PSAT Reading and Writing Flashcards: Grammar

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Grammar, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for PSAT Reading and Writing.

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: What is the rule for apostrophes in singular possessive nouns?

Answer: Add apostrophe + s ('s): "the student's book.". Shows ownership for one person or thing.

Flashcard 2: What is the subject–verb agreement rule for compound subjects joined by "and"?

Answer: Use a plural verb. Two subjects connected by "and" form a compound plural subject.

Flashcard 3: Which is correct for multiple cats: "the (cat's/cats') toys"?

Answer: cats'. Multiple cats own the toys, so apostrophe after the s.

Flashcard 4: What is the rule for using a semicolon between two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Creates a stronger pause than comma but less than period.

Flashcard 5: Choose the best correction: "Everyone must bring their ID." (formal test style)

Answer: Correct: "Everyone must bring his or her ID.". Formal tests require singular pronoun with "everyone."

Flashcard 6: What is the rule for using a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)?

Answer: Use a comma before FANBOYS when it joins two independent clauses. FANBOYS = For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Flashcard 7: What is the rule for setting off nonessential (nonrestrictive) clauses?

Answer: Enclose nonessential information in commas. Commas separate extra info that could be removed.

Flashcard 8: Which verb form is correct for a compound subject joined by "and" (e.g., "Tom and Ana")?

Answer: Use a plural verb (e.g., "Tom and Ana are"). Compound subjects joined by 'and' are treated as plural.

Flashcard 9: What is the rule for choosing who versus whom in a sentence?

Answer: Use who for subjects; use whom for objects (verb or preposition). Subject performs action; object receives action.

Flashcard 10: Which verb is correct: "A list of items (is/are) on the table"?

Answer: is. The subject 'list' is singular, not the plural 'items' in the prepositional phrase.

Flashcard 11: Choose the correct word: "To   should I address the letter?"

Answer: whom. After prepositions like "to," use the object form "whom."

Flashcard 12: Find and correct the error: "He likes running, to swim, and biking."

Answer: He likes running, swimming, and biking. All items should be gerunds (-ing forms) for consistency.

Flashcard 13: Which is correct: "She brought: pens, paper, and tape" or "She brought pens, paper, and tape"?

Answer: She brought pens, paper, and tape. No colon after a verb; list follows directly.

Flashcard 14: Identify the correct pronoun case: "Between you and  , the plan failed."

Answer: me. After prepositions like 'between,' use object pronouns.

Flashcard 15: Choose the correct word: "The company increased (its/it's) profits."

Answer: its. Shows possession without apostrophe (like his/her).

Flashcard 16: Find and correct the error: "I finished the lab, I submitted the report."

Answer: I finished the lab; I submitted the report. Semicolon correctly joins two complete sentences.

Flashcard 17: Choose the correct punctuation: "The book that won the award   on my desk."

Answer: no comma. "That won the award" specifies which book.

Flashcard 18: Which verb agrees correctly: "Neither the coaches nor the captain (was/were) late"?

Answer: was. With "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the closer subject (captain).

Flashcard 19: Which verb is correct with "either...or" when one subject is plural: "Either the coach or the players (was/were) late"?

Answer: were. Verb agrees with the closer subject in either/or constructions.

Flashcard 20: What is the rule for pronoun–antecedent agreement in number and gender?

Answer: A pronoun must match its antecedent in number and gender. Ensures clarity by matching pronoun to what it refers to.

Flashcard 21: What is the comma rule for introductory words, phrases, or dependent clauses?

Answer: Use a comma after an introductory element. Helps readers identify where the main clause begins.

Flashcard 22: Identify the correct verb: "The list of items (is/are) on the desk."

Answer: is. "List" is the singular subject, not "items."

Flashcard 23: What is the rule for subject–verb agreement with "either...or" and "neither...nor"?

Answer: The verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb. In either/or constructions, match the verb to the nearer subject.

Flashcard 24: What is the correct use of a colon in a sentence?

Answer: Use a colon after an independent clause to introduce a list or explanation. What follows the colon explains or details the independent clause.

Flashcard 25: What is the rule for pronoun–antecedent agreement in number and person?

Answer: Pronoun must match its antecedent in number and person. Ensures clarity by matching pronoun to its referent.

Flashcard 26: Which verb is correct: "Neither the students nor the teacher (is/are) ready"?

