ACT English Flashcards: Sentence Structure And Formation

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Sentence Structure And Formation, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for ACT English.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Which punctuation correctly joins two independent clauses without a conjunction?

Answer: A semicolon. It functions like a period but shows the clauses are closely related.

Flashcard 2: What is the role of a relative pronoun?

Answer: To introduce a relative clause and refer to a noun. Links dependent clause to main clause while referring back to a noun.

Flashcard 3: What is a declarative sentence?

Answer: A sentence that makes a statement. Simply states a fact and ends with a period.

Flashcard 4: What is a relative clause?

Answer: A clause starting with a relative pronoun like 'who' or 'which'. Provides essential or additional information about nouns.

Flashcard 5: What is the role of a coordinating conjunction?

Answer: To connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal rank. Links grammatically equal elements like FANBOYS conjunctions.

Flashcard 6: Find and correct the error: 'The data was surprising.'

Answer: Correct: 'The data were surprising.'. 'Data' is plural, so it takes a plural verb.

Flashcard 7: What is a run-on sentence (fused sentence)?

Answer: Two independent clauses joined with no punctuation or conjunction. Creates an error because readers can't tell where one idea ends and another begins.

Flashcard 8: Find and correct the misplaced modifier: "She nearly drove her children to school every day."

Answer: Correct: "She drove her children to school nearly every day.". 'Nearly' should modify 'every day,' not the verb 'drove.'

Flashcard 9: What is the clearest placement rule for an adverb like "only"?

Answer: Place it immediately before the word or phrase it modifies. Proximity to the modified word prevents ambiguity.

Flashcard 10: What is the function of a colon in a sentence?

Answer: To introduce a list, quote, or explanation. Signals that specific examples or details will follow.

Flashcard 11: What is a complex sentence?

Answer: A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. One main clause plus a subordinate clause that depends on it.

Flashcard 12: What is a subordinating conjunction?

Answer: A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause. Creates dependent clauses by showing relationships like cause or time.

Flashcard 13: Find and correct the error: 'The book, that is on the table, is mine.'

Answer: Correct: 'The book that is on the table is mine.'. Essential relative clauses don't need commas around them.

Flashcard 14: What is a complex sentence?

Answer: A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. One main clause plus a subordinate clause that depends on it.

Flashcard 15: Find and correct the run-on: "The sun set it grew cold."

Answer: Correct: "The sun set; it grew cold.". The semicolon properly joins related independent clauses.

Flashcard 16: Which word completes the sentence: 'Not only did she sing   dance.'

Answer: but also. Completes the correlative conjunction 'not only...but also'.

Flashcard 17: Change to active voice: 'The cake was eaten by the children.'

Answer: The children ate the cake. Makes the subject perform the action directly.

Flashcard 18: Which word completes the sentence: 'Neither the cat   the dog is here.'

Answer: nor. Completes the correlative conjunction 'neither...nor'.

Flashcard 19: Choose the correct punctuation: "She trained daily   she improved quickly."

Answer: Correct: ";". A semicolon alone joins independent clauses without conjunction.

Flashcard 20: Find and correct the error: 'The boy who cry wolf is lying.'

Answer: Correct: 'The boy who cries wolf is lying.'. Verb must agree with the singular subject 'boy'.

Flashcard 21: Identify the conjunction in the sentence: 'He is tired, but he will continue working.'

Answer: but. The coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses.

Flashcard 22: What is an independent clause?

Answer: A clause that can stand alone as a sentence. Has both subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.

Flashcard 23: Identify the error: 'There is many reasons.'

Answer: Subject-verb agreement. 'There' is singular but 'reasons' is plural, creating disagreement.

Flashcard 24: Which punctuation correctly joins two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb?

Answer: Semicolon before; comma after the conjunctive adverb. The conjunctive adverb needs strong punctuation on both sides.

Flashcard 25: Identify the error in the sentence: 'Running down the street, the dog barked loudly.'

Answer: Misplaced modifier. 'Running' seems to describe the dog instead of the intended subject.

