Reading and Writing · 26 · Punctuation
Go Punctuation
Notes
Key points
- Often the right answer has no punctuation at all.
- Nothing between subject and verb — however long the subject.
- Nothing between verb and object, or before a “that” clause.
- No comma before an essential (restrictive) clause or phrase.
- Nothing right after “such as”, “including”, or a preposition.
- Nothing between a bare title and a name: “biologist Rachel Carson”.
- Nothing between the last adjective and its noun.
Rules
Nothing between subject and verb.
The scientist who led the expedition returned in May.
The scientist who led the expedition, returned in May.
Nothing between verb and object.
The report found that costs had doubled.
The report found, that costs had doubled.
Nothing between a title and the name.
Novelist Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart.
Novelist, Chinua Achebe, wrote Things Fall Apart.
Nothing right after “such as” or “including”.
She studied birds such as owls and hawks.
She studied birds such as: owls and hawks.
Common traps
- Assuming some punctuation must be needed because the choices offer it.
- Splitting a long subject from its verb with a comma at the breath point.
SAT tip
If the blank sits between subject and verb, verb and object, or title and name, choose no punctuation.
Test yourself
10 official SAT questions on Go Punctuation, easiest first.