Grammar Rules
1. Independent Clauses
A period, semicolon, or comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (such as and, but, or or) can correctly join two complete sentences.
2. Nonessential Information
Words or phrases that are not necessary to the sentence’s main meaning should be enclosed by two commas or two dashes. If you remove the extra information, the sentence should still be complete.
3. Its vs. It’s
- It’s = it is or it has.
- Its = shows possession.
- Its’ is never correct.
4. Using a Colon
A colon introduces a list, explanation, example, or clarification. The words before the colon must form a complete sentence.
5. Be Careful with “Being”
The word being is often unnecessary or awkward. Choose a simpler construction whenever possible.
6. Have, Not Of
Use:
- could have
- would have
- should have
- might have
Never write could of, would of, should of, or might of.
7. Commas Around Prepositions and “That”
Avoid placing commas immediately before or after common prepositions (such as of, by, to, at, for, from, with, in, and on) or the word that, unless another grammar rule specifically requires one.
8. Commas Before Pronouns
A comma directly before pronouns like he, she, it, they, or we is often incorrect unless it separates two independent clauses or serves another valid punctuation purpose.
9. Subject–Verb Agreement
Singular subjects take singular verbs, while plural subjects take plural verbs.
- She writes.
- They write.
10. Pronoun Consistency
Keep the same point of view throughout a sentence or passage.
- If you begin with one, continue with one.
- If you begin with you, continue with you.
11. Relative Pronouns
- Who refers to people.
- Which refers to things or animals.
- Where refers to locations.
Do not use where for ideas, books, or periods of time.
12. Who vs. Whom
Use:
- Who as the subject of a verb.
- Whom as the object of a verb or preposition.
Examples:
- Who called?
- To whom was the letter addressed?
13. Parallel Structure
Items in a list or comparison should follow the same grammatical pattern.
Correct:
- reading, writing, and studying
- to run, to swim, and to bike
14. Watch for Limiting Words
Pay close attention to words such as:
- not
- least
- except
- only
- never
These words often determine the correct answer.
Rhetoric & Style
1. Prefer Concise Writing
When two choices are equally clear and grammatically correct, the shorter and more direct option is usually best.
2. Read the Surrounding Context
If an answer is unclear, read the sentence before and after it. The surrounding ideas often reveal the best choice.
3. Consider Deleting Extra Information
When given an option to remove unnecessary words or sentences, check whether the passage remains clear and complete without them.
4. Evaluate Transition Words
Before looking at the choices, decide how the ideas relate.
Ask yourself:
- Are they adding information?
- Showing contrast?
- Giving an example?
- Explaining a cause or result?
- Concluding a point?
Then choose the transition that matches that relationship.
5. Paragraph Transitions
To choose the best opening transition for a paragraph, read several sentences from the new paragraph. The connection is often based on the ideas that follow rather than the final sentence of the previous paragraph.
6. Inserting or Removing Sentences
Identify the paragraph’s main idea first.
- Keep a sentence if it directly supports that idea.
- Remove it if it is unrelated or distracts from the main point.
7. Determine the Author’s Purpose
Ask:
- Is the passage discussing a broad concept or a specific example?
- Does the proposed revision strengthen the author’s goal?
Always choose the option that best supports the passage’s overall purpose.