ACT grammar (english)

Comma Splice

Two independent clauses incorrectly joined by only a comma

Run-on Sentence

Two or more independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or conjunction

Sentence Fragment

An incomplete sentence missing a subject, verb, or complete thought

Independent Clause

A clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence

Dependent Clause

A clause that cannot stand alone and relies on an independent clause

Subject-Verb Agreement

The subject and verb in a sentence must match in number (singular/plural)

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

A pronoun must match its antecedent in number and gender

Parallel Structure

Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison

Dangling Modifier

A descriptive phrase that doesn't clearly connect to the word it's meant to modify

Misplaced Modifier

A modifier placed too far from the word it describes, causing confusion

Semicolon Use

Joins two independent clauses without a conjunction, or separates items in a complex list

Colon Use

Introduces a list, explanation, or elaboration after a complete independent clause

Apostrophe (Possessive)

Shows ownership, e.g. "the dog's leash"

Its vs. It's

"Its" is possessive, "it's" is a contraction for "it is"

FANBOYS

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So — coordinating conjunctions that join independent clauses

Nonessential Clause

Extra info set off by commas that isn't necessary to the sentence's meaning

Comparative vs Superlative

Comparative compares two things (better), superlative compares three or more (best)

Idiomatic Expression

A fixed phrase where certain prepositions are grammatically required (e.g. "interested in")

Redundancy

Unnecessary repetition of words or ideas that should be cut for concision

Transition Word

A word or phrase that shows the logical relationship between ideas (however, therefore, meanwhile)

Tone Consistency

Keeping the passage's style and formality level consistent throughout

Relevance (Rhetorical)

Whether a sentence or phrase actually supports the passage's main purpose