We all have been there where we have missed our grammar classes guilt-free, but then comes days you wish you had paid a little more attention to those grammar rules and punctuation marks.Here, we are to help you to make up for your lost classes because we know how uncompromising ACTs can be when it comes to grammar.
Here is an example of a flawed sentence :
(Note :Try to find the answer on your own after finishing the blog . The correct answer will be given in the end.)
Eugene is one of the most laid-back people i know he is tall and fit with blonde hair and he always wears a t-shirt and blue denims his jeans has cuts in them and his football shoes is scruffy to he usually sits at the back of the classroom and he often seem to be asleep however when the exam result are given out he always gets a “A” i don’t think hes as lazy as he appears to be
This has several punctuation and grammar issues, it is okay if you didn’t find them right away, after reading this blog you will understand how to fix them all.
1. Colons and Semicolons
Colons are used
- To start a list (like we just did)
- To expand and elucidate on a subject
- For time
- To split up headings from subheadings(check out our blog’s title )
Tips to keep in mind :
(see what we did there again with the colon)
- When the first word following a colon is a proper noun or begins a complete phrase, capitalize it.
- A colon does not immediately follow a verb.
- The phrases “including,” “such as,” and “like” are not used with a colon because they duplicate the meaning of the colon.
Semicolons are used
- To separate items already on the list
They act both as a period and a colon, therefore giving it this symbol[ ; ]. So, it gives a certain pause to the sentence and also separates two independent clauses.
2. Commas
Commas are used
- To separate two complete sentences
- To add a dependent clause to the sentence
- Before directly addressing someone
- To divide dates, numbers,and cities
- To add extra information in between a complete sentence
Do not worry, commas are one of the most complicated ACT punctuation marks, but as we said, we have got you covered! Tychr provides classes exclusively for ACT exams, grab this opportunity and get rid of all your grammar doubts once and for all!
Study while others are sleeping, work while others are loafing, prepare while others are playing, dream while others are wishing. – William Arthur Ward
3. Periods
They are used to break two complete/independent sentences. They can also be used in between letters for abbreviations
4. Apostrophes
- For singular and plural nouns, an apostrophe is used to indicate possession.
- For singular nouns and acronyms, put an apostrophe + s at the end.
- They could be used to contract words (do not = don’t)
- Can pluralize numbers and letters ( 90’s, straight A’s)
Note that possessive pronouns do not require apostrophes because they would act redundantly.
Also Read: Looking for a Successful Career? Follow These Tips in Your Day to Day Routine for Better Results
5. Dashes
Single dash – performs the role of a colon by bringing an abrupt interruption to provide more information about it. A pair of dashes is equivalent to two appositive commas or parentheses.
These shouldn’t be confused with hyphens which are shorter than dashes.If you still have doubts regarding grammar or if you still aren’t sure about your grammar skills, feel free to contact us. And don’t forget to book a free trial class too.
Answer
Eugene is one of the most laid-back people I know.
He is tall and fit with blonde hair, and he always wears a t-shirt and blue denims.
His jeans have cuts in them, and his football shoes are scruffy, too.
He usually sits at the back of the class, and he often seems to be asleep.
However, when the exam results are given out he always gets an “A”. I don’t think he’s as lazy as he appears to be.
Further Reading:
