ACT English key terms

The sentence that states the main idea of a paragraph, usually placed first. It controls what the rest of the paragraph should discuss and helps readers follow the writer's reasoning.

A sentence, usually in an introduction, that states the central claim or purpose of an entire essay. Everything later in the passage should support or develop it.

Specific information such as an example, statistic, or fact that explains or proves a point. Details must be relevant to the claim they accompany or they weaken the passage.

The quality of a paragraph in which every sentence relates to one controlling idea. A sentence that drifts to a new subject breaks unity and is often a candidate for deletion.

The degree to which a sentence or detail directly supports the surrounding point. Writers add, keep, or delete material based on whether it advances the passage's purpose.

A word or phrase, such as however, therefore, or for example, that signals the logical relationship between ideas. Correct transitions match the relationship the writer intends.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so ideas flow smoothly for a reader. Cohesion comes from transitions, pronoun reference, and repeated key words.

The connection between two ideas, such as cause and effect, contrast, addition, or sequence. Choosing a transition requires identifying which relationship the sentence actually expresses.

The practice of expressing an idea in the fewest words needed without losing meaning. Wordy phrasing, redundancy, and empty filler are common targets for revision questions.

Repeating information the reader already has, as in 'return back' or 'the reason is because.' Redundancy makes writing bloated and is usually the wrong answer choice.

Using more words than necessary to convey an idea, often through inflated phrases like 'due to the fact that.' Concise alternatives such as 'because' are generally preferred.

Deciding where a sentence belongs within a paragraph so the sequence of ideas makes sense. A misplaced sentence often interrupts a logical chain or precedes the idea it depends on.

The attitude a writer conveys toward the subject, such as formal, playful, or critical. Answers must match the tone established by the rest of the passage.

The characteristic way a writer uses language, including sentence variety, diction, and rhythm. Revision questions often ask which choice best matches the passage's existing style.

The writer's choice of words, considered for precision, formality, and connotation. The best word fits both the meaning intended and the passage's level of formality.

The level of formality appropriate to a situation, ranging from casual conversation to academic prose. A shift in register can make a sentence sound out of place in its passage.

The feelings or associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Writers choose among near-synonyms to create a particular shade of meaning or attitude.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, apart from emotional associations. Precision questions sometimes test whether a word's denotation actually fits the context.

The readers a piece of writing is intended for, whose knowledge and expectations shape word choice. Effective writing adjusts explanation, formality, and detail to that audience.

The writer's reason for producing a text, such as to inform, persuade, or entertain. Purpose guides which details are included and how sentences are structured.

Mixing sentence lengths and structures so prose does not become monotonous. Combining short choppy sentences or breaking up a run-on can improve rhythm and clarity.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, as in 'the dog runs' versus 'the dogs run.' Interrupting phrases between subject and verb often hide disagreement.

The requirement that a pronoun match its antecedent in number and gender, as in 'each student raised his or her hand.' Ambiguous or mismatched antecedents create errors.

The clarity with which a pronoun points to a specific noun. If a pronoun could refer to more than one noun, the sentence needs revision for clarity.

A pronoun such as everyone, each, somebody, or none that does not name a specific person or thing. Most are singular and take singular verbs and pronouns.

A word naming a group, such as team, committee, or family. In American usage it usually takes a singular verb when the group acts as one unit.

An error in which two independent clauses are joined only by a comma. It can be fixed with a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction.

Two or more independent clauses fused without adequate punctuation or a conjunction. The fix is to separate them with a period, semicolon, or comma plus conjunction.

A group of words containing a subject and verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Recognizing it is essential for spotting fragments, splices, and run-ons.

A clause with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone because it begins with a subordinating word like because or although. It must attach to an independent clause.

An incomplete sentence missing a subject, a verb, or the independence needed to stand alone. Fragments are often created when a dependent clause is punctuated as a sentence.

Joining two independent clauses of equal importance with a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or so, usually preceded by a comma. It signals balanced ideas.

Expressing one idea as less important by placing it in a dependent clause or phrase. It shows which idea is primary and which is background.

Positioning a word or phrase close to the element it describes. A modifier placed too far away can seem to describe the wrong noun, creating confusion or humor.

A modifying phrase that has no logical word in the sentence to attach to, as in 'Walking home, the rain began.' The sentence must be revised so the right subject performs the action.

Presenting items in a series or comparison in matching grammatical form, such as 'hiking, swimming, and biking.' Mismatched forms break the rhythm and clarity of the list.

A quality of a sentence that can be read in more than one way. Ambiguity often results from unclear pronoun reference or misplaced modifiers and should be revised.

Punctuation marking possession, as in 'the dog's bowl,' or contraction, as in 'it's.' Confusing possessive its with contraction it's is a frequent error.

Marks such as commas, semicolons, colons, and dashes that clarify sentence structure. Each mark follows specific rules that determine whether a sentence is correct.