Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors - SAT Writing
Card 0 of 268
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Stephanie claims that she wants to attend college after graduation, but her poor attitude about studying during senior year do not indicate that she enjoys being a student. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Stephanie claims that she wants to attend college after graduation, but her poor attitude about studying during senior year do not indicate that she enjoys being a student. No error
"Her poor attitude about studying" is the subject of this clause, so the verb must agree with the singular subject "attitude." Therefore, the correct verb should be "does"—her attitude "does not indicate."
"Her poor attitude about studying" is the subject of this clause, so the verb must agree with the singular subject "attitude." Therefore, the correct verb should be "does"—her attitude "does not indicate."
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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
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
Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."
Watch for subject/verb agreement. Two singular nouns (President and Congress) connected by "or" require a singular verb—"was" instead of "were."
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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
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
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.
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.
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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
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
This sentence puts the subject after the verb. "Pile" is singular and "were" should be "was."
This sentence puts the subject after the verb. "Pile" is singular and "were" should be "was."
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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
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
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."
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."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The trail of ants, which crossed the entire kitchen floor and disappeared into the cabinet, were new arrivals this morning. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The trail of ants, which crossed the entire kitchen floor and disappeared into the cabinet, were new arrivals this morning. No error
The predicate of this sentence does not match in number with the single subject “trail.” The corrected sentence reads: The trail of ants, which crossed the entire kitchen floor and disappeared into the cabinet, was a new arrival this morning.
The predicate of this sentence does not match in number with the single subject “trail.” The corrected sentence reads: The trail of ants, which crossed the entire kitchen floor and disappeared into the cabinet, was a new arrival this morning.
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
We have all been taught that dinosaurs is a types of reptile that went extinct a long time ago. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
We have all been taught that dinosaurs is a types of reptile that went extinct a long time ago. No error
"Dinosaurs" is in its plural form, and needs to be accompanied by a verb also in the plural form. Thus, "is a" contains the sentence's error, and should be changed to "are."
"Dinosaurs" is in its plural form, and needs to be accompanied by a verb also in the plural form. Thus, "is a" contains the sentence's error, and should be changed to "are."
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The bald eagle, a symbol of American freedom and justice, are no longer considered to be threatened.
The bald eagle, a symbol of American freedom and justice, are no longer considered to be threatened.
The verb “are” does not agree in number with its singular subject “bald eagle.” The corrected sentence reads: The bald eagle, a symbol of American freedom and justice, is no longer considered to be threatened.
The verb “are” does not agree in number with its singular subject “bald eagle.” The corrected sentence reads: The bald eagle, a symbol of American freedom and justice, is no longer considered to be threatened.
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The embellished facades in the city’s downtown is a major attraction for tourists from around the world.
The embellished facades in the city’s downtown is a major attraction for tourists from around the world.
The verb “is” does not match in number with the subject “facades.” The corrected sentence reads: The embellished facades in the city’s downtown are a major attraction for tourists from around the world.
The verb “is” does not match in number with the subject “facades.” The corrected sentence reads: The embellished facades in the city’s downtown are a major attraction for tourists from around the world.
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The salami and chorizo in the refrigerator is very salty, so you may want to serve some water with it so that your guests will be comfortable. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The salami and chorizo in the refrigerator is very salty, so you may want to serve some water with it so that your guests will be comfortable. No error
The subject in this sentence is “salami and chorizo,” which is plural. Therefore, the corresponding verb should be plural as well. Therefore, “is,” being singular, is incorrect. The proper verb is “are.”
The subject in this sentence is “salami and chorizo,” which is plural. Therefore, the corresponding verb should be plural as well. Therefore, “is,” being singular, is incorrect. The proper verb is “are.”
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Kiera only knits when she is upset, so her current desire to knit blankets for her entire family are a worrisome sign. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Kiera only knits when she is upset, so her current desire to knit blankets for her entire family are a worrisome sign. No error
The verb "are" needs to agree with the subject "desire," so it must be singular—Kiera's desire to knit "is" a worrisome sign.
The verb "are" needs to agree with the subject "desire," so it must be singular—Kiera's desire to knit "is" a worrisome sign.
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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
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
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."
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."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seems out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seems out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure. No error
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject “rhododendrons and lilacs” is plural, but “seems” agrees with a singular noun. The corrected sentence reads, "The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seem out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure."
In this sentence, the verb does not agree with the subject. The subject “rhododendrons and lilacs” is plural, but “seems” agrees with a singular noun. The corrected sentence reads, "The rhododendrons and lilacs that line the garden path seem out of place in the shadow of the concrete structure."
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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
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
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."
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."
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leader of the region’s dairy production. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leader of the region’s dairy production. No error
This sentence is about two families (plural) that are successful. The sentence has them becoming the leader (singular) in the region. This discrepancy in number is an error. The corrected sentence reads: The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leaders of the region’s dairy production.
This sentence is about two families (plural) that are successful. The sentence has them becoming the leader (singular) in the region. This discrepancy in number is an error. The corrected sentence reads: The two families developed their farms in friendly competition and eventually became the leaders of the region’s dairy production.
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Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelm the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed. No error
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelm the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed. No error
In this sentence, the verb “overwhelm” does not agree with the singular subject “the physicality.” The corrected sentence reads: "The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelms the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed."
In this sentence, the verb “overwhelm” does not agree with the singular subject “the physicality.” The corrected sentence reads: "The physicality in the performance of each and every one of the dancers overwhelms the audience; nobody can describe what they have just witnessed."
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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
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
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.
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.
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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
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
Watch out for subject/verb agreement. Here the subject is "donation," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."
Watch out for subject/verb agreement. Here the subject is "donation," which is singular, so the verb should be "is."
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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
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
Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
Look for subject/verb agreement: here the subject is "list," not "items," so the correct verb would be "was."
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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
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
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."
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."
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