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Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure for ACT English
Learn step-by-step with practice exercises built right in.
Rule: Singular subjects use singular verbs, plural use plural.
❌ "The box of cookies are here" ✓ "The box of cookies is here" (subject is "box")
Rule: Pronouns must match their antecedent in number.
❌ "Each student must bring their book" ✓ "Each student must bring his or her book" ✓ "Students must bring their books"
Use for:
Use to join two independent clauses: "I love reading**;** she prefers movies"
Which is correct?
A) Each of the students have a book. B) Each of the students has a book.
Solution:
"Each" is the subject (singular). "Of the students" is a prepositional phrase.
Singular subject needs singular verb: has
Answer: B - Each of the students has a book.
ACT Tip: Ignore words between subject and verb when checking agreement!
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❌ "I studied I passed" → needs punctuation/conjunction ✓ "I studied, and I passed" ✓ "I studied; I passed" ✓ "I studied. I passed"
❌ "Because I was tired." → incomplete thought ✓ "I left early because I was tired."
Which is correct?
A) I enjoy reading, my sister likes sports. B) I enjoy reading; my sister likes sports. C) I enjoy reading my sister likes sports.
Solution:
Two independent clauses (complete sentences):
Cannot use:
Must use:
Answer: B - I enjoy reading; my sister likes sports.
Which is the BEST revision?
Original: "The team, which practiced every day, they won the championship."
A) NO CHANGE B) The team, which practiced every day, won the championship. C) The team which practiced every day, they won the championship.
Solution:
The original has two subjects: "team" AND "they"
This creates awkward redundancy.
Fix: Remove "they"
A: Keeps the error B: Removes "they" ✓ C: Missing commas around non-essential clause AND keeps "they"
Answer: B
ACT Tip: Avoid redundant subjects!