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Because you are reading these words, we assume you already believe grammar is important. In fact, it is the bedrock of clear communication. While you may communicate informally with friends or family (we do!), when it comes to the academic and professional realm, writing well and speaking well require the proper use of grammar. The rules of grammar exist to ensure clarity, and proper use of grammar shows you care about effective communication. It is awesome that you are interested in learning more about how to own English language grammar, as doing so will give you an incredible tool that you can use throughout your life.
• The proper use of grammar will lead to better grades on essays in high school and college.
• Grammar is tested on both major college entrance exams, the SAT and the ACT.
• Your college application essays need to be grammatically perfect.
• You will rely on your knowledge of grammar in any job that requires you to write—and most professional jobs do!
Let’s take a look at how grammar serves to clarify what could be ambiguous. For each sentence, write what the sentence actually means (which may be different from what it is trying to say), and then try to correct the sentence.
Let’s eat grandpa!
Means:
Corrected:
The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson has a new home as well as a new nose which used to be owned by the late Heath Ledger.
Means:
Corrected:
Employees must wash all their hands prior to returning to work.
Means:
Corrected:
Eaten for good health, people enjoy fresh fruit for its sweet taste.
Means:
Corrected:
And a tricky one:
We invited our managers, Katy Perry and Jay-Z.
Means:
Corrected:
Turn to this page to see if you got them all right! For any that you missed, you’ll find out why the corrected versions are required as you read the book.
Your route to mastery of grammar depends a lot on how you plan to use this book. Making your game plan starts with knowing where you are and where you want to go.
First, let’s establish why you are using this book.
My goal is to
1. become a grammar rock star; I want to know it all
2. master the grammar tested on the SAT
3. master the grammar tested on the ACT
4. brush up on grammar skills I’ve forgotten over the years
Based on your answers above, respond to the following questions.
This book is designed to provide instruction and practice across as many—or as few—subject areas as is appropriate to help you achieve your goal. Read on to find out how to get the most out of this book based on your answers to the questions above.
• Begin with subjects for which you selected (C). The reference guide on this page indicates which chapters and sections you should review. Each subject has at least one short quiz; do not move on to a new subject until you have mastered these quizzes.
• Next, prioritize subjects for which you selected (B), again using the reference guide on this page . Each subject has at least one short quiz; do not move on to a new subject until you have mastered these quizzes.
• Read Parts 5 through 7 of this book to ensure understanding of the advice covered there.
• Take the quizzes in Part 8 . If a quiz doesn’t go well, do not fret! Simply determine what subjects need further review, and go back to the relevant chapter or chapters. Then retake the quiz.
Set yourself up for success by making sure you know what you are doing and when!
Of the subjects listed in the reference guide on the next page, highlight Yes or No to indicate which subjects you will study. Use your answers to the questions above to decide.
I will devote ___ minutes on each of the following days to improving my grammar:
__ Monday __ Tuesday __ Wednesday __ Thursday __ Friday __ Saturday __ Sunday
Q: If a subject is not relevant to the SAT or ACT, does that mean the subject won’t be tested?
A: Not necessarily. If we have tagged a grammar subject as belonging to a particular test, that subject is tested frequently on the test, such that you cannot avoid mastering the subject if you hope to achieve a high score. If your goal is to achieve a perfect score, however, you should master all of the subjects in this book.
Q: Aren’t some rules of grammar and punctuation in dispute, such as whether a comma is needed before the word and in a list?
A: Yes. Where there is a lack of consensus, the rules in this book are taught consistently with the way the rules are tested on the SAT, ACT, and GMAT. Outside of standardized testing, you may consult the style guide of your choice or follow the style guide used by your school or workplace.
Q: You just mentioned style guides. I am hooked on grammar and usage and want to learn more. What should I read?
A: There are many classic works on grammar and usage. We recommend The Chicago Manual of Style, Follett’s Modern American Usage , and The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. (Yes, we did include the comma before the word and !)
Q: I have completed this book, but there are still some topics that give me trouble. What help is available?
A: The Princeton Review offers academic tutoring, including for grammar, and also offers courses and tutoring for SAT, ACT, and GMAT. For more information, visit PrincetonReview.com or call 1-800-2REVIEW.
Let’s eat grandpa!
Means: It’s time to eat our grandpa. (Mmmmmm…grandpa.)
Corrected: Let’s eat, grandpa!
The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson has a new home as well as a new nose which used to be owned by the late Heath Ledger.
Means: Josh Hutcherson bought Heath Ledger’s nose. (Perhaps he bought it at an auction?)
Corrected: The Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson has a new nose, as well as a new home, which used to be owned by the late Heath Ledger.
Employees must wash all their hands prior to returning to work.
Means: It is not enough for an employee to wash one or even two hands; all hands must be washed. (How many hands do you have?)
Corrected: All employees must wash their hands prior to returning to work.
Eaten for good health, people enjoy fresh fruit for its sweet taste.
Means: People are eaten for good health and, by the way, they also enjoy fresh fruit for its sweet taste. (Mmmmmm. People.)
Corrected option 1: Eaten for good health, fresh fruit is enjoyed by many people for its sweet taste.
Corrected option 2: While people eat fresh fruit for good health, they enjoy the fruit for its sweet taste.
We invited our managers, Katy Perry and Jay-Z.
Means: We invited our managers, namely Katy Perry and Jay-Z. (That must have been quite the show!)
Corrected: We invited our managers , Katy Perry , and Jay-Z.
By using this book, you have shown yourself to be someone who identifies goals and sets out to achieve them. Because you will increase your knowledge of grammar, you will become a more effective communicator, both in writing and in speech. Sticking to a schedule and seeking out help when you need it will only add to your potential to achieve. The old saying “Knowledge is power” is especially true when it comes to understanding the rules of language. You’re well on your way to owning English; what comes after that is up to you. And most importantly, enjoy the journey, which starts now !