Subject–verb agreement: the SAT reading & writing trap
Short answer: Cross out every "of…" and "on…" phrase. Match the verb to what's left.
The trap, in one question
The list of supplies on the shelves ___ surprisingly long.
Tempting answer: are (matched "shelves")
Correct answer: is (the subject is "list")
How to spot it in 3 seconds
Cross out every "of…" and "on…" phrase. Match the verb to what's left.
FAQ
What is the subject–verb agreement trap on the SAT?
Example: The list of supplies on the shelves ___ surprisingly long. The tempting answer is are (matched "shelves"); the correct answer is is (the subject is "list").
How do you avoid the subject–verb agreement trap?
Cross out every "of…" and "on…" phrase. Match the verb to what's left.
More Reading & Writing traps
RW1Semicolon = two full sentencesRW2Colon needs a full sentence before itRW3Comma spliceRW4Dashes come in matching pairs
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