passed an exam that was quite difficult. –> OK
Mandy passed a quite difficult exam. –> WRONG

171. a + quite + [adj] + [noun] ← This is not correct. We need to move that quiet.
     1. a quite tough question← This isnotcorrect.
172. with vs by?
     1. https://gmatclub.com/forum/although-some-had-accused-smith-the-firm-s-network-manager-of-neglig-294385.html

Question 139

As opposed to:

used for referring to something that is very different from what you have just mentioned

Answer 139

The cost of these airplanes is $3 million, as opposed to the $2 million charged by their competitors.

Question 140

Verb for percentages:

Answer 140

Depends on whether portion is of a singular or plural noun
Ex:
Fifty percent of them (are) in favor
Nine percent is the board (is) okay.

Question 141

“a percentage of” takes a verb that agrees with noun it takes.

Answer 141

Ex: A small percentage of students [are]
Ex: A percentage of the water [is]

Question 142

Verb for fractions

Answer 142

Depends on the noun:
Ex:
“one-fourth of the students” (have)
“one-half of the class” (is)

Question 143

Subject Verb Agreement Compete:

Answer 143

SANAMM
indefinite pronouns that can be singular or plural depending on referents: "some, any, none, all, more, most."
Indefinite pronouns (plural)

ALWAYS take plural verbs
Ex: “both, few, many, several”
Indefinite pronoun (singular)

ALWAYS take singular verbs [any, every, no, some] + [thing, body, one]
“anybody, anyone, anything, each, either, everybody, everyone, everything, neither, nobody, no one, nothing, one, somebody, someone, something, whatever, whoever”

Verb: Either/or & neither/nor
must agree with subject noun to which is closest

Question 144

Subject Verb Complete (fractions, a number of, a percentage of, the percentage of, etc)

Answer 144

Verb: Nontraditional subjects (gerunds, infinitive clauses, noun clause as a subject)
Take a singular verb

Verb: Fractions
Depends on the noun:
Ex:
"one-fourth of the students" (have)
"one-half of the class" (is)

Verb: Percents
Depends on whether portion is of a singular or plural noun
Ex:
Fifty percent of them (are) in favor
Nine percent is the board (is) okay.

Verb “The number of” / “A number of”
The number of students (is): singular
A number of students (are): plural

Verb: “a percentage”
“a percentage of” takes a verb that agrees with noun it takes.
Ex: A small percentage of students (are)
Ex: A percentage of the water (is)

Verb: “the percentage of”
“the percentage of” takes a singular noun
Ex: The percentage of participants that finished (is)

Question 145

There were no X’s or Y’s

Answer 145

Example 1: Before Colette, the female writers of France had been aristocrats, from Mme de Lafayette to Anne de Noailles; there were no Jane Austens or Brontë sisters, perhaps because there were almost no clergymen’s daughters.

Example 2: And for the first time since 1957 there were no accidents or fatalities.

Example 3: There were no Obama or Clinton people lurking around—not a very glamorous precinct, I guess.

Example 4: There were no traffic lights or zebra crossings, just a free-for-all of speeding cars.

Question 146

Sum or Money is not countable.

Answer 146

1) I have lower than fifty dollars in my account.
2) I have less than fifty dollars in my account.

Which is correct? It’s the latter – we use greater than/less than to compare amounts of money. Similarly, we would say, “I have less than one percent of $5,000 in my account.” (C) is the best choice for the same reason.

Even though the direct costs of malpractice disputes [amounted to less than] one percent of the $541 billion the nation spent on health care last year, doctors say fear of lawsuits plays major role in health-care inflation.

Countable Modifiers:

Example: Many, Fewer, Number

Non-Countable Modifiers:

Example: Much, Less, Amount

Question 147

(D) how frequently is the inventory turned over are often
VS
(E) how frequently the inventory turns over can be

Answer 147

(D) how frequently is the inventory turned over are often = How + verb + noun
(E) how frequently the inventory turns over can be = how + noun + verb
=====================================================================
The reason that this flipping is not acceptable follows from a basic grammar rule:

When we frame a question (interrogative sentence), the verb must come before the subject.
Example: How is it done?

