Diction (Proper Wording) ‘The SAT will assess your abilities to distinguish between commonly cont recognize proper idiomatic expressions. This table monly confused words. Cn Rae ‘Accept vs. Except General Rules accept: receive except: excluding fused words and to clarifies the correct usage of many com- re eka My teacher will accept my work, except when it is late. Affect vs. Effect affect: typically a verb effect: typically a noun The biggest effect of the policy was how It affected immigration. Allude vs. Elude allude: Indirectly refer to elude: escape from The novelist alluded to how the robber could elude the police. Amount vs. Number amount: usually not countable number: usually countable It took a great amount of courage to round up the necessary number of votes. Beside vs. Besides beside: next to besides: in addition to Besides riding the roller coaster, | am going to ride the carousel beside the park entrance. Between vs. Among between: comparing one thing at a time, typically just two objects among: comparing nondis- tinct items or comparing three or more objects Keeping this between you and me, | think she has among the most lovely smiles | have ever seen. “You” and “me” are mentioned one at a time, Whereas “smiles” is not mentioning the individual smiles.) Choose vs. Chose choose: present tense chose: past tense After | chose poorly last time | went to the restau- rant, | will be much more: careful what | choose today. Complement vs. Compliment complement: complete something compliment: flattery When the coach recognized how my skills complemented those of my teammates, she gave mea very nice compliment. Elicit vs, tlicit elicit: evoke or obtain Micit: illegal The detective tried to elicit information from the witnesses about the Illicit activity in their neighborhood. Scanned with CamScannerSe MNT one ec Cae ae Have vs. Of have: verb (action word) t would of; preposition (connecting | NOT “I would of” word) Ivs. Me subject love it when my friend talks to me. me: object Its vs. It's its: possession It’s important that when you purchase a phone, you fe's: “It Is” are certain to check its warranty. Less/much vs. Fewer/many | less/much: usually not There is less anger and countable much contentment. There are fewer criminals and fewer/many: usually many law-abiding citizens. countable a Ue vs. Lay lie: recline (present tense) © | Lay the pillow on the bed before you lie down to go lay: place (present tense) | to sleep. Lose vs. Loose lose: suffer a loss If your pants are too loose, you may lose your wallet. loose: not tight fitting ae Principal vs. Principle principal: high-ranking per- | Our high school princip: son or primary very serious about follow- ing his principle: principle: rule or belief Than vs. Then thar for comparisons I had more time back then but less time than I prob- then: for time ably will have next year. There vs. Thelr vs. They're | there: place When we travel over there to our friends’ house, their hospitality is remarkable fact, they're the best hosts Iknow. their: possession they're: “they are” To Vs. Too vs. Two to: connecting preposition | Go to the store, buy two apples, and be sure they two: number aren't too old. too: comparisons Your vs. You're your: possession: You're on the way to your hous you're: “you are” Which vs. That Which: nonrestrictive (extra | The house that was on information) fire burned to the ground, which was unfortunat that: restrictive (essential information) ; Scanned with CamScannerOe it Who vs. Whom OT who: subject whom: object (use “who” when you would use “he,” and use “whom” when you would use “him”) Rac amd Who Is going to the movie? From whom did you pur- chase the ticket? ‘Whose vs. Who's whose: possession who's: “who is” Who's going to determine whose bike that is? Your vs. You're your: possession you're: “you are” You're very nice; you must nave learned that from your parents. The following is a list of common idiomatic expressions. ata high rate at the outset at a disadvantage at all costs at any rate at least at length at play at the beginning at the expense of at times at work by all means by chance by check by definition by force by hand by mistake by no means by process of by request by surprise by way of fora change for certain for granted for hire for lack of for the good of for the sake of from experience from memory Ina hurry in abundance in addition to in advance inagony in bulk in character in charge of in code in collaboration with in command of in common in conclusion in confidence in confusion in conjunction with in