ACT English Grammar Rules

Flashcards covering all grammar rules needed for the ACT English section.

What do periods do in writing?

Periods break up two separate standalone statements.

What is the primary use of commas?

Commas are used whenever a brief pause is needed in a sentence.

What should commas NOT be used for?

Commas should not be used to connect two standalone thoughts; doing so results in a comma splice.

What is the main function of semicolons?

Semicolons connect two related statements that can stand on their own as complete sentences.

What do colons introduce?

Colons introduce an explanation, description, or a list.

What is the structure that should be followed when using a colon?

One thing to be explained/ described, two the colon, three explanation/ description/ list.

Where can a single em dash be used?

A single em dash can be used anywhere a colon can be used.

Where are double em dashes used?

Double em dashes are used for lists, descriptions, or explanations in the middle of a sentence.

How can you identify singular possessives?

In singular possessives, the apostrophe is placed after the noun to show ownership by one entity.

How can you identify plural possessives?

In plural possessives, the apostrophe is placed after the s to show ownership by multiple entities.

What is the main difference between 'its' and 'it's'?

'Its' without an apostrophe is possessive, while 'it's' with an apostrophe is a contraction for 'it is'.

In the 'accept' vs 'except' pair, when should you use the 'accept' form?

Use 'accept' with an 'a' when you need a verb form.

In the effect vs affect pair, when should you use the affect form?

Use 'affect' with an 'a' when you need a verb form.

What does Pre mean?

Pre means to come before

What is 'then' with an 'e' used for?

'Then' with an 'e' is used for sequence or chronology of events.

What is 'than' with an 'a' used for?

'Than' with an 'a' is used for comparisons.

When should you use 'whom' instead of 'who'?

Use 'whom' when the word is preceded by a preposition.

What should you do to improve your vocabulary?

When you see words you don't know, look up the words.

What language should you use in your writing?

Whenever possible, say it with fewer words.

What voice should you use?

Say it simply and clearly, and avoid using the passive voice whenever possible.

What should you do when combining two sentences?

When combining two sentences, avoid answer choices with more than one subject.

What must you do before you introduce your writing?

You have to read ahead in the paragraph/passage before you decide how to best introduce it.

What do good conclusion sentences summarize?

Good conclusion sentences summarize the main point of a passage or article.

Where I can usually find the main idea?

Reread the title and the first paragraph of the passage to find the main idea.

How to support a claim?

Supporting claims with specific evidence is a good idea as long as it's relevant.

Under what circunstance should technical or unfamiliar terms be used?

Providing examples or definition of technical or unfamiliar terms is always a good idea too.

Where must the modifying/descriptive phrase always come?

The modifying, aka description phrase, must always come immediately before or immediately after the word it is modifying.

Must the subject matches the verb?

If you have a singular subject, you need to have a singular verb. If you have a plural subject, you need to have a plural verb.

When combining elements, there must be a mathing of the tense?

If we're talking about events that happened in the past, stay in the past tense. If we're talking about events that are happening right now in the present, use the present tense.

What style and tone should be avoided?

Avoid conversational language.

The pattern in a sentence should be maintained?

If you see a pattern in a sentence, you want to stick with that pattern. Don't change the pattern.

What is not only related to?

Not only is always followed by some form of but also.

What is neither related to?

Neither is always followed by nor.

What is either of?

Either is always followed by or in some part of this.

What kind of ideas should be compared?

Compare only directly related ideas.

What you should avoid about flow of thought?

Avoid interrupting the flow of thought.

What should you do with your instincts?

Trust your ear and go with your first instinct.