Correcting Noun-Noun Agreement Errors - GMAT Verbal
Card 1 of 72
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
At the sound of the gun, all of the racers gripped their bicycle and set off for the finish line.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
At the sound of the gun, all of the racers gripped their bicycle and set off for the finish line.
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Since we’re talking about multiple racers, we must assume that they have “bicycles” (plural). Otherwise, the sentence implies that they are all using the same bicycle (singular).
Since we’re talking about multiple racers, we must assume that they have “bicycles” (plural). Otherwise, the sentence implies that they are all using the same bicycle (singular).
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Just one of the large family's seven children became successful entrepreneurs; the rest found more conventional jobs.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Just one of the large family's seven children became successful entrepreneurs; the rest found more conventional jobs.
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"Just one" is singular; therefore, the verb must be conjugated to agree with a singular subject. Entrepreneurs also must change to the singular form. The second part of the sentence is correct in the question. Semicolons can link two related, independent clauses, with or without the use of a conjunction like "however" or "therefore."
"Just one" is singular; therefore, the verb must be conjugated to agree with a singular subject. Entrepreneurs also must change to the singular form. The second part of the sentence is correct in the question. Semicolons can link two related, independent clauses, with or without the use of a conjunction like "however" or "therefore."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
All children are taught at an early age never to run while holding their pencil.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
All children are taught at an early age never to run while holding their pencil.
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The noun "pencil" needs to be pluralize to reflect the fact that the subject of the sentence is "All children," who presumably each have a pencil and do not share a single pencil.
The noun "pencil" needs to be pluralize to reflect the fact that the subject of the sentence is "All children," who presumably each have a pencil and do not share a single pencil.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Favoring handmade suits and buying Italian leather shoes, the young man’s ability to spend on fashion items was unparalleled among his friends.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Favoring handmade suits and buying Italian leather shoes, the young man’s ability to spend on fashion items was unparalleled among his friends.
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The use of both "favoring" and "buying" in the opening phrase is awkward and ruins the parallelism between the suits and the shoes. Tying the two items to the same verb streamlines the phrase and makes the sentence more gramatically correct. " Favoring handmade suits and Italian leather shoes" is the only answer choice that makes the appropriate correction to the sentence.
The use of both "favoring" and "buying" in the opening phrase is awkward and ruins the parallelism between the suits and the shoes. Tying the two items to the same verb streamlines the phrase and makes the sentence more gramatically correct. " Favoring handmade suits and Italian leather shoes" is the only answer choice that makes the appropriate correction to the sentence.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
In most forms of martial arts, two examples of physical attack are kicks and punches.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
In most forms of martial arts, two examples of physical attack are kicks and punches.
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The primary issue with the underlined phrase "of physical attack" is that it uses a singular noun ("attack") to modify the plural nouns "kicks" and "punches." The uderlined phrase should be changed to "of physical attacks" as this version of it uses the plural noun "attacks," which agrees in number with the compound predicate nominative "kicks and punches."
The primary issue with the underlined phrase "of physical attack" is that it uses a singular noun ("attack") to modify the plural nouns "kicks" and "punches." The uderlined phrase should be changed to "of physical attacks" as this version of it uses the plural noun "attacks," which agrees in number with the compound predicate nominative "kicks and punches."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Dani drove her car into the parking garage, turned off the engine, and made sure to lock her cars doors securely as she left.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Dani drove her car into the parking garage, turned off the engine, and made sure to lock her cars doors securely as she left.
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There is a disagreement between the nouns "cars" and "doors" in the sentence; we are told earlier in the sentence via its use of "her car" that Dani only drove one car into the parking garage. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "to lock her car doors."
There is a disagreement between the nouns "cars" and "doors" in the sentence; we are told earlier in the sentence via its use of "her car" that Dani only drove one car into the parking garage. Therefore, the correct answer choice is "to lock her car doors."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
We decided resolutely to pin all of our hopes and dream on the team's victory.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
We decided resolutely to pin all of our hopes and dream on the team's victory.
