Question

He was totally engrossed in his work when the telephone started to ring. A. when B. while C. hardly Answer D. because E. as

Short answer

A. when

Step-by-step solution

- Examine the Sentence Context

The sentence describes an action that occurred while another action was taking place. It says, 'He was totally engrossed in his work when the telephone started to ring.' The main activity is 'totally engrossed in his work,' and the secondary action is 'the telephone started to ring.'

- Understand the Options

Review each option to see how it fits with the sentence context: A. when - used to describe simultaneous or sequential actions; B. while - used to indicate that two actions are happening at the same time; C. hardly - used for something that happens barely or almost not; D. because - explains a reason; E. as - can be used similarly to 'when' or 'while' but also frequently denotes causality.

- Identify Compatible Options

From the context, we need a word to describe two actions happening together. 'Hardly' and 'because' don't fit this context. 'When', 'while', and 'as' all potentially fit, but 'when' and 'while' are better choices for describing simultaneous actions.

- Select the Best Answer

Between 'when' and 'while', 'when' is the more suitable answer in this particular context. The phrase “when the telephone started to ring” naturally completes the sentence, indicating an action interrupting another.

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

Understanding sentence structure is crucial for GMAT preparation. Sentence structure refers to the way words and phrases are organized in a sentence. This includes the subject, verb, and object, as well as any modifiers or clauses. Good sentence structure helps convey clear and concise meaning.
In our exercise example, the sentence is 'He was totally engrossed in his work when the telephone started to ring.' This structure includes:

• Subject: He
• Verb: was totally engrossed
• Object: in his work
• Modifier/Clause: when the telephone started to ring

The use of 'when' links the main clause with the secondary clause, creating a sentence that flows logically and clearly.

Context Clues

Context clues are hints within the sentence that help us understand unfamiliar words or choose the appropriate word for a gap. In the exercise, we see that two actions are occurring: someone being engrossed in work and the ringing of the telephone.
These clues help us determine the relationship between the actions. When we see the options—'when', 'while', 'hardly', 'because', and 'as'—we can rule out those that don't fit the context. Understanding context clues can make it easier to choose the correct word or phrase.
In this case, 'when' is a clue indicating the interruption of one action by another, which aligns perfectly with the sentence's intended meaning.

English Grammar

A strong grasp of English grammar is essential for success on the GMAT. Grammar encompasses rules and structures that govern the language, including tenses, conjunctions, and punctuation.
In our example, understanding the function of conjunctions like 'when' and 'while' is key. Both connect clauses within a sentence but have slightly different uses.

• 'When': Indicates the exact moment something occurs, often with a feeling of interruption.
• 'While': Implies a duration where two actions happen concurrently.
• 'Hardly' and 'because' do not fit the simultaneous action context needed here.

Choosing 'when' corrects the grammatical structure by aligning with the interruption indicated in the sentence. This precision is vital in grammar to ensure clear and accurate communication.