SAT Writing & Grammar Rules You Must Know
SAT Writing & Grammar Rules You Must Know (Complete Guide)
The SAT Writing & Language section tests your ability to spot grammar errors, improve sentences, and strengthen clarity. The good news: there are only a few grammar rules you truly need to master. This guide covers the most important ones, along with examples and quick strategies to raise your score fast.
What the SAT Writing Section Really Tests
The SAT doesn’t test creative writing—it tests:
- Grammar
- Sentence structure
- Clarity & precision
- Logical flow
- Consistency (tense, pronouns, punctuation)
There are 44 questions, and most follow the same patterns. Once you master these rules, your score can improve quickly.
📘 The 10 Most Important SAT Grammar Rules
1. Subject–Verb Agreement
Singular subjects take singular verbs. Plural subjects take plural verbs.
Wrong: The list of items are long.
Correct: The list of items is long.
2. Pronoun Agreement
A pronoun must agree with the noun it replaces.
Wrong: Each student must bring their ID.
Correct: Each student must bring his or her ID.
3. Comma Rules
- Use commas after introductory phrases
- Use commas to separate items in a list
- Do not use a comma between subject and verb
Wrong: The students, were ready.
Correct: The students were ready.
4. Misplaced Modifiers
Modifiers must be next to the word they describe.
Wrong: Running down the hall, the backpack fell.
Correct: Running down the hall, I dropped the backpack.
5. Parallel Structure
Ideas in a list or comparison must follow the same structure.
Wrong: She likes running, swimming, and to bike.
Correct: She likes running, swimming, and biking.
6. Verb Tenses
The SAT expects consistent and logical verb tense usage.
Wrong: Yesterday, she walks to school.
Correct: Yesterday, she walked to school.
7. Punctuation with Clauses
Independent clauses: joined with a semicolon or comma + FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).
Dependent → independent: usually needs a comma.
Example: Although it was raining, we continued the race.
8. Apostrophes
Use apostrophes to show possession or contractions.
- Singular possession: the student’s book
- Plural possession: the students’ books
9. Wordiness & Redundancy
The SAT prefers concise writing. Choose the shortest, clearest option that keeps the meaning.
Wrong: At this point in time, we are able to see…
Correct: We can now see…
10. Transition Words
Transitions must match the relationship between ideas.
- Addition: furthermore, moreover, in addition
- Contrast: however, nevertheless, on the other hand
- Cause/effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
Common SAT Writing Question Types
- Grammar correction
- Sentence improvement
- Paragraph organization
- Clarity & precision
- Punctuation rules
- Verb tense consistency
- Pronoun agreement
Top Strategies to Improve Fast
- Master the 10 grammar rules above
- Complete 10–15 grammar questions daily
- Review wrong answers and write the correct version
- Practice with real SAT Writing passages
- Time yourself on full Writing sections