SAT Grammar — Complete Reference Guide
Every Standard English Conventions rule the SAT tests: 8 comma rules with 5 examples each, semicolons, colons, em dashes, apostrophes, fragments, run-ons, parallel structure, agreement, modifiers, 30+ confused word pairs, and 50 transition examples.
Last updated: 2026 · 40 min read
SAT Grammar Overview
Standard English Conventions (SEC) makes up approximately 26% of the SAT Reading & Writing section — about 14 questions out of 54 total. These questions ask you to choose the answer that conforms to the conventions of Standard English.
SEC questions split into two sub-areas: Boundaries (punctuation — how to join or separate clauses) and Form/Structure/Sense (word-level grammar — verb forms, agreement, pronouns, and word choice).
Punctuating sentences correctly — joining or separating independent and dependent clauses. Tests: commas, semicolons, colons, em dashes, periods.
Grammar at the word/phrase level — verb forms, tense, subject-verb agreement, noun/pronoun agreement, possessives vs. contractions.
Commas: 8 Rules with 5 Examples Each
Commas are the most frequently tested punctuation mark on the SAT. Master all 8 rules.
Rule 1: Before a Coordinating Conjunction Joining Two Independent Clauses
When a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) joins two independent clauses, a comma precedes the conjunction.
- She studied for months, and she earned a perfect score.
- The experiment was well designed, but the results were inconclusive.
- The policy seemed promising, yet critics quickly identified its flaws.
- Scientists identified the compound, so the team immediately began testing.
- He could accept the offer, or he could negotiate for better terms.
Note: If there is only one independent clause (no second subject), do NOT use a comma: "She studied and earned a perfect score."
Rule 2: After an Introductory Word, Phrase, or Clause
A comma follows any introductory element that precedes the main clause.
- When the results came in, the team immediately celebrated.
- After years of research, the scientists published their landmark study.
- Despite initial skepticism, the theory gained widespread acceptance.
- To improve public health outcomes, the government expanded access to preventive care.
- Having reviewed all the evidence, the committee reached a unanimous decision.
Rule 3: Around a Non-Restrictive (Non-Essential) Phrase
Use commas around a phrase or clause that adds extra information but is not essential to identify what is being discussed. Remove it — the sentence still makes complete sense.
- Dr. Chen, who led the study, published her findings in Nature.
- The proposal, which had been in development for two years, was approved unanimously.
- The Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, is under increasing threat.
- The policy, introduced in 2018, succeeded in reducing emissions by 15%.
- Her latest novel, a sweeping historical epic, debuted at number one.
Rule 4: Between Items in a Series (Oxford Comma Required)
The SAT always requires the Oxford comma — the comma before the final "and" or "or" in a list of three or more items.
- The study examined diet, exercise, and sleep quality.
- The kit contains a ruler, a compass, and a protractor.
- The committee included researchers from Paris, Tokyo, and São Paulo.
- She is fluent in Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic.
- The report recommended hiring more staff, expanding the budget, and upgrading facilities.
Rule 5: After a Transitional Word or Phrase at the Start of a Sentence
Transitional expressions at the start of a sentence are followed by a comma.
- However, the results did not support the initial hypothesis.
- Furthermore, the policy had unintended consequences for lower-income communities.
- In contrast, the second group showed significant improvement.
- As a result, funding was redirected to a more promising program.
- Nevertheless, the committee decided to proceed with the original plan.
Rule 6: Between Coordinate Adjectives
When two or more adjectives independently modify the same noun, separate them with a comma. Test: can you insert "and" between them and swap their order? If yes, use a comma.
- It was a long, difficult examination. (long and difficult — both independently modify "examination")
- She delivered a clear, persuasive argument.
- The researchers published a detailed, comprehensive report.
- He offered a thoughtful, well-reasoned response.
- The discovery produced unexpected, contradictory results.
No comma needed: "a small red car" — "small" modifies "red car" as a unit, not independently.
Rule 7: In Dates and Addresses
Use commas to separate elements in dates and geographic addresses when written in text.
- The study was published on March 15, 2024, in the New England Journal of Medicine.
- The conference will be held in Austin, Texas, next spring.
- She was born on June 3, 1989, in Manila.
- The headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland, where it has operated since 1948.
- The proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, during a period of immense national tension.
