Question

It was an expensive place to live, but on the opposite it was very central. A. live, but on the opposite B. live, but on the contrary C. life, but on the other hand D. live, but on the other hand E. life, but on the contrary

Short answer

D. live, but on the other hand

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Context

First, identify the context of the sentence. The sentence contrasts two ideas: the expensiveness of the place and its central location. A proper conjunction is needed to highlight this contrast.

Analyze the Phrases

Analyze the different answer choices to determine which conjunction correctly introduces the contrasting idea. Typically, phrases like 'on the opposite' or 'on the contrary' may seem redundant or awkward in this context.

Eliminate Incorrect Choices

From the options given, A is incorrect because 'on the opposite' is not a commonly correct idiomatic expression. Options E and C are incorrect due to the incorrect usage of 'life'.

Choose the Best Option

Between the remaining options (B and D), 'on the contrary' typically implies contradiction rather than contrast, making 'on the other hand' a better fit for showing a contrasting idea.

Key concepts

sentence correction

Sentence correction is crucial in GMAT verbal reasoning. The goal is to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct, concise, and clear.
Start by understanding the sentence's context. In the given exercise, the sentence describes a place as expensive but centrally located, indicating a contrast.
Identify the key problem first: the use of the expression 'on the opposite' in choice A. This is not idiomatic and sounds awkward. Correcting such issues ensures the sentence reads naturally.
The process involves:

• Understanding sentence structure and meaning.
• Identifying and correcting grammatical errors.
• Determining the most fluent and precise wording.

Remember to look out for common errors like subject-verb agreement, improper punctuation, and unnecessarily wordy phrases.

idiomatic expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases where the meaning isn't obvious from the individual words. These expressions are crucial in GMAT verbal sections as they reflect proficiency in English.
In the exercise, recognizing the correct idiom is key. Phrases like 'on the opposite' in option A are not idiomatic and thus, incorrect.
Here's how to identify and use idiomatic expressions correctly:

• Familiarize yourself with common English idioms through reading and practice.
• Understand that idioms often don’t translate literally.
• Replace incorrect phrases with standard expressions—for example, 'on the contrary' or 'on the other hand'.

This will help you choose grammatically correct and contextually appropriate expressions. In this case, 'on the other hand' fits better as it correctly shows the contrast between expensiveness and centrality.

contextual contrast

Contextual contrast refers to showing differences between ideas within a specific context. The GMAT tests your ability to use these contrasts correctly.
In the exercise sentence, the contrast is between the negative aspect (expensive) and the positive aspect (central location). It’s essential to select a phrase that accurately highlights this.
Here’s how to handle contextual contrast:

• First, identify the elements being contrasted.
• Choose expressions that accurately and naturally convey the contrast. Avoid redundant or awkward phrases.
• For example, rather than saying 'on the opposite', use 'on the other hand' to show a clear contrast.

By carefully selecting the right expressions, you create a clear, logical relationship between different ideas, making your writing more compelling and coherent. In the given example, 'on the other hand' (option D) shows the contrast effectively and is the right choice.