Grammar Rules for the ACT

Grammar Rules for the ACT

• Number Agreement: Ensure singular nouns align with singular verbs/pronouns and plural nouns correspond with plural verbs/pronouns.

• Pronouns in Compounds: Use "me" instead of "I" when it follows a conjunction (e.g., "Bob and me").

• Parenthetical Phrases: Use consistent punctuation to enclose phrases that can be removed without altering sentence correctness (e.g., "Bob, on the way to the store, saw a lizard.").

• Run-Ons and Comma Splices: Avoid joining independent clauses with just a comma; use semicolons or coordinating conjunctions (e.g., "Ed's a slacker, but Sara isn't.").

• Fragments: Ensure every sentence contains a subject and a verb, expressing a complete thought (e.g., "Emily listened to music while she studied.").

• Comma Usage: Commas are used in lists of three or more, with FANBOYS conjunctions for independent clauses, after introductory phrases, and to isolate nonessential information.

• Semicolon Usage: Semicolons connect two independent clauses without FANBOYS and separate items in complex lists.

• Colon Usage: Colons introduce explanations, lists, or emphasize points.

• Dash Usage: Dashes set off explanatory or additional information within a sentence.

• Apostrophe Usage: Apostrophes show possession or indicate omitted letters in contractions.

• Adverbs vs. Adjectives: Distinguish between adjectives (describing nouns) and adverbs (modifying verbs) to ensure correct usage (e.g., "Anna speaks beautifully").

• Good vs. Well: "Good" is an adjective; "well" is an adverb. Use "well" to describe performance (e.g., "Joe did well").

• Lie vs. Lay: "Lie" does not take a direct object (present) and "lay" does (present). Past tense of lie is "lain" and past of lay is "laid".

• Idiomatic Prepositions: Certain prepositions are idiomatic; use "in" with "instill" and "from" with "protect".

• Who vs. Whom: Change the sentence to determine the correct pronoun; "whom" works when answering questions with "him".

• Brang and Brung: These terms are nonstandard in English; avoid using them.

• -Ing Endings: Avoid unnecessary progressive forms (e.g., "I forgot my list" instead of "I was forgetting my list.").

• -Er vs. -Est: Use comparative forms (-er, more) for two items and superlative forms (-est, most) for three or more; avoid mixing them.

• Between vs. Among: Use "between" for two entities and "among" for three or more or unspecified quantities.

• Less vs. Fewer: Use "less" for uncountable nouns and "fewer" for countable ones, like people. (e.g., "I have less water" vs. "I can fill fewer buckets").

This quiz covers essential grammar rules that are crucial for the ACT exam. It addresses key concepts such as number agreement, pronoun usage, punctuation for parenthetical phrases, and common sentence structure errors. Test your understanding of these rules to improve your writing skills and performance on the ACT.