A Comprehensive Sc Document

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A Comprehensive SC Guide Subject and verb The subject of the sentence must agree with the verb of the sentence.They must agree in number ( singular or plural ) and person ( first, second or third).e.g 1). He and his friends are at college. He and his friends--(plural subject). are---(Plural verb). 2). The pen or the pencil is in the drawer. The pen--( singular subject) The pencil--(singular subject) is---(singular verb) The following are the situations where subject verb disagreement is there but it is difficult to spot:1). Compound subjects i). When the subject of a sentence is formed of two or more nouns or pronouns connected by "and",we use a plural verb.e.g Gold and silver are precious metals. gold and silver--(plural subject) are---(plural verb). Note: Exception to the above rule is --- when the compound subjects are preceded by “every,” “no,” or “nothing” ii). When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor", we use a singular verb.e.g The book or the dictionary is in the last drawer of the table. The book or the dictionary --( two singular nouns connected by "or") is---(singular verb) iii). If the subjects are joined by “nor” or “or,” the verb agrees with

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the subject closer to the verb i.e (the last one).e.g Neither Peter's relatives nor his wife agrees with his decision. "his wife" is the subject closer to verb "agree " his wife --(singular). agrees---(Verb with s-ending). Neither Peter's wife nor his relatives agree with his decision. "his relatives" is the subject closer to verb "agree". his relatives--(plural subject) agree---(verb without s- ending:in diction form) 2). "Doesn't" is a contracted form of "does not" , so it should be used only with a singular subject. "Don't" is a contracted form of "do not" . It should be used only with a plural subject. The exception to this rule-- in the case of the first person and second person, pronouns "I " and "you" as with these pronouns, the contraction "don't" should be used.e.g I don't want it. I--(singular pronoun) don't is used. He doesn't want it He--(singular pronoun apart from I and you) doesn't is used. 3). Intervening phrases and clauses do not affect the subject-verb agreement.The verb agrees with the subject, not with a noun or pronoun in the phrase or the sentence.e.g One of the books is costly. One--(singular subject) is---(singular verb) The people who appreciate art are many. The people--(plural subject) are---(plural verb)

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4). The indefinite pronouns somebody, someone, each, each one, either, neither, everyone, everybody, anybody, anyone, nobody, and no-one are singular and require a singular verb.e.g Each of these recipies is delicious. Each---( indefinite singular pronoun) is---(singular verb) 5). Plural indefinite pronouns both, few, many, several require a plural verb.e.g Many of the riders were skinny, bold boys. Many--(indefinite plural pronoun) were---(plural verb) 6). A noun meaning one thing is always third -person singular, even if it ends in -s: The news was shattering. news---(singular noun) was---(singular verb) Mumps is a painful disease. Mumps--(singular noun) is---(singular verb) Note: When talking about an amount of money, the word "dollars" requires a singular verb, but when referring to the dollars themselves, a plural verb is required. 7). In sentences starting with there or here, the subject follows the verb.e.g There were three cars outside the office. Cars---(plural subject) were---(plural verb) 8). Collective nouns are singular when they refer to a unit and plural when they refer to the individuals or

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elements of a unit. The committee meets every friday evening. Committee---(it is singular) meets---(verb with s- ending) 9). The number of modified noun and pronoun depends on the noun or pronoun itself--- not on the modifiers attached to it. The clouds that hovered over Delhi were thick. Clouds---(plural subject) were---(plural verb) The President, accompanied by his wife, is travelling to New York. The President--(singular subject) is---(singular verb) 10). Pronouns variable in number include all, any, many, more, most, some ,that,which and who.The number of these pronouns depend on the number of the word or phrase to which they refer.e.g Some of the ice was melting. ice--(Singular) was---(singular verb) This is an effort to provide clarity to students who want to improve the verbal section of Gmat.I will be dealing with all the other rules too. If you have any queries regarding the explanation or any rule not stated, you are most welcome. Parallelism GMAT Verbal Section -- Sentence correction Parallelism or Parallel structure Parallelism is the coordination of words, clauses and phrases in a sentence. Parallelism heightens the relation between connected

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elements by lining up noun with noun, phrase with phrase, and verb with verb.In Parallelism all linked words should match in form. e.g 1). Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble. 2). A living dog is better than a dead lion. 3). Any law that uplifts human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. In the 3rd example, the construction of the second sentence is fully parallel with the construction of the second.The similarity in form helps to dramatize the difference between uplifts and degrades, and between just and unjust. a). Situations in which we should make use of parallel constructions: 1). LIST She was a personality before she became a person – she was simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful, lazy, and driven. There are 8 adjectives used in the above sentence since all are adjectives parallelism is maintained. 2). SERIES A fool’s brain digests philosphy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. There are 3 matching phrases consisting of a noun plus a prepositional phrase. 3). CONTRAST They marched slowly but steadily. Slowly and steadily show parallelism as both are adverbs.

