IDIOMS
Idioms is one of the most important areas tested on GMAT sentence correction. An idiom is a word or phrase used in special meaning that one cannot understand from just knowing the dictionary definition of the words or grammar of its parts.
It is a difficult task for non-native speakers to choose the correct idiomatic form of an expression. However, the GMAT tends to focus on certain common idioms. Memorizing these can be very useful for evaluating many GMAT sentences.
Given below is a list of common idioms tested on GMAT
1. "Agree with" and "Agree to"
- Agree with somebody/something = have the same opinion as
- Agree to something = be willing to accept or allow something
Examples
I agree to his statement. ( INCORRECT!)
>> I agree with his statement.
Do you think he'll agree with their proposal. (INCORRECT!)
>> Do you think he'll agree to their proposal.
2. Ability to
- Ability to do something = is able to do something
Examples
The system has the ability to run more than one program at the same time.
Bats have the ability to fly in the dark.
Don't say: Bats have the ability of flying in the dark.
3. Are in danger of
These days, fewer
people are in danger to die due to bacteria related diseases. (INCORRECT!)
These days, fewer
people have a danger of dying due to bacteria related diseases.(
>>These days, fewer people are in a danger of dying due to bacteria related diseases.
4. As an adolescent
Correct Usage: As
an adolescent, he suffered from acne.
Incorrect Usage:
While in adolescence, he suffered from acne.
5. Allow for
- Allow for somebody/ something = to consider or include sb/sth when calculating something
Examples
It will take about two hours to get there, allowing for traffic delays.
All these factors must be allowed for.
To be continued
Keep on studying Idioms part 2 at
http://ilearnisharei.blogspot.com/2012/08/idioms-part-2.htmlKeep on studying Idioms part 2 at
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