ACT: English Rules (BRN 36) Revised Dec 16
It
it's = it is its=possessive
Avoid Informal Language
-. use "could have" not "could of" Remember proper grammar is tested, not how we talk to our friends!
who vs. which
who generally refers to people (subject-who, object-whom) and which usually refers to objects, events or animals Ex (who) Ex (whom) Ex (which)
The Default punctuation
Is NO punctuation. Have a reason to use punctuation!
Me
use "me" when you are the object Sarah woke up my dog and me. Ex. She is tired of Tim and me. Ex. Ex.
simile
A simile compares two different things in order to create a new meaning and we are made explicitly aware that a comparison is being made due to the use of "like" or "as" Ex. He's like a shell of a man. Ex. Ex.
Adverbs
Modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs Ex. Praise does not come easy/easily (not easy) Ex. Ex.
What's Wrong? - Part I (Put error in parenthesis, and there could be two mistakes)
-Susan, whom is 46 years old, loves to eat. -The staff participate in the Christmas fundraiser. -That is Clare's and Connor's dog. -Ralph enjoys playing hockey, hiking in the hills, and to golf. -Upon completing the building the contractor sent us the bill. -She loves to bake, she really likes making cookies. -Jorge likes gym class; He should open a fitness studio. -Decades have gone by since WWII. -I have less apples than oranges at home. -She hates the dentist; furthermore, she scheduled her appointment. -He is more skilled than I. -I have three favorite friends; namely Lisa, Jill, and Karen. -Before that door closed; I made sure it was locked.
Stop Punctuation
Only Stop punctuation can link TWO complete ideas together! Stop punctuation = period. exclamation! question? semicolon; comma+ fanboy.
What's wrong? Picky Picky Picky
The test was difficult. In addition, the time was also limited. What's Wrong? In addition + also = redundant!
Commas and introductory words as Interupters (exception to rule) Hardly tested
-We ask, therefore, that you keep this matter confidential. Explanation: In this sentence, "therefore" is not introducing an independent clause so it is an interrupter. Use commas to surround interrupters.
Practice Economy
-use as few words as possible -less is better on the ACT -omit is correct 50% of time. If in doubt, pick "omit"
singular words- ACT loves to test this!
dollar, years, decades, civics, news, measles, mathematics, faculty, group, team, committee, class, family, presence Ex The family eats a lot. Ex The years flew by very fast. Ex The team won the Stanley Cup. Do three more sentences using three different words from above. Ex. Ex. Ex.
4 good reasons for commas
1. After an introductory idea 2. Before and after unnecessary information offset unnecessary information (put a comma before and after the comma). The sentence must maintain the same meaning and read correctly without the info between the commas for this to be acceptable. Ex. 3. Between a list of two things 4. Between items in a list of three of more
Find What's Wrong - Part II (Put error in parenthesis, and there could be two mistakes)
-I need to run a few errands, get groceries, pick up laundry, and buy stamps. -None of the girls wants a bad grade. -She whispered to her boyfriend in the movie that she wants a Coke. -That box of apples which I picked this morning can be used to make the pie. -She got there quick, so she made the bus. -The flavor of the coffee tastes like pumpkin pie, and vanilla. -She should of listened to her parents, and then they wouldn't be so angry with her. -I like to lay on my bed during the day when I am stressed. -My youngest sister Amy is a crazy wild child. -I love to ski in Colorado - even though it's expensive any chance I can get. -I love her the most; Jane is my favorite cousin. -I applied toward a job where I was overqualified. -Biting the heels of everyone, Jane yelled at her pesky puppy. -The essay was written by the editor of the paper. -Women's presence in the 1960's were overwhelming positive. -It's programs are highly regarded but she does not want to go to school there. -I love hanging out with my friend which likes all the same music as I.
personification
1. attributing human qualities to something non-human Ex. The sun played hide and seek with the clouds. Ex. Ex.
dashes
3 main purposes: to indicate a sudden change of thought; to lead to the unexpected; to give extra information. Dashes and commas are equivalent punctuation. Ex. I couldn't get out of it - but wait - maybe there was another way. Ex. My fish exploded- guts were everywhere- but I think I feed it to much food. Ex. Ex.
