Chapter 16: Verbs: Agreement and Tense

Ensures that the verb in a sentence agrees with its subject in number and person. Crucial for SAT grammar questions.

When the subject of a sentence is singular, the verb should also be singular. Example: The cat sleeps peacefully.

When the subject of a sentence is plural, the verb should also be plural. Example: The cats play together in the garden.

Singular indefinite pronouns require singular verbs, while plural indefinite pronouns require plural verbs. Example: Everyone wants to succeed. (singular) vs. Many have already arrived. (plural)

Collective nouns can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the group is seen as a single unit or individual members. Example: The team is practicing. (singular) vs. The team are arguing among themselves. (plural)

Use a singular verb when "either/neither...nor" connects singular subjects. Example: Neither the cat nor the dog is hungry.

Use a singular verb with "each" or "every" followed by a singular noun. Example: Every student studies diligently.

Refers to the time at which an action or state of being takes place. Accurate verb tense usage is important for SAT writing questions.

Describes actions happening now or general truths. Example: The sun rises in the east.

Describes actions that have already occurred. Example: She walked to the store yesterday.

Describes actions that will happen in the future. Example: We will visit the museum tomorrow.

Describes actions that are completed before a specific point in time. Example: I have finished my homework.

Describes ongoing or continuous actions. Example: They are playing soccer in the