The following question is a sample of how a typical Sentence Correction question in the GMAT Verbal Section would look like.

Directions
This question presents a sentence, part of which or all of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

This question tests correctness and effectiveness of expression. In choosing your answer, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is, pay attention to grammar, choice of words, and sentence construction. Choose the answer that produces the most effective sentence; this answer should be clear and exact, without awkwardness, ambiguity, redundancy, or grammatical error.

Question
The state of his affairs were such as to cause anxiety to his creditors who are established Boston bankers.

1. The state of his affairs were such as
2. The state of his affairs were as such
3. The state of his affairs was such as
4. The state of his affairs are such as
5. The state of his affair are such as

Correct Answer: (C)

Explanation:

The state of his affairs is in singular form as it talks about only one state. Therefore, the corresponding "be" verb used should also be singular. From amongst the five answer choices, we find the "be" verb to be singular only in the case of Choice (C). Hence, it is the correct answer.