Independent (FANBOYS) Dependent NO COMMA!
= No Comma used when the second clause is dependent (ex. missing a subject). This is always tested!!! Ex. Mike was the only person on the scene AND tried to help the injured passenger. NOTICE...the subject "HE" is missing in the second clause (therefore a dependent clause), so do not use a comma! Write your own examples.. Ex. Ex. Ex.
Dependent Clause
A clause that does not stand alone as a sentence but depends on another clause to complete a sentence. Note the difference: -WHEN Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz... dependent (Dep Clause) -Jim studied in the library for his chem quiz. (Ind. Clause) Just removing the word "WHEN" changes the clause from dep. to ind! Do a few examples of dependent clauses. Ex. Working on various lab equipment Ex. Ex. Ex.
A restrictive clause - NO COMMAS
A restrictive clause is just part of a sentence that you can't get rid of because it specifically restricts some other part of the sentence" (1). Ex"The boy who threw up on Space Mountain wished he had stayed home." Here, the "who" clause is restrictive: It defines which particular boy wished he had stayed home, so you can't delete the clause, nor do you use commas around it. Another clue...The boy wished he had stayed home says something entirely different than "The boy who threw up on SM wished he had stayed home." When the sentence is fundamentally changed like that, no need for commas as the info is essential to the sentence. Ex. Ex.
Onomatopoeia
A figure of speech in which natural sounds are imitated in the sounds of words. Ex. The bee was buzzing around. Ex. Ex.
hyperbole
A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor. Ex. It is boiling outside. Ex. Ex.
Nonrestrictive clauses - use commas
A nonrestrictive clause is something that can be left off without changing the meaning of the sentence. You can think of a nonrestrictive clause as simply additional information. Such clauses are usually surrounded by, or preceded by, commas. Ex. The town, which lies thirty miles from the capital, is famous for its potato festival. The "which" clause is surrounded by commas. It contains additional information that is not necessary to understand the sentence, so you can delete the clause if you want. WHICH always signifies non-essential information on the ACT.
Pronoun Usage & Sentence Placement
A pronoun must have a clear antecedent in the sentence; the lack of an antecedent is itself an error. Ex. She was pushed to the forefront of "it". Make sure "it" is defined first or the sentences are not in proper order or are incorrect. Pick an answer choice that makes this clear! Also, the antecedent may often be present, but will disagree with the pronoun in number, make sure all pronouns have a clear reference.
Semicolons and Periods
A semicolon is essentially a soft period. If two answer choices are present, one with a comma and the other with a period....ELIMINATE BOTH CHOICES! Ex. The girl went to the store; she wanted a new outfit. Ex. The girl went to the store. She wanted a new outfit. Both can be crossed out as possible answer choices with the question at hand. They are too similar and the ACT will NEVER do this... so another answer choice must be correct.
A subject will come before a phrase beginning with of. This is a key rule for understanding subjects. The word "OF" is the culprit in many, perhaps most, subject-verb mistakes
A subject will come before a phrase beginning with of. This is a key rule for understanding subjects. The word of is the culprit in many, perhaps most, subject-verb mistakes. Hasty writers, speakers, readers, and listeners might miss the all-too-common mistake in the following sentence: Incorrect: A bouquet of yellow roses lend color and fragrance to the room. Correct: A bouquet of yellow roses lends . . . (bouquet lends, not roses lend)
Writer's Purpose - the author's aim or goal
A writer usually has one or more of the following purposes: 1. to inform or explain (expository writing); 2. to portray a person, place, object, or event (descriptive writing); 3. to convince people to accept a position and respond in some way (persuasive writing); 4. and/or to tell a story or entertain (narrative writing) Keep in mind the author! Is the author a child? mother? student? newspaper editor? columnist? The answer is more obvious when you consider the choices from the proper point of view and NOT your own point of view.
