Master Grammar for the SAT
1. Sentence Structure
- Fragments: Ensure every sentence has a subject, verb, and expresses a complete thought.
- Run-on Sentences: Use proper punctuation to avoid run-ons.
- Parallel Structure: Keep structure consistent in lists and comparisons.
Incorrect: “She likes to swim, biking, and to run.”
Correct: “She likes swimming, biking, and running.”
2. Punctuation
- Commas: Separate clauses, introductory elements, and items in lists.
- Semicolons: Link related independent clauses.
- Colons: Introduce lists, explanations, or clarifications.
- Apostrophes: Use for possessive nouns and contractions.
Correct: “I brought three items: apples, bananas, and oranges.”
3. Verb Tense and Agreement
- Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure verbs match subjects in number and tense.
- Tense Consistency: Maintain consistent tense unless a shift in time is required.
- Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement: Match pronouns to their antecedents.
4. Modifiers
- Adjective vs. Adverb: Use adjectives to modify nouns and adverbs for verbs.
- Misplaced Modifiers: Place modifiers close to the words they modify.
Incorrect: “Walking to school, the backpack felt heavy.”
Correct: “Walking to school, she felt the backpack was heavy.”
Study Tips for SAT Grammar
Quick Quiz:
Correct this sentence: “Each of the students have their own locker.”
Answer: “Each of the students has their own locker.”
Additional Resources
- Khan Academy – Free SAT grammar resources and practice.
- College Board – Official SAT practice tests and guides.
- Purdue OWL – Comprehensive grammar rules and examples.
Master Grammar for the SAT
1. Sentence Structure
Learn how to construct clear and logical sentences.
- Fragments: Ensure every sentence has a subject and a verb.
- Run-ons: Correct improper sentence joining with punctuation or conjunctions.
- Parallel Structure: Ensure lists and comparisons are balanced.
Incorrect: “She likes to swim, biking, and to run.”
Correct: “She likes swimming, biking, and running.”
2. Idiomatic Expressions and Word Choice
Learn how to choose the correct words and prepositions.
- Commonly Confused Words: Ensure proper usage of “affect” vs. “effect,” “then” vs. “than,” etc.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Familiarize yourself with phrases like “interested in” and “capable of.”
Incorrect: “She is capable for running.”
Correct: “She is capable of running.”
3. Transition Words
Understand how to use transition words to improve logical flow.
- Addition: Use “moreover,” “furthermore,” or “also.”
- Contrast: Use “however,” “nevertheless,” or “although.”
- Cause and Effect: Use “therefore,” “thus,” or “as a result.”
Quiz: Which transition fits best?
Sentence: “The project was delayed. ____, it was completed under budget.”
Answer: “However.”
4. SAT Grammar Strategies
- Read the entire sentence to ensure context.
- Identify errors systematically (grammar, punctuation, logic).
- Eliminate obviously incorrect answers first.
5. Full Practice Quiz
1. Correct the sentence: “Each of the students have their own locker.”
Answer: “Each of the students has their own locker.”
2. Choose the best transition: “The weather was cold; ____, the team continued playing.”
Answer: “Nevertheless.”
6. Common SAT Grammar Mistakes
Below are some common grammar mistakes that often appear on the SAT. Learn how to recognize and avoid them.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Error: “The team are winning their game.”
Correction: “The team is winning its game.”
Why: Collective nouns like “team” are singular and require singular verbs.
2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Error: “Each of the students must bring their own lunch.”
Correction: “Each of the students must bring his or her own lunch.”
Why: The pronoun “their” is plural and does not agree with the singular antecedent “Each.”
3. Misplaced Modifiers
Error: “Walking down the street, the flowers looked beautiful.”
Correction: “Walking down the street, I noticed the flowers looked beautiful.”
Why: The modifier “Walking down the street” must modify the subject performing the action (“I”).
Quick Quiz: Spot the mistake:
“The books on the shelf belongs to Sarah.”
Answer: “The books on the shelf belong to Sarah.”
Why: “Books” is plural and needs the plural verb “belong.”
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