GMAT Verbal Online Practice – GMAT Preparation Classes Dubai
Rules of Sentence Correction – GMAT Verbal Class Part-4
VII) Modifier
A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that functions as an adjective or an adverb to describe a word or a phrase.
Rule 1 : Misplaced Modifier – A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase describing something but not placed next to the word it is supposed to modify / describe .
Usage :
- Sam donated his old car to a charity that no longer ran well.( Wrong )
- Sam donated his old car that no longer ran well to a charity.( Correct)
Rule 2 : Dangling Modifier – When the subject ( noun ) that is being modified by a modifier is missing in a sentence, the modifier dangles with no logical link. Such an error is called a dangling modifier.
Usage :
- To order safely from the internet, your credit card should be protected.( Wrong )
- To order safely from the internet , you should be sure your credit card is protected .( Correct )
Rule 3 : Squinting modifier – A squinting modifier occurs when the adverb modifier is placed inappropriately and conveys a meaning that is not intented.
Usage :
- Students who seek their teachers’ advice often can improve their grades.( Wrong)
- Students who seek their teachers’ advice can often improve their grades.( Correct)
Rule 4 : Adjectives vs Adverbs
Don’t use an adverb to do the job of an adjective and vice-versa.
Usage :
- His dress smelled quite foully after cricket practice. ( wrong )
- His dress smelled quite foul after cricket practice. ( correct )
VIII) CONDITIONAL SENTENCES :
A conditional sentence is a type of sentence that expresses one situation as a condition for the occurrence of another situation. This situation can be real or hypothetical.
Rule 1 : General Truths : We use general truths conditional to talk about things that are always true.
Usage : Use simple present verbs in both clauses.
- If you heat water , it boils.
- If you run fast, you get out of breath.
- If you exercise , you feel better.
Rule 2 : Real Conditional : We use real conditional when we talk about real and possible situations.
Usage :
- If it works out, I will do it .
- If she comes, I will tell her about the plan.
- If you eat well, you will be healthy.
Rule 3 : Hypothetical Conditional – The hypothetical conditional is used to talk about “unreal”or impossible things.Use the simple past tense with the “if clause” and past verb ( would ,could ,etc ) with the “main clause.”
Note : In hypothetical conditions use “were” instead of “was”.
Usage :
- If he won the lottery, he would donate all the money .
- If you went to see him, he would be happy.
- If I were you , I would tell her the truth.
Rule 4 : Past Hypothetical Conditional – Past hypothetical sentences describe the past. They describe something that didn’t happen . Use the past perfect tense with “if clause” and past perfect of modal verbs with the main clause.
Usage :
- If I had won a lottery, I would have donated all the money.
- I would have donated all the money, if I had won a lottery.
- Had I won the lottery , I would have donated all the money.
IX) SUBJUNCTIVE MOOD :
The subjunctive mood is the verb form used to explore a hypothetical situation (e.g., If I were you) or to express a wish, a demand or a suggestion (e.g., I demand he be present).
Rule 1 : There is no ‘s’ with the verb. The verb has to be a bare verb i.e. basic form of the verb ‘without to’
Usage :
- She required that she comes here . (Wrong )
- She required that she come here . ( Right )
Rule 2 : There should not be any modal verbs ( should , could, etc) before the bare verb.
Usage :
- The Doctor suggested that the patient should take the medicine daily.( Wrong )
- The Doctor suggested that the patient take the medicine daily.( Right )
Rule 3 : The form of the verb ‘to be’ is just ‘be’
Usage :
- His demand that he was to be paid overtime was not met. ( Wrong )
- His demand that he be paid overtime was not met. ( Right)
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