ACT Punctuation Review

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, or set off non-essential information.

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 rule for using apostrophes to show possession?

Back

Apostrophes are used to indicate possession by adding 's to a noun (e.g., James's book) or just an apostrophe for plural nouns ending in s (e.g., the teachers' lounge).

Front

How do you punctuate a list in a sentence?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list, and use 'and' before the last item.

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' or 'it has.'

Front

When should you use a colon?

Back

A colon is used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation that follows an independent clause.

Front

What is the function of parentheses in writing?

Back

Parentheses are used to include additional information or clarifications that are not essential to the main point.

Front

How do you correctly punctuate a compound sentence?

Back

Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is the rule for using quotation marks?

Back

Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech, quotations, or titles of short works.

Front

When should you use dashes?

Back

Dashes are used to create emphasis, indicate a break in thought, or set off additional information.