MGMAT SC SUMMARY

1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Every sentence must have a Subject and a verb. The subject is the noun that performs the
action epressed by the verb!
Right: The "#G $ith the %ray ears RU&S out of the house.
Subject and Verb Must Both Exist
'f a sentence is missin% the subject or the verb( the sentence is a Fragment! in other
$ords( it is not a comp)ete sentence*
Wrong: The e)ectron named in +,-..
Right: Stoney &AME" the e)ectron in +,-..
Right: The e)ectron /AS &AME" in +,-..
A sentence can be a fra%ment in another $ay! it cou)d stand $ith a Connectin% /ord and
contain no Main C)ause 0a c)ause that cou)d stand a)one as a sentence as is( $ith its o$n
subject and verb1!
Wrong: 2ECAUSE the do% $as never mine.
Wrong: /3'C3 $i)) be approved tomorro$.
Subject and Verb Must Mae Sense !ogether
A correct ans$er must have a c)ear meanin%. Thus( it must ma4e )o%ica) sense.
Wrong! !he de"e#o$ment o% a hydro%en car based on epected performance parameters
&i## be ab)e to trave) hundreds of mi)es $ithout refue)in%.
Right: #nce deve)oped( a hydro%en 'AR based on epected performance parameters
Wi## BE ab)e to trave) hundreds of mi)es $ithout refue)in%.
Subject and Verb Must Agree (n )umber
5ast but not )east( the subject and the verb must a%ree in number. The number can be
sin%u)ar 0one1 or p)ura) 0more than one1.
A sin%u)ar subject re6uires a sin%u)ar verb form! The do% runs out of the house.
A p)ura) subject re6uires a p)ura) verb form! The do%s run out of the house.
E#iminate the Midd#emen* and Si$ the Warm-u$
The GMAT hides the subject in a fe$ $ays. The most common $ay by far is to insert
$ords bet$een the subject and the verb. There are a fe$ common types of midd)emen
and $arm ups!
+
1+ ,re$ositiona# ,hrases
A 7repositiona) 7hrase is a %roup of $ords headed by a 7reposition.
of mice in 8ambia to the store for mi)4
on their orders by+,99 at that )eve) from the office
&ear Ga)$ay( the houses on the road to Spidd)e( are %or%eous.
-+ Subordinate '#auses
These c)auses( $hich be%in $ith connectin% $ords such as who or which, cannot stand
a)one as sentences. 'nstead( they are a)$ays attached to a main c)ause. 5i4e prepositiona)
phrases( many subordinate c)auses modify other parts of the sentence( actin% as :bi%
adjectives: or :bi% adverbs.: Some subordinate c)auses even act as :bi% nouns.:
Right: /hen the auditors )eft( the eecutive $ho had been intervie$ed $as %)ad.
And "s. Additi"e ,hrases
The $ord and can unite t$o or more sin%u)ar subjects( formin% a compound p)ura) subject.
Right:;oe A&" his friends ARE %oin% to the beach.
Right: Mathematics. history. A&" science ARE mandatory hi%h<schoo) subjects.
#ther additive phrases are!
A)on% $ith( 'n addition to( as $e)) as( accompanied by( to%ether $ith( inc#uding
.r* Either .r* /Neither )or
Right: &either the coach nor the p)ayers ARE %oin% to the beach.
Right: &either the p)ayers nor the p)ayer 'S %oin% to the beach.
'o##ecti"e )ouns: A#most A#&a0s Singu#ar
Some eamp)es inc)ude the fo))o$in%!
,eo$#e: a%ency( army( audience( c)ass( committee( cro$d( orchestra( team
(tems: ba%%a%e( citrus( e6uipment( f)eet( fruit( furniture
(nde%inite ,ronouns: 1sua##0 Singu#ar
Anyone( Anybody( Anythin%( &o one( &obody( &othin%
Each( every (as pronouns, Someone( Somebody( Somethin%
Everyone( Everybody( Everythin%( /hatever( /hoever
Either( neither (may require a plural verb if paired with or/nor)
'ndefinite pronouns that can be either sin%u)ar or p)ura) dependin% on the contet!
T3E SA&AM 7R#&#U&S! Some( Any( &one( A))( More=Most
0Technica))y( none of > p)ura) noun can ta4e either a sin%u)ar or a p)ura) verb form. 2ut
not one is a)$ays sin%u)ar! Not one of my friends IS here this weekend.)
Each and E"er0: Singu#ar Sensations
Right: Every do% 3AS pa$s.
?
Right: Every do% and cat 3AS pa$s.
Right: Each of these shirts 'S pretty.
Right: They each are %reat tennis p)ayers.
3ere( the p)ura) subject they re6uires the p)ura) verb form are.
2uantit0 Words and ,hrases
The phrase The number of ta4es a sin%u)ar verb( but A number of ta4es a p)ura) verb.
Ri%ht! The number of hard$or4in% students in this c)ass )S 6uite )ar%e.
#n the other hand( a number of is an idiomatic epression
Right: A number of students in this c)ass ARE hard $or4ers.
The $ords majority, minority, and plurality are either sin%u)ar or p)ura)( dependin% on
their contet.
Right: The majority of the students in this c)ass ARE hard $or4ers.
Right: 'n the Senate( the majority 3AS coa)esced into a unified votin% b)oc4.
Subject ,hrases and '#auses: A#&a0s Singu#ar
Right: 3avin% %ood friends 'S a $onderfu) thin%.
Right: /hatever they $ant to do is fine $ith me.
-. ,ara##e#ism
Comparab)e sentence parts must be structura))y and )o%ica))y simi)ar.
Word0: The emp)oyees $ere upset by the company@s )o$ pay( poor $or4in% conditions(
and that they did not have enou%h out)ets for their creativity.
Right: The emp)oyees $ere upset by the company@s )o$ A poor $or4in% conditions( and.
shorta%e of out)ets for emp)oyees@ creativity.
,ara##e# Marers
B and Y B( Y( and 8 2oth B and Y
B or Y Either B or Y E'T3ER &ot B but Y
&ot on)y B but a)so Y B rather than Y Crom B to Y
,ara##e# E#ements
A)most anythin% in a sentence can be made para))e) to a simi)ar 7ara))e) E)ement.
Subordinate '#auses: They contended that the committee $as biased A&" that it shou)d
be disbanded.
7ara))e) c)auses shou)d start $ith the same $ord.
Wrong: ' $ant to retire to a p)ace /3ERE ' can re)a A&" T3AT has )o$ taes.
D
Right: ' $ant to retire to a p)ace /3ERE' can re)a A&" /3ERE the taes are )o$
Wrong: Ra)ph )i4es 2#T3T3#SE /3# are popu)ar A&" /3# are not.
Right: Ra)ph )i4es 2#T3T3#SE /3# are popu)ar A&" T3#SE /3# are not.
'dioms $ith 2ui)t<'n 7ara))e) Structure
B Acts As Y "istin%uish B Crom Y B is the Same As Y As B( So Y
Estimate B To 2e Y B is %ood( and So Too is Y
2et$een B And Y B 'nstead #f Y
Compared To B( Y B is Eno$n To 2e Y Thin4 #f B As Y Consider B Y
B is 5ess Than Y B is Thou%ht To 2e Y 'n Contrast To B( Y Ma4e B Y
Fie$ B As Y "ec)are B Y Mista4e B Cor Y /hether B #r Y
B<"eve)ops 'nto Y &ot #n)y B 2ut A)so Y B "iffers Crom Y Re%ard B As Y
3. ,R.).1)S
A pronoun is a $ord that ta4es the p)ace of a noun( so that $e do not have to repeat that
noun e)se$here in the sentence.
Right: Gaso)ine has become so epensive that 'T no$ consumes as much as +GH of
persona) income in some rura) areas.
!he Antecedent Must Exist
The first tas4 is to find the antecedent in the sentence.
Wrong: The par4 ran%ers discussed measures to prevent severe $i)dfires( $hich $ou)d
be devastatin% to 'T.
