PSAT Writing › 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 events director, along with the administrative staff, are responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly. No error
are
along with
making sure
smoothly
No error
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the number of the subject. The subject is singular (the administrative staff is in a modifying phrase and doesn’t count), so the correct verb form would be “is.” The corrected sentence reads, "The events director, along with the administrative staff, is responsible for making sure the entire program runs smoothly."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The agencies collaborating on the investigation is preparing a joint statement to share their findings with the press. No error.
is preparing
collaborating on
to
their findings
No error.
In this sentence, the verb “is preparing” does not match its plural subject “agencies.” The corrected sentence reads, "The agencies collaborating on the investigation are preparing a joint statement to share their findings with the press."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, were what fascinated Peter the most. No error
were
all
sloth, out
the most
No error
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. “Were” should go with a plural subject, but here the subject “the sloth” is singular. The corrected sentence reads, "The sloth, out of all the zoo animals, was what fascinated Peter the most."
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.
During the period of English colonialism, the reigning monarch, rather than elected officials, were responsible for nearly all political matters. No error
were
During
rather than
for
No error
The subject of this sentence is "the reigning monarch," which is singular, but the verb "were," which refers to "the reigning monarch," is plural. "Were" should be changed to "was" to match the singular subject.
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The ash trees that line the long driveway up to the mansion is diseased and likely to die soon. No error.
is diseased
that
up to
soon
No error.
This sentence has a problem with subject-verb agreement. The subject “trees” is plural, but the verb “is” is singular. The corrected sentence reads: "The ash trees that line the long driveway up to the mansion are diseased and likely to die soon."
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
do
at the
as well as
a lot
No error
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.”
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 buy
to approve
No error
of items
Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The politician, along with his many constituents, are opposed to the new reforms being enacted by the government. No error
constituents, are
along with
being enacted
No error
opposed to
It is easy to think that the verb "are" refers to "constituents," but in this case ("The politician, along with his many constituents, are . . ."), the verb refers back to "politician," since "along with his many constituents" is a prepositional phrase. So, the plural verb "are" is incorrect since it refers to the singular "politician," and should be replaced with the singular verb "is." The corrected sentence reads, "The politician, along with his many constituents, is opposed to the new reforms being enacted by the government."
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The best part of running with bulls are the expressions on other peoples' faces as they try to stay one step ahead of the beasts behind them. No error
are
try to
ahead
them
No error
The subject in this part of the sentence is "best part of running with the bulls." Here, "best part" is the subject, while "of running with the bulls" is a prepositional phrase that modifies "best part." Therefore, since "part" is singular, the subject is actually singular, and should be accompanied by a singular verb, "is," not"are."
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
are
who
acting
to begin
No error
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.