6 Digital SAT Grammar Rules You Need to Know

Struggling with SAT grammar rules? You’re not alone! The Reading & Writing section can feel tricky — not because the grammar itself is super advanced, but because the test sneaks in subtle twists under pressure. Mastering these core principles will give you the confidence to boost your score from a 600 to a 750+ — maybe even 800! Ready to crack the code? Let’s dive into the six most tested grammar topics on the SAT.


In this post, we’ll break down the most frequently tested grammar topics on the SAT:

  • Subject-Verb Agreement

  • Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

  • Plurals and Possessives

  • Correct Verb Forms

  • Modifier Placements

  • Clause & Sentence Boundaries (Linking, Supplements, and Punctuation)

With clear explanations, real test-style examples, and quick tips, you'll gain the confidence to tackle even the trickiest grammar questions. Whether you're aiming for a perfect 800 or just looking to push past 700, these rules are your foundation. Let’s dive in


Grammar Coverage in the SAT Reading & Writing Section

In the SAT Reading & Writing section, grammar questions make up a significant portion of the test. Specifically, grammar-related questions typically account for 11 to 15 questions out of every 28 questions in each module of the Writing and Language section.

This means that about 40% to 55% of the questions you face will test your knowledge of grammar rules such as subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, verb forms, punctuation, and modifier placement.

Mastering these grammar topics is crucial because they form nearly half of the Writing and Language questions, and performing well here can greatly improve your overall Reading & Writing score.


1. Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb must match in number: singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.

Example:

  • Incorrect: Apples is different from oranges.

  • Correct: Apples are different from oranges.

On the SAT, these questions often appear in the Form, Structure, and Sense sections, with answer choices showing singular vs. plural verbs.

Tips:

  • Ignore extra words between the subject and verb when checking agreement.

  • For inverted sentences, mentally reorder the subject and verb.

  • Watch out for prepositional phrases—the verb agrees with the main subject, not the noun inside the phrase.


2. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Pronoun-antecedent agreement means a pronoun must match its noun (antecedent) in number and person.

Example:

  • Incorrect: Cranberries are sour, so people rarely eat it.

  • Correct: Cranberries are sour, so people rarely eat them.

How to Spot These Questions

Look for choices with singular vs. plural pronouns referring to a noun in the sentence.

Common Challenges

  • Pronouns far from their antecedents

  • Multiple nouns before the pronoun

  • Pronoun comes before its antecedent

Quick Tips

  • Identify the antecedent

  • Substitute the pronoun with the antecedent to check meaning

  • Focus on singular/plural, not gender


3. Plurals and Possessives

Plurals refer to more than one thing.
Possessives show ownership.

Key rules:

  • Plural nouns don’t use apostrophes.

  • Singular possessive nouns add ’s (even if ending in s).

  • Plural possessive nouns ending in s add an apostrophe after s; if not ending in s, add ’s.

  • Pronouns like his, hers, theirs never use apostrophes.

Example:

  • Incorrect: bee's

  • Correct: bees

  • Incorrect: Michigans

  • Correct: Michigan’s

How to Spot These Questions

Look for answer choices that add, remove, or move apostrophes.

Tips

  • Check all nouns in the sentence for correct apostrophe use.

  • Don’t confuse its (possessive) with it’s (contraction), or their with they’re.


4. What Are Verb Forms?

Verbs change form to show tense (past, present, future) and aspect (simple, progressive, etc.). You don’t need to know all the grammar details to succeed—just rely on your instincts and context.

Example:
Incorrect: Yesterday, I am running to the lake.
Correct: Yesterday, I ran to the lake.

How to Spot Verb Form Questions

Look for answer choices that:

  • Use different verb tenses

  • Add or remove helping verbs

Tips for Spotting Errors

  • Context matters: Use clues like time words or other verbs to choose the right tense.

  • Helping verbs: Make sure complex verbs have the correct helping verbs, or you might get sentence fragments.

  • Consistency: Keep verb tenses consistent unless a time change occurs.

