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SAT Grammar Rules Checklist
Grammar Rules
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SAT Grammar Rules Checklist

This simple guide breaks down the key SAT grammar rules in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. Whether you want to improve your score or write better, this article has got you covered.
SAT Grammar Rules Checklist
Written by
Catherine B.
Published on
Jun 6, 2025
Table of contents
The SAT Writing and Language section isn't just about showing off your vocabulary. It's about proving you can write clearly and correctly.
This guide breaks down the main grammar rules for the your SAT exams.
Here in StudyPro we'll explore these rules and, more importantly, why they matter to make your writing strong and easy to understand. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of how to tackle this part of the test confidently.
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1. The Basics of Clear Writing

Good writing starts with solid sentences. Think of sentences as the building blocks of your message. If these blocks are weak or poorly put together, your idea can become wobbly and hard to follow.
Mistakes here can easily confuse your ideas, forcing your reader to work harder to determine what you mean or misunderstand you entirely.
A well-built sentence ensures your thoughts are delivered smoothly and precisely, without any unnecessary detours or roadblocks for the person reading.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The core rule is simple: if your subject (who or what is doing the action) is singular, your verb (the action word) must be singular.
If your subject is plural, your verb must be plural. The SAT often tries to trick you by putting extra words between the subject and the verb, making it harder to spot the real subject.
Example: "The collection of rare stamps, which included several antique errors, is (not are) very valuable." (The subject is "collection," not "errors.")
The same goes for pronouns (like he, she, it, they). They must match the noun they're replacing (antecedent) in number and gender. This is especially tricky with words like "everyone" or "each," which might feel plural but are singular.
Example: "Each of the students must bring their laptop to the workshop."
(While some old rules prefer "his or her," "they're" is widely accepted for "each" now, or you can rephrase to "All students must bring their laptops.")

Parallel Structure

When you list things, compare ideas, or use words like "and," "but," or "or," make sure all the parts have the same grammatical form.
This makes your writing flow better and easier to read, showing that your ideas are equally important.
Example: "The scientist was praised for her innovative research, her careful data analysis, and for effectively communicating (incorrect) her findings."
(Correct: "...and for effectively communicating her findings," or "the effective communication of her findings.")

Modifiers: Placing Words Correctly

Modifiers are words or phrases that describe other parts of your sentence. They need to be placed right next to what they're describing.
Sentences can become confusing or funny if they're in the wrong spot. A "dangling modifier" means the modifier is just hanging there, not linked to anything. A "misplaced modifier" is simply in the wrong spot.
Example (Dangling): "Walking across the crowded plaza, the ancient monument suddenly appeared." (It sounds like the monument was walking.)
Correct: "As we walked across the crowded plaza, the ancient monument suddenly appeared."

Complete Sentences: Avoid Fragments and Run-ons

Every complete sentence needs a subject and a verb and must express a complete thought.
A fragment is a piece of a sentence missing a subject, a verb, or a full idea.
A run-on sentence squishes two or more complete thoughts together without the right punctuation. This includes fused sentences (no punctuation) and comma splices (just a comma between two complete thoughts).
Example (Fragment): "Because the rain started suddenly." (Doesn't finish the thought.)
Correct: "Because the rain started suddenly, we had to cancel the picnic."
Example (Run-on): "The meeting was long and everyone felt tired." (Fused sentence.)
Correct: "The meeting was long; everyone felt tired."

Verb Tense and Mood: Stay in Time

Your verb tenses (past, present, future) must be consistent when you write. If you're discussing something happening now, stick to the present tense. Use the past tense if you're talking about something that happened yesterday.
Only change tense if the time itself changes. The subjunctive mood (used for wishes, suggestions, or "if" statements that aren't true) also shows up occasionally.
Example (Tense Consistency): "As the sun rose (past tense), the fog began (past tense) to disappear."
Example (Subjunctive): "He must be (not is) on time for the interview."
Read our guide about common grammar mistakes to avoid them in your writing.

2. Using Punctuation Right: Your Guide to Meaning

Punctuation marks aren't just random dots and lines. They're like traffic signals for your sentences, telling the reader when to pause, where ideas end, and how thoughts connect.

