Subject–verb agreement on the SHSAT asks students to match a verb to its true subject even when extra words sit between them.
A student must decide whether a singular or plural subject governs the verb, especially after phrases such as one of, each of, and neither of, or in a relative clause. Stand-alone Revising/Editing items usually present either a sentence that needs an edit or a short numbered set and ask which sentence should be revised.
Answer choices tend to swap verbs or rewrite the sentence, and the usual trap is agreeing with the nearest noun rather than the grammatical subject.
Sample questions
Pick an answer to see whether it is right — nothing is saved, and nothing needs an account.
Question 1Easier
Which edit should be made to correct the sentence?
The telescope is the only one of the instruments that require a special filter.
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Answer: A — Change require to requires.
In the construction the only one...that, the relative clause identifies the singular word one, so “Change require to requires” establishes subject-verb agreement. “Change special to specially” puts an adverb before a noun and leaves the verb error in place, while “Change one to ones” disrupts agreement with telescope. “Change instruments to instrument” makes the phrase one of the instrument ungrammatical.
Question 2Easier
Which sentence contains an error in its construction and should be revised?
(1) Each morning, a collection of hand-painted directional signs hangs beside the community hall’s side entrance before visitors arrive. (2) The volunteers who arrange the display works in pairs so that every sign faces the correct walkway. (3) Every stack of unused posters contains an inventory slip that lists its intended location. (4) The finished signs, along with a printed schedule, remain protected under a wide canvas cover until opening time.
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Answer: B — sentence 2
A plural subject requires a plural verb, so “sentence 2” should use “work” with “volunteers.” “Sentence 1” correctly pairs “collection” with “hangs,” and “sentence 3” correctly pairs “Every stack” with “contains.” In “sentence 4,” the plural subject “signs” correctly agrees with “remain”; the phrase “along with a printed schedule” does not change the subject’s number.
Question 3Easier
Which sentence contains an error in its construction and should be revised?
(1) During rehearsal, each of the stagehands is assigned a specific curtain, platform, or piece of scenery. (2) Several of the musicians have also offered to move lightweight props between scenes. (3) Neither of the two side doors appears wide enough for the largest painted backdrop. (4) One of the lighting panels near those doors need a new power cord before the final practice begins.
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Answer: D — sentence 4
A singular subject requires a singular verb, so “sentence 4” should use “needs” with “One.” “Sentence 1” correctly pairs “each” with “is,” “sentence 2” correctly pairs “Several” with “have,” and “sentence 3” correctly pairs “Neither” with “appears.” The plural nouns inside the modifying phrases do not determine the verbs.
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