14,
sc-done
cr-done
rc - it seems repeat so did not take it.
25,
sc 1-10, 15 mins . 3 wrong
cr 1-8 , 20 mins . 1 wrong
rc 1-8,19 min . 2 wrong
28,
31
Idioms
1) To exchange X for Y (exchange X with Y or any other form is incorrect)
2) Different from one another (Different one from the other is wrong)
3) X is unknown, nor it is known – is a correct idiom (Neither is not required) It is not
that nor would always be preceded by a neither
4) To ratify (At ratifying is incorrect) An attempt to ratify is the correct use
5) Allergy to (Allergy of, allergy for are incorrect)
6) To try to fix is the right idiom (to try and fix is incorrect)
7) Just as… So too
8) X is different from Y (different than Y is incorrect)
9) Same as X..as to Y
e.g Gravity will apply the same to an airplane flying in air as to a ship floating on
water.
10) From X to Y (Grow from 2 million to 3 billion) (From X up to Y is wrong)
Studies of the human “sleep-wake cycle” have practical relevance for matters
ranging from duty assignments in nuclear submarines and air-traffic control towers
to the staff of shifts in 24-hour factories.
(A) to the staff of
(B) to those who staff
(C) to the staffing of
(D) and staffing
(E) and the staff of
From X where X is a noun here.
So, Y should be a noun.
To those who staff in B is incorrect.
C has a noun and is correct.
Also, see examples in notepad (From also-ran to local hero – the athlete)
11) Estimated to be (Estimated at is incorrect)
12) Believe X to be Y
13) Acclaimed as is the correct idiom (Acclaimed to be is wrong)
14) Distinguish between X and Y (Distinguish X from Y is incorrect)
15) In an attempt to (gain control)
16) Worried about (When talking about someone’s condition)
17) Attempt to ‘do something’ (Attempt at doing is incorrect).
18) Both X and Y (Both X as well as Y is incorrect) Both at X and at Y is correct. Both on
X or on Y is correct. Both should always have parallel forms associated to it.
Similarly, ‘Neither… nor’ should have parallel forms associated to it.
19) Adverb twice cannot be an object of proposition ‘by’.
‘Increase by twice’ is incorrect; ‘doubled’ is correct
20) So X as to be Y (So unreal as to be true)
21) As much as (Republicans are involved as much as Democrats).
22) X prohibits Y from
23) x forbids y to do z
x prohibits y from doing z.
The new contract forbids a strike by the transportation union
A) forbids a strike by the transportation union
B) forbids the transportation union from striking
C) forbids that there be a strike by the transportation union
D) will forbid the transportation union from striking
E) will forbid that the transportation union strikes
A is the correct answer
24) Credit X with discovering Y (Credit with doing something)
25) Credit X Rupees to Y’s account (When money is involved)
26) Given credit for being ones…who
27) Believed to have
28) Regarded as having
29) Regarded as ones who have
30) Concerned for – worried; concerned with – related/affliated
31) No sooner…than
32) X expected to Y
33) Mistake X for Y
34) Not X; but rather Y
35) Persuaded X to do Y
36) So X that Y (So poor that they steal)
37) Require that X be Y (Not require that X is Y)
38) As a result of
39) At least as strong as…(At least as great as)
40) Modeled after
41) So X that Y (So illiterate are people that they cant even write)
42) Intent on
43) Native of (Native to is also used in some cases, as in the example given below)
44) Compensate for
45) Adapted for
46) Plead guilty for … failing
47) Descendent of (Descendent for is incorrect)
48) X is to… what…Y is to
49) Potential for causing
In large doses, analgesics that work in the brain as antagonists to
certain chemicals have caused psychological disturbances in
patients, which may limit their potential to relieve severe pain.
(A) which may limit their potential to relieve
(B) which may limit their potential for relieving
(C) which may limit such analgesics’ potential to relieve
(D) an effect that may limit their potential to relieve
(E) an effect that may limit the potential of such analgesics for
relieving
50) Aid in (Aid for is incorrect)
People were asking Goddess Dia’s aid in healing ills or thanking her for such help.
51) Consider X…to be Y (a little controversial)
52) Regard as is the correct idiom
Most nations regard their airspace as extending upward as high as an aircraft can fly;
no specific altitude, however, has been officially recognized as a boundary.
(A) as extending
(B) as the extent
(C) to be an extent
(D) to be an extension
(E) to extend
A is correct, because it uses ‘regard as’
Because of the business community’s uncertainty about the President’s position in regard to the issue of the budget deficit, an unanticipated rise in interest rates has occurred.
(A) in regard to the issue of the budget deficit, an unanticipated rise in interest rates has
(B) on the deficit, an unanticipated rise in interest rates has
=> in regard to is wrong.
53) When ‘rates’ means ‘prices charged’ it should be followed with ‘for’
Rates for liability insurance
54) Distinguish between X and Y (2 very different items, distinguished, say red and
green colors)
Some color blind people cannot distinguish between red and green
55) Distinguish X from Y (Two pretty similar items, say original paintings from fake ones)
56) Attribute X (An effect) to Y(A cause)
57) Not in a flash…but in a…
58) May be (This is a word) is idiomatic, maybe (This means perhaps) is not idiomatic
59) That X is called for is indicated both by Y and by Z.
60) Not so much to X…as to Y
61) Associate X with Y
62) Business ethics – Is a singular word
63) To worry about someone’s condition (To keep worrying over an action)
64) Combined X with Y OR Combined X and Y (Both are correct)
e.g. Combined skill with determination
Combined reactant X and reactant Y
65) way to provide (Way for providing is incorrect)
66) No less an authority than…
67) Acclaimed as … is the correct idiom…
An artistic presence of the first order, one frequently ranked with Picasso, Stravinsky, and
James Joyce, Martha Graham was acclaimed as a great dancer long before her
innovative masterworks made her the most honored of American choreographers.
(A) Martha Graham was acclaimed as
(B) Martha Graham was acclaimed to be
(C) Martha Graham’s acclaim is as
(D) Martha Graham’s acclaim to be
(E) Martha Graham’s acclaim was in being
acclaimed as – choice A is correct in this case.
68) Allocated to is the correct idiom
E,g, The public library allocated revenues it recieved from the recently passed tax
initiative to the purchasing of more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
A) to the purchasing of more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
B) in order to purchase more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
C) so as to purchase more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
D) so that more than 2000 books and 50 computers could be purchased
E) for the purchase of more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
Bufo marinus toads, fierce predators that will eat frogs, lizards, and even small birds,
are native to South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's in an
attempt to control pests in the state's vast sugarcane fields.
(A) are native to South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's in
an attempt to control
(B) are native in South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's as
attempts to control
(C) are natives of South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's in
an attempt at controlling
(D) had been native to South America but were introduced to Florida during the
1930's as an attempt at controlling
(E) had been natives of South America but were introduced to Florida during the
1930's as attempts at controlling
Choice A is best. The phrasing are native to correctly suggests that the toad
species is indigenous to, and still exists in, South America. In B, native in is
unidiomatic; in C and E, natives of illogically suggests that each toad now in
Florida hails from South America. In D and E, had been inaccurately implies that
the toads are no longer native, or indigenous, to South America, and introduced to
Florida is unidiomatic. Both as attempts in B and E and as an attempt in D are wrong
because the attempt consists not of the toads themselves, but of their introduction
into the environment. The correct phrase, in an attempt, should be completed by an
infinitive (here, to control), as in A.
Most Important Points to remember:
1) Use of Consider: When ‘consider’ means ‘regard as’, ‘as’ should not be present
with ‘consider’ in the sentence. Consider must directly be followed by the
sentence without an infinitive like ‘to be’ etc.