Right: The ran%ers discussed measures to prevent severe $i)dfires( $hich $ou)d be
devastatin% to T3E 7ARE.
!he antecedent to &hich 0ou* &ant to re%er must actua##0 exist in the sentence and
be %unctioning as a noun.
!he Antecedent / ,ronoun Must Mae Sense !ogether
The net tas4 is to chec4 $hether the antecedent and the pronoun a%ree )o%ica))y.
Wrong: A)thou%h the term :supercomputer: may sound fancifu) or ea%%erated( 'T is
simp)y an etreme)y fast mainframe that can eecute tri))ions of ca)cu)ations every
second.
Right: A)thou%h the term :supercomputer: may sound fancifu) or ea%%erated( 'T simp)y
RECERS T# an etreme)y fast mainframe that can eecute tri))ions of ca)cu)ations every
second.
!he Antecedent Must Be 1nambiguous
Every pronoun on the GMAT must c)ear)y refer to on#0 one antecedent. Sentences in
$hich there are t$o or more possib)e antecedents for any pronoun shou)d be re$ritten.
.
Wrong: Researchers c)aim to have deve)oped ne$ :nano<papers: incorporatin% tiny
ce))u)ose fibers( $hich T3EY a))e%e %ive T3EM the stren%th of cast iron.
Right: Researchers c)aim to have deve)oped ne$ :nano<papers: incorporatin% tiny
ce))u)ose fibers( $hich a))e%ed)y %ive T3ESE MATER'A5S the stren%th of cast iron.
!he Antecedent / ,ronoun Must Agree in )umber
'f the antecedent is sin%u)ar( the pronoun that refers to it must be sin%u)ar. 'f the
antecedent is p)ura)( the pronoun that refers to it must be p)ura).
A&&ard: Confronted by radica) chan%es in production and distribution( modern
3o))y$ood studios are attemptin% various eperiments in an effort to retain 'TS status as
the primary arbiter of movie consumption.
Right: Confronted by radica) chan%es in production and distribution( modern 3o))y$ood
studios are attemptin% various eperiments in an effort to retain T3E'R status as the
primary arbiters of movie consumption.
,ronoun 'ase
:Case: means %rammatica) ro)e or function. There are D cases in En%)ish! subject( object(
and possessive.
+1 Subject pronouns can be the subjects of sentences.
' = you = he = she = it = $e= they = $ho.
hey arrived late.

?1 #bject pronouns can be the objects of verbs or prepositions.
Me= you= him =her = it = us = them = $hom.
No one saw them or talked to them.
D1 7ossessive pronouns indicate o$nership or a simi)ar re)ation.
My=mine your=yours his her=hers its our=ours their=theirs $hose
heir presence went unnoticed.
This, That, These, and !hose
The "emonstrative 7ronouns are this, that, these, and those. You may use any of
these pronouns as adjectives in front of nouns.
Right: &e$ :nano<papers: incorporate fibers that %ive T3ESE MATER'A5S stren%th.
hat or those indicatin% a &e$ Copy or copies must be modified
Right: The money spent by her parents is )ess than T3AT S7E&T by her chi)dren.
Right: 3er company is outperformin% T3AT #C her competitor.
A )itt)e odd)y* The GMAT insists that any :&e$ Copy: that or those a%ree in number
$ith the previous version. 'f you must chan%e number( repeat the noun.
I
Wrong: 3er company is outperformin% T3#SE #C her competitors.
Right: 3er company is outperformin% T3E C#M7A&'ES #C her competitors.
Cina))y( on the GMAT( do not use this or these in p)ace of nouns. A)so( do not use that or
those in p)ace of nouns 0un)ess you modify that or those). Use it, they, or them instead.
Wrong: 3er products are unusua)J many consider T3ESE uni6ue.
Right: 3er products are unusua)J many consider T3EM uni6ue.
4. Modi%iers5,ronouns / Modi%iers Ad"anced
)oun Modi%iers Verb Modi%iers
A1 Adjective or adjective phrase
021 7repositiona) phrase
0C1 7articip)e or participia) phrase
0"1 Re)ative c)ause.
0E1 Appositive
0C1 Sub%roup modifier
G1 Adverb
031 7repositiona) phrase
0'1 7articip)e or participia) phrase
0j1 Adverbia) c)ause 0starts $ith a
subordinator1
0E1 Abso)ute phrase
Adjecti"es / Ad"erbs:
Adjectives and adverbs are one<$ord modifiers. An Adjective modifies A a noun or a
pronoun( $hereas an Adverb modifies a)most anythin% andJ a noun or a pronoun. An
adverb often modifies a verb( but it can a)so describe an adjective( another adverb( a
preposition( a phrase( or even a $ho)e c)ause.
Right: The SMART student $or4s KU'CE5Y.
#ften( the GMAT provides t$o %rammatica))y correct phrasin%s. Cor instance( one
phrasin% mi%ht be LAdjecti"e 6 Adjecti"e 6)oun7* in $hich the t$o adjectives both
modify the noun. The other phrasin% $ou)d be 8Ad"erb 6Adjecti"e 6 )oun7( in $hich
the adverb modifies the adjective( $hich in turn modifies the noun. These t$o phrasin%s
do not mean the same thin%. 7ic4 the phrasin% that ref)ects the authors<intent.
Wrong: ;ames ;oyce is Ma@s SU77#SE"5Y 'rish ancestor.
Right: ;ames ;oyce is Ma@s SU77#SE" 'rish ancestor.
;amesJ ;oyce mayor may not be Ma@s ancestor( but ;ames ;oyce $as certain)y 'rish.
Thus( $e $ant the adjective supposed, so that $e can modify the noun ancestor.
Wrong: Ma@s %randmother is his SU77#SE" 'rish ancestor.
Right: Ma@s %randmother is his SU77#SE"5Y 'rish ancestor.
Adjectives that have been observed a)ternatin% $ith their correspondin% adverbs 0in !ly)
in re)eased GMAT prob)ems inc)ude corresponding, frequent; independent, rare, recent,
seeming, separate, significant, supposed, and usual
,osition o% )ouns Modi%iers:
Fo##o& the !ouch Ru#e:
G
A &#U& and its M#"'C'ER shou)d T#UC3 each other. 'f the modifier is net to a
different noun( $e have a Misp)aced Modifier.
Wrong: ;im bi4ed a)on% an o)d dirt road to %et to his house( $hich cut throu%h the $oods.

Right: To %et to his house( ;im bi4ed a)on% an o)d dirt road( $hich cut throu%h the $oods.
'f the noun $e $ant to modify is not even in the sentence( $e have a 9ang#ing Modi%ier.
Wrong: Resi%ned the bad ne$s( There $as no commotion in the office.
Wrong: There $as no commotion in the office( resi%ned to the bad ne$s.
Right: Resi%ned to the bad ne$s. The office /or4ers made no commotion.
)oun Modi%iers &ith re#ati"e ,ronouns:
&oun modifiers are often introduced by Re)ative 7ronoun. Such as the fo))o$in%!
Which !hat Who Whose Whom Where When
The pronouns who and whom must modify peop)e. #n the other hand( the pronoun which
must modify thin%s. Accordin% to the GMAT( c)auses )ed by the pronoun that cannot
modify peop)e. #ther %rammatica) authorities disa%ree( but $hat matters on test day is
the GMAT@s point of vie$.
Wrong: The scientists T3AT made the discovery $ere re$arded.
Right: The scientists /3# made the discovery $ere re$arded.
Surprisin%)y( the pronoun whose can modify either peop)e or thin%s( accordin% to the
GMAT! he town whose water supply was contaminated.
Who is used as the subject of the verb in a re)ative c)ause( $hereas whom is used as the
object of the verb or of a preposition
Wrong: The security %uard /3# $e met $as nice.
Right: The security %uard /3#M $e met $as nice.
hat or whom can be dropped $hen the modified noun is the object of the modifyin% c)ause.
Right: The movie T3AT $e $atched )ast Criday $as scary.
Right: The movie $e $atched )ast Criday $as scary.
