Modifiers (Executive Assessment – Sentence Corrections – Addressing Common Issues)
Master GMAT Executive Assessment Sentence Correction modifiers in one lesson. Learn how to spot and fix dangling, misplaced, and “squinting” modifiers, use adjectives vs. adverbs correctly, and avoid meaning errors that trap test-takers. We also cover timing strategy, a quick evaluation checklist, and fully worked examples.
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Question Logistics
Assume 3-5 Sentence Corrections in 14 Question Verbal Section
Assume 1-3 Sentence Corrections in Each Seven Question Half
Least Amount to Read for Any Verbal Section Question Format
Strategic Best Practices
Assume 1m30 per Question Average
Maximum 2m00 for Any Question
Minimize to a Single Reread Before Eliminating and Guessing to Save Time
Beware of “Listening” for Errors
Look for Differences Indicating Possible Common Sentence Correction Issues
Seeking Modifier Errors
Consider Logical Intent to Proactively Identify Absurdity in Meaning
Carefully Evaluate Introductory and Concluding Descriptive Phrases
Note Subtle Changes in Choices Affecting Single Descriptive Words
Strategic Implications
Commonly Tested Issue for Longer Underlines
Stop and Eliminate Choices as Soon as an Absurd Modifier is Clearly Idenfied
Focus on Intended Meaning Rather than Abstract Grammar to Find Errors
Always Read Choice Back Into Original Sentence to Avoid Overlooking Possible Absurdity
Beware of Misusing Adjectives or Adverbs as Modifiers
Adjectives
Can only describe nouns or pronouns
e.g. the quick cat or the hungry bird
Can be used with linking verbs as descriptors
e.g. the cat is quick or the bird is hungry
Consistently use comparatives or superlatives
e.g. the quicker cat ≠ the quickest cat
Adverbs
Describe all other parts of speech
Usually end with the suffix “-ly”
Correct Adverb : The cat moves quickly.
Incorrect Adjective : The cat moves quick.
Modifier Evaluation Checklist
Step 1
Carefully Read Sentence as Written to Ensure that All Modifying Phrases Properly Describe Nearest Possible Item in Sentence
Step 2
Focus on Intended Meaning to Eliminate Any Choices Creating a Logically Absurd Meaning
Step 3
If Subtle Changes of Individual Descriptive Words in Choices Confirm Proper Adjective or Adverb Usage
Step 4
Read Your Selection Back Into Sentence to Ensure it Logically Captures the Intent of the Original without Any Subtle Changes in Meaning
0:00 Introduction
0:16 Sentence Corrections
4:35 Modifying Phrases
8:32 Misplaced Modifiers
11:14 Adjective and Adverb Basics
17:17 Modifier Evaluation Checklist
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