However when the same idea is expressed in a statement (declarative sentence), the verb follows the subject:
Example:
Declarative correct: I asked him how it is done.
Declarative wrong: I asked him how is it done.

Compare the above with the sentence given in the problem:
Interrogative: How frequently is the inventory turned over?
Declarative correct: How frequently the inventory is turned over is crucial.
Declaraive wrong: How frequently is the inventory turned over is crucial.

Question 148

Enough vs So that vs So as to

Answer 148

unrealistic enough so as to constitute

Question 149

that could easily vs could be bought vs

Question 150

Contemptuous ING Openner.

Answer 150

[Referring] to the current hostility toward smoking, smokers frequently [express] anxiety that
[Referring] to the current hostility toward smoking, smokers frequently [expressed] anxiety about

Question 151

in preparation for vs in preparing for

Answer 151

Both sentences are correct, and their meanings are the same. The one with “preparing” would likely be the more common US wording.

• In preparing for disasters, museums face tough choices
• In preparing for a major earthquake that is predicted to hit the state
• In preparing for the panel, I put together this highly unscientific list of the scariest films of all time

Question 152

“To allow X to do Y” is the correct idiom. So, the use of “to allow that X be y” is not not redundant but also unidiomatic.

Answer 152

Gina’s parents didn’t allow her to go out on Saturday night, but she was permitted to watch a movie.

Question 153

When a sentence begins with an expletive such as there, here, or it, the verb agrees with the subject, not with the expletive.

Answer 153

Example: Surely, there are several loyal alumni in this area who would be interested in meeting regularly as a group.

Example: There are fifty students in my English composition class.

Example: There are some awful statistics coming out on child abuse.

Note: Traditionally, “alumnus” refers specifically to a singular male graduate and “alumni” is the plural form for a group of male graduates and for a group of male and female graduates.

Question 154

1) In an inverted sentence beginning with a prepositional phrase, the verb still agrees with its subject.
2) Prepositional phrases beginning with the compound prepositions such as along with, together with, in addition to, and as well as should be ignored, for they do not affect subject-verb agreement.

Answer 154

1)
Example: At the end of the Christmas holidays come the best sales.
Example: Under the house are some old Mason jars.

2)
Example: Gladys Knight, as well as the Pips, is riding the midnight train to Georgia.
Example: A driver’s license, together with two other pieces of identification, is required.

Question 155

Every, each, and many are singular.

Answer 155

Example: Every man, woman, and child was given a life preserver.

Example: Each graduate and undergraduate is required to pass a proficiency exam.

Example: Many a tear has to fall, but it’s all in the game.

Question 156

Appreciable vs Appreciative
Detterent vs Dettering
Rampant vs Rampantly

Answer 156

Please note, “appreciable” means “significant enough to be noted”, and “appreciative” means “grateful” or “thankful”; the two words are similar, but have completely different meanings.

example: Potential for appreciable material cost.

Question 157

Affect vs. Effect

Answer 157

“Affect” is a verb or the action, while “effect” is a noun and the result of the action.
The drug affected cell viability, and the effect was dramatic.

Question 158

Common redundancies:

Answer 158

Absolutely + essential
Actively + engaged
Adequate/Sufficient + enough
Advance/Proceed/Progress + forward
Advance/Future + plan
Advance + warning
Although/though + but/nevertheless/yet
AM + morning
And + also
Annually + per year
Appreciate/depreciate + in value
Attempt + try
Basic + fundamentals
Because + therefore/the reason
Can/may + potentially
Circulate + around
Close + proximity
Combine/Complete/Collect/Consolidate/cooperate + together
Complete + total
Completely + unanimous
Consensus + of opinion
Consequent + results
Contributing + factor
Cooperate + together
Decline/decrease + down
Despite + still/yet
disappear + from sight
End + result
Enter + in
Estimated + at about
Exact + duplicate/identical/same thing
Fewer + in number
Free + gift
Hidden + pitfall
Join + together
Large/small + in size
Linked + together
May + likely/possibly/probably/perhaps
New + innovation/acquisition/development
Now + currently/presently
Past + experience
Past + previous
Period + time
Personal + friend
Place + where
PM + afternoon/evening/night
Reason + why
Recommended + should
regular + daily/weekly/monthly/yearly etc. (+ event)
Retrospect + back
Re+verb + again [example: repeat again, regain again, restore again, etc]
Return/revert/refer + back
Rise/increase/Soar + up
Same + identical
Seems + apparent
Shuttle (verb) + back and forth
Successfully + passed
Sudden/unexpected + surprise
Suddenly + without warning
Sum + total
Summarize + briefly
Temporary + reprieve
Terrible + disaster
Time + when
True + fact
Two + twins
Unsolved + problem
Until + such time
Usual/habitual + custom
Young + boy/ girl

Question 159

Helping Verbs In Comparison structures and Elipses.

