1) According to a study, overworked truck drivers caused more than 160 crashes last year, they fell asleep at the wheel. (A) year, they fell (B) year, and falling (C) year, and they fell (D) year by falling (E) year, so they were falling 2) It is difficult to study the depths of the Arctic Ocean, primarily due to the icy surface being difficult to penetrate using current technology. (A) primarily due to the icy surface being (B) primarily due to the icy surface is (C) because the primarily icy surface is (D) primarily caused by the icy surface (E) primarily because the icy surface is 3) Several of the drownings that occurred last summer which were caused by people who were careless. (A) which were caused by people who were careless (B) that were a result of people’s carelessness (C) are a result of the carelessness of the people (D) were caused by the carelessness of people (E) happened from people being careless 4) Galileo had disproved a widely accepted theory of astronomy when he showed that the earth was round. (A) had disproved (B) disproved (C) disproves (D) has disproved (E) having disproved 5) As the economy battles recession, the Board of Directors of the company believes that they will be able to maintain profits by tapping into new markets abroad (A) believes that they will be able to maintain profits by (B) believe that it will be able to maintain profits by means of (C) believes that it will be able to maintain profits by (D) have a belief that they will maintain profits by (E) believe in maintaining profits and 6) The three volumes of the author’s biography begin with his childhood in a small village and culminate with his years at Stanford University, one of the best universities in the United States. (A) begin with his childhood in a small village and culminate (B) that begin with his childhood in a small village and culminate (C) beginning with his childhood in a small village and culminating (D) have begun with his childhood in a small village and culminated (E) are begun as a child in a small village and culminate 7) A positive cure for rabies, scientists believe, may be found within the next decade (A) scientists believe, may be (B) scientists may believe to be (C) in the belief of some scientists, should be (D) there are some scientists who believe it may be (E) which, some scientists believe, may be 8) Some critics have deemed the musician’s new composition confusing, because of its unusual structure, and its melodious final movement makes it elegant (A) structure, and its melodious final movement makes it elegant (B) structure, although elegant by having its melodious final movement (C) structure, and it is elegant with its melodious final movement (D) structure while having a melodious final movement that makes it elegant (E) structure yet elegant because of its melodious final movement 9) By constructing new windmill farms, consumption of fossil fuels are reduced, and tons of noxious emissions are kept out of the atmosphere. (A) By constructing new windmill farms, consumption of fossil fuels are reduced, and tons of noxious emissions are kept (B) By constructing new windmill farms, it reduces consumption of fossil fuels, and tons of noxious emissions are kept (C) Constructing new windmill farms reduces fossil fuel consumption and keeps tons of noxious emissions (D) When new windmill farms are constructed, they reduce fossil fuel consumption, and it keeps tons of noxious emissions (E) New windmill farms, when constructed, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and also tons of noxious emissions are kept 10) The famous battle depicted in the movie took place in England, and many people assume that it was Ireland (A) and many people assume that it was (B) many people assuming (C) not what many people assume (D) not, as many people assume, in (E) but many people assume it to be 11) The origin of the scandal can be traced to the presidency of Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover. (A) can be traced to the presidency of (B) took place in the presidency of (C) happened in the presidencies of (D) can be traced to the presidencies of (E) that took place in the presidencies of 12) Carried by strong winds, the eruption of the volcano caused dust that crossed the United States in three days and circled the globe in three weeks. (A) the eruption of the volcano caused dust that (B) the volcano’s eruption caused dust that (C) dust from the eruption of the volcano that (D) there was dust from the eruption of the volcano and it (E) dust from the eruption of the volcano 13) The principal, having increased the number of teachers in the school, is being accused of maintaining a poor ratio of students to a teacher. (A) The principal, having increased the number of teachers in the school, is being (B) The principal, increasing the number of teachers in the school, however is still being (C) Although the principal has begun to increase the number of teachers in the school, is still being (D) Although the principal has increased the number of teachers in the school, he is still being (E) Although the principal has increased the number of teachers in the school, yet he is being 14) The shift from traditional dentistry to cosmetic dentistry is due to adults getting fewer cavities and becoming more conscious of their looks. (A) dentistry to cosmetic dentistry is due to adults getting fewer cavities and becoming (B) dentistry to cosmetic dentistry is happening because fewer adults are getting cavities and they are also becoming (C) dentistry to cosmetic dentistry is because of adults who are getting both fewer cavities and becoming (D) dentistry to cosmetic dentistry is taking place because adults are getting fewer cavities and are also becoming (E) dentistry to cosmetic dentistry occurs because of adults getting fewer cavities and becomes 15) If asked to name a favourite musical group, the Beatles would be the choice for many, no matter what types of music are actually preferred. (A) the Beatles would be the choice for many, no matter what types of music are actually preferred (B) the Beatles will be chosen by many people, no matter what types of music they actually prefer (C) the choice for many people, whatever kinds of music they actually prefer, would be the Beatles (D) many people, who actually preferred different types of music, choose the Beatles (E) many people, no matter what types of music they actually prefer, would choose the Beatles Enjoy.

