SAT Writing : Correcting Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #18 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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 rites of ancient Roman religion are nearly impossible to recreate centuries after it was no longer an active faith.
after it was not an active faith.
after the faith not being active.
after the faith was no longer active.
after it was no longer an active faith.
after it was no longer active as a faith.
after the faith was no longer active.
The phrase as written in the underlined portion makes an odd reference. The subject of the sentence are the "rites," and not the religion. The faith needs to be specifically referenced, as well as being fully grammatically correct; therefore, "after the faith was no longer active" is the correct answer choice.
Example Question #21 : Pronoun Antecedent Number 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.
Even though the army used every weapon at their disposal, the enemy was still able to make it into the base.
Even if the army used every weapon at their disposal
Even though the army used every weapon at their disposal
Even though the army used every weapons at their disposal
Even though the army used every weapon at its disposal
Even though the army uses every weapon at their disposal
Even though the army used every weapon at its disposal
The plural possessive pronoun "their" does not agree with its singular subject, "the army." Even though "the army" represents a group of people, it is a singular noun, and should consequently be modified by the pronoun "its."
Example Question #11 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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.
All of the workers were feeling tired and worn-down that day; none of them did their fair share of the work, and as a consequence, the project remained unfinished.
there
their
his
his or her
they're
his or her
The word being modified by the underlined portion of the sentence above is "none," which is a singular noun. Therefore, you must use a singular possessive to match up with that word. Because the gender of "none" is not specified, we must use "his or her."
Example Question #12 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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.
We finished all of our food an hour ago, I'm already hungry.
our
his
my
her
we're
our
Here, it is clear from the sentence that the food in question belongs to the noun "we." "We" is a plural first-person pronoun. As such, you must use the plural first-person possessive pronoun in conjunction with it: "our."
Example Question #13 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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.
I loaned my car to some friends, Sal and Joe, and they did not take good care of their car; I'm frustrated that they so egregiously abused my property.
her
their
my
they're
his
my
Here, because of the context of other parts of the sentence, we know that the car being referred to belongs to the "I" of the first sentence. Because that "I" is also the speaker, we know that the correct possessive pronoun to use in conjunction with the car is "my."
Example Question #11 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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 members of the company were concerned that their organization was losing their way.
no change
his or her
its
our
it's
its
Here, the word being modified by the possessive pronoun in question is "organization." "Organization" is a singular noun that is also gender neutral. As such, the correct corresponding possessive pronoun is "its."
Example Question #15 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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 reporter was fired for creating fake quotations, though she insisted that it was from real interviews.
though they insisted it was from a real interview.
though she insisted that they were from real interviews
though she insisted that it was from real interviews
though she insisted that it was from a real interview
though they insisted they were from real interviews
though she insisted that they were from real interviews
The pronoun that refers to the "fake quotations" the reporter might have created must also be plural, since its referent is plural. Therefore, the correct pronoun is "they." "She" is the correct singular pronoun, as it refers to "the reporter."
Example Question #16 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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 you are walking along the beach, one should be careful to avoid stepping on jellyfish; even the dead ones can sometimes sting.
it
he
one
we
you
you
Because "you" is the pronoun used in the first part of the sentence, "you" should be used again throughout the sentence. Any subject pronoun would work in these positions; the important thing is consistency and agreement. Whichever pronoun is chosen should be used both times. In this case, with "you" solidified as the first pronoun, "you" must also be used in the second position.
Example Question #17 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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.
Many young saxophone players, including those who go on to play tenor or baritone, note that starting with the alto saxophone was the easiest way for him to learn.
note that starting with the alto saxophone was easiest ways for them to learn
noting that starting with the alto saxophone was the easiest way for him to learn
note that starting with the alto saxophone was the easiest way for him to learn
note that starting with the alto saxophone was the easiest way for them to learn
note that starting with the alto saxophone was the easiest for those to learn
note that starting with the alto saxophone was the easiest way for them to learn
Pronouns must agree with the antecedent to which it refers. In this case, it is "many saxophone players," meaning the pronoun should be the third person plural "them" as opposed to the singular "him."
Example Question #18 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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 reporter was nervous that the mob was after him because of his piece on city corruption.
his
him
the reporter
her
he
him
In the sentence above, the pronoun "him" clearly refers to the reporter in the first part of the sentence. This is gramatically correct—in the second part of the sentence, the reporter is the object, therefore "him" is the appropriate pronoun. The sentence is correct as written.
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