Welcome to our explanation of punctuation for the SAT. The SAT Writing and Language section tests your understanding of punctuation rules and how they affect sentence structure and meaning. You'll need to identify correct punctuation usage, recognize common errors, understand relationships between clauses, and choose the most effective punctuation for each context. The test focuses on six main punctuation marks: commas, which separate items, clauses, and phrases; semicolons, which join independent clauses; colons, which introduce lists or explanations; dashes, which set off information with emphasis; apostrophes, which show possession or contractions; and periods, which end complete sentences.
Commas are the most frequently tested punctuation mark on the SAT. You'll need to understand their various uses. First, commas separate items in a list, as in 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.' Second, they set off introductory elements, like 'After the game, we went home.' Third, commas separate independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions, which you can remember with the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. An example is 'She studied hard, and she passed.' Fourth, commas set off non-essential information, as in 'My brother, who lives in Paris, called.' Finally, commas separate coordinate adjectives that independently modify the same noun, like in 'It was a long, difficult journey.' A common error tested on the SAT is the comma splice, where two independent clauses are incorrectly joined with only a comma.
Let's explore semicolons, colons, and dashes, which help structure complex sentences and add emphasis. Semicolons have two main uses. First, they join independent clauses without conjunctions, as in 'The test was difficult; I studied for hours.' Both parts could stand alone as complete sentences. Second, semicolons separate items in complex lists where the items themselves contain commas. Colons also have specific uses. They introduce lists, explanations, or examples, like in 'I need three items: a pen, paper, and a calculator.' Remember that a colon must follow a complete sentence. Dashes are versatile punctuation marks that set off information with emphasis, as in 'The concert—which was sold out—was amazing.' They can also indicate a break in thought: 'I forgot my wallet—now I can't buy lunch.' A common error is using a semicolon before a dependent clause. For example, 'I like dogs; because they're loyal' is incorrect. The correct version would be 'I like dogs because they're loyal.'
Now let's discuss apostrophes and end punctuation marks, which are essential for clarity in writing. Apostrophes have two main uses. First, they show possession, as in 'The student's book is on the desk.' Second, they indicate contractions where letters have been omitted, like in 'I don't know where he's going.' A common confusion tested on the SAT is the difference between 'its' and 'it's.' 'Its' without an apostrophe is the possessive form, as in 'The dog wagged its tail.' 'It's' with an apostrophe is the contraction of 'it is' or 'it has,' as in 'It's going to rain today.' End punctuation marks include periods, which end statements like 'The SAT is on Saturday.' Question marks end questions, such as 'Have you studied for the test?' And exclamation points show emphasis or strong emotion. The SAT often tests whether you can identify when a sentence is complete and needs end punctuation, versus when it's a fragment that needs to be connected to another clause.
Let's summarize what we've learned about punctuation for the SAT. First, understand the function of each punctuation mark and its correct usage. Commas separate items and set off elements, semicolons join independent clauses, colons introduce information after a complete thought, dashes emphasize information, apostrophes show possession or contractions, and end punctuation marks complete sentences. Second, recognize common errors like comma splices, misused semicolons, and apostrophe confusion. Third, identify sentence structure to determine appropriate punctuation—knowing whether clauses are independent or dependent is crucial. Fourth, practice identifying the most effective punctuation for clarity and meaning, as the SAT often asks you to choose the best option among grammatically correct alternatives. Finally, remember that punctuation questions often test your understanding of clauses and phrases, so strengthening your grammar knowledge will help with punctuation questions. By mastering these concepts, you'll be well-prepared for the punctuation questions on the SAT Writing and Language section.