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Mobile App Chapter 5: Problem 12
Has she not already asked the languages what I speak? A. Has she not already asked the languages what I speak? B. Hasn’t she already asked what languages I speak? C. Hasn’t she already asked the languages what I speak? D. Has she already asked the languages I speak? E. Hasn’t she not already asked what languages I speak?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The correct option is B.
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Sentence
Analyze the given sentence to understand its meaning. The sentence asks if she has already inquired about the languages you speak.
02
- Identify the Core Question
Identify the key question being asked: 'what languages I speak'. This is needed to find the correct grammatical structure.
03
- Check for Proper Contraction and Negative Form Usage
Check each option for correct usage of contractions and negatives. The proper contraction for 'has not' is 'hasn't'.
04
- Ensure Proper Word Order and Clarity
Ensure the options maintain the clarity and logical word order needed to convey the correct meaning.
05
- Evaluate Each Option
Evaluate each option based on the criteria from the previous steps:A. 'Has she not already asked the languages what I speak?' - Awkward word order.B. 'Hasn’t she already asked what languages I speak?' - Correct.C. 'Hasn’t she already asked the languages what I speak?' - Incorrect placement of 'the languages'.D. 'Has she already asked the languages I speak?' - Lacks the negation needed.E. 'Hasn’t she not already asked what languages I speak?' - Double negative, which is grammatically incorrect.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Grammar Rules
Understanding basic grammar rules is essential for mastering GMAT Sentence Correction. In the exercise given, grammar rules help you determine if the sentence is constructed correctly. Here are some fundamental grammar rules you need to know:
By applying these grammar rules, you can effectively determine the correct sentence structure and eliminate incorrect options during the GMAT Sentence Correction section.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: The subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number and person. For example, 'she asks' is correct while 'she ask' is not.
- Contraction Use: When contractions are used, such as 'hasn't' for 'has not', ensure they fit seamlessly into the sentence without altering meaning.
- Negative Forms: Using negatives properly is crucial, as double negatives can lead to confusion and incorrect grammar. For instance, 'hasn't' is the correct negative form, while 'hasn't not' is incorrect.
By applying these grammar rules, you can effectively determine the correct sentence structure and eliminate incorrect options during the GMAT Sentence Correction section.
Negative Forms
Negative forms in English are critical in conveying the absence of an action or state. In the context of GMAT Sentence Correction, understanding how to properly use negatives can help you choose the correct sentence structure. Here are key points to remember about negative forms:
In the exercise provided, the correct option 'B' uses a single negative form 'hasn't' appropriately, while option 'E' with 'hasn't not' is incorrect due to the double negative. Ensuring the use of proper negatives helps maintain clarity and correctness in your sentences.
- Single Negative: Use a single negative to indicate the absence of something. For example, 'hasn't' is a correct negative form.
- Double Negative: Avoid double negatives as they can create confusion. For instance, 'hasn't not' is not only redundant but also grammatically incorrect.
In the exercise provided, the correct option 'B' uses a single negative form 'hasn't' appropriately, while option 'E' with 'hasn't not' is incorrect due to the double negative. Ensuring the use of proper negatives helps maintain clarity and correctness in your sentences.
Sentence Structure
The structure of a sentence is vital in conveying the intended meaning clearly and effectively. A well-structured sentence eliminates confusion and ensures the reader understands the message. Here are some crucial aspects of sentence structure:
By focusing on these elements of sentence structure, you can improve both your sentence correction and construction skills, resulting in clearer and more effective communication.
- Clause Order: Ensure that independent and dependent clauses are placed correctly. For example, 'what languages I speak' should be positioned to clarify the question.
- Logical Progression: The sentence should progress logically to maintain meaning. For instance, in the correct option 'B,' 'what languages I speak' logically follows 'Hasn't she already asked.'
- Clarity: Avoid awkward phrasing and ensure every part of the sentence is contributing to a clear message. Sentences like 'Has she not already asked the languages what I speak?' (option 'A') suffer from poor sentence structure and clarity.
By focusing on these elements of sentence structure, you can improve both your sentence correction and construction skills, resulting in clearer and more effective communication.
Proper Word Order
Proper word order is essential to ensure sentences convey the intended meaning correctly and smoothly. Incorrect word order can lead to confusion or completely alter the sentence's meaning. Here’s what to keep in mind:
In the exercise, choosing option 'B' adheres to proper word order and conveys the intended meaning clearly, whereas other options like 'A' and 'C' fail to maintain proper order, making them awkward or incorrect. Ensuring proper word order makes sentences easier to understand and more correctly structured.
- Standard Syntax: English typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object order. For example, 'She asked (subject asked) what languages I speak (object).'
- Modifier Placement: Place modifiers close to the words they modify to avoid misinterpretation. For example, 'Hasn't she already asked what languages I speak?' places the clause correctly to modify the action 'to ask.'
- Question Forms: Ensure questions have the correct order of auxiliary verbs and subjects. For example, 'Hasn’t she already asked' maintains the proper question format, whereas 'Has she not already' can sound awkward and outdated.
In the exercise, choosing option 'B' adheres to proper word order and conveys the intended meaning clearly, whereas other options like 'A' and 'C' fail to maintain proper order, making them awkward or incorrect. Ensuring proper word order makes sentences easier to understand and more correctly structured.
