PSAT Writing › 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.
Polydactyl cats can have seven toes on each feet, a fact that makes me wonder whether the extra digits make it easier for them to scratch things. No error
feet
seven toes
that makes me wonder whether
easier
No error
The sentence uses the phrase "seven toes on each feet," and this is incorrect because "each" is used to describe a singular noun, but "feet" is plural. Changing "feet" to "foot" corrects this error.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Jordan and Marvin’s mother has decided that they will become a lawyer when they grow up, but they seem more artistically inclined. No error
a lawyer
they
up, but
artistically inclined
No error
This sentence's error is a discrepancy in number. Two children are mentioned, "Jordan and Marvin," so logically, they would grow up to become two different lawyers. The sentence uses the singular noun "a lawyer" where it should use the plural noun "lawyers," so "lawyer" is the correct answer.
The corrected sentence reads, "Jordan and Marvin’s mother has decided that they will become lawyers when they grow up, but they seem more artistically inclined."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
All three of the pumpkins that Gerald entered into the contest became a top-ten winner; needless to say, he was thrilled. No error
a top-ten winner
that
entered into
was thrilled
No error
In this sentence, there is a discrepancy in number. There are three pumpkins, so there should be multiple winners. The corrected sentence reads: "All three of the pumpkins that Gerald entered into the contest became top-ten winners; needless to say, he was thrilled."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Bob and Frank won the prize for first and second place in the elementary school baking contest. No error
the prize
won
in
elementary school baking contest
No error
This sentence refers to two prizes, first and second, for two people, Bob and Frank. The plural noun "prizes" should be used. The corrected sentence reads, "Bob and Frank won the prizes for first and second place in the elementary school baking contest."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The professor decided that all of his students should become a fan of his favorite violinist, so he lent them CDs so that they could listen to the music. No error
a fan
all of
so he
they
No error
"Students" is plural, so the plural word "fans" should be used in the sentence. However, the word used in the sentence as it is written is the singular “fan,” which is incorrect.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
All of my classmates wanted to become a singer when they grew up, except for me. No error
a singer
All of
wanted to
except
No error
There are multiple classmates described in the sentence. Therefore, there should also be multiple (or plural) singers. However, the word here is the singular, “singer,” which is incorrect.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Lewis and Clark, the now legendary explorers of the Louisiana Purchase, were chosen for their scientific knowledge and skills as a frontiersman. No error
skills as a frontiersman
legendary
were chosen
their
No error
This sentence has a discrepancy in number. Lewis and Clark are two different people, so they are two different frontiersmen. The corrected sentence reads: "Lewis and Clark, the now legendary explorers of the Louisiana Purchase, were chosen for their scientific knowledge and skills as frontiersmen."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Dedication, hard work, and attention to detail are all an important factor in determining success. No error
an important factor
and attention to detail
are
determining
No error
As with pronouns, when a noun or group of nouns is replaced in a sentence by another noun, they must agree in number. The multiple subjects "Dedication," "work," and "attention" call for a plural word. A simple correction would be "important factors"
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Reading, writing, and arithmetic are essential skill to learn in elementary school. No error
skill
No error
and
are
in elementary school
There is a discrepancy in the agreement of nouns in this sentence. "Reading, writing and arithmetic" require the plural form of "skill," "skills." Multiple subjects require a plural predicate to match their form. "Reading, writing, and arithmetic" are not being discussed as a unified group (which is an exception requiring a singular predicate), so the agreement must be plural, because several subjects are being discussed.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera were both well-known and talented Mexican painter. No error
painter
and her
were both
talented
No error
In this sentence, there are two individuals, both painters, so the object should reflect that number. The corrected sentence reads, "Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera were both well-known and talented Mexican painters."