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PSAT GRAMMAR RULES:

  1. Subject-verb agreement

    • The subject and verb must agree in number (singular or plural).

    • Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on context.

    • Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, each) are usually singular.

  2. Pronoun-antecedent agreement

    • Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.

    • Be cautious with collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.

    • Ensure clarity by placing pronouns close to their antecedents.

  3. Verb tense consistency

    • Maintain the same tense throughout a sentence or related sentences.

    • Use past tense for completed actions and present tense for current actions.

    • Be mindful of shifts in time that may require a change in tense.

  4. Parallel structure

    • Use the same grammatical structure for items in a list or series.

    • Ensure consistency in verb forms, phrases, and clauses.

    • Parallelism enhances clarity and readability.

  5. Comma usage

    • Use commas to separate items in a list, after introductory phrases, and before conjunctions in compound sentences.

    • Use commas to set off non-essential information.

    • Avoid comma splices by not joining two independent clauses with just a comma.

  6. Semicolon and colon usage

    • Use semicolons to connect closely related independent clauses.

    • Use colons to introduce lists, explanations, or quotes.

    • Ensure the clause before a colon is a complete sentence.

  7. Apostrophe usage

    • Use apostrophes to indicate possession (e.g., the dog's bone).

    • Use apostrophes in contractions (e.g., can't for cannot).

    • Be careful with plural nouns that do not require an apostrophe.

  8. Sentence fragments and run-on sentences

    • A sentence fragment lacks a subject or verb and does not express a complete thought.

    • Run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses are improperly joined.

    • Use punctuation or conjunctions to correct these errors.

  9. Modifier placement

    • Place modifiers close to the words they modify to avoid confusion.

    • Avoid misplaced modifiers that can change the intended meaning.

    • Use clear and precise language to enhance clarity.

  10. Commonly confused words (e.g., their/there/they're, its/it's)

    • Understand the different meanings and uses of commonly confused words.

    • Practice using them in context to reinforce correct usage.

    • Pay attention to homophones that sound alike but have different meanings.

  11. Active vs. passive voice

    • Use active voice for clarity and directness (e.g., The dog chased the cat).

    • Passive voice can obscure the subject and make sentences less engaging (e.g., The cat was chased by the dog).

    • Prefer active voice in most writing situations.

  12. Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions

    • Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect equal parts of a sentence.

    • Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, since) introduce dependent clauses.

    • Use conjunctions to create complex and compound sentences.

  13. Dangling and misplaced modifiers

    • A dangling modifier lacks a clear subject and can confuse the reader.

    • Misplaced modifiers are incorrectly positioned, leading to ambiguity.

    • Revise sentences to ensure modifiers clearly relate to the intended words.

  14. Comparative and superlative adjectives

    • Use comparative adjectives to compare two items (e.g., taller, smarter).

    • Use superlative adjectives to compare three or more items (e.g., tallest, smartest).

    • Be mindful of irregular forms (e.g., good, better, best).

  15. Idiomatic expressions and prepositions

    • Understand common idiomatic expressions and their meanings.

    • Use prepositions correctly to indicate relationships in time and space.

    • Be aware of idiomatic phrases that may not translate directly.