Question

At first they thought the problem had been solved, but the next day the machine would not begin and so they had to take it again to the shop. A. would not begin and so they had to take it again to the shop. B. would not begin again and so they had to take it to the shop again. C. would not start and so they had to take it to the shop again. D. would not start and so they had to take it back to the shop. E. would not begin and so they had to take it back to the shop

Short answer

Option D: 'would not start and so they had to take it back to the shop.'

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Problem

The sentence provided has some redundancy and awkward phrasing. The objective is to find the option that simplifies and clarifies the sentence.

Evaluate Option A

Option A: 'would not begin and so they had to take it again to the shop.' This option is repetitive and awkward. 'Begin' is less commonly used for machines; 'start' is typically preferred.

Evaluate Option B

Option B: 'would not begin again and so they had to take it to the shop again.' This option is also repetitive and awkward. It uses 'again' twice unnecessarily.

Evaluate Option C

Option C: 'would not start and so they had to take it to the shop again.' This option is clearer, but 'to the shop again' is not as concise as it could be.

Evaluate Option D

Option D: 'would not start and so they had to take it back to the shop.' This option is concise and clear. 'Start' is more appropriate for machines, and 'back to the shop' is clearly understood.

Evaluate Option E

Option E: 'would not begin and so they had to take it back to the shop.' While 'back to the shop' is correct, 'begin' is still awkward compared to 'start.'

Select the Best Option

Considering all evaluations, Option D is the best choice as it is concise, clear, and uses appropriate terminology for the context.

Key concepts

Redundancy

Redundancy in sentences refers to the unnecessary repetition of words or ideas. In the provided exercise, several options contain redundant expressions that make the sentence awkward and repetitive. For example, Option B: 'would not begin again and so they had to take it to the shop again.' Here, the word 'again' is used twice, which doesn't add any new information and makes the sentence longer than needed. To avoid redundancy:

• Look for repeated words that convey the same idea.
• Eliminate unnecessary words.
• Focus on clarity by keeping sentences simple and direct.

Avoiding redundancy helps make your writing clearer and more effective.

Conciseness

Conciseness means expressing ideas in the fewest number of words without losing the essence of the message. In sentence correction for GMAT, being concise is crucial as it ensures your sentences are not only clear but also to the point. For instance, Option D: 'would not start and so they had to take it back to the shop.' This option is the most concise compared to the other options. It avoids unnecessary repetition and uses simpler words.

• Choose simpler synonyms (e.g., 'start' instead of 'begin').
• Remove words that do not add value (e.g., 'again').
• Aim for brevity without sacrificing clarity.

Practice eliminating extra words and phrases to hone your ability to write concisely.

Clarity

Clarity in writing means that the reader can easily understand your message. Achieving clarity often requires careful word choice and sentence structure. The exercise's final choice of Option D illustrates this well: 'would not start and so they had to take it back to the shop.' This sentence uses the appropriate verb 'start' instead of 'begin,' which is more commonly used for machines. It also utilizes 'back to the shop' instead of 'to the shop again,' making it clearer what the intended action is.

• Use words that are precise and suitable for the context.
• Ensure your sentences have a logical flow.
• Avoid complex phrases that could confuse the reader.

Clear writing helps your audience grasp the intended message quickly and accurately, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your communication.