GMAT Sentence Correction: Important Topics & Practice Questions

The GMAT exam has undergone some significant changes with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, particularly in the Verbal section. One of the most notable adjustments is the removal of Sentence Correction questions, which were once a crucial part of the exam. This change reflects a broader shift in the test’s design, more aligned with the needs of today’s business professionals.

With only 23 questions and a 45-minute time limit, the revised GMAT Verbal section aims to assess your ability to analyse and evaluate written material while minimising rote grammar knowledge.

Key Highlights:

• The GMAT has eliminated the Sentence Correction section, focusing more on Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension.
• The Verbal section now consists of 23 questions with a time limit of 45 minutes.
• Scoring is adaptive, with a range of 60-90 based on the difficulty of the questions and the number of correct answers.
• The removal of Sentence Correction shifts the focus toward assessing critical thinking and analytical reasoning.
• Adjusting your study approach will be essential as the test now prioritises practical, real-world business skills over niche grammar rules.

Why Did GMAC Remove Sentence Correction From the GMAT?

The removal of the Sentence Correction section in the GMAT Focus Edition was part of an effort to better align the test with the skills most relevant to business school and beyond. GMAC recognised the increasing importance of higher-order skills like data analysis and critical thinking, which are now prioritised in the revised format. 

The decision was also influenced by feedback from test-takers who found Sentence Correction to be overly focused on niche grammar rules, rather than practical, real-world business skills. By removing this section, the GMAT now provides a more efficient and relevant assessment of a candidate’s readiness for business school, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and analytical reasoning.

About GMAT Verbal Section

The GMAT Verbal section is an essential part of the exam, designed to assess your ability to understand and evaluate written material, as well as your proficiency in applying basic grammar and writing principles. Previously, the GMAT Verbal section was divided into three main types: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. With the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, the verbal section has undergone significant changes. Here’s an overview of the key features of the GMAT Verbal section in the new format:

• Total Number of Questions: The GMAT Focus Edition includes 23 questions in the Verbal section.
• Time Limit: You now have 45 minutes to complete the section.
• Types of Questions: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning with Sentence Correction removed.
• Scoring: The scoring range for the GMAT Verbal section is between 60-90, with scores based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the questions you answer.

At Yocket Prep, we’re here to support you with resources offered keeping YOU in mind and guidance, ensuring that your GMAT preparation journey is as smooth and focused as possible.

GMAT Sentence Correction Rules

Sentence Correction questions on the GMAT assess your understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and clarity. These questions require you to identify and fix errors in sentences while maintaining the meaning and flow of the original sentence. Below are some critical rules to keep in mind: 

• Pronoun Agreement: Pronouns must agree with the nouns they refer to in both number and gender. For example, if a sentence refers to "a manager," the pronoun should be "he" or "she" rather than "they." Also, ensure that the pronoun clearly refers to its antecedent to avoid ambiguity.
• Modifiers: Modifiers should be placed near the word they modify to ensure clarity. Misplaced modifiers can confuse the meaning of the sentence. For example, "Running quickly, the finish line was crossed by John" is incorrect because it suggests that the finish line was running quickly. The correct sentence is: "Running quickly, John crossed the finish line."
• Parallelism: Items in a list or phrases connected by conjunctions must follow the same grammatical structure. For example, "He likes reading, writing, and to swim" is incorrect because "to swim" does not follow the same structure as the other items. The correct version is: "He likes reading, writing, and swimming."
• Consistency in Verb Tense: Maintain consistent verb tenses within a sentence, especially when referring to actions occurring at the same time. For example, "She studied in the library and was eating lunch" creates confusion. The correct version should be: "She studied in the library and ate lunch."
• Verb Forms After Certain Words: Some verbs require specific verb forms after them, and this must be adhered to in Sentence Correction questions. For example, "She suggested that we going to the party" is incorrect. It should be "She suggested that we go to the party," as the verb "suggest" is followed by the base form of the verb.
• Redundancy: Avoid redundancy, where the same idea is expressed more than once using different words. For example, "She made a final decision after considering all options" is redundant. The word "final" already implies the completion of the decision-making process, so the sentence can be simplified to: "She made a decision after considering all options."
• Correct Use of Conjunctions: Ensure that conjunctions are used appropriately to connect phrases, clauses, or sentences. For example, "He is both a talented musician and sings well" is incorrect because it uses "both" but fails to match the structure. The correct sentence would be: "He is both a talented musician and a good singer."
• Avoiding Ambiguity: Sentences should be clear and unambiguous. Often, an unclear pronoun reference or an improperly structured sentence can create confusion. For example, "When Sarah met Lucy, she told her she was leaving" is unclear because it could refer to either Sarah or Lucy. A clearer sentence would be: "When Sarah met Lucy, Sarah told Lucy she was leaving."
• Eliminate Wordiness: Sentence Correction often requires you to eliminate unnecessary words and make the sentence more concise without changing its meaning. For example, "Due to the fact that" can often be replaced with the simpler "because." Therefore, "Due to the fact that he was late" can be corrected to: "Because he was late."

5 Most Common GMAT Sentence Correction Errors 

After exploring the fundamental rules, it's important to understand some of the most frequent errors that appear in GMAT Sentence Correction questions. These errors often stem from common misinterpretations of grammar rules or failure to follow proper sentence structure. Here’s a closer look at five typical mistakes:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

One of the most frequent errors in Sentence Correction involves subject-verb agreement. Students often struggle with identifying whether the subject is singular or plural, which leads to incorrect verb forms. For instance, "The team are playing well" would be incorrect because "team" is singular, so the correct sentence would be "The team is playing well."