ACT avoids "being"
ACT rarely likes "being" choices. ING verbs tend to make sentences passive and/or overly wordy. ACT always favors active voice and concise answers.
Commas with Appositives
ALWAYS ON TEST Rule: When an appositive is essential to the meaning of the noun it belongs to, don't use commas!!! Ex. CEO Jane Adams will be the keynote speaker. You wouldn't say CEO will be the keynote speaker. The name Jane Adams is essential in this example so NO commas. When the noun preceding the appositive provides sufficient identification on its own, use commas around the appositive b/c it's just extra information. Ex Jorge Torres, our senator, was born in California. Our senator is surrounded by commas because Jorge Torres is a precise identifier. Ex. Our senator, Jorge Torres, was born in California. Explanation: Our senator is still a relatively precise identifier so Jorge Torres is not considered essential. Example: CEO Julie Minsky will be our featured speaker. Explanation: Julie Minsky is necessary to help identify CEO, so no commas are used. It would also be silly to say CEO will be our featured speaker. Example: Julie Minsky, CEO, will be our featured speaker. Explanation: Julie Minsky is a precise identifier so the appositive is surrounded by commas. Ex. essential- Ex. non-essential-
Redundancy
Always pick the most concise answer as long as it doesn't introduce a new mistake or remove vital information! Redundant. I value each and every student's opinion. Concise: I value each student's opinion. Redundant: My mom has a maternal, nurturing, caring, protective, motherly way about her. Concise: My mom cares, nurtures, and protects. Your own Redundant Example: Concise Example:
As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by "AND".
As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they are connected by "and". Example: A car and a bike are my means of transportation. But note these exceptions: Exceptions: Breaking and entering is against the law. The bed and breakfast was charming. In those sentences, breaking and entering and bed and breakfast are compound nouns.
Avoid redundancy on ACT
Avoid redundancy so you don't repeat things. This ^ statement is redundant! ;) The ACT would say EITHER "Avoid redundancy" OR "Don't repeat things" since the statements mean the same thing.
dangling modifier BAD BAD BAD
Be aware that many sentences will begin with a modifying phrase and a comma. The subject after the comma MUST be the person or thing doing the action of the modifying phrase. Ex While reading the newspaper, the cat jumped on the table. BAD - THE CAT DID NOT JUMP ON THE TABLE while reading the paper. Watch out for these types of errors!! Do three INcorrect examples so you know what to look for: Ex Ex Ex
Use a semicolon before introductory words such as "namely, however, therefore, that is, i.e., for example, e.g., for instance" WHEN THEY INTRODUCE A LIST following a complete sentence. Use a comma AFTER the introductory word.
CORRECT-The American flag has three colors; namely, red, white, and blue. You will want to bring many backpacking items; for example, sleeping bags, pans, and warm clothing. Ex. She does not like many foods; for instance, beans, pork, and carrots. Ex. Ex. BUT IF YOU REMOVE "NAMELY" from the example above: NOW CORRECT - The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue. Note the difference! EX. Ex.
capital vs capitol
Capitol is a building occupied by state legislature or the place in DC. Everything else is capitAl (money, Topeka, capital punishment, etc) Ex. In the movie White House Down, the Capitol was bombed. Ex. Someone that kills children should receive a capital punishment. Ex. Ex.
metaphor
Compares 2 things as if they were the same without the words "like" or "as" A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses one thing to mean another and makes a comparison between the two. The key words here are "one thing to mean another." So, when someone says "He's become a shell of a man," we know not to take this literally, even though it's stated directly as if this person had actually lost his internal substance. Ex. She froze with fear. Ex. Ex.
Author's purpose questions
Do these questions last. Look for answers that weave together a common thread from all the other questions/answer choices. If stuck, it helps to eliminate wrong answers.
Colon Rule: It MUST follow an independent clause AND introduce either an 1) example, 2) explanation, 3) short phrase or 4) or list. Remember this!!!!!!!!
