SAT Writing : Correcting Modifier-Word Modified Agreement Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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 repeats the underlined portion as it is written.
The belief in evil spirits remains quite widespread in many different part of the world.
many different part of the world.
many differentiated part of the world.
many different part of the world.
many different parts of the world.
many different part of a world.
many different parts of the world.
The error in the underlined portion of the sentence is its use of the singular form "part" after the adjectives "many different." As both adjectives indicate the plurality of the noun they describe, the singular noun "part" needs to be a plural noun to correct the error. "Many different parts of the world" is the correct answer choice because it is the only one in which this error is corrected.
Example Question #3 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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.
Unlike the plants at this local greenhouse, which has been around for thirty years, that at the chain store are wilted and dying.
that at the chain store are wilted and dying.
those at the chain store are wilted and dying.
them at the chain store is wilted and dying.
them at the chain store are wilted and dying.
that at the chain store is wilted and dying.
those at the chain store are wilted and dying.
Because "the plants" is a plural subject, the corresponding pronoun must be a plural subject pronoun. "Those" is the word that matches.
Example Question #2 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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.
Peter believed that, despite all of the differing opinion on the subject, his theory about particle physics would be proven correct one day.
despite all of the differing opinion on the subject
despite all of differing the opinion on the subject
despite all of the differing subject on the opinion
despite all of the opinion differing on the subject
despite all of the differing opinions on the subject
despite all of the differing opinions on the subject
The phrase "all of" indicates that the noun it is modifying in the sentence should be plural. Therefore, "opinion" should be "opinions," and the correct phrase is "despite all of the differing opinions on the subject."
Example Question #1 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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.
Despite the challenges involved, karate consists of many learnable technique that can be mastered by people from all walks of life.
consists of many learnables technique
consists of technique many learnable
consists of many learnable techniques
consists of many learnables techniques
consists of many learnable technique
consists of many learnable techniques
The adjective "many" in this sentence is intended to modify a plural noun; therefore, the correct phrase should be "many learnable techniques."
Example Question #1171 : Sentence Correction
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 underlined choices repeats the answer as it is written.
Jamie wasn't aware that Lisa didn't want to be treated like those; she preferred to get to know her friends well before she hugged them.
be treated like that
be treated like thats
be treated like this
be treated like these
be treated like those
be treated like that
The error in the sentence is in the use of the word "those," as the remainder of the sentence refers to a specific way Lisa prefers to be treated. Therefore, "those" should become "that" and the underlined phrase should become "be treated like that."
Example Question #5 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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 underlined choices repeats the answer as it is written.
Having been alls over the world, Jeremy could confidently say that his favorite place to be is right here in his hometown.
Having alls over the world been
Having been all over the world
Having been over alls the world
Having all been over the world
Having been alls over the world
Having been all over the world
The error in this sentence is the word "alls," which does not follow the rules of standard written English within the context of the sentence. We should change the word to "all," with the correct phrasing as "Having been all over the world."
Example Question #3 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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 underlined choices repeats the answer as it is written.
Kasia was initially confused by all of the different part involved in constructing the cabinet, but she eventually came to understand how everything fit together.
all different of the part
all of the different parts
all the different part
all the part different
all of the different part
all of the different parts
The word "part" must be pluralized in order to reflect the use of the word "all." We should therefore change the phrase to "all of the different parts."
Example Question #4 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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 appeal of art is largely a subjective experience that critics nonetheless take as an objective studies.
an objective studies.
an objective study.
a studies of objectivity.
the study's objective.
the objective studies.
an objective study.
The key issue with the underlined phrase is the simultaneous use of "an" and the plural form "studies." Either the singular "an" or the plural "studies" needs to be changed to make the forms match. "An objective study" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #2203 : 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 complex machine required that all of its many moving piece worked together in order to function.
piecing
to piece
pieces
pieced
piece
pieces
Here, it is clear from the word "many" that the underlined word should be plural. Therefore, the best option is "pieces."
Example Question #5 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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.
Grey herons native to Scandinavia mostly migrate south during the winter, whereas them native to Britain tend to stay sedentary year-round.
them native to britain
these native to Britain
it's native to Britain
those native to Britain
that native to Britain
those native to Britain
Because "grey herons" is a plural subject, the modifying pronoun must also be plural, in this case "those" is correct. Even though this modifier comes later in the sentence, it must still agree with what it modifies.
All SAT Writing Resources
