TACHS: Agreement in error lines: check every subject and verb
Check each line for a subject and verb that disagree, including tricky singular words, and know when to choose No error.
When a question asks which line has an error, how do I check agreement without trusting my ear?
Short answer
Go line by line. In each one, find the verb, find its subject with any describing phrase crossed out, and read the pair together. If every pair matches, choose No error.
Know first: Subject-verb agreement in single sentences, Prepositional phrases such as *of the books*
Step 1 of 5
Check every pair, one line at a time
Some Written Expression questions ask you to find the line that contains an error, with No error as a real choice. When agreement is being tested, one line usually has a verb that does not match its subject.
These errors are built to sound almost right. A plural noun sits right before a singular verb, or the subject is a word like neither that seems plural because it points to a group. Reading for what sounds fine is not enough. Check each subject and verb pair on purpose.
| Subject word | Number | Correct pair |
|---|---|---|
| each, one, neither, either | Singular | one of the kites flies |
| everyone, everybody, nobody, someone | Singular | everyone in the stands was cheering |
| both, several, few, many | Plural | both of the doors were open |
| There is / There are | Look after the verb | there are four chairs |
Step 2 of 5
Walk through three lines
Worked example: A gallery visit
Which line contains an error in standard written English? Choose No error if all three lines are correct.
Line 1: Several of the paintings were loaned by a local gallery.
Line 2: One of the frames need a new hook.
Line 3: The guards near the entrance check every bag.
- ALine 1
- BLine 2
- CLine 3
- DNo error
- 1
Line 1
Several is plural, and were is plural. Correct.
- 2
Line 2
Cross out of the frames. The subject is one, which is singular, so the verb must be needs. This line has the error.
- 3
Line 3
Cross out near the entrance. Guards check is a plural pair. Correct.
- 4
See why the other choices are there
Entrance is singular and sits right before check, which can make Line 3 look wrong. No error tempts anyone who hears frames need and stops there.
Answer
Line 2. It should read One of the frames needs a new hook.
Wrong: Everyone in the bleachers were cheering.
Right: Everyone in the bleachers was cheering.
Everyone is singular even though it describes a crowd. Bleachers sits inside the phrase and does not count.
Step 3 of 5
Find the line, or prove there is none
Check yourself · Question 1
Which line contains an error in standard written English? Choose No error if all three lines are correct.
Line 1: The jars of paint on the shelf are almost empty.
Line 2: Each of the brushes has been rinsed.
Line 3: There is a roll of paper towels by the sink.
Answer: D
Every pair agrees: jars are, each has, and roll is. The plural and singular nouns inside the phrases do not change the subjects.
Trap answer: Line 2
A plural noun next to a singular verb
- Why it looks right
- Brushes has sounds wrong when you hear the two words side by side.
- Why it's wrong
- Brushes is inside the phrase of the brushes. The subject is each, and each has is correct.
- The right answer
- No error. All three lines pass the pair check.
Check yourself · Question 2
Which line contains an error in standard written English? Choose No error if all three lines are correct.
Line 1: Both of the drummers practice after school.
Line 2: The schedule for the bands is posted by the office.
Line 3: Neither of the trumpet players want the early slot.
Answer: C
Neither is singular, so Line 3 needs wants. Players sits inside the phrase of the trumpet players.
Common mistake
Avoiding No error because a question must hide a mistake somewhere.
- Why it's tempting
- It feels like the test would not show you three lines unless one was broken.
- Do this instead
- No error is a real answer. If every subject and verb pair checks out, choose it, and do not invent a mistake to justify another line.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- Check every subject and verb pair in every line before choosing.
- Each, one, neither and everyone are singular. Both and several are plural.
- When all the pairs match, No error is the right answer.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
Try another one
In your own words
In the practice question, what was the subject of the verb in the line with the error, and which noun made the wrong verb sound right?