Example: Some students of literary criticism consider the
theories of Blaine to be a huge advance in modern
critical thinking and question the need to study the
discounted theories of Rauthe and Wilson.
to be a huge advance in modern critical
thinking and question
as a huge advance in modern critical thinking
and question
as being a huge advance in modern critical
thinking and questioned
a huge advance in critical thinking and
question (When consider means regard as, no need of as)
are a huge advance in modern critical thinking
and questioned
Example 2:
Critics consider correction facilities to be an integral part of communal system. -
Incorrect
Critics consider correction facilities an integral part of communal system. –
Correct
Many scholars regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru as the most impressive
in South America.
(A) regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru as
(B) regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru to be
(C) regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru to have been
(D) consider that the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru are
(E) consider the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru as
A is correct
My IDIOMS
2) Different from one another (Different one from the other is wrong)
3) X is unknown, nor it is known – is a correct idiom (Neither is not required) It is not
that nor would always be preceded by a neither
4) To ratify (At ratifying is incorrect) An attempt to ratify is the correct use
5) Allergy to (Allergy of, allergy for are incorrect)
6) To try to fix is the right idiom (to try and fix is incorrect)
7) Just as… So too
8) X is different from Y (different than Y is incorrect)
9) Same as X..as to Y
e.g Gravity will apply the same to an airplane flying in air as to a ship floating on
water.
10) From X to Y (Grow from 2 million to 3 billion) (From X up to Y is wrong)
Studies of the human “sleep-wake cycle” have practical relevance for matters
ranging from duty assignments in nuclear submarines and air-traffic control towers
to the staff of shifts in 24-hour factories.
(A) to the staff of
(B) to those who staff
(C) to the staffing of
(D) and staffing
(E) and the staff of
From X where X is a noun here.
So, Y should be a noun.
To those who staff in B is incorrect.
C has a noun and is correct.
Also, see examples in notepad (From also-ran to local hero – the athlete)
11) Estimated to be (Estimated at is incorrect)
12) Believe X to be Y
13) Acclaimed as is the correct idiom (Acclaimed to be is wrong)
14) Distinguish between X and Y (Distinguish X from Y is incorrect)
15) In an attempt to (gain control)
16) Worried about (When talking about someone’s condition)
17) Attempt to ‘do something’ (Attempt at doing is incorrect).
18) Both X and Y (Both X as well as Y is incorrect) Both at X and at Y is correct. Both on
X or on Y is correct. Both should always have parallel forms associated to it.
Similarly, ‘Neither… nor’ should have parallel forms associated to it.
19) Adverb twice cannot be an object of proposition ‘by’.
‘Increase by twice’ is incorrect; ‘doubled’ is correct
20) So X as to be Y (So unreal as to be true)
21) As much as (Republicans are involved as much as Democrats).
22) X prohibits Y from
23) x forbids y to do z
x prohibits y from doing z.
The new contract forbids a strike by the transportation union
A) forbids a strike by the transportation union
B) forbids the transportation union from striking
C) forbids that there be a strike by the transportation union
D) will forbid the transportation union from striking
E) will forbid that the transportation union strikes
A is the correct answer
24) Credit X with discovering Y (Credit with doing something)
25) Credit X Rupees to Y’s account (When money is involved)
26) Given credit for being ones…who
27) Believed to have
28) Regarded as having
29) Regarded as ones who have
30) Concerned for – worried; concerned with – related/affliated
31) No sooner…than
32) X expected to Y
33) Mistake X for Y
34) Not X; but rather Y
35) Persuaded X to do Y
36) So X that Y (So poor that they steal)
37) Require that X be Y (Not require that X is Y)
38) As a result of
39) At least as strong as…(At least as great as)
40) Modeled after
41) So X that Y (So illiterate are people that they cant even write)
42) Intent on
43) Native of (Native to is also used in some cases, as in the example given below)
44) Compensate for
45) Adapted for
46) Plead guilty for … failing
47) Descendent of (Descendent for is incorrect)
48) X is to… what…Y is to
49) Potential for causing
In large doses, analgesics that work in the brain as antagonists to
certain chemicals have caused psychological disturbances in
patients, which may limit their potential to relieve severe pain.
(A) which may limit their potential to relieve
(B) which may limit their potential for relieving
(C) which may limit such analgesics’ potential to relieve
(D) an effect that may limit their potential to relieve
(E) an effect that may limit the potential of such analgesics for
relieving
50) Aid in (Aid for is incorrect)
People were asking Goddess Dia’s aid in healing ills or thanking her for such help.
51) Consider X…to be Y (a little controversial)
52) Regard as is the correct idiom
Most nations regard their airspace as extending upward as high as an aircraft can fly;
no specific altitude, however, has been officially recognized as a boundary.
(A) as extending
(B) as the extent
(C) to be an extent
(D) to be an extension
(E) to extend
A is correct, because it uses ‘regard as’
Because of the business community’s uncertainty about the President’s position in regard to the issue of the budget deficit, an unanticipated rise in interest rates has occurred.
(A) in regard to the issue of the budget deficit, an unanticipated rise in interest rates has
(B) on the deficit, an unanticipated rise in interest rates has
=> in regard to is wrong.
53) When ‘rates’ means ‘prices charged’ it should be followed with ‘for’
Rates for liability insurance
54) Distinguish between X and Y (2 very different items, distinguished, say red and
green colors)
Some color blind people cannot distinguish between red and green
55) Distinguish X from Y (Two pretty similar items, say original paintings from fake ones)
56) Attribute X (An effect) to Y(A cause)
57) Not in a flash…but in a…
58) May be (This is a word) is idiomatic, maybe (This means perhaps) is not idiomatic
59) That X is called for is indicated both by Y and by Z.
60) Not so much to X…as to Y
61) Associate X with Y
62) Business ethics – Is a singular word
63) To worry about someone’s condition (To keep worrying over an action)
64) Combined X with Y OR Combined X and Y (Both are correct)
e.g. Combined skill with determination
Combined reactant X and reactant Y
65) way to provide (Way for providing is incorrect)
66) No less an authority than…
67) Acclaimed as … is the correct idiom…
An artistic presence of the first order, one frequently ranked with Picasso, Stravinsky, and
James Joyce, Martha Graham was acclaimed as a great dancer long before her
innovative masterworks made her the most honored of American choreographers.
(A) Martha Graham was acclaimed as
(B) Martha Graham was acclaimed to be
(C) Martha Graham’s acclaim is as
(D) Martha Graham’s acclaim to be
(E) Martha Graham’s acclaim was in being
acclaimed as – choice A is correct in this case.
68) Allocated to is the correct idiom
E,g, The public library allocated revenues it recieved from the recently passed tax
initiative to the purchasing of more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
A) to the purchasing of more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
B) in order to purchase more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
C) so as to purchase more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
D) so that more than 2000 books and 50 computers could be purchased
E) for the purchase of more than 2000 books and 50 computers.
Bufo marinus toads, fierce predators that will eat frogs, lizards, and even small birds,
are native to South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's in an
attempt to control pests in the state's vast sugarcane fields.