The pronoun where can be used to modify a noun p)ace( such as area, site, country or
Nevada. Where cannot modify a :metaphorica): p)ace( such as condition, situation, case,
circumstances, or arran"ement. 'n these cases( use in which rather than where.
/ron%! /e had an arran%ement /3ERE he coo4ed and ' c)eaned.
Ri%ht! /e had an arran%ement '& /3'C3 he coo4ed and ' c)eaned.
The pronoun when can be used to modify a noun event or time( such as period, a"e,
#$%&, or decade. 'n these circumstances( you can a)so use in which instead of when.
M
Essentia# "s. )on-essentia# )oun Modi%iers
7unctuation distin%uishes bet$een essentia) and non<essentia) modifiers!
7ut C#MMAS bet$een &#&<ESSE&T'A5 modifiers and their nouns.
7ut &# C#MMAS bet$een ESSE&T'A5 modifiers and their nouns.
'f you have a choice bet$een which and that, then fo))o$ this %enera) ru)e!
Use '(I)( 0and commas1 if the modifier is non<essentia).
Use (* 0and no commas1 if the modifier is essentia).
)on-essentia#: This mansion( /3'C3 3AS 2EE& RECE&T5Y 7A'&TE" RE"( 's
o$ned by the teesJ
Essentia#: The mansion T3AT 3AS 2EE& 7A'&TE" RE" is o$ned by the 5ees.
'n some circumstances( you do not have a simp)e choice bet$een 'hich and hat 0e.%.(
$hen 'hich is used $ith a preposition1.
3o$ever( you shou)d sti)) obey the comma ru#e!
Use commas $ith non<essentia) uses of 'hich, but not $ith essentia) uses of 'hich.
)on-essentia#: This mansion( C#R/3'C3 ' YEAR&( is o$ned by the 5ees.
Essentia#: The mansion C#R /3'C3 ' YEAR& is o$ned by the )ees.
#ther re)ative pronouns( such as who, can be used in essentia) or in non<essentia) modifiers.
/ith these other pronouns( continue to obser"e the comma ru#e: use commas on#0 &ith
non-essentia# modi%iers.
Verb Modi%iers
The most basic verb modifier is an adverb. These modifiers answer questions about the verb, such
as "how," "when," "where," "why," etc.
Exam$#e:
Ad"erb: CREKUE&T5Y( ' $a)4 to the store. 02efore Ferb1
I FREQUENT! wa"# to the store. 02efore Ferb1
Subordinator: $%EN my car is bro#en. I wa"# to the store. 02efore verb1
I wa"# to the store $%EN my car is bro#en. 0After Ferb1
,resent ,artici$#e &ith commas: /3'ST5'&G :2eat 'tN( ' )ifted the $ei%ht. 02efore verb1
,re$osition 6 Sim$#e :erund: &! '(N'ENTR)TIN*, I "ifted the wei+ht, ,&efore verb-
' )ifted the wei+ht &! '(N'ENTR)TIN* ,)fter verb-
Ferb modifiers can be p)aced more fre6uent)y than noun modifiers( $hich must %enera))y
touch the modified noun.
Wrong: The name)ess symphony $as at )ast performed( decades after it $as composed(
yesterday.
,
Right: The name)ess symphony $as at )ast $er%ormed 0esterda0( decades after it $as
composed.
Which "s. the ,resent ,artici$#e !ng
Use '(I)( on)y to refer to the noun immediate)y proceedin% it<never to refer to an
entire c)ause.
Wrong: Crime has recent)y decreased in our nei%hborhood( /3'C3 has )ed to a rise in
property va)ues.
Right: The recent decrease in crime in our nei%hborhood has )ed to a rise in property
va)ues.
Right: Crime has recent)y decreased in our nei%hborhood( )eadin% to a rise in property
va)ues.
;. Verb !ense* Mood* / Voice
/e must consider three other features of verbs that are tested on the GMAT! tense( mood(
and voice.
Verb !ense indicates $hen the action of the verb ta4es p)ace.
Verb Mood indicates $hat the $riter be)ieves about( or $ants to do $ith( the action. T$o
verb moods are tested on the GMAT! indicative and subjunctive. Most verbs are in the
indicative mood( $hich $e use to describe 4no$)ed%e or be)iefs. #ccasiona))y( $e use
verbs in the subjunctive mood to epress su%%estions( desires( or hypothetica) events.
Verb Voice indicates $ho or $hat is doin% the action. 0Active O 7assive1
VERB !E)SE* M..9* / V.('E S!RA!E:<
"o not use the 7resent 7ro%ressive for %enera) definitions. 'nstead( use the Simp)e
7resent.
Wrong: Cheren4ov radiation is )i%ht that partic)es AREEM'TT'&G $hen they ARE
TRAFE5'&G faster than the effective speed of )i%ht in any medium.
Right: Cheren4ov radiation is )i%ht that partic)es EM'T $hen they TRAFE5 faster than
the effective speed of )i%ht in any medium.
'n GMAT sentences( do not use the 7resent 7ro%ressive to indicate future actions.
Wrong: Kuentin 'S MEET'&G 3arvey for )unch tomorro$.
Right: Kuentin /'55 MEET 3arvey for )unch tomorro$.
Ferbs that epress %enera) states do not norma))y ta4e pro%ressive forms. Such State
Ferbs inc)ude know or si"nify.
Wrong: This inscription 'S S'G&'CY'&G the emperor@s birth.
Right: This inscription S'G&'C'ES the emperor@s birth.
-
=ee$ Verb !enses 'onsistent
Sentences $ith more than one action do not necessari)y re6uire more than one verb tense.
Right: She /A5EE" to schoo) in the mornin% and RA& home in the afternoon.
Right: She /A5ES to schoo) in the mornin% and RU&S home in the afternoon.
Right: She /'55 /A5E to schoo) in the mornin% and RU& home in the afternoon.
3o$ever( some sentences $ith more than one action do re6uire you to s$itch verb tenses.
Ri%ht! 3e 'S thinner no$ because he S7E&T the )ast si months on a strict diet.
'n a more subt)e eamp)e( you can use the 7ast 7ro%ressive to describe a bac4%round
event( $hi)e you use Simp)e 7ast to describe a more important event in the fore%round.
Right: She /AS 75AY'&G $ith her friends $hen the babysitter ARR'FE".
To summariPe( the 7resent 7erfect indicates either @continued action or continued effect of
a completed action.
'f you use since, you must use the 7resent 7erfect to indicate continued action or effect!
Wrong: Since +-,G no one 2R#EE that $or)d record.
Right: Since +-,G no one 3AS 2R#EE& that $or)d record.
5i4e$ise( 7resent 7erfect shou)d be used $ith within phrases( such as within the past five
minutes or within the last ten days, to indicate continued action or continued effect.
'f you $ant to ta)4 about a specific( comp)eted time period( use the Simp)e 7ast( not the
7resent 7erfect!
Wrong: Feronica 3AS TRAFE5E" a)) over the $or)d in ?99M.
Right: Feronica TRAFE5E" a)) over the $or)d in ?99M.
,ast ,er%ect: !he Ear#ier Action
'f t$o actions in a sentence occurred at different times in the past( $e often use the A
7erfect tense for the ear)ier action and Simp)e 7ast for the .)ater action
7ast 7erfect Q 3A" > 7ast 7articip)e
Right: The fi)m 3A" STARTE" by the time $e ARR'FE" at the theater.
Right: The teacher T3#UG3T that ;immy 3A" C3EATE" on the eam.
&ote that $e do not a)$ays use the 7ast 7erfect for ear)ier actions. 'n %enera)( you shou)d
use 7ast 7erfect on)y to c)arify or emphasiPe a se6uence of past events. The ear)ier event
shou)d someho$ have a bearin% on the contet of the )ater event. Moreover( if the
se6uence is a)ready obvious( $e often do not need 7ast 7erfect.
Right: Antonio "R#FE to the store and 2#UG3T some ice cream.
+9
,er%ect !enses: .n#0 When )ecessar0
"o not use the perfect tenses $hen the simp)e tenses $i)) do. The GMAT prefers
simp)icity.
