Digital SAT Writing Punctuation Rules

To truly excel in Digital SAT Reading and Writing, mastering various punctuation rules is essential. Here, we present 20 pivotal punctuation rules to kickstart your journey.

But why stop there? Our SAT preparation course offers comprehensive coverage of all punctuation rules, coupled with hands-on practice on official DSAT practice problems. Take the leap towards mastery—enroll today and unleash your full potential for SAT success.

Semicolon Usage Rule 1: Semicolons are used to join two independent clauses that are related.

• After a long week of exams, I finally found time to unwind at my favorite café; sipping on a hot latte, I escaped into a captivating novel.
  

• Despite the pouring rain, our soccer team remained determined to win the championship; soaked but spirited, we pushed through until the final whistle.
  

• As the school year ends, memories flood my mind; from late-night study sessions to adventures with friends, I've grown immensely.

Rule 2: Semicolons are used with conjunctive adverbs (e.g., moreover, however, and therefore) to connect two related independent clauses.

• I aced my physics test; however, I struggled with calculus.
  

• She's passionate about art; therefore, she spends hours sketching and painting every day.
  

• We practiced diligently for the school play; moreover, we bonded as a cast and became close friends.
  

Rule 3: Semicolons are used to separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.

• For the history project, we needed to research three key events: the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia; and the Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts.
  

• Our English assignment required us to analyze three complex novels: "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee; "The Catcher in the Rye," by J.D. Salinger; and "1984," by George Orwell.
  

• In our science experiment, we studied the habitats of three endangered species: the African elephant, found in savannas and forests; the Bengal tiger, native to the Indian subcontinent; and the blue whale, inhabiting oceans worldwide.

Colon Usage

Rule 4: Colons are used to introduce an item or a series of items between an independent and a dependent clause.

• In preparation for the science fair, I gathered three essential materials: a microscope, slides, and a lab coat.
  

• The English teacher assigned us three classic novels to read over the summer: "Pride and Prejudice," "The Great Gatsby," and "To Kill a Mockingbird."
  

• The history teacher assigned an intriguing project: researching the causes of World War II, which would require extensive library resources.
  

• The biology exam covered a range of topics: from cellular respiration, a process vital for energy production, to Mendelian genetics, which explains inheritance patterns in organisms.

Rule 5: Colons are used to connect two independent clauses when the second clause explains, illustrates, paraphrases, or expands on the first clause.

• The school dance was a blast: friends danced the night away, laughing and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
  

• The history project was a success: we presented our findings confidently, impressing both our classmates and the teacher with our research and analysis.
  

• The basketball game was intense: players gave their all on the court, demonstrating teamwork and determination in every play.

Dash Usage

Rule 6: Dashes are used to introduce an item or a series of items between an independent and a dependent clause.

• The school trip promised an adventure – a day filled with exploration, discovery, and unforgettable moments.
  

• She faced a dilemma – to choose between attending the concert or finishing her essay.
  

• The science experiment yielded unexpected results – a fascinating discovery that left the whole class in awe.

Rule 7: Dashes are used to offset a non-restrictive clause, which provides additional, non-essential information about a noun or pronoun.

• Our history teacher, Mr. Johnson – who always spices up lectures with fascinating anecdotes – made learning about ancient civilizations surprisingly enjoyable.
  

• The cafeteria lunch – which usually leaves much to be desired – surprisingly featured gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads today.
  

• The upcoming school trip to the art museum – an event often met with groans from students – sparked excitement among the entire class when they learned about the famous paintings on display.
  

Comma Usage

Rule 8: Commas are used to separate words and word groups in a series of three or more items.

• For lunch today, I packed a sandwich, an apple, and a bag of chips.
  

• The English assignment requires reading chapters 1, 2, and 3 of "To Kill a Mockingbird" by tomorrow.
  

• In the upcoming debate, I'll be arguing for better school lunches, improved extracurricular activities, and increased funding for arts programs.

Rule 9: A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it joins two independent clauses.

• I started SAT prep sessions, for I aim to achieve a good score.
  