(A) are native to South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's in
an attempt to control
(B) are native in South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's as
attempts to control
(C) are natives of South America but were introduced into Florida during the 1930's in
an attempt at controlling
(D) had been native to South America but were introduced to Florida during the
1930's as an attempt at controlling
(E) had been natives of South America but were introduced to Florida during the
1930's as attempts at controlling
Choice A is best. The phrasing are native to correctly suggests that the toad
species is indigenous to, and still exists in, South America. In B, native in is
unidiomatic; in C and E, natives of illogically suggests that each toad now in
Florida hails from South America. In D and E, had been inaccurately implies that
the toads are no longer native, or indigenous, to South America, and introduced to
Florida is unidiomatic. Both as attempts in B and E and as an attempt in D are wrong
because the attempt consists not of the toads themselves, but of their introduction
into the environment. The correct phrase, in an attempt, should be completed by an
infinitive (here, to control), as in A.
Most Important Points to remember:
1) Use of Consider: When ‘consider’ means ‘regard as’, ‘as’ should not be present
with ‘consider’ in the sentence. Consider must directly be followed by the
sentence without an infinitive like ‘to be’ etc.
Example: Some students of literary criticism consider the
theories of Blaine to be a huge advance in modern
critical thinking and question the need to study the
discounted theories of Rauthe and Wilson.
to be a huge advance in modern critical
thinking and question
as a huge advance in modern critical thinking
and question
as being a huge advance in modern critical
thinking and questioned
a huge advance in critical thinking and
question (When consider means regard as, no need of as)
are a huge advance in modern critical thinking
and questioned
Example 2:
Critics consider correction facilities to be an integral part of communal system. -
Incorrect
Critics consider correction facilities an integral part of communal system. –
Correct
Many scholars regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru as the most impressive
in South America.
(A) regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru as
(B) regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru to be
(C) regard the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru to have been
(D) consider that the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru are
(E) consider the pre-Hispanic civilizations of Peru as
A is correct
My IDIOMS
537. Not all employment selection mechanisms that have a “disparate effect,” that is, that screens out a percentage of minorities or women disproportionate to their presence in the relevant labor market, are unlawful.
(D) that is, that screen out a percentage of minorities or women disproportionate to
(E) that is, that screens out a percentage of minorities or women disproportionate with
(D) that is, that screen out a percentage of minorities or women disproportionate to
(E) that is, that screens out a percentage of minorities or women disproportionate with
Idiom : Grounds For ( Not to )
190. By showing that South Africa does not have a free market and is in fact a kind of collectivist welfare state for Whites only, Sowell argues that American conservatives have no valid ideological grounds to be in sympathy with the Pretoria regime.
(B) to sympathize with
(C) for sympathizing with - CORRECT
(B) to sympathize with
(C) for sympathizing with - CORRECT
Gerund V/s Infinitive
Sunday, March 2, 2008
List of verbs normally followed by Infinitives
afford agree appear arrange ask attempt care choose claim come consent
dare decide demand deserve determine elect endeavour expect fail get guarentee
hate help hesitate hope hurry incline intend learn long manage mean need
offer plan prepare pretend promise refuse resolve say seem tend threaten want wish
List of verbs that can only have gerunds after them
acknowledge admit adore anticipate appreciate avoid celebrate confess contemplate
delay deny describe detest discuss dislike dread endure enjoy
fancy finish imagine involve keep justify mention mind miss
omit postpone practisequit recall recommend regret report resent resume risk
suggest tolerate understand
e.g. anticipate implementing is correct (Anticipate to implement is
wrong).
Even though she didn't anticipate to implement it, the advertising
manager agreed with the personal manager's proposal to strengthen
her department.
A) to implement it, the advertising manager agreed with the
personal
B) implementing it, the advertising manager agreed with the personal
C) implementing it, the advertising manager agreed with the personnel
D) to implement it, the advertising manager agreed with the personnel
E) implementing it, the advertising manager agreed to the personnel
(E) NOTE: all answer choices are indeed different here. 'Personal' deals
with a person's own special things; 'Personnel' deals with a lot of people.
Verbs like 'anticipate' must be followed by a gerund, the verb form in '-
ing'. The correct idiom usage should read: a person 'agrees with' another
person, not with an inanimate thing such as a proposal. Therefore, she
agrees 'to the proposal.' (E) is correct.
(Forum - GmatClub )
The skill and the precision of the Anasazi, ancient inhabitants of the Southwest, in measuring the movements of the Sun and Moon is evidenced not only at Chaco Canyon but at a number of other sites.
(B) in measuring the movements of the Sun and Moon are evidenced not only at
(E) to measure the movements of the Sun and Moon are evidenced not only at
Actual and Potential Meanings: Although a gerund and an infinitive will often have practically the same meaning, there can be a difference in meaning. Gerunds are used to describe an "actual, vivid, or fulfilled action" whereas infinitives are better used to describe "potential, hypothetical, or future events".
More information @ http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/gerunds.htm
afford agree appear arrange ask attempt care choose claim come consent
dare decide demand deserve determine elect endeavour expect fail get guarentee
hate help hesitate hope hurry incline intend learn long manage mean need
offer plan prepare pretend promise refuse resolve say seem tend threaten want wish
List of verbs that can only have gerunds after them
acknowledge admit adore anticipate appreciate avoid celebrate confess contemplate
delay deny describe detest discuss dislike dread endure enjoy
fancy finish imagine involve keep justify mention mind miss
omit postpone practisequit recall recommend regret report resent resume risk
suggest tolerate understand
e.g. anticipate implementing is correct (Anticipate to implement is
wrong).
Even though she didn't anticipate to implement it, the advertising
manager agreed with the personal manager's proposal to strengthen
her department.
A) to implement it, the advertising manager agreed with the
personal
B) implementing it, the advertising manager agreed with the personal
C) implementing it, the advertising manager agreed with the personnel
D) to implement it, the advertising manager agreed with the personnel
E) implementing it, the advertising manager agreed to the personnel
(E) NOTE: all answer choices are indeed different here. 'Personal' deals
with a person's own special things; 'Personnel' deals with a lot of people.
Verbs like 'anticipate' must be followed by a gerund, the verb form in '-
ing'. The correct idiom usage should read: a person 'agrees with' another
person, not with an inanimate thing such as a proposal. Therefore, she
agrees 'to the proposal.' (E) is correct.
(Forum - GmatClub )
The skill and the precision of the Anasazi, ancient inhabitants of the Southwest, in measuring the movements of the Sun and Moon is evidenced not only at Chaco Canyon but at a number of other sites.
(B) in measuring the movements of the Sun and Moon are evidenced not only at
(E) to measure the movements of the Sun and Moon are evidenced not only at
Actual and Potential Meanings: Although a gerund and an infinitive will often have practically the same meaning, there can be a difference in meaning. Gerunds are used to describe an "actual, vivid, or fulfilled action" whereas infinitives are better used to describe "potential, hypothetical, or future events".
More information @ http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu
Modifiers
[1] Resumptive modifiers ( Sahils)
Since the 1930’s aircraft manufacturers have tried to build airplanes with frictionless
wings, shaped so smoothly and perfectly that the air passing over them would not
become turbulent.
(A) wings, shaped so smoothly and perfectly
(B) wings, wings so smooth and so perfectly shaped
(C) wings that are shaped so smooth and perfect
(D) wings, shaped in such a smooth and perfect manner
(E) wings, wings having been shaped smoothly and perfectly so
B is the correct answer.
Wings is required to unambiguously convey the meaning of the sentence.
A resumptive modifier picks up a word or phrase from a sentence that seems to be
finished and then adds information and takes the reader into new territory of thought.
In a crowded, acquisitive world, the disapperance of lifestyles such as those once
followed by southern Africa's Bushmen and Australia's aborigines, requiring vast wild
spaces and permitting little accumulation of goods, seem inevitably doomed.