6) The three volumes of the author’s biography begin with his childhood in a small village and culminate with his years at Stanford University, one of the best universities in the United States. Autobiographies can't begin with childhood. Meaning Error No verb in the sentence. Missing verb error Same error as B. Missing verb error Missing verb error and correct meaning too This one is almost meaningless. Autobiographies begun as a child..makes no sense at all

Last visit was: 27 Apr 2026, 16:35

It is currently 27 Apr 2026, 16:35

Toolkit

Sentence Correction (SC - EA only)

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

Apr 28
Join - GMAT Day!
08:00 AM PDT
-
11:00 AM PDT
Whether you are just beginning your MBA journey or fine-tuning your path to a 700+ score, GMAT Day is designed to give you a competitive edge.
Apr 27
Try OnDemand GMAT Masterclass
11:00 AM EDT
-
12:00 PM EDT
Prefer video-based learning? The Target Test Prep OnDemand course is a one-of-a-kind video masterclass featuring 400 hours of lecture-style teaching by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, founder of Target Test Prep and one of the most accomplished GMAT instructors

Back to Forum

Create Topic

Meaning/clarity 2.According to a study, overworked truck dri

1 2 3

abcicbc

Joined: 05 Oct 2011

Last visit: 08 Dec 2014

Posts: 1

Given Kudos: 18

Concentration: Accounting

GMAT 1: 760 Q50 V42 Verified score

GPA: 3.6

GMAT 1: 760 Q50 V42 Verified score

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

30 May 2014, 11:32

Kudos

Bookmarks

I have a question about #9.
If C is the answer, it means that the action "constructing" actually reduces fossil fuel consumption. This doesn't make logic sense. I think it should be the "new windmill farms" instead of "constructing" that can reduce fossil fuel consumption. To me none of the answer choices seems correct.
Any advice? Thanks!

LucyDang

Joined: 24 Mar 2010

Last visit: 22 Jun 2017

Posts: 56

Own Kudos:

407

Given Kudos: 105

Posts: 56

Kudos: 407

30 Jul 2014, 04:18

Kudos

Bookmarks

carcass

7) A positive cure for rabies, scientists believe, may be found within the next
decade

(A) scientists believe, may be
(B) scientists may believe to be
(C) in the belief of some scientists, should be
(D) there are some scientists who believe it may be
(E) which, some scientists believe, may be

Explanation:
Official Answer (OA) – A
Concepts Tested – Meaning, Verb, Wordiness, Run-on
The sentence is correct as written.

B distorts the meaning by changing the placement of ‘may’. It is also missing a
main verb

C - The usage of should distorts the meaning because ‘should’ implies that the
scientists ‘suggest’ (and not ‘believe’) that a cure be found. ‘In the belief of’ is
wordy

D is a run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two independent
clauses

E is missing a main verb

Hi Carcass,

Please help to clarify Should and May in this question. The GMAT Club grammar book states that both "may" and "should" imply uncertainty. Besides, "may" can be used as polite request and polite permission, and "should" can be used as advisability.

In the original sentence, "may" implies uncertainty, so why can't it be replaced with "should"?

Many thanks to you!

Carcass

Board of Directors

Joined: 01 Sep 2010

Last visit: 27 Apr 2026

Posts: 4,710

Own Kudos:

37,865

Given Kudos: 4,926

Posts: 4,710

Kudos: 37,865

30 Jul 2014, 05:24

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi Lucy,

first of all look at the topic meaning clarity because you can have the OE

meaning-clarity-sc-question-bank-by-carcass-souvik-145694.html

Mmmmm I guess is time to overhaul the book or at least on certain key points.

Back to your question these are the main difference

MAY / MIGHT usage

Probability

Uncertain Possibility

Formal allowance but in spoken english we use can, in general

Cheers to someone

SHOULD

It is used basically with hypothetical situation in which we need to convey a certain condition

OR 99% for the GMAT purpose it expresses advice

You should study harder to overcome this test

So in this scenario we have a probability to find a cure in the next few years. So should is incorrect

I am quite sure, really convinced that this is a tricky question and overall our set on meaning is quite good.

This set forces you to tackle a question from the meaning standing point even if you do not know the specific rule. If you analize the sentence very carefully all choices but A has a sense.

Hope this helps

LucyDang

Joined: 24 Mar 2010

Last visit: 22 Jun 2017

Posts: 56

Own Kudos:

407

Given Kudos: 105

Posts: 56

Kudos: 407

30 Jul 2014, 06:54

Kudos

Bookmarks

carcass

Hi Carcass,

Many thanks for your help! It's clearer now!

I agree with you that the book should be overhauled. Although I am not good in SC but I find many sentences are confusing. There is even one sentence considered correct yet lacking verb in the practice test. However, indeed I learn many things from the book. Thanks to GMAT Club

Vinitkhicha1111

Joined: 18 Jun 2014

Last visit: 19 Sep 2025

Posts: 74

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 240

Location: India

GMAT 1: 720 Q50 V38 Verified score

GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V40 Verified score

GPA: 3.8

WE:Business Development (Insurance)

Products:

GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V40 Verified score

Posts: 74

Kudos: 42

08 Dec 2014, 05:01

Kudos

Bookmarks

yipeee...14 right with 1 wrong ( Q.4 )..This has surely raised morale a bit !!

