Glossary · Grammar
Grammar and reading terms
SAT Reading and Writing, ACT English, ACT Reading
By the CollegePrepRoom editorial team · Updated · How we write and check these pages
These are the grammar rules and reading terms tested on SAT Reading and Writing and ACT English and Reading. Each entry states the rule, shows a correct and incorrect example, and explains how questions usually test it.
Index of terms
Terms in study order
- Independent clauseA group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
- Comma spliceAn error in which two independent clauses are joined with only a comma.
- Sentence fragmentA group of words punctuated as a sentence that lacks a subject, a main verb or a complete thought.
- SemicolonA punctuation mark that joins two closely related independent clauses, or separates items in a list that already contains commas.
- ColonA punctuation mark that follows a complete independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, example or quotation.
- DashA punctuation mark used to set off interrupting information or to introduce an explanation, similar to a colon or a pair of commas.
- Restrictive and nonrestrictive elementsA nonrestrictive element adds extra information and is set off with commas; a restrictive element is essential to the meaning and takes no commas.
- Subject-verb agreementThe rule that a verb must match its subject in number: singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Pronoun-antecedent agreementThe rule that a pronoun must match the noun it refers to in number and be clear about which noun that is.
- Apostrophes and possessionApostrophes show possession (the dog's bowl) or contraction (it's = it is); possessive pronouns such as its and their never take apostrophes.
- Verb tense consistencyUsing verb tenses that fit the time frame of the passage and stay consistent unless the timing changes.
- Dangling modifierA descriptive phrase that does not clearly modify the word it is meant to describe, usually because that word is missing or misplaced.
- Parallel structureUsing the same grammatical form for items in a list, a comparison or paired constructions.
- TransitionA word or phrase that shows the logical relationship between ideas, such as contrast, cause, addition or example.
- ConcisionExpressing an idea clearly in as few words as needed, without redundancy or wordiness.
- Main ideaThe central point a passage or paragraph makes, which the details support.
- InferenceA logical conclusion drawn from evidence in a text that is not stated directly.
- Command of evidenceThe skill of identifying which quotation or data best supports, illustrates or weakens a claim.
Flashcard review
Say each definition aloud, then open the card to check your answer.
What does “Independent clause” mean?
A group of words with a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
What does “Comma splice” mean?
An error in which two independent clauses are joined with only a comma.
What does “Sentence fragment” mean?
A group of words punctuated as a sentence that lacks a subject, a main verb or a complete thought.
What does “Semicolon” mean?
A punctuation mark that joins two closely related independent clauses, or separates items in a list that already contains commas.
What does “Colon” mean?
A punctuation mark that follows a complete independent clause to introduce a list, explanation, example or quotation.
What does “Dash” mean?
A punctuation mark used to set off interrupting information or to introduce an explanation, similar to a colon or a pair of commas.
What does “Restrictive and nonrestrictive elements” mean?
A nonrestrictive element adds extra information and is set off with commas; a restrictive element is essential to the meaning and takes no commas.
What does “Subject-verb agreement” mean?
The rule that a verb must match its subject in number: singular subjects take singular verbs and plural subjects take plural verbs.
What does “Pronoun-antecedent agreement” mean?
The rule that a pronoun must match the noun it refers to in number and be clear about which noun that is.
What does “Apostrophes and possession” mean?
Apostrophes show possession (the dog's bowl) or contraction (it's = it is); possessive pronouns such as its and their never take apostrophes.
What does “Verb tense consistency” mean?
Using verb tenses that fit the time frame of the passage and stay consistent unless the timing changes.
What does “Dangling modifier” mean?
A descriptive phrase that does not clearly modify the word it is meant to describe, usually because that word is missing or misplaced.
What does “Parallel structure” mean?
Using the same grammatical form for items in a list, a comparison or paired constructions.
What does “Transition” mean?
A word or phrase that shows the logical relationship between ideas, such as contrast, cause, addition or example.
What does “Concision” mean?
Expressing an idea clearly in as few words as needed, without redundancy or wordiness.
What does “Main idea” mean?
The central point a passage or paragraph makes, which the details support.
What does “Inference” mean?
A logical conclusion drawn from evidence in a text that is not stated directly.
What does “Command of evidence” mean?
The skill of identifying which quotation or data best supports, illustrates or weakens a claim.