Question

He slowly realize that it was his elderly relative who had supposedly won the lottery. A. He slowly realize that it was his elderly relative who had supposedly B. He was slow to realize that it was his elder relative who had supposedly C. He was slowly to realize that it was his elderly relative who had supposed to D. He was slow to realize that it was his elderly relative who had supposedly E. He slowly realized that it was his elderly relative who suppose to

Short answer

D

Step-by-step solution

- Identify the Errors

First, identify any grammatical errors in the given sentence options. Note that simple present tense 'realize' should be in past tense 'realized' for proper sentence structure.

- Evaluate Each Option

Next, evaluate each option to see which one uses the correct verb tense and proper structure: A. 'realize' should be 'realized'B. 'elder' should be 'elderly'C. 'slowly to realize' is incorrect phrasingD. Correct structure and verb tenseE. 'suppose' should be 'supposed'

- Choose the Correct Option

Option D: 'He was slow to realize that it was his elderly relative who had supposedly won the lottery' is the correct and most grammatically accurate option.

Key concepts

grammar rules

Understanding basic grammar rules is crucial for mastering sentence correction questions on the GMAT verbal reasoning section. Grammar provides the foundational structure that ensures clarity and coherence in writing. It is essential to know:

• Verb Tenses: Verbs must be consistent in tense. This means if you start a sentence in the past tense, you should maintain that tense unless there's a good reason to switch it. For example, 'realize' should change to 'realized' if the rest of the sentence is in past tense.
• Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the subject and verb agree in number (singular or plural). For instance, “He realize” is incorrect because ‘He’ is singular and should pair with 'realizes' or 'realized'.
• Adjective vs. Adverb Usage: Know when to use adjectives (e.g., elderly) versus adverbs (e.g., slowly). Adjectives describe nouns, while adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

The foundation of solid writing skills lies in mastering these essential grammar rules. They help make sentences clear, accurate, and effective.

sentence correction

Sentence correction questions on the GMAT require you to choose the best form of a sentence from a set of options. To excel, focus on these key principles:

• Identify Errors: Read the sentence carefully to spot errors related to grammar, usage, or idiomatic expressions. For example, identify if a wrong verb tense is used, as seen with 'realize' instead of 'realized'.
• Evaluate Options: Compare each option. Determine if each sentence corrects the identified errors and maintains the sentence's original meaning. Notice the subtle differences, such as 'elder' vs. 'elderly', which both have slightly different meanings and uses.
• Choose the Best Sentence: Select the option that is grammatically correct, concise, and clear. Avoid changes that introduce new errors or awkward phrasing, such as 'slowly to realize' in option C.

By understanding how to identify and correct different types of errors, you improve your ability to score higher in the sentence correction section.

verb tense consistency

Verb tense consistency is essential for ensuring that an idea remains clear and comprehensible. Inconsistent verb tenses can confuse the reader about the sequence or timing of events. Here’s what you should know:

• Match Tenses: Ensure that verbs in a sentence or related sentences match in tense unless indicating a time shift. If the sentence narrates past events, all verbs should typically be in the past tense. For instance, 'realized' should be used instead of 'realize'.
• Consider Context: Evaluate the surrounding context to maintain consistency. The clause 'who had supposedly won the lottery' is in past perfect tense, signaling that verb 'realize' should be in past tense to match.
• Avoid Tense Shifts: Unnecessary shifting between past, present, or future tenses within the same sentence can make your writing unclear. A consistent tense streamlines understanding, just like how 'He was slow to realize' is maintained throughout the passage.

Keeping your verb tenses consistent helps the reader follow the action or series of events more naturally.