Sat english tricks

Comma

Use commas to separate nonessential modifiers, introductory phrases, and items in a list. A comma can also join an independent clause to a dependent clause or a conjunction

Semicolon

Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. It can also separate items in a complicated list when those items already contain commas

Colon

Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list, explanation, definition, or example

Dash

Use dashes to set off an explanatory or nonessential phrase. A phrase in the middle of a sentence generally needs a dash on both sides

Such as

Use a comma before "such as" when it introduces examples, but do not put a comma immediately after "such as"

Essential Modifier

An essential modifier is necessary to identify or define the noun. Do NOT surround it with commas

Nonessential Modifier

A nonessential modifier adds information that can be removed without changing the basic meaning. Surround it with commas

Independent Clause

A group of words containing a subject and verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence

Dependent Clause

A group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be connected to an independent clause

Sentence Fragment

A group of words that is missing something necessary to form an independent clause

Dangling Modifier

A modifier at the beginning of a sentence that does not clearly describe the noun immediately following it

Misplaced Modifier

A modifier placed too far from the word it describes, creating an incorrect or confusing meaning

Parallelism

Items in a list or comparison should have the same grammatical structure

Parallelism Example

Incorrect: "She likes running, swimming, and to bike." Correct: "She likes running, swimming, and biking"

Plural Noun

Usually, make a regular noun plural by adding s

Singular Possessive

For a singular noun showing ownership, usually add apostrophe + s. Example: the student's book

Plural Possessive

For a plural noun already ending in s’

Subject Pronoun

Subject pronouns perform the action: I, you, he, she, it, we, they

Object Pronoun

Object pronouns receive the action or follow a preposition: me, you, him, her, it, us, them

Pronoun Test

To choose between I/me, he/him, she/her, etc., remove the other noun from the sentence and see which pronoun sounds correct

Who vs. Whom

"Who" is used as a subject "whom" is used as an object

Who Test

Replace "who" with "he/she/they." If that works, use "who"

Whom Test

Replace "whom" with "him/her/them." If that works, use "whom"

Pronoun Antecedent

A pronoun should clearly refer to a specific noun, called its antecedent

A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number and person

That vs. Who

Use "who" for people and "that" for things or nonhuman nouns

Indefinite Pronouns

Words such as everyone, someone, anyone