Question

No wonder he is reluctant to continue the treatment.The doctor told him that there is a likelihood of life-threatening complications. A. a likelihood of life-threatening complications. B. a likelihood of threaten life complications. C. a likelihood with life-threatening complications. D. a likelihood for life-threatening complications. E. a likelihood about threatening life complications.

Short answer

A. a likelihood of life-threatening complications.

Step-by-step solution

- Read the Sentence

Read the given sentence carefully: 'No wonder he is reluctant to continue the treatment. The doctor told him that there is a likelihood of life-threatening complications.'

- Identify the Correct Phrase for Clarification

The phrase to be investigated is 'there is a likelihood of life-threatening complications.' Observe how this phrase fits the context of the sentence.

- Review Each Answer Choice

Examine each option to see if it fits the context of the sentence: A. 'a likelihood of life-threatening complications' B. 'a likelihood of threaten life complications' C. 'a likelihood with life-threatening complications' D. 'a likelihood for life-threatening complications' E. 'a likelihood about threatening life complications'

- Evaluate Grammar and Context

Evaluate which option provides grammatically correct and contextually appropriate meaning:- Option A: This maintains the correct structure and meaning.- Option B: 'threaten life complications' is not correct grammar.- Option C: 'with life-threatening complications' changes the meaning incorrectly.- Option D: 'for life-threatening complications' isn't the correct preposition.- Option E: 'about threatening life complications' is grammatically incorrect.

- Select the Answer

The best choice that fits grammatically and contextually is A: 'a likelihood of life-threatening complications.'

Key concepts

GMAT grammar rules

On the GMAT, proper grammar rules are crucial for sentence correction questions. In this exercise, understanding subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and the appropriate use of prepositions is essential. Sentence correction questions like this one test your ability to spot errors in grammar and syntax.

Let's break down the grammar involved here:

• The phrase 'a likelihood of life-threatening complications' is grammatically correct.
• 'Likelihood' correctly takes the preposition 'of' to indicate what is likely.
• Other options misuse prepositions or make grammatical errors, such as 'a likelihood with life-threatening complications', which does not fit the standard structure.

Remember, in GMAT sentence correction, always ensure that the sentence is logically coherent and grammatically accurate.

contextual understanding in GMAT

Contextual understanding is vital for solving GMAT sentence correction problems. You need to consider how different word choices affect the meaning of the sentence. This exercise underscores the importance of reading the entire sentence to grasp the context.

For example, in the sentence, 'No wonder he is reluctant to continue the treatment. The doctor told him that there is a likelihood of life-threatening complications', the phrase 'life-threatening complications' explains why the person is reluctant. This context helps rule out options that don't fit logically.

To master contextual understanding:

• Pay close attention to how the sentence elements are connected.
• Identify if the modified phrase or clause aligns logically with the main sentence.
• Avoid choices that distort the intended meaning.

Effectively combining grammar knowledge with context awareness will help you choose the correct answer.

GMAT test preparation

Preparing for the GMAT involves practice and a strategic approach. Sentence correction questions, like the one in this exercise, require familiarity with common grammar rules and the ability to apply them under test conditions.

Here are a few tips for effective preparation:

• Review basic grammar concepts and rules. Focus on common GMAT topics like subject-verb agreement, parallelism, and correct use of idioms.
• Practice with real GMAT questions to understand the test format and question types.
• Take timed practice tests to build your test-taking speed and accuracy.
• Analyze your incorrect answers to learn from your mistakes and avoid them in future questions.

With consistent practice and a clear understanding of core concepts, you'll be better equipped to tackle the sentence correction section of the GMAT confidently.