(B) requiring vast wild spaces and permitting little accumulation of goods, seems to be
inevitably doomed
(C) which require vast wild spaces and permit little accumulation of goods, seems to be
inevitably doomed
(D) life-styles that require vast wild spaces and permit little accumulation of goods, seem
inevitable
(E) life-stlyes requiring vast wild spaces and permitting little accumulation of goods,
seems inevitable
E is the correct answer.
Proponents of artificial intelligence say they will be able to make computers that can
understand English and other human languages, recognize objects, and reason as an
expert does—computers that will be used to diagnose equipment breakdowns,
deciding whether to authorize a loan, or other purposes such as these.
(A) as an expert does—computers that will be used to diagnose equipment
breakdowns, deciding whether to authorize a loan, or other purposes such as
these
(B) as an expert does, which may be used for purposes such as diagnosing
equipment breakdowns or deciding whether to authorize a loan
(C) like an expert—computers that will be used for such purposes as diagnosing
equipment breakdowns or deciding whether to authorize a loan
(D) like an expert, the use of which would be for purposes like the diagnosis of
equipment breakdowns or the decision whether or not a loan should be
authorized
(E) like an expert, to be used to diagnose equipment breakdowns, deciding
whether to authorize a loan or not, or the like
C is the answer.
[2] S+V+O+verb-ed/verb-ing+Blah Blah(Manhattan)
S+V+O+verb-ed+blah...
S+V+O+verb-ing+blah...
"verb-ed" and "verb-ing" modify the object O.
My question is when should I use verb-ed? when should I use verb-ing?
(Ron Purewal)
the distinction you're talking about is that between the PRESENT PARTICIPLE (that's the '-ing' form) and the PAST PARTICIPLE (that's the form that usually ends in '-ed', although there are plenty of exceptions, like written, known, etc.)
i won't go on at length about the distinction between the two, because it's so fundamental that you can find literally thousands of thorough internet sources with one search. just type "present participle" "past participle" (including the quotes), and perhaps english, into google and read one of the huge number of explanatory pages that you'll find.
i will, however, point out one thing of enormous importance that you haven't addressed here at all, which is the presence/absence of a COMMA after the main clause (the thing you've written s+v+o).
if there's NO COMMA before a participle, then the participle creates an adjective phrase that modifies the noun immediately preceding.
if there's a COMMA before a participle, then the participle creates an adverb phrase that modifies the action of the preceding clause.
examples:
joe picked the fruit hanging from the tree. <-- joe, who was probably on solid ground, picked the fruit that was hanging from the tree. joe picked the fruit, hanging from the tree. <-- joe was hanging from the tree while he picked the fruit. for instance, i think that the following sentence is perfectly fine: the pedestrian was hit by a car, sustaining multiple major injuries
although it would probably be better written as
the pedestrian was hit by a car and sustained multiple major injuries
i think that, as long as the 'verb-ing adverb phrase' refers properly to the action in the main clause (whether that action is in the active or the passive), you're fine.
well, i don't like to endorse any statement involving the word 'always', especially when it comes to english grammar - but here are a couple of guidelines:
if the participial phrase comes before the verb of the main clause, then you usually can check it with the rule that you're propounding:
(1) joe, racing down the wet sidewalk, slipped and fell.
(2) racing down the wet sidewalk, joe slipped and fell.
either of these sentences means the same thing as 'joe slipped and fell as/while he was racing down the wet sidewalk'. by contrast, trying to place the participle after the verb - joe slipped and fell, racing down the sidewalk - yields a sentence that doesn't make any sense.
on the other hand, if the participial phrase comes after the verb of the main clause, then it usually expresses a result and thus can't be checked with your rule:
(3) the bodybuilder ate a 3000-calorie dinner, bringing his calorie intake for the day to 7000.
Since the 1930’s aircraft manufacturers have tried to build airplanes with frictionless
wings, shaped so smoothly and perfectly that the air passing over them would not
become turbulent.
(A) wings, shaped so smoothly and perfectly
(B) wings, wings so smooth and so perfectly shaped
(C) wings that are shaped so smooth and perfect
(D) wings, shaped in such a smooth and perfect manner
(E) wings, wings having been shaped smoothly and perfectly so
B is the correct answer.
Wings is required to unambiguously convey the meaning of the sentence.
A resumptive modifier picks up a word or phrase from a sentence that seems to be
finished and then adds information and takes the reader into new territory of thought.
In a crowded, acquisitive world, the disapperance of lifestyles such as those once
followed by southern Africa's Bushmen and Australia's aborigines, requiring vast wild
spaces and permitting little accumulation of goods, seem inevitably doomed.
(B) requiring vast wild spaces and permitting little accumulation of goods, seems to be
inevitably doomed
(C) which require vast wild spaces and permit little accumulation of goods, seems to be
inevitably doomed
(D) life-styles that require vast wild spaces and permit little accumulation of goods, seem
inevitable
(E) life-stlyes requiring vast wild spaces and permitting little accumulation of goods,
seems inevitable
E is the correct answer.
Proponents of artificial intelligence say they will be able to make computers that can
understand English and other human languages, recognize objects, and reason as an
expert does—computers that will be used to diagnose equipment breakdowns,
deciding whether to authorize a loan, or other purposes such as these.
(A) as an expert does—computers that will be used to diagnose equipment
breakdowns, deciding whether to authorize a loan, or other purposes such as
these
(B) as an expert does, which may be used for purposes such as diagnosing
equipment breakdowns or deciding whether to authorize a loan
(C) like an expert—computers that will be used for such purposes as diagnosing
equipment breakdowns or deciding whether to authorize a loan
(D) like an expert, the use of which would be for purposes like the diagnosis of
equipment breakdowns or the decision whether or not a loan should be
authorized
(E) like an expert, to be used to diagnose equipment breakdowns, deciding
whether to authorize a loan or not, or the like
C is the answer.
[2] S+V+O+verb-ed/verb-ing+Blah Blah(Manhattan)
S+V+O+verb-ed+blah...
S+V+O+verb-ing+blah...
"verb-ed" and "verb-ing" modify the object O.
My question is when should I use verb-ed? when should I use verb-ing?
(Ron Purewal)
the distinction you're talking about is that between the PRESENT PARTICIPLE (that's the '-ing' form) and the PAST PARTICIPLE (that's the form that usually ends in '-ed', although there are plenty of exceptions, like written, known, etc.)
i won't go on at length about the distinction between the two, because it's so fundamental that you can find literally thousands of thorough internet sources with one search. just type "present participle" "past participle" (including the quotes), and perhaps english, into google and read one of the huge number of explanatory pages that you'll find.
i will, however, point out one thing of enormous importance that you haven't addressed here at all, which is the presence/absence of a COMMA after the main clause (the thing you've written s+v+o).
if there's NO COMMA before a participle, then the participle creates an adjective phrase that modifies the noun immediately preceding.
if there's a COMMA before a participle, then the participle creates an adverb phrase that modifies the action of the preceding clause.
examples:
joe picked the fruit hanging from the tree. <-- joe, who was probably on solid ground, picked the fruit that was hanging from the tree. joe picked the fruit, hanging from the tree. <-- joe was hanging from the tree while he picked the fruit. for instance, i think that the following sentence is perfectly fine: the pedestrian was hit by a car, sustaining multiple major injuries
although it would probably be better written as
the pedestrian was hit by a car and sustained multiple major injuries
i think that, as long as the 'verb-ing adverb phrase' refers properly to the action in the main clause (whether that action is in the active or the passive), you're fine.
well, i don't like to endorse any statement involving the word 'always', especially when it comes to english grammar - but here are a couple of guidelines:
if the participial phrase comes before the verb of the main clause, then you usually can check it with the rule that you're propounding:
(1) joe, racing down the wet sidewalk, slipped and fell.
