Agreement
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ACT English › Agreement
Which of the following choices makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
flowing rapid
to flow rapidly
NO CHANGE
flow rapid
Explanation
This is an adjective vs. adverb question. Choice B (to flow rapidly) is correct—"rapidly" (adverb) modifies the verb "flow," describing how the fluid flows. Choice A (to flow rapid) incorrectly uses the adjective "rapid" instead of adverb "rapidly." Adjectives modify nouns; adverbs modify verbs. Choice C (flowing rapid) still uses wrong adjective form. Choice D (flow rapid) creates fragment and uses wrong form. Pro tip: To modify verbs, use adverbs (usually -ly ending).
The box of crayons were on the table when I left. Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
was
is
are
were
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with nouns followed by prepositional phrases. The subject is 'box,' which is singular. The prepositional phrase 'of crayons' describes what the box contains but doesn't make the subject plural. The correct choice is 'was.' Options A ('were'), C ('are'), and D ('is') incorrectly treat the subject as plural or use wrong tense. In agreement questions, always identify the true subject by eliminating intervening prepositional phrases.
The committee, along with its chairperson, was tasked with organizing the annual gala.
are
is
NO CHANGE
were
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with intervening phrases. The true subject is 'committee,' which is a singular collective noun acting as one unit. The phrase 'along with its chairperson' is an intervening prepositional phrase that doesn't affect the verb choice. The singular verb 'was' correctly agrees with the singular subject 'committee.' Choice B 'were' would incorrectly treat the subject as plural, while choices C and D use present tense when past tense is needed. In agreement questions, always identify the true subject by eliminating intervening prepositional phrases.
For a service-learning project, students wrote letters to local officials about improving crosswalk safety. Everyone who signed the petition were asked to include their address so the city could verify residency.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
were asked to include his or her address
NO CHANGE
was asked to include its address
was asked to include their address
Explanation
This question tests pronoun-antecedent agreement and subject-verb agreement with the indefinite pronoun 'everyone.' The antecedent 'everyone' is grammatically singular, requiring the singular verb 'was asked.' Modern usage accepts the plural pronoun 'their' with singular indefinite pronouns for inclusivity. Choice A incorrectly uses the plural verb 'were asked' with the singular subject 'everyone,' while choices C and D use inappropriate pronouns ('his or her' is overly formal in modern usage, and 'its' is incorrect for people). The correct answer combines the singular verb with the accepted plural pronoun.
The number of participants is increasing each year.
was
were
NO CHANGE
are
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with the specific expression 'the number of.' The phrase 'the number of' is always singular because it refers to a specific quantity as one entity. The prepositional phrase 'of participants' doesn't affect the singular nature of 'the number.' The singular verb 'is' correctly agrees with 'the number.' Choice B 'are' would incorrectly treat the subject as plural, while choices C and D use past tense inappropriately. Remember that 'the number of' is singular, while 'a number of' is plural.
The jury is still deliberating its verdict.
are
were
NO CHANGE
was
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with collective nouns emphasizing unity. The subject 'jury' is a singular collective noun acting as one unified body in deliberating. The singular verb 'is' correctly agrees with 'jury.' The use of 'its verdict' further confirms that the jury is acting as a single entity. Choice B 'are' would incorrectly treat the subject as plural, while choices C and D use past tense inappropriately. Collective nouns take singular verbs when emphasizing group unity.
In a feature article about street murals, the writer described how a team of artists planned the design and mixed paint in large buckets. Neighbors stopped to watch as the outlines took shape across the brick wall. Even though the artists worked together, the team of painters are deciding which colors to use for the border before starting the final section.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
were deciding
decide
NO CHANGE
is deciding
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with collective nouns. The subject 'the team' is singular in American English when referring to a group acting as a unit, even with the prepositional phrase 'of painters' suggesting plurality. The original verb 'are deciding' is plural, which does not agree with the singular subject. The correct choice, 'is deciding,' uses the singular verb to match 'team.' Distractors like 'were deciding' shift to past tense, and 'decide' lacks proper conjugation. For collective nouns like 'team' or 'committee,' use a singular verb unless the members are acting individually.
The series of lectures has been enlightening.
have
had
having
NO CHANGE
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with collective expressions. The subject 'series' is singular, referring to one connected set of lectures. The word 'series' has the same form for both singular and plural, but context determines its number. Since it refers to one cohesive set of lectures, the singular verb 'has' correctly agrees with 'series.' Choice B 'have' would incorrectly treat the subject as plural, while choices C and D are inappropriate verb forms. Words like series, species, and means require context to determine singular or plural usage.
One of the solutions were proposed by the engineering team. Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
is
was
are
were
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with indefinite pronouns. The subject is 'one,' which is always singular. The prepositional phrase 'of the solutions' describes which solution is being discussed but doesn't affect the verb agreement. The correct choice is 'was.' Options A ('were') and C ('are') incorrectly treat the subject as plural, while D ('is') uses incorrect present tense when past tense is needed. Indefinite pronouns like one, each, and neither are singular despite being followed by plural prepositional phrases.
At the start of rehearsal, the director asked the cast to gather in a semicircle and listen for changes to the final scene. Several actors had questions about blocking, and the stage manager took notes to update the script. Near the front row, the pair of spotlights above the aisle is flickering, so the crew checks the wiring.
Which choice makes the sentence most grammatically acceptable?
are flickering
have flickered
NO CHANGE
were flickering
Explanation
This question tests subject-verb agreement with collective nouns. The subject 'the pair' is singular when treated as a unit, despite referring to two 'spotlights,' and the prepositional phrase 'of spotlights above the aisle' does not change its number. The original verb 'is flickering' correctly matches the singular subject. Choices like 'are flickering' incorrectly treat 'pair' as plural, while 'were flickering' and 'have flickered' alter the tense without justification. In agreement questions, collective nouns like 'pair' or 'group' are often singular if acting as one entity, so check the context for unity.