This question type again requires you to identify a mismatch between the subject and the main verb. These questions operate by trying to make the subject of the sentence appear plural when it is actually singular. They frequently include three phrases that are singular:

        1) Each of
        Each of the pigeons is trained to dance. (Each of the pigeons is trained to dance.)
        Each of the books on the shelves was old. (Each of the books on the shelves was old.)

        2) One of
        One of the rules is posted on the wall. (One of the rules is posted on the wall.)
        One of our teachers dresses as a clown. (One of our teachers dresses as a clown.)

        3) Which of
        He knows which of the cookies tastes best. (He knows which of the cookies tastes best.)
        She wonders which of the colleges is best. (She wonders which of the colleges is best.)

SAMPLE PRACTICE QUESTION FOR SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT (THE ONES)

        Each of the animals in the Amazon tributaries command
                                                                                            (A)
        as much respect among the locals for the ability to
        (B)                           (C)
        injure, or even kill, as the dancing catfish. No Error
                         (D)                                                    (E)

You may immediately recognize that “each” takes the singular form and matches with the verb “commands”. Alternately, you may remember that a subject cannot appear after a preposition and begin crossing out until you have something similar to this:

        Each of the animals in the Amazon tributaries command
                                                                                            (A)
        as much respect among the locals for the ability to
        (B)                           (C)
        injure, or even kill, as the dancing catfish. No Error
                         (D)                                                    (E)

Now you can more easily see that “each” is the subject and is singular. Therefore “command” (A) is incorrect and should be “commands”.

SAT Writing: Using Subject - Verb Agreement

Lesson Includes:

—Explanation of Subject - Verb Agreement

—Sample Practice Question

—Practice Question

SAT Math

SAT Reading

SAT Writing

SAT Vocabulary

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT (THE ONES) REVIEW QUIZ

 

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