Rule 8: Comma Splice = Always Wrong on the SAT
A comma splice — using a comma alone to join two independent clauses — is always an error on the SAT. This is one of the most commonly tested traps.
These are ALL wrong:
- The study was large-scale, it included over 1,000 participants. ✗
- The policy failed, critics immediately called for its repeal. ✗
- She submitted the application, it was accepted within days. ✗
- The results were surprising, the team requested an immediate review. ✗
- Temperatures rose sharply, the ice caps began to retreat at an accelerated pace. ✗
Fix: use a semicolon, split into two sentences, or add a coordinating conjunction after the comma.
Semicolons: 2 Rules
Rule 1: Join Two Independent Clauses Without a Conjunction
A semicolon works exactly like a period — it must have an independent clause on BOTH sides. The difference is stylistic: a semicolon signals the two ideas are closely related. Never use a semicolon after a subordinating conjunction.
Rule 2: Separate Items in a Complex List
When items in a list already contain commas, use semicolons to separate the items to prevent confusion.
Colons: 2 Rules
Rule 1: Introduce a List, Explanation, or Elaboration
A colon must be preceded by an independent clause. What follows does NOT need to be an independent clause — it can be a list, a phrase, or a single word.
Rule 2: Never Use a Colon After a Verb or Preposition That Directly Precedes a List
The clause before a colon must be complete. If a verb ("are," "include," "is") leads directly into the list, no colon is needed.
Em Dashes & Apostrophes
Em Dash Rule 1: Single Em Dash to Introduce an Elaboration
One em dash at the end of a sentence functions like a colon — introducing an explanation or elaboration. The clause before it must be independent.
Em Dash Rule 2: Paired Em Dashes for Mid-Sentence Parenthetical
When an em dash opens a parenthetical phrase in the middle of a sentence, a second em dash must close it. You cannot mix a comma with an em dash to open and close the same phrase.
Apostrophes: Possession, Plural, and Contraction Rules
| Case | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular possession | Add 's (always) | the researcher's findings / the child's toy |
| Plural possession (ends in -s) | Add apostrophe only after the -s | the researchers' findings / the students' essays |
| Plural possession (not ending in -s) | Add 's | the children's toys / the women's conference |
| Contractions | Apostrophe replaces omitted letters | it's (it is) / they're (they are) / don't (do not) |
| its vs. it's | its = possessive (no apostrophe). it's = it is | The cat licked its paw. It's cold today. |
| whose vs. who's | whose = possessive. who's = who is | The scientist whose paper won. Who's presenting? |
| their / there / they're | their = possessive. there = place. they're = they are | Their research / over there / they're arriving |
Fragments: 10 Examples — Identify and Fix
A fragment is an incomplete sentence — it lacks a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. Fragments are always wrong on the SAT in the context of a complete written passage.
Fragment: Although the results were positive.
Fixed: Although the results were positive, the team decided to conduct additional trials.
Why: Subordinating conjunction ('Although') creates a dependent clause that needs an independent clause.
Fragment: The professor who led the groundbreaking research on climate adaptation.
Fixed: The professor who led the groundbreaking research on climate adaptation published her findings last year.
Why: A relative clause ('who led...') modifies a noun but doesn't complete the sentence — no main verb for the subject.
Fragment: Running along the coastline every morning before dawn.
Fixed: She ran along the coastline every morning before dawn.
Why: A participial phrase has no subject and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Fragment: For example, the rapid growth of digital media in developing countries.
Fixed: For example, the rapid growth of digital media in developing countries has transformed access to information.
Why: A prepositional phrase + noun phrase without a verb is a fragment.
Fragment: Which had been debated for more than a decade before a consensus was reached.
Fixed: The committee finally agreed on the policy, which had been debated for more than a decade.
Why: A relative clause beginning with 'which' is dependent and cannot stand alone.
Fragment: The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
Fixed: The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 transformed modern medicine.
Why: A long noun phrase — even a complex one — is not a sentence without a predicate (verb).
Fragment: Due to the fact that funding had been cut significantly.
Fixed: Due to the fact that funding had been cut significantly, the project was abandoned.
Why: 'Due to the fact that' creates a dependent adverbial clause — needs an independent clause.
Fragment: Including higher education, vocational training, and workplace apprenticeships.
Fixed: The report examined several pathways, including higher education, vocational training, and workplace apprenticeships.