  • General facts: Use simple present tense for general truths.


5. What is Subject-Modifier Placement?

Subject-modifier placement means that a modifier and the subject it describes must be placed next to each other in a sentence.

Incorrect:
Consumed in the form of sugars and starches, the human body uses carbohydrates as its primary energy source.
Correct:
Consumed in the form of sugars and starches, carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source for the human body.

How to Spot These Questions

Look for:

  • Long blanks (more than a few words)

  • Answer choices that reorder words or phrases

Tips

  • Check introductory modifiers: Make sure modifiers at the start of a sentence clearly describe the noun that immediately follows.

  • Watch possessive nouns: Possessive nouns act like adjectives; the modifier should describe the noun following the possessive.


6. Boundaries

Clauses

  • A clause has a subject and a conjugated verb.

  • Independent clause: can stand alone as a sentence.

  • Dependent clause: cannot stand alone and must link to an independent clause.

  • SAT tests how clauses are linked using punctuation, coordination, subordination, and semicolons.

  • Linking clauses:

    • End punctuation: period or question mark separates two independent clauses.

    • Coordination: link two independent clauses with a comma + FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

    • Subordination: link with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, since, etc.) + comma if dependent clause comes first.

    • Semicolons: link two independent clauses without conjunctions.

Supplements

  • Supplements add extra info to a sentence:

    • Essential: needed for meaning, no punctuation.

    • Nonessential: extra info, must be set off by punctuation.

  • Punctuation for nonessential supplements: commas, dashes, or parentheses (must match on both sides).

  • To decide, remove the supplement; if sentence still makes sense, it’s nonessential.

Punctuation Marks on the SAT

  • Commas (,):

    • Separate list items, nonessential info, dependent clauses, or independent clauses joined by FANBOYS.

    • Don’t split subject and verb or separate two items in a list.

  • Semicolons (;):

    • Link independent clauses without conjunctions or separate complex list items.

  • Colons (:):

    • Follow an independent clause to introduce explanations or lists only.

  • Dashes (—):

    • Separate nonessential elements only.

How to Spot These Questions

  • Look for changes in commas, conjunctions, semicolons, colons, or dashes.

  • Look for rearranged phrases or added/removed punctuation.


Boost Your SAT Prep with These Essential Resources

Preparing for the SAT can feel overwhelming, but having the right tools at your fingertips makes all the difference. Whether you're working on mastering formulas, finding quality study materials, or tackling the test as an international student, we've got you covered with some of the best resources available.

Must-Know SAT Math Formulas

If formulas feel like a mystery, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a complete list of essential SAT math formulas that you need to know to succeed. From geometry to algebra and everything in between, check out our detailed guide here:
👉 Ace SAT Math: Essential SAT Formulas

Having these formulas memorized can save you time and boost accuracy during the test.

Best Free SAT Math Resources Online

Looking for free, high-quality SAT math resources? We’ve curated a list of trusted websites, practice tests, and tutorials that you can use to sharpen your math skills without spending a dime. From video lessons to interactive quizzes, these tools are perfect for independent learners:
👉 Best Free SAT Math Resources You Can Use Today

How to Crack the SAT as an International Student

Navigating the SAT as an international student comes with its unique challenges—from understanding test logistics to adapting study plans. Our step-by-step guide will help you prepare effectively, manage your timeline, and maximize your score:
👉 How to Crack the SAT as an International Student

Additional Trusted SAT Prep Platforms

  • Khan Academy — Official SAT practice partner offering free personalized practice, video lessons, and full-length tests.
    Visit: Khan Academy SAT

  • College Board Bluebook — The official College Board test prep app providing practice questions directly from SAT makers.
    Visit: College Board Bluebook

These platforms are invaluable companions in your study journey and complement the resources available on this site perfectly.

Start Your SAT Prep Journey Today

Combining these resources with consistent practice will build your skills and confidence. Bookmark these links, create a study schedule, and tackle each section step by step. You’re well on your way to acing the SAT!

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