Correcting Subordinating Conjunction Errors - GMAT Verbal
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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.
Because the giant squid is an elusive creature rarely seen by humans, scientists are beginning to gain a better understanding of the creature by studying it using remote cameras.
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.
Because the giant squid is an elusive creature rarely seen by humans, scientists are beginning to gain a better understanding of the creature by studying it using remote cameras.
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The sentence is trying to explain that in spite of the giant squid's elusiveness, scientists are finding new ways of studying it. The sentence therefore is trying to contrast two ideas, as opposed to showing causation with the word "because." The only answer choice that uses a contrasting conjunction is "Although," so it is the correct answer.
The sentence is trying to explain that in spite of the giant squid's elusiveness, scientists are finding new ways of studying it. The sentence therefore is trying to contrast two ideas, as opposed to showing causation with the word "because." The only answer choice that uses a contrasting conjunction is "Although," so it is the correct answer.
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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.
Prisons are a relatively recent phenomenon in world history, because exorbitant costs.
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.
Prisons are a relatively recent phenomenon in world history, because exorbitant costs.
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The underlined phrase, a separate clause further explaining the first half of the sentence, does not work as a complet sentence. In order to appropriately fit after "because," the phrase needs to be turned into a complete thought. "Because they had exorbitant costs" is the best choice among the answers.
The underlined phrase, a separate clause further explaining the first half of the sentence, does not work as a complet sentence. In order to appropriately fit after "because," the phrase needs to be turned into a complete thought. "Because they had exorbitant costs" is the best choice among the answers.
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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.
Some prescription drugs can produce dangerous interactions when combined with other chemicals, and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
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.
Some prescription drugs can produce dangerous interactions when combined with other chemicals, and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
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This sentence contains an error in its logic of cause and effect. The first part of the sentence is the reason for the advice offered in the second part. So, you should change "and" to a word that demonstrates the cause-and-effect relationship. Do not add a contrast word like "but" or "although" unless the sentence includes some sort of contradiction or opposition.
This sentence contains an error in its logic of cause and effect. The first part of the sentence is the reason for the advice offered in the second part. So, you should change "and" to a word that demonstrates the cause-and-effect relationship. Do not add a contrast word like "but" or "although" unless the sentence includes some sort of contradiction or opposition.
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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.
Whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape the ecological devastation can be quite severe.
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.
Whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape the ecological devastation can be quite severe.
Tap to reveal answer
The sentence as it is written constitutes a fragment, particularly thanks to the use of the subordinating conjunction "whenever" being used at the front of the sentence. The sentence can be made correct either by clearly differentiating the two phrases by using a comma or reversing the order of the phrases. The correct answer, which switches around the two phrases, is "The ecological devastation can be quite severe whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape."
The sentence as it is written constitutes a fragment, particularly thanks to the use of the subordinating conjunction "whenever" being used at the front of the sentence. The sentence can be made correct either by clearly differentiating the two phrases by using a comma or reversing the order of the phrases. The correct answer, which switches around the two phrases, is "The ecological devastation can be quite severe whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape."
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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 we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully, we see that the "Last of the Romans" had a critical view of the Roman Empire, but not one without qualifications.
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 we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully, we see that the "Last of the Romans" had a critical view of the Roman Empire, but not one without qualifications.
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The structure of the sentence suggests a need for a conditional subordinating conjunction—one indicating an if-then relationship between the dependent and independent clauses.
The structure of the sentence suggests a need for a conditional subordinating conjunction—one indicating an if-then relationship between the dependent and independent clauses.
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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.
Wherever he writes about his native Africa Augustine does so in the context of the Roman Empire it was a part of during his lifetime.
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.
Wherever he writes about his native Africa Augustine does so in the context of the Roman Empire it was a part of during his lifetime.
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Dependent clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction are followed by a comma before the independent clause. Furthermore, because this passage discusses its subject writing, rather than speaking, a subordinating conjunction referring to locations in a body of work ("wherever") rather than moments in time ("whenever") is more contextually appropriate.
Dependent clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction are followed by a comma before the independent clause. Furthermore, because this passage discusses its subject writing, rather than speaking, a subordinating conjunction referring to locations in a body of work ("wherever") rather than moments in time ("whenever") is more contextually appropriate.
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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.
Many of Augustine's writings evince the growing influence of Punic identity, however, his many surviving letters showcase this influence most prominently.
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.
Many of Augustine's writings evince the growing influence of Punic identity, however, his many surviving letters showcase this influence most prominently.
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"However" in this instance indicates a case worthy of special consideration among many other cases, rather than a strict contrast indicated by "nevertheless," or similarity indicated by "and." Furthermore, the two independent clauses should be joined by a semicolon before the conjunction, rather than a comma or no punctuation.
"However" in this instance indicates a case worthy of special consideration among many other cases, rather than a strict contrast indicated by "nevertheless," or similarity indicated by "and." Furthermore, the two independent clauses should be joined by a semicolon before the conjunction, rather than a comma or no punctuation.
