GMAT Sentence Correction Discussions

ponds_ggn · August 19, 2009, 7:12pm

Puys..
I may be wrong.. I'm not sure about this one. Also, a lot of what is acceptable in English grammar is not considered "the best choice" in GMAT.

Btw... 'equal' and 'equivalent' are feeling left out.. :biggrin:
any thoughts for these fellas... ;)

Hi,
Equal = two things are equal
equivalent = two things are approximately similar/equal

darth_maul · August 19, 2009, 7:54pm

Dude,
It depends on context one is talking about.
It is common that the main verb doesn't change form, because the auxiliary words change form.
When using the continuous tense and the perfect verb tense auxiliary verb(s) are used with the main verb tense.
When an auxiliary verb is used the main verb doesn't change form according to the subject.
The main verb tense can change form when an auxiliary verb is used to according to the verb form.

Such as:

The cat eats fish.
The cats eat the fish
The cat has eaten the fish.
The cat ate the fish.
The cat has been eating the fish.

Modal verbs do not change there form.
"To" is not used after a verbs do have, except with "ought to".
The main verb is always in its base form when used with a verb
modal verbs stay in the base form - bare infinitive - the bare infinitive is the infinitive without "to" before the verb.
The following modal verbs are used to with the present verb tense:

can, will, shall, ought to, must, need, may
The following modal verbs are used in the past tense:

would, should, could, might
modal verbs are used to answer questions in the short form

yes, I do.
yes, we can.
No, I don't.

2 very basic questions.

1. is have an auxillary verb ?
2. what is the main verb in this sentence ? I have cold.

marijuana_user · August 19, 2009, 9:09pm

Hi Guys,

Great going!!

Can you please solve this question: (needless to say explantion required)

To develop more accurate population forecasts, demographers have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic determinants of fertility.

have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic
have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economic
would have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economical

Regards,
Marijuana!

siddharthaduggirala · August 19, 2009, 9:16pm

Hi Guys,

Great going!!

Can you please solve this question: (needless to say explantion required)

To develop more accurate population forecasts, demographers have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic determinants of fertility.
have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic
have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economic
would have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economical

Regards,
Marijuana!

I think this has been discussed several times, even recently. anyways.

The difference here is economic and economical.
so that rules out B,C,E.

So, in A the elements of more X than Y have to be parallel, and also we need a future tense.

So the Ans is D.Here we have they to parallel demographers and would to indicate future tense.

bizzarenym · August 19, 2009, 9:19pm

IMO D

Economical is incorrect. Correct use is Economic. B,C, E out
Improper comparison in A, between "know more in future" than "now".

Left with D only. "would" in D is ok because the sentence gives a sense of prdiction. Plz share the OA.

Hi Guys,

Great going!!

Can you please solve this question: (needless to say explantion required)

To develop more accurate population forecasts, demographers have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic determinants of fertility.
have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic
have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economic
would have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economical
Regards,
Marijuana!

bizzarenym · August 19, 2009, 9:24pm

Ans inline.

2 very basic questions.

1. is have an auxillary verb ? Depends. Your Next sentence clarifies this.
2. what is the main verb in this sentence ? I have cold.
Main verb is "have". Here "have" is not an auxilliary verb. Note: You need a main verb in order to have an auxilliary verb.

marijuana_user · August 19, 2009, 9:26pm

IMO D

Economical is incorrect. Correct use is Economic. B,C, E out
Improper comparison in A, between "know more in future" than "now".

Left with D only. "would" in D is ok because the sentence gives a sense of prdiction. Plz share the OA.

OA:: D

that was Lightning quick!

Another one!!

A recent review of pay scales indicates that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times in 1980.

A. that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times
B. that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, a ratio that compares to 42 times
C. that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
D. CEO's who now earn on average 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
E. CEO's now earning an average of 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, compared to the ratio of 42 times

naga25french · August 19, 2009, 9:29pm

Hi Guys,

Great going!!

Can you please solve this question: (needless to say explantion required)

To develop more accurate population forecasts, demographers have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic determinants of fertility.
have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic
have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economic
would have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economical

!

answer in bold

naga25french · August 19, 2009, 9:31pm

Another one!!

A recent review of pay scales indicates that CEOs now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times in 1980.
A.that CEOs now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times
B.that, on average, CEOs now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, a ratio that compares to 42 times
C.that, on average, CEOs now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
D.CEOs who now earn on average 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
E.CEOs now earning an average of 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, compared to the ratio of 42 times

answer should be C )

mani_23 · August 19, 2009, 9:34pm

Hi Guys,

Great going!!

Can you please solve this question: (needless to say explantion required)

To develop more accurate population forecasts, demographers have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic determinants of fertility.
have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic
have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economic
would have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economical

Regards,
Marijuana!

To develop more accurate population forecasts, demographers have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic determinants of fertility.

have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic
have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economic
would have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economical

A recent review of pay scales indicates that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times in 1980.
A.that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times
B.that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, a ratio that compares to 42 times
C.that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
D.CEO's who now earn on average 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
E.CEO's now earning an average of 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, compared to the ratio of 42 times

bizzarenym · August 19, 2009, 9:55pm

I think B

we need "that" for subjunctive B. hence D & E are out.
C has problem with misplaced modifier. Plus, "their" is ambiguous.
A seems to compare the avg of CEOs pay with the ratio in 1980.

