ACT English : Simple Subject Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #915 : Correcting Grammatical Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
That man take a walk every morning to stay in shape.
taken
takes
were taken
were taking
NO CHANGE
takes
This question asks you about subject-verb agreement. This sentence contains a singular subject, "man," and in order to agree, the verb must also be singular. The correct singular form of the verb "to take" is "takes."
Example Question #128 : Word Usage Errors
“Bach and German Hymnody”
[31] The great German composer, Johann Sebastian Bach was a member of a prodigiously talented musical family. [32] A significant number of Johann Sebastians ancestors and descendants were musicians of various levels of talent. [33] Although he was known for music of a variety of forms, one of his most enduring legacies is the repertoire of chorale music by which he improved and solidified the world of German congregational singing.
During the period after the Protestant Reformation, a number of hymns were written for use in the common worship of the Christians of the time. [34] The structured form of these compositions were well suited for congregational singing although they would sound strange to our contemporary ears. [35] The harmonies and meters of these hymns are very close in character to the music with which we are familiar. They lack some of the standard structural elements that we take for granted in this form of organized [36] Western music, these small differences would stand out to our sensibilities.
It was the great glory of Johann Sebastian Bach to have harmonized a great number of these hymns, often penning multiple such harmonies. [37] One solitary single melody might be made by Bach into three, four, or even five different harmonic compositions. [38] This amazing feat of musical prowess is no small addition to the original behest of Lutheran hymns that Bach had inherited from his fellow religious brethren. [39] Many of these harmonies remain to this day as classic renditions of these songs. [40] They are sung not only in the German world but in Protestant and Catholic services. [41] Indeed they are even sung in wholly secular concerts thanks to their great beauty!
Interestingly enough, Bach was more recognized as a talented performer, rather than composer, of music in his own lifetime. While he was still composing, knowledge of Bach’s work was limited to music connoisseurs who happened to be physically near places [42] he lived and worked. It was not until the early 19th century, when the first biography of Bach was published, that academic and popular interest [43] truly picked up steam. In the two centuries that followed, his works have continued to proliferate in both religious and purely musical contexts.
This great diffusion of one mans’ work is a testament to his prodigious talent. [44] It also stands as a testament to the fact that Bach’s work came at a pivotal time when the Protestant hymnody was crystallizing, as well as when Western harmonies were coming into a particular expression that is known as the Baroque. [45]
Choose the answer that best corrects section [34].
The structured form of these compositions were well-suited for congregational singing although they would sound
The structured form of these compositions were well suited for congregational singing although they will sound
The structured form of these compositions was well suited for congregational singing although they would sound
NO CHANGE
The structured form of these compositions was well suited for congregational singing although they would sound
Although it could be argued that there should be a comma before "although," the sentence can stand well enough without such a comma. Likewise, it is tempting to combine the compound expression "well suited" with a hyphen, but this is not necessary, as "well" is an adverb modifying the adjective "suited." The main issue in this sentence is the agreement of the subject with its verb. Notice that the subject is "form" and not "compositions." Therefore, the main verb should not be "were." Instead, it should be the singular form "was," which matches the singular number of "form."
Example Question #101 : Simple Subject Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
For the past three years, several applicants to the school with exceptionally high TAST scores was from the Keppville area, piquing the interest of local school officials.
NO CHANGE
are from
be from
were from
is from
were from
In this sentence, the main subject is "several applicants," which is plural because it refers to more than one applicant. Because this subject is plural, the accompanying verb, "was," must be plural as well in order for the subject and verb to agree. Thus, "were" is the most correct form of the verb.
The phrase at the beginning of the sentence, "For the past three years," implies that the verb should be past tense. Therefore, "are" is incorrect as a present tense verb.
Example Question #102 : Simple Subject Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The most common concern is that many of the students does well on tests but lack essential qualities like creativity and independence.
is well
do well
done well
is doing well
NO CHANGE
do well
The underlined verb "does" is describing the actions of the students, so the subject is "many of the students." Since the main subject is plural, the verb must also be plural. The plural form of "does" is "do." Therefore, the correct answer is "do well."
The answer "done well" changes the verb "do" into an adjective "done," so this is incorrect. The answer "is well" and "is doing well" are both singular verbs, which do not agree with the plural subject and thus are also incorrect.
Example Question #918 : Correcting Grammatical Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
The current system, despite the defensive protests, are so opaque that it is easy to conceal discrimination.
is
NO CHANGE
were
am
be
is
The subject of the sentence is "system," which is singular. The verb must also be singular as well. Therefore, the answer is "is."
The verb "am" belongs with "I," and the verb "were" is plural. The verb "be" cannot be used in this context. Therefore, these answers are incorrect.
Example Question #103 : Simple Subject Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
A new lawsuit filed on behalf of the town’s citizens offer strong evidence that the company has lied about its intentions.
to offer strong evidence
offers strong evidence
have offered strong evidence
offering strong evidence
NO CHANGE
offers strong evidence
The subject of the sentence is "lawsuit." The phrase "filed on behalf of the town's citizens" is extra information describing the lawsuit and should not be confused as the subject. Because "lawsuit" is singular, the verb must be singular as well. Therefore, "offers strong evidence" is the most correct answer.
Example Question #104 : Simple Subject Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
These criteria were used to exclude a significant amount of deserving individuals.
was used
was using
NO CHANGE
been used
is used
NO CHANGE
The subject of the sentence is "criteria," which is a plural noun. Therefore, the verb must also be plural. Because "were" is already a plural verb, the answer "NO CHANGE" is correct.
Example Question #105 : Simple Subject Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
He warned the officials that the invasion of new habitats would ruins the city's traditional reputation.
would ruined
would ruining
NO CHANGE
would has ruin
would ruin
would ruin
The subject is "invasion" while the phrase "of new habitats" is only a descriptive prepositional phrase. Because "invasion" is singular, the verb "ruin" must also be singular. Therefore, "would ruin" is correct.
Example Question #106 : Simple Subject Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
After reviewing the contract, I have two modifications I would like to make before signing.
NO CHANGE
I has
I am have
I am has
I having
NO CHANGE
Although the subject "I" is singular, "I" always is paired with the plural form of the verb. Therefore, the correct answer is "NO CHANGE" because the plural form of the underlined verb is "have."
Example Question #104 : Simple Subject Errors
Choose the answer that best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. If the underlined portion is correct as written, choose "NO CHANGE."
Because of his naturally pale complexion, he was often perceived as a sickly child by doctors and teachers.
he were
he been
he being
he are
NO CHANGE
NO CHANGE
The subject, "he," is singular, so the verb must also be singular. Therefore, "he was" is correct, and no change should be made to the sentence.
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