Identifying Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
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SAT Reading & 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.
"Our choices have led us to this fell point," he said, looking around, "and now we've no choices remained." No error
remained
have led
fell
we've
No error
Explanation
This sentence includes several tricky word usages, but only one underlined choice is actually incorrect. "Have led" is an entirely legitimate use of the perfect present tense: the choices the speaker has made over time led up to this moment. "Fell" is used here in an unusual adjective form, which means "fierce, cruel, or terrible." "We've" is momentarily tempting, since we're used to seeing "we've" used in perfect tenses, and points to the correct answer because "we've no choices remained" sounds strange. Expanding the contraction, however, clarifies the meaning: restating it as "we have no choices remained" makes it clearer that "remained" should be "remaining."
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
Explanation
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 sloth, out of all the zoo animals, were what fascinated Peter the most. No error
were
all
sloth, out
the most
No error
Explanation
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."
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
Explanation
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
Explanation
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 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
Explanation
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.”
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
Explanation
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.
Mt. McKinley, as well as the other peaks in its range, are nearly impossible to climb unless you’re a seasoned climber with years of experience. No error
are nearly impossible
Mt. McKinley
No error
seasoned
unless you're
Explanation
Here’s a subtle error in subject-verb agreement. The subject of this sentence is “Mt. McKinley,” a singular noun, and not “the other peaks.” Therefore, the correct conjugation of the verb “to be” is “is,” not “are.” In other words, “Mt. McKinley . . . is nearly impossible to climb.”
Select the underlined word or phrase that needs to be changed to make the sentence correct. Some sentences contain no error at all.
Despite the dilapidated exterior of the restaurant, the quality of the meals are always impressive and the small dining room is always crowded. No error
are
Despite
restaurant, the
is always crowded
No error
Explanation
"Are" should be "is." This might seem tricky, because the word right before it is "meals," which is plural, but what is impressive is not the meals but the "quality" of the meals, which is a singular noun, so it needs the singular "is."
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
Explanation
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."