The ACT English section assesses your understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and writing conventions. By mastering these key concepts, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the exam with confidence. Here are the grammar rules and concepts that are commonly tested on the ACT English section:
1. Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is one of the most common topics on the ACT. You must ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular or plural).
- Example:
Correct: The dog runs fast.
Incorrect: The dog run fast.
Tip:
Look for phrases that might distract you (like “as well as” or “along with”) and remember that the subject is the main noun, not the noun added in the phrase.
2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
A pronoun must agree in number and gender with its antecedent (the noun it replaces). This is a crucial rule that you must follow for clarity and accuracy.
- Example:
Correct: The team practiced hard for its upcoming match.
Incorrect: The team practiced hard for their upcoming match.
Tip:
Watch out for collective nouns like “team,” “group,” or “class,” which may look plural but are singular in meaning.
3. Sentence Fragments and Run-On Sentences
A sentence fragment occurs when a sentence is incomplete, while a run-on sentence has two or more independent clauses joined incorrectly.
- Example of Fragment:
Fragment: After the party ended. (Missing main clause)
Correct: After the party ended, we all went home. - Example of Run-On:
Run-On: She loves reading, she reads every day.
Correct: She loves reading, and she reads every day.
Tip:
Make sure every sentence has at least one independent clause and that independent clauses are properly joined with conjunctions or punctuation.
4. Comma Usage
Commas are used to separate ideas and elements within a sentence. You must understand when to use commas, particularly in lists, between adjectives, after introductory phrases, and around non-essential information.
- Example:
Correct: I bought apples, bananas, and oranges.
Incorrect: I bought apples bananas, and oranges. - Example with Non-Essential Info:
Correct: My brother, who lives in Texas, is coming to visit.
Incorrect: My brother who lives in Texas is coming to visit.
Tip:
Remember the common comma rule: if you can remove a phrase and still have a complete sentence, it should be set off with commas.
5. Modifiers
Modifiers describe or limit a noun and should be placed next to the word they modify. Misplaced modifiers can lead to confusion or incorrect meanings.
- Example of Correct Placement:
Correct: She almost drove the car for a mile.
Incorrect: For a mile, she almost drove the car.
Tip:
Ensure that modifiers clearly refer to the intended word. Be mindful of dangling or misplaced modifiers that can change the meaning of a sentence.
6. Parallel Structure
Parallelism involves using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. Inconsistent or incorrect parallel structure is a frequent mistake.
- Example:
Correct: She enjoys hiking, biking, and swimming.
Incorrect: She enjoys hiking, biking, and to swim.
Tip:
Look for conjunctions like “and” or “or” and ensure the verbs and phrases that follow are in the same form.
7. Punctuation of Conjunctions
The ACT often tests the use of commas with conjunctions like “and,” “but,” and “or.” When connecting two independent clauses, you need a comma before the conjunction.
- Example:
Correct: I wanted to go, but I had too much homework.
Incorrect: I wanted to go but I had too much homework.
Tip:
Whenever a conjunction links two independent clauses, place a comma before it.
8. Verb Tense Consistency
Maintaining consistent verb tense is essential for clarity. You need to ensure that the verb tenses match the time frame of the action being described.
- Example:
Correct: He went to the store and bought some bread.
Incorrect: He went to the store and buy some bread.
Tip:
If you’re narrating events in the past, keep your verbs in the past tense unless there’s a clear reason to switch.
9. Using “That” vs. “Which”
The distinction between “that” and “which” is important in certain sentence structures. “That” is used in restrictive clauses (essential information), while “which” is used in non-restrictive clauses (additional, non-essential information).
- Example:
Correct: The book that I read was fascinating.
Correct: The book, which was on the table, was fascinating.
Tip:
If the clause can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence, use “which” with commas. If the clause is necessary, use “that” without commas.
10. Use of Apostrophes
Apostrophes show possession or form contractions. They are commonly tested in possession rules (e.g., singular and plural possessives).
- Example:
Correct: The teacher’s book is on the desk.