Answer 159

I have been going to the gym lately.

Now, if I want to compare myself to my brothers, I will need to use the present perfect for both my verb and theirs. I do this by saying “have” twice.

I have been going to the gym more than my brothers have.

The second “have” (at the end of the sentence) functions just like “do” in the present tense does. It stands for the verb phrase “have been going to the gym.”

As a side note, I should point out that the GMAT often places the second verb BEFORE its subject, like this:

I have more pies than do my brothers.
I have been going to the gym more often than have my brothers.

Question 160

Comparision.
A) I might have more of an impact on the election than have my brothers
OR
B) I might have more of an impact on the election than do my brothers.

Answer 160

I might have more of an impact on the election than have my brothers,” it sounds like I am speaking about them in the present perfect. I’d be saying that I might have more of an impact (in the future) than my brothers have had (so far).

Reference: https://gmatclub.com/forum/the-guiding-principles-of-the-tax-plan-released-by-the-treasury-depart-76551.html

Question 161

Comparision.

1) A is more close to X than Y.
2) A is more close to X than is Y

Answer 161

This comparison is ambiguous because of preposition “to”. You have to say one of the below, depending on the meaning:

• A is more close to X than to Y.
• A is more close to X than is Y. (meaning: A is more close to X than Y is close to X)

The two sentences above totally differ in meaning. In our case, the meaning of the question requires the latter of the above. That’s because we are comparing what is a more serious deterrent to the nuclear industry. So, we have:

• A proves to be a more serious deterrent to X than is Y. (“to be” is parallel to “is”)
  The implied meaning: A proves that A is a more serious deterrent to X than is Y. (is = is)

Refrence:
https://gmatclub.com/forum/financial-uncertainties-from-the-accident-at-three-mile-island-may-pro-305885.html

Question 162

Like that of vs As when we have action vs noun. Of ten gerund vs noun.

1) An example of correct usage of THAT: The goal of the Giants is the same as THAT of the Jets: to win the Superbowl (That replaces the goal)
2) An example of correct usage of IT: Winning the super bowl is the goal of the Giants as IT is of the Jets. (IT replaces winning the superbowl)

Example:

1) According to a recent poll, owning and living in a freestanding house on its own land is still a goal of a majority of young adults, [like that of earlier generations.]
2) According to a recent poll, owning and living in a freestanding house on its own land is still a goal of a majority of young adults, as it was of earlier generations.

Answer 162

The second example is very similar to the GMAT question.
So let’s replace our noun phrase LIVING IN A FREESTANDING HOUSE ON ITS OWN LAND with IT.

The first half of the comparison has the structure doing X is still a goal of Y so the second half needs to have that same structure such as: as doing X was a goal of group Y in the past.
https://gmatclub.com/forum/according-to-a-recent-poll-owning-and-living-in-a-freestanding-house-107775.html

Question 163

Comma with

Answer 163

The diet of the ordinary Greek in classical times was largely vegetarian-vegetables,
fresh cheese, oatmeal, and meal cakes, with meat as a rarity.

***Here “with” adds modification to the verb phrase “diet was largely vegetarian”. You could probably replace it with an -ing modifier like “including meat only on rare occasions”.

Visitors to the park have often looked up into the leafy canopy and seen monkeys sleeping on the branches, with arms and legs hanging like socks on a clothesline.

Here “with” adds modification to “monkeys sleeping”. You could probably replace it with the modifier “hanging their arms and legs…” (although that could create confusion as to whether it was the visitors or monkeys who hung their limbs…).

So… I think you’re thinking the right way when it comes to “with”. It’s not identical to the -ing modifier but close enough that it fits a very similar role. And so you should assess it in the same way - when you see it, ask whether it provides a clear and logical description of what it seeks to describe.