The Comma: Break It Down Right

The comma (,) is used to:
  • Separate two complete thoughts joined by words like "and," "but," "or."
  • Introduce a phrase at the beginning of a sentence.
  • Set off extra information that isn't essential to the sentence's meaning.
  • Separate items in a list. Using too many or too few commas can make your writing confusing. Watch out for comma splices, where you use a comma to join two complete thoughts without a connecting word.
Example: "The new policy, which was highly anticipated, will start next month." (The part in bold is extra information.)

Semicolons and Colons: Connect and Introduce

  • A semicolon (;) connects two complete thoughts that are closely related. It's like a softer period.
Example: "The study was tough; it involved hundreds of people."
  • A colon (:) introduces a list, an explanation, an example, or a quote. It signals that more information is coming that builds on what you just said.
Example: "The team faced three main problems: insufficient resources, bad communication, and missed deadlines."

Apostrophes: Ownership and Contractions

The apostrophe (') has two main jobs:
  • Showing ownership (e.g., "the student's book").
  • Creating contractions (shortening words like "it is" to "it's"). Don't mix up plurals (just adding "s") with possessives (adding "'s"). Also, know the difference between "its" (ownership) and "it's" (it is).
Example: "The researchers' (many researchers owning something) findings were surprising; it's (it is) a big deal."

3. Word Choice: Making Your Writing Clear and Strong

Beyond correcting sentences, the SAT also checks whether you pick the best words for the situation and make your writing clear and direct.

Diction and Tone: Pick the Right Words

Your word choice (diction) sets the tone of your writing. For the SAT and academic papers, aim for clear, precise, and formal language. Avoid slang, overly casual words, or saying the same thing twice.
Example (Redundant): "The new plan is totally and completely (too many words) innovative." (Better: "The new plan is innovative.")
Idioms and Prepositions: Sound Natural
English has many idioms (phrases whose meaning isn't obvious from the words, like "kick the bucket") and specific prepositional phrases (like "rely on"). These are often just things you have to learn through reading and listening.
The SAT often tests whether you know how to use these common phrases correctly.
Example: "The decision depended on (not upon) the committee's approval."

Comparisons: Make Them Fair

There are two things to consider: make sure they are comparable. For example, don't compare a person's skill to an entire group of people. Also, use the correct comparative words (like "better," "more," "less").
Example: "Her skills are better than those of (not than) any other student in the class." (Compare skills to skills, not skills to a student.)

Adjectives vs. Adverbs: Describe Accurately

Adjectives describe nouns (people, places, things) and pronouns.
Adverbs describe verbs (actions), adjectives, or other adverbs. Using the wrong one is a common mistake.
Example: "He performed well (adverb, describes how he performed) on the tough exam, showing his amazing (adjective, describes his aptitude) skill."

Active vs. Passive Voice: Who’s Doing What?

In an active voice, the subject does the action ("The dog chased the cat."). It's usually clearer and more direct.
Example (Active): "Dr. Lee made the important discovery."
In a passive voice, the subject receives the action ("The dog chased the cat."). Use it when the person who did the action isn't important or known. The SAT often prefers active voice because it's usually more concise and forceful.
Example (Passive): "Dr. Lee made the important discovery."

4. Smart SAT Strategies: How to Beat the Writing Section

Knowing the rules is half the battle; the other half is knowing how the SATs them.
  • Don't always change it: A surprising number of correct answers on the SAT's writing section are "No Change." If the original sentence is correct and clear, don't try to fix what isn't broken!
  • Read for meaning: Grammar isn't just about isolated rules. Always read the whole sentence and the surrounding text to understand the meaning. This context often helps you pick the best answer.
  • Practice spotting errors: The more you practice, the better you'll get at quickly spotting common mistakes like subject-verb disagreement or misplaced commas. Train your eye to look for these issues.
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Conclusion

Getting good at SAT grammar isn't just about taking a test; it's about learning to write precisely and powerfully. By understanding why these rules exist and how they help you communicate, you'll improve your SAT score and gain skills that will help you throughout college and beyond. It's all about making your ideas shine!
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