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4). SERIES PLUS CONTRAST Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. Use of 4 nouns show parallelism. 5). CHOICE We can repair the roof now, or we can replace the entire house in a year. There are 2 independent clauses with the same subject and similar predicates. 6). STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENCE A life without festivities is a long road without inns. Here there are 2 nouns plus a matching prepositional phrases. 7). CLASSIFICATION/DEFINITION Economy is the art of making the most of life. There is a noun and a noun phrase. 8). STATEMENT OF EVALUATION For most men the love of justice is only the fear of suffering injustice. There are 2 noun phrases ,thus it shows parallelism. 9). COMPARISON Walking in dust can be more rewarding than sitting on silk. Here there are matching verbal nouns and prepositional phrases. b). Using Correlatives with Parallelism

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Correlatives are words or phrases used in pairs to join words, phrases, or clauses. Correlatives include: Both…..and Not only…..but also Either…..or Neither …..nor Whether …..or Examples: 1). Most tourists are willing either to travel by bus or by train. 2). They found mice not only in the cupboard but also under the sink. 3). Michelangelo was both a great sculptor and a great painter. NOTE: Besides placing correlatives properly, be careful to use a parallel structure after each one: Editing faulty parallelism 1). Incorrect – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than most people. Correct – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than most people’s. Or Correct – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than that of most people. Or Correct – Janice’s way of reading menus is better than the way of most people. 2). Incorrect – The farmers will either find ways to cut their costs, or the banks will lower the interest rate on loans. Correct – Either the farmers will find ways to cut their costs, or the banks will lower the interest rate on loans.

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c). Other rules for forming parallel structure 1). When two adjectives modify the same noun, they should have similar forms.e.g Incorrect - Brenda treated the patient swiftly and calm. Correct - Brenda treated the patient swiftly and calmly. 2). When a series of clauses is listed, the verbs in each clause must have the same form.e.g Incorrect - On sunny days many like to skate on the village pond or sledding on Mount Knox. Correct - On sunny days many like to skating on the village pond or sledding on Mount Knox. OR Correct - On sunny days many like to skate on the village pond or to sled on Mount Knox. 3). Both halves of a sentence should have the same structure.e.g Incorrect - To acknowledge Divine wisdom is taking the first step to nirana. Correct - Acknowledging Divine wisdom is taking the first step to nirana. Correct - To acknowledge Divine wisdom is to take the first step to nirvana.

Squinting Modifiers GMAT Verbal Section -- Squinting Modifiers Squinting modifiers create uncertainity by appearing to either of two possible headwords OR

9 Squinting modifiers are those modifiers that are placed between two words so that they could be understood to modify either word. e.g The sight of teenagers hitting each other violently upset an elderly couple. To clarify the statement, we should move violently, placing it before hitting if that is the correct meaning, or after couple Edited A- The sight of teenagers violently hitting each other upset an elderly couple. Edited B - The sight of teenagers hitting each other upset an elderly couple violently. Similarly below is another example To exercise regularly results in aches and pains. Edited A - Regular exercise results in aches and pains. Edited B - To exercise results regularly in aches and pains.

Dangling Modifiers GMAT Verbal Section -- Dangling Modifiers A dangling modifier is a modifier without a headword - a word or phrase that it can modify. Since a modifier always needs a headword, it will attach itself to a false one if the true one is not present in the sentence. The result will be a sentence like this: Listening to the sad news, my eyes filled with tears. Here the sentence opens with a modifier - the participle phrase Listening to the sad news.After the modifier , there must be a headword naming the person(s) who did the listening.But instead we come across my eyes.As a result, the sentence seems to say that eyes heard some sad news .(The presence of my hints at the identity of the true headword , but my itself is not a headword.It is a modifier of eyes.). To clarify the sentence,the writer can do one of two things - rewrite the word group following the modifier, or rewrite the modifier: Edited A - Listening to the sad news, I felt my eyes filled with tears. Edited B- As I listened to the sad news, my eyes filled with tears.

10 For Gmat example of Dangling modifier click on the link below view sentence 24

Misplaced Modifiers GMAT Verbal Section -- Misplaced Modifier Placing modifiers - In general a modifier must be placed close to its headword - that is the phrase or word it modifies.But different kinds pf modifiers are placed at different positions. 1). Predicate adjectives follow linking verbs. e.g i). The days were cloudy.---- Here linking verb is "were" and cloudy is predicate adjective . ii). The ball was large and red.---- Here linking verb is "was" and large and red is the predicate adjective. 2). Adjective phrases usually follow their headword. e.g i). A duffel bag with white lettering was left behind.---- Here "duffel bag" is the headword and with white lettering is the adjective phrase. 3). Adjectives and determiners usually precede their headword. e.g i). The child was bouncing a large, red ball.---- Here "the" and "a large, red" are the determiner and adjective preceding their headword "child" and "ball". 4). Adverbs can appear in various places near or next to their headwords. e.g i). He always handles the eggs carefully.---- Here the adverbs are "always" and "carefully". 5). Adverb phrases belong near their headword. e.g