Why: A participial phrase beginning with 'including' modifies a noun — it cannot stand alone.
Fragment: Not only the economic costs but also the social and environmental consequences.
Fixed: The analysis considered not only the economic costs but also the social and environmental consequences.
Why: A noun phrase (however complex) has no verb — it is not a complete sentence.
Fragment: Specifically, those communities with the fewest resources to adapt.
Fixed: Specifically, those communities with the fewest resources to adapt are the most vulnerable.
Why: Even with a transitional word, a subject without a verb is a fragment.
Run-Ons & Comma Splices: 10 Examples — Identify and Fix
A run-on sentence has two or more independent clauses that are not properly joined. A comma splice is the most specific type of run-on.
✗ The study was large-scale it included over 1,000 participants.
✓ The study was large-scale; it included over 1,000 participants.
✗ The policy failed, critics immediately called for its repeal.
✓ The policy failed, and critics immediately called for its repeal.
✗ She submitted the application it was accepted within days.
✓ She submitted the application. It was accepted within days.
✗ The data were compelling, however, the methodology was questioned.
✓ The data were compelling; however, the methodology was questioned.
✗ The professor presented three arguments, they were all based on recent research.
✓ The professor presented three arguments, all of which were based on recent research.
✗ Temperatures rose sharply, the ice caps began to retreat at an accelerated pace.
✓ As temperatures rose sharply, the ice caps began to retreat at an accelerated pace.
✗ He completed the experiment he then wrote up his findings.
✓ He completed the experiment and then wrote up his findings.
✗ Many students prefer online learning, others find classroom interaction essential.
✓ Many students prefer online learning; others find classroom interaction essential.
✗ The committee approved the budget, therefore the project could begin.
✓ The committee approved the budget; therefore, the project could begin.
✗ Conservation efforts have increased nevertheless the species continues to decline.
✓ Conservation efforts have increased; nevertheless, the species continues to decline.
Parallel Structure: 10 Examples with Fixes
Items in a list, comparison, or correlative conjunction pair must be in the same grammatical form.
✗ The policy aims to reduce costs, improving efficiency, and the promotion of innovation.
✓ The policy aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and promote innovation.
Rule: All items after 'to' must be base infinitives: reduce / improve / promote.
✗ She enjoys reading, to write, and painting.
✓ She enjoys reading, writing, and painting.
Rule: All items after 'enjoys' must be gerunds: reading / writing / painting.
✗ The report is thorough, carefully researched, and has practical recommendations.
✓ The report is thorough, carefully researched, and practically focused.
Rule: Predicate adjectives after 'is' must all be adjective forms, not verbs.
✗ Not only does the program reduce costs but also an increase in efficiency is produced.
✓ Not only does the program reduce costs, but it also increases efficiency.
Rule: 'Not only...but also' must introduce parallel structures (verb phrases, not noun phrases).
✗ Learning online is cheaper than to attend classes in person.
✓ Learning online is cheaper than attending classes in person.
Rule: In a comparison, both sides must be parallel: gerund vs. gerund.
✗ The researcher collected data, analyzed the results, and was writing the final report.
✓ The researcher collected data, analyzed the results, and wrote the final report.
Rule: All verbs in a past-tense list must be in simple past: collected / analyzed / wrote.
✗ Either the sample was too small or the methodology was flawed or both factors contributed.
✓ Either the sample was too small or the methodology was flawed.
Rule: 'Either...or' is a paired conjunction — it connects exactly two parallel elements.
✗ The study examined how people exercise, eating habits, and quality of sleep.
✓ The study examined exercise habits, dietary patterns, and sleep quality.
Rule: All items in a list must be parallel noun phrases (not a mix of how-clauses and nouns).
✗ The committee must both review the proposal and a decision needs to be made.
✓ The committee must both review the proposal and make a decision.
Rule: 'Both...and' must connect two parallel verb phrases: review / make.
✗ The professor is known for her research, her teaching ability, and that she mentors students.
✓ The professor is known for her research, her teaching, and her mentorship of students.
Rule: The items after 'for' must all be noun phrases, not a mix of noun phrases and that-clauses.
Subject-Verb Agreement: 10 Tricky Cases
The SAT makes subject-verb agreement hard by separating subject from verb with long phrases or by using less-familiar agreement rules.