Ex. There's only one city where I'd ever live: Boulder, Colorado. Ex. Ex. Martha has a serious problem: she's fourteen and doesn't know how to tie her shoes. (an example of a problem) Ex. Ex. The teacher had only three rules in her class: be on time, sit quietly, and check your attitude at the door. (explanation) Ex.
The noun immediately before the object that is being possessed receives the apostrophe
Ex. We drove to the lake in Angie and Paige's convertible... only Paige has the apostrophe Ex. Ex.
Independent Clause
Expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence or a question. Ex. Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz. Ex. He focused on balancing equations. Ex. Are you tired? Your examples of independent clauses. Ex. Ex. Ex.
Strategy Lesson 1: Follow Orders
Follow Orders! If the question tells you to pick a sentence that emphasizes the narrator's anger at this point in the essay... PICK a sentence that conveys ANGER!
FANBOYS - Acronym to Remember
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So These words are commonly referred to as FANBOYS. You MUST USE a comma when one of these words separates two (2) independent clauses. MEMORIZE!
Parallel structure and commas
How could you dump me, tell Julie you love her, go to prom with her, and then now tell me you love me? This sentence is long, but it is written correctly. All the verbs match in tense. Do a few complex sentences below (always keep sentences as parallel as possible): Ex. Ex.
Prepositional Idioms and correct usage
Idioms do not follow rules. Get familiar with when to use each of the following step "toward" abide: by accused: me agreed: to apologized: for applied: for approve: of argued: with arrived: at believe: in blamed: for care: about charge: of compares: to complain: about consists: of count: on depart: for depend: on differ: from discriminate: against escape: from excuse: for fired: from hide: from hoped: for insist: upon object: to participate: in pray: for protect: me provide: me with OR for recover: from rely: on stared: at subscribes: to succeeded: in suspect: of wait: for work: with me preoccupation: with
Tense agreement Exception
If it is VERY OBVIOUS that the tense has changed, then a shift in tense is allowed. Look for clues as to which tense to use in the non-underlined text. Ex. Bruce asked Georgia to go to the music hall today and will ask Chuck to go to the action thriller tomorrow. (The very clear use of the words "today" and "tomorrow" makes this acceptable Ex.
Nouns connected by correlative conjunctions
If nouns are connected by the correlative conjunction "both" or "and"- use a plural verb. Unacceptable: Both your advisor and your course instructor "is" required to sign the form. Acceptable Both your advisor and your course instructor "are" required to sign the form. Ex. Ex. Ex.
Formality & Consistency
If you sense formality in the passage...avoid Colloquilalisms (slang, casual language). Keep the tone/form consistent throughout the passage!
ASSUME words that are not underlined ARE CORRECT!
In the following ACT example, the word "One" is underlined and the question asks...if "One" is correct or should be changed to any of the following... Q: "One" of his frescoes depict a progression through time... A) No change B) Many C) Each D) Any one Since "depict" is not underlined, "Many" is the only choice that is in agreement with "depict". All the other options are singular!!
subject verb agreement BE CAREFUL
Incorrect Ex. Women's increased presence in wartime workforces were not limited to factories and shipyards. What's wrong here? Correct: Women's increased PRESENCE in wartime workforces WAS not limited to factories and shipyards. The word "presence" is singular and you must pick a singular verb to go along with it! Tricky!! Know the basic collective nouns that take on the singular. Do examples where the subject is not immediately obvious (similar to the above example). Ex. Ex.
Other Redundancy Problems
Information can be redundant within the sentence AND/OR redundant in the passage/paragraph. -If "Omit" is an option for the question, consider if the information was already presented earlier in the paragraph or passage.
Tense agreement
Keep it consistent! Good Ex. Joe ran the race and won. BAD *The instructor explains the diagram to students who asked questions during the lecture. ugh..b/c it pairs explains with asked *Do not shift from one tense to another if the time frame for each action or state is the same. CORRECTED: The instructor explains the diagram to students who ask questions during the lecture. Three sentences with correct verb tense agreement. Ex. Ex. Ex.
lie vs lay
Lie is to recline ( ex. I lie down after school). Lay is to put (ex. I lay my bookbag down on the floor). There must be an object with the very "to lay". Ex. I lie down. Ex. She lays her backpack on my desk every day. Ex. Ex.
