SAT Grammar Rules 2025 and Cheat Sheet

‘The instructions were confusing. **It said you should open the container before shaking it.** Many people misunderstood this step.’ Which revision best improves clarity and removes ambiguity from the underlined sentence?

‘The committee debated the policy proposal for hours. **They were not sure if it would lead to better outcomes.** Because the language was vague, the members struggled to interpret the intended goals.’ Which revision best improves clarity in the underlined sentence?

“The new library, which opened last week, offers an impressive selection of books and study areas. Students have already started taking advantage of the peaceful atmosphere and modern facilities. **The library also includes a café that, according to reviews, serves excellent coffee and snacks.** Many students believe this addition makes studying much more enjoyable and productive.” Which revision of the underlined sentence uses commas correctly?

‘In his speech about marine biology, the speaker discussed whales, coral reefs, and **his favorite pizza toppings.** While his anecdotes were entertaining, some of them distracted from the main focus. Staying on topic helps maintain the audience’s attention and ensures clarity.’ Which revision best improves the precision and relevance of the underlined phrase?

“There are three essential ingredients for a successful team project: clear communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. Students often struggle when they fail to plan effectively or ignore team dynamics. **Team members who understand each other's strengths: can divide tasks more efficiently and avoid conflict.** Encouraging open dialogue and setting expectations early can improve outcomes.” Which revision correctly uses a colon in the underlined sentence?

‘While many students appreciate when their teachers make an effort to connect with them personally, **it is important that they maintains a professional boundary.** Students may occasionally misinterpret friendliness as permission to behave informally or casually in academic settings. Teachers who share too many personal details may find that their authority in the classroom is weakened. As a result, teachers must strike a balance between approachability and professionalism.’ Which revision best corrects the error in pronoun agreement in the underlined sentence?

‘During the company retreat, everyone on the team shared their experiences openly. **Each employee brought their unique perspective to the table, which enriched the discussion.** It was a moment of collective reflection that bonded the team.’ Which revision of the underlined sentence best maintains correct pronoun agreement?

‘The students in the debate club meet every week to practice their arguments. They research evidence, write speeches, and present to one another. The teacher occasionally offers feedback to improve their performance. **Meeting regularly allows them to build confidence and sharpen their communication skills.**’ Which revision best improves the structure of the underlined sentence?

‘The artist is known for creating sculptures that depict nature. **The sculptures are admired by critics. The sculptures were inspired by her travels to national parks.** Her work brings attention to the beauty of wilderness.’ Which choice most effectively combines the underlined sentences using a relative clause?

‘The documentary about marine life was informative. **It was also silly in some parts, like the dancing fish segment.** The concluding message was powerful and well-supported by evidence.’ Which revision of the underlined sentence best maintains style and tone consistency with the rest of the paragraph?

‘He always finds ways to break the ice. **For example, he made a joke that everyone found funny.** This helped set a friendly tone for the meeting.’ Which revision best uses a correct idiom and precise language?

‘During the company retreat, everyone on the team shared their experiences openly. **Each employee brought their unique perspective to the table, which enriched the discussion.** It was a moment of collective reflection that bonded the team.’ Which revision of the underlined sentence best maintains correct pronoun agreement?

‘The researcher gathered the data. **She analyzed the results and then she made a detailed chart to illustrate them.** This helped the audience understand her findings better.’ Which revision most effectively combines the underlined sentence while eliminating redundancy?

‘The results of the experiment were quite interesting. **They kinda showed how the chemical reacted under extreme pressure.** Further testing is needed to confirm these initial findings.’ Which revision of the underlined sentence uses a more formal tone?

‘The politician spoke passionately during the rally. His tone was inspiring and confident. **He used a lot of big words to make his points sound more convincing.** The crowd responded with applause and cheers.’ Which of the following is the most appropriate revision of the underlined sentence using more precise language?

‘The athlete has trained rigorously for months. **She run every morning before sunrise and lifts weights in the afternoon.** Her dedication is evident in her performance.’ Which revision of the underlined sentence corrects the verb form and maintains consistency?

‘The book introduces a young inventor. **The young inventor is someone who creates a machine that recycles ocean plastic.** His journey is full of trial and error, yet inspiring.’ Which revision best combines the underlined sentence using a relative clause?

“The cake was baked by my grandmother. It was decorated with delicate flowers and soft icing. **_It was served by her at the family dinner last night._** Everyone enjoyed the dessert.” Which revision of the underlined sentence uses active voice?

‘During the interview, the candidate said, **“Yeah, I’m super pumped about joining your awesome company.”** The panel of interviewers exchanged glances. Although the candidate seemed qualified, the tone of his responses may have seemed too casual. Professional interviews typically require a degree of formality in both language and demeanor.’ Which revision best improves the tone of the underlined sentence to suit a formal context?

‘Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years. **This method is flexible and convenient.** Students with varying schedules benefit from being able to access lessons at any time.’ Where is the best placement for the underlined sentence to improve the logical flow of the paragraph?

