AccelePrep for the ACT Test 2nd Edition Student Text

C HAPTER 2 | H YPER P REP E NGLISH • 45

The business owners who closed their businesses yesterday are in •‡”‹‘—• ϐ‹ƒ…‹ƒŽ –”‘—„Ž‡Ǥ (Those business owners who closed y sterday are the on s who are in trouble. Those who remained open yesterday are not in trouble.) The business owners, who closed their businesses yesterday, are in •‡”‹‘—• ϐ‹ƒ…‹ƒŽ –”‘—„Ž‡Ǥ (The whole gr up of business wners are in trouble, and all of them closed yesterday.) Use commas to separate the words in a series when three or more elements are present. Coats, umbrellas, and boots should be placed in the closet at the end of the hall. 9 Is it correct to use a serial comma (a comma before “and” or “or”)? It depends on the style guide you use. The ACT test writers prefer the serial comma, but whether you should use it isn’t tested because there is no right or wrong choice. It’s just a matter of style. 2. The procedure requires that you open the outer cover plate remove, the thermostat replace the broken switch, and then replace the thermostat. F. NO CHANGE G. plate remove the thermostat, replace the broken switch; and H. plate, remove the thermostat, replace the broken switch, and J. plate remove the thermostat replace the broken switch and Example: Use a comma after an introductory phrase or word group that precedes the subject of the sentence. ͳǣ Žƒ…‡ ƒ…‘ƒ ƒˆ–‡” ƒ ‹–”‘†—…–‘”› ’Š”ƒ•‡ ‘ˆ ϐ‹˜‡ ‘” ‘”‡ words. Because the prisoner had a history of attempted jailbreaks, he was put under heavy guard. 9 ʹǣ •‡ ƒ…‘ƒ ƒˆ–‡” ƒ •Š‘”– ‹–”‘†—…–‘”› ’Š”ƒ•‡ ™Š‡‡˜‡” –Š‡ comma would aid clarity. To Dan, Phil was a friend as well as a brother. 9 RULE 3: Use a comma after introductory gerunds, participles, and ‹ϐ‹‹–‹˜‡•Ǥ To walk, he needed a cane. 9

Example:

USE COMMAS TO SEPARATE LISTS

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INSIDE LOOK The test measures application of straightforward punctuation rules. For example, you won’t be asked to choose between two answer choices that are different only because one uses a serial comma and the other does not.

USE COMMAS WITH INTRODUCTORY DEPENDENT CLAUSES

Example:

Example:

Examples: