SAT: Grammar Facts & Grammar Rules

Is a comma splice allowed before a conjunction?

Yes: A comma splice followed by a conjunction legally connects two independent clauses. ex.) I have bunch of dogs, so dogs are my favorite animals. = correct

There are three main ways to separate two complete sentences (independent clauses) from one another

1. Period or semicolon 2. Comma + coordinating (FANBOYS) conjunction 3. Colon or dash

How to work through transition questions

1. Reread both sentences or parts of the sentence 2. Determine the relationship between them, and try to predict the answer. ^ Continuer, cause and effect, or contradictor 3. Check the answers, and pick the option that matches

Pronouns

A pronouns must agree with the noun to which it refers, its antecedent or referent *Always find which noun the pronoun refers to!* Things: Singular - it, its Plural - They, them, their People: When the gender of a singular noun is unspecified, only the phrase he or she should be used, not they! Note: both each and every are singular (short for each one or every one) and take the singular pronouns its and he or she. Emphatic pronouns = self words such as a himself, itself, and themselves Missing or ambiguous antecedent: When a pronoun refers to a noun that is missing or unclear, it is necessary to name the specific person, place, or thing in order to remove the ambiguity. The answer that gives the most info. is correct. Note: make sure that your pronouns are parallel to the surrounding sentences or parts of a sentence.

To vs. -ing

A question may ask you to identify whether the 'to' (infinitive) or -ing) gerund) form of a verb is correct. There is no rule or trick for these - simply hear which one sounds correct.

Comma splice

Always wrong - when a comma alone is used to separate two independent clauses. Example of illegal comma splice: The climate also presented preservation problems, keeping fresh fruits and eats was next to impossible in warmer waters.

Semicolons vs. periods

For the purposes of the SAT, periods and semicolons are grammatical identical: both are used to separate two complete sentence. The only difference is that the first letter after a period is capitalized, while the first letter after a semicolon is lower case.

When to use a colon?

Use a colon under two specific circumstances: 1. A colon always follows an independent clause 2. A colon is followed by a list of things

What must every sentence contain?

1. A subject 2. A conjugated verb that corresponds to the subject

'Being'

Answer choices that contain being, which is the gerund of to be, are usually wrong. They create fragments and are awkward.

What to look for

SAT will test this - recognize whether a transition is used non-essential or to start a clause.

NOT comma usages

1. Before or after prepositions 2. Between adjectives and nouns 3. Between adjectives, when the first modifies the second 4. Between subjects and verbs 5. Between compound items 6. Before or around emphatic pronouns - 'self words'

Modifier errors

1. Dangling modifiers - fix by putting the subject directly after the comma 2. Misplaced modifiers - the unintentionally create ridiculous statements by switching the logical order. Understand that which refers only the noun directly before it in order to fix.

Comma usages

1. To separate items in a list 2. Between tow adjectives whose order could be reversed, OR Separated by the word "and" 3. After introductory words and phrases

Parts of speech on the SAT

1. Verb - verbs indicate actions or states of being 2. Noun - nouns indicate people, places, objects, and ideas, and can always be preceded by a(n) or the 3. Pronoun - pronouns replace nouns 4. Preposition - prepositions are time and location words; always followed by nouns 5. Conjunction - conjunctions indicate relationships between words, phrases, and clauses 6. Adverb - adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, and phrases/clauses; many end in -ly 7. Adjective

Conjunctions (SWABI)

5 subordinating conjunctions: SWABI Since When After Because If

Conjunctions (FANBOYS)

7 coordinating conjunctions: FANBOYS *A single clause beginning with one of these conjunctions is not a complete sentence* For And Nor But Or Yet So Most common: and, but, so Note: When a FANBOYS conjunction is used without a comma to join two sentences, the result is a run-on sentence. Note that a sentence does not have to be long to be a run-on. *Eliminate sentences with FANBOYS after a period or semicolon

Colon

A colon can be used like a period to separate two complete sentences, but are not exactly like periods. While the statement before a colon must be a complete standalone sentence, the information after it can be either a sentence (explanation) or a fragment (list). *Tip: Any answer that places a colon before such as or including is almost certainly incorrect.* Note: colons provide a stronger break than commas

Dash

A dash can be used to set off a definition or explanation. Stylistic purposes allow a sentence or a fragment to follow a dash. *Note: two dashes signal a non-essential clause*

Additional note

A dash, colon, semicolon, and period can all potentially act in the same way to separate two independent clauses.

Non-Essential vs. Essential Clauses: The Case of "Who"

A sentence with a "who clause" can bet written with or without commas. In terms of meaning, however, you will have to think about whether the information is essential.

Why I sucked

According to author Nadine Gordimer, the process of writing fiction is largely unconscious, emerging from what people learn and how they live. Here's why I suck - what was in between the commas was essential information, not non-essential information. It revealed the subject, which influenced the choice of verb conjugation seen in 'emerging.' The trick of cutting out what is in the comma splice does not work here, because the first clause is not independent.

