Language
What This Section Tests
Language questions check grammar, usage, punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, and spelling. You often choose the correctly written version of a sentence or spot the error.
Concepts to Know
- Subject-verb agreement: a singular subject takes a singular verb. Ignore phrases between them - "The box of tools is heavy."
- Pronoun agreement and case: pronouns must match their antecedent in number; use subject pronouns for subjects (he and I), object pronouns for objects (him and me).
- Comma rules: use commas for items in a series, after introductory phrases, and around nonessential clauses. Do not join two complete sentences with only a comma (comma splice).
- Sentence structure: fragments lack a subject or verb; run-ons join clauses incorrectly.
- Apostrophes: possessives (the dog's bone) versus plurals (the dogs). Its is possessive; it's means it is.
Traps to Watch
- Trick subjects. "Each," "everyone," and "neither" are singular.
- Comma splices disguised as correct answers.
- Its vs. it's and their/there/they're confusion.
- Misplaced modifiers. A descriptive phrase should sit next to the word it describes.
Rule of Thumb
Read the sentence aloud. If you pause naturally, a comma may belong there. Then check subject-verb agreement by finding the true subject.
Worked example: Choose the correct sentence: (A) "Each of the players have a jersey." (B) "Each of the players has a jersey." The subject is Each, which is singular, so the verb must be has. B is correct - the phrase "of the players" does not change the subject.
Eliminate choices with obvious errors first; often only one survives.