Da VIP Academy / GED / RLA / Grammar, Usage & Mechanics
Usage & Agreement
Match subjects with verbs and pronouns with antecedents, and keep verb tense consistent.
How it works
Ignore the words between
'The box of tools is heavy' — the subject is box, not tools. Cross out prepositional phrases before choosing the verb.
Pronouns need a clear owner
'Each student brought their book' is accepted in general use, but GED items often prefer 'his or her' or a plural subject: 'Students brought their books.'
Worked examples
Choose the verb: 'The list of repairs (was/were) long.'
- Subject = list.
- List is singular.
- 'was'.
Words to know
- Antecedent
- The noun a pronoun refers back to.
Test-day tips
- • Keep one tense unless time actually changes in the sentence.