A Parent’s Guide to Important SAT Grammar Rules
The Reading and Writing section of the SAT might look like it covers every grammar rule imaginable, but that’s not the case. The SAT relies on a consistent group of grammar and punctuation concepts that appear on every test. And when your child learns how to recognize these patterns, the section will feel far more manageable.
In this quick guide, we’re covering the most important rules that form the backbone of this section, and how our SAT prep courses in NJ can help your child master them.
Understanding how the SAT tests grammar in context
On the SAT Reading and Writing section, your child takes on the role of an editor. They read short passages and answer questions that ask them to correct mistakes and improve wording, or select the clearest sentence option.
The reassuring part is that the SAT focuses on core ideas instead of rare or tricky rules. When your child learns these repeated patterns, they can identify errors faster and make decisions with less hesitation. The same concepts appear again and again, making this section one of the easiest areas for improvement. Our SAT prep courses in NJ can help reinforce them through guided practice.
Core grammar topics covered on the SAT
- Commas – Your child will need to know how commas connect two complete sentences when paired with a coordinating conjunction and set off non-essential information in a sentence.
- Semicolons – Semicolons connect two closely related complete sentences. Think of them as a soft period: each side must be a complete sentence on its own.
- Colons – Colons are used to introduce lists, explanations, or examples. The sentence before it must be complete.
- Apostrophes and dashes – Apostrophes show possession or form contractions, while dashes create strong emphasis or introduce a pause. Our SAT prep course in NJ helps students avoid common traps, especially with possessive pronouns that never take apostrophes (like its, yours, or theirs).
- Consistency and agreement – Many questions in the SAT test whether all parts of a sentence fit together logically. This includes keeping verb tenses consistent and ensuring pronouns match the nouns they refer to.
- Subject-verb agreement – The SAT often separates the subject from the verb with extra words, making it easy to lose track. Knowing how to find the core subject can help your child avoid this common mistake.
- Sentence clarity and structure – Your child needs to understand parallel structure and modifier placement, as well as recognize overall sentence logic. Learning how to spot unclear or awkward constructions can give your child an edge.
Eliminate the guesswork from SAT grammar rules
If you want added support, enrolling your child in SAT prep courses in NJ can make a big difference. At PALS Learning Center Piscataway, students build strong grammar skills through focused instruction and digital SAT strategies designed to boost confidence and results.
You can register your child in our SAT prep course right here on our website. Prefer to speak to our tutors first? Call us at +1 732 777 7997 to learn more about our SAT prep courses in NJ.