Wrong: ;oe 5EAR&E" about an epoch in $hich dinosaurs 3A" /A5EE" the earth.
Right: ;oe 5EAR&E" about an epoch in $hich dinosaurs /A5EE" the earth.
!ense Se>uence
Ri%ht! The scientist 2E5'EFES that the machine /i)) 2E $onderfu).
7resent Cuture
Ri%ht! The scientist 2E5'EFE" that the machine /#U5" 2E $onderfu).
7ast Conditiona)
/ron%! The scientist 2e)ieves that the machine /#U5" 2E $onderfu).
7resent Conditiona)
/ron%! The scientist 2E5'EFE" that the machine /'55 2E $onderfu).
7ast Cuture
!he Subjuncti"e Mood
'n En%)ish( most sentences epress facts $ith the 'ndicative Mood or commands $ith the
'mperative Mood. You can epect to see the Subjunctive Mood in t$o specia) situations!
0+1 Un)i4e)y or unrea) conditions 0usua))y after if or a simi)ar $ord1.
0?1 7roposa)s( desires( and re6uests formed $ith certain verbs and the $ord that.
!he ?0$othetica# Subjuncti"e
/e use the 3ypothetica) Subjunctive form in a fe$ circumstances to indicate un)i4e)y or
unrea) conditions. 7rincipa))y( this form occurs after if, as if, or as thou"h.
Right! To overcome my fear of %erms( ' $i)) thin4 about disease as thou%h it /ERE harm)ess.
The basic form of the 3ypothetica) Subjunctive is e6uiva)ent to the Simp)e 7ast of every
verb( $ith one eception. Cor the verb to be, the form were is a)$ays used.
!f !hen 'onstructions
Sentences that use the $ord if do not a)$ays use the 3ypothetica) Subjunctive. Sentences
$ith an i% condition and a then outcome can fo))o$ any of severa) tense=mood patterns.
Right: 'C you study di)i%ent)y( LT3E&R you $i)) score hi%h)y.
Right: You $i)) score hi%h)y 'C you study di)i%ent)y.
3ere are the five common patterns of if""" then sentences.
++
@1+ Genera) Ru)e $ith no uncertainty
'C Sophie EATS piPPa( T3E& she 2EC#MES i)).
'C 7resent( T3E& 7resent.
This pattern is e6uiva)ent to whenever+ '(,N,-,. Sophie ,*S pi//a, she 0,)12,S ill
@-+ Genera) Ru)e $ith some uncertainty
'C Sophie EATS piPPa( T3E& she MAY 2EC#ME i)).
'C 7resent( T3E& )an or 2ay.
@3+ 7articu)ar Case 0in the future1 $ith no uncertainty
'C Sophie EATS piPPa tomorro$( T3E& she /'55 2EC#ME i)).
'C 7resent( T3E& Cuture.
@4+ Un)i4e)y Case 0in the future1
'C Sophie ATE piPPa tomorro$( T3E& she /#U5" 2EC#ME i)).
'C 3ypothetica) Subjunctive( T3E& Conditiona).
@;+ Case that &ever 3appened 0in the past1
'C Sophie 3A" EATE& piPPa yesterday( T3E& she /#U5" 3AFE 2EC#ME i)).
'C 7ast 7erfect( T3E& Conditiona) 7erfect.
The he)pin% verbs would and should shou)d &EFER %o in the if part of the sentence*
!he 'ommand Subjuncti"e
The Command Subjunctive is used $ith certain 2ossy Ferbs( such as require or propose.
2ossy Ferbs te)) peop)e to do thin%s.
Right: The a%ency REKU'RE" that Gary 2E ready before noon.
Right: /e 7R#7#SE that the schoo) board "'S2A&".
The subjunctive construction $ith a 2ossy Ferb is a)$ays as fo))o$s!
Boss0 Verb 6 T#AT 6 subject 6 'ommand Subjuncti"e
Right: /e 7R#7#SE T3AT the schoo) board "'S2A&".
/hat ma4es the Command Subjunctive comp)icated is that not every 2ossy Ferb uses the
Command Subjunctive. 'n fact( $ith some of the most common 2ossy Ferbs( such as
want, you cannot use the Command Subjunctive( but rather an infinitive (to > the bare
form1!
Right: The vice<president /A&TS her T# G# to the retreat.
Wrong: The vice<president /A&TS T3AT she G# to the retreat.
'ommon Verbs that tae .)A< the 'ommand Subjuncti"e:
3emand, dictate, insist, mandate, propose, recommend, request, stipulate, su""est
/e demand T3AT 3E 2E here.
Verbs that tae .)A< the (n%initi"e:
+?
*dvice, allow, forbid, persuade, want
/e a))o$ 3'M T# 2E here.
Verbs that tae E(!?ER the 'ommand Subjuncti"e .R the (n%initi"e
*sk, be", intend, order, prefer, ur"e, and require 0pay particu)ar attention to require)
/e re6uire T3AT 3E 2E here. #R /e re6uire 3'M T# 2E here.
A %e& Boss0 Verbs most notab#0 prohibit, tae other constructions a#together:
Right: The a%ency 7R#3'2'TE" Gary CR#M /#RE'&G on $ee4ends.
The Command Subjunctive can a)so be used $ith nouns derived from 2ossy Ferbs( such
as a demand or a request.
Right: 3is demand T3AT he 2E paid fu)) severance $as not met.
A)so( the Command Subjunctive is possib)e $ith It is 4 in $hich 4 is an adjective( such
as essential, that conveys ur%ency. It is 4 is not common)y tested on the GMAT.
Right: 't is essentia) T3AT Gary 2E ready before noon.
#ther adjectives conveyin% ur%ency inc)ude advisable, crucial desirable, fittin",
imperative, important, mandatory5 necessary, preferable, ur"ent, and vital.
&ote a)so that you can use an infinitive in these constructions! It is essential for 6ary to
be ready before noon.
Avoid the use of the Command Subjunctive after weather. This usa%e is o)d<fashioned.
Wrong: ' )i4e ice cream( /3ET3ER it be choco)ate( vani))a( or any other f)avor.
Right: ' )i4e ice cream( /3ET3ER it is choco)ate( vani))a( or any other f)avor.
Acti"e "s. ,assi"e Voice
/hoever actua))y performs the action in the sentence may fo))o$ the verb in a phrase
headed by the preposition by (by the hun"ry students). Use by on)y for the actua) doers of
the action. Use throu"h or because o=$hen you $ant to describe any instrument or
means( $hich mi%ht be an a$4$ard subject inactive voice.

Wrong: The piPPa /AS accidenta))y EATE& 2Y a 6uir4 of fate.
Wrong: A 6uir4 of fate accidenta))y ate the piPPa.
Right: T3R#UG3 a 6uir4 of fate( the piPPa /AS accidenta))y EATE&.
#n)y !ransiti"e Verbs @"erbs that tae direct objects+ can be $ritten in the passive voice.
Ferbs that do not ta4e direct objects shou)d never be $ritten in the passive voice.
Wrong: The a)iens /ERE ARR'FE" on &eptune in the ?9th century.
Right: The a)iens ARR'FE" on &eptune in the ?9th century.
(s ,assi"e Voice E"er the 'orrect Ans&erB
7assive voice is sometimes used in correct ans$er choices on the GMAT.
"urin% this operation( ne$ b)ood vesse)s are inserted( bypassin% b)oc4a%es.
This sentence inc)udes the passive voice verb formation are inserted.
+D
The passive voice is a)so re6uired $hen the non<under)ined portion of the sentence
contains the person or a%ent performin% the action preceded by the $ord by.
Wrong: The shutt)e )aunch seen around the $or)d by peop)e of a)) a%es( a)) races( and a))
re)i%ions.
Right: The shutt)e )aunch /AS seen around the $or)d by peop)e of a)) a%es( a)) races(
and a)) re)i%ions.