Flashcard 26: Which word completes the sentence: 'Either the pen   the pencil is fine.'

Answer: or. Completes the correlative conjunction 'either...or'.

Flashcard 27: Find and correct the faulty comparison: "Her salary is higher than her assistant."

Answer: Correct: "Her salary is higher than her assistant's salary.". Compare salary to salary, not salary to person.

Flashcard 28: Find and correct the fragment: "Because the storm was severe."

Answer: Correct: "Because the storm was severe, we stayed inside.". Adding an independent clause completes the thought.

Flashcard 29: Choose the correct verb: "The list of supplies (is/are) on the table."

Answer: Correct: "is". The subject 'list' is singular despite the plural 'supplies.'

Flashcard 30: What is an appositive?

Answer: A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun beside it. Provides additional information about the noun it follows.

Flashcard 31: Identify the sentence type: 'What time is it now?'

Answer: Interrogative sentence. Begins with question word 'What' and seeks information.

Flashcard 32: What is an infinitive phrase?

Answer: A phrase beginning with 'to' followed by a verb. Functions as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in sentences.

Flashcard 33: Find and correct the error: 'The data was surprising.'

Answer: Correct: 'The data were surprising.'. 'Data' is plural, so it takes a plural verb.

Flashcard 34: What is an appositive?

Answer: A noun or noun phrase that renames another noun beside it. Provides additional information about the noun it follows.

Flashcard 35: Identify the error: 'Walking to the store, the rain started.'

Answer: Dangling modifier. The modifier doesn't logically connect to the subject 'rain'.

Flashcard 36: What is a comma splice?

Answer: Two independent clauses incorrectly joined by only a comma. A comma alone cannot join two complete thoughts.

Flashcard 37: Change to active voice: 'The cake was eaten by the children.'

Answer: The children ate the cake. Makes the subject perform the action directly.

Flashcard 38: Choose the correct verb: "The list of supplies (is/are) on the table."

Answer: Correct: "is". The subject 'list' is singular despite the plural 'supplies.'

Flashcard 39: Which word type commonly begins a dependent clause: "because," "although," "when"?

Answer: A subordinating conjunction (subordinator). These words create dependent clauses that need main clauses to complete them.

Flashcard 40: Identify the error: 'The teacher, she is nice.'

Answer: Redundant subject. The pronoun 'she' unnecessarily repeats the subject 'teacher'.

Flashcard 41: What is a dependent clause?

Answer: A group of words with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone. Needs an independent clause to complete the thought.

Flashcard 42: Identify the sentence type: 'The sky is blue.'

Answer: Declarative sentence. Makes a straightforward statement about the sky's color.

Flashcard 43: Identify the error type: "I finished my homework, I went to bed."

Answer: Comma splice. A comma cannot join two independent clauses alone.

Flashcard 44: Choose the correct punctuation: "She trained daily,   she improved quickly."

Answer: Correct: "and" (comma + coordinating conjunction). FANBOYS can join independent clauses when preceded by a comma.

Flashcard 45: What is the correct comma rule for a dependent clause followed by an independent clause?

Answer: Use a comma after the introductory dependent clause. The comma signals where the introductory element ends.

Flashcard 46: Identify the error: 'The more you practice, the better you will.'

Answer: Incomplete comparison. The comparison needs 'become' or similar to complete the thought.

Flashcard 47: What is the purpose of a semicolon?

Answer: To link two independent clauses without a conjunction. Joins complete sentences when they're closely related.

Flashcard 48: Identify the error: 'The more you practice, the better you will.'

Answer: Incomplete comparison. The comparison needs 'become' or similar to complete the thought.

Flashcard 49: Identify the relative pronoun: 'The book that you lent me was thrilling.'

Answer: that. Connects the relative clause to 'book' in the main clause.

Flashcard 50: Identify the sentence type: 'What a beautiful day!'

Answer: Exclamatory sentence. Expresses enthusiasm about the weather with strong emotion.

Flashcard 51: What is a coordinating conjunction?