(2) racing down the wet sidewalk, joe slipped and fell.
either of these sentences means the same thing as 'joe slipped and fell as/while he was racing down the wet sidewalk'. by contrast, trying to place the participle after the verb - joe slipped and fell, racing down the sidewalk - yields a sentence that doesn't make any sense.
on the other hand, if the participial phrase comes after the verb of the main clause, then it usually expresses a result and thus can't be checked with your rule:
(3) the bodybuilder ate a 3000-calorie dinner, bringing his calorie intake for the day to 7000.
Pronoun Refernce
IT as a pronoun: (Sahil)
Whenever, ‘it’ is used in a sentence, it should always refer to a
NOUN. If that noun is not present in the sentence, don’t use ‘it’. Also ‘it’ should
unambiguously refer to a single noun in the sentence. If unsure, replace the ‘it’ in
the sentence with the NOUN.
Example,
Under a provision of constitution that was never applied, congress has been
required to call a convention for possible amendments to document when asked
about it. (There is no noun, to which ‘it’ can refer to).
It V/S That:(Manhattan)
If "it" and "that" are used as a pronoun, how do I choose between them? For example,
The dictionary is very helpful; without it, I don't know what the word means at all.
The dictionary is very helpful; without that, I don't know what the word means at all.
On the gmat, and in formal written english in general, you can't use the so-called 'pointing words.' those are the four words 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those', used by themselves as pronouns. big fat no-no. the second one of these two sentences is, therefore, incorrect. -- the above is of course not meant to say that those four words are forbidden in general. you can, of course, use 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' as adjectives (these people, that book, etc.), or in specialized constructions wherein parallelism lends them meaning (such as 'beethoven's symphonies were more revolutionary than were those of bach').
That That : (Spidey's)
The inhabitants of Somalia greeted the measures outlawing polygamy with a similar defiance that welcomed the prohibition of alcohol in the United States in the nineteen-twenties.
a. a similar defiance that welcomed
b. a similar defiance which welcomed
c. a similar defiance to what welcomed
d. a defiance similar to that which welcomed
e. the same defiance welcoming
In English, instead of saying something like "that that" we say "that which." For example:
Example;
The number we recorded this week is greater than the number that we recorded last week.
The number we recorded this week is greater than that which we recorded last week.
is preferable to
The number we recorded this week is greater than that that we recorded last week.
In this sentence
The number we recorded this week is greater than that which we recorded last week.
that = number
and
which = number
So in our sentence here, we want to say:
The inhabitants of Somalia greeted the measures outlawing polygamy with a defiance
that was similar to the defiance that welcomed the prohibition of alcohol in the United States in the nineteen-twenties.
Which VS Where
At Shiprock, New Mexico, a perennially powerful girls’ high school basketball team has become a path to college for some and a source of pride for a community where the household incomes of 49 percent of them are below the poverty level.
(C) where 49 percent of the household incomes are
(D) which has 49 percent of the household incomes
(E) in which 49 percent of them have household incomes
Generally "where" is used for physical locations - otherwise, we have to use a variant such as "in which." Other variants include "at which" and "for which." Both "where" and "in which" refer to the community, which has already been established as a physical location (Shiprock New Mexico), so we can use "where." We could also use "in which" - this just means "in the community" which is also grammatically correct. The key is that the only "in which" option given has a pronoun error, so I don't have a grammatically correct option that uses "in which." That leaves me with "where" by default. A, B, and E all have pronoun errors. D would have to have a comma before the which and the verb "has" makes the sentence awkward. The community doesn't "have" household incomes. The individual members of the community do.
re: your other question as far as we can tell from our rather extensive research, the gmat does not use 'which' without commas. if you have a modifier that is not preceded by a comma - i.e., an essential modifier - then you use 'that', not 'which'.
Misleading THAT
A letter by Mark Twain, written in the same year as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were published, reveals that Twain provided financial assistance to one of the first Black students at Yale Law School.
(C) A letter by Mark Twain, written in the same year that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published,--Correct
(D) Mark Twain wrote a letter in the same year as he published The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that
"that" at the end of answer D indicates that the adventures of bucklebbery Finn is what "reveals", not the letter.
EACH before/after plural nouns
each of the three channels broadcasts ......
three channels each broadcast ......
Whenever, ‘it’ is used in a sentence, it should always refer to a
NOUN. If that noun is not present in the sentence, don’t use ‘it’. Also ‘it’ should
unambiguously refer to a single noun in the sentence. If unsure, replace the ‘it’ in
the sentence with the NOUN.
Example,
Under a provision of constitution that was never applied, congress has been
required to call a convention for possible amendments to document when asked
about it. (There is no noun, to which ‘it’ can refer to).
It V/S That:(Manhattan)
If "it" and "that" are used as a pronoun, how do I choose between them? For example,
The dictionary is very helpful; without it, I don't know what the word means at all.
The dictionary is very helpful; without that, I don't know what the word means at all.
On the gmat, and in formal written english in general, you can't use the so-called 'pointing words.' those are the four words 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those', used by themselves as pronouns. big fat no-no. the second one of these two sentences is, therefore, incorrect. -- the above is of course not meant to say that those four words are forbidden in general. you can, of course, use 'this', 'that', 'these', and 'those' as adjectives (these people, that book, etc.), or in specialized constructions wherein parallelism lends them meaning (such as 'beethoven's symphonies were more revolutionary than were those of bach').
That That : (Spidey's)
The inhabitants of Somalia greeted the measures outlawing polygamy with a similar defiance that welcomed the prohibition of alcohol in the United States in the nineteen-twenties.
a. a similar defiance that welcomed
b. a similar defiance which welcomed
c. a similar defiance to what welcomed
d. a defiance similar to that which welcomed
e. the same defiance welcoming
In English, instead of saying something like "that that" we say "that which." For example:
Example;
The number we recorded this week is greater than the number that we recorded last week.
The number we recorded this week is greater than that which we recorded last week.
is preferable to
The number we recorded this week is greater than that that we recorded last week.
In this sentence
The number we recorded this week is greater than that which we recorded last week.
that = number
and
which = number
So in our sentence here, we want to say:
The inhabitants of Somalia greeted the measures outlawing polygamy with a defiance
that was similar to the defiance that welcomed the prohibition of alcohol in the United States in the nineteen-twenties.
Which VS Where
At Shiprock, New Mexico, a perennially powerful girls’ high school basketball team has become a path to college for some and a source of pride for a community where the household incomes of 49 percent of them are below the poverty level.
(C) where 49 percent of the household incomes are
(D) which has 49 percent of the household incomes
(E) in which 49 percent of them have household incomes
Generally "where" is used for physical locations - otherwise, we have to use a variant such as "in which." Other variants include "at which" and "for which." Both "where" and "in which" refer to the community, which has already been established as a physical location (Shiprock New Mexico), so we can use "where." We could also use "in which" - this just means "in the community" which is also grammatically correct. The key is that the only "in which" option given has a pronoun error, so I don't have a grammatically correct option that uses "in which." That leaves me with "where" by default. A, B, and E all have pronoun errors. D would have to have a comma before the which and the verb "has" makes the sentence awkward. The community doesn't "have" household incomes. The individual members of the community do.
re: your other question as far as we can tell from our rather extensive research, the gmat does not use 'which' without commas. if you have a modifier that is not preceded by a comma - i.e., an essential modifier - then you use 'that', not 'which'.
Misleading THAT
A letter by Mark Twain, written in the same year as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn were published, reveals that Twain provided financial assistance to one of the first Black students at Yale Law School.
