Question

I can know he’s worried about something because he normally really cares about his appearance. A. I can know he’s worried about something because he normally really cares about his appearance. B. I can know he’s worried about something because he normally really cares for his appearance. C. I can tell hes’ worried about something because he normally really cares less about his appearance. D. I can tell he’s worried about something because he normally really cares about his appearance. E. I can know he’s worried about something because he’s normally caring for his appearance.

Short answer

D is the correct option.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the context

Read the sentence carefully and determine what it intends to convey. The sentence aims to conclude that someone is worried based on their usual concern for appearance.

- Identify and correct grammatical issues

Check each option for grammatical correctness and clarity. Look for subject-verb agreement, correct use of pronouns, and proper phrasing.

- Evaluate the options

Go through each provided option: A. Seems correct but let's compare with others. B. 'Cares for' is not as idiomatic as 'cares about' in this context. C. 'Cares less about' changes the meaning entirely, making it incorrect. D. 'Tell' correctly replaces 'know' and is more appropriate for inferring. E. Improper phrasing with 'caring for'.

- Choose the best option

After evaluating, it is clear that D is the most accurate and correctly phrased option. It keeps the original intent and is grammatically correct.

Key concepts

Grammar Rules

Grammar rules are vital for understanding and constructing sentences that make sense. In GMAT sentence correction problems, it's essential to be aware of a few key rules:

• Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular/plural).
• Correct Pronoun Usage: Pronouns should clearly refer to a specific noun and agree in number and gender.
• Idiomatic Expressions: Be familiar with common phrases and word pairings (e.g., 'caring about' vs. 'caring for').

In the exercise, option A uses 'know,' which is grammatically valid but less idiomatic compared to 'tell'. Option D uses 'tell,' which is an appropriate choice for inferring someone’s emotions or state.

Contextual Understanding

Contextual understanding involves grasping the meaning that holds the sentence together. In the given sentence, you need to infer someone’s worry based on their concern about appearance. Context helps you choose the most suitable words. Consider these points:

• Intent of the Sentence: What is the sentence trying to convey? Here, it shows someone is worried because they usually care about appearance, but something has changed.
• Appropriate Word Choice: Some words might be correct grammatically but might alter the sentence’s meaning. 'Tell' vs. 'know' is a good example.
• Idiomatic Usage: Some phrases are naturally preferred over others in specific contexts. 'Cares about' is more idiomatic than 'cares for' in this context.

Option D is most contextually accurate because 'tell' fits better with the idea of inferring someone's worry.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure plays a critical role in conveying the intended meaning clearly and correctly. Efficient sentence structure should follow these guidelines:

• Place Subject and Verb Close: Ensure the subject and main verb of the sentence are positioned close to each other for clarity.
• Consistency in Tense: The verb tenses should be consistent throughout the sentence.
• Clear and Direct Language: Avoid unnecessary complexity or overly convoluted phrasing.

In the exercise, option D offers a clear structure: 'I can tell he’s worried about something because he normally really cares about his appearance.' It flows logically and is easy to understand.

Error Identification

Error identification is the skill of spotting and correcting mistakes in sentences. When tackling GMAT sentence correction problems, here are some tips:

• Read Each Option Carefully: Look for grammatical errors, shifts in meaning, or awkward phrasing.
• Check Consistency: Make sure the sentence maintains a consistent logical flow and consistency in pronoun use and verb tense.
• Eliminate Incorrect Options: Remove options that clearly alter the meaning or contain grammatical errors.

In the provided sentence:
Option A: Grammatically correct but less natural.
Option B: Incorrect idiomatic usage ('cares for').
Option C: Changes the meaning entirely.
Option E: Incorrect and awkward phrasing.
This makes option D the best choice as it remains correct and clear.