connection with in contact with in contrast to in fear of in contrast with in control of in danger in demand in detail in doubt in effect in error in essence in exchange for in existence in fact in fairness in favor of in general in good faith in memory of, in mind In moderation in opposition to in origin in other words particular in practice in preparation for in principle in private in public in pursuit of in quantity In question in reality in recognition of in relation to in reply to in reserve residence response to In retrospect in return in secret in self-defense in silence in suspense intears in terms of in the absence of in the course of In the event of in the interests of In the lead In the making In the mood for in the name of In the wrong Scanned with CamScannerin theory Intime for In trouble in tune with In turmoll In turn In vain in view of of the opinion on the record onatrip ona regular basis ‘on account of ‘on average ‘on behalf of on board on display PRACTICE on file on fire on good terms on hand on Impulse on leave on loan on no account ‘on occasion on order on purpose on reflection on the move out of context out of duty out of order ‘out of the question to an extent tod: to excess to the satisfaction of under consideration under cover of under discussion under pressure under strain under stress with regard to within reason within limits without delay without fail without precedent without question Choose the better option based on the context of the sentence. 1. Pigs ((A) that or (B) which] fly are a rare occurrence. 2. My mother was ((A) of or (B) in] the opinion that my art project was amazing. » [(A) Between or (B) Among] all the people in our city, she was chosen to carry the Olympic torch. Mind ((A) your or (B) you're] manners when you take someone on a date. Tam going to [(A) lie or (B) lay] my teddy bear down in bed next to me before I take a nap. ‘When spring break comes, my friends and I are going [(A) on or (B) in] a trip. At the oil change, my car needs ((A) its or (B) its] brake fluid checked. From {(A) who or (B) whom] did you receive that award? ge epnoge ‘The doctor was [(A) under or (B) within] stress before the major transplant operation. 10. Myalarm clock has a louder sound {(A) then or (B) than] my cellphone timer, ANSWERS 1. (A) that 6. (A)on 2. (A)of 7. (adits 3. (B) Among 8. (B) whom 4, (A) your 9. (A) under 5. (B)lay 10. (B) than Scanned with CamScannerPUNCTUATION ‘The old SAT had very little focus on punctuation—on the new SAT, it is highly emphasized. Although there are many specific punctuation rules, the most important guidelines for the grammar tested on the SAT are given in the tables that follow, Commas Cet ty ey Separate a phrase (dependent clause) from a complete sentence (independent clause). ‘Once you have completed your homework, you may watch your favorite television show. Join two complete sentences when there Isa transitional word, like the “FANBOYS? for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. The shark seemed excited about all the fish in the water, but the scuba divers were worried about all the activity. Separate extra Information (parenthetical phrases) from the rest of the sentence. My history textbook, which I have had since the beginning of the year, occupies a special shelf in my locker, Separate Items In a list with commas.* My favorite forms of punctuation include commas, semicolons, and dashes. Do not use commas to separate parts of a sentence if everything In the sentence Is needed to make it clear and logical. A car that is speeding away from the police poses a danger to the community. (in this case, you must specify that a speeding car Is the type of car that Is a danger to the community. So a comma must not be used.) Just because a sentence is long does not mean that it needs a comma. Look more at the structure of the sentence than at Its length. ‘The European Organization for Nuclear research has used its world-class particle accelerators to make significant strides in particle physics. A clarifying phrase (appositive) needs to be separated with commas. The name is sufficlent to know who the person Is, ‘so commas are needed to separate the description. If the description Is too vague to narrow down the item precisely, then no commas should separate descriptive phrases. George Washington, the first President of the United States, has the U.S. capital named after him, (Alternatively, consider a sentence like this: “President George Washington was elected.” The title “President” Is not specific enough to narrow it down. However, the title “first President of the United States” Is specific enough in the example above, so this phrase needs to be separated.) “The SAT has traditionally preferred the serlal or “ the second-to-last and last items in a list). Since whether the serial comma should be used, it Is extremely unlikely that the SAT would Includ question about it. ‘xford” comma (Le., having a comma between there is not a universally accepted rule about test Scanned with CamScannerPRACTICE Insert commas as needed. .e shelves vacuum the floor and clean the windows in time for 1. Itis impossible to dust th the party. 