Question 164

Expletive it referring to infinitive phrases:

Example:
During the 1970’s it became clear that for people who sought a new social or political goal, it was far more efficient to go to the courts than to go to the voters or work through Congress.

it -> “to go to the courts than to go to the voters or work through Congress”.

Answer 164

it is referring to the infinitive phrase “to go to the courts than to go to the voters or work through Congress”.

So, the way this sentence needs to be read is:

it (to go to the courts than to go to the voters or work through Congress) was far more efficient.

The above construct represents a case wherein the pronoun (it) is used before the antecedent (to go to the courts than to go to the voters or work through Congress).

Question 165

Expletive IT:”

It can be used to postpone infinitive subjects:

Awkward: to resist temptation is futile.
Better: It is futile to resist temptation.

Awkward: THAT we scored at all gave us encouragement.
Better: It gave us encouragement that we scored at all.

Answer 165

Examples:
Long before it was fashionable to be an expatriate, Josephine Baker made Paris her home

Example:
[It] was far more efficient to go to the courts than to go to the voters or work through Congress.

Question 166

More expletive “IT” – idiomatic it

“It’s surprising that __________”

“It can hardly be said that ________”

“It’s unfortunate but true that __________”

Example: It can hardly be said that educators are at fault for not anticipating the impact of microcomputer technology

Answer 166

When I review this question with students, I find the best way to think about it is to think of the following structure as an idiom:

“It’s surprising that __________”

“It can hardly be said that ________”

“It’s unfortunate but true that __________”

This construction is a particular type of English idiom that’s used to avoid putting a very long, complicated clause at the beginning of a sentence. Given the choice, most of us native English speakers should prefer (1) to (2) below:

(1) It’s unfortunate that Jordan and Lee unexpectedly divorced after five seemingly happy years of marriage. - Good
(2) That Jordan and Lee unexpectedly divorced after five seemingly happy years of marriage is unfortunate. - Weird

Question 167

Gnarly SV agreement:

Answer 167

The finding [of] waterlogged latex balls at El Manati and [of] representations of ballplayers painted on ceramics at San Lorenzo attest – so it’s still just one finding because of the added of. –> attests!

This is still ONE finding.

Question 168

You end a list with an end and then use as well as

Answer 168

and the collapse of the currency system, as well as a failure

Question 169

That can a start a sentence acting as a subject which create a dependent clause

Question 170

a) ([plant and animal] * [extinctions]) that mark end of an era
b) ([and causing] plant and animal extinctions that mark)

Answer 170

[plant extinctions and animal extinctions] that mark end of an era

Question 171

Abstract Appositive vs Absolute.

An “abstract appositive phrase” & “absolute phrase” each can be a “noun phrase” and each can modify whole preceding clause. How do we understand a given phrase is appositive or absolute??
example : Last night our air conditioner broke, an event that caused great consternation

Answer 171

1. Appositive modifiers- two types
   a. Concrete - used to describe items/people/things that you can actually detect(touch,hear,hold, smell etc) with your senses.

I went to the restaurant with Alexa, a consultant from ABC corporation.
The plover gets its food by cleaning the mouth of the crocodile, a reptile that could eat the bird at any time.

b. Abstract
I went to the restaurant with Alexa, an outing that was far more fun than staying at work.
The plover gets its food by cleaning the mouth of the crocodile, a relationship that benefits both animals.

Question 172

Example that “and that” is not ALWAYS right the theory that contributed to the extinction? nah.

A? Did the impact cause the extinction or the fires?

A) A recent study has provided new evidence supporting the theory of global forest fires ignited by a meteorite impact that contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other creatures.
B) A recent study has provided new evidence supporting the theory that global forest fires ignited by a meteorite impact contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other creatures.
C) A recent study has provided new evidence [in support of the theory that global forest fires were ignited by a meteorite impact and that] contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs and many other creatures.

Question 173

Linking two independent without a comma and just a conjunction is a MAJOR issue on the GMAT

Answer 173

Example:

1) I went to the gym and I lifted weights. [INCORRECT]
2) I went to the gym, and I lifted weights. [CORRECT]

Question 174

Whereas and After (similar to unless) can act as sub conj.

