Digital SAT Punctuation Guide

Choosing a single misplaced comma could cost you points on the SAT. The test isn’t just about knowing big words or solving tricky math problems—it also evaluates your ability to use punctuation correctly.

Punctuation is one of the overlooked aspects of SAT grammar, but mastering it can give your score a serious boost. In this guide, we’ll break down the most important punctuation rules tested on the SAT and show you how to apply them.

1. The Comma: Friend or Foe?

Commas help clarify meaning, but misuse them, and your sentence can turn into a confusing mess. Here’s what you need to know.

✅ Correct Usage

• Separate items in a list. I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Set off introductory elements. After the test, we went for ice cream.
• Join independent clauses with a conjunction. I studied all night, but I still felt unprepared.
• Set off nonessential information. My teacher, who loves grammar, gave us extra practice.

❌ Common Mistakes

• Comma splice: Joining two independent clauses with just a comma.
  • Wrong: I love grammar, it is fun.
  • Fix: Use a semicolon or add a conjunction: I love grammar; it is fun. OR I love grammar, and it is fun.
• Unnecessary comma between subject and verb:
  • Wrong: The student, aced the test.

2. Semicolons

Semicolons are like a “soft period.” They separate closely related independent clauses without using a conjunction.

✅ Correct Usage

• Connect two independent clauses: I wanted to sleep; however, I had to study for the SAT.
• Separate items in a complex list: I’ve visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Berlin, Germany.

❌ Common Mistake:

• Using a semicolon when a comma or colon is needed. Wrong: The SAT is challenging; but totally conquerable with practice. (Remove the semicolon or change it to a comma.)

3. Colons: The Setup Artists

Colons introduce explanations, lists, or examples. They work like a drumroll—what follows is important.

✅ Correct Usage

• Introduce a list: The SAT tests three major grammar areas: punctuation, sentence structure, and transitions.
• Explain or elaborate: He had one goal: to ace the SAT.

❌ Common Mistake

• Placing a colon after a verb or preposition.
  • Wrong: My favorite foods are: pizza, pasta, and sushi.
  • Fix: My favorite foods are pizza, pasta, and sushi.

4. Apostrophes: Ownership & Contractions

Apostrophes are small but mighty. They show possession and contractions, but mixing them up can be a major SAT mistake.

✅ Correct Usage

• Show possession: The student’s book (one student), The students’ books (multiple students)
• Form contractions: It’s = it is, Who’s = who is

❌ Common Mistake:

• Confusing its (possessive) with it’s (it is).
  • Wrong: The dog wagged it’s tail.
  • Fix: The dog wagged its tail.

5. Dashes: The Drama Queens of Punctuation

Dashes add emphasis and create dramatic pauses in a sentence.

✅ Use a dash to:

• Insert a break or interruption: The SAT is challenging—but totally conquerable with practice!
• Replace parentheses for emphasis: She had only one thing on her mind—winning the scholarship.

❌ Dash vs. Hyphen Confusion:

• A hyphen (-) connects compound words (long-term plan).
• A dash (—) creates a pause (She had only one goal—success.).

Mastering punctuation isn’t just about memorizing rules—it’s about seeing them in action. The SAT loves testing these concepts in subtle ways, so the more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel on test day.