Overview
This lecture covers the main rules for using commas on the ACT English section, with examples and explanations of each rule.
Comma Rules on the ACT English Section
- Commas are correct if each one follows a recognized comma rule.
- Use commas to separate items in a list (e.g., Bethany is sweet, silly, and sensitive).
- Place a comma after a dependent clause that comes before an independent clause (e.g., Last night, I went to the movies).
- Do not use a comma between two dependent clauses or two independent clauses without a conjunction.
- Use a comma with a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to join two independent clauses (e.g., The test was easy, and that took a weight off my chest).
- Without a conjunction, do not use a comma between independent clauses; use a period or semicolon instead.
- Use commas to set off appositives—extra information that can be removed from the sentence without making it ungrammatical (e.g., Clifford, the big red dog, eats a lot of food).
- Appositives can also be set off with dashes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dependent clause — an incomplete thought that cannot stand alone as a sentence.
- Independent clause — a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence.
- Appositive — a phrase that provides extra information about a noun and can be removed without affecting grammatical correctness.
- Conjunction — a word (e.g., and, but, or) that connects clauses or sentences.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize and practice the listed comma rules.
- Expect ACT English questions testing correct and incorrect comma usage.
- Review additional ACT English resources and practice exams as suggested.