SAT Writing : Correcting Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
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.
Example Question #21 : 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 jury could not make up its minds to render a verdict.
they're
their
its
his or her
there
their
By itself, "jury" is treated as a singular, collective noun. If you only had the word "jury," the correct corresponding prounoun would be "its"; however, given that the antecedent is not only "jury," but "members of the jury," the correct pronoun is plural: "their."
Example Question #22 : 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 asked if my partner and me could get an extension on our term paper.
it
he
me
she
I
I
If the subject of a sentence is the speaker (e.g. the subject of the sentence is the pronoun "I"), there are two potential pronouns to use after that. The first is "I" a second time, and the second is "me." To determine which is correct, delete everything else from the sentence except for the part of the sentence where the second pronoun operates. In the case above, "me could get an extension on my paper" is clearly incorrect, and "me" should be replaced by "I."
Example Question #23 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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.
Everyone must do their part, or the project will never be finished on time.
they're
their
theirs
there
his or her
his or her
"Everyone" is treated as a singular noun, therefore the proper prounoun to use with it is "his or her."
Example Question #24 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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.
No mother should have to bury their child.
his
they're
there
their
her
her
"Mother" is a singular noun, therefore the proper prounoun to use with it is "her."
Example Question #25 : Correcting Pronoun Antecedent 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 students really looked up to they're teacher, he was one of the best.
they're
there
his or her
their
our
their
The proper possessive pronoun for the antecedent the students is "their."
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