Noun: breakdown vs Verb: break down
Phrases that have verb, noun, and adjective forms should appear as separate words when used as verbs and as one word when used as nouns or adjectives. The engine will eventually break down. (verb) Please clean up your room. (verb) I'm having a nervous breakdown (noun) The cleanup operation was under way on Monday (noun) Create sentences using other compound words (something different than breakdown or cleanup). Ex. Ex.
Omit vs No Change
Omit/Delete is right 50% of the time No Change is right 25% of the time
ACT will always prefer Active Voice over Passive
Passive Voice incorrectly puts the object of the sentence first. Make sure to keep the subject (the person or thing doing the action) before the verb by USING ACTIVE VOICE. While both are grammatically correct, the ACT will always make the active voice the correct answer choice. ACTIVE: Alan wrote the term paper. Correct! PASSIVE: NOT CORRECT The term paper was written by Alan. Write two sentences using the correct/incorrect way Ex Passive Ex. Active Ex Passive Ex. Active
parallel construction
Pick sentences that convey ideas in parallel style or structure, Structure of words or sentences, related and close by, should remain similar in structure and function. (Molly enjoys running, reading, and writing.)
BOTH, FEW, MANY, SEVERAL, OTHERS
Pronouns that ALWAYS Take a Plural Verb!! Know these! Ex Ex EX EX EX EX Ex
who
Refers to the SUBJECT of the sentence Johnny, who is 5 years old, loves to sing Just pay attention to the incomplete idea in the statement -who is 5 years -;. If you can substitute -He-;, use -who-;. If you can sub -him-, use -Whom-. In this statement "who loves me? "He" loves me. Use "who"! It is the subject on the nonessential clause. Ex. Ex.
The "-ING" thing...Restrictive vs. Nonrestrictive Sentence-Ending Participial Phrases
Remember: For sentences ending with -ING statements... if it's extra information, use commas. In the sentence "She yelled at me, making me cry," use a comma because "making me cry" is extra information. Ex. "Everyone over 50 was fired, causing an uproar." "Making me cry" and "causing an uproar" are acting as afterthoughts (or extra info) in these sentences, so both require a comma beforehand. Example of a sentence-ending participial phrases that DOES NOT require a comma. "She is the lady making me cry." Here, we don't use a comma because we can't delete the phrase "making me cry." This phrase defines which particular lady we're talking about. To say "She is the lady vs. She is the lady making me cry...two VERY different things. It's restrictive and not extra information so NO COMMA! Do an example of both types: Comma Required Ex. Restrictive - no comma required Ex.
Strategy Lesson 3: Sentence Paragraph Placement
Sequencing -Look for transition words, dates, antecedents, etc. There are hints everywhere. For example, if the character did something in 1980, that paragraph should come before the paragraph discussing events in 1990. If they use pronouns in one paragraph...the paragraph introducing the characters should come prior to that paragraph.
SANAM Rule for Agreement: "S"ome "A"ny "N"one "A"ll "M"ost Remember this!!!
Some Any None All Most - an amount like "none" is married to one word. None gets married to the word at the end of "OF " . That word dictates the verb status! Ex None of my friends want to to see the new movie. "Friends" is the word that follows "of" so there has to be verb agreement between "friends" and "want". Ex. Ex. Ex.
Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words as along with, as well as, besides, not, etc. These words and phrases are not part of the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb when the subject is singular.
Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words as along with, as well as, besides, not, etc. These words and phrases are not part of the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb when the subject is singular. Examples: The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly. Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.