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i). They will work on the roof until sundown.---- Here the adverb phrase is "on the roof until sundown" and its headword is "work". 6). Appositives usually belong next to their headword. e.g i). One of his jokes, a story about two fisherman lost in Chennai, leaves an audience gasping for breath.---- Here headword is "jokes" and "a story about two fisherman lost in Chennai" is the appositive. 7). Absolute phrases can precede or follow the noun they modify. e.g i). Its old timbers shifting, the house creaked. OR ii). The house, its old timbers shifting, creaked. OR iii). The house creaked, its old timbers shifting.---- In all 3 sentences the noun is "house" and absolute phrase is "Its old timbers shifting". 8). Like adjectives, single participles normally precede their headword. e.g i). A piece of broken glass glittered on the path.---- Here "broken" is the single participle before its headword "glass". 9). Participle phrases can appear in various positions. e.g i). Waving to reporters, the President looked jubliant.---- Here participle phrase is "waving to reporters" and its headword is "president". 10). Infinitives and infinitive phrases follow the noun or adjective they modify. e.g

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i). Sacket is definitely one film to see.---- Here "to see" to see" is the infinitive phrase following the noun "one film". Editing misplaced modifiers Misplaced modifiers do not point clearly to their headwords - the words or phrases they modify.The result is a misleading, confusing sentence.To edit the mistake, move the modifier next to its headword. e.g i). Incorrect - There was a pumpkin on the porch witha a smiling face. Correct - There was a pumpkin with a smiling face on the porch. ii). Incorrect - The final scene two characters who, in the beginning,had hated each other in a convincing way. Correct - The final scene unites in a convincing way two characters who, in the beginning, had hated each other. Tomorrow I will introduce Dangling modifiers, editing of squinting modifiers editing of misplaced restricters, and avoiding of split infinitive with examples.Any queries you are most welcome to ask.

Tenses - 1 If an action began in the past and continues into the present, use the present perfect tense.(Present Perfect = HAVE/ HAS + Past participle). e.g - We have lived in a big mansion for five days. (We lived in a big mansion for five days and still live there today) If an action precedes an earlier past action, use the past perfect tense.(Past Perfect = HAD + Past Participle) e.g - The play had started by the time we arrived at the theater. (The earlier past action -- had started - is in the past perfect tense, while the later past action - arrived - is in the simple past tense.) Otherwise, stick to simple tenses - as GMAT prefers simplicity.

13 e.g Incorrect - I think that ancient people HAD BELIEVED in many Gods. Correct - I think that ancient people BELIEVED in many Gods. In the above sentence the past perfect (had believed) is unnecessary because the sentence involves only one action in the past tense. Therefore, the simple past (believed) is correct. Note the difference in meanings in the two sentences stated below When I switched the TV on, the programme started. I was just in time. When I switched the TV on, the programme had started. I missed the beginning.

Few quick tips 1). There is -- considered wordy and may be frequently be omitted to create a more concise sentence. 2). When more is used in the comparative form of an adjective (more difficult) or adverb (more likely), it is followed by than. 3). They or it should not be used without definite antecedents. It must always be able to replace a noun. e.g -- In that store they make a customer feel stupid.--- they is referring to whom? Here use of they is incorrect as there is no antecedent for they in this sentence so instead of they a proper noun should be used. Note:In expressions of time and weather antecedent of it is not given. e.g -- It is too hot today. 4). Subject form of pronoun always comes after ‘than’ or ‘as’. e.g -- Peggy is smaller than I (am). 5). Because of is not same as caused by. An adverbial phrase beginning with because of answers the question "why" ? e.g -- He is distrusted because of his deviousness. Here because of his deviousness is an adverbial phrase. Why is he distrusted ? because of his deviousness.

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6). Due to means caused by - Use due to only if it can be substituted by caused by. 7). Even if is used in conditional sentences to mean 'it doesn't matter if'. e.g -- I will go on a tour of Europe next year even if none of you want to come with me. 8). We use a singular verb with the phrase the number of. e.g -- The number of club members has increased this year. 9). We use a plural verb with the phrase a number of. e.g -- A number of students were absent today. 10). Use of IN i). IN + year / month / season e.g -- in 1988 ; in september ; in winter ; in 21st century ii). IN + a week or more e.g -- in the easter holiday ; in the summer term iii). IN + part of day e.g -- in the morning ; in the evening 11). Use of ON i). ON + day / date e.g -- on wednesday ; on 15 April ; on that day ii). ON + a single day e.g -- on Easter monday ; on Christmas Day iii). ON + day + part of day e.g -- on Friday morning ; on Tuesday evening 12). Use of AT i). AT + clock time / meal time

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e.g -- at three o'clock ; at lunch (- time) ; at that time ; at the moment ii). AT + two or three days e.g -- at Easter / Christmas ; at the weekend (US : on the weekend) Note - Exceptions - I woke up in the night (= in the middle of the night) ; It happened on Monday night ; I can't sleep at night (= when it is night) 13). We do not use in, on, or at before every, last, next, this, tomorrow and yesterday. 14). In time means 'early enough' 15). On time means at the right time , on schedule

"Like" vs "As" Like - used to compare two nouns. e.g Incorrect - Gita and Sita, as their mother Reema, are extremely smart. Correct - Gita and Sita, like their mother Reema, are extremely smart. As - used to compare two clauses. (A clause is a phrase that includes a verb). Incorrect - Just like swimming is good exercise, running is a way to burn calories. Correct - Just as swimming is good exercise, running is a way to burn calories. Note : Do not use Like when you mean for example.

