SAT Writing › Correcting Punctuation Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The swamp fiends were extraordinarily dangerous, they had claimed several lives since last month.
The swamp fiends were extraordinarily dangerous; they had claimed several lives since last month.
The swamp fiends were extraordinarily dangerous, them had claimed several lives since last month.
The swamp fiends were extraordinarily dangerous; them had claimed several lives since last month.
The swamp fiends were extraordinarily dangerous, they will have claimed several lives since last month.
The swamp fiends were extraordinarily dangerous, they had claimed several lives since last month.
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma it results in a comma splice error. Commas (by themselves) should be used to separate dependent clauses from main clauses, but should never be used to connect two independent clauses. A semicolon or a comma WITH a conjunction can connect two independent clauses into one compound sentence. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures, they are not to be trifled with.
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures;
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures
Gremlns are extraordinarily mischievious creatures,
Gremlins are extraordinarily mischievous creatures, or
Gremlins are extraordinary mischievous creatures:
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma, this results in an error known as a comma splice. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The choice of a semicolon, rather than a period, indicates that the author wishes to indicate a connection, on some level, between the content of the two clauses. When it comes to separating independent clauses, it is important to remember that using a period, a semicolon, or a comma with a conjunction are all equally grammatically correct. Whichever of these options you choose is a reflection on your writing style, not your grammatical correctness.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to become a great chef, chefs are often underappreciated as artists.
It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to become a great chef, but chefs are often underappreciated as artists.
It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to become a great chef chefs are often underappreciated as artists.
It takes a lot of time effort and money to become a great chef chefs are often underappreciated as artists.
It takes a lot of time, effort and money to become a great chef, chefs are often underappreciated as artists.
It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to become a great chef, chefs are often underappreciated as artists.
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma it results in an error known as a comma splice. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The options to join two independent clauses into one sentence are either a comma followed by a conjunction or a semicolon (with no conjunction).
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
The old man went down to his venerable fishing boat, it was a fine and beautiful summer's day.
The old man went down to his venerable fishing boat, because it was a fine and beautiful summer's day.
The old man went down to his venerable fishing boat, it was a fine and beautiful summer's day.
The old man went down to his Venerable Fishing Boat, it was a fine and beautiful summer's day.
The old man went down to his venerable fishing boat, it was a fine and beautiful Summer's day.
The old man went down to his venerable fishing boat, it was a fine and beautiful summer day.
When two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma, this results in an error known as a comma splice. In the example above, something more than a comma is needed to separate the two clauses. The best way to correct the underlined portion is: "The old man went down to his venerable fishing boat, because it was a fine and beautiful summer's day."
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
I am a huge fan of Bill Paxton's work, he hasn't done anything interesting in quite a long while.
I am a huge fan of Bill Paxton's work, but he hasn't done anything interesting in quite a long while.
I am a huge fan of Bill Paxton's work, he hasn't done anything interesting in quite a long while.
I am a huge fan of Bill Paxton's work or he hasn't done anything interesting in quite a long while.
I am a huge fan of Bill Paxton's work, cause he hasn't done anything interesting in quite a long while.
I am a huge fan of Bill Paxton's work; and he hasn't done anything interesting in quite a long while.
A comma splice error occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a single comma. One option to fix such an error is simply to make the two independent clauses into separate sentences. If you wish to join two into a compound sentence, you may either use a comma followed by an appropriate coordinating conjunction or you may use a semicolon without a conjunction. In this case, since the second clause contradicts the sentiment of the first, adding the coordinating conjunction "but" after the comma is the best way to fix this sentence.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
This bread is so good, it's like eating a delicious sponge.
This bread is so good; it's like eating a delicious sponge.
This bread is so good, it's like eating a delicious sponge.
This bread is so good; and it's like eating a delicious sponge.
This bread is so good or it's like eating a delicious sponge.
This bread is so good; but it's like eating a delicious sponge.
A comma splice error occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a single comma. One option is to simply make the two independent clauses into separate sentences. If you wish to join two independent clauses into a compound sentence, you may either use a comma followed by an appropriate coordinating conjunction or you may use a semicolon without a conjunction. The only correct answer option simply replaces the comma with a semicolon.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
When Harold went to the dentist, he was given two instructions; to brush his teeth twice daily and to avoid acidic beverages.
When Harold went to the dentist, he was given two instructions: to brush his teeth twice daily and to avoid acidic beverages.
When Harold went to the dentist; he was given two instructions, to brush his teeth twice daily and to avoid acidic beverages.
When Harold went to the dentist, he was given two instructions; to brush his teeth twice daily; and to avoid acidic beverages.
When Harold went to the dentist: he was given two instructions to brush his teeth twice daily and to avoid acidic beverages.
When Harold went to the dentist, he was given two instructions; to brush his teeth twice daily and to avoid acidic beverages.
A semicolon is used to combine two independent clauses. Because the phrase "to brush his teeth twice daily and to avoid acidic beverages" is a list and a dependent clause, the appropriate punctuation is a colon. This makes the correct answer "When Harold went to the dentist, he was given two instructions: to brush his teeth twice daily and to avoid acidic beverages."
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
Leading the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson championed individualism; and spoke against slavery.
Leading the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson championed individualism and spoke against slavery.
Leading the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson championed individualism, and spoke against slavery.
Leading the Transcendentalist movement; Ralph Waldo Emerson championed individualism and spoke against slavery.
Leading the Transcendentalist movement; Ralph Waldo Emerson championed individualism, and spoke against slavery.
Leading the Transcendentalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson championed individualism; and spoke against slavery.
A semi-colon separates two independent clauses. No punctuation between "individualism" and "and" is necessary.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
I'm really enjoying the pizza, there isn't quite enough for me so I may order another.
I'm really enjoying the pizza, but there isn't quite enough for me so I may order another.
I'm really enjoying the pizza, there isn't quite enough for me so I may order another.
I'm really enjoying the pizza; but there isn't quite enough for me so I may order another.
I'm really enjoying the pizza there isn't quite enough for me so I may order another.
I'm really enjoying the pizza: but there isn't quite enough for me so I may order another.
A comma splice error occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a single comma. One option is to simply make the two independent clauses into separate sentences. If you wish to join two independent clauses into a compound sentence, you may either use a comma followed by an appropriate coordinating conjunction or you may use a semicolon with no accompanying conjunction. In the sentence above, the second independent clause makes a contradictory statement, so adding the coordinating conjunction "but" is the best way to fix the splice.
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English. One of the answer choices reproduces the underlined portion as it is written in the sentence.
I really enjoy spending time outdoors, lately the weather has been incredibly hot and not altogether pleasant.
I really enjoy spending time outdoors, but lately the weather has been incredibly hot and not altogether pleasant.
I really enjoy spending time outdoors, lately the weather has been incredibly hot and not altogether pleasant.
I really enjoy spending time outdoors; and lately the weather has been incredibly hot and not altogether pleasant.
I really enjoy spending time outdoors lately the weather has been incredibly hot and not altogether pleasant.
I really enjoy spending time outdoors, but lately the weather has been incredibly hot and not altogether pleasantly.
Comma splice error occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a single comma. One option is to simply make the two independent clauses into separate sentences. If you wish to join two independent clauses into a compound sentence, you may either use a comma followed by an appropriate coordinating conjunction or you may use a semicolon without a conjunction. Since the sentence above expresses a contradiction, the best way to connect the two independent clauses is to add the coordinating conjunction "but" after the comma.