• He drove to school, and then he picked up his friend.
  

• I didn’t eat lunch, nor did I have dinner.
  

• She went to pick her brother up, but he had already gotten a ride home.
  

• We feed our fish every day, or else it will starve.
  

• He cleaned his room yesterday, yet it remains dirty.
  

• They went to the grocery store, so that they would have food.

Rule 10: When a sentence begins with a dependent clause, use a comma after it.

• After finishing my homework, I treated myself to some video game time.
  

• While waiting for the bus, I listened to my favorite playlist.
  

• Despite the rainy weather, we still managed to have a fun day at the amusement park.
  

Rule 11: Commas are used to set off a non-restrictive clause, which provides additional information that is not essential to the meaning of the sentence.

• Sarah's new backpack, a sleek and stylish design, quickly became the envy of her classmates.
  

• The school cafeteria, always bustling with activity, offered a variety of delicious options for lunch.
  

• The school trip to the zoo, a much-anticipated event, finally arrived after weeks of anticipation.

Apostrophe Usage

Rule 12: Form the possessive form of a singular noun by adding an apostrophe followed by the letter 's'.

• The student's backpack was filled with textbooks and notebooks for the day ahead.
  

• At the concert, Jason's guitar playing impressed the audience.
  

• The drama club's latest play's intricate storyline kept the audience on the edge of their sea.
  

• Alex's math teacher's encouraging words boosted his confidence before the test.

Rule 13: To indicate possession for regular plural nouns, use an apostrophe without adding 's'.

• The students' lockers were adorned with colorful stickers and personal touches.

• After the party, the friends' memories were captured in a series of silly photos.

• In the gym, the athletes' coach motivates them as they train for the upcoming competition.

Rule 14: To indicate possession for irregular plural nouns, use an apostrophe followed by the letter 's'.

• The children's laughter filled the classroom with joy during storytime.
  

• The children's laughter echoed through the hallways, brightening up the school day.
  

• The women's soccer team's victory celebration lit up the stadium with excitement.

Rule 15: When two or more people share possession of the same item, add an apostrophe plus 's' after the last name only.

• Mike and Alicia's home is being renovated. (They own the same home.)

Rule 16: In cases where two people possess different items, apply an apostrophe plus 's' after each name to indicate individual ownership.

• Glen's and Anna's homes are beautiful.

(They own different homes.)

Direct & Indirect Questions

Rule 17: A direct question is a clear inquiry seeking specific information, often starting with a question word or verb and ending with a question mark. The verb precedes the subject in direct questions.

• What are the easiest ways to prepare for the SAT exam?

• How can I improve my time management skills for studying?

• Where can I find reliable resources for my research paper on climate change?

Rule 18: An indirect question is a statement that indirectly discusses a question without posing it directly. It's punctuated with a period or another appropriate mark. In an indirect question, the subject usually precedes the verb.

• I'm wondering if you could explain how photosynthesis works.

• I'm curious about whether you could recommend any good study techniques for math.

• I'd like to know where the nearest tutoring center is located.

Restrictive Clause

A restrictive clause is a type of clause that provides essential information about the noun it modifies, limiting its meaning within a sentence.

Rule 19: A restrictive clause should not be offset with punctuation such as commas, dashes, or parentheses.

• The laptop that has a long battery life is perfect for school projects.

• I need the textbook that covers the entire syllabus for the exam.

• The teacher who gives extra credit assignments is my favorite.

Tips:

To identify a restrictive clause, attempt to remove it from the sentence. If doing so alters the sentence's meaning significantly, the clause is restrictive and should not be punctuated.

Non-Restrictive Clause

A non-restrictive clause is a type of clause that provides extra, non-essential information about the noun it modifies.

Rule 20: Non-restrictive clauses are set off with commas, dashes, or parentheses. It's essential to maintain consistency in punctuation within the sentence.

• My best friend, who is an amazing artist, is painting a mural for the school.

• The school cafeteria – which serves delicious pizza every Friday – is everyone's favorite spot.

• Mrs. Smith (our English teacher) is hosting a poetry slam next week.