by: BEYONDA_$$

PUNCTUATION

Punctuation plays a crucial role in both the clarity and meaning of a sentence, and mastering its use is
essential for doing well on the SAT Writing and Language section. Here’s a comprehensive guide to
choosing the right punctuation marks and using them effectively for the SAT:

1. Commas (,)
Commas help clarify meaning by separating different elements within a sentence. Here’s how to use
them correctly:

A. Separating items in a list:

 Example: I bought apples, bananas, and oranges.

B. Before conjunctions (FANBOYS) when connecting independent clauses:

FANBOYS stands for “For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.”

 Example: I wanted to go to the store, but it started raining.

C. After introductory elements (phrases or clauses):

 Example: After the meeting, we went for lunch.

Note: If the introductory element is short, the comma may be optional, but it’s often still used for
clarity.

D. To set off non-essential information (non-restrictive clauses):

 Example: My brother, who is a doctor, lives in New York.

Note: A non-restrictive clause provides additional information but isn’t necessary to understand the
sentence.

E. To separate adjectives that equally modify a noun :

 Example: She wore a bright, colorful dress.
 Note: Use a comma when both adjectives independently describe the noun (i.e., they can be reversed
without changing the meaning).

2. Semicolons (;)
Semicolons join two independent clauses that are closely related but not joined by a conjunction. They
are stronger than a comma but weaker than a period.

 Example: I wanted to go for a walk; it was raining too hard.

Note: If you’re using a semicolon to join two independent clauses, you do not need a conjunction (like
"and," "but," etc.) afterward.

Semicolons also separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

 Example: I’ve lived in Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; and Austin, Texas.

3. Colons (:)
Colons introduce lists, explanations, or elaborations. They are often used after a complete independent
clause.

A. Introducing a list:
 Example: I need the following ingredients: eggs, flour, and sugar.

B. Introducing an explanation or elaboration:

 Example: She had one goal in mind: to win the competition.

C. In formal business letters or between titles and subtitles:

 Example: The report: An Overview of Environmental Changes.
4. Apostrophes (')
Apostrophes show possession or form contractions. Here’s how to use them:

A. Possession:
 Singular nouns: Add an apostrophe + "s" (e.g., the cat’s toy).
 Plural nouns ending in “s”: Add only an apostrophe (e.g., the cats’ toys).
 Plural nouns not ending in “s”: Add an apostrophe + "s" (e.g., the children’s toys).

B. Contractions:
Apostrophes replace missing letters in contractions.

 Example: "It’s" (it is) or "don’t" (do not).

5. Quotation Marks (" ")

Quotation marks are used to show direct speech, a quote, or the titles of short works.

A. Direct quotes:
 Example: She said, “I’ll be there in five minutes.”

B. Titles of short works (articles, short stories, poems, etc.):

 Example: I read “The Tell-Tale Heart” in my English class.

C. To highlight a word or phrase used in a special way:

 Example: The word "conglomerate" has many meanings.

6. Dashes (—)
Dashes are used to add emphasis, set off information, or indicate an abrupt break in thought. They’re
often more informal than commas and can replace parentheses or colons in some cases.

A. To set off extra information or an explanation:

 Example: The meeting—delayed due to the weather—will be rescheduled.

B. To create a dramatic pause or break:

 Example: She finally revealed the secret—the one we had all been waiting for.

7. Parentheses (())
Parentheses are used to set off additional, non-essential information or clarifications. Unlike commas,
parentheses create a stronger separation from the rest of the sentence.

 Example: The play (which was performed last night) received great reviews.

8. Periods (.)
Periods are used to mark the end of a declarative sentence. They signal the completion of an idea.

 Example: I enjoy reading books.

Key SAT Tips for Punctuation

1. Keep it simple and clear: The primary goal of punctuation is to help clarify meaning. Avoid overly
complicated punctuation choices when simpler ones will do.
2. Know when not to use a comma:
Comma splices occur when you incorrectly join two independent clauses with just a comma (instead of
a semicolon or conjunction).

Incorrect: I went to the store, I bought milk.

Correct: I went to the store; I bought milk. or I went to the store, and I bought milk.

3. Be cautious with dashes and parentheses: Both can add emphasis, but they can also disrupt the
flow if overused. Make sure that their use adds to, rather than detracts from, clarity.

4. Avoid redundant punctuation: Don’t use commas and dashes interchangeably unless the sentence
structure demands it.

CRACKING PUNCTUATION QUESTIONS IN SAT

Absolutely! To do well on punctuation questions in the SAT Writing and Language section, you
need a solid understanding of punctuation rules and the ability to spot errors quickly. Here are
more advanced and effective tips and tricks to help you solve punctuation-related questions:

1. Master the “Comma + Conjunction” Rule (FANBOYS)

Tip: Know when to place a comma before conjunctions that join independent clauses. If
you’re connecting two independent clauses with a FANBOYS conjunction (For, And, Nor, But,
Or, Yet, So), always use a comma before the conjunction.

Example:

Correct: She was tired, but she finished her homework.

Incorrect: She was tired but she finished her homework. (No comma)
Trick: If you see two independent clauses (each with a subject and verb) joined by a FANBOYS
word, check for a comma. If there’s no comma, select the answer that adds one. If a comma is
already there, it’s likely correct unless there’s another issue.

