PSAT Writing : Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing
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Example Questions
Example Question #61 : 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.
He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there were work to be done. No error
and take
No error
wanted to
but
were
were
The verb “were” should match its subject “work.” The corrected sentence reads, "He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there was work to be done."
Example Question #61 : 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 three cars, which are blue, is faster than those of my friend Bob. No error
is
those of
are
which
No error
is
The subject "cars" is plural, so you must use "are" and not "is."
Example Question #62 : 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 stalemate between the Democrats and Republicans in Washington D.C. have caused many Americans to become disillusioned with their federal government. No error
have
No error
between
their
caused
have
While "Democrats and Republicans" would agree with the verb "have," the actual subject of the sentence is "stalemate," a singular noun, which does not agree with the verb "have" in number. Because the subject "stalemate" is singular, the verb must be singular as well. So, "have" should be changed to "has."
Example Question #63 : Identifying Subject Verb 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. 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
No error
busier
Me
do so
prefer
Me
"Me" should be "my." The gerund, "working out" should have its subject in the possessive case. "Me" is in the objective case.
Example Question #64 : Identifying Subject Verb 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. 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
place
is
often wet
No error
which
is
This question separates the subject and verb with a complicated clause. Pay attention to whether the subject and verb agree. "Is" should be "are."
Example Question #65 : Identifying Subject Verb 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. 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
hidden
discovered
were
No error
was
were
This sentence puts the subject after the verb. "Pile" is singular and "were" should be "was."
Example Question #55 : 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 committee reviewing the programs offered by the center that the quality of the baking classes were generally subpar. No error
No error
were generally subpar
decided that
offered
reviewing
were generally subpar
In "were generally subpar," the verb "were" is used with plural subjects, so it does not correlate with the singular subject of the sentence, "quality." This is a tricky question, as some students might think that "baking classes" is the subject; however, "baking classes" appears in a prepositional phrase, so "baking classes" cannot be the subject, and "quality" is in fact the subject of the sentence.
Example Question #66 : 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 quetzal, a tropical bird, is famous for its brightly colored feathers, which is bright shades of green and red. No error.
which is
green and red
No error.
its
The quetzal, a tropical bird, is
which is
In this sentence, the plural noun "feathers" does not agree with the verb "is" that refers to it. So, instead of saying "which is," the sentence should say "which are" in order to be grammatically correct. So, the corrected sentence would read, "The quetzal, a tropical bird, is famous for its brightly colored feathers, which are bright shades of green and red."
Example Question #67 : 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 supply of oranges are limited this year because of freezing temperatures in California. No error
No error
are limited
freezing temperatures
this
because of
are limited
The verb "are" agrees with a plural noun, but here its subject is singular: "supply." The corrected sentence reads, "The supply of oranges is limited this year because of freezing temperatures in California."
Example Question #69 : 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 book of fairy tales are one of the grandfather's favorite books to read to his grandchildren before they fall asleep at night. No error
books
No error
are
grandchildren
asleep
are
The subject, "the book of fairy tales" is singular, as the phrase refers to a single book. The fact that there are multiple "tales" within the book does not make the subject plural. The corresponding verb in this case should be "is," not "are."
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