ACT English : Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #61 : Agreement Errors
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.
A hundred miles west of Scotland lie a multitude of interconnected lakes rich in mining exports.
are a multitude
lie a multitude
lies a multitude
there have been a multitude
there are a multitude
lies a multitude
Since "multitude" is a singular subject, its verb must be singular as well. The only answer choice that contains a singular verb is "lies"; the rest incorrectly contain plural verbs.
Example Question #2133 : Sat Writing
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.
Though most people are unaware of it, there is over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.
there is over a hundred varieties of coffees that grow throughout the world.
there are over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.
there are over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.
there is over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.
there is over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.
there are over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.
"There are” is correct because it indicates the existence of more than one thing (e.g., varieties). “Which” is incorrect because it does not follow a comma, nor does it refer to a complement/predicate.
Example Question #62 : Agreement Errors
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.
The members of the group was frequently at odds with their rivals over petty differences.
the group were frequently at odds
the group was frequently in odds
the group was at odds frequently
the group was frequently at odds
the group was frequent at odds
the group were frequently at odds
The use of the singular verb "was" is incorrect with the plural subject "members." Even though the verb is next to the singular group, the verb needs to match the subject. Thus the correct answer choice is "the group were frequently at odds," which is the only choice with the appropriate verb tense.
Example Question #1313 : Gmat Verbal
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.
Despite positive reviews from movie critics, the quality of the young director’s recent films are rather questionable.
the quality of the young Director’s recent films is rather questionable.
the quality of the young directors recent films is rather questionable.
the quality of the young director’s recent films are rather questionable.
the quality of the young Director’s recent films are rather questionable.
the quality of the young director’s recent films is rather questionable.
the quality of the young director’s recent films is rather questionable.
An apostrophe is necessary to show possession, but the word “director” doesn’t need to be capitalized unless it is the official title or nickname of the person. Since “the quality” is singular, the sentence must read, "Despite positive reviews from movie critics, the quality of the young director’s recent films is rather questionable."
Example Question #2132 : Sat Writing
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 treatment of animals in laboratories have become a controversial issue in recent years.
had becoming
having been becoming
have been becoming
have become
has become
has become
The underlined words, the verb phrase "have become," must be in agreement with the subject of the sentence, which is "treatment." In the sentence, treatment is singular, even though it discusses "animals in laboratories." Thus, the singular verb form "has become" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2133 : Sat Writing
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 oldest of the veterans hold a special place of honor in the group.
the veterans hold the special place
the veteran's hold a special place
the veterans holding a special place
the veterans hold a special place
the veterans holds a special place
the veterans holds a special place
The verb "hold" is a plural verb, but the subject of the sentence is the singular "The oldest." The verb needs to be changed to a singular form to be in agreement with the subject. The only answer choice that uses the correct verb is "the veterans holds a special place."
Example Question #282 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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.
Each of the teenagers have a brand new cellular phone.
Each of the teenagers has
Each of the teenagers have
Each teenager have
Each of the teenagers having
Each, of the teenagers, have
Each of the teenagers has
The underlined section of the sentence has a problem with the verb "have." While the verb is situated next to the plural noun "teenagers," the subject of the sentence is the word "each," which is singular. Therefore, the verb needs to be a singular form, and "Each of the teenagers has" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #661 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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 teenager, along with her classmates, object to the school's use of uniforms beginning next year.
The teenager along with her classmates object
The teenager along with her classmates objects
The teenager, along with her classmates, object
The teenager, along with her classmates, objects
The teenager along with her classmates, objects
The teenager, along with her classmates, objects
The issue in the underlined portion of the sentence is that the sentence and verb are not in agreement. While the sentence references "classmates," that is in an interrupting phrase set off by commas, and the subject is the singular "teenager." "The teenager, along with her classmates, objects" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #662 : Correcting Word Usage Errors
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 most challenging thing for young musicians are to listen to the rest of the ensemble.
are listen
is to listen
are listening
is having listened
are to listen
is to listen
The use of "are" is incorrect in the sentence, as it is a plural form and the subject of the sentence, "thing," is in the singular. The verb tense for "are" needs to be adjusted to the singular form; therefore, the correct answer is "is to listen."
Example Question #801 : Improving Sentences
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.
That actor, who gained fame with his early comedic roles, have also given moving performances in dramatic films.
and also has given moving performances
but also gave moving performances
was also being known for moving performances
have also given moving performances
has also given moving performances
has also given moving performances
This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. The subject of the sentence ("That actor") is singular, so change the plural verb "have" to "has." Adding a conjunction ("and" or "but") in this case creates a sentence structure error. To avoid wordiness, stay away from answer choices that add additional "-ing" verbs.
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