Strategy: Isolate the Subject
Cross out all prepositional phrases and modifiers between subject and verb. What remains is the true subject.
✗ The results of the decade-long study was surprising.
✓ The results of the decade-long study were surprising.
Strategy: Cross out 'of the decade-long study.' Subject is 'results' (plural) → 'were.'
✗ The committee have voted to approve the measure.
✓ The committee has voted to approve the measure.
Strategy: Collective nouns (committee, team, jury, government, family) take singular verbs when acting as a unit.
✗ Each of the researchers have submitted their report.
✓ Each of the researchers has submitted their report.
Strategy: Each, every, either, neither, someone, anyone, everyone, no one — always singular.
✗ Neither the students nor the teacher were present.
✓ Neither the students nor the teacher was present.
Strategy: Verb agrees with the subject closest to it: 'the teacher' (singular) → 'was.'
✗ There is many reasons to consider this approach.
✓ There are many reasons to consider this approach.
Strategy: In 'there is/are' sentences, the real subject follows the verb: 'reasons' (plural) → 'are.'
✗ She is one of the researchers who has contributed most significantly to the field.
✓ She is one of the researchers who have contributed most significantly to the field.
Strategy: 'Who' refers to 'researchers' (plural), so the verb is 'have.'
✗ The data shows a clear downward trend.
✓ The data show a clear downward trend.
Strategy: Data, criteria, phenomena, bacteria, and media are plural. Their singular forms: datum, criterion, phenomenon, bacterium, medium.
✗ The reading and the lecture supports different conclusions.
✓ The reading and the lecture support different conclusions.
Strategy: 'X and Y' creates a compound (plural) subject → plural verb.
✗ Three miles are a long way to run.
✓ Three miles is a long way to run.
Strategy: When an amount, distance, or title is treated as a single unit, use a singular verb.
✗ Among the most pressing challenges of the modern era is climate change and economic inequality.
✓ Among the most pressing challenges of the modern era are climate change and economic inequality.
Strategy: The subject is 'climate change and economic inequality' (plural compound) → 'are.'
Pronoun Agreement: Clear Reference, Singular/Plural
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
A pronoun must agree in number and gender with its antecedent (the noun it refers back to).
✓ Each student must submit their essay by Friday.
The SAT accepts singular 'they/their/them' for gender-neutral antecedents.
✗ The committee reached their decision after three days.
✓ The committee reached its decision after three days.
Collective noun 'committee' is singular → singular pronoun 'its.'
✓ Neither of the candidates expressed their opinion on the matter.
'Neither' is singular; however, SAT often accepts 'their' as singular gender-neutral here.
Ambiguous Pronoun Reference
If two nouns could be the antecedent of a pronoun, the reference is ambiguous. On the SAT, the correct answer repeats the specific noun rather than using a pronoun.
Who vs. Whom (and whoever / whomever)
Substitute "he/she" or "him/her" — if "he/she" fits, use who; if "him/her" fits, use whom.
| Sentence | Test | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| _____ published the study? | He published it. → he = who | Who published the study? |
| The award was given to _____ deserved it most. | It was given to him/her. → him = whom | The award was given to whoever deserved it most. |
| The researcher _____ the committee selected... | The committee selected him/her. → him = whom | The researcher whom the committee selected... |
| _____ is responsible for this decision? | He/She is responsible. → he = who | Who is responsible for this decision? |
Verb Tense Consistency
The SAT expects verbs within a sentence or passage to maintain consistent tenses unless there is a logical reason for a shift. Read the surrounding sentences for tense signals.
✗ She studied the data and discovers a significant pattern.
✓ She studied the data and discovered a significant pattern.
Both verbs in a compound predicate must match tense: studied → discovered.
✗ The species thrived in the region until pollution had disrupted the food chain.
✓ The species thrived in the region until pollution disrupted the food chain.
Past perfect ('had disrupted') is only needed when one past event clearly precedes another. Here, both events are sequential — simple past suffices.
✗ Researchers had found a correlation before they will publish the study.
✓ Researchers had found a correlation before they published the study.
Mixing past perfect with future tense ('will publish') creates a logical impossibility. Use simple past for the subsequent event.
Misplaced Modifiers: 10 Examples
A misplaced modifier is a word or phrase that is placed too far from the noun it modifies, creating ambiguity or a distorted meaning. The modifier must be adjacent to the word it describes.
