Picture this: You're cruising through your GMAT Verbal section, feeling confident—until a wild Sentence Correction question appears, and suddenly you're debating if “has been running” sounds better than “had run” while the clock ticks away like it’s judging you. Sound familiar?
Welcome to the wonderful (and slightly frustrating) world of GMAT Sentence Correction, where grammar rules, idiomatic expressions, and sentence clarity collide to test not just your knowledge—but your patience.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to GMAC (the official GMAT folks), Sentence Correction questions make up nearly 40% of the Verbal Reasoning section—that’s almost 14 out of 36 questions on average. So, if you want to conquer GMAT Verbal, mastering Sentence Correction is non-negotiable.
Here’s the good news: Sentence Correction is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and mastered—even if you haven’t opened a grammar book since 8th grade. This blog is your grammar bootcamp, your guide through dangling modifiers and illogical comparisons. We’ll keep it light, practical, and even a little fun (yes, grammar can be fun—just wait until we meet the “famous five” errors).
So grab a cup of coffee, open your favourite grammar meme page (because you’ll need it), and let’s transform your sentence correction panic into power.
Understanding GMAT Sentence Correction
What’s Actually Being Tested?
At first glance, GMAT Sentence Correction might seem like a fancy grammar quiz—but it’s more than just spotting typos. This section tests your ability to:
Recognize grammatical errors
Choose sentences that are clear, concise, and logical
Understand how different sentence constructions affect meaning
In short, you’re not just fixing a sentence to make it “sound right”—you’re selecting the version that’s grammatically correct and communicates the intended idea most clearly.
And yes, that sometimes means rejecting what sounds okay in everyday conversation (sorry, casual grammar lovers).
What Skills Are Being Assessed?
GMAT Sentence Correction evaluates a blend of technical and analytical skills. You’ll need to:
- Spot errors in grammar and structure
- Understand sentence logic and flow
- Choose options that maintain or improve the original meaning
- Apply rules consistently even when the sentence gets complex or tricky
Think of it like editing a sentence for a professional publication—you’re looking for clarity, correctness, and class.
So if you're wondering “Do I really need to remember what a dangling modifier is?” — the answer is yes, you do. And don’t worry—we’ll help you get there without boring grammar lectures.
Commonly Tested Grammar Errors
Let’s be honest—GMAT Sentence Correction can feel like a grammar jungle. But the good news? The same types of errors show up again and again. Below are the usual suspects you’ll encounter, with examples to help you recognize them in action.
Subject-Verb Agreement
The subject and verb must match in number (singular/plural).
Incorrect: The list of books were on the table.
Correct: The list of books was on the table.
(“List” is the subject—not “books”—and it’s singular.)
Modifiers and Misplaced Modifiers
Descriptive words or phrases must be placed next to what they’re modifying.
Incorrect: Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by Sarah.
Correct: Running quickly, Sarah crossed the finish line.
(The original makes it sound like the finish line is running. Spoiler: it's not.)
Parallelism
Items in a list or comparison must follow the same grammatical format.
Incorrect: She likes hiking, to swim, and biking.
Correct: She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.
(Consistency is key—think grammar symmetry!)
Verb Tense Consistency
Keep your tenses logical and consistent in context.
Incorrect: He studied hard and passes the test.
Correct: He studied hard and passed the test.
(We’re not time traveling here—keep tenses in sync.)
Pronoun Reference
A pronoun must clearly refer to one specific noun.
Incorrect: When Jack met Tom, he was excited.
Correct: Jack was excited when he met Tom.
(Who’s excited? Jack or Tom? Be specific.)
Comparisons
Make sure you're comparing apples to apples.
Incorrect: The salary of a doctor is higher than a nurse.
Correct: The salary of a doctor is higher than that of a nurse.
(You can’t compare a “salary” to a “person.”)
Idiomatic Expressions
Some phrases just have to follow standard English usage—even if it sounds weird.
Incorrect: She is capable to manage the team.
Correct: She is capable of managing the team.
(Idioms are quirky—memorize the common ones.)
