ALL ACT GRAMMER RULES

Periods

Separate two complete sentences

Commas

Use whenever you need a brief pause

Comma Splice

Connecting two complete statements by comma

Semi-colons

Connect two related sentences that could stand on their own as a complete sentence. This equals a period.

Colons

Introduction, explain, description, or list, never use the phrase “such as” before a colon. Order: 1. What needs to be explained 2. colon 3. explain

Em-dash

Single m-dash can replace a colon

Singular Possessive

“That is the girl’s sweater”
Girl is singular, ‘ before the s

Plural Possessive

“The boys’ favorite game is football”
Multiple boys, ‘ after the s

Choose the right word in context formula:

Read the sentence before and after the transition word, read the sentence with the transition word, identify the relationship

Common Transition Words: Contrast

However, Nonetheless, nevertheless, but

Common Transition Words: Similarity

Furthermore, Likewise, Moreover, Also, And

Common Transition Words: Cause and Effect

Because, so, therefore, thus, given that

Common Transition Words: Providing Examples

For example, For Instance, In fact

Commonly Confused Words

The word with an A means action, A for Action

Who

Subject Word

Whom

Preceded by a preposition (to, for, by)

Whose

Possession

Whenever possible…

say things with the fewest words, always pick the one that is short and sweet

Avoid the…

Passive Voice when possible

Avoid unnecessarily..

Repetitive statements

When combining two sentences…

Avoid answer choices with more than one subject

Good introductions..

prep the reader to easily understand the ideas being presented

Good Transition Sentences

Reference a previous idea and connect it to a new idea

Good Conclusions

Summarize the main point of a passage or article, reread the title/first paragraph to find the main idea

Support claims with..

Specific Evidence

Provide Examples…

when solving unfamiliar terms

Modify descriptive phrases..

Must come immediately before or immediately after the word that it is modifying

Which is correct?

“Speeding across the field, Henry was officially crowned the fastest in the school.”

Number

“A pack of dogs is roaming through the house.”
A pack is…

Tense

“The band played its hit tune, and the audience erupted in applause.”
Played…Erupted… Keep the same_____.

Style/Tone

Avoid Conversational Language

Parallel Structure

“Along with running and rock climbing, surfing is one of my favorites.”
Running…Climbing…Surfing. All end with ing.

“Not only…

But also”

“Neither…

Nor”

“Either…

Or”

Compare only…

Directly related ideas
“Compared to office secretaries, marine biologists have a much more active profession.”

Logical Order

Avoid interrupting the flow of thought in a passage.