SAT Writing › Correcting 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.
The new bylaws of the organization was ratified by a unanimous vote yesterday.
The new bylaws of the organization were
The new bylaws of the organization was
The new bylaws for the organization was
The new bylaws from the organization was
The newer bylaws of the organization was
While the singular verb "was" is next to the singular noun "organization," the subject of the sentence is the plural noun "bylaws." This means that the verb "was" needs to be changed to a plural form; therefore, "The new bylaws of the organization were" is the correct answer choice.
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.
Due to the elliptical shape of celestial orbits, the distance between the sun and the planets vary over time.
the distance between the sun and the planets varies over time.
the distance between the sun with the planets vary over time.
the distance of the sun to the planets vary over time.
the distance between the sun and the planets have varied over time.
the distance between the sun and the planets vary over time.
The answer choice "the distance between the sun and the planets varies over time" is correct. It correctly uses a singular verb—"varies"—to match the singular subject, "distance."
All of the other answer choices are incorrect because they contain a subject-verb number agreement error. They use plural verb forms when they should use singular verb forms instead.
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 argument over the scandal and the authority of the governor have intensified greatly.
the authority of the governor has
whether the governor has authority has
what the authority of the governor is has
the governor's authority have
the authority of the governor have
Because the subject of the sentence is the singular noun argument, the verb have is conjugated incorrectly. The sentence also has a list which requires parallel phrasing. The only choice that corrects both problems is "the authority of the governor has".
No one question the desire to succeed among most students in a competitive school environment.
No one questions
No one question
No question
Nobody question
No questions
The underlined part of the sentence contains a flaw in subject verb agreement. "No one" is properly used as a singular form. Therefore, "no one questions" is the correct answer choice.
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.
Each of the seven gems in the Queen's crown were mined from each of the seven continents on Earth, making it representative of the Queen's desire for a worldwide empire.
was mined from each of the seven continents on Earth
were mined from each of the seven continents on Earth
were mines from each of the seven continents on Earth
were mining from each of the seven continents on Earth
was mining from each of the seven continents on Earth
Although there are seven gems, the subject of the sentence is "Each" of the gems, which is a singular noun. Therefore, the correct phrase uses the singular past verb form—"was mined from each of the seven continents on Earth."
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.
"Only one of the teams are going to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams is going to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
"One team is going to make it to regionals only," said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams are going to make it to regionals." Said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams are going to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams are to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
The singular use of "is going to" is correct, not the plural use of "are going to." This is because the verb "is" is modifying the "one" team that is going to make it, not the plural "teams." The "of the teams" can be taken out to show that one should use "is", not "are": "Only one . . . is going to make it to regionals."
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.
After watching their home team hit the game-winning home run, the group of hometown fans were ecstatic.
the group of hometown fans was ecstatic
the group of hometown fans were ecstatic
the hometown fans in the group was ecstatic
the group was ecstatic with hometown fans
the group of hometown fans became ecstatic
The term "group" is a singular subject; therefore, the verb must be "was," as opposed to "were_._"
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.
Though most people are unaware of it, there is over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.
there are over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.
there is over a hundred varieties of coffee that grow throughout the world.
there are over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.
there is over a hundred varieties of coffees that grow throughout the world.
there is over a hundred varieties of coffee which grow throughout the world.
"There are” is correct because it indicates the existence of more than one thing (e.g., varieties). “Which” is incorrect because it does not follow a comma, nor does it refer to a complement/predicate.
One of the boys are coming over to help build the model car.
One of the boys is coming over
One of the boys are coming over
One boy comes over
One of the boys is came over
One of the boys are came over
The problem with the sentence is that the verb "are" is a plural form, but is matched with "One," a singular noun, even though "boys" is the closest word to the verb in the sentence. The correct answer is "One of the boys is coming over."
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 oldest of the veterans hold a special place of honor in the group.
the veterans holds a special place
the veterans hold a special place
the veterans hold the special place
the veterans holding a special place
the veteran's hold a special place
The verb "hold" is a plural verb, but the subject of the sentence is the singular "The oldest." The verb needs to be changed to a singular form to be in agreement with the subject. The only answer choice that uses the correct verb is "the veterans holds a special place."