PSAT Writing : Correcting Subject-Verb Agreement Errors

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for PSAT Writing

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : 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.

Each of the students were sick last week, so the professor canceled the lecture.

Possible Answers:

Each of the students were sick last week, and so the professor canceled the lecture.

Each of the students was sick last week, so the professor canceled the lecture.

Each of the students were sick last week, so the professor has canceled the lecture.

Each of the students were sick last week, so the professor canceled the lecture.

Each of the students have been sick last week, so the professor canceled the lecture.

Correct answer:

Each of the students was sick last week, so the professor canceled the lecture.

Explanation:

The simple subject of the sentence is "Each," so the predicate needs to be singular rather than plural. In this sentence, "Each of the students" is the subject, so we need a singular predicate. The only answer choice that contains a singular predicate for the subject "Each of the students" is "Each of the students was sick last week, so the professor canceled the lecture."

Example Question #1 : Correcting 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.

While everyone has heard of the Hatfields and McCoys, many reports of the number of killings during their famous feud has been exaggerated.

Possible Answers:

number of killings during their famous feud are being exaggerated.

number of killings during their famous feud have been exaggerated.

number of killings during its famous feud has been exaggerated.

number of killings during their famous feud has been exaggerated.

number of killings during their famous feud is exaggerated.

Correct answer:

number of killings during their famous feud have been exaggerated.

Explanation:

This sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement. The sentence's subject is "reports," so the verb "has" needs to be changed to plural "have" in order to agree with the plural subject "reports."

Example Question #4 : Compound Subject Errors

John and Susan runs to the finish line as fast as possible.

Possible Answers:

running to the finish line

runs to the finish line

having run to the finish line

run to the finish line

are run

Correct answer:

run to the finish line

Explanation:

The underlined portion of the sentence contains a verb error with "runs." "John and Susan," while both singular nouns, are together a plural, and need a plural verb form, instead of the singular "runs." "Run to the finish line" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

The boy, among many friends, celebrate his birthday in lavish style.

Possible Answers:

is celibrant

celebrates

is celebrated

having been celebrated

celebrate

Correct answer:

celebrates

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is singular, "the boy," and not the plural "many friends," meaning the verb needs to be singular as well. Additionally, the sentence must keep the same meaning, that they boy is doing the celebrating. "Celebrates" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Autocratic styles of leadership frequently annoys the people who must work under such leaders.

Possible Answers:

frequently annoys

frequently annoy

frequent annoy

frequented annoying

frequent annoys

Correct answer:

frequently annoy

Explanation:

The verb "annoy" is used with the subject "styles," although the prepositional phrase "of leadership" and the adverb "frequently" come between the two words. Therefore, the verb form must take a plural form to match the subject. "Styles...frequently annoy" is the correct answer form.

Example Question #3 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Every one of the new coaches face serious troubles with their teams.

Possible Answers:

the new coach faces

the new coaches face

new coaches face

the new coaches faces

the new coach face

Correct answer:

the new coaches faces

Explanation:

The verb in the sentence, written in the underlined portion as "face," must actually be in the singular form "faces." The subject of the sentence is "every," which is actually a singular form, even though the verb sits next to "new coaches." "The new coaches faces" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

One of the boys are coming over to help build the model car.

Possible Answers:

One boy comes over

One of the boys are coming over

One of the boys are came over

One of the boys is came over

One of the boys is coming over

Correct answer:

One of the boys is coming over

Explanation:

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."

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

There is no players in the league who would be comfortable in such a situation.

Possible Answers:

There's no players

There is no players

There is not players

There are no players

They're no players

Correct answer:

There are no players

Explanation:

The underlined phrase has an incorrect use of the verb "is," as the subject, "players," is a plural form. The verb needs to be similarly plural. "There are no players" is the correct answer choice.

Example Question #2111 : Sat Writing

The youngest girl among the students have dark hair.

Possible Answers:

have dark hair.

have dark hairs.

has darkest hairs.

has dark hair.

have darker hair.

Correct answer:

has dark hair.

Explanation:

The subject of the sentence is "youngest girl," a singular noun. Although the verb is next to the plural "students," a plural, the verb form must be a singular verb. Additionally, a superlative need a comparison to be used appropriately, making "has dark hair" the correct answer choice.

Example Question #1 : Correcting Subject Verb Agreement Errors

Every night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Possible Answers:

Every night for five nights straight were well below freezing.

Every night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Each of the nights for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Each night for five straight nights were well below freezing.

Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing.

Correct answer:

Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing.

Explanation:

The issue with the sentence as it is written is that the subject of the sentence, "every night," is singular, but the verb "were" is plural. The subject and the verb must agree. The correct answer is "Every night for five straight nights was well below freezing."

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