✏️

Understanding SAT Punctuation Rules

May 2, 2025

SAT Grammar Rules - Part 1: Punctuation

Introduction

  • Focus on SAT grammar rules for the digital SAT.
  • Covers colons, semicolons, commas, and dashes.

Colons

  • Purpose: Used for introductions, such as lists or explanations.
  • Example: "I only ask for three things in a friendship: loyalty, humor, and maturity."
    • Colon introduces the list of values.
  • Usage on SAT: Appear in punctuation questions about conventions of Standard English.
  • Guideline: Use colons to introduce something new or to point to what follows.

Semicolons

  • Purpose: Acts as a bridge between two related ideas.
  • Example: "Meet Analie; she's passionate about content creation and has a heart full of compassion."
    • Semicolon links related ideas about Analie.
  • Usage on SAT: Appear in punctuation questions about conventions of Standard English.
  • Guideline: Use semicolons to connect related but independent thoughts.

Example Question

  • "On their strange American foods tour, Ida and Jeff discovered three of the country's oddest and most delicious desserts: deep-fried Coke, bacon donuts, and chirpumple."
    • Use a colon to introduce the list of desserts.

Commas

  • Purpose: Provide clarity by indicating pauses, separating items in a list, or clarifying relationships.
  • Example: "I live in two worlds, one is a world of books."
    • Comma provides a distinction between two aspects of Rory Gilmore's life.
  • Usage on SAT: Will appear in punctuation questions.
  • Guideline: Use commas for clarity and organization.

Dashes

  • Purpose: Add drama or emphasize a sudden change in thought.
  • Example: "I am not afraid of commitment—I'm afraid of settling."
    • Dash emphasizes the distinction between commitment and settling.
  • Usage on SAT: Will appear in punctuation questions.
  • Guideline: Use dashes for emphasis or to create an abrupt break.

Example Question

  • Recognize lists and use commas accordingly.

Conclusion

  • Video aims to help with SAT grammar preparation.
  • Encourages interaction and questions via the Study Cave Discord Community.
  • Promotes upcoming Discord Community server for further support.