Hello carcass , in ques 4 , I thought the discovery by gallileo holds true till date ( that the earth is round) .i.e the discovery's action is still going on so that I went with the present perfect "has" in the question. Guys, please provide some useful insights. thanx

n22

Joined: 25 Jul 2017

Last visit: 09 Aug 2017

Posts: 4

Given Kudos: 3

Posts: 4

Kudos: 0

02 Aug 2017, 17:26

Kudos

Bookmarks

in 7th question why didnt we go with e , i think which was necessary to phrase the sentence.

mdacosta

Joined: 05 Dec 2015

Last visit: 22 Mar 2018

Posts: 79

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 982

Products:

Posts: 79

Kudos: 17

06 Aug 2017, 13:49

Kudos

Bookmarks

I also am confused w/ #9. Can someone please describe why C is correct?

Elnur

Joined: 21 Feb 2012

Last visit: 18 Nov 2019

Posts: 12

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 26

Location: Turkey

Schools: HBS '22 Wharton '22 CBS '22

Posts: 12

Kudos: 10

14 May 2019, 03:59

Kudos

Bookmarks

Made 100% correct. I am not going to questions the validity of these questions now

saukrit

Joined: 05 Jul 2018

Last visit: 23 Apr 2026

Posts: 378

Own Kudos:

425

Given Kudos: 326

Status:Current student at IIMB

Affiliations: IIM Bangalore

Location: India

Concentration: General Management, Technology

Schools: IIMB EPGP'22 (A)

GMAT 1: 600 Q47 V26 Verified score

GRE 1: Q162 V149 Verified score

GPA: 3.6

WE:Information Technology (Consulting)

Products:

Schools: IIMB EPGP'22 (A)

GMAT 1: 600 Q47 V26 Verified score

GRE 1: Q162 V149 Verified score

Posts: 378

Kudos: 425

03 Jun 2019, 22:04

Kudos

Bookmarks

6) The three volumes of the author’s biography begin with his childhood in a small village and culminate with his years at Stanford University, one of the best universities in the United States.

Quote:

(A) begin with his childhood in a small village and culminate

Autobiographies can't begin with childhood. Meaning Error

Quote:

(B) that begin with his childhood in a small village and culminate

No verb in the sentence. Missing verb error

Quote:

Same error as B. Missing verb error

Quote:

(D) have begun with his childhood in a small village and culminated

Missing verb error and correct meaning too

Quote:

(E) are begun as a child in a small village and culminate

This one is almost meaningless. Autobiographies begun as a child..makes no sense at all

saukrit

Joined: 05 Jul 2018

Last visit: 23 Apr 2026

Posts: 378

Own Kudos:

425

Given Kudos: 326

Status:Current student at IIMB

Affiliations: IIM Bangalore

Location: India

Concentration: General Management, Technology

Schools: IIMB EPGP'22 (A)

GMAT 1: 600 Q47 V26 Verified score

GRE 1: Q162 V149 Verified score

GPA: 3.6

WE:Information Technology (Consulting)

Products:

Schools: IIMB EPGP'22 (A)

GMAT 1: 600 Q47 V26 Verified score

GRE 1: Q162 V149 Verified score

Posts: 378

Kudos: 425

03 Jun 2019, 22:17

Kudos

Bookmarks

abcicbc

Well, by far C is the best choice because of multiple other errors in A,B,D and E. And constructing new wind mill farms can logically reduce fossil fuel consumption . A and B are wrong for different reasons as stated below
(A) By constructing new windmill farms, consumption of fossil fuels are reduced,
and tons of noxious emissions are kept
Wrong use of passive voice. who is the doer of "consumption of fossil fuels are [/color]reduced" . Moreover it has a s-v agreement error too...
(B) By constructing new windmill farms,it reduces consumption of fossil fuels,
and tons of noxious emissions are kept
Pronounn antecedent error. Whom does it refer to.
(D) When new windmill farms are constructed, they reduce fossil fuel
consumption and it keeps tons of noxious emissions
Do they only reduce when it is being constructed? Meaning error
(E) New windmill farms, when constructed, reduce fossil fuel consumption, and
also tons of noxious emissions are kept
Similar meaning error as D

gentvenus

Joined: 01 Oct 2019

Last visit: 12 Nov 2020

Posts: 43

Own Kudos:

Given Kudos: 3

Posts: 43

Kudos: 9

14 Jun 2020, 13:06

Kudos

Bookmarks

A - Correct.
B - Incorrect. Distorts the meaning by changing the placement of ‘may’
C - Incorrect. The usage of should distorts the meaning because ‘should’ implies that the scientists ‘suggest’
D - Incorrect. Run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two independent clauses
E - Incorrect. Missing a main verb

VerbalBot

Non-Human User

Joined: 01 Oct 2013

Last visit: 04 Jan 2021

Posts: 19,416

Own Kudos:

1,010

Posts: 19,416

Kudos: 1,010

10 Oct 2023, 12:59

Kudos

Bookmarks

Automated notice from GMAT Club VerbalBot:

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

This post was generated automatically.