Subject-Verb Agreement with Correlative Conjunctions
Subject-Verb Agreement with Correlative Conjunctions When a correlative conjunction links two elements that are the subject of a verb, the verb is singular if both elements are singular. For example: Neither the lorry nor the van is available. (Both elements are singular, so the verb is singular.) However, things get complicated if one of the elements is plural because there are two conventions: Convention 1 - The Proximity Rule. Under this convention, the element nearest the verb determines whether it is singular or plural. For example: Neither the lorry nor the vans are available. (The element nearest the verb is plural, so the verb is plural.) Convention 2 - The Logic Rule. Under this convention, if any of the elements are plural, the verb is plural. For example: Neither the lorries nor the van are available. (The first element is plural, so the verb is plural. This would be wrong using The Proximity Rule.)
singular pronouns - KNOW THESE
THESE ARE ALL SINGULAR each, everyone, every one, anybody, someone, either, neither Ex. "Each" of the members "has" one vote. Singular word=singular verb! NOTE: A good rule of thumb to remember is that all the words ending in -one, -thing, and -body are singular, even though these words might seem to be plural when we think of "everybody in a crowd" or "everybody in Texas." Don't think of the word that way. Instead, think of it as being equivalent to "every single individual." Do examples for the remaining Ex. everyone- Ex. every one- Ex. anybody- Ex. someone- Ex. either- Ex. neither-
Strategy Lesson 2: Take things literally
Take Things Literally In a test question, you may be asked to pick a sentence that conveys anger. Pick the choice that literally conveys anger vs. something that might make YOU angry. Ex. A. Janet slammed her fists on the table as she thwarted another insult. B. Janet's brother Bobby has yet to repay the $10,000 he borrowed from her. In the above example..."B" may make YOU mad and is intended to trick readers. However, "A" is correct as it literally conveys anger with words such as slammed fists, thwarted insult.
parallel structure
The ACT likes similar grammatical structure within a sentence or within a paragraph. Ralph enjoyed biking, hiking, and to run. BAD! "to run" must be parallel to the other words....use RUNNING. Write your own examples using proper parallel structure: Ex. Ex.
"and" between adjectives
The comma rule comes down to the difference between two kinds of adjectives: coordinate adjectives and cumulative adjectives. Coordinate adjectives are adjectives in a row that each separately modify the noun that follows (1), as in "heavy, bulky box." Both "heavy" and "bulky" modify "box." You can even rearrange the adjectives and say, "bulky, heavy box." So you need a comma between the adjectives that can be interchanged with one another. Ex. Roberto is a warm, gentle, kind father. Another test: You can rearrange these adjectives and say "and" between each one. So again, use a comma between these adjectives. ******************** Cumulative adjectives, on the other hand, don't separately modify the noun that follows even though they are all stacked up before the noun too (2). Instead, the adjective right before the noun pairs with the noun as a unit, and the adjective before that unit modifies it. Example. Three large gray shapes moved slowly toward us. You can't say Gray large three ships...or Three and large and gray shapes (both sound funny) so these are cumulative adjectives = NO COMMAS! Your own examples highlighting the difference. Coordinate Adj Ex. Ex. Cumulative Adj. Ex. Ex.
Dashes
The dash works somewhat like parentheses or commas, but it is used where a stronger punctuation is needed. It can connect an independent clause with the 'interrupting' thought: Independent clause—thought—independent clause. Independent clause—thought. Examples: Skiing at Vail is expensive --it cost me ninety bucks--but the back bowls are worth every penny. Three of my most difficult subjects--history, physics, and English--are all first thing in the morning. I'd better have passed my test—it's ninety percent of my class grade—or I'll have to go to summer school. Ex. Well, I passed the test—granted, I cheated—but I passed! Ex. Abby gave me a terrible haircut—and she expected a tip! Ex. Usually if you START a dash look to FINISH THE DASH on the ACT.
Mixed Subjects: The verb in an or, either/or, or neither/nor sentence agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it.
