Jun 18, 2020
Episode 19: Master These 5 Comma Rules and Raise Your ACT Score
There are five key comma rules you must know to score well in ACT English.
1. Use a comma to separate main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. The common coordinating conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet. A main clause is one that has both a subject (s) and a verb (v).
EX: We went to the store, and we spent our money.
S/V, and S/V.
-Some memorize the conjunctions with the word FAN BOYS
2. Set off words, phrases, and clauses that are not needed (nonessential). Use commas around nonessential, transitional, or contrasting information. Non-restrictive elements function much like appositives.
3 Examples Below:
1. Intense preparation, then, is known to produce higher
test scores. (transitional)
2. Robert Frost, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is known for his
poem “Birches.” (nonessential)
3. Robert Kurson, not Stephen King, is my favorite
author. (contrasting)
3. Use a comma after an introductory phrase, clause, and adverb. Short introductory prepositional phrases do…