2. Ashley who is abig fan of comic books loved watching the latest action movie. 3, Theman who lives inthe apartment above me makes quite a bit of noise when he walks around. 4, Yes I would be happy tohelp. 5. The buckeye tree the state tree of Ohio can grow as tall as 60 feet. 6. While surfing the Internet John found that Sprinkles his missing pet cat had been found in anearby city. 7. Reading the newspaper will help you become up to speed on current events. 8. When go backpacking I will hike through Maine New Hampshire and Vermont. 9, Iwas responsible for making the huge mess so I cleaned it up. 10. Although he did not study for very long he still managed to do quite well on the quiz. ANSWERS : 1. Itis impossible to dust the shelves, vacuum the floor, and clean the windows in time for the party. (Separate the three different items with commas.) 2. Ashley, who is a big fan of comic books, loved watching the latest action movie. (Since the subject, “Ashley” is already clear, the phrase “who is a big fan of comic books” can be set aside with commas.) 3, ‘Theman who lives in the apartment above me makes quite a bit of noise when he walks around, (No commas are needed because the phrase “who lives in the apartment above me" is essential to identifying the man.) 4. Yes, |would be happy to help. (A small break is needed after an introductory word like this) 5, Thebuckeye tree, the state tree of Ohio, can grow as tall as 60 feet. (The phrase “the state tree of Ohio” could be removed and still leave a fully functional sentence. The phrase gives extra information and can therefore be set aside.) 6. While surfing the Internet, John found that Sprinkles, his missing pet cat, had been found in a nearby city, (Separate the introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence with a comma, and separate the clarification of “Sprinkles” with commas. The cat has already been clearly identified by name, so the description can be set apart.) 7. Reading the newspaper will help you become up to speed on current events. (No com mas are needed because the phrase “Reading the newspaper” acts as the subject and because “become up to speed on current events” gives a complete, unified description Scanned with CamScanner10. of i Will happen If you read the paper. Nothing extra can be set aside in this sen- tence, ‘When I go backpacking, I will hike through Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. (The introductory phrase "When I go backpacking” needs to be separated from the complete sentence (independent clause) that immediately follows. Also, the names of the states need to be separated from one another as they are listed as three unique items.) Iwas responsible for making the huge mess, so I cleaned it up. (The comma is used to provide a break before the FANBOYS words when they provide transitions between two complete sentences—“so” is one of these words.) Although he did not study for very long, he still managed to do quite well on the quiz. (The comma provides a break between the introductory dependent clause and the independent clause that follows.) Semicolons You can use a ser complete, related sentences. | can’t:wait to ride the big roller coaster. ene ea. 1am excited to go to the amuser t par Use a semicolon to separate items ina John’s rock band traveled to New York, list when at least one of the items has a Boston, and Hartford in the Northeast; comma or commas within it. Chicago, Columbus, and Cleveland in the Midwest; and Orlando, Charleston, and Birmingham in the South, PRACTICE Insert a semicolon or semnicolons where needed. Tove to play basketball itis my favorite sport. When you go shopping, please buy sugar, flour, and butter at the grocery antacid, ban- dages, and a thermometer at the pharmacy and a hammer, a screwdriver, and some sandpaper from the hardware store. When you pick up the phone, be sure that you have tuned off the music. Mitchell wrote an excellent poem he had it published in a