Punctuation - SAT Reading & Writing
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What is a comma splice?
What is a comma splice?
Using only a comma to join two independent clauses (incorrect without a conjunction).
Using only a comma to join two independent clauses (incorrect without a conjunction).
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"The team won the championship, the celebration lasted all night." What is wrong?
"The team won the championship, the celebration lasted all night." What is wrong?
This is a comma splice, two independent clauses joined by only a comma. Fix: use a semicolon, period, or add "but/while/and" after a comma.
This is a comma splice, two independent clauses joined by only a comma. Fix: use a semicolon, period, or add "but/while/and" after a comma.
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Can you use a period to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause?
Can you use a period to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause?
No, dependent clauses must attach to independent clauses.
No, dependent clauses must attach to independent clauses.
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When do you use a comma to join two independent clauses?
When do you use a comma to join two independent clauses?
Only with coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS): comma + and/but/or/so/etc.
Only with coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS): comma + and/but/or/so/etc.
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"The architect designed sustainable buildings. Structures that use only renewable energy and recycled materials." Is this punctuation correct?
"The architect designed sustainable buildings. Structures that use only renewable energy and recycled materials." Is this punctuation correct?
Yes, the period separates a complete sentence from an elaborating fragment that describes the buildings.
Yes, the period separates a complete sentence from an elaborating fragment that describes the buildings.
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"The poet also known as 'Miss Lou' was influential." What is missing?
"The poet also known as 'Miss Lou' was influential." What is missing?
Commas around non-essential information: "The poet, also known as 'Miss Lou,' was influential." (Can remove "also known as 'Miss Lou'" and sentence still makes sense)
Commas around non-essential information: "The poet, also known as 'Miss Lou,' was influential." (Can remove "also known as 'Miss Lou'" and sentence still makes sense)
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What must come before and after a semicolon?
What must come before and after a semicolon?
Independent clauses on both sides (both can stand alone).
Independent clauses on both sides (both can stand alone).
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"The study failed. Therefore they revised their methods."
Is this punctuation correct?
"The study failed. Therefore they revised their methods." Is this punctuation correct?
No, needs a comma after "Therefore": "The study failed. Therefore, they revised." (Introductory transition word requires a comma)
No, needs a comma after "Therefore": "The study failed. Therefore, they revised." (Introductory transition word requires a comma)
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"The researcher, analyzed the data carefully." What is wrong?
"The researcher, analyzed the data carefully." What is wrong?
Never put a comma between subject and verb. Should be: "The researcher analyzed the data carefully."
Never put a comma between subject and verb. Should be: "The researcher analyzed the data carefully."
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Can you use semicolon before "because" or "although"?
Can you use semicolon before "because" or "although"?
No, these introduce dependent clauses; use comma, not semicolon.
No, these introduce dependent clauses; use comma, not semicolon.
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"The artist uses natural debris, such as leaves, man-made trash, such as plastic bags, and art supplies, such as glue." Need semicolons?
"The artist uses natural debris, such as leaves, man-made trash, such as plastic bags, and art supplies, such as glue." Need semicolons?
Yes, when list items contain internal commas, use semicolons between items: "debris, such as leaves; trash, such as bags; and supplies, such as glue."
Yes, when list items contain internal commas, use semicolons between items: "debris, such as leaves; trash, such as bags; and supplies, such as glue."
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What must come before a colon?
What must come before a colon?
A complete independent clause (can stand alone as a sentence).
A complete independent clause (can stand alone as a sentence).
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"The study had two goals: first: to identify patterns and second: to test theories." Correct?
"The study had two goals: first: to identify patterns and second: to test theories." Correct?
No, multiple colons in one sentence. Fix: "The study had two goals: first, to identify patterns, and second, to test theories."
No, multiple colons in one sentence. Fix: "The study had two goals: first, to identify patterns, and second, to test theories."
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When should you use a semicolon?
When should you use a semicolon?
To join two closely related independent clauses.
To join two closely related independent clauses.
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"The medication reduces symptoms; it does not cure the disease." Correct?
"The medication reduces symptoms; it does not cure the disease." Correct?
Yes, two independent clauses closely related by contrast.
Yes, two independent clauses closely related by contrast.
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Can you mix commas and semicolons in the same list?
Can you mix commas and semicolons in the same list?
Yes, commas within items, semicolons between items.
Yes, commas within items, semicolons between items.
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When should you use a colon?
When should you use a colon?
After an independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, quote, or elaboration.
After an independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, quote, or elaboration.
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"The reason for the delay is: bad weather." Correct?
"The reason for the delay is: bad weather." Correct?
No, a colon shouldn't come directly after the verb "is." Correct: "The reason for the delay is bad weather" (no colon) OR "There is one reason for the delay: bad weather."
No, a colon shouldn't come directly after the verb "is." Correct: "The reason for the delay is bad weather" (no colon) OR "There is one reason for the delay: bad weather."
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How do you know if a comma is unnecessary?
How do you know if a comma is unnecessary?
Remove it, and if the sentence flows naturally, the comma was unnecessary.
Remove it, and if the sentence flows naturally, the comma was unnecessary.
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"Goats are indiscriminate: they devour all plants." Correct?
"Goats are indiscriminate: they devour all plants." Correct?
Yes, a colon introduces an explanation after an independent clause.
Yes, a colon introduces an explanation after an independent clause.
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