(C) A letter by Mark Twain, written in the same year that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published,--Correct
(D) Mark Twain wrote a letter in the same year as he published The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that
"that" at the end of answer D indicates that the adventures of bucklebbery Finn is what "reveals", not the letter.
EACH before/after plural nouns
each of the three channels broadcasts ......
three channels each broadcast ......
Misceleneous Tips
[1]Use of - one Of
(Sahils)
one of the NOUN (this noun will always be plural) + that/who + PLURAL VERB
Example:
He is one of the persons who make money.
This is one of the cars that run on hydrogen.
[2] Use of - OR
(Sahils)
When there are 2 or more options separated by ‘OR’, both should
equally apply to the following clause.
e.g. Slowing the growth or damaging forests (Both slowing the growth and
damaging apply to forests. Now, consider the clause ‘slowing the growth forests’
and ‘damaging forests’. The first one, does not seem fine. As, it should be ‘slowing
the growth of or damaging forests).
Damaging or slowing the growth of forests – Is the correct usage (Damaging
forests or slowing the growth of forests).
[3] Like V/s As (Sahils )
Like is used to express similarity. It is normally used to show similarity
between two nouns e.g. Lemons are like limes.
As on the other hand would normally compare two clauses and not two nouns.
E.g. He looks as if he is drunk.
The ordinance is intended to force householders to separate such hazardous waste like
pesticides, batteries, fertilizers, and oil-based paints from the general stream of
household trash.
(A) to separate such hazardous waste like
(B) that they should separate such hazardous waste like
(C) separating such hazardous wastes as
(D) that they should separate such hazardous wastes as
(E) to separate such hazardous wastes as
E is the correct answer. Examples to be given, so ‘as’.
For some reason the new consultant treats his clients like idiots, talking to them like
they were mentally deficient and incapable of understanding more than the simplest
ideas.
(A) like idiots, talking to them like they
(B) as if they were idiots, talking to them like they
(C) like idiots, talking to them as if they
(D) as idiots, talking to them like they
(E) like idiots who
C is correct.
Like the government that came before it, which set new records for growth, laissezfaire
capitalism is the cornerstone of the new government.
(A) laissez-faire capitalism is the cornerstone of the new government
(B) the cornerstone of the new government is laissez-faire capitalism
(C) laissez-faire capitalism is the new government’s cornerstone
(D) the new government has made laissez-faire capitalism its cornerstone
(E) the new government has a laissez-faire cornerstone of capitalism
D is correct
According to a recent poll of the entering class, joining a fraternity or sorority is still
a priority of a majority of freshmen, <like that of earlier classes>.
A) like that of earlier classes
B) as that for earlier classes
C) just as earlier classes did
D) as have earlier classes
E) as it was of earlier classes
(E) The intended comparison should be completed by a clause beginning with as
and containing a subject and verb that correspond to the subject and verb of
the main clause. In E, the best choice, it refers unambiguously to the phrasal
subject joining. . . sorority, the verb was corresponds to is, and today's majority of
freshman are appropriately compared to earlier classes. Choices A and B lack a
verb corresponding to is and a clear referent for that. Choices C and D are
confusing and illogical because their verbs, did and have, cannot substitute for is
in the main clause.
Another example stressing the point, that like is used to compare nouns only, and
as to compare actions.
During an ice age, the buildup of ice at the poles and the drop
in water levels near the equator speed up the Earth's rotation,
like a spinning figure skater whose speed increases when her arms
are drawn in.
(A) like a spinning figure skater whose speed increases when her
arms are drawn in
(B) like the increased speed of a figure skater when her arms
are drawn in
(C) like a figure skater who increases speed while spinning with
her arms drawn in
(D) just as a spinning figure skater who increases speed by
drawing in her arms(E)
(E) just as a spinning figure skater increases speed by drawing
in her arms
rotation of the earth is compared to spinning of a figure skater (so E is the OA)
A is like B. like is a proposition linking 2 nouns and 2 clauses should not be linked
with it.
More than thirty years ago Dr. Barbara Mc-Clintock, the Nobel Prize winner,
reported that genes can “jump,” as pearls moving mysteriously from one necklace to
another.
(A) as pearls moving mysteriously from one necklace to another
(B) like pearls moving mysteriously from one necklace to another
(C) as pearls do that move mysteriously from one necklace to others
(D) like pearls do that move mysteriously from one necklace to others
(E) as do pearls that move mysteriously from one necklace to some other one
B is right.
[3] Like V/s Such As (Self )
It is normally used to give examples. Compare the two sentences ‘I
want you to buy fruits like lemons and limes’. However, if you want lemons and
limes, you would say that ‘I want you to buy fruits such as lemons and limes’. The
earlier sentence means you don’t want lemons and limes, but fruits like those.
Animal such as tiger and lion live in Serengeti.
( Such As indicate examples)
Animal like tiger and lion live in Serengeti.
( Like indicate similarity , tiger , lion , leopard ( perhaps ! ) )
In GMATLand, like means similar to (generally excluded from the group), and
such as means for example ( included in the group).
Can you buy me some fruit like oranges or grapefruit?
( this sentence would mean that you do NOT want oranges or grapefruit; instead, you'd prefer some fruit similar to oranges and grapefruit. For example, you may want pomelo, lemons, or limes.)
As rare as something becomes, be it a baseball card or a musical recording or a postage stamp, the more avidly it is sought by collectors.
(D) The rarer something becomes, like (wrong – use “such as” )
(E) The rarer something becomes, whether it is
Example of Such as:
While the base salary for the top five officers of the company did not change
from 1990 to 1991, cuts were made nonsalary compensation, as in allowances for
overseas assignments and club memberships.
(A) cuts were made nonsalary compensation, as in
(B) cuts were made in such nonsalary compensation as
(C) cuts were made in such nonsalary compensation as those in
(D) cuts in nonsalary compensation were made in areas like
(E) there were cuts made in nonsalary compensation, in areas like
B is the correct answer. It uses ‘such as’ to furnish 2 examples.
[4] Because v/s. In That
When ETS puts ‘because’ and ‘in that’ in a sentence, more
often than not, ‘in that’ would be correct. ‘In that qualifies’ the previous
sentence, while ‘because’ is just used to show a simple causal relationship.
Teratomas are unusual forms of cancer because they are
composed of tissues such as tooth and bone not normally found in the
organ in which the tumor appears.
A. because they are composed of tissues such as tooth and bone
B. because they are composed of tissues like tooth and bone that are
C. because they are composed of tissues, like tooth and bone, tissues
D. in that their composition , tissues such as tooth and bone, is
E. in that they are composed of tissues such as tooth and bone, tissues
E is the correct answer.
[5] Can v/s. Could
If you are just assuming something, ‘could’ should be used.
e.g.
Artificial intelligence emerged during the late 1950's as an academic
discipline based on the assumption that computers are able to be programmed
to think like people.
(A) are able to be programmed to think like people
(B) were able to be programmed to think as people
(C) can be programmed to think as people can
(D) could be programmed to think like people
(E) are capable of being programmed to think like people do
Can is used for : General ability (I can speak English), opportunity (I can help her
now), request (Can I have a glass of water?), possibility (Anyone can become
rich and famous).
Could is used for: possibility (John could be the one who stole the money),
condition (If I had more time, I could travel around the world), suggestion (You
could spend your vacation here), polite request (Could I have something to
drink?)
[6] EACH v/s. EVERY
The dog has bitten my younger son twice, and each time, he has had to be sent
to his kennel.
