Free ACT English Exam Flashcards

Match the verb to the true subject, not to a nearby noun in a prepositional phrase or modifier. Cross out interrupting phrases to find the subject.

These words are singular when used as subjects. They usually take singular verbs such as is, has, and does.

With either/or and neither/nor, the verb agrees with the subject closer to the verb. Check the noun nearest the verb, not the first noun.

A pronoun must agree with the noun it replaces in number and person. Singular antecedents need singular pronouns; plural antecedents need plural pronouns.

Use object pronouns after prepositions: for me, between him and her, with us. Subject pronouns like I, he, she, we, and they do not follow prepositions.

Use who for a subject and whom for an object. A quick test: if he or she fits, use who; if him or her fits, use whom.

Keep verb tense consistent unless the time frame clearly changes. A random shift from past to present or present to future is usually wrong.

Items in a list or paired construction should use the same grammatical form. Match nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, and phrases with similar phrases.

Compare like things to like things. A person should be compared with another person, a work with another work, and a trait with another trait.

A modifier dangles when the sentence does not name the thing being modified. The noun immediately after an opening modifier should be the actor described.

Place modifiers next to the words they describe. A modifier in the wrong spot can make the sentence illogical or unintentionally funny.

A fragment is missing a subject, a complete verb, or a complete thought. Dependent clauses beginning with although, because, or while need an independent clause.

A run-on joins independent clauses without proper punctuation or a connector. Fix it with a period, semicolon, or comma plus a coordinating conjunction.

A comma splice uses only a comma between two independent clauses. A comma alone is not strong enough to join two complete sentences.

Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses. Both sides must be able to stand as complete sentences.

Use a colon after a complete sentence to introduce an explanation, list, or example. The words before the colon must form an independent clause.

Use commas around information that can be removed without changing the core meaning of the sentence. Do not comma off information needed to identify the noun.

A comma often follows a long introductory phrase or dependent clause. The comma signals where the main clause begins.

For singular nouns, usually add apostrophe-s. For regular plural nouns ending in s, add only an apostrophe. Possessive pronouns like its and theirs do not use apostrophes.

Its is possessive. It's means it is or it has. Substitute it is; if that does not work, use its.

Use fewer for countable items and less for amounts or quantities not counted individually. Fewer pages, less water.

Adjectives describe nouns. Adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Use well for how an action is performed and good for a noun's quality.

Use that for essential information and which for nonessential information. Nonessential which clauses are usually set off with commas.

Do not repeat a subject with an unnecessary pronoun. If the noun phrase already functions as the subject, the sentence should move directly to the verb.

Prefer the shortest answer that is grammatical, precise, and consistent with the passage. Short is not automatically right, but wordy redundancy is usually wrong.

Eliminate words that repeat the same idea, such as basic fundamentals or future plans. ACT English often tests whether one clear word can replace a bloated phrase.

Choose the word that best fits the exact meaning and context. The most impressive-sounding word is wrong if it changes the author's point or tone.

A revision should match the passage's level of formality and attitude. Avoid answers that are suddenly slangy, exaggerated, or overly technical without purpose.

Some words require fixed prepositions, such as capable of, interested in, different from, and responsible for. Choose the conventional pairing.

Active voice names the actor directly and is usually clearer. Passive voice can be correct when the actor is unknown or less important than the action.

Keep the same point of view unless the passage clearly shifts. Random movement among I, you, one, and they creates inconsistency.

Make sure the comparison states both sides clearly. Words like more, less, better, and unlike require a logical object of comparison.

Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence. Effect is usually a noun meaning result. Check how the word functions in the sentence.

Choose a transition based on the logical relationship: addition, contrast, cause, result, example, or sequence. Do not pick a transition just because it sounds smooth.

The best combined sentence preserves meaning while removing repetition. Do not choose a version that creates a modifier error or changes the relationship between ideas.

Avoid pairing reason with because when it creates redundancy. Use the reason is that, or rewrite with because alone.

A pronoun is ambiguous when it could refer to more than one noun. Replace it with the specific noun if the reader might not know the referent.

A topic sentence should introduce the main idea of a paragraph and prepare the reader for the details that follow.

Place a sentence where it logically connects to the sentence before and after it. Look for repeated nouns, pronouns, chronology, and cause-effect clues.

Delete a sentence when it is irrelevant, repetitive, contradictory, or too specific for the paragraph's purpose. Keep it only if it supports the main idea.

Add information that directly supports the claim or clarifies the surrounding sentence. The best detail is relevant, specific, and consistent with the passage.

An introduction should orient the reader to the topic and tone. Avoid openings that are too narrow, too broad, or inconsistent with the rest of the passage.

A conclusion should reinforce the passage's central idea without adding unrelated new evidence. It should feel like a logical ending, not a new beginning.

Every sentence in a paragraph should serve the same main idea. A sentence can be grammatically correct and still be wrong if it breaks the paragraph's focus.

A paragraph transition should connect the previous paragraph's idea to the new paragraph's purpose. Check both sides before choosing the transition.

Identify what the writer is trying to do: explain, persuade, describe, compare, contrast, or narrate. The best revision serves that purpose directly.

When events unfold over time, arrange sentences so the sequence is clear. Date words, cause-effect clues, and pronouns often reveal the correct order.

A claim states the point; evidence supports it with facts, examples, or explanation. If a sentence makes a claim, the surrounding details should back it up.

A detail is relevant only if it advances the passage's main focus or the paragraph's purpose. Interesting but off-topic information should be cut.

Treat NO CHANGE like any other answer choice. Keep the original only if it is grammatical, concise, logical, and consistent with the surrounding passage.