It vs It's Never confuse It with It's A). Its - is a possessive determiner. (Possessive Pronoun) Meaning - belonging to or associated with a thing previously mentioned or easily identified. e.g - Turn the camera on its side.

16 B). It's - short form for either it is or it has.(Contraction) e.g - 1). It's my fault. 2). It's been a hot day. If you have trouble keeping them straight, try remembering this phrase: Use its like his ; use it's like he's. 1). His tact impressed us. --- He's tactful. 2). Its beauty pleased us. --- It's beautiful.

Like vs Such As What's the difference between like and such as? Common mistake we make in there use Can you buy me some fruit like apples or pomegranate? Why the above sentence is wrong? Use of like in the above sentence mistakenly suggests that the speaker does not wants apples or pomegranate, but rather some other fruit that is similar to apples or watermelon. In GMAT, like means similar to, and such as means for example. e.g Can you buy me some fruit like apples or watermelon? In GMAT, this sentence implies that the speaker does NOT want apples or watermelon; instead, he prefers some fruit similar to apples and watermelon. Correct - Can you buy me some fruit such as apples or watermelon? apples and watermelon are examples of the type of fruit we want. I would like you to buy such fruit as apples and watermelon for me. This is simply a variation -- notice how such and as are separated.

Subjunctive Verbs Subjunctive Verbs A subjunctive verb is used to express -

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(1) conditional tenses, most of which involves would and were. (2) wishes and demands, the construction of which follows two strict rules (a) that always comes right after the verb, and (b) the second verb is always in the infinitive form and should is always omitted. The second use of a subjunctive construction 1). The following verbs are used --- with such a construction to express importance (in such moods only). Also remember that such verbs have other forms of usage (followed by to infinitive, for example) when used in other moods. ask propose demand recommend desire request insist require prefer suggest . urge e.g The Indian government demanded that the UK pay compensations for damages of the Indian embassy. 2. Nouns derived from subjunctive verbs above are also used with the construction. demand recommendation insistence request preference request proposal suggestion e.g The UK is considering the proposal that it pay compensations for damages of the Indian embassy.

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3. The adjectives below are also used to express subjunctive moods essential imperative important necessary e.g: It is essential that the UK pay compensation for the Indian government for the damages of the Indian embassy. How to apply on Gmat questions: The Forton-Dodd bill requires that a bank disclose to their customers how long they will delay access to funds from deposited checks. A.that a bank disclose to their customers how long they will delay access to funds from deposited checks B. a bank to disclose to their customers how long they will delay access to funds from a deposited check. C. that a bank disclose to its customers how long it will delay access to funds from deposited checks D. a bank that it should disclose to its customers how long it will delay access to funds from a deposited check E. that banks disclosed to customers how long access to funds from their deposited check is to be delayed Answer and Explanation Ans - C. D, E - Subjunctive mood rules violated. A, C - are all fine in the subjunctive rules while B conforms with the use of require someone to do something. The next point to choose the answer is a pronoun reference. Their and they in A and B do not agree with a bank so these two choices get eliminated also.

Gmat Idioms Most frequently used Idioms in Gmat questions -

19 allow for argue over at a disadvantage attribute to between A and B capable of consider (without as, to be etc.) consist of contribute to cost of something cost to someone be credited with be given credit for - e.g Hipparchus, a Greek astronomer and mathematician, is credited with designating positions on Earth.Hipparchus, a Greek astronomer and mathematician, is given credit for designating positions on Earth. debate over define as different from distinguish A from B distinguish between A and B either A or B forbid to from A to B in danger of just as + clause, so too + clause mistake for model after a native of be native to neither A nor B not A but Bnot only A but also B (also observe parallelism) not so much as prevent from prohibit from persuade to range from A to B regard as require to required of see as so + adj. + as to so + adj./adv. + that + clause substitute A for B view as whether (not if and without or not)

20 Here are few more IDIOMS able to ability to accede to according to account for accuse of acquaint with agree with allow for amount to appear to apply to argue over as __ as associate with assure that at a disadvantage attempt to attend to attention to attest to attribute to available to afflicted with argue with averse to ask of agree to angry at based on because of believe to be between [a] and [b] call for craving for choice of choose from choose to claim to collaborate with conclude that consequence of

21 consider consistent with continue to contrast with contribute to convert to cost to/of credit with comply with conform to consider to be composed of compare with/to consist in consist with consist of correspond to correspond with date from deal with debate over decide to defend against define as delighted by demonstrate that depend on depict as descend from different from difficult to distinguish [a] from [b] draw on due to desirous of divergent from decide on [in an] effort to either…or enamored with encourage to estimate to be expose to extend to

22 extent of equal to fear that fluctuations in forbid to force to frequency of from [a] to [b] fail in hypothesize that in contrast to in danger of in order to in violation of inclined to infected with instead of introduce to isolate from intent to in search of inside just as…so too less than likely to liken to mistake for model after more than move away from meet with [a] native of native to neither…nor not [a] but [b] not only…but also not so much…as necessity of necessity for name on account of

