Grammar Rules for Writing

Mastering grammar rules is essential for effective writing, especially for the PSAT. These rules, like subject-verb agreement and proper punctuation, help you communicate clearly and avoid common mistakes that can impact your score.

1. Subject-verb agreement

   • The subject and verb must agree in number (singular or plural).
   • Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on context.
   • Indefinite pronouns (e.g., everyone, each) are usually singular.

2. Pronoun-antecedent agreement

   • Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.
   • Be cautious with collective nouns and indefinite pronouns.
   • Ensure clarity by placing pronouns close to their antecedents.

3. Verb tense consistency

   • Maintain the same tense throughout a sentence or related sentences.
   • Use past tense for completed actions and present tense for current actions.
   • Be mindful of shifts in time that may require a change in tense.

4. Parallel structure

   • Use the same grammatical structure for items in a list or series.
   • Ensure consistency in verb forms, phrases, and clauses.
   • Parallelism enhances clarity and readability.

5. Comma usage

   • Use commas to separate items in a list, after introductory phrases, and before conjunctions in compound sentences.
   • Use commas to set off non-essential information.
   • Avoid comma splices by not joining two independent clauses with just a comma.

6. Semicolon and colon usage

   • Use semicolons to connect closely related independent clauses.
   • Use colons to introduce lists, explanations, or quotes.
   • Ensure the clause before a colon is a complete sentence.

7. Apostrophe usage

   • Use apostrophes to indicate possession (e.g., the dog's bone).
   • Use apostrophes in contractions (e.g., can't for cannot).
   • Be careful with plural nouns that do not require an apostrophe.

8. Sentence fragments and run-on sentences

   • A sentence fragment lacks a subject or verb and does not express a complete thought.
   • Run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses are improperly joined.
   • Use punctuation or conjunctions to correct these errors.

9. Modifier placement

   • Place modifiers close to the words they modify to avoid confusion.
   • Avoid misplaced modifiers that can change the intended meaning.
   • Use clear and precise language to enhance clarity.

10. Commonly confused words (e.g., their/there/they're, its/it's)

    • Understand the different meanings and uses of commonly confused words.
    • Practice using them in context to reinforce correct usage.
    • Pay attention to homophones that sound alike but have different meanings.

11. Active vs. passive voice

    • Use active voice for clarity and directness (e.g., The dog chased the cat).
    • Passive voice can obscure the subject and make sentences less engaging (e.g., The cat was chased by the dog).
    • Prefer active voice in most writing situations.

12. Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions

    • Coordinating conjunctions (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) connect equal parts of a sentence.
    • Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, since) introduce dependent clauses.
    • Use conjunctions to create complex and compound sentences.

13. Dangling and misplaced modifiers

    • A dangling modifier lacks a clear subject and can confuse the reader.
    • Misplaced modifiers are incorrectly positioned, leading to ambiguity.
    • Revise sentences to ensure modifiers clearly relate to the intended words.

14. Comparative and superlative adjectives

    • Use comparative adjectives to compare two items (e.g., taller, smarter).
    • Use superlative adjectives to compare three or more items (e.g., tallest, smartest).
    • Be mindful of irregular forms (e.g., good, better, best).

15. Idiomatic expressions and prepositions

    • Understand common idiomatic expressions and their meanings.
    • Use prepositions correctly to indicate relationships in time and space.
    • Be aware of idiomatic phrases that may not translate directly.