✗ She almost drove her children to school every day.
✓ She drove her children to school almost every day.
'Almost' was modifying 'drove' (she nearly drove but didn't) instead of 'every day' (nearly every day).
✗ The professor only teaches graduate students on Thursdays.
✓ The professor teaches graduate students only on Thursdays.
'Only' must be placed immediately before the word/phrase it limits.
✗ He found a wallet walking down the street.
✓ Walking down the street, he found a wallet.
The participial phrase modifies 'he,' not 'wallet.' Wallet cannot walk.
✗ The team presented the results with great confidence that they had collected.
✓ The team presented the results that they had collected with great confidence.
'With great confidence' should modify 'presented,' not 'collected.'
✗ We could barely hear the speaker in the back row.
✓ Sitting in the back row, we could barely hear the speaker.
'In the back row' ambiguously modifies either 'we' or 'the speaker.'
✗ Frozen in the freezer, she served the guests the cake.
✓ She served the guests the cake that had been frozen in the freezer.
'Frozen in the freezer' mistakenly modifies 'she,' not 'the cake.'
✗ The team nearly spent three hours analyzing the data.
✓ The team spent nearly three hours analyzing the data.
'Nearly' modifies 'three hours,' not 'spent.' Place it directly before what it limits.
✗ He served a meal to his guests that was poorly cooked.
✓ He served his guests a meal that was poorly cooked.
'That was poorly cooked' should follow 'meal' immediately to avoid ambiguity.
✗ The study only used participants who were under 30.
✓ The study used only participants who were under 30.
'Only' modifies the noun phrase 'participants who were under 30,' not the verb 'used.'
✗ She handed the report to her supervisor printed on recycled paper.
✓ She handed the report printed on recycled paper to her supervisor.
'Printed on recycled paper' modifies 'report' — it must be placed adjacent to it.
Dangling Modifiers: 10 Examples
A dangling modifier has no logical subject to modify in the sentence. The sentence's grammatical subject doesn't match the implied subject of the modifier.
✗ Having studied all night, the exam seemed easy.
✓ Having studied all night, she found the exam easy.
The exam cannot study. The modifier requires a human subject (she/he/they).
✗ Walking through the forest, the ancient ruins appeared suddenly.
✓ Walking through the forest, the explorers suddenly encountered ancient ruins.
Ruins cannot walk. The subject of the main clause must be the walkers.
✗ To improve air quality, stricter regulations are needed.
✓ To improve air quality, regulators must implement stricter policies.
'To improve' implies an actor who improves — regulations cannot improve anything by themselves.
✗ After reviewing all the evidence, the theory was rejected.
✓ After reviewing all the evidence, the scientists rejected the theory.
The theory cannot review evidence. The implied subject of 'reviewing' must be the sentence subject.
✗ Exhausted after the long journey, the hotel room was a welcome sight.
✓ Exhausted after the long journey, the travelers were relieved to reach the hotel room.
Hotel rooms do not get exhausted. The subject must be the travelers.
✗ While conducting the experiment, several errors were made.
✓ While conducting the experiment, the researchers made several errors.
Errors cannot conduct experiments. The researchers are the implied subject.
✗ By reading widely, vocabulary is expanded.
✓ By reading widely, students expand their vocabulary.
'By reading' implies a human reader — vocabulary cannot read.
✗ Raised in poverty, his accomplishments were all the more remarkable.
✓ Raised in poverty, he achieved accomplishments that were all the more remarkable.
His accomplishments were not raised in poverty — he was.
✗ Having lost all funding, the project was abandoned.
✓ Having lost all funding, the team abandoned the project.
The project cannot lose funding — the people running it do.
✗ To qualify for the award, three recommendations must be submitted.
✓ To qualify for the award, applicants must submit three recommendations.
'To qualify' implies applicants who wish to qualify — the subject must be those people.
