Verb tense and agreement
Verb tense and agreement are essential in PSC Written Expression, where you must choose the correct verb form, and they can also affect performance in Reading Comprehension, where an incorrect answer may result from misunderstanding who does the action, when it happens, or how the verb agrees with its subject.
Why this matters on the PSC test
PSC items often test whether the verb agrees with the real subject, not with the nearest noun. They may also test whether a verb should be in the infinitive, the subjunctive, or another correct form required by the sentence.
Core rule
A verb must match its subject in person and number, and it must appear in the form required by the structure.
Always identify the real subject or the required structure before choosing the verb form.
la GCC aide
les peuples jouent
de limiter
sans que l’Administrateur intervienne
Common PSC traps
- The nearest word is not the subject: identify the real subject before agreeing the verb.
- Singular organizational names: a body or institution may be singular even if the idea feels collective. Example: la GCC aide.
- Infinitive required: after forms like de, pour, or in some set constructions, the verb must remain in the infinitive.
- Subjunctive required: some expressions require the subjunctive, such as sans que.
- Past participles and verb-looking forms: candidates may choose a form that looks familiar but does not fit the structure.
PSC-style examples
Sa Majesté la reine Elizabeth II est
les employés disposent
vous devez poser
tout en gérant
le client soit
Nos clients et consommateurs continuent
Mini practice
a) décide
b) décident
a) vérifier
b) vérifié
a) intervient
b) intervienne
1. b) décident
2. a) vérifier
3. b) intervienne