2. Misplaced Modifiers

Misplaced modifiers are another common issue. Modifiers (words or phrases that describe other elements in the sentence) must be placed near the word they’re modifying. Incorrect placement can cause ambiguity or a change in the intended meaning. For example, "She almost drove her car for 100 miles" could imply she was close to driving 100 miles, but it actually means that she drove her car nearly 100 miles. The correct form would be "She drove her car for almost 100 miles."

3. Faulty Parallelism

Parallelism refers to the consistent use of grammatical structures within a sentence. A lack of parallelism can cause a sentence to sound awkward or unclear. For example, "She likes dancing, to swim, and running" is incorrect because the items in the list do not match in form. It should be "She likes dancing, swimming, and running."

4. Idiomatic Usage Errors

Idiomatic expressions are those that don’t always follow the usual rules of grammar. Incorrect idiomatic usage can make a sentence sound awkward or non-standard. For instance, "She is good in playing tennis" should be "She is good at playing tennis," as "good at" is the correct idiomatic expression.

5. Verb Tense and Mood Inconsistencies

Verb tense and mood discrepancies are prevalent in GMAT Sentence Correction questions. Maintaining consistent verb tenses throughout a sentence is essential for clear communication. For example, "She had been writing a letter when she leaves" is incorrect due to inconsistent verb tenses. The correct form would be "She had been writing a letter when she left."

GMAT Sentence Correction Practice Questions

Practicing GMAT Sentence Correction questions is crucial for enhancing your grammar and sentence structure skills, which are essential for success on the exam. 

Here are some sample questions to help you prepare and improve your performance in this section:

Q1. In the U.S., German luxury brands have succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league in buying and leasing some snazzy rides.

• have succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league in buying and leasing some snazzy rides
• have succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league to buy and lease some snazzy rides
• have succeeded in getting people who once might have thought the cars were out of their league to buy and lease some snazzy rides
• has succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league to buy and lease some snazzy rides
• has succeeded in getting people who might have once thought the cars were out of their league in buying and leasing some snazzy rides

Q2. Thieves steal Hondas and Toyotas from the 1990s more than other models because they can chop them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car.

• more than other models because they can chop them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car
• more than they steal other models because they can chop them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car
• more than they do other models because they can dismantle the cars and sell the parts that are worth more than the car
• more than other models because they can chop the cars up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car
• more than other models because they can dismantle them up and sell them for parts that are worth more than the car

Q3. Recently, hopes that the European Central Bank will reach a deal to help Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates has nudged financial markets higher.

• Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates has nudged financial markets higher
• Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates have nudged financial markets to higher levels
• Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates has nudged financial markets to higher levels
• Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates nudged financial markets to higher levels
• Spain and Italy borrow at cheaper rates nudged financial markets higher

Q4. Unlike Ancient Greek art which saw the veneration of the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature, poise, beauty and anatomically correct proportions, Ancient Roman art depicted gods as idealised humans, shown with characteristic distinguishing features.

• Unlike Ancient Greek art which saw the veneration of the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature
• Ancient Greek art saw the veneration of the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature
• While Ancient Greek art saw the veneration of the animal form and developed equivalent skills to show musculature
• While Ancient Greek art venerated the animal form and developed equivalent skills to show musculature
• Unlike Ancient Greek art which venerated the animal form and the development of equivalent skills to show musculature

Best Book for Sentence Correction GMAT

When preparing for the GMAT Sentence Correction section, selecting the right study materials is crucial. Below are five highly recommended books that provide detailed explanations, practice questions, and strategies:

1. The Official Guide for GMAT Review

This official guide from GMAC offers real GMAT questions from previous exams, providing an authentic experience for practice. It includes detailed explanations for each Sentence Correction question, helping students understand why certain answers are correct and others aren’t. The comprehensive approach ensures that test-takers grasp the underlying grammar rules and strategies required for this section.

2. Manhattan GMAT Sentence Correction Strategy Guide

Manhattan’s guide dives deep into GMAT Sentence Correction, focusing on key grammar concepts like subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and modifiers. It offers clear strategies for eliminating incorrect answer choices and mastering the rules necessary for the section. The guide is perfect for those looking to build a solid foundation in sentence structure and grammar.

3. GMAT Grammar Review by Princeton Review

Princeton Review’s GMAT Grammar Review provides a comprehensive breakdown of the grammar rules and structures tested on the GMAT. The book includes practice questions and answer explanations for Sentence Correction, making it an excellent resource for those who need to reinforce their grammar knowledge quickly. It’s straightforward and ideal for those seeking a concise review of the essentials.

4. PowerScore GMAT Sentence Correction Bible

The PowerScore GMAT Sentence Correction Bible offers a strategy-focused approach, helping students systematically break down Sentence Correction questions. With practice drills and full answer explanations, the book provides a thorough understanding of how to approach each problem. It’s particularly useful for those who prefer a more methodical, strategic way of tackling grammar issues.

5. Kaplan GMAT Sentence Correction

Kaplan’s GMAT Sentence Correction book offers expert strategies designed to simplify the decision-making process for each question. The book is clear and concise, providing practice problems with detailed solutions. It’s perfect for students who prefer a focused, no-frills approach to improving their Sentence Correction skills without delving too deeply into complex grammar rules.

From the Desk of Yocket

The new format, which places greater emphasis on reading comprehension and critical reasoning, better mirrors the real-world business challenges you’ll face. This change means that rather than focusing on niche grammar rules, your preparation should center on honing your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Yocket Prep understands why and how these shifts should guide your study strategy. It’s no longer just about memorising rules, but about developing your ability to think critically and interpret complex information. These resources are designed to help you master the updated GMAT, giving you a competitive edge.