SAT Writing : Correcting Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #1041 : Correcting Grammatical 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 the part different
all different of the part
all of the different part
all the different part
all of the different parts
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 #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.
The appeal of art is largely a subjective experience that critics nonetheless take as an objective studies.
a studies of objectivity.
an objective studies.
an objective study.
the objective studies.
the study's objective.
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 #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. 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
pieces
pieced
piece
to 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 #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.
Grey herons native to Scandinavia mostly migrate south during the winter, whereas them native to Britain tend to stay sedentary year-round.
these native to Britain
that native to Britain
it's native to Britain
those native to Britain
them 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.
Example Question #11 : 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.
Jamie, struggling to comprehend the activity in science class, is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable part.
is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable partses
is puzzled by various of the interchangeable parts
is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable parts
is puzzled with all of the various interchangeable parts
is puzzled by all various interchangeable part
is puzzled by all of the various interchangeable parts
The phrase "all of" requires that the noun that completes that phrase be plural. "All of the... parts" is correct, then.
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. 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.
quickly
fastest
most fast
fast
faster
fastest
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 #13 : 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.
My favorite television show is more highly regarded than you favorite television show.
your
you
yours
my
you're
your
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 #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.
These set of problems that our math teacher gave us is incredibly difficult.
Those
These
This
Their
There
This
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 #15 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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.
In several piece of the country
In several region of the countries
In several regions of the country
In several region of the country
In several part of the country
In several regions of the country
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 #16 : Correcting Modifier Word Modified 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.
he walked slower after the ball.
he walked slow for the ball.
he walked slowly after the ball.
he walked slow after the ball.
he walked slow after the ball.
he walked slowly after the ball.
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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