Subject-verb agreement basics — Digital SAT Reading & Writing practice
Find the real subject and match the verb.
Key ideas to know
Ignore Interrupters for Agreement
Choose the correct verb: The collection of rare first editions (is / are) stored in the basement archive.
is. The real subject is collection, which is singular. Ignore the prepositional phrase of rare first editions between subject and verb.
Watch out: Letting the noun right before the verb dictate agreement instead of tracking back to the true subject.
Inverted Sentence Agreement
Fill in the blank: There _____ three major reasons for the delay. (was / were)
were. In there is or are constructions, the subject follows the verb. Reasons is plural, so match it with the plural verb were.
Watch out: Matching the verb to there or here instead of looking past them to find the actual subject.
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Identify the error and correct it: Each of the students have submitted their project on time.
Error: have should be has. Words like each, every, either, and neither are always singular, so they take a singular verb. Correct: Each... has submitted...
Watch out: Assuming each of the students acts like a plural group and using a plural verb.
Present Tense Verb Endings
Pick the correct form: The lead researcher (writes / write) a new report every Friday.
writes. In present tense, singular subjects take verbs ending in s. Researcher is singular, so use writes.
Watch out: Forgetting to add or drop the final s when switching between singular and plural subjects in present tense.
Match Subject to Verb Directly
Complete the sentence: The director of the new marketing campaign (plans / plan) to launch next week.
plans. Find the core noun director, which is singular, and pair it with the singular verb plans. Ignore the prepositional phrase.
Watch out: Letting a nearby plural noun trick you into using a plural verb when the true subject is singular.