Answer: A word connecting two equal parts of a sentence (e.g., 'and'). FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Flashcard 52: What is parallel structure?

Answer: Using the same grammatical form for items in a series or comparison. Parallel structure creates rhythm and clarity in writing.

Flashcard 53: What is a fragment sentence?

Answer: An incomplete sentence that lacks a subject or a verb. Missing essential parts like subject or verb to be complete.

Flashcard 54: Choose the correct comma use: "After the meeting ended   we left."

Answer: Correct: comma after introductory clause: ",". Introductory dependent clauses require comma separation.

Flashcard 55: Identify the error: 'Hoping to win, the game was intense.'

Answer: Dangling modifier. The modifier doesn't logically connect to 'game'.

Flashcard 56: Identify the type: 'Please close the door.'

Answer: Imperative sentence. Uses implied subject 'you' to make a polite request.

Flashcard 57: Identify the verb in the sentence: 'She sings beautifully.'

Answer: sings. The action word that tells what the subject does.

Flashcard 58: What is the rule for joining two independent clauses with FANBOYS?

Answer: Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction. The comma prevents run-on sentences when joining complete thoughts.

Flashcard 59: Which word type commonly begins a dependent clause: "because," "although," "when"?

Answer: A subordinating conjunction (subordinator). These words create dependent clauses that need main clauses to complete them.

Flashcard 60: What is a compound-complex sentence?

Answer: A sentence with at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. Combines multiple independent and dependent clause structures.

Flashcard 61: Choose the parallel option: "The job requires writing clearly and to edit carefully."

Answer: Correct: "The job requires writing clearly and editing carefully.". Both parts after 'requires' use the same form (gerund phrases).

Flashcard 62: Choose the correct verb: "Each of the players (was/were) ready."

Answer: Correct: "was". 'Each' is always singular regardless of the following prepositional phrase.

Flashcard 63: Choose the correct verb: "The scissors (is/are) in the drawer."

Answer: Correct: "are". 'Scissors' is always plural even though it refers to one object.

Flashcard 64: What is an independent clause?

Answer: A clause that can stand alone as a sentence. Has both subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought.

Flashcard 65: Find and correct the error: 'The dog barks loudly, howls.'

Answer: Correct: 'The dog barks loudly and howls.'. Parallel verbs should be connected with 'and', not a comma.

Flashcard 66: Which punctuation is needed: 'It's raining __ I forgot my umbrella.'

Answer: semicolon. Two independent clauses need stronger punctuation than a comma.

Flashcard 67: What is a dangling modifier?

Answer: An introductory modifier with no clear subject to modify. The modifier has nothing logical to modify in the sentence.

Flashcard 68: Identify the error: 'She wondered, if it would rain.'

Answer: Unnecessary comma. Commas don't separate the verb from its direct object clause.

Flashcard 69: What is the purpose of a semicolon?

Answer: To link two independent clauses without a conjunction. Joins complete sentences when they're closely related.

Flashcard 70: What is a passive voice?

Answer: A sentence where the subject receives the action. The subject is acted upon rather than performing the action.

Flashcard 71: What is a compound sentence?

Answer: A sentence with two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. Contains two complete thoughts connected by words like 'and' or 'but'.

Flashcard 72: What is the correct comma rule for an independent clause followed by a dependent clause?

Answer: No comma, unless the dependent clause is nonessential. Essential dependent clauses attach directly without comma separation.

Flashcard 73: Choose the correct form: 'Neither of the answers (is/are) correct.'

Answer: is. 'Neither' creates a singular subject requiring singular verb form.

Flashcard 74: Identify the appositive in the sentence: 'My brother, a skilled guitarist, plays daily.'

Answer: a skilled guitarist. The phrase that renames and describes 'My brother'.

Flashcard 75: Find and correct the error: 'She only eats pizza on Fridays.'

Answer: Correct: 'She eats pizza only on Fridays.'. 'Only' should modify 'Fridays', not 'eats'.

