Sentence correction idioms
62 flashcards covering Sentence correction idioms for the GMAT Verbal section.
Sentence correction idioms involve the standard, conventional ways that certain words and phrases are used in English to convey meaning accurately. For instance, expressions like "different from" instead of "different than" follow specific patterns that native speakers intuitively know. These idioms are crucial for effective communication, as using them incorrectly can make sentences sound awkward or ungrammatical. On the GMAT, mastering idioms ensures you can identify and correct subtle errors, which is key to scoring well in the Verbal section.
In GMAT Sentence Correction questions, idioms typically appear as part of multiple-choice items where you select the best version of a sentence. Common traps include misleading options that swap prepositions or alter verb forms, such as confusing "comply with" and "comply to." Focus on recognizing idiomatic pairs and practicing with official questions to spot these errors quickly, as they often test precision in everyday English usage.
A concrete tip: Memorize a list of common idioms and test yourself with sample sentences.
Terms (62)
- 01
Comply with
The correct idiom is 'comply with' something, meaning to act in accordance with rules or requirements, as this is the standard English usage tested in sentence correction.
- 02
Conform to
The idiom 'conform to' means to comply with standards or expectations, and it is used with rules or norms, distinguishing it from similar phrases like 'conform with' in some contexts.
- 03
Consist of
The idiom 'consist of' means to be made up of certain parts or elements, and it is correctly used for composition, as in describing the ingredients of a mixture.
- 04
Depend on
The idiom 'depend on' means to rely on someone or something for support, and it is the proper choice when indicating reliance, unlike 'depend upon' which is less common in modern usage.
- 05
Differ from
The idiom 'differ from' is used to indicate a distinction between two things, especially when comparing qualities, and it is preferred over 'differ than' in standard English.
- 06
Different from
The correct idiom is 'different from' when comparing two items, as it indicates distinction in a way that is more grammatically precise than 'different than'.
- 07
Distinguish between
The idiom 'distinguish between' means to recognize the differences among two or more items, and it is used for comparisons involving more than two elements.
- 08
Interest in
The idiom 'interest in' expresses attraction or curiosity toward something, and it is the standard way to indicate engagement, as opposed to 'interest for'.
- 09
In contrast to
The idiom 'in contrast to' is used to highlight differences between two things, providing a clear comparison in sentences where opposition is emphasized.
- 10
In favor of
The idiom 'in favor of' means supporting or preferring one option over another, and it is correctly applied in contexts of preference or endorsement.
- 11
Not only...but also
This correlative idiom pairs 'not only' with 'but also' to connect two elements, ensuring parallel structure in the sentence for balanced emphasis.
- 12
Either...or
The idiom 'either...or' presents two alternatives, requiring parallel structure between the options to maintain grammatical consistency in choices.
- 13
Neither...nor
The idiom 'neither...nor' negates two elements, demanding that both parts be structured similarly to avoid errors in negation and parallelism.
- 14
Both...and
The idiom 'both...and' connects two equal elements to emphasize inclusion, and it requires parallel construction for correct usage in affirmative statements.
- 15
As...as
The idiom 'as...as' is used for comparisons of equality, such as 'as tall as', and it must maintain parallel phrasing to accurately express similarity.
- 16
More...than
The idiom 'more...than' compares quantities or degrees, ensuring that the elements being compared are parallel and logically comparable.
- 17
Less...than
The idiom 'less...than' is used for uncountable nouns in comparisons, distinguishing it from 'fewer...than' which applies to countable nouns.
- 18
Between...and
The idiom 'between...and' indicates a range or choice involving two items, and it requires the correct prepositions for accurate expression.
- 19
From...to
The idiom 'from...to' denotes a starting point and an end point, as in time or distance, and it is essential for clear sequential descriptions.
- 20
Capable of
The idiom 'capable of' means having the ability to do something, and it is paired with a gerund or noun to describe potential actions accurately.
- 21
Account for
The idiom 'account for' means to explain or constitute a portion of something, and it is used in contexts of explanation or attribution.
- 22
Adapt to
The idiom 'adapt to' means to adjust to new conditions, and it is the correct form when describing change in response to an environment.
- 23
Agree with
The idiom 'agree with' is used when concurring with a person or opinion, contrasting with 'agree on' which applies to topics or plans.
- 24
Agree on
The idiom 'agree on' refers to reaching consensus about a specific matter, such as a decision, and it differs from 'agree with' in its application.
- 25
Angry at
The idiom 'angry at' is used for inanimate objects or situations, while 'angry with' applies to people, ensuring precise emotional expression.
- 26
Angry with
The idiom 'angry with' is correctly used for people or entities, distinguishing it from 'angry at' for objects in emotional contexts.
- 27
Argue with
The idiom 'argue with' means to debate or dispute with a person, whereas 'argue about' refers to the topic of the dispute.
