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SAT Reading and Writing skill page

SAT Boundaries Between Clauses Practice

Check whether each side of the punctuation can stand alone as a complete clause.

Practice boundaries between clauses in Dolphin SATPractice questions
10-16 min practice time3 questions on pageStandard English Conventions
Practice time10-16 min
Question bank3 questions
Best forStandard English Conventions

What this tests

What to know for this SAT skill

Dolphin question bank

Practice your skill

Question 1 of 3Easy
Which choice correctly joins the clauses? The data were incomplete ___ the team repeated the trial.
  1. ,
  2. ;
  3. because
  4. and because
Show answer and solution
Correct answerB. ;

Solution walkthrough

  1. Both sides are complete clauses, so a semicolon can join them.
Question 2 of 3Medium
Which sentence avoids a run-on?
  1. The battery failed the device shut down.
  2. The battery failed, the device shut down.
  3. The battery failed, so the device shut down.
  4. The battery, failed so the device shut down.
Show answer and solution
Correct answerC. The battery failed, so the device shut down.

Solution walkthrough

  1. A comma plus the coordinating conjunction so correctly joins the clauses.
Question 3 of 3Hard
Which punctuation best completes the sentence? The museum opened a new exhibit ___ visitors lined up around the block.
  1. ,
  2. ;
  3. :
  4. because
Show answer and solution
Correct answerB. ;

Solution walkthrough

  1. The two complete clauses are closely related and can be joined by a semicolon.

Avoid these traps

Common mistakes on this skill

Punctuating before identifying clause types

The correct boundary depends on whether each side is an independent clause, dependent clause, or phrase.

Joining two sentences with only a comma

Two independent clauses need a period, semicolon, or comma plus a coordinating conjunction.

Study plan

How to practice this skill in Dolphin

  1. Find the subject and finite verb on each side of the proposed boundary.
  2. Decide which groups of words can stand as complete sentences.
  3. Apply the boundary rule and reread to ensure no fragment or run-on remains.
Practice boundaries between clauses in Dolphin SAT

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Skill cluster

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FAQ

Questions about SAT Boundaries Between Clauses Practice

What is an independent clause?

It contains a subject and predicate and expresses a complete thought that can stand as a sentence.

How can two independent clauses be joined?

Use a period, a semicolon, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.