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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 highway, which is notorious for its terrible potholes, was closed on Monday, and I had to take an alternate route to work.
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 highway, which is notorious for its terrible potholes, was closed on Monday, and I had to take an alternate route to work.
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Based on the information in this sentence, we can infer that there is a cause-and-effect relationship: as a result of the highway being closed, the speaker had to take a different route to work. “So” is the only conjunction here that indicates cause and effect.
Based on the information in this sentence, we can infer that there is a cause-and-effect relationship: as a result of the highway being closed, the speaker had to take a different route to work. “So” is the only conjunction here that indicates cause and effect.
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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.
While I was busy working on the grant proposal; Kevin was taking care of the day-to-day operations of the organization.
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.
While I was busy working on the grant proposal; Kevin was taking care of the day-to-day operations of the organization.
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"While I was busy working on the grant proposal" is a subordinate clause, so the sentence requires the second clause—an independent clause—in order to be a complete grammatical sentence. Because "While I was busy working on the grant proposal" is a dependent clause, it should thus be followed with a comma. Semicolons and periods can only be used to punctuate independent clauses. The correct version of the sentence reads, "While I was busy working on the grant proposal, Kevin was taking care of the day-to-day operations of the organization."
"While I was busy working on the grant proposal" is a subordinate clause, so the sentence requires the second clause—an independent clause—in order to be a complete grammatical sentence. Because "While I was busy working on the grant proposal" is a dependent clause, it should thus be followed with a comma. Semicolons and periods can only be used to punctuate independent clauses. The correct version of the sentence reads, "While I was busy working on the grant proposal, Kevin was taking care of the day-to-day operations of the organization."
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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 repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Whether the Donatists were active while Augustine was bishop, their roots were in controversies and long-simmering resentments from the time of his childhood.
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 repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
Whether the Donatists were active while Augustine was bishop, their roots were in controversies and long-simmering resentments from the time of his childhood.
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As the context implies, "while" is the appropriate subordinating conjunction to use in both places; however, it is worth noting that, in the credited response, it is used in two different senses—first to indicate a sort of concession or piece of important information that will find a contrast later, and later in the sentence to indicate a time when something was happening. Finally, the subordinate clause that begins the sentence should be separated from the main clause by a comma.
As the context implies, "while" is the appropriate subordinating conjunction to use in both places; however, it is worth noting that, in the credited response, it is used in two different senses—first to indicate a sort of concession or piece of important information that will find a contrast later, and later in the sentence to indicate a time when something was happening. Finally, the subordinate clause that begins the sentence should be separated from the main clause by a comma.
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A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas where he went throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
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.
A small army of secretaries accompanied Aquinas where he went throughout his many travels in every part of Europe.
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.
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"Wherever," not "where," is the appropriate subordinating conjunction in this instance, as "where" implies a singular and somewhat specific place; however, the passage implies a large area or a multitude of places. As the subordinate clause does not come at the beginning of the sentence, it does not need to be separated from the main clause by a comma.
"Wherever," not "where," is the appropriate subordinating conjunction in this instance, as "where" implies a singular and somewhat specific place; however, the passage implies a large area or a multitude of places. As the subordinate clause does not come at the beginning of the sentence, it does not need to be separated from the main clause by a comma.
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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.
Because my father was afraid of fish, so he would never take us to the aquarium.
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.
Because my father was afraid of fish, so he would never take us to the aquarium.
Tap to reveal answer
Subordination problems happen when there are two subordinate clauses and no main clause. The "because" and "so" in the original sentence clash with each other. We only need one. That way, the clause from which a subordinating conjunction is omitted becomes an independent clause, and we need at least one independent clause in the sentence for it to be complete.
Subordination problems happen when there are two subordinate clauses and no main clause. The "because" and "so" in the original sentence clash with each other. We only need one. That way, the clause from which a subordinating conjunction is omitted becomes an independent clause, and we need at least one independent clause in the sentence for it to be complete.
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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.
Since our family had never before been to Seattle, so our restaurant selection was a shot in the dark based on advice from others.
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.
Since our family had never before been to Seattle, so our restaurant selection was a shot in the dark based on advice from others.
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Each of the clauses in this sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction. This makes for an ill-crafted sentence. Only one of the two clauses should start like this. Deleting either "since" or "so" would make this sentence better. Beginning two consecutive clauses with subordinating conjunctions will almost always result in either a contradiction or a redundancy.
Each of the clauses in this sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction. This makes for an ill-crafted sentence. Only one of the two clauses should start like this. Deleting either "since" or "so" would make this sentence better. Beginning two consecutive clauses with subordinating conjunctions will almost always result in either a contradiction or a redundancy.
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Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Because the company lacked the proper funds to launch the new research project, so they turned back to the board of directors to ask for a relatively minor additional investment.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Because the company lacked the proper funds to launch the new research project, so they turned back to the board of directors to ask for a relatively minor additional investment.