Answer: is. "Teacher" is closest to the verb, so use singular "is."

Flashcard 27: Choose the correct word: "She is (farther/further) along in her research."

Answer: further. "Further" for figurative distance; "farther" for physical distance.

Flashcard 28: Choose the correct form: "The teachers lounge" (a lounge for multiple teachers).

Answer: Correct: "The teachers' lounge.". Multiple teachers own it, so apostrophe after s.

Flashcard 29: Find and correct the error: "I finished the essay, I submitted it."

Answer: Use a semicolon: "I finished the essay; I submitted it.". Comma splice error: two complete sentences joined by only a comma.

Flashcard 30: Find and correct the comma splice: "I finished early, I left the room."

Answer: I finished early; I left the room. Comma alone can't join two independent clauses.

Flashcard 31: Which pronoun correctly completes: "Each of the students submitted   essay."?

Answer: his or her. "Each" is singular, requiring singular pronouns.

Flashcard 32: When should a semicolon be used in standard punctuation?

Answer: To join closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Semicolons link complete thoughts without coordinating conjunctions.

Flashcard 33: Identify the correct form: "The (teachers/teacher's/teachers') lounge is closed."

Answer: teachers'. Multiple teachers own the lounge, so apostrophe follows the s.

Flashcard 34: Which option is correct: "To (who/whom) did you speak after the meeting"?

Answer: whom. "Whom" is the object of the preposition "to."

Flashcard 35: What is the correct placement rule for a modifier to avoid a dangling or misplaced modifier?

Answer: Place the modifier next to the word it describes. Modifiers must clearly connect to what they modify.

Flashcard 36: What punctuation should introduce a list after an independent clause?

Answer: A colon (:). Colons introduce lists after complete sentences.

Flashcard 37: Which pronoun correctly completes: "Neither the teachers nor the principal changed   mind"?

Answer: his or her. "Principal" is singular and closest to the verb.

Flashcard 38: Which option is correct: "(Who/Whom) did you invite to the meeting"?

Answer: Whom. 'Whom' is the object of the verb 'invite.'

Flashcard 39: What is the correct pronoun case for a direct object or object of a preposition?

Answer: Objective case: me, him, her, us, them, whom. These pronouns receive the action or follow prepositions.

Flashcard 40: Which punctuation best completes: "She had one goal   to finish the marathon"?

Answer: She had one goal: to finish the marathon. Colon introduces the explanation of her goal.

Flashcard 41: Which is correct: "Between you and (I/me), the plan failed"?

Answer: me. "Between" is a preposition requiring objective case.

Flashcard 42: Choose the correct punctuation: "My brother, who lives in Texas, is visiting." Essential or not?

Answer: Nonessential; commas are correct. "Who lives in Texas" adds extra info, not essential to identify.

Flashcard 43: Which punctuation is correct: "My brother who lives in Denver is visiting" (commas or none)?

Answer: No commas. Essential clauses identify which specific person/thing.

Flashcard 44: Choose the correct punctuation: "I studied; therefore(,/) I felt prepared."

Answer: comma. Conjunctive adverbs are followed by commas.

Flashcard 45: What is the rule for subject-verb agreement with "either/or" and "neither/nor"?

Answer: Verb agrees with the subject closest to the verb. In either/or constructions, match the nearer subject.

Flashcard 46: What is the rule for subject–verb agreement with a singular indefinite pronoun (e.g., each, everyone)?

Answer: Use a singular verb (e.g., "Each of the plans is..."). Indefinite pronouns like 'each' and 'everyone' are always singular.

Flashcard 47: Choose the correct word: "To (who/whom) did you speak after class?"

Answer: whom. "Whom" is the object of the preposition "to."

Flashcard 48: Choose the best correction: "Each student must bring their notebook."

Answer: Each student must bring his or her notebook. "Each" is singular, requiring singular pronouns.

Flashcard 49: What is the rule for pronoun–antecedent agreement?

Answer: A pronoun must match its antecedent in number and person. Pronouns must match what they refer to in singular/plural form.

Flashcard 50: Add or remove commas as needed: "My brother who lives in Miami is visiting." (one brother)

Answer: Correct: "My brother, who lives in Miami, is visiting.". "One brother" makes clause nonessential, requiring commas.

Flashcard 51: Choose the correct punctuation: "I wanted to go  I was too tired."

