SAT Writing : Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Writing
All SAT Writing Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #61 : 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.
My three cars, which are blue, is faster than those of my friend Bob. No error
No error
are
is
which
those of
is
The subject "cars" is plural, so you must use "are" and not "is."
Example Question #52 : 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 stalemate between the Democrats and Republicans in Washington D.C. have caused many Americans to become disillusioned with their federal government. No error
caused
their
have
between
No error
have
While "Democrats and Republicans" would agree with the verb "have," the actual subject of the sentence is "stalemate," a singular noun, which does not agree with the verb "have" in number. Because the subject "stalemate" is singular, the verb must be singular as well. So, "have" should be changed to "has."
Example Question #53 : Identifying Subject Verb 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 it comes to me working out, I prefer to do so in the morning, when the gym is busier. No error
busier
No error
do so
prefer
Me
Me
"Me" should be "my." The gerund, "working out" should have its subject in the possessive case. "Me" is in the objective case.
Example Question #54 : Identifying Subject Verb 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 tennis courts, which are made of clay and often wet after a bad storm, is my least favorite place to play sports. No error
is
place
which
often wet
No error
is
This question separates the subject and verb with a complicated clause. Pay attention to whether the subject and verb agree. "Is" should be "are."
Example Question #55 : Identifying Subject Verb 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 Mary was cleaning her house, she discovered that hidden behind the bookshelf were a pile books. No error
discovered
No error
hidden
were
was
were
This sentence puts the subject after the verb. "Pile" is singular and "were" should be "was."
Example Question #67 : 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 committee reviewing the programs offered by the center that the quality of the baking classes were generally subpar. No error
reviewing
No error
offered
were generally subpar
decided that
were generally subpar
In "were generally subpar," the verb "were" is used with plural subjects, so it does not correlate with the singular subject of the sentence, "quality." This is a tricky question, as some students might think that "baking classes" is the subject; however, "baking classes" appears in a prepositional phrase, so "baking classes" cannot be the subject, and "quality" is in fact the subject of the sentence.
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.
That university, along with many other schools, have made efforts to encourage diversity in higher education. No error
That university
in higher education
No error
have made
along with
have made
In this sentence, the subject ("university") is modified by the parenthetical phrase "along with many other schools." This should not cause you to lose track of the fact that "university" is the single subject of the sentence, and as such the verb phrase must match it in number. Mentally taking out the modifying phrases leaves the subject-predicate "That university have made," which is obviously incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is "have made," which should be changed to "has made."
Example Question #52 : 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.
Each of my friends are going on vacation this summer, but I am staying home to work on my family's farm. No error
summer, but
family's
am staying
No error
are
are
"Are" should be changed to "is" because "each" is a singular noun. Think of "each" as "every one" or "each one" if it helps you to remember that "each" is singular and therefore pairs with "is" instead of "are."
Example Question #53 : 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.
Despite the dilapidated exterior of the restaurant, the quality of the meals are always impressive and the small dining room is always crowded. No error
are
restaurant, the
No error
is always crowded
Despite
are
"Are" should be "is." This might seem tricky, because the word right before it is "meals," which is plural, but what is impressive is not the meals but the "quality" of the meals, which is a singular noun, so it needs the singular "is."
Example Question #54 : 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.
Mt. McKinley, as well as the other peaks in its range, are nearly impossible to climb unless you’re a seasoned climber with years of experience. No error
Mt. McKinley
seasoned
are nearly impossible
unless you're
No error
are nearly impossible
Here’s a subtle error in subject-verb agreement. The subject of this sentence is “Mt. McKinley,” a singular noun, and not “the other peaks.” Therefore, the correct conjugation of the verb “to be” is “is,” not “are.” In other words, “Mt. McKinley . . . is nearly impossible to climb.”
Certified Tutor
All SAT Writing Resources
