SAT Writing : Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
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Example Question #41 : 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 many facets of the problem leads to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it. No error
many
leads
that
it
No error
leads
In this sentence, the verb “leads” does not agree in number with the subject “facets.” The subject is plural, but the “leads” works with a singular subject. The corrected sentence reads: The many facets of the problem lead to a variety of approaches that we could use to solve it.
Example Question #42 : 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 unexpected donation, along with the other annual contributions, are among the reasons the opera remained open this season. No error
along with
No error
remained open
the reasons the
contribution, are
contribution, are
Watch out for subject/verb agreement. Here the subject is "donation," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."
Example Question #43 : 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 list of items to buy for the parade were given to the treasurer to approve. No error
were given
to approve
to buy
of items
No error
were given
Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
Example Question #41 : 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 journalist is wrong: neither the President nor Congress were responsible for the unintended effects of the bill. No error
No error
of the bill
effects
wrong: neither
were responsible
were responsible
Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."
Example Question #45 : 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.
In the end, neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover where the treasure was buried. No error
was buried
where
No error
neither Jane nor
were able
No error
There is no error. Subjects all agree with their verbs, particularly with the phrase "neither Jane nor her friends were able to discover"—a singular and plural verb connected by "or/nor" requires a plural verb.
Example Question #46 : 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 tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen is its best marketing technique. No error
tantalizing
is
issuing from
its
No error
is
Here, the verb “is” does not agree with the plural subject “aromas.” The corrected sentence reads, "The tantalizing aromas issuing from the restaurant’s kitchen are its best marketing technique."
Example Question #47 : 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 days immediately following the treatment has always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon. No error
No error
but
immediately following
has always been
difficult,
has always been
In this sentence the verb “has always been” does not agree in number with the plural subject “days.” The corrected sentence would read: The days immediately following the treatment have always been the most difficult, but the discomfort will improve soon.
Example Question #51 : 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 children of the lady who brought us a cake yesterday is coming over to play tomorrow. No error
tomorrow
No error
who
is
children of
is
In this sentence, the verb does not match the plural subject. The corrected sentence reads, "The children of the lady who brought us a cake yesterday are coming over to play tomorrow."
Example Question #51 : 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.
To the dismay of the audience, neither the prime minister nor any of his aides were able to attend the banquet. No error.
neither
To
were
any
No error
were
The subject neither is singular, while the verb were is plural. Were should be was.
Example Question #41 : 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.
He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there were work to be done. No error
were
wanted to
and take
No error
but
were
The verb “were” should match its subject “work.” The corrected sentence reads, "He wanted to lay down and take a nice nap, but there was work to be done."
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