23 opportunity for opportunity to opposed to opposite of ought to prejudiced against permit to persuade to predisposed to pressure to prevent from prized by prohibit from protect against provide with preferable to prior to partake of practice for practice to practice of question whether range from [a] to [b] rather than regard as replace with require to required of [the] responsibility to responsible for result from, result in rule that result of [the] same as see as, send to sense of so…that spend on subject to substitute [a] for [b] suffer from superior to supplant by

24 suspicious of sympathy for sympathize with separate from target at think of…as threaten to train to transit to try to type of tamper with tie to tend to use as [the] use of view as vote for willing to worry about posted by Prachi Pareekh | Friday, June 16, 2006 | 1 comments links to this post

Problems with comparatives Problems with Comparatives Basics 1. Specific similarlity = as + adj./adv. + as 2. Comparative = adj./adv.: more + adj./adv. + than or adj.er /adv.er + than 3. Superlative = adj./adv.: the most + adj./adv. or the adj.est/adv.est Always remember some irregular adjectives/adverbs like these good - better - best far - farther or further - farthest or furthest little - less - least

25 many/much - more - most bad - worse - worst Points to remember 1). Be sure that you make a comparison with logically comparable nouns. You cannot compare a company in India with USA but you can compare a company in India and a company in USA. You usually use "that of" or "those of" instead of repeating a noun to express a logical comparative. e.g Incorrect: A car in India is much different from USA Correct: A car in India is much different from that of USA Incorrect: The question whether to divest themselves of stock in companies that do business in South Africa is particularly troublesome for the nations 16 private Black colleges because their economic bases are often more fragile than most predominantly White colleges. Correct: The question whether to divest themselves of stock in companies that do business in South Africa is particularly troublesome for the naiton’s 16 private Black colleges because their economic bases are often more fragile than those of most predominantly White colleges. You’re comparing between economic bases of Black colleges and economic bases of White colleges. 2). Take care while using these pairs of similar words the same as - the same similar to - similar different from - different like - alike The formers are always followed by noun while the latters aren’t. e.g American cultures are (the same as/similar to/different from/like) those of England. or American cultures and those of England are (the same/similar/different/alike).

26 3). Multiple numbers (half/twice/three times/ten times etc.) are always used with as much/many as e.g USA has roughly twice as many people as India (does). 4). Fewer than and less than - Always use fewer than with a countable noun and leave an uncountable noun for less than. Fortunately you don’t have a problem between more (many) than and more (much) than! e.g. There are fewer people in Japan than there are in India. People in Japan spend less time at home than do Americans. 5). Double comparatives - Remember this structure; The more ..........., the more........ e.g Incorrect: Dr. Hakuta’s research among Hispanic children in the United States indicates that the more the children use both Spanish and English , their intellectual advantage is greater in skills underlying reading ability and nonverbal logic. Correct: Dr. Hakuta’s research among Hispanic children in the United States indicates that the more the children use both Spanish and English , the greater their intellectual advantage in skills underlying reading ability and nonverbal logic.

When to use the Passive voice ???? Active voice is the better form to use. As a rule, the active voice is preferred for business writing, and for any other form of writing that requires the direct approach. The use of active voice increases vividness. However, the passive voice is generally used when the subject of the sentence is indefinite, general, or unimportant. In the sentence, They mine coal in Pennysylvania, the subject is so indefinite that it is not clear what is meant by they. It might mean the miners, the people, or the companies.This sentence, and sentences like it, are improved by putting the verb in the passive voice. They mine coal in Pennysylvania. (Poor) Coal is mined in Pennysylvania. (Better) They grow wheat in many of our states. (Poor) Wheat is grown in many of our states. (Better)

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The passive voice is also used when what was done is more important than doer of the action. Study the following sentences: The play, "Man and Superman," was written by Shaw. (Passive) Shaw wrote the play "Man and Superman." (Active) America was discovered by Columbus. (Passive) Columbus discovered America. (Active) In the first sentence, if you wish to emphasize the play more than the author, put the verb in the passive voice. In the third sentence , if you wish to emphasize the discovery more than the discoverer, put the verb in the passive voice. The use of the passive voice is generally used when you want to emphasize the receiver rather than the doer. However, in the majority of cases the active voice is more effective than the passive voice. Note - In general, one should avoid passive voice in GMAT, passive voice form may appear in a correct answer choice - especially in science, medical and technical writing styles. The passive voice is required when the non - underlined part of the sentence contains the person or agent performing the action preceded by the word by. e.g - The shuttle launch seen around the world by people of all ages, all races, and all religions. This sentence is missing a verb, and it is therefore a fragment. Because the people who are seeing the launch are at the end of the sentence, preceded by the word by, we must use the passive voice to complete this sentence: The shuttle launch WAS seen sround the world by people of all ages, all races, and all religions.

