SAT Grammar Rules Chart
SAT grammar is rule-based. A small set of rules explains most Standard English Conventions questions.
Rules to master
Memorize the rule, then drill examples until the pattern is automatic.
| Rule | What to check | Common trap |
|---|---|---|
| Subject-verb agreement | Core subject and verb | Prepositional phrase distraction |
| Pronoun agreement | Pronoun and antecedent | Singular they mismatch |
| Modifier placement | What the modifier describes | Dangling opener |
| Verb tense | Timeline and surrounding verbs | Unnecessary tense shift |
Practice order
Start with punctuation, then agreement, then modifiers and tense. Punctuation produces the fastest score gains for most students.
How to turn this into Reading and Writing points
For Reading and Writing resources, most improvement comes from slowing down the decision step. Name the question type, predict the job of the answer, then compare choices.
- For grammar, identify the tested rule before reading all four choices.
- For evidence and inference, prove the answer from a specific phrase in the passage.
- For transitions, decide the logical relationship before looking at choices.
- For vocabulary, replace the word in context and reject choices with the wrong tone or direction.
Next steps
FAQs
What grammar is on the SAT?
The SAT tests punctuation, agreement, modifiers, verb tense, pronouns, and sentence boundaries.
Is there an SAT essay?
No. The SAT has no essay. Grammar appears only in multiple-choice Reading and Writing questions.
Related SAT resources
- SAT Boundaries (Punctuation and Sentence Structure) Worksheet
Free SAT boundaries (punctuation and sentence structure) worksheet with rules, practice checklist, common traps, and links to targeted SAT practice.
- SAT Form, Structure, and Sense Worksheet
Free SAT form, structure, and sense worksheet with rules, practice checklist, common traps, and links to targeted SAT practice.
- SAT Punctuation Rules Chart
SAT punctuation chart explaining commas, semicolons, colons, dashes, sentence boundaries, and the highest-frequency traps.