Important Comma Rules for the SAT and the ACT


Here are some basic but useful important comma rules to remember for the SAT and the ACT.


The 3rd rule is the most important.



1. Comma is not used after a preposition (within a prepositional phrase).


I have a car from, Italy.                        (incorrect)

She met a guy in, Korea.


I have a car from Italy.                          (correct)

She met the guy in Korea.



2. Comma is not used between an adjective and a noun.


I have a blue, car.                               (incorrect)

We need a new, computer.


I have a blue car.                                 (correct)

We need a new computer.



3. Comma is not used between an occupation and name.


President, Obama is the 44th president.

President Obama is the 44th president.


* Using a modifier between a name and occupation is a different case.


Barack Obama, the former president, is here.



4. Comma is not GENERALLY used BETWEEN a form and a name 


The tv show, Big Bang Theory is fun.

    (form)          (name)


The tv show Big Bang Theory is fun.


The novel, Jane Eyre is fun.


The novel Jane Eyre is fun.


Again, the rule is different when the order is reversed.


 Big Bang Theory, the tv show, is fun.

Jane, the novel by Austen, is fun.


5. If used correctly, a comma CAN be used before "preposition" and the word "that."



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