GMAT Sentence Correction Idiosyncrasies I have observed a

GMAT Sentence Correction Idiosyncrasies

I have observed a number of usage and style idiosyncrasies in SC questions. Some of them have solid grammatical reasons, while some others are just usage preferences. Here is a list of some of the idiosyncrasies (Note: This is just a guideline. Use your best judgment while solving problems :-D ).

1) whether or not is wrong in SC problems.
2) hopefully/mercilessly is wrong in SC problems. (It is hoped is preferred).
3) being is generally considered redundant and awkward in SC problems.(except sometimes if followed by a noun).
4) rather than (indicates preference) is preferred over instead of (indicates substitution) in SC problems.
5) probably/possibly is preferred over maybe in SC problems.
6) whether is preferred over if in SC problems.
7) do so is preferred over do it. (for do it to be correct, the pronoun “it” must have a clear antecedent; otherwise do it is wrong).
8) consider is used without a preposition in SC problems. (consider as, considered to are wrong)

If you have come across any other such usage idiosyncrasies, please specify.

Hope this is of some help.

Crick