SAT grammar: agreement, tense and pronouns
Form, Structure and Sense questions test whether words agree. A verb must match its true subject, even when a phrase sits between them. Verb tense must match the time clues in the sentence. Pronouns must match the noun they replace: singular nouns like company and committee take it and its.
Loading practice…
Subject–verb agreement
Cross out the phrase between the subject and the verb, then match.
The students
| Tricky subject | Verb |
|---|---|
| Each of the reports | singular: proposes |
| The number of students | singular: has grown |
| A number of students | plural: have asked |
| Neither the coach nor the players | matches the nearer subject: were |
| The team, along with its assistants, | singular: is |
Verb tense
Underline time clues. "Last year" → past. "Next month" → future. "By the time X happened" → the earlier action takes had + verb.
Pronouns
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| its | belonging to it |
| it's | it is |
| their | belonging to them |
| there | a place |
| they're | they are |
Common mistakes
Sample questions with answers
1. The collection of old coins ______ displayed near the entrance.
- are
- is (correct)
- were
- being
The subject is "collection", which is singular.
2. The company released a statement explaining ______ new safety rules.
- their
- it’s
- its (correct)
- they’re
"Company" is singular, and the rules belong to it: its.
3. By the time the rescue team arrived, the river ______ over its banks.
- rises
- had risen (correct)
- will rise
- is rising
The rising happened before the arriving: past perfect.
Frequently asked questions
What is Form, Structure and Sense on the SAT?
It is part of Standard English Conventions, which makes up about 26% of the Reading and Writing section, roughly 11 to 15 questions. It covers agreement, verb forms, pronouns, plurals and possessives.
How do I find the subject of a long sentence?
Find the main verb, then ask who or what is doing it. Cross out phrases like "of the…" or "in the…" between them.
Is "they" correct for a company on the SAT?
No. The SAT treats companies, committees, teams and councils as singular, so it expects "it" and "its".
What is the difference between its and it’s?
"Its" shows possession (the river changed its course). "It’s" means "it is".