(A) each time, he has had to be sent to his
(B) every time, it has had to be sent to his
(C)each time, it has had to be sent to its
(D)every time, it has had to be sent to its
(E)each time, he has had to be sent to its
‘Each time’ because it has bitten only twice. The use of the pronoun "he" is unclear here -
does it refer to the dog or to the son? In fact, tracing our way back along the sentence,
we find that we come across the word "son" before we come across the word "dog",
which rather implies that it is the son who owns, and is sent to, the kennel.
The way to get round this ambiguity is to use "it" followed by "its" (no apostrophe!). This
limits the choices to (C) and (D). The only difference between these options is the fact
that one uses the word "every" and the other uses the word "each". Since these refer to
the two times that the dog bit the son, we shouldn't use "every" (that refers to three or
more times). The correct option is therefore (C).
[7] "Rather Than" v/s. "Instead Of"
(manhattan)
'rather than' is less restrictive than 'instead of': 'rather than' can be used with just about any part of speech. so, for instance, i can write any of the following:
i chose to forsake my chance to attend law school rather than accrue major debt to enter a career about which i was ambivalent (used with verb)
[i]james differs from many negotiators in that his default attitude toward negotiation is cooperative rather than confrontational (used with adjective)
[i]i chose to rent a compact car rather than a midsize sedan (used with nouns)
'instead of', by contrast, can only be used with nouns, or with constructions that function as nouns (like gerunds and noun phrases).
--
for sentences in which either of the two constructions is acceptable, our rather extensive research indicates that the gmat prefers 'rather than' pretty much across the board. so, if you're in doubt, you might want to go with that one.
(prachi)
Rather than - shows preference. This expression is generally used in 'parallel' structures. e.g - with two nouns, adjectives, adverbs, infinitives or -ing forms.
e.g
1). We ought to invest in machinery rather than buildings.
2). I prefer starting early rather than leaving things to the last minute.
When the main clause has a to - infinitive, rather than is usually followed by an infinitive without to or -ing form.
e.g - I decided to write rather than phone/phoning.
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.
Instead of is not usually followed by an infinitive.
e.g
1). I'll have tea instead of coffee, please.
2). I stayed in bed all day instead of going to work.
3). Amit was invited to the reception, but he was ill, so Akash went instead of him.
Note - Instead (without of) is an adverb. It begins or ends a clause usually.
e.g - She didn't go to Greece after all. Instead , she went to America.
[8] Ellipse
Julia was able to climb the tree as fast as her brothers did.
Land values in most parts of the pinelands rose almost as fast as those outside the pinelands.
The DID is missing in the second example.
(Ron - Manhattan)
This can definitely get confusing. You need to repeat the verb when what you're comparing is an action. You don't need to repeat the verb when you are not comparing actions.
The first sentence compares Julia's ability to climb to her brothers' ability to climb (actions), so we need to use that "did."
The second sentence compares land values in one area to land values in another area.
(Guest)
Sorry for bumping up the thread. I still share the same doubt as the second sentence, IMO, is also comparing actions - how fast are the land values increasing compared to others?. Correct? Please clarify.
(Ron)
here's a better, and less hair-splitting, rule to follow:
if there's any ambiguity in the version that doesn't feature a verb, then throw the verb in there to resolve the ambiguity (even if one of the 2 ambiguous meanings is a bit farfetched - remember that ambiguity is ambiguity, and that we aren't supposed to use 'common sense' to resolve meanings). so, in the sentence about julia WITHOUT the 'did', we could read the sentence as meaning that julia climbed the tree as fast as she climbed up her brothers' backs. a bit strange, but not meaningless or ungrammatical, so we must consider it a genuine ambiguity. therefore, we need the verb.
in the sentence about land values, there is no possible ambiguous reading that doesn't violate some rule of grammar or parallelism, so the verb is not necessary.
how 'bout that?
(Sahils)
one of the NOUN (this noun will always be plural) + that/who + PLURAL VERB
Example:
He is one of the persons who make money.
This is one of the cars that run on hydrogen.
[2] Use of - OR
(Sahils)
When there are 2 or more options separated by ‘OR’, both should
equally apply to the following clause.
e.g. Slowing the growth or damaging forests (Both slowing the growth and
damaging apply to forests. Now, consider the clause ‘slowing the growth forests’
and ‘damaging forests’. The first one, does not seem fine. As, it should be ‘slowing
the growth of or damaging forests).
Damaging or slowing the growth of forests – Is the correct usage (Damaging
forests or slowing the growth of forests).
[3] Like V/s As (Sahils )
Like is used to express similarity. It is normally used to show similarity
between two nouns e.g. Lemons are like limes.
As on the other hand would normally compare two clauses and not two nouns.
E.g. He looks as if he is drunk.
The ordinance is intended to force householders to separate such hazardous waste like
pesticides, batteries, fertilizers, and oil-based paints from the general stream of
household trash.
(A) to separate such hazardous waste like
(B) that they should separate such hazardous waste like
(C) separating such hazardous wastes as
(D) that they should separate such hazardous wastes as
(E) to separate such hazardous wastes as
E is the correct answer. Examples to be given, so ‘as’.
For some reason the new consultant treats his clients like idiots, talking to them like
they were mentally deficient and incapable of understanding more than the simplest
ideas.
(A) like idiots, talking to them like they
(B) as if they were idiots, talking to them like they
(C) like idiots, talking to them as if they
(D) as idiots, talking to them like they
(E) like idiots who
C is correct.
Like the government that came before it, which set new records for growth, laissezfaire
capitalism is the cornerstone of the new government.
(A) laissez-faire capitalism is the cornerstone of the new government
(B) the cornerstone of the new government is laissez-faire capitalism
(C) laissez-faire capitalism is the new government’s cornerstone
(D) the new government has made laissez-faire capitalism its cornerstone
(E) the new government has a laissez-faire cornerstone of capitalism
D is correct
According to a recent poll of the entering class, joining a fraternity or sorority is still
a priority of a majority of freshmen, <like that of earlier classes>.
A) like that of earlier classes
B) as that for earlier classes
C) just as earlier classes did
D) as have earlier classes
E) as it was of earlier classes
(E) The intended comparison should be completed by a clause beginning with as
and containing a subject and verb that correspond to the subject and verb of
the main clause. In E, the best choice, it refers unambiguously to the phrasal
subject joining. . . sorority, the verb was corresponds to is, and today's majority of
freshman are appropriately compared to earlier classes. Choices A and B lack a
verb corresponding to is and a clear referent for that. Choices C and D are
confusing and illogical because their verbs, did and have, cannot substitute for is
in the main clause.
Another example stressing the point, that like is used to compare nouns only, and
as to compare actions.
During an ice age, the buildup of ice at the poles and the drop
in water levels near the equator speed up the Earth's rotation,
like a spinning figure skater whose speed increases when her arms
are drawn in.
(A) like a spinning figure skater whose speed increases when her
arms are drawn in
(B) like the increased speed of a figure skater when her arms
are drawn in
(C) like a figure skater who increases speed while spinning with
her arms drawn in
(D) just as a spinning figure skater who increases speed by
drawing in her arms(E)
(E) just as a spinning figure skater increases speed by drawing
in her arms
rotation of the earth is compared to spinning of a figure skater (so E is the OA)
A is like B. like is a proposition linking 2 nouns and 2 clauses should not be linked
with it.
More than thirty years ago Dr. Barbara Mc-Clintock, the Nobel Prize winner,
reported that genes can “jump,” as pearls moving mysteriously from one necklace to
another.
(A) as pearls moving mysteriously from one necklace to another
(B) like pearls moving mysteriously from one necklace to another
(C) as pearls do that move mysteriously from one necklace to others
(D) like pearls do that move mysteriously from one necklace to others
(E) as do pearls that move mysteriously from one necklace to some other one
B is right.