C. 'om$arisons
'om$arison Signa#s
as
as 0adj.1 as
as much as
as )itt)e as
as fast as
)i4e
un)i4e
more than
)ess than
faster than
different from the same as
in contrast to=$ith
$nli%e "s. As
7ike is a preposition. This means that 7I8, must be fo))o$ed by nouns( pronouns( or
noun phrases. &ever put a c)ause or a prepositiona) phrase after like9
Right: 5'EE her brother( Ava aced the test.
&ote that like can be fo))o$ed by %erunds (!In" forms used as nouns1!
7I8, swimmin", Skiin" is "reat e:ercise.
#n the other hand( as can be either a preposition 0appearin% $ith a noun1 or a conjunction
0appearin% $ith a c)ause1. You can correct)y use as to compare t$o c)auses. A%ain(
ho$ever( you cannot use like to compare c)auses.
Wrong: 5'EE her brother "'". Ava aced the test.
Right: AS her brother "'". Ava aced the test.
=ee$ing 'om$arisons ,ara##e#
Comparisons must be )o%ica))y para))e). That is( they must compare simi)ar thin%s.
A&&ard: Cran4@s bui)d( 5'EE his brother( is broad and muscu)ar.
Right: Cran4@s bui)d. 5'EE his brother@s( is broad and muscu)ar.
Right: Cran4@s bui)d. 5'EE that of his brother( is broad and muscu)ar.
Right: Cran4( 5'EE his brother has a broad and muscu)ar bui)d.
Comparisons must be structura))y para))e). That is( they must have a simi)ar %rammatica)
structure.
A&&ard: ' )i4e to run throu%h forests more than ' enjoy $a)4in% throu%h cro$ds.
Right: ' )i4e runnin% throu%h forests M#RE T3A& $a)4in% throu%h cro$ds.
+.
.mitted Words
As $e have a)ready seen( you can often omit $ords in the second part of a comparison.
7ossessive nouns provide one opportunity. A)) of the fo))o$in% sentences are correct.
My car is bi%%er than 2rian@s ;car<.
My toes are )on%er than 2rian@s ;toes<.
My car is bi%%er than the Smiths@ ;car<.
My toes are )on%er than the Smiths@ ;toes<.
You can a)so omit units( verbs and even $ho)e c)auses from the second term( as )on% as
there is no ambi%uity.
Right: /hereas ' drin4 ? 6uarts of mi)4 a day( my friend drin4s D ;quarts<.
Right: ' $a)4 faster than 2rian ;walks<.
Right: ' $a)4 as fast no$ as ;I walked< $hen ' $as youn%er.
'n %enera)( you shou)d put in the omitted $ords or appropriate 3e)pin% Ferbs 0such as be,
do, and have) on)y if you need@ to remove ambi%uity.
Right! Fisha) eats more carrots than donuts. (3onuts must be the object1
Word0: Fisha) eats more carrots than 3E "#ES donuts.
'om$arati"e and Su$er#ati"e Forms
/hen comparin% t$o thin%s( use the Comparative Corm of an adjective or adverb. /hen
comparin% more than t$o thin%s( use the Super)ative Corm of an adjective or adverb.
Regu#ar Forms
Comparative! She is S3#RTER than her sister. 0Add !er)
Super)ative! She is the S3#RTEST of her five sib)in%s. 0Add !est)
"o not compare an adverb that ends in !ly by chan%in% the endin% to !er+ This error is
common in speech. 'nstead( add more.
Wrong: Adrian runs KU'CE5Y. 3e runs KU'CEER than ;acob.
Right: Adrian runs KU'CE5Y. 3e runs M#RE KU'CE5Y than ;acob.
D. .dds / Ends
'onnecting Words
The fo))o$in% is a )ist of common connectin% $ords!
'oordinating 'onjunctions: Cor( And( &or( 2ut #r Yet( So
Subordinators: A)thou%h( 2ecause( 2efore( After( Since( /hen( 'f( Un)ess( That Thou%h(
/hi)e
Wrong: CitiPens of many countries are epressin% concern about the environmenta)
dama%e caused by the $idespread re)ease of %reenhouse %ases may be impossib)e to
reverse.
+I
Right: CitiPens of many countries are epressin% concern !?A! the environmenta)
dama%e caused by the $idespread re)ease of %reenhouse %ases may be impossib)e to
reverse.
Another $ay to fi the sentence is to put may be impossible to reverse inside a noun
modifier.
Right: CitiPens of many countries are epressin% concern about the environmenta)
dama%e caused by the $idespread re)ease of %reenhouse %ases( "AMAGE T3AT may be
impossib)e to reverse.
'onnecting ,unctuation
There are four major punctuation mar4s that can connect sentence parts!
Comma
Wrong! Ear) $a)4ed to schoo)( A&" )ater ate his )unch.
Right: Ear) $a)4ed to schoo) A&" )ater ate his )unch.
Right: Ear) $a)4ed to schoo)( A&" 3E )ater ate his )unch.
Semico#on
The semico)on 0J1 connects t$o c)ose)y re)ated statements.
Right: Ear) $a)4ed to schoo)J he )ater ate his )unch.
Right: Andre$ and 5isa are inseparab)eJ they do everythin% to%ether.
Right: The dam has created dead Pones( /3ERE fish have disappeared.
Wrong: The dam has created dead PonesJ fish have disappeared.
The semico)on is often fo))o$ed by a Conjunctive Adverb or other transition epression(
such as however, therefore, or in addition.
Wrong: Andre$ and 5isa are inseparab)e( Therefore( $e never see them apart.
Right: Andre$ and 5isa are inseparab)eJ T3EREC#RE( $e never see them apart.
A minor use of the semico)on is to separate items that themse)ves contain commas.
Wrong: ' )isten to ,arth, 'ind O =ire, 'ow, 1wls, and 0lood, Sweat O ears.
Right: ' )isten to ,arth, 'ind O =ire5 'ow, 1wls5 and 0lood, Sweat O ears.
'o#on
The co)on 0!1 provides further ep)anation for $hat comes before it.
Wrong: ' )ove )istenin% to! c)assica)( roc4( rap( and pop music.
Right: ' )ove )istenin% to many 4inds of music! c)assica)( roc4( rap( and pop.
+G
9ash
The dash 0<1 is a f)eib)e punctuation mar4 that the GMAT occasiona))y emp)oys. You can
use a dash as an emphatic comma( semico)on or co)on.
Right: 2y ;anuary ?( ?999( the so<ca))ed >?@8 prob)em: $as a)ready $ide)y considered a
jo4e<<a)thou%h the reason for the non<event $as the hu%e corporate and %overnmenta)
investment in prior countermeasures.
Sometimes( a dash is preferred.
Cor instance( you shou)d use dashes to separate an appositive from an item in a )ist!
Right! My three best friends<"anny( ;immy( and ;oey<and ' $ent s4iin%.
Right: 7ost<M2A compensation for investment ban4ers tends to sur%e far ahead of that
for mana%ement consu)tants<by tens( if not hundreds( of thousands of do))ars a year.
2uantit0
'n En%)ish( $ords and epressions of 6uantity are subject to strict %rammatica) ru)es. The
GMAT tests your 4no$)ed%e of these 6uantity ru)es.
Ru#e E1: /ords used for countab)e thin%s vs. $ords used for Uncountab)e thin%s
'ountab#e Modi%iers 1ncountab#e Modi%iers
MA&Y hats
&#T MA&Y hats
CE/ hats
CE/ER hats
CE/EST hats
&UM2ER of hats
CE/ER T3A& +9 hats
MUC3 patience
&#T MUC3 patience
5itt)e patience
5ESS patience
5EAST patience
AM#U&T of patience
5ESST3A& a certain AM#U&T of patience
GREAT patience
GREATER patience
"o not use less $ith countab)e items.
Right: /e have 5ESST3A& t$enty do))ars.
Ru#e E-: /ords used to re)ate t$o thin%s vs. $ords used to re)ate three or more thin%s
Ru#e E3: he Number or Number #=versus * Number or he Numbers 1f
.
A &UM2ER of do%s ARE chasin% a$ay the cats.
T3E &UM2ER of do%s in Montana 'S steadi)y increasin%.