journal. ‘Asthe human resources officer was immersed in making changes to the employee man- tual, he neglected to enforce the polices already on the books. ANSWERS 1. Hove to play basketball it is my favorite spo rt, (Separate the two independent clauses, it colon so that its not a run-on sentence. Keep in complete sentences, with the semic mind that a period, dash, or workhere as well.) ‘comma with a transitional word such as “because” could Scanned with CamScanner2. When you go shopping, please buy sugar flour, and butter at the grocery; antacid, ban. ages, and a thermometer at the pharmacy; and a hammer, a screwdriver, and some sandpaper from the hardware store, (Since the listed items have commas within them, use semicolons to separate each major item so that the sentence is clear.) 3, When you pick up the phone, be sure that you have tuned off the music. (A semicolon is not needed here since there is a dependent clause before the comma, ie., not acom- plete sentence, and an independent clause, i¢., complete sentence, after the comma) 4, Mitchell wrote an excellent poem; he had it published in a journal. (The two indepen- dent clauses need to be separated with strong punctuation. A period, dash, or comma with a transitional word like “so” could work here as well.) 5. Asthe human resources officer was immersed in making changes to the employee man- ual, he neglected to enforce the polices already on the books. (Although this is a long sentence, its structure is a dependent clause before the comma and an independent clause after the comma. So it does not need a semicolon.) Colons General Guideline Eee Use a colon after a complete sentence to | When you go to the store, please pick up set off a list. the following items: soap, gum, and batter- ies. Use a colon after a complete sentence to. | We were shocked to learn who the true vil- set off a clarification. lain in the film was: the seemingly friendly storekeeper. PRACTICE Insert a colon where needed. 1, always put these items into my coffee milk, sugar, and honey, 2. My history teacher brings history to life with stimulating activities, guest speakers, and discussions about controversial topics. 3. Be sure to put the two essential herbs into the pasta basil and oregano: 4. She's been to many interesting places, including Egypt, Brazil, and Vietnam, 5. He finally achieved his goal he was elected president of his class. ANSWERS 1. Lalways put these items into my coffes listing the items. A dash could also work) sugar, and honey. (Put the colon before 2. Myhistory teacher brings history to life with stimulating activities, guest speakers, and discussions about controversial topics. (Even though there is alist, there is no need for a colon since the word “with’ provides the transition into the list.) Scanned with CamScannerBe sure to put the two essent herbs into the pasta: basil and oregano. (Put the colon before the clarifying list of what the herbs are. A dash could also work.) 4, She's been to many interesting places, including Egypt, Brazil, and Vietnam. (Even though there isa list, the word “including” provides the transition into it, makinga colon unnecessary.) 5. He finally achieved his go: e was elected president of his class. (Although there must bea complete sentence before a colon, it is also fine to have a complete sentence after it. A semicolon or dash would work here as well.) Dashes Adash,—, is onger than a hyphen. In contrast, a hyphen, eee! e Although other punctuation can often work, the dash can provide variety in your writing when you need to indicate an inter- ruption or change of thought. isused to make compound words. ako oy Be careful when crossing that street—it is not very safe. (in this case, a colon or semicolon could work instead of the dash.) ‘A dash can be used to interrupt a sentence and provide a change of voice. We lost the game—hardly a surprise given our terrible effort—but at least our dreadful season was over. Dashes can set off a parenthetical phrase. Ifyou start with a dash at one end of the phrase, you need to use a dash at the other Test anxiety—something that affects many students—can be managed by setting real- istic expectations for test performance. end for consistency. PRACTICE Insert a dash or dashes where needed. 1. Todo well on the SAT, be sure to work on improving several key skills reading compre- hension, quantitative reasoning, and essay editing. 2, Some of the best things in life sunshine, fresh air, and starlit nights are completely free. 3. Authenticity in your college application essay is vital demonstrate originality in your writing and in your thought process. 