The verb in an or, either/or, or neither/nor sentence agrees with the noun or pronoun closest to it. Examples: Neither the plates nor the serving bowl goes on that shelf. Neither the serving bowl nor the plates go on that shelf. Your examples: - -
continuation conjunctions
These are continuation conjunctions. Do your own examples of each. Good Review: http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/transitions.pdf because- I had an allergic reaction because I ate chocolate. since- finally- furthermore- moreover- since- so- thus- therefore-
Contrast conjunctions
These are contrast conjunctions. Do your own examples of each: but- I am allergic to chocolate, but I eat it anyway. yet- although- even though- however- nonetheless- never the less- yet-
Adjectives modify nouns and adverbs modify verbs
This is ALWAYS on the test!!!!!!!!!!!! Ex He could see clearly/clear enough to make out the horizon. *Use clearly b/c it modifies to see* Ex. Even though commercials tell you it's easy to get rich quick/quickly. You should use quickly bc it modifies "gets" Look to keep the -LY ending when a verb is modified. Ex. Ex.
proximity rule
This is the rule for when you have a singular and plural noun grouped together in an in applying the principle of subject-verb agreement, rely on the noun that is closest to the verb to determine whether the verb is singular or plural.
Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor require a singular verb.
Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor require a singular verb. Examples: My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today. Neither Juan nor Carmen is available. Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations. Your examples: - - -
I
Use -I-; when you are the subject Tim and I went to the mall. Ex. Madeline and I are very strange. Ex. Ex.
than I
Use I after the word "than" if the pronoun is being compared to the SUBJECT of a verb. Ex. The quiz was harder than I had expected. Ex. Ex.
Introductory phrase = Comma
Use a comma when it separates introductory words from the rest of sentence. The introductory phrase must also modify the subject that immediately follows the introduction. Ex. After seven weeks of studying, I raised my ACT score by three points. Ex. Upon completing the building, the contractor sent us the bill. Ex. Ex.
Independent ; however , Independent
Use a semicolon and comma when you see... thus, furthermore, however, moreover, therefore, nevertheless BETWEEN TWO independent clauses. Ex. I like pick up trucks; however, they are not practical in NY. Ex. She is annoying; nevertheless, she is my mother. Ex. I need a good grade; therefore, I will study all night. Ex. Greece is awesome; moreover, you should visit the country. Ex. Ex. Ex.
Independent ; Independant NO fanboys present
Use a semicolon when it separates two independent clauses and you DO NOT SEE FANBOYS!!! * Do not capitalize the word after the semi unless you see a quote or a proper noun. Notice: "she" is not capitalized below. Ex. I'm thinking of going to Georgetown; D.C. is an ideal place for me. Ex. Madeline baked a cake; (s)he should open a bakery. Ex. Ex.
Practice: Independent Clause, (FANBOYS) Independent Cl
Use comma when it separates two (2) independent clauses and you see F-A-N-B-O-Y-S (For And Nor But Or Yet So) Below is an example for each word. Please do your own example following. -F The two stopped to eat, FOR the work had made them hungry. Ex. -A The afternoon had been long, AND hours had gone by since lunch. Ex. -N There was no house nearby, NOR did they have any food with them. Ex. -B They wanted to pick blueberries as a snack, BUT a bear growled at them from the berry patch. Ex. -O Should they leave now, OR should they wait awhile? Ex. -Y The job was not done, YET they needed to rest and eat. Ex. -S They were starving, and it was getting dark, SO they went home. Ex.
Commas hug interruptors ,,,,BTW,,,,
Use commas to set off words or phrases that are nonessential to the integrity of the sentence. Make sure to look for the closing comma! Ex. The orchestra, excluding the violin section, was not up to par. Ex. Ex.
than Me
Use me after the word "than" if the pronoun is being compared to the OBJECT of a verb. Ex He is smarter than me. Ex. Ex.
Colons and lists
Use the COLON after an independent clause to introduce a list of items when introductory words such as "namely", "for example" do not appear. I need a few items at the store: clothespins, a bottle opener, and napkins. Ex. Ex.
Standard Convention Rule (difficult and not likely to be on test)
When a subject is made up of two elements joined by or or nor, the verb is singular if both elements are singular. If one of the elements is plural, the verb becomes plural. (see proximity rule exceptions) For example: Shortbread or cake is on sale. Chocolates or cake are on sale.
What's a comma splice error?
