Master Tricky Pronouns: Boost Your Digital SAT Grammar Score

Master Tricky Pronouns: Boost Your Digital SAT Grammar Score

Hey there! Getting ready for the Digital SAT? Let's talk about something small but important: pronouns. Words like "it," "they," or "your" replace nouns. They make writing flow better.

Think about this: "Maria loves coding. Maria built an app. Maria hopes the app helps people." It sounds repetitive, right? Using pronouns, we get: "Maria loves coding. She built an app. She hopes her app helps people." Much smoother!

The Digital SAT often tests tricky pronouns. Knowing the rules is key for good SAT test preparation. Let’s clear up some common mix-ups!

"It's" vs. "Its": Spot the Difference!

This pair trips up many students on SAT practice tests. But it's easy once you know the secret:

It's = it is (or sometimes it has)

Think: The apostrophe takes the place of the missing 'i' in 'is'.

Example: It's a beautiful day for studying!

Its = shows ownership (possessive)

Think: Like 'his' or 'hers', but for things.

Example: The phone needs its charger.

Pro Tip: The "It Is" Test

Not sure which one to use? Try replacing the word with "it is."

If "it is" makes sense in the sentence, use it's.

If "it is" doesn't fit, use its.

Also, remember: Its' and Its's are NEVER correct English words. Avoid them!

Let's look at an example:

"The company celebrated its tenth anniversary."

Try the test: "The company celebrated it is tenth anniversary." Nope, sounds wrong! So, its (showing ownership) is correct.

Test Your Knowledge!

Ready to practice this SAT grammar rule? Click below!

Challenge Me! its it's

"They're" vs. "Their" vs. "There": Untangling the Trio

These three sound alike but mean different things. Mastering them is crucial for the Digital SAT Reading and Writing section.

They're = they are

Think: Apostrophe replaces the 'a' in 'are'.

Example: They're studying for the exam.

Their = shows ownership (possessive)

Think: Belongs to *them*.

Example: Their hard work paid off.

There = refers to a place OR starts a sentence

Think: Has the word 'here' hiding inside (t*here*).

Example: Put the books over there.

Example: There are many ways to prepare.

Pro Tip: Quick Checks

1. Try replacing the word with "they are." If it fits, use they're.
2. Does the sentence talk about a place? Use there.
3. Is it showing that something belongs to a group? Use their.

Let's Practice!

This is a common question type in SAT prep materials. Try this challenge!

Challenge Me! they're their there

"You're" vs. "Your": Getting It Right

Another pair that sounds the same! Don't let them trick you on test day. Here's the simple difference:

You're = you are

Think: Apostrophe replaces the 'a'.

Example: You're doing great!

Your = shows ownership (possessive)

Think: Belongs to *you*.

Example: Is this your study guide?

Pro Tip: The "You Are" Test (Again!)

Just like with "it's," try replacing the word with "you are."

If "you are" fits perfectly, use you're.

If it doesn't make sense, use your.

Test Your Knowledge!

Let's see if you've got it. Choose the right word below.

Challenge Me! you're your

"Who's" vs. "Whose": People and Possessions

This one is about people (or sometimes things) and what they own or who they are.

Who's = who is (or who has)

Think: Apostrophe replaces 'i' or 'ha'.

Example: Who's ready for the next section?

Example: Who's got the answer?

Whose = shows ownership (possessive)

Think: Belongs to *who*?

Example: Whose book is this?

Pro Tip: The "Who Is" Test (Works Here Too!)

Try replacing the word with "who is" or "who has."

If it makes sense, use who's.

If not, use whose.

Test Your Knowledge!

Choose the correct word for the sentence below.

Challenge Me! who's whose

Let's Try a Real Digital SAT Style Question

Sometimes, the SAT combines these rules. Let's look at one.

Shortly after the exposition, the statue disappeared under mysterious circumstances. This frustrated art lovers who tried over the years to locate it. Decades passed before the story of ______ journey was pieced together. For a while, the marble queen had resided in a Chicago saloon.

Which word fits in the blank?

(A) it's
(B) its
(C) their
(D) they're

Think step-by-step:

1. What journey are we talking about? (The statue's journey).
2. Is "statue" singular or plural? (Singular). This helps eliminate options (C) and (D) because 'their' and 'they're' are plural.
3. Now choose between (A) it's and (B) its. Does the sentence mean "the story of it is journey"? Or does it mean the journey *belonging to* the statue?

Show Answer

The answer is (B) its. The journey belongs to the statue (singular). "Its" shows possession. "It's" would mean "it is," which doesn't make sense here.

Ready to Master the Digital SAT?

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