Forms of Verb 1 - Infinitive What is infinitive form of verb? - It is of the form to + simple form of verb.e.g - to take ; to surprise. Uses of the Infinitive -

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1). After a verb - Verbs such as want, promise, plan, manage, forget, choose, prove, hope, pretend, need, expect, decide are followed immediately by an infinitive. They expect to win the game. She needs to apply for a scholarship. 2). After verb and object - With verbs that take an object, such as force, allow, believe, need, persuade, urge, expect, want, the infinitive follows the object. She persuaded us to wait. She urged her supporters not to leave. 3). After certain adjectives and nouns - Adjectives such as anxious, sorry, easy, difficult, right, wrong, can be followed by infinitives. It is easy (for you) to get to my house. He was eager to meet his new boss. Some nouns (such as way, place, time, decision, job, aim) are frequently followed by an infinitive. He has no place to relax. It is time to go. 4). To express purpose He is working at night (in order) to earn more money. The Infinitive Without to The infinitive form without to is used in the following idiomatic expressions. 1). After a causative make, let , have + object He made his sister drive the whole way. He had her pay for the gas, too. 2). After the verb help They helped us solve the problem.

Whether" vs 'If"

29 Using ---- Whether and If 1). After Prepositions , we use only whether. I haven't settled the question of whether I'll go back home. There was a big argument about whether we should move to a new house. 2). Whether, but not if, is used before infinitives. They can't decide whether to get married now or wait. 3). When a question-word clause is a subject or complement, whether is preferred. Whether we can stay with my mother is another matter. - (Subject) The question is whether the man can be trusted. - (Complement) The question is if the man can be trusted. - Correct but less preferred. 4). If an indirect question is fronted , whether is used. Whether I'll have time I'm not sure at the moment. 5). Whether is generally preferred in a two - part question with or. The Directors have not decided whether they will recommend a dividend or reinvest the profits. 6). After verbs that are more common in a formal style, whether is preferred. We discussed whether we should close the shop. 7). Whether and if both can introduce indirect questions. I'm not sure whether / if I'll have time. 8). Yes / No questions are reported with if or whether. I don't know if / whether I can help you. The link below further clarifies the use of "whether" and "if" whether vs if

30 Note - The word IF does not always signal a conditional sentence. In such cases, the GMAT prefers "whether" instead of "if" I don't know if I will go to the dance. (Incorrect) I don't know whether I will go to the dance. (Correct)

t -- as subject of a sentence The Third Person It as Subject of a sentence It as a subject of a sentence can be used in two different ways. 1). As an empty or meaningless word in expressions that concern the time or the weather: It It It It

is one o'clock. is raining. will soon be suppertime. is frosty.

2). As the formal subject of a sentence, referring to the deferred real subject that follows the verb: It is useless to wait. (defered subject - to wait) It is a pity that you must go. (defered subject - that you must go) In sentences where it refers to a deferred subject, the latter can be moved to the normal position preceding the verb; To wait is useless. That you must go is a pity.

In spite of vs Despite In spite of - used to express the idea of contrast. A). In spite of - is used as a preposition. In spite of + noun means almost same as although + clause. e.g - We went out in spite of the rain. ( = .... although it was raining.) B). In spite of is the opposite of because of . e.g - She passed her exams in spite of her teacher. => (She had a bad teacher) She passed her exams because of her teacher. => (She had a good teacher).

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C). In spite of cannot be followed directly by a that - clause. Instead we can use in spite of the fact that e.g - He is a good company in spite of the fact that he talks all the time. Note - In formal English, despite can be used in the same way as in spite of. e.g Sita went on working in spite of feeling unwell.-- Correct Sita went on working despite feeling unwell.-- Correct

Using the Colon Use a colon 1). To introduce a list coming at the end of sentence Her house has four rooms: a kitchen, a parlor, a bedroom, and a bath-room. 2). To introduce an example or an explanation related to something just mentioned The miser had only one desire: to see his gold coins. 3). To introduce a quotation (usually of more than one line) in an essay 4). After the salutation in a formal letter 5). To seperate hours from minutes when the time of day is shown in numerals. Misusing the Colon Do not use a colon 1). After such as or including All of the old gang were there, including : Mush Head, Beaver, Sparky, and Mole.Incorrect colon use 2). Directly after a form of verb be The three most popular composers of classical music, according to the poll, are : Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.- Incorrect colon use 3). Between a verb and its object or between a preposition and its object.

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The tourists went to: Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec.- Incorrect colon use

Using the Semicolon Use a semicolon 1). To join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning Some visitors thrive on activities; others seldom leave the lounge. 2). To join two independent clauses when the second begins with or includes a conjunctive adverb, such as however, for example, or in addition Everyone agrees that nuclear warfare is horrible; several nations, however, continue to manufacture nuclear weapons. 3). To seperate main clauses linked by a conjunction if commas appear in the clauses Early in the play, Samson, tormented by his bondage to the Phillistines, his blindness, and his fall from glory, laments his condition; but he is careful to blame himself, not God. 4). Between items in a series when one or more of the items include commas The furniture consisted of a bed, with four large, shapeless pillows; five matching wooden chairs with upright backs; and a corner cupboard imported from Bristol, England. Misusing Semicolons Do not use semicolon 1). Between a phrase and the clause to which it belongs We tinkered with the wiring of the loudspeakers; to increase the volume - Use of semiclon is incorrect here. 2). Between a subordinate clause and the main clause Even though I was exhausted; I listened to his complaints for two hours.- Use of semicolon is incorrect here, we must use a comma here. 3). A semicolon to introduce a list

33 Her house has four rooms; a kitchen, a parlor, a bedroom, and a bathroom.- Use of semicolon is incorrect here, we must use a colon here.

