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ACT English Rules/Reminders
1.Introductory phrase = Comma: Use a comma when it separates
introductory words from rest of sentence Ex. After seven weeks of studying, I raised my ACT score by five points.
2.BTW (by the way) Phrases = comma hug: Use commas to set off
words or phrases that are nonessential to the integrity of the sentence...oh, by the way
3.FANBOYS: For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so
4.Independent, (FANBOYS) Independant: Use comma when it separates
- in- dependent clauses and you see either for, and nor, but, yet, so.
Ex. I'm thinking of going to Georgetown, but I enjoyed visiting U of A.
5.Independent (FANBOYS) Dependent: = No Comma used
Ex. Mike was the only person on the scene and tried to help the injured passenger.
6.Lists or series and commas: = Comma 1 / 3
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How could you dump me, tell Julie you love her, go to prom with her, and then now tell me you love me?
7."and" between adjectives: = Comma
Ex:She had an expensive (and) pretty (and) revealing yellow poka-
dot bikini. she had an expensive, pretty, revealing, yellow poka- dot bikini.
8.-ing phrase at the end of a sentence: =Comma
ex: Barbara did well, considering she did not study at all
9.Independent ; Independant: Use a semicolon when it seperates two
indepen- dant clauses and you DO NOT SEE FANBOYS Ex. I'm thinking of going to Georgetown; D.C. is an ideal place for me.
10.Independent ; however , Independent: Use a semicolon and comma
when you see...thus,furthermore,however,moreover,therefore,nevertheless BETWEEN TWO independent clauses.Ex. I like pick up trucks; however, they are not practical in NY.
11.singular pronouns: each, everyone, every one, anyone, anybody,
someone, either, neither 2 / 3
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12.singular words: dollar, years, decades, civics, news, measles,
mathematics, group, team, committee, class, family
13.comma splice: two independent clauses spliced together using a
comma, A sentence error. Incorrectly joining two sentences together with a comma. She ran to the store, she purchased eggs.
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