Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors - PSAT Writing
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
My three cars, which are blue, is faster than those of my friend Bob. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
My three cars, which are blue, is faster than those of my friend Bob. No error
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The subject "cars" is plural, so you must use "are" and not "is."
The subject "cars" is plural, so you must use "are" and not "is."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The journalist is wrong: neither the President nor Congress were responsible for the unintended effects of the bill. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The journalist is wrong: neither the President nor Congress were responsible for the unintended effects of the bill. No error
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Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."
Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The events director, along with the administrative staff, are responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The events director, along with the administrative staff, are responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly. No error
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In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the number of the subject. The subject is singular (the administrative staff is in a modifying phrase and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form would be “is.” The corrected sentence reads, "The events director, along with the administrative staff, is responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly."
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the number of the subject. The subject is singular (the administrative staff is in a modifying phrase and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form would be “is.” The corrected sentence reads, "The events director, along with the administrative staff, is responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seems out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seems out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure. No error
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In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject “rhododendrons and lilacs” is plural, but “seems” agrees with a singular noun. The corrected sentence reads, "The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seem out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure."
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject “rhododendrons and lilacs” is plural, but “seems” agrees with a singular noun. The corrected sentence reads, "The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seem out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, were what fascinated Peter the most. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, were what fascinated Peter the most. No error
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In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. “Were” should go with a plural subject, but here the subject “the sloth” is singular. The corrected sentence reads, "The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, was what fascinated Peter the most."
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. “Were” should go with a plural subject, but here the subject “the sloth” is singular. The corrected sentence reads, "The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, was what fascinated Peter the most."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leader of the region’s dairy production. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leader of the region’s dairy production. No error
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This sentence is about two families (plural) that are successful. The sentence has them becoming the leader (singular) in the region. This discrepancy in number is an error. The corrected sentence reads: The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leaders of the region’s dairy production.
This sentence is about two families (plural) that are successful. The sentence has them becoming the leader (singular) in the region. This discrepancy in number is an error. The corrected sentence reads: The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leaders of the region’s dairy production.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelm the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelm the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed. No error
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In this sentence, the verb “overwhelm” does not agree with the singular subject “the physicality.” The corrected sentence reads: "The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelms the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed."
In this sentence, the verb “overwhelm” does not agree with the singular subject “the physicality.” The corrected sentence reads: "The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelms the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The many facets of the problem leads to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The many facets of the problem leads to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it. No error
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In this sentence, the verb “leads” does not agree in number with the subject “facets.” The subject is plural, but the “leads” works with a singular subject. The corrected sentence reads: The many facets of the problem lead to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it.
In this sentence, the verb “leads” does not agree in number with the subject “facets.” The subject is plural, but the “leads” works with a singular subject. The corrected sentence reads: The many facets of the problem lead to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The unexpected donation, along with the other annual contributions, are among the reasons the opera remained open this season. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The unexpected donation, along with the other annual contributions, are among the reasons the opera remained open this season. No error
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Watch out for subject/verb agreement. Here the subject is "donation," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."
Watch out for subject/verb agreement. Here the subject is "donation," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The list of items to buy for the parade were given to the treasurer to approve. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The list of items to buy for the parade were given to the treasurer to approve. No error
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Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In the end, neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover where the treasure was buried. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
In the end, neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover where the treasure was buried. No error
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There is no error. Subjects all agree with their verbs, particularly with the phrase "neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover"—a singular and plural verb connected by "or/nor" requires a plural verb.
There is no error. Subjects all agree with their verbs, particularly with the phrase "neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover"—a singular and plural verb connected by "or/nor" requires a plural verb.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The politician, along with his many constituents, are opposed to the new reforms being enacted by the government. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The politician, along with his many constituents, are opposed to the new reforms being enacted by the government. No error
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It is easy to think that the verb "are" refers to "constituents," but in this case ("The politician, along with his many constituents, are . . ."), the verb refers back to "politician," since "along with his many constituents" is a prepositional phrase. So, the plural verb "are" is incorrect since it refers to the singular "politician," and should be replaced with the singular verb "is." The corrected sentence reads, "The politician, along with his many constituents, is opposed to the new reforms being enacted by the government."
