How to answer it
- Find the subject the underlined verb or pronoun depends on.
- Check number, tense and case.
- Pick the choice that agrees and keeps a complete sentence.
Worked example
An original question in the ACT format, already answered.
ACT EnglishWorked example
Each of the runners have finished the race.
Which choice is best?
- ANO CHANGE
- Bhas finished
- Chaving finished
- Dwere finishing
Answer: B. The subject is “each,” which is singular, so the verb is “has finished.” “Runners” is inside a prepositional phrase and isn’t the subject. C leaves the sentence without a main verb.
The most common trap
Agreeing with the noun right before the verb instead of the real subject.
Practice it
Hourly Prep’s daily sets mix conventions of standard english with the rest of ACT English, and send more of it your way when it’s a weak spot. See how the ACT prep plan works, or browse the other ACT skill guides.