GMAT Sentence Correction Discussions

MBA
1341
You are right, but sometimes things may vary slightly :-)
See this question (from manhattan)

An economic recession can result from a lowering of
employment rates triggered by a drop in investment, which
causes people to cut consumer spending and starts a cycle of
layoffs leading back to even lower employment rates.
A. a lowering of employment rates triggered by a drop in
investment, which causes people to cut consumer spending
and start a cycle of layoffs leading back to even lower
employment rates.
B a lowering of employment rates triggered by dropping
investment, which causes people to cut consumer spending
and starts a cycle of layoffs leading back to even lower
employment rates.
C falling employment rates triggered by a drop in investment,
which cause cutbacks in consumer spending, starting a
cycle of layoffs that lead to even lower employment rates.
D falling employment rates that are triggered by a drop in
investment, causing people to cut consumer spending and
starting a cycle of layoffs that lead back to even lower
employment rates.
E falling employment rates that are triggered by a drop in
investment, causing cutbacks in consumer spending and
starting a cycle of layoffs leading to even lower employment
rates.


What is the OA for this...is it (B) 😃
1342
montaqes Says
What is the OA for this...is it (B) :)


No, it is (C). The idea is that "falling employment rates lead to lower consumer spending..."

people to cut consumer spending is wordy. People themselves cut the spending.
So "which cause" makes it clear that it refers to "employment rates" which is plural.
1343
You are right, but sometimes things may vary slightly :-)
See this question (from manhattan)

An economic recession can result from a lowering of
employment rates triggered by a drop in investment, which
causes people to cut consumer spending and starts a cycle of
layoffs leading back to even lower employment rates.
A. a lowering of employment rates triggered by a drop in
investment, which causes people to cut consumer spending
and start a cycle of layoffs leading back to even lower
employment rates.
B a lowering of employment rates triggered by dropping
investment, which causes people to cut consumer spending
and starts a cycle of layoffs leading back to even lower
employment rates.
C falling employment rates triggered by a drop in investment,
which cause cutbacks in consumer spending, starting a
cycle of layoffs that lead to even lower employment rates.
D falling employment rates that are triggered by a drop in
investment, causing people to cut consumer spending and
starting a cycle of layoffs that lead back to even lower
employment rates.
E falling employment rates that are triggered by a drop in
investment, causing cutbacks in consumer spending and
starting a cycle of layoffs leading to even lower employment
rates.

I would choose 'D'
1344
No, it is (C). The idea is that "falling employment rates lead to lower consumer spending..."

people to cut consumer spending is wordy. People themselves cut the spending.
So "which cause" makes it clear that it refers to "employment rates" which is plural.

Anish,

"C falling employment rates triggered by a drop in investment,
which cause "

In the answer above shouldn't it be causes,since a drop is singular?
1345
Anish,

"C falling employment rates triggered by a drop in investment,
which cause "

In the answer above shouldn't it be causes,since a drop is singular?

Anish,

Isnt this the exact problem of option C ? What does "which" refer to ?
A drop in investment or falling emploment rates ?

If Manhattan has given OA as C, it must be right. But lets try to understand the concept behind it.
As far as I know, Manhattan specifically advices to be wary of "which" especially in a situation where you cant figure out the antecedent.

Any explanations ?
1346
No, it is (C). The idea is that "falling employment rates lead to lower consumer spending..."

people to cut consumer spending is wordy. People themselves cut the spending.
So "which cause" makes it clear that it refers to "employment rates" which is plural.

You correctly point out that " people to cut consumer spending" is wordy. Hence we can strike off the remaining options. Only two candidates remain C and E. Why not choose E which solves the problem of "which" introducing a modifier and is also not wordy.

Someone asked why not B. I guess in B we use "lead back" which is redundant usage, so it is wrong.
1347
You correctly point out that " people to cut consumer spending" is wordy. Hence we can strike off the remaining options. Only two candidates remain C and E. Why not choose E which solves the problem of "which" introducing a modifier and is also not wordy.

Someone asked why not B. I guess in B we use "lead back" which is redundant usage, so it is wrong.


Please see the explanation by Manhattan. This is very clear.

