SAT Reading & Writing · Rachel · Class 03

Sentence Core & Verb Roles

Find the clause. Find its predicate. Match the true subject.

1. Separate the predicate from a describing phrase

  • A clause needs a finite predicate.
  • A finite verb phrase carries tense or a modal: records, recorded, is recording, has recorded, may record.
  • An -ing form, infinitive or participle can have a different job. Identify its role in the sentence.
Worked model
  • The team is analysing the samples.
  • The team analysing the samples works upstairs.
  • To compare the samples , the team uses one scale.
  • The samples collected yesterday remain in storage.
  • Identify each finite predicate and explain the role of the other verb form.
Show analysis
Complete sentenceJob of the highlighted form
The team is analysing the samples.
  • Is analysing is the finite predicate.
The team analysing the samples works upstairs.
  • The -ing phrase describes the team; works is the predicate.
To compare the samples, the team uses one scale.
  • The infinitive gives purpose; uses is the predicate.
The samples collected yesterday remain in storage.
  • The participle phrase describes samples; remain is the predicate.

Complete the sentence

Use the base verb given. Follow the stated time or sentence role.

G1. Complete the gap in the present simple.

At present, the sensor mounted beside the windows ______ (record) the temperature every minute.

Show answer
At present, the sensor mounted beside the windows records the temperature every minute.
  • The head subject is sensor; mounted beside the windows describes it.

G2. Use an -ing phrase to identify the technicians.

The technicians ______ (inspect) the sensor right now have found a loose connection.

Show answer
The technicians inspecting the sensor right now have found a loose connection.
  • Have found is already the finite main predicate; inspecting... identifies the technicians.

Read through the extra information

G3. Complete both gaps in the present simple, then underline the main-clause predicate.

The report that ______ (compare) readings from two stations ______ (challenge) the assumption that the entire valley has the same climate.

Show answer
The report that compares readings from two stations challenges the assumption that the entire valley has the same climate.
  • That compares... is a relative clause; the main core is The report challenges the assumption.
Try first · G3-SAT · Difficult
In his 2011 book, historian Sebouh David Aslanian quantifies the reading patterns of early modern Armenian merchants from New Julfa. Aslanian’s macroanalysis ______ nearly 1,000 book titles published between 1512 and 1800 shows not only the steady popularity of religious texts but also a broadening interest in secular books, especially those on history and geography.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A.examined
  2. B.examines
  3. C.had examined
  4. D.examining

Answer. Identify the existing finite predicate and explain what the blank must do.

Show answer
D. examining
  • D — examining. Shows is already the finite predicate. The blank begins a participial phrase describing the macroanalysis.
  • Examines agrees with the subject but would create a second unlinked finite predicate.

Rachel · Class 03 · Grammar