1. GMAT grammar adheres to the rules of "Standard Written English"

"Standard Written English" refers to the grammar rules that you find in grammar books and in formal writing. Since proper written English often differs from spoken English, the best answer will not always be the one that sounds the best, and will sometimes sound rather awkward. You cannot rely on your ear alone; you must become familiar with the grammar rules of written English.

2. The GMAT tests a limited number of grammar rules.

English grammar contains hundreds of very specific rules. Luckily, the GMAT only tests a few of these. So devote your energies to mastering the rules that most frequently come up.

3. Grammar is key - but style is important, too

The best answer must be clear, without unnecessary redundancy, and with proper punctuation. Idioms must be used correctly. Style is a secondary concern. Look for grammar errors first, and then check for errors in style.

4. Don't change the meaning of the sentence

In the sentence correction section, you'll sometimes find two answer choices that are equally correct in terms of grammar and style conventions. When this happens, choose the answer that best maintains the meaning of the original sentence. The correct answer will never significantly alter the original meaning.

5. Incorrect answer choices are incorrect

Sentence Correction answer choices are variations on the correct answer. Incorrect answers will almost always be identifiable as such. Even if an answer choice sounds funny, if you can't find a definite error, then don't rush to eliminate it.

Introduction

Glossary