Answer: I wanted to go, but I was too tired. Use comma + coordinating conjunction to join independent clauses.

Flashcard 52: Which option is correct for plural possession: "the teachers('/'s) lounge" (lounge for multiple teachers)?

Answer: teachers'. Plural nouns ending in 's' just add apostrophe after.

Flashcard 53: What is the rule for choosing between "I" and "me" in a compound subject or object?

Answer: Use "I" as subject; use "me" as object, even in compounds. Subject pronouns do actions; object pronouns receive actions.

Flashcard 54: What comma rule applies to a nonessential (nonrestrictive) clause beginning with "which"?

Answer: Set it off with commas. Nonessential information can be removed without changing meaning.

Flashcard 55: What is a dangling modifier?

Answer: A modifier that does not logically modify the word that follows it. The modifier has no clear subject to modify in the sentence.

Flashcard 56: What is the rule for parallel structure in a list or comparison?

Answer: Use the same grammatical form for all items being compared or listed. Maintains consistency in structure for clarity.

Flashcard 57: Find and correct the error: "The storm ended, the roads reopened."

Answer: Correct: "The storm ended; the roads reopened.". Semicolon properly connects two independent clauses.

Flashcard 58: What is the correct use of an apostrophe in a plural possessive noun ending in -s?

Answer: Add only an apostrophe after the -s (for example, the dogs' leash). Plural possessives already ending in -s just add apostrophe.

Flashcard 59: Choose the correct verb tense for consistency: "Yesterday we walk to class and talked."

Answer: Yesterday we walked to class and talked. Both verbs must match the past time frame ('Yesterday').

Flashcard 60: Find and correct the error: "The team of researchers are presenting today."

Answer: Correct: "The team of researchers is presenting today.". "Team" is a collective noun treated as singular.

Flashcard 61: Which verb agrees in "Either the teachers or the principal   attending"?

Answer: is. With 'or,' the verb agrees with the closer subject (principal = singular).

Flashcard 62: What is the difference between "its" and "it is" in standard written English?

Answer: "its" is possessive; "it is" is the contraction "it is.". No apostrophe for possession; apostrophe only for contraction.

Flashcard 63: What is the difference between an essential and a nonessential modifier clause?

Answer: Essential: no commas; Nonessential: set off with commas. Essential info restricts meaning; nonessential adds extra detail.

Flashcard 64: What verb agreement is required when two singular subjects are joined by "or" or "nor"?

Answer: Use a singular verb. "Or" and "nor" don't add subjects; the verb matches the single subject.

Flashcard 65: When should a semicolon be used between two clauses?

Answer: To join two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Semicolons link related complete thoughts.

Flashcard 66: Choose the best punctuation: "The experiment failed (;/,) we tried again."

Answer: ;. Two independent clauses need semicolon or period, not comma.

Flashcard 67: What is the rule for placing modifiers to avoid ambiguity?

Answer: Place modifiers next to the word or phrase they modify. Prevents confusion about what modifies what.

Flashcard 68: What is the rule for placing commas with nonessential (nonrestrictive) clauses?

Answer: Set nonessential clauses off with commas on both sides. Nonessential info can be removed without changing meaning.

Flashcard 69: Find and correct the error: "Every student must bring their laptop."

Answer: Correct: "Every student must bring his or her laptop.". 'Every student' is singular, so use singular pronouns.

Flashcard 70: Choose the correct word: "There were (less/fewer) students in the library today."

Answer: Correct: "fewer.". Students are countable, requiring "fewer."

Flashcard 71: Which revision best fixes agreement: "Each of the players brought their jersey"?

Answer: Each of the players brought his or her jersey. "Each" is singular, requiring singular "his or her."

Flashcard 72: What is the correct use of a semicolon between two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses. Semicolons connect complete thoughts without conjunctions.

Flashcard 73: What is the correct way to fix a comma splice between two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a period, semicolon, or comma + coordinating conjunction. Two complete sentences can't be joined by comma alone.

Flashcard 74: What is the rule for subject–verb agreement when the subject is singular?

Answer: Use a singular verb form (often ends in -s in present tense). Singular subjects require singular verbs for grammatical agreement.

Flashcard 75: Find and correct the parallelism error: "She likes hiking, to swim, and biking."

Answer: Correct: "She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.". All verbs must be in -ing form for consistency.