Numbers is possib)e in a fe$ contets. 'f you $ish to ma4e a comparison( use
6reater than, not more than
The rare Montau4 bea4ed %riffin is not etinctJ its &UM2ERS are no$ suspected to be
much GREATER than before.
Ru#e E4: Increase and 3ecrease vs. 6reater and 7ess
Right: The price of si)ver '&CREASE" by ten do))ars.
+M
Right: The price of si)ver is five do))ars GREATER than the price of copper.
/atch out for redundancy in sentences $ith the $ords increase and decrease.
Wrong: The price of si)ver CE55 by a more than DIH "ECREASE
Right: The price of si)ver "ECREASE" by more than DIH.
Right: The price of si)ver CE55 by more than DIH.
F. :M'5S-V5,ARAAAEA(SM: A9VA)'E9
Concision! Specific. 7atterns of /ordiness
F<A<&QFerb S Adjective 0or Adverb1 S &oun
V-A-) ,attern 1: 7refer a Ferb to an Action &oun
Word0: The to$nspeop)e@s REF#5UT'#& /AS AGA'&ST the 4in%.
Better: The to$nspeop)e REF#5TE" AGA'&ST the 4in%.
An Action &oun( such as revolution, is a noun that epresses an action
V-A-) ,attern -: 7refer a hat!)lause 0$ith Ferbs1 to a Series of 7hrases 0$ith &ouns1
Word0: The hypothesis A2#UT the C#M7#S'T'#& #C the universe AS )ar%e)y dar4
ener%y seems stran%e.
Better: The hypothesis T3AT the universe 'S )ar%e)y C#M7#SE" #C dar4 ener%y
seems stran%e.
:'dea: nouns( such as hypothesis, idea, or suggestion, )end themse)ves particu)ar)y $e))
to this pattern. #ther eamp)es inc)ude belief, disco&ery, e&idence, indication, and report"
V-A-) ,attern 3: 7refer a Ferb to an Adjective
Word0: The artist /AS '&C5UE&T'A5 T# the movement.
Better: The artist '&C5UE&CE" the movement.
V-A-) ,attern 4: 7refer an Adjective to a &oun
Word0: T3ERE 'S A& A2U&"A&CE #C funds for schoo) construction.
Better: Cunds for schoo) construction AREA2U&"A&T.
V-A-) ,attern ;: 7refer an Adverb to a 7repositiona) 7hrase
Word0: #i) prices have fa))en( but prices at the %aso)ine pump have not fa))en T#
A C#M7ARA25E EBTE&T
Better: #i) prices have fa))en( but prices at the %aso)ine pump have not fa))en
C#M7ARA25Y.
'oncision ,attern C! 7refer an Adjective to an Adjective C)ause $ith 0e
Word0: Marcos is a professor /3# 'S A"M'RA25E.
+,
Better: Marcos is an A"M'RA25E professor.
This princip)e $or4s simi)ar)y $ith nouns that identify or describe other nouns!
Word0: ;oan( /3# 'S a C'REC'G3TER( $or4s in Yosemite 7ar4.
Better: ;oan( a C'REC'G3TER( $or4s in Yosemite 7ar4.
'oncision ,attern D: Remove I IS... (*. ..
Word0: 'T 'S $ithout fear T3AT chi)dren shou)d p)ay.
Better: Chi)dren shou)d p)ay $ithout fear.
&one of these Concision patterns epresses a ru)e but rather a preference.
'oncision: 9onGt Mae (t !oo Short
:!oo ShortH ,attern 1: Eeep the 7repositiona) 7hrase if You &eed To
!oo Short: ' ta)4ed to the 2#ST#& S#5"'ER.
Better: ' ta)4ed to the S#5"'ERCR#M 2#ST#&.
'n many cases( $hen $e have one noun modified by a prepositiona) phrase( $e can turn
the phrase into a &oun<Adjective and put it in front of the first noun( thus shortenin% the
$ho)e epression. A &oun<Adjective is a noun that is p)aced in front of another noun and
that functions as an adjective.
Right: A $a)) #C stone
#r
A stone $a))
(stone is a &oun<Adjective1
3o$ever( if the preposition is not of, then you shou)d avoid co))apsin% the prepositiona) phrase.
!oo Short Better
Ae%ean Sea sa)t sa)t CR#M the Ae%ean Sea
Ura) Mountain ore ore CR#M the Ura) Mountains
"anube River access Access T# the "anube River
7opu)ation chan%es of honeybees chan%es '& the popu)ation of honeybees
/henever you have a time $eriod( 6uantity or other measurement as the first $ord( 4eep
the prepositiona) phrase $ith of &ever modify a measurement usin% a &oun<Adjective.
A)so( you shou)d %enera))y avoid usin% a possessive (s or sA) to modify a measurement.
!oo Short Better
Memoria) "ay $ee4 #R Memoria) "ay@s $ee4
The mer%er year the year #C the mer%er
The oy%en amount the amount #C oy%en
The honeybee popu)ation density The density #C the honeybee popu)ation
#R the honeybee popu)ation@s density


+-
H!oo ShortH ,attern -: Eeep hat 1f or hose 1f if You &eed To
!oo Short: The face ' see in ads every day is a famous actor.
Better: The face ' see in ads every day is T3AT #C a famous actor.
&ote that the GMAT sometimes inserts an unnecessary that of or those of, $hich you( do
have to remove.
Word0: The fie)ds ' most enjoy studyin% are T3#SE #C physics and chemistry.
Better: The fie)ds ' most enjoy studyin% are physics and chemistry.
H!oo ShortH ,attern 3: Eeep hat after a Reportin% Ferb
!oo Short: The study '&"'CATES the prob)em has vanished.
Better: The study '&"'CATES T3AT the prob)em has vanished.
The GMAT insists that the fo))o$in% Reportin% Ferbs ta4e that $henever you fo))o$
them $ith a c)ause!
A%ree( C)aim( Contend( "ec)are( Cind( 'ndicate( Revea)( Ru)e( Sho$( announce( assert(
be)ieve( confess( demonstrate( doubt( epect( ho)d( 4no$( mention( observe( proc)aim(
reason( reco%niPe( repeat( state( thin4( and $arn, as. /e)) as various forms $ith the verb
be, such as be convinced( be certain( be assured, and so forth.
The main eception to this pattern seems to be the verb say. Some$hat odd)y( the GMAT
@does not re6uire you to put that after the verb say+
Right: The $ater $as so co)d that peop)e SA'" po)ar bears $ou)d shiver.
,ara##e#ism: 'oncrete )ouns and Action )ouns
/e can divide nouns into t$o cate%ories!
+1 Concrete nouns refer to thin%s( peop)e( p)aces( and even time periods or certain
events. Roc4( continent( e)ectron( po)itician( re%ion( ho)iday( $ee4
?1 Action nouns refer to actions( as their name imp)ies. They are often formed from
verbs. Eruption( po))ution( nomination( $ithdra$a)( deve)opment( chan%e( %ro$th
To maintain )o%ica) para))e)ism( avoid ma4in% concrete nouns and action nouns para))e).
'!ng verb forms used as nouns are ca))ed Gerunds. Gerund phrases are divided into t$o
cate%ories as well+
A+ Sim$#e :erund ,hrases
Trac4in% sate))ites accurate)y is important for the space a%ency.
Simp)e %erund phrases are H)ouns on the .utside* Verbs on the (nside.H That is( the
under)ined phrase acts as a noun!
Somethin% is important for the space a%ency.
B+ 'om$#ex :erund ,hrases
The accurate trac4in% of sate))ites is important for the space a%ency.
?9
Comp)e %erund phrases are :&ouns Throu%h and Throu%h.: he !In" %erund form is
made fu))y into a noun.
Simp)e %erund phrases are never para))e) to comp)e %erund phrases<even thou%h they
both are !In" forms of a verb( and both are used as nouns*
Wrong: ' enjoyed drin4in% the $ater A&" the $ine tastin%.
3rinkin" the water is a simp)e %erund phrase( but the wine tastin" is a comp)e %erund
phrase.