‘**The student accepted the compliment and blushed, knowing that it was good.** He had spent weeks preparing for the recital and was proud of his performance.’ Which revision most accurately and idiomatically replaces the underlined portion?

‘The novel begins in a quiet village where traditions are cherished and life moves slowly. Later, the story transitions to a bustling city filled with noise and modern distractions. **The main character speaks in a folksy dialect and then suddenly uses complex, urban slang.** This inconsistency can confuse readers and disrupt the narrative flow.’ What change to the underlined sentence would best maintain a consistent tone throughout the story?

“Sheila spent the weekend preparing for her presentation. **_On Saturday, she researched the topic. She edited her slides on Sunday. She practiced speaking last night._** Her classmates were impressed with her confidence.” Where is the best place to insert the sentence: 'Sheila worked methodically, focusing on one task at a time'?

‘The speaker described the challenges of starting a business. She listed obstacles like securing funding and finding customers. **In addition, the importance of resilience was discussed.** She concluded by encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to stay determined.’ Which revision best clarifies the logical progression of ideas in the underlined sentence?

“At the concert, the crowd was loud, noisy, and boisterous. The band took the stage to a thunderous welcome. **_The music was loud and booming._** Everyone sang along and danced with energy.” Which revision eliminates redundancy in the underlined sentence?

“It's important for students to manage their time wisely during finals week. Planning ahead can prevent last-minute stress and poor performance. **A student's ability to balance commitments often determines their academic success.** Resources like campus tutoring and counseling are also available.” Which revision correctly uses the apostrophe in the underlined sentence?

“Studying abroad presents numerous challenges—language barriers, homesickness, cultural differences. However, the experience can also be life-changing, offering personal growth and expanded perspectives. **Many students report returning from overseas with a newfound sense of independence—and confidence.** This transformation often continues to benefit them in their academic and professional lives.” Which punctuation best emphasizes the final element in the underlined sentence?

“During the debate, Marcus used persuasive words. His opponent, however, sounded more formal and academic. **_Marcus’s language was more effectful in convincing the audience._**” Which revision corrects the error in word choice in the underlined sentence?

‘During the science fair, each student must present their own experiment. The judges expect clear explanations of methods and results. Students are encouraged to rehearse beforehand. **Each participant should bring their materials on time and they must not forget to label it properly.**’ Which change corrects the grammatical error in the underlined sentence?

‘While reading the novel, **the plot twist surprised me.** I didn’t see it coming at all.’ Which revision of the underlined sentence eliminates the misplaced modifier?

‘The author’s essay was insightful, well-organized and informative. **However, the essay lacked, in some areas, clear examples.** This affected the clarity of her argument in certain paragraphs. She plans to revise it based on feedback from peers.’ Which of the following uses punctuation most effectively in the underlined sentence?

‘The museum featured a new exhibit on climate change. **It was informative. It included interactive models. Visitors could touch and explore them.** Many attendees spent extra time there, fascinated by the engaging presentation.’ Which choice best combines the underlined sentences for clarity and conciseness?

‘**Walking down the street, the purse was seen lying on the sidewalk.** She paused before picking it up and looking around to find its owner. After a few moments, she turned it in to a nearby shopkeeper.’ Which revision best eliminates the dangling modifier in the underlined sentence?

‘The report was completed by the team ahead of schedule. **The findings were presented by the manager at the conference.** Feedback was positive and highlighted the project’s success.’ Which revision uses active voice to improve the underlined sentence?

‘Every morning, the baker arrives at 4 a.m. and begins kneading dough. **He then putting loaves in the oven to bake for the day’s customers.** The smell of fresh bread quickly fills the shop.’ Which version of the underlined sentence maintains correct verb form and tense consistency?

“The students were late to class. They had stopped at the cafeteria to grab snacks. **_After they arrived, they apologized to the teacher. In addition, they explained what had happened._** The teacher allowed them to stay.” Which transition best connects the underlined sentence to the one before it?

‘The politician spoke passionately during the rally. His tone was inspiring and confident. **He used a lot of big words to make his points sound more convincing.** The crowd responded with applause and cheers.’ Which of the following is the most appropriate revision of the underlined sentence using more precise language?

‘The city council met last week to discuss several important topics. **The mayor’s new tie was red.** They eventually agreed on a new recycling initiative.’ Which option best improves the relevance and precision of the underlined sentence in this context?

‘On her hike through the mountains, Rachel admired the snow-capped peaks, listened to the chirping birds, and **she was drinking from her water bottle** as she walked.’ Which revision corrects the error in parallel structure in the underlined portion?

“Many students have multiple responsibilities: they must attend classes, complete assignments, and maintain part-time jobs. These pressures can lead to stress and fatigue. **Some institutions have started offering time-management seminars; this has helped students handle their workload more effectively.** It is important for students to find balance and seek support when necessary.” Which punctuation best joins the two closely related independent clauses in the underlined sentence?