Answer 174

[Whereas] Douglas may complain about the strict rules.
[Because] you and I are best friends.
[Unless] she arrives at the airport by midnight.
[Once] the mountain lion puts its cubs to bed.
Better times began [after his penance] [TOBEH] brought peace to his household.

Question 175

A colon must be PRECEDED by an independent clause, but not [necessarily] FOLLOWED by an independent clause.

Answer 175

Common incorrect example: My morning routine included: push ups and sit-ups.
My morning include is not a complete thought.

[incorrect] My favorite activity was: tumbleweed chasing.
Was needs to be followed with either a noun or an adjective.

Here is a simple rule for being happy: find gratitude in your life.

Question 176

Distinguish b/w prep phrase and sub clause.

Answer 176

I left after eating. –> a prep phrase. it’s phrase clearly not a clause.

I hit a home run [on the third pitch]. –> prep phrase. adverbial prep phrase.
I jumped up and down [while you were trying to study]. sub clause.
Robin drove the Batmobile [whenever] Batman was away.
They had their wedding at a park [where] they met a few years ago
The company will remain profitable this year [unlesss] something unpredictable occurs.

BALA BOOM. Yes. Your heard it right relative pronouns such as where, which, when, that and who can create sub clauses.

Question 177

Examples of compound complex sentences

Answer 177

Often take the form of SUC + IC + IC:

Although I was quite hungry, I decided to wait until I got home to eat, but all the apples were eaten.

Question 178

Noun clauses: Is a CLAUSE that plays role of noun. Again a clause not a phrase. Meaning has a full subj / verb. Many noun clauses begin with:
“that” “which” “who” “whom” “where” “whether” “why”

Answer 178

Examples: Who painted the room is still unknown.
Example: That holiday leave had been cancelled depressed the entire company.
Example: The crowd was unhappy with what happened next.
Example: Why she left in the middle of the night is a mystery.

HARD:
That Napoleon’s ruse would fail in its intended objective had not occurred to the french generals.

Noun clause can serve as a direct object:
Ashkan picked apples [direct obj]. I knew [why the deer was eating my grass] -> direct obj being a noun clause. Tin Tin wondered [whether the grass was greener on the other side] -> direct obj

NOTE:
In a noun clauses that serve as direct objects the word “that” is often dropped.
I knew that dinner would be served soon.
I knew dinner would be served soon.

Question 179

Prepositions can be followed by a noun or a noun clause

Answer 179

1) noun: The apple is by the fridge. I know about science [noun].
2) Noun Clauses: i was listening to what Tom said earlier.
- > noun clauses can serve as both direct objects and subjects of a sentence
- > Every one was amazed by what the children had achieved.

Question 180

relative clause with that

Consider the following example:
The baboon that Irving was feeding had an angry look about it.
Notice that, in this case, the relative pronoun “that” is not the subject of the relative clause; “Irving”
is. Therefore, we have the option to either keep “that” or drop it. Both of the following sentences are
correct:
The baboon Irving was feeding had an angry look about it.
The baboon that Irving was feeding had an angry look about it.
If the GMAT were to present us with two sentence versions like the above two, the difference
between the relative clauses would be only something to distract us from seeing the real issues
elsewhere in the sentence versions. In other words, we’d be facing a false split because both
relative clauses are correct.
© Must Know:
When a relative pronoun is not the subject of the relative clause, it can be omitted from
the sentence.

Answer 180

Which of the following two sentences is correct?
Valerio is at the coffee shop that he mentioned yesterday.
Valerio is at the coffee shop he mentioned yesterday.
Both sentences are correct as written. The relative clause is “that he mentioned yesterday.” The
subject of this relative clause is “he,” and the finite verb is “mentioned.” Notice that “that” is not the
subject of the relative clause. So, the inclusion of “that” in the relative clause is optional.

Question 181

It’s important to distinguish b/w noun clause and relative clause.

Relative clause: A clause that follows a noun using (which, that, who, where) is a relative clause.

Noun clause: A clause that acts as a noun is a noun clause.

