PSAT Grammar Prep

Front

What is the purpose of commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, and clarify meaning.

Front

When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

Back

A comma should be used before a conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence, containing a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because', 'although').

Front

How do you punctuate direct address in a sentence?

Back

Use commas to set off the name or title of the person being addressed, e.g., 'Let's eat, grandma!'.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a city and state?

Back

A comma should be placed between the city and the state, e.g., 'I want to go to Orlando, Florida.'.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, except before the conjunction in the last two items (Oxford comma is optional).

Front

How do you correct a sentence that lacks clarity due to punctuation?

Back

Add commas where necessary to clarify meaning, e.g., 'Let's eat, grandma!' instead of 'Let's eat grandma!'.

Front

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

Back

'Its' is a possessive pronoun meaning 'belonging to it', while 'it's' is a contraction for 'it is'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.