The original sentence contains a clause beginning with
"which" that logically describes the result of lower employment
rates. However, as written, this clause seems to describe the
result of "a drop in investment" because "which" modifies the
noun just before it. We need to find a replacement that makes
the causal relationship clear. Additionally, the phrase "causes
people to cut consumer spending" is wordy and somewhat
illogical since the people are the consumers. A more concise way
to say this would be "causes cutbacks in consumer spending."
Finally, the use of "back" is redundant, as it is implied by the
word "cycle".
(A) This choice is incorrect as it repeats the original sentence.
(B) The use of "which" incorrectly suggests that "dropping
investment" "causes people to cut consumer spending" when, in
fact, the employment rates cause this phenomenon. Additionally,
the phrase "causes people to cut consumer spending" is wordy
and the use of "back" is redundant, as it is implied by the word
"cycle".
(C) CORRECT. This choice makes clear, through the use of the
plural verb "cause", that the employment rates are responsible
for the cutbacks in spending. Further it uses the concise phrase
"cutbacks in consumer spending" and eliminates the redundant
word "back."
(D) This choice contains the wordy phrase "causing people to cut
consumer spending" and the redundant phrase "lead back."
Moreover, the words "causing" and "starting" illogically refer back
to the economic recession. In fact, the falling employment rates,
not the economic recession, cause the cutbacks in consumer
spending and start the cycle of layoffs.
(E) The words "causing" and "starting" illogically refer back to the
economic recession. In fact, the falling employment rates, not the
economic recession, cause the cutbacks in consumer spending
and start the cycle of layoffs.
1348
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1349
The five hundred largest manufacturing firms in the United States produce goodsthat are worth almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain.
(A) that are worth almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain
(B) of a worth that is almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain(C) almost as much in worth as those of the remaining four hundred thousand firms

(D) almost as much in worth as that of the remaining four hundred thousand firms.
(E) worth almost as much as those of the remaining four hundredthousand firm I am confused between C and E here, will go for E but haven't got a very convincing explanation against C.
The Forbidden City in Beijing, from which the emperors ruled by heavenly mandate, was a sitewhich a commoner or foreigner could not enter without any permission, on pain of death.
(A) which a commoner or foreigner could not enter without any permission,

(B) which a commoner or foreigner could enter without any permission only

(C) which no commoner or foreigner could enter without permission,

(D) which, without permission, neither commoner or foreigner could only enter,

(E) which, to enter without permission, neither commoner or foreigner could do.
I also don't have good explanation of this as well. Logically sentence should be like you can enter but only on pain of death..but B is unidiomatic.
1350
The five hundred largest manufacturing firms in the United States produce goodsthat are worth almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain.
(A) that are worth almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain
(B) of a worth that is almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain
(C) almost as much in worth as those of the remaining four hundred thousand firms
(D) almost as much in worth as that of the remaining four hundred thousand firms.
(E) worth almost as much as those of the remaining four hundredthousand firm I am confused between C and E here, will go for E but haven't got a very convincing explanation against C.

"That of" is wrong, so A, B and D are ruled out. Secondly, I think "worth as much as" is correct. Not "in worth" or "of a worth"...! I am not sure but I think worth should be before "as much as" and "as much as" should be together.
The Forbidden City in Beijing, from which the emperors ruled by heavenly mandate, was a sitewhich a commoner or foreigner could not enter without any permission, on pain of death.
(A) which a commoner or foreigner could not enter without any permission,

(B) which a commoner or foreigner could enter without any permission only

(C) which no commoner or foreigner could enter without permission,

(D) which, without permission, neither commoner or foreigner could only enter,

(E) which, to enter without permission, neither commoner or foreigner could do.
I also don't have good explanation of this as well. Logically sentence should be like you can enter but only on pain of death..but B is unidiomatic.
Only B seems to be the best.



See my answers in purple above.
1351
The five hundred largest manufacturing firms in the United States produce goodsthat are worth almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain.
(A) that are worth almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain
(B) of a worth that is almost as much as that of the four hundred thousand firms that remain(C) almost as much in worth as those of the remaining four hundred thousand firms

(D) almost as much in worth as that of the remaining four hundred thousand firms.
(E) worth almost as much as those of the remaining four hundredthousand firm I am confused between C and E here, will go for E but haven't got a very convincing explanation against C.
The Forbidden City in Beijing, from which the emperors ruled by heavenly mandate, was a sitewhich a commoner or foreigner could not enter without any permission, on pain of death.
(A) which a commoner or foreigner could not enter without any permission,

(B) which a commoner or foreigner could enter without any permission only

(C) which no commoner or foreigner could enter without permission,

(D) which, without permission, neither commoner or foreigner could only enter,

(E) which, to enter without permission, neither commoner or foreigner could do.
I also don't have good explanation of this as well. Logically sentence should be like you can enter but only on pain of death..but B is unidiomatic.


1) Anish's Explanation is correct

2)Here the use of "," sets off a modifier which looks awkward. on pain of death surely cannot modify the sentence before that without sounding awkward.
So this rules out all the options Except B. Even though B doesn't look convincing either it eliminates a major modifier error.
1352
1) Anish's Explanation is correct

2)Here the use of "," sets off a modifier which looks awkward. on pain of death surely cannot modify the sentence before that without sounding awkward.
So this rules out all the options Except B. Even though B doesn't look convincing either it eliminates a major modifier error.


