Greetings, high schoolers!
Are you ready to conquer the daunting world of SAT grammar? If you're like many students, the thought of mastering English language conventions might seem intimidating. But fear not! Today, we're going to delve into a specific grammar rule that can make a world of difference on test day: subject-verb agreement.
Subject-verb agreement is crucial because it ensures that the verb in a sentence matches the subject in terms of number (singular or plural). Let's explore this concept further with a couple of examples:
Incorrect: The dog eat his dinner.
Correct: The dog eats his dinner.
In the incorrect example, the singular subject "dog" is paired with the plural verb "eat," creating a disagreement. We rectify this by using the singular verb "eats" to match the singular subject "dog."
Another example:
Incorrect: The students at the assembly was loud.
Correct: The students at the assembly were loud.
In this example, the plural subject "students" correctly agrees with the plural verb "were." We maintain consistency in number between the subject and the verb, ensuring clear and effective communication.
So, why is subject-verb agreement important on the SAT? Well, apart from demonstrating your grasp of English grammar, it's also a fundamental aspect of writing clearly and effectively. When you master subject-verb agreement, you enhance the coherence and readability of your writing, which can significantly impact your SAT scores.
Here are a few tips to help you nail subject-verb agreement on test day:
Identify the subject: Before selecting a verb, pinpoint the subject of the sentence. Is it singular or plural (Tip: Can you replace the subject with he/she/it or they?)
Match singular subjects with singular verbs: If the subject is singular, ensure that the verb agrees by using singular forms (e.g., "eats," "runs").
Match plural subjects with plural verbs: Likewise, if the subject is plural, the verb should also be plural (e.g., "eat," "run").
Watch out for tricky subjects: Be cautious with subjects that may seem plural but are actually singular (e.g., "each," "every," "neither").
Pay attention to compound subjects: When dealing with compound subjects joined by "and," the verb should be plural (unless the subjects are considered a single entity, like "mac and cheese").
Ignore prepositional phrases: Prepositional phrases located between the subject and verb do not affect subject-verb agreement.
By honing your skills in subject-verb agreement, you'll not only boost your confidence on the SAT but also enhance your overall writing abilities. Remember, practice makes perfect! Incorporate subject-verb agreement exercises into your study routine, and you'll be well on your way to SAT success.
So, high schoolers, embrace the challenge, sharpen your grammar skills, and tackle the SAT with confidence! If you get stuck, our tutors here at www.districtscholars.com are ready to help!