SAT Writing : Correcting Agreement Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing

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Example Questions

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.

Possible Answers:

all different of the part

all of the different parts

all the different part

all the part different

all of the different part

Correct answer:

all of the different parts

Explanation:

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 #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.

The appeal of art is largely a subjective experience that critics nonetheless take as an objective studies.

Possible Answers:

an objective studies.

the study's objective.

an objective study.

a studies of objectivity.

the objective studies.

Correct answer:

an objective study.

Explanation:

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.

Possible Answers:

piecing

to piece

pieces

pieced

piece

Correct answer:

pieces

Explanation:

Here, it is clear from the word "many" that the underlined word should be plural. Therefore, the best option is "pieces."

Example Question #101 : Correcting 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.

Possible Answers:

it's native to Britain

those native to Britain

them native to britain

these native to Britain

that native to Britain

Correct answer:

those native to Britain

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #102 : Correcting 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.

Jamie, struggling to comprehend the activity in science class, is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable part.

Possible Answers:

is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable parts

is puzzled with all of the various interchangeable parts

is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable partses

is puzzled by various of the interchangeable parts

is puzzled by all various interchangeable part

Correct answer:

is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable parts

Explanation:

The phrase "all of" requires that the noun that completes that phrase be plural. "All of the... parts" is correct, then.

Example Question #103 : Correcting 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.

Greyhounds are among the fastest canines in the world.

Possible Answers:

quickly

faster

fastest

fast

most fast

Correct answer:

fastest

Explanation:

In the sentence above, greyhounds are being compared with all other canines. Therefore, the use of the superlative adjective "fastest" is appropriate as written.

Example Question #104 : Correcting 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.

My favorite television show is more highly regarded than you favorite television show.

Possible Answers:

you

you're

your

yours

my

Correct answer:

your

Explanation:

Given that the first part of the sentence indicates that is is comparing two people's favorite shows, the "you" in the second part of the sentence is erroneous. It should be corrected to "your" so that the comparison makes sense.  

Example Question #105 : Correcting 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.

These set of problems that our math teacher gave us is incredibly difficult.

Possible Answers:

Their

This

There

Those

These

Correct answer:

This

Explanation:

Even though there are multiple problems in the "set of problems," the "set" itself is singular. Therefore, the plural word "These" at the beginning of the sentence should be replaced with "This."

Example Question #106 : Correcting Agreement Errors

Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.

In several region of the country, people fly American flags every single day.

Possible Answers:

In several piece of the country

In several part of the country

In several region of the country

In several region of the countries

In several regions of the country

Correct answer:

In several regions of the country

Explanation:

In the sentence above, the word "region" is being modified by the word several; therefore, we know that region should be plural. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is "In several regions of the country."

Example Question #107 : Correcting Agreement Errors

Choose the answer below which best replaces the underlined section of the following sentence. This should result in a sentence that meets all of the rules of standard written English.

The tired old dog wasn't capable of running anymore, but he still liked to play catch, he walked slow after the ball.

Possible Answers:

he walked slowly after the ball.

he walked slower after the ball.

he walked slow for the ball.

he walked slow after the ball.

he walked slow after the ball.

Correct answer:

he walked slowly after the ball.

Explanation:

In the sentence above, the word "walked" is being modified by the word "slow." This is an error, as you cannot modify a verb with an adjective; you must use an adverb. The best way to correct the underlined portion of the sentence above is "he walked slowly after the ball."

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