SAT Writing : Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Identifying 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.
The benefits of aromatherapy includes reduced stress, increased release of seratonin, and developing a more acute sense of smell. No error
No error
includes
more
benefits
and
includes
The subject here is "benefits," so the verb used needs to correspond to a plural subject. "Includes" corresponds to a singular subject and should actually be "include."
Example Question #12 : Identifying Subject Verb 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.
Densely populated cities and severe pollution is correlated to lower life expectancies and higher rates of birth defects. No error
rates of
expectancies
is
No error
populated
is
The sentence's subject is "densely populated cities and severe pollution." Given that the subject consists of two entities, it is plural. Therefore, the corresponding verb "is" should actually be the plural verb "are."
Example Question #11 : Identifying 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.
The tortoise at the aquarium, as well as some of the older seals, do not generate a lot of excitement from visitors. No error
as well as
at the
a lot
No error
do
do
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject is singular (“as well as some of the seals” is a modifying phrase and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form should be “does,” not “do.”
Example Question #11 : Identifying Subject Verb 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.
A panel of chefs tasted spices produced by three manufacturers, and decided that the spices produced by a local manufacturer was the best. No error
was
by panel of
produced by
that
No error
was
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject, "spices" is plural (“produced by a local manufacturer” is a modifier and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form should be “were,” not "was."
Example Question #21 : Identifying 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.
Kiera only knits when she is upset, so her current desire to knit blankets for her entire family are a worrisome sign. No error
her current desire
No error
her
are
she
are
The verb "are" needs to agree with the subject "desire," so it must be singular—Kiera's desire to knit "is" a worrisome sign.
Example Question #11 : Identifying Subject Verb 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.
Mr. Fredrickson, who takes pride in acting as both a teacher and a mentor to his students, are ready for classes to begin next week. No error
who
are
No error
acting
to begin
are
Although the verb "are" is located close to the plural noun "students," it is actually referring to the subject of the sentence, "Mr. Fredrickson," so the verb should be the singular "is." When checking for subject-verb agreement, it can be helpful to identify just the subject and the verb, ignoring all descriptive phrases and focusing on whether the verb correctly matches the given subject.
Example Question #11 : Identifying Subject Verb 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.
Every morning, I eat a piece of whole grain toast with almond butter because the combination of carbohydrates and protein provide me with energy that lasts until lunch. No error
because
No error
until
eat
provide
provide
The verb "provide" refers to the subject "combination." Because "combination" is a singular noun, the verb needs be changed from "provide" to "provides." The verb may follow the two nouns "carbohydrates and protein," which makes the verb "provide" seem appropriate. However, those nouns are actually part of the prepositional phrase "of carbohydrates and protein." Breaking down a sentence to make sure that each verb agrees with its subject is a good start when looking for sentence errors!
Example Question #21 : Identifying 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.
Not one of Johnny's teachers believe he cheated on his exit exams; however, given the severity of the accusations, the school's administrators forced Johnny to retake all of his exit exams. No error
of Johnny's teachers
believe
however
No error
of
believe
In this sentence, "one" is the subject of the sentence, not "teachers," and "one" is a singular noun. As a result, the verb of the sentence ("believe") needs to match the subject's plurality. Therefore, the verb of the sentence must be singular, too: "Not one of the teachers believes."
Example Question #11 : Identifying Subject Verb 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.
The protest of students, professors, and community members were unsuccessful in their attempt to change the university's policy on sexual assault to include harsher punishments for assailants. No error
No error
on
were unsuccessful in their
to change
harsher
were unsuccessful in their
The subject of the sentence is "protest," not "students, professors, and community members." Thus, the verb of the sentence, "were," is incorrect. The verb must match the plurality of its subject. Since "protest" is singular, the verb must be singular, too: "The protest of students, professors, and community members was unsuccessful."
Example Question #11 : Identifying Subject Verb 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.
Neither Sheila nor Ann have ever gone to the fair without having bought tickets beforehand. No error
have
having bought
gone
beforehand
No error
have
The sentence features two subjects: "Sheila" and "Ann." The word "Neither" classifies them as singular, but the verb "have" is used with plural subjects. To correct this sentence, "have" should be changed to "has."
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