Certainly! Here's a clear and concise table of Common Pitfalls in GMAT Sentence Correction and How to Avoid Them, ideal for blog formatting:
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
| Pitfall | Why It’s a Problem | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Going with what “sounds right” | Spoken English often breaks grammar rules. | Rely on grammar rules, not intuition. Study and apply standard written English. |
| Ignoring sentence meaning | A grammatically correct option can still change the intended meaning. | Always check that the choice preserves the original intent of the sentence. |
| Overlooking modifiers or comparisons | Misplaced modifiers and faulty comparisons are subtle but common traps. | Read slowly and ask: What is this phrase describing or comparing? |
| Getting tricked by long or complex choices | Longer sentences may seem “smarter,” but often hide errors. | Break sentences into smaller chunks. Focus on structure and clarity. |
| Skipping grammar review | You can’t fix what you don’t understand. | Review core grammar topics like subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and idioms. |
| Focusing only on the underlined portion | Errors may lie in how the underlined portion fits with the full sentence. | Always read the entire sentence before choosing an answer. |
| Not eliminating all wrong choices | You might miss a better option if you settle too soon. | Use process of elimination thoroughly—even if one option looks okay at first glance. |
| Rushing through practice without review | You don’t learn much if you don’t understand your mistakes. | Review every question, especially the wrong ones. Understand why the correct one works. |
| Neglecting idioms and usage rules | Idioms don’t always follow logic, and are often tested. | Memorize common idiomatic expressions tested on the GMAT. |
Absolutely! Here's a well-structured and example-based section for Effective Strategies for GMAT Sentence Correction—written in a helpful, humanized tone:
Effective Strategies for Sentence Correction
You don’t need to be a grammar genius to master Sentence Correction—you just need a smart approach. Below are practical, battle-tested strategies to help you tackle these questions like a pro.
Read the Whole Sentence First
Before diving into the underlined part, read the full sentence to understand the context.
Why it matters: Errors sometimes hide outside the underlined part or rely on the sentence's meaning.
Example:
Incorrect: Running late for the meeting, the documents were left on the desk.
(Who was running late? The documents?)
Correct: Running late for the meeting, she left the documents on the desk.
Identify the Error Type
Train your brain to quickly classify the error (e.g., subject-verb agreement, modifier, idiom, etc.).
Why it matters: Recognizing the category helps you focus and avoid traps.
Ask yourself: Does this sentence have a misplaced modifier? Is the verb tense consistent?
Use Process of Elimination (POE)
Even if you’re unsure of the correct answer, you can often eliminate 2–3 options easily.
Why it matters: This increases your odds and clears clutter.
Example:
If two choices use “has” and three use “have,” and you know the subject is singular—bye-bye “have.”
Prioritize Meaning and Clarity
Always choose the version that is both grammatically correct and clearly conveys the original meaning.
Why it matters: A correct sentence that changes the meaning = wrong answer.
After finding a grammatically sound choice, reread the full sentence with it to check clarity.
Don’t Get Distracted by Fancy Words
Some options sound “smarter” because they’re wordier—but that doesn’t mean they’re better.
Why it matters: The GMAT favors clear, concise, and effective writing.
Example:
Incorrect: The manager implemented a strategy that was of an innovative nature.
Correct: The manager implemented an innovative strategy.
Practice Under Timed Conditions
Practice is great, but timed practice is essential.
Why it matters: On test day, you’ll have about 90 seconds per SC question. Speed + accuracy = success.
Try 10-question sets with a timer, then review thoroughly.
Keep a Grammar Error Log
Track the errors you miss. You’ll start noticing patterns in your mistakes.
Why it matters: Awareness = improvement.
