SAT Writing : Identifying Noun-Noun Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #21 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Passionate about computers, Kevin and Roy decided to become a software engineer and start a company in their hometown. No error
No error
in their hometown
a software engineer
Passionate about computers
decided to
a software engineer
The phrase "a software engineer" is incorrect because there are two subjects in the sentence. The subject is plural, so the phrase must also be plural. The correct phrase would be "software engineers."
Example Question #22 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Watching the Olympic 5000m final, Bob was amazed at the runners' combination of endurance and running quickly. No error
running quickly
was amazed
No error
runners'
Watching the Olympic 500m final
running quickly
The phrase "running quickly" does not have parallel structure with "endurance." In order for this sentence to be correct, and for the structure to be correctly parallel, the "runners' combination" must either be two traits, like "endurance and fortitude," or two verbs in the same tense.
Example Question #23 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined portion of the sentence below that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The five best friends all vowed to become a great lawyer when they got older. NO ERROR
NO ERROR
The five
older.
vowed
a great lawyer
a great lawyer
"The five best friends" are plural at the beginning of the sentence, we know that while each of them individually might become "a great lawyer" as a group, they would be vowing to become "great lawyers." As such, that part of the sentence should be corrected.
Example Question #24 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
After Emily picked out a dress, tights, and a pair of shoes in the newly opened store, she paid for it at the counter. No error
picked out
No error
a pair of shoes
it
newly opened
it
This question is looking for agreement between the nouns in the sentence—"a dress, tights, and a pair of shoes" and "it." Since Emily is buying multiple items, "a dress, tights, and a pair of shoes" is plural and the corresponding noun of "it" should be as well. "It" is singular and therefore incorrect; the second half of the sentence should be fixed to "she paid for them at the counter."
Example Question #25 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.
Most bears have really large claw and can climb trees at extremely well. No error
claw
No error
extremely
climb
Most
claw
The "bears" (plural), many of them, have more than one claw each. "Claw" must be replaced with the singular "claw."
Example Question #26 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.
Nikki and Reena hope to become the world's most famous dancer some day. No error
world's
most
dancer
hope
No error
dancer
Since there are two people in the sentence, they cannot become one single dancer. Since "Nikki and Reena" are connected with "and," and are not separated into individual grammatical units by another conjunction the word "dancer" must be changed to "dancers" so that both nouns agree.
Example Question #27 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.
When a manager is sick, they should call Lisa in the Human Resources Department. No error
is sick
they
manager
No error
in
they
Since the subject, "manager," is singular, the pronoun should be he or she, not they. "They" refers to a subject that is plural. The noun and pronoun in the sentence do not agree.
Example Question #27 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.
Each individual has their right to the freedom of speech and expression according to the Constitution. No error
according to
freedom
Each
their
No error
their
Since the subject of the sentence is "each individual," the pronoun should be "his or her." "Their" refers to a large group, not individuals within that group, thus the noun and pronoun do not agree.
Example Question #28 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.
Every time a medical student has the opportunity to treat a patient, their self esteem and confidence levels increase. No error
their
medical student
No error
opportunity
treat
their
The subject of the sentence is "student," which is singular; however the pronoun is "their", which is plural. "Their" should be replaced with "his or her" so that it agrees with the singular noun.
Example Question #29 : Identifying Noun Noun Agreement Errors
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences may contain no error at all.
A geese has a long neck and is considered to be a wild animal. No error
No error
to be
a long
is considered
geese
geese
Geese is the plural form of goose. The word "geese" should be replaced by "goose". This is because the rest of the sentence is in singular form, particularly words such as neck and animal. Also, because the singular article "a" is used, this also necessitates the singular form "goose."
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