Editing Comma Splices Comma splice is the error of joining two independent clauses with nothing but a comma. Comma splice has two main forms 1). Run on sentence joined by a comma alone. (Run on sentences are independent clauses that have not been joined correctly). e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking; others find it dull. - incorrect comma splice run-on. 2). Run on sentence joined by a comma and a word that is not a coordinating conjunction. e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking, however, others find it dull. incorrect - comma splice run-on. There are 4 ways to revise a run on sentence. 1). Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking, but others find it dull. - Correct 2). Make the clauses into seperate sentences. e.g - Some gourmets like the new French cooking. Others find it dull. - Correct 3). Restructure the sentence i.e convert an independent clause to subordinate/dependent clause. e.g - Although some gourmets like the new French cooking, others find it dull. Correct 4). Use a semicolon. e.g Some gourmets like the new French cooking; others find it dull. - Correct

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OR Some gourmets like the new French cooking; however, others find it dull. - Correct. OG 10th - Ques number 10 - Example of Comma splice run-on. 10. However much United States voters may agree that there is waste in government and that the government as a whole spends beyond its means, it is difficult to find broad support for a movement toward a minimal state. (A) However much United States voters may agree that (E) There is agreement among United States voters that A is the correct answer. E - incorrect E starts with an independent rather than a subordinate clause i.e (There is agreement among United States voters that there is waste in government and that the government as a whole spends beyond its means) and separates its two independent clauses with a comma hence creates a run-on sentence. There is agreement among United States voters that there is waste in government and that the government as a whole spends beyond its means -- Independent clause It is difficult to find broad support for a movement toward a minimal state. -Independent clause

Would vs Used to 1). Used to can refer to repeated actions and events in the past, in the same way as would. e.g Sometimes he used to bring me little presents without saying why. Sometimes he would bring me little presents without saying why. 2). Only used to, not would can refer to past states. e.g I used to have an old Rolls-Royce. (NOT - I would have an old Rolls-Royce.)

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3). We use used to, not would, to talk about regular and important habitual behaviour. e.g I used to smoke. (NOT- I would smoke.)

Would - Uses Would is a modal auxilliary verb. Would is used as a softer less definite form of will, in some cases as past of will. 1). In indirect speech, would is used after past reporting verbs where will was used in direct speech. e.g Tomorrow will be fine - DIRECT The forcast said the next day would be fine - INDIRECT 2). Future in past tense - Would is used to express the idea of "future in the past" - to talk about a past action which had not yet happened at the time we are talking about. e.g In Berlin, he first met the woman he would one day marry. There was a chance that my letter would arrive in time. 3). Would is used in polite requests and offers as a softer form of will. e.g Would you open the window, please? If you would come this way..... 4). Would can refer to past willingness of a general kind, but not to willingness to do something on a particular past occassion. e.g She would hoover, dust and iron, but she didn't like doing windows. She agreed to come and see me . (NOT - She would come and see me) But would not can be used to refer to a refusal on a particular past occassion. e.g

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I asked her very politely, but she wouldn't tell me. 5). Conditional auxiliary: I would....if - Would is often used as an auxiliary with verbs that refer to unnreal or uncertain situations - for example in sentences with if. e.g I would tell you if I knew. It would have been nice if he'd thanked you. 6). Typical behaviour - Would is used as the past of will to talk about typical behaviour in the past. e.g When she was old, she would sit in the corner talking to herself for hours. Sentences with stressed would can be used to criticise people's behaviour. e.g He was a nice boy, but he would talk about himself all the time. Stressed would can also be used to criticise a single past action - the meaning is ' that's typical of you ' e.g You would tell Sania about the party - I didn't want to invite her.

Ago vs Since Ago vs. Since Both words speak of the past, and they are often used interchangeably. Ago - from the present to the past. It is used after the word or phrase it modifies, especially with the simple past tense, not with the perfect tense. e.g - It happened a few minutes ago. Since - from the past to the present. It is used with the present or past perfect tense.

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e.g - I haven't eaten since breakfast.

Compare to vs Compare with Compare to vs. Compare with Compare to - is used to liken two things or to put them in the same category. You should use "compare to" when you intend to simply assert that two things are alike.Use "compared to" to illustrate that two things are similar e.g 1). The economy can be compared to a stallion charging at the gate. 2). I compare getting comments from students in class to pulling teeth. 3). She compared her work for women's rights to Susan B. Anthony's campaign for women's suffrage. Compare with - is used to place two things side by side for the purpose of examining their similarities or differences. Use "compared with" to illustrate the differences a comparison draws e.g 1). The American economy can be compared with the European economy to note how military history impacts future economics. 2). It would be interesting to compare Purdue with Ohio State. 3). Ann has a 3.5 GPA, compared with Jim's 2.9.