Word Choice: 30+ Frequently Confused Pairs
The SAT tests commonly confused words in the context of complete sentences. Know the distinction for each pair.
| Word | Part of speech / meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| who | Pronoun — subject (nominative case) | The scientist who published the study... |
| whom | Pronoun — object (objective case) | The scientist whom the committee selected... |
| which | Relative pronoun — things (non-defining) | The policy, which was introduced in 2018, reduced emissions. |
| that | Relative pronoun — things (defining) | The policy that was most effective... |
| less | Quantity — uncountable nouns | less funding / less water / less time |
| fewer | Quantity — countable nouns | fewer researchers / fewer studies / fewer opportunities |
| farther | Physical distance | The lab is farther down the road. |
| further | Figurative degree / additional | Further research is needed. / She pursued the matter further. |
| between | Two items | The difference between the first and second groups... |
| among | Three or more items | The agreement among all five nations... |
| affect | Verb — to influence or have an impact on | Pollution affects marine ecosystems. |
| effect | Noun — a result or consequence | The effect of the policy was immediate. |
| accept | Verb — to receive or agree to | The committee accepted the proposal. |
| except | Preposition — excluding | All participants attended except two. |
| principal | Adjective/noun — main; a school principal | The principal reason for the failure was underfunding. |
| principle | Noun — a fundamental truth or rule | The principle of conservation of energy... |
| compliment | Noun/verb — praise | She received a compliment on her research. |
| complement | Noun/verb — something that completes | The data complement the theoretical framework. |
| imply | Verb — to suggest without stating directly (speaker implies) | The data imply a causal relationship. |
| infer | Verb — to conclude from evidence (listener/reader infers) | Readers can infer that the author supports the policy. |
| assure | Verb — to tell someone something confidently to remove doubt | She assured the committee that the data were accurate. |
| ensure | Verb — to make certain that something happens | Rigorous testing ensures the reliability of results. |
| insure | Verb — to provide financial protection through insurance | They insured the laboratory equipment. |
| adverse | Adjective — harmful or unfavorable | The treatment produced adverse side effects. |
| averse | Adjective — having a strong dislike or opposition | The committee was averse to taking risks. |
| compose | Verb — to make up (the parts compose the whole) | Ten chapters compose the book. |
| comprise | Verb — to consist of (the whole comprises the parts) | The book comprises ten chapters. |
| historic | Adjective — important in history | The discovery was a historic achievement. |
| historical | Adjective — relating to history or the past | The researchers used historical records from 1850. |
| continual | Adjective — recurring repeatedly with breaks | Continual interruptions made it difficult to work. |
| continuous | Adjective — without interruption | The machine requires continuous operation. |
| disinterested | Adjective — impartial, unbiased | A disinterested judge is essential for a fair trial. |
| uninterested | Adjective — not interested, bored | He appeared uninterested in the lecture. |
Rhetorical Synthesis: Transitions by Function — 50 Examples
The SAT's Rhetorical Synthesis questions often ask you to choose the transition word or phrase that best conveys the logical relationship between ideas. Know all six relationship categories.
Example: The policy was well-intentioned; however, its implementation proved deeply problematic.
Example: The program reduced costs; furthermore, it improved employee satisfaction significantly.
Example: The funding was cut; consequently, the project was suspended indefinitely.
Example: First, the data were collected. Subsequently, they were analyzed and cross-referenced.
Example: Several factors contributed to the decline; for example, reduced funding played a central role.
Example: In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports the need for immediate policy reform.
SAT Grammar Strategy
The Two-Step Process for Every SEC Question
Step 1: Identify the category. Is the difference between answer choices in punctuation (Boundaries) or word form/grammar (Form/Structure/Sense)?
Step 2: Apply the specific rule. For Boundaries: identify IC vs. DC on each side of the mark, then select valid punctuation. For FSS: identify the grammatical role and apply the agreement or form rule.
Do Not Rely on "Sounds Right"
The SAT deliberately constructs wrong answers that sound natural in conversational English but violate a formal grammar rule. The answer that sounds natural to a native speaker may still be wrong.
High-Value Rules to Prioritize
Comma splice detection: check every comma — is there an IC on both sides? If yes, comma alone is wrong.
Oxford comma: SAT always requires the comma before 'and/or' in a list of 3+ items.
its vs. it's: use the substitution test — replace with 'it is.' If it works, use it's.
Subject-verb agreement: cross out all intervening phrases; find the true subject.
Semicolon = period: must have IC on BOTH sides. Never semicolon after a subordinating conjunction.
Dangling modifier: opening participial phrase must match the grammatical subject.
Apply every grammar rule above in a full SAT practice exam.
Take a Free SAT Practice Exam →No sign-up required · Full exam · AI scoring available