Comma law

Because comma + and = period, simply replace comma + and with a period, and see if you have two complete sentences. If you do, then a comma should not be used

Special 'because' rule

Because is a subordinating conjunction. A clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction is dependent - it cannot stand on its own. However you can start a sentence with 'because' if the independent clause is placed after the dependent clause.

Transition option

Both are allowed: Comma + FANBOYS Semicolon + conjunctive adverb

Why do conjunctions work?

Conjunctions: and, but, or, so. Conjunctions make the second complete clause incomplete to restore balance.

Strong transitions

Conjunctive adverbs, AKA strong transitions, and 'strong' enough to begin a sentence. They include however, therefore, thus, consequently, moreover, and nevertheless. When used to begin a clause, these transitions must follow a period or semicolon, never a comma.

Comparisons

Faulty comparisons - occur when you do not compare people to people and things to things. Plural comparison - formed when comparing multiple things with nouns, apostrophes, or with the use of 'those of.' Note: those of = plural that of = singular Word pairs that must stick together: As...as Not only...but (also) More/-ER.than, Less...than Either...or, Neither Nor Comparing amounts: Used with plural nouns: many, fewer Used with singular nouns: much, less

Flock of Seagulls

Flock of Seagulls trick: nouns and noun clauses which represent groups of things must be treated as singular even though they represent groups of large things. ex.) After the board of directors met, they all decided to buy the competing company = incorrect ex.) The board of directors decided to buy the competing company = correct ex.) After the board of directors met, all the members decided to buy the competing company = correct Here, when your mind is in plural mode, you must train yourself to be in singular mode.

Verb agreement and tense order of steps

Identify the subject to determine whether it is singular or plural. Next, find the verb that agrees with the subject.

Non-essential information

If a sentence still makes sense when a word or phrase is crossed out, two commas must be placed around that information. Note: two commas do not always equal a non-essential clause! Cross out non-essential information to see if the rest of the sentence makes sense for practice.

Clause trick

If the clause with the blanks begins with although, the following clause cannot begin with but or and.

Commas with names and titles

Important: When a name or title appears in the middle of a sentence.- that is, not as the first or last words - there are generally only two correct options: (1) two commas, one before and one after the name or title: or (2), no commas at all. In order to determine whether commas are necessary, treat the name or title like any other non-essential element: read the sentence without it, and see if it still makes senses in context. If it does, the commas are necessary; if it does not, the commas are not necessary. This method determines whether the name is essential information or not!

Passive Voice

In a passive construction, the subject and the object are flipped. X does y (active) become y is done by x (passive). Note that the construction 'by' combined with a form of 'to be' often signals the passive voice. The passive voices has a tendency to create wordy and awkward constructions likely to signal incorrect answers!

Possessive Noun Clause

In a possessive noun clause, the actual noun or subject is the last word because the first word is just a possessive descriptor that serves to tell you who or what owns that particular noun. ex.) Harry's sandwich - subject = sandwich ex.) The little girl's dolls - subject = dolls

Double Conjunctions

In any two consecutive clauses, only one subordinating or coordinating conjunction can be used - it is grammatically incorrect to use two.

Is a comma splice allowed?

NO: You can't connect two totally independent clauses with commas. ex.) I have a bunch of dogs, dogs are my favorite animals. = incorrect *Note: With a semicolon, this sentence works grammatically*

Additional grammar note

No matter where in a passage the blank occurs, make sure to back up to the beginning of the sentence and read from beginning all the way through to the period.

Note with colon and dash

Note that in some cases, a colon or dash may be used after a non-essential word or phrase at the end of a sentence. This construction is acceptable when an explanation or definition follows.

'Would have' and 'will have'

Often incorrect on the SAT. Note: The most important thing to know about this tense is that would have+ past participle should not appear in a clause begun by if, although this construction can appear in the same sentence.

Context Questions

One type: should the writer doe this problem? Go for elimination Eliminate incorrect details These questions are entirely based on fact, not opinion Choose the least wrong answer Second type: which choice is best? Not opinion based Answer the basic idea in your mind first Kill inaccurate or irrelevant answer choices Third type: passage as a whole question Go for elimination Eliminate incorrect details These questions are entirely based on fact, not opinion Choose the least wrong answer Fourth type: where should this go problems 1. What does this sentence do? - summarize indicators 2. Does this sentence point at anything specific in the future or the past? *As always with the English section, come up with your own answer and then check their answer choice*

Relative Pronouns

People: Who, whom Things: Which People and things: whose *Use who or whom, not which, when referring to people. which is reserved for things. Whose is the possessive of both who and which. Who is used before a verb, while whom is used after a preposition. Where refers to places (physical locations) only, while when refers to times and events only.* *Watch out for answers that do not place a preposition before which.* Note: A verb can be placed after pronoun + of whom. The use of whom is determined by the preposition of, not by the verb.

When do you use semicolons?