[3] Like V/s Such As (Self )
It is normally used to give examples. Compare the two sentences ‘I
want you to buy fruits like lemons and limes’. However, if you want lemons and
limes, you would say that ‘I want you to buy fruits such as lemons and limes’. The
earlier sentence means you don’t want lemons and limes, but fruits like those.
Animal such as tiger and lion live in Serengeti.
( Such As indicate examples)
Animal like tiger and lion live in Serengeti.
( Like indicate similarity , tiger , lion , leopard ( perhaps ! ) )
In GMATLand, like means similar to (generally excluded from the group), and
such as means for example ( included in the group).
Can you buy me some fruit like oranges or grapefruit?
( this sentence would mean that you do NOT want oranges or grapefruit; instead, you'd prefer some fruit similar to oranges and grapefruit. For example, you may want pomelo, lemons, or limes.)
As rare as something becomes, be it a baseball card or a musical recording or a postage stamp, the more avidly it is sought by collectors.
(D) The rarer something becomes, like (wrong – use “such as” )
(E) The rarer something becomes, whether it is
Example of Such as:
While the base salary for the top five officers of the company did not change
from 1990 to 1991, cuts were made nonsalary compensation, as in allowances for
overseas assignments and club memberships.
(A) cuts were made nonsalary compensation, as in
(B) cuts were made in such nonsalary compensation as
(C) cuts were made in such nonsalary compensation as those in
(D) cuts in nonsalary compensation were made in areas like
(E) there were cuts made in nonsalary compensation, in areas like
B is the correct answer. It uses ‘such as’ to furnish 2 examples.
[4] Because v/s. In That
When ETS puts ‘because’ and ‘in that’ in a sentence, more
often than not, ‘in that’ would be correct. ‘In that qualifies’ the previous
sentence, while ‘because’ is just used to show a simple causal relationship.
Teratomas are unusual forms of cancer because they are
composed of tissues such as tooth and bone not normally found in the
organ in which the tumor appears.
A. because they are composed of tissues such as tooth and bone
B. because they are composed of tissues like tooth and bone that are
C. because they are composed of tissues, like tooth and bone, tissues
D. in that their composition , tissues such as tooth and bone, is
E. in that they are composed of tissues such as tooth and bone, tissues
E is the correct answer.
[5] Can v/s. Could
If you are just assuming something, ‘could’ should be used.
e.g.
Artificial intelligence emerged during the late 1950's as an academic
discipline based on the assumption that computers are able to be programmed
to think like people.
(A) are able to be programmed to think like people
(B) were able to be programmed to think as people
(C) can be programmed to think as people can
(D) could be programmed to think like people
(E) are capable of being programmed to think like people do
Can is used for : General ability (I can speak English), opportunity (I can help her
now), request (Can I have a glass of water?), possibility (Anyone can become
rich and famous).
Could is used for: possibility (John could be the one who stole the money),
condition (If I had more time, I could travel around the world), suggestion (You
could spend your vacation here), polite request (Could I have something to
drink?)
[6] EACH v/s. EVERY
The dog has bitten my younger son twice, and each time, he has had to be sent
to his kennel.
(A) each time, he has had to be sent to his
(B) every time, it has had to be sent to his
(C)each time, it has had to be sent to its
(D)every time, it has had to be sent to its
(E)each time, he has had to be sent to its
‘Each time’ because it has bitten only twice. The use of the pronoun "he" is unclear here -
does it refer to the dog or to the son? In fact, tracing our way back along the sentence,
we find that we come across the word "son" before we come across the word "dog",
which rather implies that it is the son who owns, and is sent to, the kennel.
The way to get round this ambiguity is to use "it" followed by "its" (no apostrophe!). This
limits the choices to (C) and (D). The only difference between these options is the fact
that one uses the word "every" and the other uses the word "each". Since these refer to
the two times that the dog bit the son, we shouldn't use "every" (that refers to three or
more times). The correct option is therefore (C).
[7] "Rather Than" v/s. "Instead Of"
(manhattan)
'rather than' is less restrictive than 'instead of': 'rather than' can be used with just about any part of speech. so, for instance, i can write any of the following:
i chose to forsake my chance to attend law school rather than accrue major debt to enter a career about which i was ambivalent (used with verb)
[i]james differs from many negotiators in that his default attitude toward negotiation is cooperative rather than confrontational (used with adjective)
[i]i chose to rent a compact car rather than a midsize sedan (used with nouns)
'instead of', by contrast, can only be used with nouns, or with constructions that function as nouns (like gerunds and noun phrases).
--
for sentences in which either of the two constructions is acceptable, our rather extensive research indicates that the gmat prefers 'rather than' pretty much across the board. so, if you're in doubt, you might want to go with that one.
(prachi)
Rather than - shows preference. This expression is generally used in 'parallel' structures. e.g - with two nouns, adjectives, adverbs, infinitives or -ing forms.
e.g
1). We ought to invest in machinery rather than buildings.
2). I prefer starting early rather than leaving things to the last minute.
When the main clause has a to - infinitive, rather than is usually followed by an infinitive without to or -ing form.
e.g - I decided to write rather than phone/phoning.
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.
Instead of is not usually followed by an infinitive.
e.g
1). I'll have tea instead of coffee, please.
2). I stayed in bed all day instead of going to work.
3). Amit was invited to the reception, but he was ill, so Akash went instead of him.
Note - Instead (without of) is an adverb. It begins or ends a clause usually.
e.g - She didn't go to Greece after all. Instead , she went to America.
[8] Ellipse
Julia was able to climb the tree as fast as her brothers did.
Land values in most parts of the pinelands rose almost as fast as those outside the pinelands.
The DID is missing in the second example.
(Ron - Manhattan)
This can definitely get confusing. You need to repeat the verb when what you're comparing is an action. You don't need to repeat the verb when you are not comparing actions.
The first sentence compares Julia's ability to climb to her brothers' ability to climb (actions), so we need to use that "did."
The second sentence compares land values in one area to land values in another area.
(Guest)
Sorry for bumping up the thread. I still share the same doubt as the second sentence, IMO, is also comparing actions - how fast are the land values increasing compared to others?. Correct? Please clarify.
(Ron)
here's a better, and less hair-splitting, rule to follow:
if there's any ambiguity in the version that doesn't feature a verb, then throw the verb in there to resolve the ambiguity (even if one of the 2 ambiguous meanings is a bit farfetched - remember that ambiguity is ambiguity, and that we aren't supposed to use 'common sense' to resolve meanings). so, in the sentence about julia WITHOUT the 'did', we could read the sentence as meaning that julia climbed the tree as fast as she climbed up her brothers' backs. a bit strange, but not meaningless or ungrammatical, so we must consider it a genuine ambiguity. therefore, we need the verb.
in the sentence about land values, there is no possible ambiguous reading that doesn't violate some rule of grammar or parallelism, so the verb is not necessary.
how 'bout that?
[9] The GMAT fanatically prefers the second verb in a set to be in infinitive form.
Before the Civil War, Harriet Tubman, herself an escaped slave, returned again and again to Maryland to guide other slaves along the Underground Railroad to freedom.
(A) herself an escaped slave, returned again and again to Maryland to guide
Before the Civil War, Harriet Tubman, herself an escaped slave, returned again and again to Maryland to guide other slaves along the Underground Railroad to freedom.
(A) herself an escaped slave, returned again and again to Maryland to guide
(C) an escaped slave herself, returned again and again to Maryland for guiding
So, on the GMAT, you should always pick "returned to guide" over "returned for guiding".
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