Concept 2

Maintain subject–verb agreement (including with intervening phrases/clauses).

Core Idea

Match the verb to the real subject, not to a nearby noun that interrupts the sentence.

Understanding

Rule: ACT likes to place a plural noun inside a prepositional phrase or modifier right next to the verb. That nearby noun is bait. The verb still has to agree with the sentence subject.

  • Cross out the interrupter if you need to. If the core subject is singular, choose a singular verb even when a plural noun sits closer to the verb.

Step by Step

  1. Find the core subject before you look at the verb choices.
  2. Ignore prepositional phrases or modifiers such as "of the campers" that only describe the subject.
  3. Match the verb to the number of that core subject, not to the nearest noun.

Misconceptions

  • Letting the noun closest to the verb control agreement.
  • Treating a descriptive phrase after the subject as if it were the subject itself.
Question

Worked Example

Which choice is correct?

"A list of emergency contacts for the campers _____ on the bulletin board near the dining hall."

Select an answer to see the explanation