SAT Writing : Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
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Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
My favorite history professor, as well as some of his administrative staff, were asked to resign because fewer students were taking history courses than ever before. No error
as well as
were
because
than
No error
were
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject "professor" is singular (“as well as some of the administrative staff” is a modifying phrase and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form should be “was,” not “were.”
Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Stephanie claims that she wants to attend college after graduation, but her poor attitude about studying during senior year do not indicate that she enjoys being a student. No error
do not indicate
to attend
wants
studying
No error
do not indicate
"Her poor attitude about studying" is the subject of this clause, so the verb must agree with the singular subject "attitude." Therefore, the correct verb should be "does"—her attitude "does not indicate."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
James is a proactive police officer, so although the local rebellious teenagers are annoyed by his strict nature, the overall safety of the town have improved drastically since he was hired. No error
so although
No error
strict nature
are annoyed
have improved
have improved
This is an issue of subject-verb agreement within this independent clause: "the overall safety of the town have improved drastically since he was hired." Simplified, the subject is "safety," which is a singular noun, so the verb must also be singular, making "have improved" incorrect and "has improved" the corrected verb.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
A pair of supportive shoes are important if you are experiencing lower back pain. No error
No error
you
are
are experiencing
supportive
are
The verb "are" agrees with a plural subject, but the subject of this sentence is the singular "pair." Changing "are" to "is" corrects the sentence's error. The corrected sentence reads, "A pair of supportive shoes is important if you are experiencing lower back pain."
Example Question #3 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The paralegal believed that there were an overload of cases in the office, which was creating stress. No error
were
No error
that
of cases in the office
which
were
The verb "were," which is used with plural nouns, corresponds to "overload," which is a singular noun. Therefore, the verb should be "was," to match the singular noun, instead of "were."
Example Question #321 : Identifying Word Usage Errors
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
their
No error
was
through
and
was
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 . . .").
Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
While the young analyst is bothered by the fact that his girlfriend is not very skilled behind the wheel, each of her other redeeming qualities compensate for her driving ability. No error
No error
While
is bothered by
compensate
wheel, each
compensate
The subject of the second part of the sentence is "each of her other qualities." Here, the subject is singular because of the modifier "each of." To make this easier to understand, try reading this part of the sentence as "each one of her other qualities." Therefore, the corresponding verb should be in a form that can be used with a singular noun, "compensates."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Rebecca's preference for caviar and expensive chocolates are not a reflection of what she actually enjoys, but simply a manifestation of her tendency to spend money carelessly. No error
are
but
to spend
No error
preference
are
The subject of the first part of the compound sentence is "Rebecca's preference." This is a singular subject. Therefore, the corresponding verb should be "is," not "are."
Example Question #2 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The salami and chorizo in the refrigerator is very salty, so you may want to serve some water with it so that your guests will be comfortable. No error
is
with it
and
may
No error
is
The subject in this sentence is “salami and chorizo,” which is plural. Therefore, the corresponding verb should be plural as well. Therefore, “is,” being singular, is incorrect. The proper verb is “are.”
Example Question #3 : Identifying Subject Verb Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The best part of running with bulls are the expressions on other peoples' faces as they try to stay one step ahead of the beasts behind them. No error
ahead
try to
are
No error
them
are
The subject in this part of the sentence is "best part of running with the bulls." Here, "best part" is the subject, while "of running with the bulls" is a prepositional phrase that modifies "best part." Therefore, since "part" is singular, the subject is actually singular, and should be accompanied by a singular verb, "is," not "are."
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