Advice and Practice for SAT Writing Pronoun Agreement

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A few questions on part of writing on the SAT test will require you to evaluate pronoun agreement. You’ll need to determine any instances when a pronoun fails to be in line with its predecessor and choose the answer that corrects the problem.

Let’s examine the meaning of pronoun agreement and some pointers to assist you with practicing your SAT pronoun agreement exercises.

The Basics

Pronouns, a term that is used to replace an adjective in sentences, has to be able to correspond with the preceding. The absence of this requirement can result in poor pronoun agreement. Pronoun agreement-related questions are frequently asked in the SAT R Writing test. This can be difficult to spot due to how frequently we use pronouns incorrectly in everyday conversation. The most effective way to check pronouns is to record the noun as well as the verb that is associated with it. This will allow you to determine whether the pronoun being used is correct or should be rectified.

Sometimes the pronouns and an antecedent do not agree in terms of number, and at other times, they differ in the individual.

Here’s an example an unintended disagreement on a number:

It seems like the boys did not remember his shirt.

“his” is a pronoun “his” is in the singular, while the preceding “boys” is plural. To rectify this error switch the pronoun”their” in the plural “their.”

Correct: They forgot their shirt.

Here’s an example of an argument in person:

When you went to Jake’s home, Sarah stopped to buy their lunch. They shared it with Jake.

“Your” is a pronoun “your” is second-person, however Sarah is a third person. To make this sentence correct, “your” needs to be in line with its predecessor, Sarah, by switching to”her” in the third person “her.”

Also, you’ll need to create a number agreement to correct “she” to match its predecessor, Sarah and Jake.

Correction: While driving to Jake’s home, Sarah stopped to buy them lunch. They shared it with Jake.

Some Tips for Success

1. Find Out What the Antecedent Is First

This is essential to be certain that you’re following the right agreements. Be sure not to get caught up in which person is responsible for what or what’s being substituted in the form of a pronoun.

2. Specific Rules for Non-Gendered Singular Pronouns

The English language doesn’t have an unrestricted singular pronoun and you can’t substitute the noun that describes the person with a gender that is not clear with plural pronouns of the third person. The use of “their,” “theirs,” “they,” or “them” is incorrect. For your SAT examination, students should make use of “he,” “she,” or “he or she.”

Here’s an example of one sentence that the SAT test could ask for you to modify:
The winner will receive their award at the finishing line.

We don’t have the information about the gender of the winner who will take the victory, however we are not able to employ the plural third person pronoun “their.”

Corrections:

Winners of races will be awarded the award at the finish line.
The winner will be presented with her prize at the finishing line.
The winner will be presented with a trophy at the line of finish.

The test says that you can’t make use of plural pronouns in third person to refer to one person.

3. Collective Nouns Can Also Trip Up Pronoun Agreement

Words which refer to a group of people could make you confused too. Terms like “team,” “class,” or “group” describe multiple people as one thing. Because of their role the collective noun must be an adverb that is singular for them to be in agreement.

Here’s an example of an unconcordant pronoun with an aggregate noun.

The team played their final game of the weekend.

The antecedent team requires an univocal pronoun to be able to agree:

The team played their final game of the weekend.

The sentence could be also correct If “the team” was to be replaced with the plural form:

The team players were playing their last game of the weekend.

4. Interchanging “You” and “One”

If you are giving advice or instructions when giving advice or instructions, the less precise “one” can be interchanged with “you.” But remember when using these pronouns, make sure you are consistent in your use.

Here’s an example a sloppy use in the context of “you” and “one:”

After measuring the ingredients, you should put them in the bowl.

To rectify this sentence, select one pronoun, and then stick to it.

Once you have measured the ingredients, add them into the bowl.
Once the ingredients are measured then add them into the bowl.

5. Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns such as “who,” “whom,” “when,” “where,” “which,” and “that,” are used to describe very specific items. Similar to other pronouns, they have to be compatible with their pronouns.

Here’s an example of an uneasy relationship between a relative pronoun and its predecessor.

I visited the park, where I learned how to ride a bicycle.

Since”that” is a relative word, and “that” refers to an area, it is best replaced by “where.”

Correction: I visited the park, where I learned how to ride a bicycle.
Find out more about the relative pronouns of SAT

6. Editing To Improve the Antecedent

Pronouns need an Antecedent. Without a predicate, the pronoun is not given particularity and is therefore illogical.

Here’s an example of an adjective that does not have a clear predecessor:

While she was on her way to work, Jane called them and inquired when they would close.
Correction: While she was on her way home, Jane called the shop and asked when they would be closing.

On the other hand some pronouns have too many prefixes.

Here’s an example of an antonym with a lot of antecedents
Sarah, Shelly, and Jane took a walk through the middle school in order to collect her sister.

Correction:

Sarah, Shelly, and Jane went through middle school in order to collect Shelly’s sister.
Sarah, Shelly, and Jane went into the school’s main entrance to collect their sister.

7. That, This, and Which Often Lack an Antecedent

The error could be difficult to detect because we frequently make use of these pronouns without having a prior.

Here’s an example of an unidentified antecedent to”this” “this”:

The glass table had cracked after the movers took it out of its packaging which was extremely upsetting for Shelly.

“This” needs a clear precedent, and is easily altered by adding the following the following information:

The glass table had cracked as the movers began to unpack it and this was extremely disturbing to Shelly.

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