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This sentence, as written, has an issue with its subordinating conjunctions. Both of its clauses start with these conjunctions - one with "because" and one with "so." This is problematic. The sentence, to be grammatical, can only have one of these clauses start with such a conjunction. Either one could be deleted to make the sentence grammatically correct - "because," in this case.
This sentence, as written, has an issue with its subordinating conjunctions. Both of its clauses start with these conjunctions - one with "because" and one with "so." This is problematic. The sentence, to be grammatical, can only have one of these clauses start with such a conjunction. Either one could be deleted to make the sentence grammatically correct - "because," in this case.
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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.
Prisons are a relatively recent phenomenon in world history, because exorbitant costs.
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.
Prisons are a relatively recent phenomenon in world history, because exorbitant costs.
Tap to reveal answer
The underlined phrase, a separate clause further explaining the first half of the sentence, does not work as a complet sentence. In order to appropriately fit after "because," the phrase needs to be turned into a complete thought. "Because they had exorbitant costs" is the best choice among the answers.
The underlined phrase, a separate clause further explaining the first half of the sentence, does not work as a complet sentence. In order to appropriately fit after "because," the phrase needs to be turned into a complete thought. "Because they had exorbitant costs" is the best choice among the answers.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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.
Because the giant squid is an elusive creature rarely seen by humans, scientists are beginning to gain a better understanding of the creature by studying it using remote cameras.
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.
Because the giant squid is an elusive creature rarely seen by humans, scientists are beginning to gain a better understanding of the creature by studying it using remote cameras.
Tap to reveal answer
The sentence is trying to explain that in spite of the giant squid's elusiveness, scientists are finding new ways of studying it. The sentence therefore is trying to contrast two ideas, as opposed to showing causation with the word "because." The only answer choice that uses a contrasting conjunction is "Although," so it is the correct answer.
The sentence is trying to explain that in spite of the giant squid's elusiveness, scientists are finding new ways of studying it. The sentence therefore is trying to contrast two ideas, as opposed to showing causation with the word "because." The only answer choice that uses a contrasting conjunction is "Although," so it is the correct answer.
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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.
Some prescription drugs can produce dangerous interactions when combined with other chemicals, and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
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.
Some prescription drugs can produce dangerous interactions when combined with other chemicals, and you should always tell your physician about any medications you take at home.
Tap to reveal answer
This sentence contains an error in its logic of cause and effect. The first part of the sentence is the reason for the advice offered in the second part. So, you should change "and" to a word that demonstrates the cause-and-effect relationship. Do not add a contrast word like "but" or "although" unless the sentence includes some sort of contradiction or opposition.
This sentence contains an error in its logic of cause and effect. The first part of the sentence is the reason for the advice offered in the second part. So, you should change "and" to a word that demonstrates the cause-and-effect relationship. Do not add a contrast word like "but" or "although" unless the sentence includes some sort of contradiction or opposition.
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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.
Whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape the ecological devastation can be quite severe.
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.
Whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape the ecological devastation can be quite severe.
Tap to reveal answer
The sentence as it is written constitutes a fragment, particularly thanks to the use of the subordinating conjunction "whenever" being used at the front of the sentence. The sentence can be made correct either by clearly differentiating the two phrases by using a comma or reversing the order of the phrases. The correct answer, which switches around the two phrases, is "The ecological devastation can be quite severe whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape."
The sentence as it is written constitutes a fragment, particularly thanks to the use of the subordinating conjunction "whenever" being used at the front of the sentence. The sentence can be made correct either by clearly differentiating the two phrases by using a comma or reversing the order of the phrases. The correct answer, which switches around the two phrases, is "The ecological devastation can be quite severe whenever it rains across an already flooded landscape."
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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 we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully, we see that the "Last of the Romans" had a critical view of the Roman Empire, but not one without qualifications.
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 we examine the Augustinian corpus carefully, we see that the "Last of the Romans" had a critical view of the Roman Empire, but not one without qualifications.
Tap to reveal answer
The structure of the sentence suggests a need for a conditional subordinating conjunction—one indicating an if-then relationship between the dependent and independent clauses.
The structure of the sentence suggests a need for a conditional subordinating conjunction—one indicating an if-then relationship between the dependent and independent clauses.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
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.
Wherever he writes about his native Africa Augustine does so in the context of the Roman Empire it was a part of during his lifetime.
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.
Wherever he writes about his native Africa Augustine does so in the context of the Roman Empire it was a part of during his lifetime.
Tap to reveal answer
Dependent clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction are followed by a comma before the independent clause. Furthermore, because this passage discusses its subject writing, rather than speaking, a subordinating conjunction referring to locations in a body of work ("wherever") rather than moments in time ("whenever") is more contextually appropriate.
Dependent clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction are followed by a comma before the independent clause. Furthermore, because this passage discusses its subject writing, rather than speaking, a subordinating conjunction referring to locations in a body of work ("wherever") rather than moments in time ("whenever") is more contextually appropriate.
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