Question

(A) NO CHANGE (B) attorney, and Congressman (C) attorney and Congressman, (D) attorney, and Congressman,

Short answer

A

Step-by-step solution

Identify the list elements

Determine the items listed in the sentence. In this case, the items are 'attorney' and 'Congressman'.

Apply comma rules for lists

According to standard punctuation rules, when listing two items, no comma is needed before the conjunction 'and'.

Evaluate the options

Compare each option to the punctuation rules and the identified list elements. Option (A) 'NO CHANGE' has no punctuation errors, while (B), (C), and (D) introduce unnecessary commas.

Select the correct answer

Based on the comma usage rules, Option (A) is the correct choice as it correctly lists the items without unnecessary commas.

Key concepts

comma usage

Commas can be tricky, but understanding the basic rules helps a lot. One key rule is that when you have just two items in a list, you don't need a comma before the ‘and’. For example: 'Tom and Jerry' doesn't need a comma. This rule also applies when your list items are more complex. Take this sentence: 'He is an attorney and Congressman'. There are only two roles listed, so you don’t need to put a comma before ‘and’.

However, if there are three or more items, you should use commas to separate them. For example: 'She invited her friends, neighbors, and colleagues.' This helps in making the sentence clear and the list elements distinct.

In standardized tests like the ACT, understanding when to use and not use commas is crucial, as it can often be the difference between two close answer choices.

lists in grammar

Lists are a common part of writing and speaking. They help us group similar items together. There are a few simple rules to follow when making lists. First, always separate items in a list with commas, except for the last one. Before the last item, use the word 'and' or 'or'. For example: ‘We need bread, milk, and apples.’ This list clearly shows the three separate items.

Another rule is that if the items in the list are long or complex, you might need to use semicolons instead of commas. Here’s an example: ‘We visited Paris, France; Berlin, Germany; and Kampala, Uganda.’ The semicolon helps keep the locations clear and separate, especially when they include additional details like countries.

Being clear with your lists makes your writing easier to read and understand. It's a small detail, but it makes a big difference, especially in formal writing or tests.

ACT English section

The ACT English section tests your grammar, punctuation, and understanding of style. One common focus is comma usage. You need to know when to use commas in lists and between clauses. For two items, as mentioned, you don’t need a comma before ‘and’. For three or more, you do. Along with commas, keep an eye on other punctuation marks like semicolons and periods.

Another area is redundancy. The ACT loves questions on this! Make sure your sentences are clear but not repetitive. For example, ‘He is an attorney and Congressman’ is much better than ‘He is an attorney, and Congressman,’. Always aim for clarity and simplicity.

Practice with sample questions and always review basic grammar rules. The more familiar you become with these rules, the easier the ACT English section will be. Consistent practice makes a big difference. Plus, there are plenty of resources and practice tests available to guide you.