So as Anish said "as much as" should be used together .Can we take it as rule always?

for 2) B seems to be most logically correct , however OA is C which is quite surprising.
1353
So as Anish said "as much as" should be used together .Can we take it as rule always?

for 2) B seems to be most logically correct , however OA is C which is quite surprising.

ITs not necessary that "as much as" always should be used together. But in this particular example, thats the best choice.

Cant find any explanations for C in second question. C doesnt make sense to me.
Only B makes sense.
1354

hi all,
i m new to this site.
need help.. just want to know if any one of u who have read any boooks on sentence correction feel u have been benefited from it...

do u people think its worth reading these books and remembering wvarious things as rules??..

1355
Among the emotions on display in the negotiating room were anger for repeatedly raising the issue over and over again and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal.
(A) were anger for repeatedly raising the issue over and over again and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal
(B) was anger for repeatedly raising the issue and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal
(C) were anger over repeatedly raising the issue and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles to begin healing
(D) was anger about the issue, which was raised over and over, and preventing the wounds from earlier battles, still raw, to begin healing
(E) were anger about the issue, which was raised repeatedly, and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles to begin to heal

Can someone explain the answer and whether among should be treated as singular or plural?
1356
Among the emotions on display in the negotiating room were anger for repeatedly raising the issue over and over again and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal.
(A) were anger for repeatedly raising the issue over and over again and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal
(B) was anger for repeatedly raising the issue and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal
(C) were anger over repeatedly raising the issue and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles to begin healing
(D) was anger about the issue, which was raised over and over, and preventing the wounds from earlier battles, still raw, to begin healing
(E) were anger about the issue, which was raised repeatedly, and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles to begin to heal
Can someone explain the answer and whether among should be treated as singular or plural?


Here the emotion is only one that of "anger" , so was is appropriate. preventing the raw wounds is not a emotion. So I read this as anger for two things 1) repeatedly raising the issue and 2)preventing the raw wounds. This leaves B and D. D is wordy and awkward so I will go for B.

what is the OA ?
1357
hi all,
i m new to this site.
need help.. just want to know if any one of u who have read any boooks on sentence correction feel u have been benefited from it...

do u people think its worth reading these books and remembering wvarious things as rules??..

For SC, IMO depend on OG & Manhattan SC guide.

You dont have to remember rules as long as you can identify the correct answer by reading the sentence !!! If you can JUST spot the right answer without knowing/memorising rules, nothing like it !
Otherwise, join the bandwagon 😉
1358
Among the emotions on display in the negotiating room were anger for repeatedly raising the issue over and over again and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal.
(A) were anger for repeatedly raising the issue over and over again and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal
(B) was anger for repeatedly raising the issue and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles from ever beginning to heal
(C) were anger over repeatedly raising the issue and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles to begin healing
(D) was anger about the issue, which was raised over and over, and preventing the wounds from earlier battles, still raw, to begin healing
(E) were anger about the issue, which was raised repeatedly, and preventing the raw wounds from earlier battles to begin to heal
Can someone explain the answer and whether among should be treated as singular or plural?

We are talking about only one emotion among the various that were on display. Hence singular "was".
Leaves us with B & D (Happens to be my company name - Black & Decker 😃 )

D alters the meaning saying that anger was because of the issue, not because of repeatedly raising it.
Also, B uses the correct idiom "preventing..........from".

Hence B.
1359

Hi can any one tell me the correct answer for the below mentioned question and why?

1.Among the objects found in the excavated temple were small terra-cotta effigies left by supplicants who were either asking the goddess Bona Dea's aid in healing physical and mental ills or thanking her for such help.
(A) in healing physical and mental ills or thanking her for such help
(B) in healing physical and mental ills and to thank her for helping
(C) in healing physical and mental ills, and thanking her for helping
(D) to heal physical and mental ills or to thank her for such help
(E) to heal physical and mental ills or thanking her for such help



Thanks in advance.
Dinakar.K

1360
Hi can any one tell me the correct answer for the below mentioned question and why?

1.Among the objects found in the excavated temple were small terra-cotta effigies left by supplicants who were either asking the goddess Bona Deas aid in healing physical and mental ills or thanking her for such help.
(A) in healing physical and mental ills or thanking her for such help
(B) in healing physical and mental ills and to thank her for helping
(C) in healing physical and mental ills, and thanking her for helping
(D) to heal physical and mental ills or to thank her for such help
(E) to heal physical and mental ills or thanking her for such help



Thanks in advance.
Dinakar.K



This sentence is correct.

Either asking...or thanking...is correct usage.
So, B,C & D are out.

Out of A & E, "aid to heal" makes E incorrect.

So, you are left with (A).

Hope it makes sense.