SAT Writing | Punctuation Rules | Review

Use a comma BEFORE an INTRODUCTORY CLAUSE, PHRASE, or MODIFIER.

• True

• False, should be AFTER

Use a comma to SEPARATE three or more items in a list.

• True

• False

The SAT requires the use of the Oxford comma.

• True

• False

Use commas to indicate restrictive (essential) elements.

• True

• False! Commas indicate non-restrictive (essential) elements

When the word that is used, it's always for restrictive/essential elements (commas are unnecessary), whereas which is usually used for nonrestrictive/nonessential elements (commas are necessary).

• True

• False

Do not use commas to set off transitions and intervening phrases.

• True

• False, you have to!

The dash serves two purposes.

• True

• False

The dash is used to:

• To set off and emphasize interrupting elements

• To signal a list, restatement,or additional detail/s.

• Separate two independent clauses.

Colons are used AFTER an independent clause to direct attention to a list, a clarification, or a summary.

• True

• False

A colon can only come after an independent clause.

• True

• False