Flashcard 76: Choose the correct pronoun: "(Who/Whom) did you invite to the meeting?"

Answer: Whom. "Whom" is the object of "did invite."

Flashcard 77: Which revision fixes agreement: "Each of the students must bring their ID"?

Answer: Each of the students must bring his or her ID. "Each" is singular and requires singular pronouns.

Flashcard 78: What is the rule for commas with nonessential (nonrestrictive) clauses?

Answer: Set nonessential information off with commas. Extra details that can be removed need commas on both sides.

Flashcard 79: Find and correct the error: "I finished the draft, I submitted it."

Answer: I finished the draft, and I submitted it. Adding "and" after the comma fixes the splice.

Flashcard 80: What is the rule for using a semicolon?

Answer: Use it to join related independent clauses or separate complex list items. Semicolons are stronger than commas but weaker than periods.

Flashcard 81: What is a misplaced modifier?

Answer: A modifier placed too far from what it describes, causing confusion. Creates ambiguity about what the modifier describes.

Flashcard 82: What is the correct punctuation for joining two independent clauses without a conjunction?

Answer: Use a semicolon (or a period) between the clauses. Two complete sentences need stronger punctuation than comma.

Flashcard 83: What is the rule for comma splices?

Answer: Do not join two independent clauses with only a comma. Two complete sentences need more than a comma between them.

Flashcard 84: Choose the correct punctuation: "My brother who lives in Denver is visiting." (Assume I have one brother.)

Answer: My brother, who lives in Denver, is visiting. With one brother, the clause is nonessential.

Flashcard 85: What is the agreement rule for "either/or" and "neither/nor" subjects?

Answer: Verb agrees with the noun closest to the verb. In either/or and neither/nor constructions, proximity determines agreement.

Flashcard 86: Which option is correct: "He brought three things(—/:) a map, water, and a compass"?

Answer: Colon: ":". The independent clause introduces the list that follows.

Flashcard 87: Identify the correct punctuation: "My brother, who lives in Miami(,) is visiting."

Answer: Comma needed: "My brother, who lives in Miami, is visiting.". The clause adds extra info about brother, not identifying which one.

Flashcard 88: What is the rule for commas around nonessential (parenthetical) information?

Answer: Set off nonessential clauses/phrases with commas. Nonessential info can be removed without changing meaning.

Flashcard 89: Find and correct the error: "After the meeting we went to dinner."

Answer: Correct: "After the meeting, we went to dinner.". Comma added after introductory phrase "After the meeting."

Flashcard 90: Which pronoun correctly agrees: "Each of the students brought   laptop"?

Answer: his or her. 'Each' is singular, requiring singular pronouns.

Flashcard 91: Identify the correct form: "The committee (decide/decides) to postpone the vote."

Answer: decides. Collective nouns like "committee" typically take singular verbs.

Flashcard 92: What is the rule for pronoun-antecedent agreement with indefinite pronouns like "each"?

Answer: Treat "each/either/neither/anyone" as singular; use singular pronouns. Indefinite pronouns are always singular in formal writing.

Flashcard 93: What is the rule for using a comma with two independent clauses?

Answer: Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). FANBOYS connect complete sentences with comma + conjunction.

Flashcard 94: Which is correct: "Between you and (I/me), the plan is risky"?

Answer: me. "Me" is the object of the preposition "between."

Flashcard 95: Which verb agrees in this sentence: "Neither the players nor the coach   late"?

Answer: was. With "or/nor," the verb agrees with the closer subject (coach).

Flashcard 96: Choose the correct form for plural possession: "the teachers  lounge" (many teachers).

Answer: teachers'. Plural nouns ending in "s" add only an apostrophe.

Flashcard 97: What is the correct use of a colon after an independent clause?

Answer: Use a colon to introduce a list, explanation, or example. Colons signal that what follows explains or elaborates.

Flashcard 98: What pronoun case is required for a pronoun used as the subject of a clause?

Answer: Subjective case (I, he, she, we, they, who). Subjects perform actions and need subjective case.

Flashcard 99: What is parallel structure in a list or comparison?

Answer: Using the same grammatical form for each item or element. Items in series must have matching structures.

Flashcard 100: What is the correct use of a semicolon in a sentence?

Answer: Join related independent clauses without a conjunction. Semicolons connect complete, related thoughts.