ACT Preparation / Unit 1 ACT 0003 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
The Stand-Alone Test
The idea
To decide whether a group of words is a complete sentence, run three checks in order. First, find the verb, the word that tells what the subject does or is; an -ing word with no helping verb, such as practicing on its own, does not count. Second, ask who or what performs it; that is the subject. Third, look at the first word: if it is a subordinating word such as because or although, the clause is waiting for another clause and cannot stand alone. A word group that passes all three is an independent clause.
In practice
Worked example: three word groups. "The team practiced in the rain": the verb is practiced, the subject is team, and nothing subordinating opens it, so it is a sentence. "Practicing in the rain all week": no subject and no working verb, so it is a fragment. "When the team practiced in the rain": the verb and subject pass, but when opens it, so it cannot stand alone.
Where people slip
The trap is the long word group that feels finished. Detail does not supply a missing subject or verb, and a subordinating word at the front holds back a complete clause however long it runs.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
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