Semicolons are used to separate two complete, "independent clauses." Semicolons connect full clauses that are so related that it wouldn't make sense to put them in two different sentences. They disconnect two related thoughts grammatically. Don't use semicolon if there is a conjunction. Semicolons connect two complete clauses, but cannot connect an incomplete clause to a complete in any order. ex.) Mark is a cool guy; I'm inviting him to my party. = correct ex.) Chickens are dangerous; don't let them into your yard. = correct

Subject-verb agreement

Singular verbs end in -s Plural verbs do not end in -s *Not that this is the opposite of nouns, which take an -s in the plural and no -s in the singular* Ignore non-essential clauses and preposition phrases to identify whether it agrees or not A compound subject consists of two nouns - singular or plural - joined by the word 'and.' Compound subjects are always plural and thus take plural verbs. There is, there was, there has been - go with singular nouns There are, there were, there have been - go with plural nouns Gerunds - take singular verbs when they act as subjects Collective Nouns = singular That, what, or whether as subject = singular Watch out for indefinite pronouns *You will find it unlikely that questions testing these concepts do not usually contain subjects and verbs directly next to one another.*

Parallel Structure / Parallelism

Tested in two major ways: 1. In lists of three items 2. On either side of a two item conjunction Keep everything similar in context; do not stray from the norm!

SAT "note-taking questions"

The key to managing them efficiently is to recognize that only a small fraction of the information provided is actually relevant. The answer will virtually always be contained in the question itself. The correct choice will simply rephrase the key information - you do not need to look at the bullet points at all. 1. Comparisons and Contrasts - like, unlike, whereas 2. Familiar and unfamiliar (longer side w/ full name) - must or must not provide background

Non-Essential Clauses with Dashes and Parentheses

The most important thing to know is that either two commas, two dashes, or two parentheses should be used - you cannot mix and match. *Note: One potential error lies in placing both commas and parentheses around a non-essential clause. As a general rule, either commas or parentheses should be used. Because these two types of punctuation signal non-essential information, it is redundant to use both. When a comma is grammatically necessary for the reasons, however, it is acceptable to place one after a close parenthesis.

Misplaced modifiers

The thing or person being described must come immediately after the comma!!! ex.) After searching fruitlessly for her glasses, it was clear to Maria that she needed contacts. = incorrect ex.) After searching fruitlessly for her glasses, Maria realized that she needed contacts. = correct ex.) After years of sitting at his desk, the job seemed boring and tiresome to Martin. = incorrect ex.) After years of sitting at his desk, Martin found his job both boring and tiresome. = correct

Essential Clauses with and without "That"

The use of a comma before or after 'that' is virtually always incorrect.

When do you use commas?

To separate complete "independent clauses" from incomplete "dependent clauses" in any order. Commas cannot connect two complete clauses directly. However, commas can insert incomplete clauses in between two parts of a complete sentence. Basically, you can insert an incomplete into any full sentence as long as you surround it by commas. This is the comma sandwich rule. ex.) The dog was so cool, so we went to see him. = correct ex.) Julian, after thinking for a while, decided to go to law school.

Transition tips

Unlike continuers, which are generally placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, contradictors can appear at the beginning (followed by a comma); middle (surrounded by commas); or end (following a comma) Note that you may also be asked to worth with a transition in the middle of a sentence that is genuinely intended to connect two parts of the same sentence; however, these transitions will follow only one comma.

Verb tense

Use context - unless there is a clear reason for the tense to change, a verb should be parallel to the other verbs in the sentence or passage. 4 Tenses: a. Simple present - currently occurring/ongoing b. Present perfect - has/have + past participle *Tipped off by 'for, since, over, and during' c. Simple past - finished action in the past *Tipped off by dates and time periods* d. Past perfect - an action occurred before another action *Tipped off by 'by the time'* Note: all tenses have a corresponding progressive (-ing) form

Parallelism

When you are listing things out or comparing them, make sure the words used to describe them are as freakishly repetitive as possible. Look for parallelism issues in lists of 3+ things. ex.) I want to be a better man, to learn the guitar, and will eventually become a professional dancer. = incorrect ex.) I want to be a better man, to learn the guitar, and to become a professional dancer. = correct

What is the difference between who vs. whom?

Who functions as a subject, while whom functions as an object

Who's vs. whose

Who's = who is, who has Whose = possessive form of who. Unlike who, whose can be used to refer to both people and things *Plug in true meaning of contractions such as who's to test them*

Would vs. will

Will + Verb: The future is used to describe actions that have not yet occurred but that will definitely occur ,and to indicate predictions, suggestions, and hopes. Would + Verb: The condition is used to describe hypothetical situations - ones that could or might occur but have not actually occurred.

Error in Comparison

Within a sentence, compare similar or related things, or else it is an error in comparison. 2 ways to fix: 1. Anytime you see 'than' or any comparison in general it is almost always an error in comparison. 2. The issue can always be fixed with either adding an apostrophe or using 'that of' or 'those of.' ex.) The pizza in my school is better than New York = incorrect