Boundaries Punctuation and Grammar Flashcards

Which sentence correctly uses a comma with a coordinating conjunction?

Answer: She studied hard, and she passed the exam.

A comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) joining two independent clauses is correct.

Which sentence is a comma splice?

Answer: She ran fast, she won the race.

A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with only a comma. 'She ran fast' and 'she won the race' are joined incorrectly.

Which correctly uses a possessive apostrophe?

Answer: The student's notebook was left behind.

One student's notebook: singular possessive = student's (apostrophe before s).

Which transition word creates the MOST logical connection: 'She practiced every day. __, she still struggled during the performance.'?

Answer: Nevertheless

'Nevertheless' shows contrast — she practiced but still struggled, which is unexpected.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Answer: Running down the street, I dropped my keys.

The participial phrase 'Running down the street' must modify the subject 'I,' not the keys.

Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb?

Answer: The data show a clear trend.

'Data' is the plural of 'datum' and takes a plural verb in formal writing. 'Data show' is correct.

Which of the following is NOT a complete sentence?

Answer: Running through the park on a sunny afternoon.

'Running through the park on a sunny afternoon' is a phrase with no subject or main verb — it is a fragment.

Which sentence correctly places the comma after an introductory element?

Answer: After the concert, we went to dinner.

A comma after an introductory prepositional phrase ('After the concert') is correct SAT style.