Right: ' enjoyed drin4in% the $ater A&" tastin% the $ine.
#f the t$o types of %erund phrases( on#0 com$#ex ones can be $ara##e# to action nouns.
Wrong: The rebe)s demanded the $ithdra$a) of %overnment forces from disputed
re%ions( si%nificant reductions in overa)) troop )eve)s( raisin% the rebe) f)a% on ho)idays(
A&" a %enera) pardon.
Right: The rebe)s demanded the $ithdra$a) of %overnment forces from disputed re%ions(
si%nificant reductions in overa)) troop )eve)s( T3E raisin% #C the rebe) f)a% on ho)idays(
A&" a %enera) pardon.
(n an0 #ist o% action nouns* a#&a0s choose the com$#ex gerund $hrase @o%ten &ith
artic#es and the &ord (f) o"er the sim$#e gerund $hraseI
What E#se (s 'onsidered ,ara##e#
/e can out)ine 7ara))e)ism Cate%ories for many other sentence e)ements as $e)).
0'1 /or4in% Ferbs
#n)y $or4in% verbs are para))e) to other $or4in% verbs.
The p)ant 2#T3 eceeded output tar%ets A&" ran more smooth)y than ever.
0?1 'nfinitives
'nfinitives are the 1 form of the verb
/ron%! 't is critica) to suspend activities( to notify investors A&" say nothin%.
Ri%ht! 't is critica) to suspend activities( notify investors A&" say nothin%.
Ri%ht! 't is critica) to suspend activities( to notify investors A&" to say nothin%.
Ri%ht! 't is critica) E'T3ER to suspend activities #R to notify investors.
0D1 Adjectives( 7ast 7articip)es( and 7resent 7articip)es 0used as adjectives1
A mastodon carcass tha$ed on)y once A&" sti)) fresh is on disp)ay.
0.1 C)auses
#n)y c)auses startin% $ith the same $ord shou)d be made para))e). 'n %enera)( c)auses
shou)d not be made para))e) to anythin% besides another c)ause.
Wrong: A mastodon carcass( tha$ed on)y once A&" $hich is sti)) fresh( is on disp)ay.
Right: A mastodon carcass( $hich has been tha$ed on)y once A&" $hich is sti)) fresh( is
on disp)ay.
?+
J. ,R.).1)9 / M.9(F(ERS: A9VA)'E9
.ther ,ronouns
The major pronouns to $orry about are the "ead)y Cive (It, Its, hey, hem, heir), as
$e)) as the "emonstrative 7ronouns (his, hat, hese, and hose).
There
here acts a )ot )i4e a pronoun. The antecedent p)ace is often referred to in a prepositiona)
phrase and shou)d be a noun( not an adjecti"e
Wrong: At current prices( Antarctic oi) may be $orth dri))in% for( if $e))s can be du%
T3ERE and environmenta) concerns addressed.
Right: At current prices( oi) in Antarctica may be $orth dri))in% for( if $e))s can be du%
T3ERE and environmenta) concerns addressed.
!tself" Themsel&es" (ne Another" Each (ther
The Ref)eive 7ronouns itself and themselves are used as objects to refer direct)y bac4 to
the subject! he panda "roomed itself"
Right: After the agreement surfaced( the commission disso)ved (!.
Right: After the a%reement surfaced( the commission disso)ved (!SEAF.
The Reciproca) 7ronouns one another and each other are used to indicate interaction
bet$een parties.
Wrong: The Guests at the party interacted $ith T3EMSE5FES.
Right: The Guests at the party interacted $ith #&E A&#T3ER.
*uch and (ther+Another
The $ords such and other/another often combine $ith a %enera) noun to indicate an
antecedent. Such means :)i4e the antecedent.:
After the #and-use agreement surfaced( the commission decided to subject any S1'?
contracts to debate in the future.
After the #and-use agreement surfaced( the commission decided to subject any .!?ER
contracts to debate in the future.
(ne
1ne indicates an indefinite copy or a sin%)e( indefinite part of a co))ection.
After $a)4in% by the choco#ates so many times( Ro%er fina))y had to eat .)E.
After $a)4in% by the choco)ates so many times( Ro%er fina))y had to eat T3EM.
After $a)4in% by the choco)ates so many times( Ro%er fina))y had to eat #&E. 'T $as
de)icious( but 3E cou)d eat on)y ha)f of 'T.
??
,o *o "ersus ,o !t
,o so can refer to an entire action( inc)udin% a verb( its objects( and its modifiers.
Right: Kuinn did not eat dinner 6uic4)y( but her brother 9(9 S..
The epression do so functions )i4e a pronoun.
A)ternative)y( you can simp)y repeat the he)pin% verb $ithout so.
Right: Kuinn "'" &#T eat dinner 6uic4)y( but her brother "'".
#n the other hand( in the phrase do it, the pronoun it must refer to an actua) noun
antecedent.
Right: Kuinn fai)ed to do the home$or4( but her brother did (!.
,#aceho#der (t
The three situations in $hich you shou)d use 7)aceho)der !t on the GMAT.
@1+ ,ost$one (n%initi"e Subjects
A&&ard: T# RES'ST temptation is futi)e.
Right: 'T is futi)e T# RES'ST temptation.
@-+ ,ost$one That'-lause Subjects
A&&ard: T3AT $e scored at a)) %ave us encoura%ement.
Right: 'T %ave us encoura%ement T3AT $e scored at a)).
@3+ ,ost$one (n%initi"e or That'-lause .bjects
Right: She made 'T possib)e for us T# ATTE&" the movie.
You cannot say this sentence any other $ay( un)ess you chan%e the infinitive phrase to
attend into the action noun attendance. Then you shou)d drop the 7)aceho)der It+
Right: She made possib)e our attendance at the movie
Right: She made our attendance at the movie possib)e.
A"oiding ,ronouns A#together
Sometimes( the best $ay to dea) $ith a pronoun prob)em is to e)iminate pronouns(
Wrong: After roastin% the deer( the hunter etin%uished the fire and then searched for a
tree to han% 'T from.
Right: After roastin% the deer( the hunter etin%uished the fire and then searched for a
tree to han% T3E "EER from.
?D
Modi%iers: Exce$tions to the !ouch Ru#e
'n %enera)( noun modifiers must touch their nouns. 3o$ever( there are a %e& exce$tions
to the !ouch Ru#e.
1+ A :mission<critica): modifier fa))s bet$een. This modifier is often an 1f phrase
that defines the noun.
Wrong: 3e had a $ay that impressed the scouts #C "#"G'&G #77#&E&TS.
Right: 3e had a $ay #C "#"G'&G #77#&E&TS that impressed the scouts.
Best: 3is $ay #C "#"G'&G #77#&E&TS impressed the scouts.
#ther eamp)es inc)ude parts of a $ho)e.
Right: An ice sheet covers ,9 percent #C T3E SURCACE #C GREE&5A&"( an area
rou%h)y the siPe of A)as4a.
-+ A very short predicate fa))s bet$een( shiftin% a very )on% modifier bac4.
Right: A ne$ CE# has been hired who will transform the company by decentrali.ing
authority to &arious di&ision heads while increasing their accountability through the
use of public scorecards"
The a)ternative construction is confusin%( because the modifier is etreme)y )en%thy!
A&&ard: A ne$ CE# $ho $i)) transform the company by decentra)iPin% authority to
various division heads $hi)e increasin% their accountabi)ity throu%h the use of pub)ic
scorecards has been hired.
3+ A short non<essentia) phrase intervenes and is set off by commas.
Right! #ur system of 7residentia) e)ections favors states( such as "e)a$are( that by
popu)ation are over<represented in the E)ectora) Co))e%e.
4+ The modifier is part of a series of para))e) modifiers( one of $hich touches the noun.
Right: 'n hera)dry( the term :tincture: refers to a co#or emb#aKoned on a coat o% arms
and #abe#ed &ith a s$ecia# French &ord.
,ossessi"e )uances
You shou)d not choose (/ 01s on the GMAT. Choose either the form 1= 4 or the form 4Bs.
