Question

American workers have less holidays than their European counterparts. A. American workers have less holidays than their European counterparts. B. American workers have little holidays than their European counterparts. C. American workers have fewer holidays than their European counterparts. D. American workers have a bit less holidays than their European counterparts. E. American workers have smaller holidays than their European counterparts

Short answer

C

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Comparison

The exercise is about comparing the number of holidays that American workers have to the number of holidays that European workers have. The correct sentence should use proper grammar for comparing countable items.

Identify Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Holidays are countable items since you can count each holiday (one holiday, two holidays, etc.). This means we need to use words that appropriately compare countable quantities.

Evaluate Each Option

A. 'Less holidays' is incorrect because 'less' is used with uncountable nouns.B. 'Little holidays' is incorrect because 'little' is used with uncountable nouns.C. 'Fewer holidays' is correct because 'fewer' is used with countable nouns.D. 'A bit less holidays' is incorrect because 'less' is used with uncountable nouns.E. 'Smaller holidays' is incorrect because 'smaller' pertains to size, not count.

Choose the Correct Answer

From the evaluation, the correct answer is option C: 'American workers have fewer holidays than their European counterparts.' Only 'fewer' correctly compares the number of countable items (holidays) between two groups.

Key concepts

Countable Nouns

Understanding countable nouns is crucial for mastering English grammar. Countable nouns refer to objects, people, or ideas that you can count. Examples include 'book', 'car', and 'holiday'. Each of these can be quantified: one book, two cars, several holidays.
When dealing with comparisons involving countable nouns, we use specific words. For instance, we use 'fewer' instead of 'less'. The term 'fewer' applies to countable quantities like apples, books, or holidays. Incorrectly using 'less' can lead to grammatical errors, as seen in the exercise example 'less holidays' versus 'fewer holidays'.
Using countable nouns correctly helps in accurately conveying the intended meaning and maintaining grammatical precision in writing and speech.

Comparative Grammar

Comparative grammar involves comparing two or more items to highlight differences or similarities. This concept is fundamental for sentence correction exercises in exams like the GMAT. Understanding which comparative words to use is vital.
When comparing countable nouns, 'fewer' is appropriate. For example, 'fewer holidays' accurately compares the number of holidays between American and European workers. On the other hand, 'less' is used for uncountable nouns, like 'less water' or 'less information'. Using these terms correctly ensures clear and effective communication.
Other comparative structures might involve words like 'more' or 'greater'. For countable nouns, you could say 'more apples' or 'fewer chairs'. For uncountable nouns, you might say 'more money' or 'less homework'. Understanding this distinction helps avoid common errors in grammar.

Test Preparation

When preparing for standardized tests like the GMAT, it's essential to focus on understanding key grammar rules and enhancing your ability to apply them quickly. Here are a few tips:

• Practice regularly with sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format.
• Review key grammar rules, such as using 'fewer' with countable nouns and 'less' with uncountable nouns.
• Read explanations for correct and incorrect answers to understand common pitfalls.
• Time yourself during practice sessions to improve your speed and accuracy.

By incorporating these strategies into your study routine, you'll be better prepared to identify and correct grammar errors efficiently. Understanding concepts deeply and practicing extensively can significantly enhance your performance in the GMAT verbal section.

GMAT Verbal Section

The GMAT verbal section is designed to assess your grammar, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning skills. Here's what you need to know:
The verbal section includes questions like sentence correction, which test your ability to identify and correct grammatical errors. In sentence correction questions, focus on understanding the sentence's core meaning and identifying errors related to grammar, word usage, and sentence structure.
Developing strong skills in comparative grammar, like knowing when to use 'fewer' versus 'less', is crucial. This not only helps in sentence correction but also in other areas where precise language usage is assessed.
Overall, consistently practicing and understanding these fundamental grammar rules will help you excel in the GMAT verbal section. Remember, clear and correct usage of grammar is the key to a high score.