Ever picked an answer, paused, then thought: What was I thinking? That little doubt right there is your brain tricking you, not because you’re bad at grammar, but because you haven’t trained for the kind of slip-ups the SAT loves. When the trap is in verb forms (“runs” vs. “ran,” “is walking” vs. “walks”), you can fix it, once you know how to spot it. Let’s dive into the world of SAT grammar (especially verb-form errors), turn those “oops” moments into wins, and give your Writing & Language section the boost it deserves.
Why Verb Form Errors Show Up So Often?
On the digital SAT, Writing & Language questions fall under the “Form, Structure & Sense” category, surveying how sentences flow, how word choices work, and how meaning matches structure.
Verb form mistakes – incorrect tenses, mismatches between subject and verb, non-standard usage – cost points because they disrupt sense. If you’re picking a verb that doesn’t match time, number, or scenario, you throw off the reader (and the grader).
TIP: When you see an answer choice with a verb form change, pause and ask: Does this verb match the subject? Does the tense reflect when this action happens? Would I say this in real conversation or writing?
The 3 Big Verb Form Traps on the SAT
- Tense & Sequence Confusion
Switch from “she walks” to “she had walked” without reason. Boom, wrong. The SAT loves changing the timeline. - Subject-Verb Mismatch
“Each of the students are…” vs. “is”. The word each signals singular. Look closely. - Inactive vs. Active Forms
“The team was excited” (correct) vs. “The team were excited” (possible in British English but unlikely in SAT American style). Less obvious, but definitely tested.
Use the official Khan Academy verb form practice to drill those exact issues.
How to Build Your SAT Grammar Muscle? (Especially for Verb Forms)
- Drill the rules, then apply. Know this list: subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, non-finite vs finite verbs.
- Simulate test conditions. Timed practice means your brain will default to correct habits, not guessing.
- Spot the fake “sounds right” verbs. Sometimes the wrong answer feels less jarring than the right one. That’s the trap.
- Edge toward accuracy, not speed. Sure, you have time limits, but don’t let haste wreck a clean sentence.
- Reflect after each practice-test. Ask: which verb errors did I miss? Was I tired? Was I guessing? Fix the pattern.
EH Tutoring can Build your SAT Grammar Strategy
You know the SAT will test writing alongside reading; now let’s make sure your verb form game is rock solid. At EH Tutoring, we provide:
- Free worksheets focused on verb-form errors and other SAT grammar practice areas.
- One-on-one sessions where we walk through your specific weak spots (yes, even that “what does this verb refer to?” trap).
- A tailored plan combining online SAT grammar practice with real-life style drills because correct grammar should feel natural, not forced.
Final Word
Mistakes in verb forms aren’t your fault; they’re built into the test. The good news? They’re predictable. Once you know the game, you can stop reacting and start winning. Build your grammar muscle, focus on SAT grammar, spot the traps before they trip you up, and walk into test day with confidence in every sentence you pick.
Let’s turn those “Wait, didn’t I do that one right?” moments into “Yep, I got that perfect!” moments. You’ve got this!