2. Avoid Comma Splices!

Tip: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by just a
comma. This is one of the most common mistakes on the SAT. If you spot a comma between
two independent clauses and there’s no conjunction (like FANBOYS), don’t be afraid to choose
a semicolon, a period, or a conjunction (like "and" or "but").

Example:
Incorrect (comma splice): I went to the store, I forgot my wallet.
Correct: I went to the store; I forgot my wallet. or I went to the store, but I forgot my
wallet.

Trick: When you see two complete thoughts connected by just a comma, be on the lookout
for a semicolon or conjunction to replace the comma.

3. When to Use a Semicolon vs. a Comma

Tip: Semicolons can often replace commas when joining two closely related independent
clauses. The key difference is that a semicolon is stronger than a comma but weaker than a
period.

Example:
Correct with semicolon: I want to go to the concert; it’s my favorite band.
Incorrect: I want to go to the concert, it’s my favorite band.
Trick: If two independent clauses are related and you don’t see a conjunction (FANBOYS),
you’ll likely need a semicolon. If you see a comma splice (two independent clauses with only a
comma), opt for a semicolon or choose a different option that fixes the error.

4. Non-Essential Information = Commas, Dashes, or Parentheses

Tip: Non-essential information, or information that adds detail but doesn’t change the
sentence’s core meaning, is typically set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses.

Commas: Generally used for short, non-essential clauses.

Example: Her book, which she just finished, is on the table.

Dashes: Used for emphasis or to set off important information in a more dramatic way.

Example: The car—despite being old—still runs well.

Parentheses: Used for less important, more supplemental information.

Example: He gave me a gift (a book) for my birthday.

Trick: If the sentence still makes sense and is grammatically correct without the extra
information, look for commas, dashes, or parentheses that properly isolate the non-essential
details.

5. Don't Overuse or Underuse Commas in Compound Sentences

Tip: When you have a compound sentence with two independent clauses joined by a
FANBOYS conjunction, always add a comma before the conjunction. But don’t overuse commas
in a sentence where they’re unnecessary.

Correct: I wanted to leave early, but I was stuck in traffic.

Incorrect: I wanted to leave early but, I was stuck in traffic.

Trick: If you see a conjunction like “and,” “but,” “so,” etc., check if both parts of the
sentence are independent clauses. If they are, add a comma. If they aren’t, **don’t use a
comma.

6. Focus on Sentence Structure

Tip: Recognize when you’re dealing with an independent clause (a complete thought with
both a subject and a verb) versus a dependent clause (which can’t stand alone as a sentence).

Independent clause: I went to the store.

Dependent clause: Because I went to the store.

Trick: A dependent clause can never stand alone. If you see a dependent clause at the
beginning of a sentence, it will almost always be followed by a comma.

Example: Because I went to the store, I bought apples.

(Correct: Comma after the dependent clause)

Trick: A dependent clause at the end of a sentence usually doesn’t need a comma.
 Example: I bought apples because I went to the store.
(No comma needed)

7. Use Colons for Lists or Explanations

Tip: Use a colon to introduce lists, explanations, or elaborations—but only after a complete
sentence. Don’t use a colon just to separate a sentence fragment from the rest of the sentence.

Correct: I need the following ingredients: flour, sugar, and eggs.

Incorrect: My favorite fruits are: apples, oranges, and bananas. (You don’t need a colon here
because “My favorite fruits are” is not a complete sentence before the colon.)

Trick: If the part before the colon is a complete thought, it’s a clue that a colon is appropriate.
Otherwise, avoid it.

8. Don’t Overuse Periods and Semicolons in Quick Answer Choices

Tip: Many SAT questions will present you with options involving periods or semicolons. The
difference between them is often subtle, but remember:

Period: Ends a complete thought, creating two separate sentences.

Semicolon: Joins two closely related thoughts within one sentence.

Trick: When you're faced with a choice between a period and a semicolon, ask yourself: Do
the two parts really need to be in separate sentences, or should they be connected? A
semicolon is often a better choice if the thoughts are closely related.
9. Eliminate Irrelevant Options
Tip: Sometimes, the incorrect punctuation will be clearly inappropriate for the context (like
using commas in a compound sentence where a semicolon should go, or using parentheses
where commas would be more natural). If you can spot an obvious error, eliminate that
answer choice.

10. Practice Punctuation in Context

Tip: While knowing the rules is crucial, the SAT tests punctuation in the context of a passage,
so practice identifying punctuation errors within the broader context of a paragraph or
passage.

Context matters: Does the sentence sound natural when read aloud? Does the punctuation
help the reader understand the relationships between ideas?

Final check: If the sentence looks correct but feels awkward, re-read it aloud. If you pause in
an unnatural place, it’s a good sign that the punctuation is off.

Conclusion

On the SAT Writing and Language section, punctuation choices are typically tested in context, where
you’ll be asked to choose the most effective way to organize a sentence. Focus on clarity, consistency,
and proper punctuation rules as you answer questions. Practice reading each sentence carefully,
considering how each punctuation mark affects the meaning or flow, and you’ll be well on your way to
mastering SAT punctuation!

By combining a solid understanding of punctuation rules with strategic test-taking techniques,

you’ll be better equipped to navigate the SAT Writing and Language questions. Stay focused on
clarity, avoid common pitfalls like comma splices, and practice your skills regularly to become a
punctuation pro!
Good luck!