- 28
Argue about
The idiom 'argue about' indicates debating a specific issue, and it pairs with 'argue with' to clarify the nature of the argument.
- 29
Arrive at
The idiom 'arrive at' is used for reaching a conclusion or destination like a building, differing from 'arrive in' for cities or countries.
- 30
Arrive in
The idiom 'arrive in' applies to larger places like cities, contrasting with 'arrive at' for specific points, to maintain geographical accuracy.
- 31
Believe in
The idiom 'believe in' expresses faith or confidence in something abstract, like ideas, unlike 'believe' which is for factual acceptance.
- 32
Compare to
The idiom 'compare to' is used to liken one thing to another, often poetically, whereas 'compare with' examines differences and similarities.
- 33
Compare with
The idiom 'compare with' means to analyze similarities and differences, setting it apart from 'compare to' in analytical contexts.
- 34
Concerned about
The idiom 'concerned about' means worried or anxious regarding something, differing from 'concerned with' which means related to.
- 35
Concerned with
The idiom 'concerned with' indicates involvement or relation to a topic, as opposed to 'concerned about' which implies worry.
- 36
Consist in
The idiom 'consist in' means to have as its essential nature, used for abstract concepts, unlike 'consist of' for physical composition.
- 37
Decide on
The idiom 'decide on' means to choose something specific, and it is used when selecting from options in decision-making processes.
- 38
Decide against
The idiom 'decide against' means to choose not to pursue something, providing a contrast to 'decide on' in evaluative contexts.
- 39
Familiar with
The idiom 'familiar with' means having knowledge of something, and it is the correct form when describing acquaintance or familiarity.
- 40
Independent of
The idiom 'independent of' means not influenced by something else, used in contexts of autonomy or separation.
- 41
Independent from
The idiom 'independent from' is sometimes used interchangeably but specifically denotes separation, as in political contexts.
- 42
Object to
The idiom 'object to' means to express disapproval of something, and it requires the correct preposition for accurate protest.
- 43
Participate in
The idiom 'participate in' means to take part in an activity, and it is the standard phrasing for involvement in events.
- 44
Prefer to
The idiom 'prefer to' is used when choosing one option over another, often followed by a verb, for clear preference expression.
- 45
Protect from
The idiom 'protect from' means to guard against harm or danger, and it is essential for describing safeguarding measures.
- 46
Recover from
The idiom 'recover from' means to return to a normal state after illness or setback, commonly used in health contexts.
- 47
Result in
The idiom 'result in' means to cause or lead to an outcome, distinguishing it from 'result from' which indicates the cause.
- 48
Result from
The idiom 'result from' means to be caused by something, providing the opposite perspective of 'result in' in causal relationships.
- 49
Suffer from
The idiom 'suffer from' means to experience pain or hardship due to a condition, and it is used for medical or emotional states.
- 50
Take advantage of
The idiom 'take advantage of' means to make use of an opportunity, often positively, but it can imply exploitation in some contexts.
- 51
Think of
The idiom 'think of' means to consider or recall something, differing from 'think about' which implies deeper contemplation.
- 52
Think about
The idiom 'think about' means to ponder or reflect on something in detail, contrasting with 'think of' for quick ideas.
- 53
Wait for
The idiom 'wait for' means to remain in expectation of someone or something, and it is the correct form for anticipation.
- 54
Common trap: Comply to
A frequent error is using 'comply to' instead of 'comply with', which is incorrect in standard English and often appears in test questions.
- 55
Common trap: Different than
Using 'different than' is a common mistake when 'different from' is the preferred idiom for comparisons in formal writing.
- 56
Common trap: Between vs. Among
While 'between' is for two items and 'among' for more, test questions often misuse them, so precision is key in idiomatic choices.
- 57
Strategy for idiom errors
To identify idiom errors, look for prepositions that don't match standard pairings, as GMAT tests common expressions through elimination.
- 58
Example: Not only but also misuse
In sentences, 'not only but also' must link parallel elements; for instance, incorrect use might swap it with 'not only but' without proper structure.
- 59
Advanced: Subtle preposition shifts
GMAT often tests nuanced shifts, like 'argue with' versus 'argue against', where context determines the correct idiomatic preposition.
- 60
Advanced: Idioms in comparisons
Complex sentences may require precise idioms like 'compared with' for analysis, highlighting differences in quantitative or qualitative evaluations.
- 61
Worked example: Comply with sentence
In a sentence like 'The rules that the team must comply', the error is missing 'with', making the correct form 'comply with the rules' for idiomatic accuracy.
The team must comply with the rules to succeed.
- 62
Worked example: Either or imbalance
If a sentence says 'Either the plan is good or bad', it's incorrect due to lack of parallelism; it should be 'Either good or bad' for proper idiom use.