1. GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION
ACT PREP
GRAMMAR AND PUNCTUATION

2. SEMICOLONS
Semicolons, for the purposes of the ACT, should be used almost the exact same way as a period. Use a semicolon instead of a period when you are connecting independent clauses with a similar subject.
How do you spot a semicolon error on the ACT? If any of the answer choices contains a semicolon, ask yourself whether the sentence contains two related independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction.

3. DASHES
Dashes (--) separate a word or group of words from the rest of the sentence. Use dashes to indicate an abrupt break in thought, or to introduce an explanation.
Take a look at the example below, and decide which words should be separated from the rest of the sentence.
I tried to express my gratitude not that any words could be adequate but she just nodded and walked away.
When the group of words that needs isolating is in the middle of the sentence, dashes function in pairs. However, when the phrase that needs isolating is at the end of the sentence, then only one dash is used.
How do you Spot a Dash Error on the ACT?
If the underlined portion of any of the answer choices contains a dash, compare the dash to the other punctuation marks. Check the non-underlined portion of the passage for dashes that need to be paired. Think about whether the sentence contains a sudden break in thought, an explanation, or an afterthought.

4. An apostrophe is used to indicate possession or to mark the missing letters in a word. When used to indicate possession, the apostrophe appears either directly before or directly after the s at the end of a possessive noun.
Margie’s plastic surgery will be extremely expensive.
Women’s issues will be important in the next Presidential race.
The boys’ room will be renovated this weekend.
If the noun is possession is singular, the apostrophe falls before the “s.”

5. Its/It’s/its’
Its/It’s/Its’ is the most common apostrophe error on the ACT concerns the misuse of the three words listed above.
It’s-it is or it has
It’s been great talking with you. It’s really important to me.
Its-possessive form of the word “it”- The baby crawled around looking for its mother,
***Its’-this isn’t a word at all! The ACT throws this word on there just to trip you up. “Its’” is never correct!

6. COLONS
Use a colon after a complete statement to introduce a list of related details. The list can have many items or only one.
Ex: Joel just bought all the hiking supplies needed for our adventure: a sleeping bag, a backpack, and a pair of new boots.
How do you Spot Colon Errors on the ACT?
If the underlined phrase or any of the answer choices contains a colon, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is the list introduced by an independent clause? 2. If so, the colon is correct. If not, the colon is probably wrong.
The ACT will try to trick you by using a colon to introduce a list, but do so without the independent clause that must precede it.
Colons can also be used to separate independent clauses when one represents a general thought and the other explains or expands upon the first.
Ex: Alfred didn’t know what to do: he could either go to the movies, or go to the library to study for the ACT.

7. INTRODUCTORY PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE AND COMMAS
Introductory clauses are dependent clauses that provide background information or "set the stage" for the main part of the sentence, the independent clause. For example:
Ex: If they want to win, athletes must exercise every day.
Do not use a comma between separate phrases unless they are in a series. A comma may also set off a single prepositional phrase at the beginning to make the sentence clear. A comma is recommended after any introductory prepositional phrase of more than four words.
Ex: To stay in shape for competition, athletes must exercise every day.