Digital SAT Writing: Subject-Verb Agreement

On the Digital SAT, the Writing and Language section tests your ability to edit text for clarity and correctness. A cornerstone of this skill is subject-verb agreement—the rule that a verb must match its subject in number (singular or plural) and person. Mastering this isn't just about memorizing rules; it’s about developing a sharp eye for the true subject of a sentence, especially when the test deliberately places distracting words between it and the verb. This concept is a high-yield area where focused practice can lead to significant score gains.

Identifying the True Subject

The most common trick the SAT uses is to separate the subject from its verb with intervening phrases. Your first and most crucial step is to ignore everything between the subject and the verb to check for agreement.

Prepositional phrases are the primary culprit. A prepositional phrase begins with words like of, in, to, for, with, on, at, by. The object of the preposition is never the subject of the sentence. For example:

The collection of rare coins is valuable.

Here, the subject is the singular "collection," not "coins." The phrase "of rare coins" is a distraction. Mentally crossing it out—"The collection...is valuable"—makes the agreement clear.

Relative clauses (clauses starting with who, which, that) and other descriptive phrases can also intervene. Locate the core subject and verb of the main clause.

The scientist who discovered three new species is receiving an award.

The main subject is "scientist," and its verb is "is receiving." The clause "who discovered three new species" just describes the scientist; it doesn't affect the verb for the main subject.

Navigating Complex Subject Structures

Once you can reliably find the simple subject, you must apply agreement rules to more complex subject forms.

Compound subjects connected by and are almost always plural and require a plural verb.

The piano and the cello sound beautiful together.

However, if the compound subject is considered a single unit or refers to the same person/thing, it takes a singular verb.

Macaroni and cheese is my favorite comfort food.

For compound subjects joined by or, nor, either/or, neither/nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to it.

Neither the players nor the coach is responsible.

Either the manager or the employees are attending.

Collective nouns (like team, family, group, committee) are singular when the group acts as one unit. They are plural only when the sentence emphasizes the individual members acting separately, which is rare on the SAT. When in doubt on the test, treat collective nouns as singular.

The committee has reached its decision. (Acting as one unit)

Mastering Special Cases: Pronouns and Inversion

Some of the most frequently tested agreement questions involve pronouns and unusual sentence structures.

Indefinite pronouns must be memorized by their inherent number.

• Always singular: each, either, neither, anyone, anybody, anything, everyone, everybody, everything, someone, somebody, something, no one, nobody, nothing.
• Always plural: both, few, many, several.
• Can be singular or plural depending on context: some, any, none, all, most. Look at the object of the following prepositional phrase.

Most of the pie has been eaten. (Most refers to singular "pie")

Most of the cookies have been eaten. (Most refers to plural "cookies")

Inverted sentence structures flip the typical subject-verb order. This happens in questions and in sentences beginning with here, there, or prepositional phrases. The verb still agrees with the subject that follows it.

There are several reasons for this change. (Subject: "reasons")

On the wall hang two beautiful portraits. (Subject: "portraits")

Common Pitfalls

1. Being Distracted by Intervening Phrases: The SAT will place plural nouns right next to the verb to tempt you. Always return to the sentence's core subject.

• Incorrect: The list of required items are on the desk.
• Correction: The list of required items is on the desk.

2. Misidentifying the Subject in Inverted Sentences: In "Here is/are" or "There is/are" constructions, the subject comes after the verb. Ensure you match the verb to that later subject.

• Incorrect: There is many opportunities available.
• Correction: There are many opportunities available.

3. Misjudging Indefinite Pronouns: Forgetting that words like "everyone" and "each" are always singular is a common error.

• Incorrect: Each of the candidates have submitted their materials.
• Correction: Each of the candidates has submitted his or her materials.

4. Overcomplicating Compound Subjects with "Or/Nor": The rule is straightforward: the verb agrees with the closer subject. Don't let the first subject sway your choice.

• Incorrect: Either the dancers or the singer are performing first.
• Correction: Either the dancers or the singer is performing first.

Summary

• Find the Core: Ignore prepositional phrases and intervening clauses to identify the true subject of the verb.
• Compound Rules: Subjects joined by and are usually plural; subjects joined by or/nor make the verb agree with the closer subject.
• Know Your Pronouns: Memorize the list of singular indefinite pronouns (each, everyone, nobody). Treat collective nouns as singular on the SAT.
• Flip Your Thinking: In sentences beginning with Here, There, or prepositional phrases, locate the subject after the verb to check agreement.
• Practice Strategically: On test day, physically cross out intervening phrases in the text to visually isolate the subject and verb pair you need to evaluate.