Mastering SAT Punctuation Rules and Grammar with Commas, Colons and Dashes for ESL Students
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SAT punctuation rules help you use commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks correctly on the digital SAT test. Learning when to use dashes to separate two ideas or how a pronoun connects to a verb will improve your SAT writing score.
Sentences and Clauses
Palm is playing a game.
This is a simple sentence. It has one clause.
Kanto is also playing a game, but not the same game as Palm.
This is a compound sentence. It has two clauses, joined by a conjunction (normally and or but).
Tour and Pete are here, sometimes listening, and they seem happy.
This is a complex sentence. It has three clauses:
- the important clause, could be used by itself
- called an independent clause
- a ‘nonessential’ clause, it is not needed or important
- called a nonessential clause
- a clause dependent on the first clauses
- called a dependent clause
Punctuation
- We separate text into sentences.
- We also have parts of a sentence like words, phrases and clauses.
- We use punctuation to help understand the sentence.
- We generally use commas but we also can use colons, semicolons and dashes.
Punctuation Rules
Rules for commas
- separate list items
- separate nonessential part of a sentence
- link two clauses
- link independent clauses using a conjunction (e.g. and, but, or fanboys)
- link dependent clauses to an independent clause
FANBOYS – this is an acronym for coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so
Rules for colons
- link independent clauses followed by a list or extra information
Rules for semicolons
- link two clauses
- link independent clauses without a conjunction
Rules for dashes
- separate nonessential part of a sentence (e.g. if they have commas)
- not essential but more part of the sentence meaning
Examples for SAT Punctuation Rules
- There are three characters—the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion—that accompany Dorothy on her way to Oz.
- There are three characters that accompany Dorothy on her way to Oz—the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.
SAT Punctuation Rules from Students
Semicolon
a semicolon is like a full stop at least on SAT
–semicolons [ used to link two independent clauses without any conjunction.]
The semicolon is only for two related independent clauses.
- So you can say: Joe cleaned up after him; James didn’t clean up after him.
- You can’t say: Joe cleaned up after him; the assignment was completed successfully. because those two sentences aren’t related.
Colon
Colon is used when you ask a question and then answer it or when a list is used. Examples
- My friend says it best: “I like chocolate!”
- We need 3 things on the adventure: Book, Candy, and Bike.
Coordination and Subordination
–coordination [use a comma (,) or a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
(used to link independent clauses)
–subordination [use a comma (,) or a subordinating conjunction (eg: although, since, because, while, when, and after),–must use a comma with them (unless sentence begins with independent clause then the dependent clause]
Strategies for SAT Punctuation Rules
Identify Independent and Dependent Clauses
- An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- A dependent clause cannot stand alone and needs to be linked to an independent clause.
Use Correct Punctuation to Link Clauses
- Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to connect two independent clauses (e.g., “…, so…”).
- Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction (e.g., “….; …”).
- Use a comma to separate a dependent clause from an independent clause (e.g., “Although…, …”).
Break Up Run-On Sentences
- If two independent clauses are fused together incorrectly, consider breaking them into separate sentences or using appropriate punctuation.
Avoid
- Sentence Fragments: Ensure that each sentence has at least one independent clause.
- Comma Splices: Do not use just a comma to connect two independent clauses (e.g., “…, …”).
- Run-off Sentences: Do not connect independent clauses without appropriate punctuation (e.g., “…. ….”).
- Incorrect Conjunction Use: Do not use conjunctions that are unnecessary or incorrect for the clause structure (e.g., “Although…, but…”).
- Misuse of Colons and Semicolons:
- Colons should follow an independent clause and introduce a list or explanation
- Semicolons should connect two independent clauses.
END OF THE LESSON
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SAT Punctuation Rules: Simple FAQ
How to use punctuation in the SAT? Use commas to separate items in a list. Use periods to end sentences. Use semicolons to connect two complete sentences.
Should you use a semicolon or period SAT? Use a semicolon when two sentences are connected. Use a period when sentences are separate ideas.
What are the grammar rules for the SAT? Match pronouns to nouns. Put commas around extra information. Make sure each sentence has a verb and subject.
How do you punctuate however on the SAT? Put a semicolon before “however” and a comma after: “I studied; however, the test was hard.”
When do you use dashes on the SAT? Use dashes to separate two parts of a sentence. Dashes work like strong commas around extra information.
Simple SAT Grammar Rules You Need to Know
Basic SAT Grammar Rules: SAT grammar questions test how well you know about punctuation. The College Board makes questions on the SAT that check if you can use commas correctly. A comma is used to separate two complete thoughts when you add connecting words.
What You Need for SAT Prep: Every sentence needs a subject and a predicate to be complete. Questions test if you can find a complete thought. A sentence without these parts is wrong on the SAT or ACT.
How Commas Work: A comma works like a pause in speaking. Put a pair of commas around an appositive – extra information about a noun. The sentence would still make sense if you remove the appositive.
Other Punctuation Rules: Dashes are used like commas but are stronger. A question mark comes at the end of a sentence that asks something. The Oxford comma separates three or more items in a list.
Remember This: SAT reading and grammar work together. A group of words must be complete to be a sentence. Punctuation can also be used to connect ideas or separate parts.
SAT Punctuation Rules: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding SAT punctuation rules is essential for success on the digital SAT, particularly in the SAT writing section where grammar and punctuation questions frequently appear. The College Board’s reading and writing section tests your knowledge of important punctuation rules that are fundamental to English conventions and college admissions success.
On test day, you’ll encounter various question types that assess your ability to use punctuation marks correctly. Whether you’re dealing with commas used to separate items in a list, semicolons that connect two complete sentences, or dashes that set off appositives, mastering these punctuation rules you need to know will significantly boost your SAT score and writing score.
The SAT loves to test specific grammar rules involving how punctuation marks function grammatically within sentences. You’ll need to identify the correct answer choice that maintains the meaning of the sentence while following proper rules of punctuation. From understanding when to use an apostrophe for possessive forms versus plural nouns, to knowing when a modifier should be surrounded by commas, these skills are tested on the SAT through carefully crafted practice questions.
This guide will help you navigate the most important punctuation concepts for both SAT and ACT test prep, ensuring you’re prepared for the types of punctuation questions that appear in the SAT writing and language section. By mastering these English conventions, you’ll be equipped to tackle any punctuation question with confidence, knowing exactly which punctuation mark creates a grammatically correct sentence that would still make sense in context.