Incorrect: The teachers book is on the desk.
Tip:
For singular nouns, add ‘s (e.g., the teacher’s book). For plural nouns that end in s, just add an apostrophe (e.g., the teachers’ books).
Final Thoughts
Understanding these key grammar concepts is essential to doing well on the ACT English section. Practicing these rules will help you avoid common mistakes and improve your score. Keep in mind that the ACT is not just testing your knowledge of grammar but also how well you can apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. Practice often and review your mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to acing the English section!
How The Princeton Review Can Assist You In Understanding The Key Grammar Concepts Frequently Tested on the ACT English Section
Preparing for the ACT English section can feel overwhelming, especially with its range of grammar, punctuation, and writing concepts that you must master. Fortunately, The Princeton Review offers several resources and strategies to help you understand and excel in these key grammar concepts frequently tested on the exam. Here’s how they can help:
1. Comprehensive Study Materials
The Princeton Review provides in-depth study guides and textbooks specifically tailored to the ACT. These materials break down key grammar concepts in an easy-to-understand manner and offer clear explanations of the rules.
How This Helps:
With step-by-step explanations and plenty of examples, you can take the time to learn grammar rules at your own pace, making it easier to understand complex concepts that might have tripped you up in the past.
2. Practice Questions with Answer Explanations
One of the best ways to master grammar concepts is through practice, and The Princeton Review provides ACT-style practice questions along with detailed answer explanations.
How This Helps:
Practicing with real ACT-style questions and receiving immediate explanations lets you apply grammar rules in context, helping reinforce your understanding and providing insight into how these rules are tested.
3. Targeted Lessons and Test Strategies
Princeton Review offers personalized lessons focusing on specific grammar concepts that are frequently tested on the ACT English section. Whether you’re struggling with sentence structure or verb tense consistency, their test-prep programs are designed to focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
How This Helps:
Targeted lessons focus on your weaknesses, ensuring you spend time on areas that need the most attention, making your study sessions efficient and effective.
4. Online Resources and Practice Tests
In addition to physical study guides, The Princeton Review also provides online resources and practice tests that simulate real ACT test conditions. These digital tools are essential for preparing under timed conditions, allowing you to test your grammar knowledge while managing time.
How This Helps:
These online practice tools help you familiarize yourself with the test format and build test-taking strategies, reducing anxiety and boosting your confidence on test day.
5. Test-Taking Strategies
Understanding grammar rules is important, but knowing how to approach the ACT English section strategically is just as crucial. The Princeton Review teaches test-taking strategies that focus on maximizing your time and accuracy during the exam.
How This Helps:
By applying these strategies, you’ll learn how to approach each question with a clear method, giving you a better chance to answer correctly and efficiently.
6. One-on-One Tutoring and Group Classes
For students who need more personalized help, Princeton Review offers tutoring options, either in a one-on-one setting or in group classes. Tutors can work with you to address your individual needs, especially on grammar areas that are giving you trouble.
How This Helps:
Personalized tutoring ensures you get direct help with your specific struggles, ensuring you fully grasp the grammar rules that are critical for the ACT.
7. Helpful Apps and Flashcards
The Princeton Review also provides tools such as apps and flashcards to help you study grammar rules and important concepts on the go. These tools are great for quick review sessions, especially when you only have a few minutes to spare.
How This Helps:
With apps and flashcards, you can easily review grammar rules whenever you have spare time, helping you reinforce your knowledge in short, manageable intervals.
Conclusion:
The Princeton Review offers a well-rounded approach to mastering the grammar concepts frequently tested on the ACT English section. Whether through comprehensive study materials, targeted lessons, online resources, practice tests, or personalized tutoring, they provide a variety of tools and strategies to help you succeed. By utilizing these resources, you can ensure a solid understanding of key grammar concepts, gain valuable test-taking strategies, and confidently approach the ACT English section.
If you’re looking to improve your ACT English score, consider exploring The Princeton Review’s study programs to get the structured guidance you need to excel!