SAT English Practice: Punctuation and Grammar

Which of the following sentences correctly uses commas?

• My brother, who is an engineer, loves to solve complex problems.

• My sister who is a painter, loves to explore, various mediums.

• My father, is a teacher, and he enjoys reading.

• My mother a nurse, enjoys, helping people.

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a colon.

• Before you leave: make sure to turn off the lights.

• She has one goal in life: to become a successful author.

• There are three things I need at the store; milk, eggs and bread.

• I have one favorite hobby: reading, writing, and painting.

Select the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon.

• She loves to read; she reads every night.

• It was raining; so we stayed indoors.

• He is going to the store; for some milk.

• They wanted to go on a hike; but, it was too late.

Which sentence correctly uses dashes?

• My friend—whom I've known for years—is moving away.

• The recipe calls for—flour, sugar, and eggs.

• I need to visit—Paris, France—one day.

• She said—that she would call me—later.

Choose the sentence with correct capitalization.

• I visited the Eiffel Tower in paris last summer.

• My favorite book is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

• The president will address congress next week.

• She moved to new york city to pursue her dreams.

Choose the option that correctly applies the rules of subject-verb agreement.

• The flock of birds fly south for the winter.

• Neither of the answers is correct.

• A basket of apples were on the table.

• Each of the employees earn a bonus.

Which sentence correctly uses commas for a non-essential clause?

• My car, that is over ten years old, still runs well.

• The book, which I borrowed from the library, is due tomorrow.

• The house on the corner, is known to be haunted.

• She plans to visit her grandmother, in Florida, next month.

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a colon to introduce a list.

• I need you to buy: bread, milk, and eggs.

• Here are the ingredients for the cake: flour, sugar, and eggs.

• She said she was looking for: a new job.

• They're going to visit: Paris, in the spring.

Select the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to join two related independent clauses.

• The weather is cold; we should wear coats.

• She is very talented; in painting.

• He wants to go to the movies; but he has to work.

• They were hungry; so they ordered pizza.

Which sentence correctly uses dashes to emphasize a phrase?

• My favorite meal—pizza—is what we're having tonight.

• Yes—I believe you are correct.

• Can you—pass the salt?

• Tomorrow is—supposed to be sunny.