SAT Grammar

Sentence Structure

• subject = do-er, be-er

• verb = action, state of being

• subject does not have to come before verb

• M: S=stand alone, sub. and verb

NOT Sentences

• run ons = two sentences together

• comma splice, two sentences together with comma

• Sentence fragment

• M: X=R.C.S.

Singular + plural

• Consider if subject is singular or plural

• Careful of words like anything, everyone

• Noun number: if one is plural, others should be

Misplaced/Dangling Modifier

• Whatever is being described before the comma must come directly after the comma

• Following introductory phrases

• M: don’t leave a cliffhanger

False Comparison

• be careful the right things are being compared

• The things you’re comparing have to agree in meaning and form

• M: T.H.A.N = THing And Number

Verbs

• Verb forms should parallel each other in sentence

• M: V≠parallel, makes you go “er”

Parallelism + Pronoun Agreement

• on a list, items share grammatical form

• pronoun tenses need to be same

• Consider what noun a pronoun is replacing

• M: Parallel - Pronouns, lists.

Adverbs

• Describe verbs and other adjectives

• M: aD-verb + adj.

Redundancies + Ambiguities

• Anything unnecessary should be cut out

• If you’re not sure who/what the subject is, cut

Connector Words

• Transitional Words + punctuation connect clauses

• M: FANBOYS, make sure use is logical

Commas

M: , = 9

1) Compound sentence connector, 2 i.d. clauses

2) separate list

3) introductory phrase

4) non-essential info

5) transition words

6) Coordinating adj.

Coordinating adjectives

Comma for non-essential info