When it comes to the ACT English section, punctuation is more than just dots and squiggles – it’s the backbone of clear communication! Here’s a breakdown of the key punctuation rules and tips to help you ace this part of the test.
1. Commas: The Pause Button
Commas are used to:
Separate items in a list.
Connect two independent clauses with a conjunction (e.g., and, but, for).
Set off introductory elements and non-essential information.
Example:
Correct: “She bought apples, oranges, and bananas.”
Incorrect: “She bought apples oranges and bananas.”
2. Semicolons: The Middle Ground
Semicolons are the heavy hitters, used to:
Link two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.
Separate complex list items that contain commas.
Example:
Correct: “I have a big test tomorrow; I can’t go out tonight.”
Incorrect: “I have a big test tomorrow, I can’t go out tonight.”
3. Colons: The Introduction
Colons introduce lists, explanations, or quotes:
Place a colon after an independent clause when introducing a list.
Use a colon to separate two clauses when the second explains the first.
Example:
Correct: “She has two favorite hobbies: reading and painting.”
Incorrect: “She has two favorite hobbies, reading and painting.”
4. Apostrophes: The Possessive and Contractive
Apostrophes indicate possession or create contractions:
For possession: “The dog’s leash was lost.”
For contractions: “It’s raining outside” (it is).
Example:
Correct: “James’s book was interesting.”
Incorrect: “James’ book was interesting.”
5. Dashes and Hyphens: Clarification and Connection
Dashes add emphasis or set off information:
En dash (–) for ranges: “Read pages 10–20.”
Em dash (—) for emphasis: “The result—unexpectedly—was positive.”
Hyphens connect compound words:
Example: “A well-known author”
Final Tips
Read Aloud: When in doubt, read the sentence aloud. Punctuation often mimics natural pauses and intonations in speech.
Know the Rules: Brush up on grammar rules specific to ACT English.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Familiarize yourself with punctuation through practice tests and quizzes. The best place to begin is with a FREE, In-Person Practice Test offered every Saturday morning at both our Leawood and Prairie Village locations.
