Conventions of Standard English
Conventions of Standard English
This domain tests grammar, usage, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling in context, usually through editing items. You may be asked which sentence is correct, which change fixes an error, or which punctuation mark belongs in a blank.
Sentence boundaries and punctuation
An independent clause has a subject and verb and can stand alone. A dependent clause cannot. A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) or with a semicolon. A complex sentence attaches a dependent clause to an independent one; use a comma after an introductory dependent clause (“Although it rained, the game continued”) but usually not before one that follows (“The game continued although it rained”).
Use a semicolon between related independent clauses without a conjunction. Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce a list or explanation. Use commas for items in a series, coordinate adjectives, nonrestrictive appositives and phrases, introductory elements, direct address, and tag questions.
Agreement and case
Find the true subject; prepositional phrases do not change it (“The team of swimmers was ready”). Indefinite pronouns such as each, everyone, and nobody are singular; both, few, and many are plural. Collective nouns are usually singular. Pronouns must agree with their antecedents and use the right case: subject pronouns for subjects, object pronouns after prepositions (“between you and me”), who for subjects, whom for objects.
Verbs and modifiers
Keep tense consistent unless the time changes. Prefer active voice when the doer matters. Place modifiers next to what they modify; a dangling modifier has nothing to attach to (“Walking to school, the rain began” is wrong).
Capitalization
Capitalize proper nouns, titles before names, languages, nationalities, and historical events. Do not capitalize seasons or general school subjects unless they are language names.
Worked example
“The team of swimmers (was/were) preparing for the meet.” Reasoning: the subject is team, a collective noun, not swimmers. The phrase “of swimmers” is a prepositional phrase and does not control agreement. Standard usage takes a singular verb: was.
Traps
- Comma splices: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
- Matching the verb to the nearest noun instead of the subject.
- “Between you and I” instead of “between you and me.”
- Commas around a restrictive clause that is essential to meaning.
- Misplaced only, almost, or even.