Correcting Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
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GMAT Verbal › 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.
The new bylaws of the organization was ratified by a unanimous vote yesterday.
The new bylaws of the organization were
The new bylaws of the organization was
The new bylaws for the organization was
The new bylaws from the organization was
The newer bylaws of the organization was
Explanation
While the singular verb "was" is next to the singular noun "organization," the subject of the sentence is the plural noun "bylaws." This means that the verb "was" needs to be changed to a plural form; therefore, "The new bylaws of the organization were" is the correct answer choice.
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.
Due to the elliptical shape of celestial orbits, the distance between the sun and the planets vary over time.
the distance between the sun and the planets varies over time.
the distance between the sun with the planets vary over time.
the distance of the sun to the planets vary over time.
the distance between the sun and the planets have varied over time.
the distance between the sun and the planets vary over time.
Explanation
The answer choice "the distance between the sun and the planets varies over time" is correct. It correctly uses a singular verb—"varies"—to match the singular subject, "distance."
All of the other answer choices are incorrect because they contain a subject-verb number agreement error. They use plural verb forms when they should use singular verb forms instead.
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The argument over the scandal and the authority of the governor have intensified greatly.
the authority of the governor has
whether the governor has authority has
what the authority of the governor is has
the governor's authority have
the authority of the governor have
Explanation
Because the subject of the sentence is the singular noun argument, the verb have is conjugated incorrectly. The sentence also has a list which requires parallel phrasing. The only choice that corrects both problems is "the authority of the governor has".
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Each of the seven gems in the Queen's crown were mined from each of the seven continents on Earth, making it representative of the Queen's desire for a worldwide empire.
was mined from each of the seven continents on Earth
were mined from each of the seven continents on Earth
were mines from each of the seven continents on Earth
were mining from each of the seven continents on Earth
was mining from each of the seven continents on Earth
Explanation
Although there are seven gems, the subject of the sentence is "Each" of the gems, which is a singular noun. Therefore, the correct phrase uses the singular past verb form—"was mined from each of the seven continents on Earth."
No one question the desire to succeed among most students in a competitive school environment.
No one questions
No one question
No question
Nobody question
No questions
Explanation
The underlined part of the sentence contains a flaw in subject verb agreement. "No one" is properly used as a singular form. Therefore, "no one questions" is the correct answer choice.
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
"Only one of the teams are going to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams is going to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
"One team is going to make it to regionals only," said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams are going to make it to regionals." Said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams are going to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
"Only one of the teams are to make it to regionals," said Coach Joe.
Explanation
The singular use of "is going to" is correct, not the plural use of "are going to." This is because the verb "is" is modifying the "one" team that is going to make it, not the plural "teams." The "of the teams" can be taken out to show that one should use "is", not "are": "Only one . . . is going to make it to regionals."
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.
Any attempt to summarize modern music is not only challenging but also misled, as there are an incredible range of styles and expression in today’s music.
but also misled, as there is an incredible range of styles
but also misled; there are an incredible range of styles
but also misled, there being an incredible range of styles
but also misled, with there being an incredible range of styles
but also misled, as there are an incredible range of styles
Explanation
The subject is "range of styles," which is singular. Therefore, the verb should refer to a singular subject. The correct answer choice does this and also makes the most efficient use of language.
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. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
After watching their home team hit the game-winning home run, the group of hometown fans were ecstatic.
the group of hometown fans was ecstatic
the group of hometown fans were ecstatic
the hometown fans in the group was ecstatic
the group was ecstatic with hometown fans
the group of hometown fans became ecstatic
Explanation
The term "group" is a singular subject; therefore, the verb must be "was," as opposed to "were_._"
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 student at each of the universities were asked to complete the survey.
Each student at each of the universities was asked
Each student at each of the universities were asked
Each student at each of the universities were asking
Each student at each of the universities were always asking
Each student at each of the universities were to have been asked
Explanation
The definite pronoun "each" should be treated as singular, and its corresponding verb should be conjugated accordingly. In this case the second instance of the word "each" in the prepositional phrase "at each of the universities" creates about as much confusion as the word "universities" (plural). The only answer choice that resolved the subject / verb agreement error uses the auxiliary verb "was."
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.
The manager will accepts your idea, or she will tells you why she does not think it will work.
The manager will accept your idea, or she will tell you why she does not think it will work.
The manager will accept your idea, or she will tells you why she does not think it will work.
The manager will accepts your idea, or she will tell you why she does not think it will work.
The manager will accept your idea, or she will tell you why she does not thinks it will work.
The manager will accepts your idea, or she will tells you why she does not thinks it will work.
Explanation
This sentence contains subject-verb agreement errors. The subject in each clause of the sentence, "she," is 3rd person singular. In the future tense, which is the tense of all clauses in this sentence, there is no -s ending. The correct answer choice is "The manager will accept your idea, or she will tell you why she does not think it will work."