PSAT 10 Standard English Conventions: Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation for the Reading & Writing Section

Boundary

Rules that mark where one sentence or clause ends and another begins.

Independent Clause

A clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

Dependent Clause

A clause that cannot stand alone and begins with a subordinating word.

Run-on Sentence

Two independent clauses joined with no punctuation or connector.

Comma Splice

Two independent clauses joined by a comma without a conjunction.

Fragment

A dependent clause or incomplete idea punctuated as a sentence.

Semicolon

A punctuation mark that can join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Comma + Coordinating Conjunction

Use a comma before FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when joining two independent clauses.

Introductory Dependent Clause

Use a comma after a sentence that begins with a dependent clause.

Nonessential Information

Use commas to set off information that could be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Colon

A punctuation mark that signals that what follows will explain, define, illustrate, or list something mentioned before.

Em Dash

A punctuation mark that can function like a stronger comma or parentheses; often marks an interruption or emphasis.

Parentheses

Punctuation used to set off extra information that is least important to the main flow of the sentence.

Transition

Words like however, therefore, and for example, that connect ideas but do not fix run-on sentences.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The requirement that a verb must match its subject in number.

Tense Consistency

Ensuring that the verb tense reflects when the actions happen and remains consistent.

Finite Verb

A fully functioning main verb that can serve as the main verb of a clause.

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

A pronoun must match its antecedent in number and person.

Clarity in Pronouns

A pronoun must point clearly to a specific noun or antecedent.

Modifier

A word or phrase that describes another word or phrase in the sentence.

Misplaced Modifier

A modifier that is too far from the word it describes, leading to ambiguity.

Dangling Modifier

A modifier that lacks a clear referent, leaving the sentence without a subject.

Parallel Structure

Ensuring that items in a list or paired structure have the same grammatical form.

Logical Comparison

Making sure comparisons are between like items or concepts for clarity.

Active Voice

A sentence structure where the subject performs the action.

Passive Voice

A sentence structure where the subject receives the action.

Concision

Eliminating redundancy and awkward phrasing to make sentences clearer.