PSAT Writing : Identifying Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
In order for a person to balance a career and family, it is essential that they be able to prioritize all the things that must be accomplished. No error
they
able to
that
No error
and
they
The subject of this sentence is "person." Therefore, the pronoun should be the singular "he or she," not the plural "they."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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 flock of geese flew rapidly through the air for miles on end until they became fatigued and had to land to rest. No error
they
miles on end
flock of
had to
No error
they
"Flock of geese" is singular. Therefore, the corresponding verb should refer to a singular subject, not a plural one. "They" should be changed to "it."
Example Question #4 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
That university is particularly known for their strong film program and dedication to the creative arts. No error
is
their
No error
to
dedication
their
This sentence contains a discrepancy in agreement of plurals. "University" is a singular noun, not a plural noun, so the correct possessive pronoun should be "its," not "their."
Example Question #621 : Identifying Sentence Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite their propensity to frighten young children, the garden snake is actually quite harmless. No error
quite harmless
to frighten
their
is
No error
their
The plural pronoun "their" refers to the singular noun "the garden snake". These should agree in number. Changing "their" to "its" corrects the sentence's error. The corrected sentence reads, "Despite its propensity to frighten young children, the garden snake is actually quite harmless."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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 department received most of their funding from private donors who were interested in the research. No error
their
No error
received
interested in
who were
their
The pronoun "their" should refer to a plural noun, but here it refers to the singular noun "department". A singular pronoun should be used: "The department received most of its funding from private donors who were interested in the research."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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.
Although John was excited to meet his new teacher, he was also nervous because he didn't know what their instruction style would be like. No error
their
No error
he didn't know
Although
excited to meet
their
Although the gender of the teacher is not specified, "teacher" is still singular. Therefore, the plural possessive pronoun "their" should not be used. Rather than using "their," the sentence should say "his or her."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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 schools in that area have always been known for its strong academics, athletic program, and up-to-date facilities. No error
No error
have
been known
and
its
its
The subject of the sentence is "schools," a plural noun. So, one should not use "its," a singular possessive pronoun, to refer to "schools," a plural noun. Replacing "its" with "their" would correct the sentence's error.
Example Question #11 : Identifying Pronoun Antecedent 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 mayor has often proposed reductions in the sales tax because shoppers can benefit from this whenever they shop. No error
No error
because
whenever
has often proposed
this
this
Pronouns and their antecedents must agree. In this sentence, "reductions" is plural, while "this" is singular, so "this" contains the sentence's error.
Example Question #391 : 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.
Despite their excellent reputation for successful rebranding projects, the marketing agency was seeing a significant decline in the number of interested clients. No error
was seeing
their
decline in the number
reputation for
No error
their
In this sentence, the plural pronoun “their” does not match the singular noun it refers to, “the marketing agency.” The corrected sentence reads: "Despite its excellent reputation for successful rebranding projects, the marketing agency was seeing a significant decline in the number of interested clients."
Example Question #81 : Identifying 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.
Instead of accepting the aliens’ offer to take over, the humans rejected them and attempted vainly to fight back. No error
Instead of
them
No error
the aliens' offer
vainly
them
This sentence has a disagreement between a pronoun and its antecedent. The “offer” is singular and “them” is plural. The corrected sentence reads, "Instead of accepting the aliens’ offer to take over, the humans rejected it and attempted vainly to fight back."
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