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There is a disagreement here between the nouns "hopes" and "dream" when they follow the phrase "all of our." Both nouns should be plural, and therefore the correct answer is "resolutely pin all of our hopes and dreams."
There is a disagreement here between the nouns "hopes" and "dream" when they follow the phrase "all of our." Both nouns should be plural, and therefore the correct answer is "resolutely pin all of our hopes and dreams."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Each of my three pets, which I bought with money I earned babysitting, are purebreds and comes with extensive pedigrees.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Each of my three pets, which I bought with money I earned babysitting, are purebreds and comes with extensive pedigrees.
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Although there are three pets, the subject of the sentence is “each” of the pets, which is a singular noun; therefore, the singular “a purebred” is the correct noun, and the singular verb forms “is” and “comes” are the correct conjugations.
Although there are three pets, the subject of the sentence is “each” of the pets, which is a singular noun; therefore, the singular “a purebred” is the correct noun, and the singular verb forms “is” and “comes” are the correct conjugations.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Although they were on time, the students had their pencil sharpened or their drawing pad out at the beginning of class.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Although they were on time, the students had their pencil sharpened or their drawing pad out at the beginning of class.
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Because the subject of the sentence is the plural “students,” we have to assume that each student would have his or her own pencil and drawing pad. Therefore, the correct sentence has “pencils” and “drawing pads.” Also, “had sharpened” is more concise and correct than “were having sharpened” or “were having sharpening.”
Because the subject of the sentence is the plural “students,” we have to assume that each student would have his or her own pencil and drawing pad. Therefore, the correct sentence has “pencils” and “drawing pads.” Also, “had sharpened” is more concise and correct than “were having sharpened” or “were having sharpening.”
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Even if everyone I invited is free, there’s still no guarantee that they will come to my party.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Even if everyone I invited is free, there’s still no guarantee that they will come to my party.
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“Everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that’s treated as singular. Therefore, the correct verb conjugation is “is.” Because “everyone” is indefinite, we can’t use the definite pronoun “they” at the end of the sentence to refer back to “everyone,” so we must use “people” instead. Because “guarantee” is singular, “there’s” is correct and “there are” is incorrect.
“Everyone” is an indefinite pronoun that’s treated as singular. Therefore, the correct verb conjugation is “is.” Because “everyone” is indefinite, we can’t use the definite pronoun “they” at the end of the sentence to refer back to “everyone,” so we must use “people” instead. Because “guarantee” is singular, “there’s” is correct and “there are” is incorrect.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
After months of organizing the gala, several of the party planners are beginning to wish they worked as a waiter or bartender instead.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
After months of organizing the gala, several of the party planners are beginning to wish they worked as a waiter or bartender instead.
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Because there are several party planners longing for different jobs, the jobs themselves must be plural; three or four people can’t work as a single waiter or bartender. And because “party planners” is plural, the correct verb conjugation is “are.”
Because there are several party planners longing for different jobs, the jobs themselves must be plural; three or four people can’t work as a single waiter or bartender. And because “party planners” is plural, the correct verb conjugation is “are.”
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Trying to convince me to go with them, my friends described the concert as once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Trying to convince me to go with them, my friends described the concert as once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
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Because a "concert" is a singular noun, it can only be one experience and not many. “Trying to convince me to go with them, my friends described the concert as a once-in-a-lifetime experience” is the least awkward option.
Because a "concert" is a singular noun, it can only be one experience and not many. “Trying to convince me to go with them, my friends described the concert as a once-in-a-lifetime experience” is the least awkward option.
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Both of Tim's triplets were developing quite nicely. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Both of Tim's triplets were developing quite nicely. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
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In this question, the nouns "both" and "triplets" disagree. Triplets would suggest three things, while "both" only applies to differentiating between two options. Therefore "both" should be replaced, perhaps with a word like "all."
In this question, the nouns "both" and "triplets" disagree. Triplets would suggest three things, while "both" only applies to differentiating between two options. Therefore "both" should be replaced, perhaps with a word like "all."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
All students in my program hope to become a rich, famous author, but statistics indicate that none of us will.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
All students in my program hope to become a rich, famous author, but statistics indicate that none of us will.