It is easy to think that the verb "are" refers to "constituents," but in this case ("The politician, along with his many constituents, are . . ."), the verb refers back to "politician," since "along with his many constituents" is a prepositional phrase. So, the plural verb "are" is incorrect since it refers to the singular "politician," and should be replaced with the singular verb "is." The corrected sentence reads, "The politician, along with his many constituents, is opposed to the new reforms being enacted by the government."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen is its best marketing technique. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen is its best marketing technique. No error
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Here, the verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “aromas.” The corrected sentence reads, "The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen are its best marketing technique."
Here, the verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “aromas.” The corrected sentence reads, "The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen are its best marketing technique."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The days immediately following the treatment has always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The days immediately following the treatment has always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon. No error
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In this sentence the verb “has always been” does not agree in number with the plural subject “days.” The corrected sentence would read: The days immediately following the treatment have always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon.
In this sentence the verb “has always been” does not agree in number with the plural subject “days.” The corrected sentence would read: The days immediately following the treatment have always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Shana, Joe, and Marcel was incredible in each of their performances and the audience rewarded them through cheers and applause. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Shana, Joe, and Marcel was incredible in each of their performances and the audience rewarded them through cheers and applause. No error
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Shana, Joe, and Marcel are three nouns grouped together (as indicated by the "and"), and thus are effectively a plural noun. "Was" is used in reference to a singular subject; in this sentence, "was" should be "were" (e.g. "Shana, Joe, and Marcel were incredible . . .").
Shana, Joe, and Marcel are three nouns grouped together (as indicated by the "and"), and thus are effectively a plural noun. "Was" is used in reference to a singular subject; in this sentence, "was" should be "were" (e.g. "Shana, Joe, and Marcel were incredible . . .").
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The frequency with which her father was bringing home bushels of raw beets were concerning to Kathy. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The frequency with which her father was bringing home bushels of raw beets were concerning to Kathy. No error
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In this sentence, the verb “were” does not agree with the singular subject “frequency.” The corrected sentence reads, "The frequency with which her father was bringing home bushels of raw beets was concerning to Kathy."
In this sentence, the verb “were” does not agree with the singular subject “frequency.” The corrected sentence reads, "The frequency with which her father was bringing home bushels of raw beets was concerning to Kathy."
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When it comes to me working out, I prefer to do so in the morning, when the gym is busier. No error
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When it comes to me working out, I prefer to do so in the morning, when the gym is busier. No error
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"Me" should be "my." The gerund, "working out" should have its subject in the possessive case. "Me" is in the objective case.
"Me" should be "my." The gerund, "working out" should have its subject in the possessive case. "Me" is in the objective case.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The closet of shoes are hard to open; the door has swollen due to the massive amount of rain this spring. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The closet of shoes are hard to open; the door has swollen due to the massive amount of rain this spring. No error
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This question tries to confuse you by putting "shoes" after "closet." "Are" should be "is" as "closet" is the subject of the verb.
This question tries to confuse you by putting "shoes" after "closet." "Are" should be "is" as "closet" is the subject of the verb.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The tennis courts, which are made of clay and often wet after a bad storm, is my least favorite place to play sports. No error
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The tennis courts, which are made of clay and often wet after a bad storm, is my least favorite place to play sports. No error
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This question separates the subject and verb with a complicated clause. Pay attention to whether the subject and verb agree. "Is" should be "are."
This question separates the subject and verb with a complicated clause. Pay attention to whether the subject and verb agree. "Is" should be "are."
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When Mary was cleaning her house, she discovered that hidden behind the bookshelf were a pile books. No error
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When Mary was cleaning her house, she discovered that hidden behind the bookshelf were a pile books. No error
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This sentence puts the subject after the verb. "Pile" is singular and "were" should be "was."
This sentence puts the subject after the verb. "Pile" is singular and "were" should be "was."