Example log:
Misused “which” vs “that”
Forgot subject-verb agreement in complex sentence
Picked option that altered meaning
Practice Exercises
Question 1
Although the term “acid rain” was coined only a few decades ago, the phenomenon itself has existed since the dawn of the industrial age, when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides were first emitted into the atmosphere by factories burning fossil fuels. (GMATPrep, 2015)
A) were first emitted into the atmosphere by factories burning fossil fuels
B) were first being emitted into the atmosphere by factories that burned fossil fuels
C) had first been emitted into the atmosphere by factories burning fossil fuels
D) were first emitted into the atmosphere by factories that are burning fossil fuels
E) had been first emitted into the atmosphere by factories that had burned fossil fuels
Correct Answer: A
Question 2
The proposed curriculum is designed to enhance students’ skills in reading critically, thinking analytically, and to communicate effectively. (GMAT Official Guide, 2019)
A) reading critically, thinking analytically, and to communicate effectively
B) reading critically, to think analytically, and communicating effectively
C) to read critically, thinking analytically, and communicating effectively
D) to read critically, think analytically, and communicate effectively
E) to read critically, to think analytically, and communicating effectively
Correct Answer: D
Question 3
Unlike the honeybee, the bumblebee queens hibernate during the winter and emerge in the spring to build a new nest and start a colony. (GMATPrep, 2018)
A) Unlike the honeybee, the bumblebee queens
B) Unlike the honeybee, bumblebee queens
C) Unlike those of the honeybee, the bumblebee queens
D) Unlike those of the honeybee, bumblebee queens
E) Unlike honeybee queens, bumblebee queens
Correct Answer: E
Question 4
The engineers presented the proposal to the board, but they rejected it without much discussion. (GMAT-style, modeled after 2020 question)
A) they rejected it without much discussion
B) it was rejected by them without much discussion
C) the board rejected the proposal without much discussion
D) rejecting it without much discussion was what they did
E) without much discussion, it was rejected
Correct Answer: C
Question 5
The new director was not only known for her innovative approach but also her ability to motivate others. (GMAT Official Guide, 2021)
A) not only known for her innovative approach but also her ability
B) known not only for her innovative approach but also her ability
C) not only known for her innovative approach but her ability also
D) known not only for her innovative approach but for her ability also
E) not only known for her innovative approach but also for her ability
Correct Answer: B
Question 6
Sentence:
While she enjoys hiking, biking, and to swim, her primary passion is painting. ((GMAT Official Guide 2017))
Solution:
This sentence has an issue with parallelism. The items in a list must follow the same grammatical form.
Corrected Sentence:
While she enjoys hiking, biking, and swimming, her primary passion is painting.
Question 7
Sentence:
The manager was capable to handle the increased workload with ease. ((GMAT Official Guide 2018))
Solution:
This sentence contains an error with the idiomatic expression. "Capable to" should be changed to "capable of."
Corrected Sentence:
The manager was capable of handling the increased workload with ease.
Question 8
Sentence:
The new policy will affect not only employees but also the management. ((GMAT Official Guide 2020))
Solution:
This sentence contains a parallelism issue. The structure of “not only...but also” should be balanced on both sides.
Corrected Sentence:
The new policy will affect both employees and the management.
Question 9
Sentence:
The team leader’s leadership qualities were praised by the members, who had shown great dedication in their efforts. ((GMAT Official Guide 2017))
Solution:
The sentence has a misplaced modifier. The phrase "who had shown great dedication" should refer to the members of the team, not the "leadership qualities" of the leader.
Corrected Sentence:
The team leader’s leadership qualities were praised by the members, who showed great dedication in their efforts.
Question 10
Sentence:
Her book is the most well-written novel that I have ever read.
((GMAT Official Guide 2016))
Solution:
The error here is with parallelism. The sentence needs consistency in its structure. "Well-written" is fine, but "the most well-written" requires a comparative structure.
Corrected Sentence:
Her book is the best-written novel that I have ever read.
Conclusion
Let’s face it: GMAT Sentence Correction is like a grammar-themed obstacle course—full of traps, tricks, and choices that make you question your very grasp of the English language. But here’s the twist: every single Sentence Correction question follows rules. And when you learn the patterns, suddenly the chaos becomes clarity.
Think of it like this: If grammar were a party, Sentence Correction is that guest who insists on wearing a bowtie and explaining why “neither the dog nor the cats were barking” is technically incorrect. Awkward? Maybe. Useful? Absolutely.
The secret sauce is practice, pattern recognition, and a bit of patience. Focus on the core grammar rules, get familiar with the common traps, and train yourself to see the intended meaning behind the sentence.
Here’s a motivational stat to end on: According to GMAT Club data, test takers who score 700+ on the GMAT consistently answer over 80% of Sentence Correction questions correctly. That can be you—with the right tools, the right mindset, and maybe a grammar pun or two.
So keep practicing, laugh at your mistakes (they make great teachers), and remember: It’s not just about correcting sentences. It’s about correcting your path to a higher score.