4. As you read the textbook, pay close attention to the details that your teacher may ask about on the upcoming quiz. 5. Now that we have finally arrived at our hotel take a deep breath we can finally go for a swim! ANSWERS, 1. Todo well on the SAT, be sure to work on improving several key skills—reading compre- hension, quantitative reasoning, and essay editing. (The dash gives a long pause before the list ofthe skills. A'colon would work as well.) Scanned with CamScanner2. Some of the best things in life—suns free, (The dashes set aside a parent! 3, Authenticity in your college applicat «writing and in your thought process. , fresh air, and stalit nighte—are completely fhetical phrase.) sion essay is vital demonstrate originality in your (The dash gives along pause between the twocom- plete sentences. A semicolon would work well too.) 4. As you read the textbook, pay ask about on the upcoming quiz. ‘comma provides a pause after the introductory close attention to the details that your teacher may (There is no need for a dash in this sentence. The phrase, and the independent clause pay close... quiz” does not need any interruption.) 5. Now that we have finally arrived at our hotel—take a deep breath—we can finally go for ‘swim! (The dashes set aside a sudden change of thought.) Apostrophes eee oa Use an apostrophe before the “s” to indicate that a singular entity possesses something. erred The toy’s instructions were rather confusing. Use an apostrophe after the “s" to indicate that a plural entity possesses something, {All players’ equipment must be within the rules. Use an apostrophe to indicate a contraction with pronouns (they're, it’s, you're, who's) and no apostrophe to indicate possession (their, its, your, whose). It's a good idea to talk to your doctor if you're concerned that friends shared thelr cold when you visited them. No matter whose cold it was, they're going to be glad that you found out if you show its symp toms. Who's going to argue with that? Use an apostrophe before the “s” to indicate possession after a noun that is already plural. The women’s restroom is next to the men’s. PRACTICE Pick which option is correct. 1. (A) Your or (B) You're actions speak louder than words. Three (A) pig’s or (B) pigs’ houses were attacked by the wolf. (A) Oranges’ or (B) Oranges are a delicious fruit for juice. Chris had no trouble fixing the (A) computer's or (B) computers’ screen. The (A) children’s or (B) childrens’ playground had some enormous slides and swings. My (A) cats or (B) cat's nails need to be trimmed. Scanned with CamScanner7. (A) Who’ or (B) Whose responsible for telling me who is coming to the meeting? 8, One of the simplest forms of poker is (A) five-card or (B) five-cards’ draw. 9. (A) Its or (B) It's a great afternoon to read a good book. 10. (A) Caitlin and Hannahs’ or (B) Caitlin’s and Hannah's individual résumés were both impressive. ANSWERS 1. (A) Your actions speak louder than words. (Show possession since the “actions” belong to “you.”) , 2. Three (B) pigs’ houses were attacked by the wolf, (There are three pigs, so make the pos- session plural by placing the apostrophe after “pigs.”) 3. (B) Oranges are a delicious fruit for juice. (There is no need for an apostrophe here, as “Oranges” is the subject of the sentence. This word is not showing possession.) 4. Chris had no trouble fixing the (A) computer's screen. (It is a singular computer given that it says “screen” later on, so use an apostrophe followed by an “s” to demonstrate possession.) 5. The (A) children’s playground had some enormous slides and swings. (Since “children” is already plural, use an apostrophe followed by an “s" to indicate possession.) 6. My (B) cat’s nails need to be trimmed. (The cat possesses its nails, so an apostrophe is needed.) 7 7. (A)Who’s responsible for telling me who is coming to the meeting? (Use the contraction “who's” since this is the same as “who is.”) 8. One of the simplest forms of poker is (A) five-card draw. (There is no need for apostro- phes here since “five-card” indicates a description, not a possession.) 9. (B) It’s a great afternoon to read a good book. (“It’s” stands in for “it is,” which is what this sentence requires.) ; 10. (B) Caitlin’s and Hannah's individual résumés were both impressive. (This is a tricky ince Caitlin and Hannah have individual résumés, the individual ownership of their respective résumés needs to be established. So, put an apostrophe and an “s” after each name) Scanned with CamScanner