SAT Grammar: Independent Clauses, Punctuation, and Sentence Structure

What are the three components of an independent clause?

Subject, 1 main verb, no dependent clause starter.

What is a main verb?

The main action the subject does; not -ing, to ____, or verbs in a noun.

What is the rule for using a colon?

Independent clause before and related thought after.

What is the rule for using a period?

Independent clause before and after it.

What is a semicolon list?

A list where all items look alike; independent clause before and after it.

How do you identify a semicolon list question?

Look for many semicolons in answer choices or if a semicolon is already in the sentence.

What does a comma + Fanboys connect?

Independent clause before and after it.

What is an isolated comma?

A comma without a Fanboys that attaches non-essential elements.

What is a non-essential element?

Additional information that can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

What are common starters for unnecessary additional information?

-ing verbs and 'which'.

What is the priority list for checking answers?

Colon, period, semicolon, comma+fanboys, isolated comma, no punctuation.

How do you treat transitions in sentences?

Ignore transitions and treat them as normal punctuation.

What should you look for in verb forms?

Only look at the FIRST VERB of each answer choice.

What is the rule for singular-plural identification?

If it has an 's' (or 'es'), it's singular; if not, it's plural.

What should you do if there's no minority in singular-plural questions?

Read the passage to find the noun/pronoun doing the action.

What indicates a main verb?

If there is only 1 answer choice that is definitely not a main verb.

What does 'had' indicate in past events?

It precedes the action that happened first.

What should you do with pronouns?

Find the subject they refer to and select the matching pronoun.

What does it mean if a modifier says 'passed down from my grandmother'?

It describes the thing that was passed down, not the grandmother.

What do apostrophes indicate?

They show possession; check the next word to see if it can be possessed.

What is the rule for plural and possessive forms?

____s' is plural; ____'s is singular.

What are common clues for singular or plural forms?

A verb that refers to the word or quantifiers like 'many' or 'one'.