Flashcard 76: Identify the sentence type: 'What time is it now?'

Answer: Interrogative sentence. Begins with question word 'What' and seeks information.

Flashcard 77: What is a coordinating conjunction?

Answer: A word connecting two equal parts of a sentence (e.g., 'and'). FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Flashcard 78: What is a sentence fragment in ACT English terms?

Answer: A group of words missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. It lacks one of the three essential elements of a complete sentence.

Flashcard 79: Identify the error: 'She runs fast, he is slow.'

Answer: Comma splice. Two independent clauses joined incorrectly with only a comma.

Flashcard 80: What is an exclamatory sentence?

Answer: A sentence that expresses strong emotion. Shows strong feeling and ends with an exclamation point.

Flashcard 81: What is an imperative sentence?

Answer: A sentence that gives a command or request. The subject 'you' is implied but not stated directly.

Flashcard 82: What is a declarative sentence?

Answer: A sentence that makes a statement. Simply states a fact and ends with a period.

Flashcard 83: What is subject-verb agreement?

Answer: The verb form must match the subject in number (singular/plural). Singular subjects need singular verbs; plural subjects need plural verbs.

Flashcard 84: What is a run-on sentence (fused sentence)?

Answer: Two independent clauses joined with no punctuation or conjunction. Creates an error because readers can't tell where one idea ends and another begins.

Flashcard 85: What is a sentence fragment?

Answer: An incomplete sentence missing subject or verb. Lacks essential components to form a complete thought.

Flashcard 86: What is a run-on sentence?

Answer: A sentence with two or more independent clauses improperly joined. Multiple complete thoughts connected incorrectly without proper punctuation.

Flashcard 87: Find and correct the error: 'She likes running, to swim, and biking.'

Answer: Correct: 'She likes running, swimming, and biking.'. All items in the series should follow the same grammatical pattern.

Flashcard 88: Choose the correct verb: "The team (wins/win) its games with strong defense."

Answer: Correct: "wins". Collective nouns like 'team' are usually treated as singular.

Flashcard 89: What is a faulty comparison?

Answer: A comparison that illogically compares unlike things. It compares things that aren't logically comparable.

Flashcard 90: What is the rule for separating items in a series of three or more?

Answer: Use commas between items; include a final comma if clarity requires. The final comma prevents confusion in complex series.

Flashcard 91: Identify the subordinating conjunction: 'We stayed inside because it was raining.'

Answer: because. Shows the cause-and-effect relationship between staying inside and rain.

Flashcard 92: Which pronouns are singular for agreement: "each," "either," "neither"?

Answer: They are singular and take singular verbs. These indefinite pronouns always refer to one person or thing.

Flashcard 93: What is parallel structure?

Answer: The use of the same pattern of words to show equal importance. Consistent grammatical structure for items in a series or list.

Flashcard 94: What is an independent clause?

Answer: A group of words with a subject and verb that can stand alone. Forms a complete sentence expressing one main idea.

Flashcard 95: Choose the correct conjunction: 'She is hungry, (and/or) she wants to eat.'

Answer: and. 'And' shows addition, connecting her hunger with desire to eat.

Flashcard 96: Choose the correct punctuation: "He wanted to leave   he stayed."

Answer: Correct: comma + "but". The contrast between clauses requires comma plus coordinating conjunction.

Flashcard 97: Choose the correct form: 'Neither of the answers (is/are) correct.'

Answer: is. 'Neither' creates a singular subject requiring singular verb form.

Flashcard 98: Identify the appositive in the sentence: 'My brother, a skilled guitarist, plays daily.'

Answer: a skilled guitarist. The phrase that renames and describes 'My brother'.

Flashcard 99: What is the correct comma rule for an independent clause followed by a dependent clause?

Answer: No comma, unless the dependent clause is nonessential. Essential dependent clauses attach directly without comma separation.

Flashcard 100: What is the correct comma rule for a dependent clause followed by an independent clause?

Answer: Use a comma after the introductory dependent clause. The comma signals where the introductory element ends.