Wrong: The orca( a re)ative of the b)ue $ha)e@s( is found throu%hout the %)obe.
Right: The orca( a re)ative of the b)ue $ha)e( is found throu%hout the %)obe.
Subgrou$ Modi%iers
/hen you $ant to describe a part of a )ar%er %roup $ith a modifier( use one of the
fo))o$in% three Sub%roup Modifier constructions.
Right: This mode) ep)ains a)) 4no$n subatomic partic)es( S#ME #C /3'C3 /ERE
on)y recent)y discovered.
Right: This mode) ep)ains a)) 4no$n subatomic partic)es( S#ME #C T3EM on)y
recent)y discovered.
Right: This mode) ep)ains a)) 4no$n subatomic partic)es( S#ME on)y recent)y
discovered.
&otice that on)y the which construction has a $or4in% verb Cwere< in it.
?.
'n p)ace of some, you can substitute the other SA&AM pronouns Can< none, all,
more/most), as $e)) as man< each, either, neither, half, one, and any other number or
pronoun that pic4s out a sub%roup.
Abso#ute ,hrases
Abso)ute phrases are composed of a noun p)us a noun modifier. These phrases do not
have to modify $hat they touchJ rather( they modify the main c)ause in some $ay.
Right: 3is head he)d hi%h. #$en $a)4ed out of the store.
Right: #$en $a)4ed out of the store $ith his head he)d hi%h.
The abso)ute phrase (is head held hi"h is composed of a noun ((is head) and a noun
modifier (held hi"h) that describes the noun.
Right: Scientists have found hi%h )eve)s of iridium in certain %eo)o%ica) formations
around the $or)d( resu#ts that suggest the catac#0smic im$act o% a meteor mi##ions o%
<ears ago.
The abso)ute phrase in this sentence( results that su""est the cataclysmic impact of a
meteor millions of years a"o, is composed of the noun results and the noun modifier that
su""est... years a"o.
Wrong: Scientists have found hi%h )eve)s of iridium in certain %eo)o%ica) formations
around the $or)d( &hich suggests the catac#0smic im$act o% a meteor mi##ions o% 0ears ago.
Wrong: Scientists have found hi%h )eve)s of iridium in certain %eo)o%ica) formations around the
$or)d( A)9 !?(S suggests the catac#0smic im$act o% a meteor mi##ions o% 0ears ago.
Right: Scientists have found hi%h )eve)s of iridium in certain %eo)o%ica) formations around the
$or)d( S1::ES!(): the catac#0smic im$act o% a meteor mi##ions o% 0ears ago.
1L. VERBS / '.M,AR(S(.)S: A9VA)'E9
?e#$ing Verbs
The three 7rimary 3e)pin% Ferbs are 0,, 31 and (*-,.
You can use he)pin% verbs to stand for )on%er verbs or verb phrases.
Word0: ' have never seen an aardvar4( but my father has seen an aardvar4.
Better: ' have never seen an aardvar4( but my father 3AS.
The first instance of the verb shou)d usua))y match the he)pin% verb in tense. 'f you need
to chan%e tenses( repeat the $ho)e verb in the ne$ tense.
Wrong: ' have never seen an aardvar4( but )ast year my father did
Right: ' have never seen an aardvar4( but )ast year my father sa$ one.
&ote that the he)pin% verbs be, do and have stand for the positive form of a verb phrase(
even if the fu)) verb phrase epressed e)se$here in the sentence is ne%ative.
?I
Right: Some peop)e do not eat soup( but others did.
Right: Some peop)e do not eat soup as others did.
Verba#s: An ."er"ie&
Ferba)s are verb forms used as adjectives( adverbs( or nouns.
When !o 1se Which Verba# or Verb
You shou)d note the differences bet$een usin% a present particip)e and usin% an infinitive
at the end of a sentence.
,resent ,artici$#e: 'nvestors so)d the stoc4 rapid)y( CAUS'&G panic.
(n%initi"e: 'nvestors so)d the stoc4 rapid)y T# CAUSE panic.
You shou)d a)so reco%niPe the subt)e differences bet$een usin% a present particip)e 0or a
re)ative c)ause1 and usin% an infinitive to modify a noun.
Consider the fo))o$in% correct eamp)es and their meanin%!
,resent ,artici$#e: A techni6ue A55EF'AT'&G pain is %ro$in% popu)ar.
Re#ati"e '#ause: A techni6ue T3AT A55EF'ATES pain is %ro$in% popu)ar.
(n%initi"e: A techni6ue T# A55EF'ATE pain is %ro$in% popu)ar.
More on 2i%e and As
2i%e means :simi)ar to: or :in a manner simi)ar to.: A prepositiona) phrase $ith like can
modify a noun or a verb( creatin% a comparison.
Dnlike is very common on the GMAT. Remember that you must ensure para))e)ism $ith
unlike, even thou%h unlike indicates that the t$o items are not )i4e each other.
Right: U&5'EE you( ' danced )ast ni%ht. 0You did not dance )ast ni%ht.1
Dnlike can come at the end of a sentence 0just as like can1(
Right: Most materia)s under a $ide ran%e of conditions resist the f)o$ of e)ectric current
to some de%ree( U&5'EE superconductors( $hich demonstrate Pero e)ectrica) resistance.
As is either a conjunction or a preposition( dependin% on the contet.
Conjunction *s appears $ith a c)ause. 't has three uses!
9uration As3 AS ' stro))ed to the store( ' sme))ed the air. 0Q $hi)e( durin%1
'ausation As3 ' $i)) not te)) you( AS you a)ready 4no$. 0Q since( because1
'om$arison As3 You shou)d $a)4 AS she $ants you to. 0Q in the same $ay1
't sometimes appears to%ether $ith Eust, so, or even so too.
Right: ;UST AS the trains $ere )ate yesterday( the buses are )ate today.
?G
Right: ;UST AS the trains $ere )ate yesterday( S# T## are they )ate today.
'om$arison As can a)so appear $ith a phrase( rather than a fu)) c)ause.
Right: AS in the previous case. the jud%e too4 an ear)y brea4.
7reposition *s is used $ith a noun or noun phrase. 't a)so has three uses:
Function As3 AS your )eader( ' am in char%e. 0Q in the ro)e of1
E>uation As3 ' thin4 of you AS my friend. 0Q you are my friend)
Stage As: AS a chi)d( ' thou%ht ' cou)d f)y. 0Q $hen ' $as1
The structure as""" as""" creates a comparison. The first as is fo))o$ed by an adjective or
adverb. The second as is fo))o$ed by a noun( a phrase( or even a $ho)e c)ause
Right: They are AS hun%ry AS they $ere )ast ni%ht.
)umbers in 'om$arisons
'f you $ant to re)ate the 6uantities by mu)tip)ication( use times and as... as... to%ether.
Right: The man is C'FE T'MES AS #5" AS his %randson.
Wrong: The man is C'FE T'MES #5"ER T3A& his %randson.
Use times $ithout as or than to indicate direct mu)tip)ication. (wice means two times.)
Right: The cost of a tic4et is T+?( S'B T'MES the cost ten years a%o.
Right: The concert $as attended by D99 peop)e( T/'CE the previous attendance.
'f you $ant to re)ate t$o 6uantities by addition or subtraction( use more than or less than.
Right: ' am TE& years #5"ER T3A& you.
Wrong: ' am TE& years AS #5" AS you.
The $ords more and less are rather f)eib)e. They can be used as nouns 0or pronouns1(
adjectives( or adverbs.
Right: ' o$n M#RE T3A& ' shou)d. (more Q noun or pronoun1
Right: ' o$n M#RE S3'RTS T3A& ' shou)d. (more Q adjective1
Right: ' s)eep M#RE T3A& ' shou)d. (more Q adverb1
'n numerica) comparisons( the $ords hi"h and low, as $e)) as hi"her and lower, shou)d
on)y be used as adjectives.
Right: My bi))s are 5#/ER than they $ere )ast year.
Wrong: ' spend 5#/ER than ' did )ast year.
?M
Right: ' spend 5ESS than ' did )ast year.
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