Left with B.

OA:: D

that was Lightning quick!

Another one!!

A recent review of pay scales indicates that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times in 1980.
A.that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times
B.that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, a ratio that compares to 42 times
C.that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
D.CEO's who now earn on average 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
E.CEO's now earning an average of 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, compared to the ratio of 42 times

darth_maul · August 19, 2009, 10:27pm

Hi Guys,

Great going!!

Can you please solve this question: (needless to say explantion required)

To develop more accurate population forecasts, demographers have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic determinants of fertility.
have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economic
have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economical
would have to know a great deal more than they do now about the social and economic
would have to know a great deal more than now about the social and economical
Regards,
Marijuana!

D .. than 'they do now' .....social and economic

siddharthaduggirala · August 19, 2009, 10:45pm

OA:: D

that was Lightning quick!

Another one!!

A recent review of pay scales indicates that CEOs now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times in 1980.
A.that CEOs now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times
B.that, on average, CEOs now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, a ratio that compares to 42 times
C.that, on average, CEOs now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
D.CEOs who now earn on average 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
E.CEOs now earning an average of 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, compared to the ratio of 42 times

Only B is some what close to correct ans. However, CEO's is a wrong construction in the sentence.

Anyway OA please.

darth_maul · August 19, 2009, 10:49pm

OA:: D

that was Lightning quick!

Another one!!

A recent review of pay scales indicates that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times in 1980.
A.that CEO's now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times
B.that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, a ratio that compares to 42 times
C.that, on average, CEO's now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
D.CEO's who now earn on average 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
E.CEO's now earning an average of 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, compared to the ratio of 42 times

I'll pick A

'indicate that' is the correct idiom. D and E are out.

C - the pronoun 'their' causes a reference error.

B - 'a ratio that compares to 42 times in 1980' is confusing .. a ratio is compared to 42 times..
when the ratio was = 42 times in 1980.

bizzarenym · August 19, 2009, 10:59pm

@Darth:

isnt "42 times" a ratio ? Same thing is said in option A as well.
a ratio of 42 time

I may be wrong. Just wanted to clarify.

I'll pick A

'indicate that' is the correct idiom. D and E are out.

C - the pronoun 'their' causes a reference error.

B - 'a ratio that compares to 42 times in 1980' is confusing .. a ratio is compared to 42 times..
when the ratio was = 42 times in 1980.

marijuana_user · August 19, 2009, 11:24pm

I think B

we need "that" for subjunctive B. hence D & E are out.
C has problem with misplaced modifier. Plus, "their" is ambiguous.
A seems to compare the avg of CEOs pay with the ratio in 1980.

Left with B.

Only B is some what close to correct ans. However, CEO's is a wrong construction in the sentence.

Anyway OA please.

I'll pick A

'indicate that' is the correct idiom. D and E are out.

C - the pronoun 'their' causes a reference error.

B - 'a ratio that compares to 42 times in 1980' is confusing .. a ratio is compared to 42 times..
when the ratio was = 42 times in 1980.

@Darth:

isnt "42 times" a ratio ? Same thing is said in option A as well.
a ratio of 42 time

I may be wrong. Just wanted to clarify.

A recent review of pay scales indicates that CEOs now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times in 1980.
A.that CEOs now earn an average of 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, compared to a ratio of 42 times
B.that, on average, CEOs now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, a ratio that compares to 42 times
C.that, on average, CEOs now earn 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
D.CEOs who now earn on average 419 times more pay than blue-collar workers, as compared to 42 times their pay, the ratio
E.CEOs now earning an average of 419 times the pay of blue-collar workers, compared to the ratio of 42 times

OA is B..bad question to say the least!! one of the reasons I posted here was to clarify about the CEO's part..Is it correct ?

bizzarenym · August 19, 2009, 11:35pm

Apostrophe can be used with abbreviations. I am saying this on the basis of my experience. But I am sure it's not incorrect.

marijuana_user Says
OA is B..bad question to say the least!! one of the reasons I posted here was to clarify about the CEO's part..Is it correct ?

ponds_ggn · August 20, 2009, 12:03am

2 very basic questions.

1. is have an auxillary verb ?
2. what is the main verb in this sentence ? I have cold.

Again it is contextual:

yes
Have is the main verb.

bizzarenym · August 20, 2009, 3:46am

Plz explain.

The diet of the ordinary Greek in classical times was largely vegetarianvegetables, fresh cheese, oatmeal, and meal cakes, and meat rarely. (A) and meat rarely
(B) and meat was rare
(C) with meat as rare
(D) meat a rarity
(E) with meat as a rarity

siddharthaduggirala · August 20, 2009, 3:56am

Plz explain.

The diet of the ordinary Greek in classical times was largely vegetarianvegetables, fresh cheese, oatmeal, and meal cakes, and meat rarely. (A) and meat rarely
(B) and meat was rare
(C) with meat as rare
(D) meat a rarity
(E) with meat as a rarity

here in A) rarely incorrectly modifies meat.
B. meat was rare is a awkward phrase
C.even this seems to be meat as rare is awkward
D. meat a rarity.. does not convey the message that the consumption was rare.
E. this seems to fit the bill. the preposition with modifies the diet.
If you place "with meat as a rarity" in the beginning

with meat as a rarity, the diet of------

The sentence still makes sense. I hope i'm not wrong

OA puys?