The advertised position received 1,200 applicants but none of the applying candidates were suitable. A. none of the applying candidates B. none of the affected candidates C. none of the candidates affected D. none of the candidates applying E. none of these

Understanding grammar rules is crucial for excelling in the GMAT verbal section. Proper grammar helps convey meaning clearly and correctly. Three key areas often tested are subject-verb agreement, verb tense, and parallelism. Subject-verb agreement means that singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs. For example, 'The student studies,' and 'The students study.' Verb tense requires consistency within a sentence, correctly indicating the time of action. Meanwhile, parallelism ensures elements of a sentence that are similar in function are also similar in structure, like in 'She likes dancing, singing, and playing the piano.' Getting these fundamentals right ensures clarity and correctness in your sentences.

• Subject-Verb Agreement: Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
• Verb Tense: Maintain the same verb tense throughout a sentence.
• Parallelism: Use the same grammatical form for words in a list or words connected by a conjunction.

Sentence correction questions on the GMAT require you to choose the best version of a sentence from a set of options. To succeed, you need to identify errors and select the option that is grammatically correct and clear. In the example given, the task was to correctly phrase, 'none of the applying candidates,' which wasn't natural. You should look for options that make the sentence concise and clear. Here, 'none of the candidates applying' is the best choice because it correctly and clearly identifies the candidates.
Common issues to watch out for include misplaced modifiers, incorrect verbs, and awkward phrasing. For instance:

• Misplaced Modifiers: Ensure that descriptive words and phrases are placed next to the word they describe.
• Incorrect Verbs: Use the correct form of verbs according to the subject and the time of the action.
• Awkward Phrasing: Prefer concise and straightforward sentences.

Effective test preparation is key for achieving a good score on the GMAT verbal section. Start by familiarizing yourself with the test format and types of questions you'll encounter. Practice regularly using GMAT prep books and online resources. Focus on timed practice to get used to the test's pace.
Develop a study plan that allocates time to review grammar rules and practice sentence correction. Analyze your mistakes to understand where you need improvement. Combining practice with review ensures retention and understanding of key concepts. Additionally, consider joining a study group or hiring a tutor if you need personalized guidance.

• Familiarize with the test format: Understand the types of questions and the test structure.
• Regular practice: Use GMAT prep books and online resources.
• Timed practice: Simulate real test conditions to improve your pacing.