Do vs Make 1. Do - for indefinite activities e.g with words like thing, something, nothing, anything, what. e.g a). Do something! b). What shall we do? c). Then Ram did a very strang thing. 2. Do - when we talk about work and jobs. e.g a). I'm not going to do any work today. b). It's time to do the accounts. c). I would't like to do your job.

38 3. We use do...... ing structure to talk about activities that take a certain time, or are repeated. Usually there is a determiner (e.g the, my, some ) before the -ing form. Verb after do cannot have object in this structure.But do can be used with a compound noun that includes verb + object. e.g a). During the holidays I'm going to do some walking and a lot of reading. b). I'm going to watch some TV. c). I want to do some bird-watching this weekend. 4. Make - we use make to talk about constructing, building, creating etc.e.g a). My father and I once made a boat. b). Let's make a plan. 5. Common fixed expressions do good, harm, business, one's best, a favour, sport, exercise, one's hair, one's teeth, one's duty. make a journey, an offer, arrangements, a suggestion, a decision, an attempt, an effort, an excuse, an exception, a mistake, a noise, a phone call, money, a profit, a fortune, peace, love, war, bed, a fire, progress. 6. After make + object, we use the infinitive without to. e.g I made her cry. (not - I made her to cry. or I made her crying) The infinitive must follow the object. e.g I can't make the television work. ( not - I can't make work the television) In passive constructions the infinitive with to is used. e.g Ram was made to repeat the whole story. 7. In some cases make can be followed by myself, yourself etc and a past participle. This structure is common with understood and heard. e.g She had to shout to make herself heard. 8. We can talk about an effect or change with make + object + adjective/noun . e.g The rain made the grass wet. ( not - The rain made wet the grass). We do not use make ... be in this structure.

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You have made me a happy man. ( not - You have made me be a happy man).

Less vs Fewer 1). Less and Fewer -- Difference Less is the comparative of little ( used especially before uncountable nouns). e.g - I earn less money than you. Whereas Fewer is the comparative of few ( used before plural nouns) e.g - I've got fewer problems than I used to have. 2). Less of and fewer of - used before determiners such as the,, my, this and before pronouns. e.g - At the college reunions, there are fewer of us each year. I'd like to spend less of my time answering mails. Before nouns without determiners, of is not used. e.g - If you want to lose weight, eat less food. (NOT less of food) 3. Nouns can be dropped after less and fewer if the meaning is clear. e.g - Some people go to church, but less/fewer than 20 years ago Less can be used as an adverb (the opposite of adverb more) e.g - I worry less than I used to. 4. Lesser - used to mean "smaller" or "not so much" e.g - the lesser of two evils.

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Pronoun Errors GMAT Verbal Section -- Pronoun Errors Pronoun Errors A pronoun is a word that stands for a noun.This noun is termed as antecedent of pronoun. (1). Pronouns must agree with their antecedant in both number (singular or plural) and person (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Definite Pronouns - Has antecedents. Indefinite Pronouns - Has no antecedents. Always singular Indefinite Pronoun - Anybody, either, one, each, none, anyone, neither, another, some one, each one,anything, nobody,somebody,no-one, something, everybody, nothing, everyone, whatever, everything, whichever, whoever. Always plural Indefinite Pronouns - Both, few, others, several. Sometimes singular sometimes plural Indefinite Pronouns -All, many, some, any, most. e.g Everything was in its place. Everyone at the meeting voiced his/her opinion. (2). Singular or plural depends on number of word or phrase to which it refers. e.g Some of the grass has lost its colour. Some of the flowers have lost their petals. (3). A pronoun should refer to one and only one noun or compound noun. This is the most common error in test questions. If a pronoun follows two nouns, it is often unclear which of the nouns the pronoun refers to. Incorrect - The destabilization of the economy has left unstable stocks in the hands of frightened investors. It is imperative that they be more tightly controlled. Should the unstable stocks be controlled or the frightened investors? Either interpretation is possible from the structure of the sentence.

41 Correct - The destabilization of the economy has left unstable stocks in the hands of frightened investors. It is imperative that the unstable stocks be more tightly controlled. (4). Subjects and objects:Objects that come in end of prepositional phrases: Subject Form --------- Object Form I --------------------------- Me You -----------------------You He ------------------------Him She ---------------------- Her It ------------------------- It We ---------------------- Us They -------------------- Them Incorrect - Her and me fought over the tea. Correct - She and I fought over the tea. (5). "They" or "it" should not be used without definite antecedents. e.g In that store they make a customer feel stupid.---Here use of they is incorrect as there is no antecedent for "they" in this sentence so instead of they a proper noun should be used. Note:In expressions of time and weather antecedent of it is not given. e.g It is too hot today. (6). A pronoun must also agree with its antecedent in person Incorrect - When atheletes break training rules,we sometimes pay with poor performances. Correct - When atheletes break training rules,they sometimes pay with poor performances. (7). Subject form of pronoun always comes after ‘than’ or ‘as’. eg Peggy is smaller than I (am). (8). Indefinite pronouns which are always singular require singular verbs.

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eg Somebody has left her purse. Everyone has done his/her homework. (9) Pronouns either and neither require singular verbs even if seem to refer,in a sense two things. eg Neither of the two traffic lights is working.