Free SAT grammar workbook
A printable workbook covering the 10 grammar skills the digital SAT tests most. Each one has the rule, a step-by-step method, the traps to avoid and four SAT-style practice questions, with every answer explained.
By Kim Strauch · Last updated · Free PDF
What's inside
Every skill gets its own page: the rule in plain language, a method you can apply in under 30 seconds, the traps the SAT sets and four practice questions. The answer key at the end explains each answer.
Boundaries
- Linking independent clauses. Joining two complete sentences without comma splices or run-ons, including the "however" trap.
- Introductory phrases and dependent clauses. The comma after an opening phrase or a clause that starts with although, because, when or after.
- Nonessential elements. When a description needs a pair of commas (or dashes) and when it needs none.
- Lists and series. Commas in a series of three or more, two-item lists, paired adjectives and parallel structure.
- Unnecessary punctuation. The places a comma can never go, and why the answer with the least punctuation is often right.
Form, structure and sense
- Subject-verb agreement. Finding the real subject under extra phrases and matching the verb to it.
- Pronoun-antecedent agreement. Matching a pronoun to the noun it replaces, and its versus it's.
- Plurals and possessives. When a noun needs an apostrophe, and whether it goes before or after the s.
- Verb tense. Reading time clues like "since," "by the time" and dates to pick the right tense.
- Modifier placement. Making sure the noun right after an opening phrase is the one doing the action.
Try a question from the workbook
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
The museum's new wing opened in than ten thousand visitors toured it during the first week.
Want the rules explained in more depth first? Read our complete guide to SAT grammar rules.
Frequently asked questions
What grammar is on the SAT?
Grammar questions fall under Standard English Conventions in the Reading and Writing section. They cover sentence boundaries (how clauses and phrases are punctuated) and form, structure and sense (agreement, verb tense, possessives and modifiers).
How many grammar questions are on the SAT?
Standard English Conventions makes up about a quarter of the Reading and Writing section, roughly 11 to 15 of its 54 questions.
Is the workbook really free?
Yes. Enter your email and you can download the PDF right away. We'll send occasional SAT tips, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
How should I use the workbook?
Work through one skill at a time: read the rule and method, answer the four questions without looking back, then check the answer key and reread the rule for anything you missed.
Sources
SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 are trademarks of College Board. National Merit is a trademark of National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Sharp is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.