Question

He traveled all day first by boat, then by plane, and finally, by foot. A. by boat, then by plane, and finally, by foot. B. in boat, then in plane, and finally, by foot. C. on boat, then on plane, and finally, on foot. Answer D. by boat, then by plane, and finally, on foot. E. in boat, then in plane, and finally, in foot.

Short answer

D. by boat, then by plane, and finally, on foot.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Correct Prepositions

Read each option carefully and identify the prepositions used with each mode of transportation: 'by', 'in', and 'on'.

Understand Preposition Usage

Recall that 'by' is typically used for modes of transportation in a general way (e.g., by boat, by plane, by train), 'in' is often used when referring to being inside a vehicle or container (e.g., in a car, in a taxi), and 'on' is used when referring to being on top of something or a public vehicle (e.g., on foot, on a bus, on a plane).

Evaluate Each Option

Compare each option to the correct preposition usage rules. The goal is to find the option that makes the most grammatical sense.

Select the Correct Answer

Option A uses 'by' for boat and plane, and 'by' for foot. Option B improperly uses 'in'. Option C improperly uses 'on' for boat and plane. Option D uses 'by' for both boat and plane, and 'on' for foot, which is correct. Option E improperly uses 'in'. Therefore, Option D is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Prepositions Usage

Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They are essential for showing relationships of direction, place, time, and other abstract or logical connections. In GMAT sentence correction questions, understanding the correct usage of prepositions is crucial to identify the right answer.

When it comes to modes of transportation, particular prepositions are conventionally associated with specific scenarios. Here is a quick rundown:

• 'By' is used when talking about the means of transport in a general way, without specifying a particular instance, e.g., by car, by train, by bus.
• 'In' is typically used for private or confined spaces, e.g., in a car, in a taxi.
• 'On' is used when referring to being on the surface of something or within the public transportation system, e.g., on foot, on a plane, on a bus.

In the provided exercise, the correct sentences convey efficient movement using appropriate prepositions. For instance, Option D: 'by boat', 'by plane', and 'on foot' demonstrates typical and grammatically correct preposition usage.

Transportation Modes

When discussing various modes of transportation in English, it's important to use the right prepositions to ensure clarity and correctness. Different transportation modes often pair with specific prepositions to denote the manner in which travel occurs.

Here’s a deeper look:

• 'By boat' and 'by plane' are standard expressions because 'by' is typically used to talk about travel methods.
• For smaller, enclosed modes like cars and taxis, we use 'in,' as in 'in a car' or 'in a taxi.'
• 'On foot' is a unique case where 'on' is used because it refers to walking and being on the ground.

The provided example in the exercise clarifies that Option D ('by boat,' 'by plane,' 'on foot') fits the conventional and grammatical usage. It is important to note, especially in formal and test environments, that the prepositions can make a substantial difference in how fluid and correct a sentence appears.

Grammar Rules

Being able to identify and use correct grammar rules is key for mastering questions in GMAT sentence correction sections. Knowing both general rules and specific exceptions will bolster your sentence construction skills.

For the GMAT exercise provided, let's revisit some general grammatical guidelines:

• Consistency is crucial. The structure of the sentence should remain parallel. If listing actions or instances, ensure the same prepositional form for each mode of transport.
• Pay attention to idiomatic usage. Certain phrases, such as 'on foot,' need to be memorized as they are part of the standard English expressions that do not follow common prepositional rules.
• Modifiers and sentence connectors must flow smoothly. Words like 'then' and 'finally' should transition naturally and logically.

These rules help ensure that sentences maintain proper structure and meaning. Thus, in Option D, the use of 'by' for the first two transportation modes and 'on' for foot aligns with both necessity and grammatical convention, making it the correct choice. By adhering to these grammatical principles, one can easily avoid common pitfalls in sentence correction tasks.