The 12 Must-Know Digital SAT Grammar Rules
Over 50% of the Digital SAT Reading & Writing section is governed by strict, predictable grammatical laws. Master these 12 rules to secure a 750+ on the verbal section.
Semicolons (\(;\)) and Periods (\(.\)) Are Identical
A semicolon connects two complete independent clauses (full sentences) without a coordinating conjunction. It functions exactly like a period.
The satellite reached orbit, it transmitted high-resolution telemetry back to Earth.
The satellite reached orbit; it transmitted high-resolution telemetry back to Earth.
Citadel Test Hack: If two multiple choice options are identical except one uses a period and the other uses a semicolon, eliminate both immediately! On the SAT, a semicolon and a period are grammatically interchangeable.
The FANBOYS Comma Rule
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) only when it connects two full independent clauses.
Do NOT use a comma if the second clause lacks an explicit subject:
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