When two independent clauses are incorrectly spliced together using a comma... Ex. She ran to the store, she purchased eggs. Learn to spot these MISTAKES on the ACT!!! Write a few bad examples below so you know what to look for. BAD Example 1: BAD Example 2:
With words that indicate portions—a lot, a majority, some, all, etc.—Rule 1 given earlier is reversed, and we are guided by the noun after of. If the noun after of is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb.
With words that indicate portions—a lot, a majority, some, all, etc.—Rule 1 given earlier is reversed, and we are guided by the noun after of. If the noun after of is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb. Examples: A lot of the pie has disappeared. A lot of the pies have disappeared. A third of the city is unemployed. A third of the people are unemployed. All of the pie is gone. All of the pies are gone. Some of the pie is missing. Some of the pies are missing.
Transition words help with ordering sentences and passages.
Words that are used to transition between ideas in a text (i.e. however, therefore, moreover, consequently, additionally, etc.). They are written to give you CLUES for passage placement or sentence placement within the paragraph. Also pay attention to dates, time of day, order of events, etc given in the passage.
affect vs effect
affect=to influence effect = noun=result Ex. The rain affected Amy's hairdo. Ex. The rain had no effect on Amy's hairdo. Ex. Ex.
discreet vs discrete
discreet=quiet discrete=individually separate and distinct Ex. Ex.
elicit vs illicit
elicit= evoke or cause illicit = bad, like an illicit affair Ex. Ex.
except vs accept
except = apart from; With the exception of accept = verb To admit or approve; to receive Ex. She likes everything except sushi. Ex Comments are accepted for a month before guidance is adopted. Ex. Ex.
Simplest sounding answers are usually RIGHT
fake-fancy is a trap. Be economical...LESS is MORE! Ex Stew wanted to "form" a nonprofit organization -not "begin and found" this is redundant -not "formulate" incorrect use of verb -not "provide the formation of" b/c unnecessarily wordy
farther vs. further (usually on ACT)
farther = physical distance further = indicates level or degree Colorado is farther from Illinois than Iowa. Picasso goes further than Cezanne in his application of abstract ideas Ex. Ex.
fewer vs less
fewer refers to a number you can count. Less refers to an amount of something. Ex. Use the cooking analogy...you have fewer cherries and less flour than you need. Most grocery stores incorrectly state "10 items or less" for the express lanes. Signs should read "10 items or fewer". Ex. Ex.
Purdue Grammar Quizzes
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/exercises/2/
principle vs principal
principle (a doctrine, standard, rule, or law, etc.) is always a noun: A principle of management is to treat your employees as you want them to treat your customers. On the other hand, principal (primary, chief, most important, boss of the school) is both a noun and an adjective (*usually an adjective in non-legal usage) In general usage, principal refers to a person who plays an important role or holds a high position: Ex. Last week, there was a meeting among the principals in the deal. In legal and financial English, however, principal is often a noun (from principal person). In the law of agency, the principal is the one on whose behalf the agent acts: Ex. She attended the meeting as the agent of a principal who wished to remain anonymous. Ex The borrower was only able to make the minimum payment, which covered the interest but did not reduce the principal. Principle examples: Ex Ex. Principal examples: Ex. Ex.
whom
refers to the OJBECT of the sentence Whom do you love? I love "him". So you use the -whom-. Ex. Ex.
Writer's meaning or details (ex. paragraph would primarly lose/gain....)
scan a sentence or two before and after the selection and determine which answer fits the best in context.
that vs which
that= restrictive=no commas "that" restricts the meaning or identity of the word. If removed, the meaning of the sentence will change. Ex. Chairs that don't have cushions are uncomfortable to sit on. You wouldn't say Chairs are uncomfortable to sit on and capture the same meaning of the sentence. Too broad and needs to be restricted with "THAT" which= Adds info, but doesn't define it. Usually non-restrictive clauses are either in brackets or have a comma before and after them! Use commas in this case. For example: I sat on an uncomfortable chair, which was in my office. Ex. Ex.