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In this sentence, "all students" establishes the subject as plural. Therefore the "rich, famous author" must be changed to be plural: "All students in my program wish to become rich, famous authors."
Because the writer is included in "all students in my program," the most correct version of this sentence would include the author in the assertion that "none of us will."
In this sentence, "all students" establishes the subject as plural. Therefore the "rich, famous author" must be changed to be plural: "All students in my program wish to become rich, famous authors."
Because the writer is included in "all students in my program," the most correct version of this sentence would include the author in the assertion that "none of us will."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Manny would always check his students' note to make sure that they were staying on task.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Manny would always check his students' note to make sure that they were staying on task.
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The sentence uses the plural possessive form "students'," so the best answer choice uses the plural noun "notes" in order to modify the initial noun. Therefore we would select "would always check his students' notes."
The sentence uses the plural possessive form "students'," so the best answer choice uses the plural noun "notes" in order to modify the initial noun. Therefore we would select "would always check his students' notes."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
There is a multitude of interesting company in the world.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
There is a multitude of interesting company in the world.
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This sentence contains a noun-noun agreement error. The word "multitude" is the antecedent of the word "company," but the former word indicates that the word that follows should be in the plural form, which "company" is not. Instead, it should be replaced with "companies." The correct choice is, "of interesting companies in the world."
This sentence contains a noun-noun agreement error. The word "multitude" is the antecedent of the word "company," but the former word indicates that the word that follows should be in the plural form, which "company" is not. Instead, it should be replaced with "companies." The correct choice is, "of interesting companies in the world."
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The mother and her daughters bravely defended herself against the accusations the clearly unstable store-clerk flung at them.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The mother and her daughters bravely defended herself against the accusations the clearly unstable store-clerk flung at them.
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The pronoun "themselves" agrees with the compound subject "the mother and her daughters". The other answer choices are either gross errors in which the pronoun (herself) does not agree with the compound subject or words that simply don't exist (themself, themselfs).
The pronoun "themselves" agrees with the compound subject "the mother and her daughters". The other answer choices are either gross errors in which the pronoun (herself) does not agree with the compound subject or words that simply don't exist (themself, themselfs).
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Burger Place's serving size has dramatically increased over the years, but so has Burger Royalty's and Female Name's.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Burger Place's serving size has dramatically increased over the years, but so has Burger Royalty's and Female Name's.
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We need the "but" connecting the two clauses because "and" changes the meaning and strength of the sentence. The best option is the way the sentence was written originally. The options with "did" do not have tense agreement.
We need the "but" connecting the two clauses because "and" changes the meaning and strength of the sentence. The best option is the way the sentence was written originally. The options with "did" do not have tense agreement.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
At the sound of the gun, all of the racers gripped their bicycle and set off for the finish line.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
At the sound of the gun, all of the racers gripped their bicycle and set off for the finish line.
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Since we’re talking about multiple racers, we must assume that they have “bicycles” (plural). Otherwise, the sentence implies that they are all using the same bicycle (singular).
Since we’re talking about multiple racers, we must assume that they have “bicycles” (plural). Otherwise, the sentence implies that they are all using the same bicycle (singular).
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Just one of the large family's seven children became successful entrepreneurs; the rest found more conventional jobs.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Just one of the large family's seven children became successful entrepreneurs; the rest found more conventional jobs.
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"Just one" is singular; therefore, the verb must be conjugated to agree with a singular subject. Entrepreneurs also must change to the singular form. The second part of the sentence is correct in the question. Semicolons can link two related, independent clauses, with or without the use of a conjunction like "however" or "therefore."
"Just one" is singular; therefore, the verb must be conjugated to agree with a singular subject. Entrepreneurs also must change to the singular form. The second part of the sentence is correct in the question. Semicolons can link two related, independent clauses, with or without the use of a conjunction like "however" or "therefore."
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