Subject Verb Agreement for Sat

Subject-verb agreement plays a critical role in any form of writing, including the SAT. It is a fundamental grammatical rule that requires the subject and verb in a sentence to agree in number and person. However, as much as this rule may seem elementary, it is a common mistake among students, leading to poor grades and missed opportunities. In this article, we will delve into the importance of subject-verb agreement and how to leverage it to excel in SAT writing.

Firstly, let`s define subject-verb agreement. A subject is the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about, and the verb is the action that the subject is performing. The subject and verb must agree in number and person. In other words, if the subject is singular, the verb should be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb should be plural. For instance, „The cat and the dog play in the yard“ is correct since the subject „cat“ and „dog“ is plural, and the verb „play“ is plural too.

So, why is subject-verb agreement vital in the SAT? For starters, SAT writing tests require students to demonstrate excellent writing skills. Moreover, the use of proper grammar and punctuation enhances the clarity of your writing, making it more understandable. Remember, the SAT examiners use a computer software program that scans and grades your paper, so grammar errors could cost you precious points.

Here are some tips to help you master subject-verb agreement:

1. Identify the subject and verb in a sentence: Before writing any sentence, determine the subject and verb to ensure that they are in agreement.

2. Watch out for indefinite pronouns: Indefinite pronouns can be tricky and can cause subject-verb disagreement. For example, „someone left their jacket on the chair“ is incorrect since the subject „someone“ is singular, while the verb „left“ is plural. The correct sentence should be, „Someone left his or her jacket on the chair.“

3. Consider compound subjects: A compound subject is a combination of two or more subjects, and they take plural verbs. For instance, „The cat and the dog run in the yard“ is correct since the subjects „cat“ and „dog“ are combined.

4. Pay attention to the verb tense: Ensure that the verb tense agrees with the subject`s tense. For example, „She run fast“ is incorrect; the correct sentence should be, „She runs fast“.

5. Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the better you get. Take time to study subject-verb agreement and practice writing sentences with correct grammar.

In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is critical in any form of writing, including the SAT. It enhances your writing`s clarity, making it easy to understand and improves your chances of getting good grades. By following the tips mentioned above and practicing regularly, you can master subject-verb agreement, giving you an edge in the SAT exam.