Answer 181

1. Relative clause: The elephants that live in the area generally avoid humans.
2. Relative clause: Drawings of the old station, [which was located on South Street], can be seen in the lobby of Town Hall.
3. [That Shaniqua had won the election] surprised nobody. [serve as a subject- noun - noun clause]

Question 182

More on that

Agree that is often followed by a subject:

• Analysts agree thatthe single currency needs more integration.
• 92% of executivesagree thatemployer sponsored benefits are critical to ensuring employees have access to high quality
• most economistsAgree that carbon taxes are a better way to reduce greenhouse gases than cap-and-trade schemes.
• Experts agree that data flows are growing at an amazing pace, but also that measuring them is dispiritingly difficult.

“that + comma”

• Expertsagree that, if it continues at its current growth rate, like Nigeria, Africa’s population will double by 2050.
• Airline executives are convinced that, just as one-third of bank customers still prefer human tellers to automatic teller machines, many travelers will still use travel agents.

Question 183

Gnarly S/V Agreements

Answer 183

1. It is the [fixed costs] [that stem from building nuclear plants] [that makes] it more expensive for them to generate electricity.

Fixed costs is plural - makes doesn’t make sense.

2.
indicates its eastward orientation and overall plan

Question 184

Evidence to suggest:

Answer 184

But there is also plenty of scientific evidence to suggest that stuffing oneself.

Question 185

A) Gasoline-powered trucks in the US are popular.

B) Trucks in the US that are gasoline powered are popular.

Answer 185

A) Doesn’t indicate that there are non-gasoline powered trucks.
B) It indicates that there are trucks that are also trucks that are not gasoline powered.

Question 186

1) only if it would be taught as a separately required course
2) only if it is taught as a separate, required course
3) if it is taught only as a course required separately

Question 187

A) it weighs only 8.1 grams, far lighter than four quarters

B) it weighs only 8.1 grams, far less than four quarters

Answer 187

B

Question 188

Similar to other modifiers (e.g., which and that). ‘ed’ modifiers can go a few nouns back if the noun is part of a prep phrase

Answer 188

Example: in 1910 this group made up [35 percent] of the population, compared with 20 percent in 2000.

Question 189

Appositives acting as OM:

Answer 189

Example: An example of Renaissance art, the statute dominated the exhibit.

Question 190

Appositive = giving nouns extra context with more nouns.

An appositive phrase redefines, renames, or modifies a noun with essential or nonessential information. Basically, appositives [clarify a noun with another noun or noun phrase that gives a noun extra context]. Appositives can be a single word or a group of words and are often enclosed in commas if they come in the middle of a sentence.

Answer 190

Example:
“There is no way you will defeat the final boss, the most powerful enemy in the game.” The appositive phrase in this sentence is “the most powerful enemy in the game” which renames “the boss.” This is a nonrestrictive phrase that only requires one comma, which appears toward the end of the sentence.

Question 191

Is “THAT” singular or plural?

Answer 191

i) When that is used as a relative pronoun, that can refer to both singular and plural nouns. For example, both the following are correct:

Peter bought a pencil that is sharp.
- that refers to singular pencil.

Peter bought pencils that are sharp.
- that refers to plural pencils.

ii) When that is used as a demonstrative pronoun, that can only refer singular nouns. For example:

Following is correct:

Peter’s car is more expensive than that of Jack.
- ‘that refers to singular car

However, following is incorrect:

Peter’s pencils are sharper than that of Jack.
- ‘that is intended to refer to plural pencils, but this is not allowed.

We can fix this sentence as:

Peter’s pencils are sharper than those of Jack.

Question 192

whereas vs while vs unlike

Answer 192

Whereas each language occupies a distinct area of the brain in an adult learner, language areas overlap in a young child.

specifically, “unlike” is a preposition; like other prepositions, it must be followed by a noun (which may have modifiers attached to it). on the other hand, “whereas” is a subordinating conjunction

Question 193

Evidence for, Evidence of, Evidence that

Question 194

“Having been born” provides us with no more information than “born,” and the sentence gives us no reason to use a more complex phrasing.

Answer 194

to have borne children

Question 195

A) In her book illustrations, carefully coordinating them with her narratives, Beatrix Potter
B) In her book illustrations, which she carefully coordinated with her narratives, Beatrix Potter

Answer 195

B

Question 196

but even when they are compared with previous Novembers, sales of light trucks this past November