SAT Punctuation Review

Front

What is the purpose of punctuation in a sentence?

Back

Punctuation helps clarify meaning, indicate pauses, and separate ideas in a sentence.

Front

What is a comma used for?

Back

A comma is used to separate items in a list, before conjunctions in compound sentences, and to set off introductory elements.

Front

What is a period?

Back

A period is a punctuation mark used to indicate the end of a declarative sentence.

Front

What is the rule for using commas with coordinating conjunctions?

Back

A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a list?

Back

Items in a list should be separated by commas, and the last item is usually preceded by 'and' or 'or'.

Front

When should you use a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

What is the function of apostrophes?

Back

Apostrophes are used to indicate possession or to form contractions.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a direct address?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of the person being addressed.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating titles of works?

Back

Titles of books, movies, and other works should be italicized or underlined, while titles of shorter works (like articles) should be in quotation marks.

Front

What is the difference between 'its' and 'it's'?

Back

'Its' is a possessive pronoun, while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has'.