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Removing Fluff from Sentences


Mike McGarry
Lesson by Mike McGarry
Magoosh Expert

Summary
The essence of the content revolves around a strategic approach to understanding and simplifying sentences by identifying their core components: the main subject and the main verb. This skill is pivotal for excelling in sentence correction sections of standardized tests like the GMAT.
  • The core of every sentence is the main subject and the main verb, which are essential for both independent and subordinate clauses.
  • To identify these core components, eliminate all prepositional phrases, modifiers, adverbs, adjectives, and modifying phrases and clauses.
  • This method allows for a clearer understanding of the sentence's fundamental structure, which is crucial for sentence correction on the GMAT.
  • Analyzing complex sentences, such as those found in the U.S. Constitution, serves as an effective practice for honing this skill.
  • The ability to discern the main noun and verb in each clause is highlighted as the single most important skill for GMAT sentence correction.
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Sentence Simplification
00:29
Identifying Core Components
01:12
Practical Application and Examples
02:56
Skill Application for GMAT Success