SAT Grammar Rules to Know for SAT

Understanding SAT grammar rules is key to acing the writing section. These rules cover everything from subject-verb agreement to punctuation, ensuring your writing is clear and effective. Mastering these concepts will boost your confidence and score on the SAT.

1. Subject-verb agreement

   • The subject and verb must agree in number (singular or plural).
   • Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on context.
   • Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, each) are usually singular.
   • When subjects are joined by "and," they typically take a plural verb.
   • When subjects are joined by "or" or "nor," the verb agrees with the nearest subject.

2. Pronoun agreement and clarity

   • Pronouns must agree in number and gender with the nouns they replace.
   • Use clear antecedents to avoid confusion about which noun the pronoun refers to.
   • Avoid ambiguous pronouns that could refer to multiple nouns.
   • Ensure that collective nouns are treated consistently with singular or plural pronouns.
   • Be cautious with indefinite pronouns; they can be singular or plural.

3. Verb tense and form

   • Maintain consistent verb tense throughout a sentence or passage.
   • Use the correct form of the verb to match the subject and tense.
   • Be aware of irregular verbs and their past forms.
   • Use present perfect tense to indicate actions that occurred at an unspecified time.
   • Avoid shifting tenses unnecessarily within a sentence.

4. Parallel structure

   • Use the same grammatical structure for items in a list or series.
   • Ensure that paired ideas (e.g., in comparisons) are expressed in a similar way.
   • Maintain consistency in verb forms, nouns, and phrases.
   • Parallel structure enhances clarity and readability.
   • Look for opportunities to use parallelism in both short and long sentences.

5. Modifier placement

   • Place modifiers as close as possible to the words they modify to avoid confusion.
   • Avoid misplaced modifiers that can change the intended meaning of a sentence.
   • Use commas to set off non-essential modifiers for clarity.
   • Be cautious with dangling modifiers; ensure the subject is clear.
   • Rearranging sentences can often clarify modifier placement.

6. Comma usage

   • Use commas to separate items in a list or series.
   • Place commas before coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) in compound sentences.
   • Use commas after introductory phrases or clauses.
   • Set off non-essential information with commas.
   • Avoid comma splices by using conjunctions or semicolons to connect independent clauses.

7. Semicolon and colon usage

   • Use semicolons to connect closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
   • Colons introduce lists, explanations, or quotes following an independent clause.
   • Use semicolons in complex lists where items contain commas.
   • Ensure that the clause before a colon is a complete sentence.
   • Avoid overusing colons; they should clarify rather than complicate.

8. Apostrophe usage

   • Use apostrophes to indicate possession (e.g., the dog's bone).
   • Form contractions with apostrophes (e.g., can't for cannot).
   • Be careful with plural nouns; do not use apostrophes unless indicating possession.
   • Distinguish between "its" (possessive) and "it's" (contraction for it is).
   • Use apostrophes correctly with irregular plural nouns.

9. Sentence fragments and run-ons

   • A sentence fragment lacks a subject, verb, or complete thought.
   • Ensure every sentence has at least one independent clause.
   • Run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses are improperly joined.
   • Use conjunctions or punctuation to separate independent clauses.
   • Revise fragments and run-ons for clarity and completeness.

10. Diction and word choice

    • Choose precise words that convey the intended meaning.
    • Avoid vague or overly complex language that may confuse readers.
    • Be mindful of connotations; words can carry positive or negative implications.
    • Use formal language in academic writing; avoid slang and colloquialisms.
    • Ensure that word choice is appropriate for the context and audience.

11. Idioms and prepositions

    • Use idiomatic expressions correctly; they may not follow literal meanings.
    • Be aware of common prepositional phrases and their correct usage.
    • Avoid mixing idioms or using them incorrectly in sentences.
    • Ensure that prepositions are used in a way that maintains clarity.
    • Familiarize yourself with idiomatic expressions commonly tested on the SAT.

12. Comparative and superlative adjectives

    • Use comparative adjectives to compare two items (e.g., taller, smarter).
    • Use superlative adjectives to compare three or more items (e.g., tallest, smartest).
    • Form comparatives and superlatives correctly, especially with irregular adjectives.
    • Avoid unnecessary comparisons; ensure clarity in what is being compared.
    • Use "more" or "most" for adjectives with two or more syllables.

13. Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions

    • Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect equal parts of a sentence.
    • Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, since, etc.) introduce dependent clauses.
    • Ensure that clauses connected by coordinating conjunctions are parallel.
    • Use subordinating conjunctions to show relationships between ideas.
    • Avoid run-on sentences by properly using conjunctions.

14. Logical comparison

    • Ensure that comparisons are made between similar items or ideas.
    • Avoid comparing unlike things, which can confuse the reader.
    • Use "than" for comparisons and "as...as" for equality.
    • Clarify the basis of comparison to enhance understanding.
    • Be cautious with ambiguous comparisons that lack context.

15. Redundancy and concision

    • Eliminate unnecessary words or phrases that do not add value.
    • Avoid repeating the same idea in different words.
    • Use concise language to express ideas clearly and effectively.
    • Be mindful of wordiness that can obscure meaning.
    • Aim for clarity and brevity in writing to enhance readability.