Tricky SATs grammar question challenges you to add semi-colon to 'rain' sentence

06 June 2024 , 03:00

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This is a tricky test question (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

It's probably many years since you did your Year 6 SATs test - so could you answer this grammar question?

Most of us studied hard for our exams and tests at school - but how much of the information have you used since? While you may more often than not reach for your calculator rather than do a long division by hand, there are certain things you learned at school which isn't needed in everyday life – such as grammar.

Whether it be for when you need to write a cover letter for a job application, which will hopefully convince an employer to give you an interview, or simply to make yourself understood when you're writing a message to someone, grammar is essential. But can you answer the following grammar question from this year's Year 6 SATs grammar test?

Taking to TikTok, Sarah, a lecturer in education at university, often shares tricky questions online so people can test their knowledge. In a recent video, Sarah asked: "Can you answer this question from the 2024 Key Stage 2 SATs grammar test?

"Insert a semi-colon in the correct place in the sentence... 'It was raining heavily she had lost her umbrella the week before'."

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You can find the question below.

Explaining when a semi-colon is used, Sarah, who teaches trainee primary school teachers about English and other languages, added: "So, a semi-colon is used to separate two independent clauses which are closely related in meaning. But there has to be a connection between the first clause and the second clause if you're going to use a semi-colon to join them."

Sarah went on to explain there are two clauses in the sentence. The first one is "it was raining heavily", and the second one is "she had lost her umbrella the week before". She continued: "These are two separate clauses but they are connected by meaning, so the umbrella is related to the fact that it is raining now."

In this case, Sarah explained the semi-colon needs to go between the two clauses. That means the sentence would be as follows: "It was raining heavily; she had lost her umbrella the week before."

While many people guessed the correct answer, some people didn't understand why, and were thankful for Sarah's explanation. One person wrote: "After heavily," while another said: "Separates two main clauses." And a third said: "I got it right but I don't know why!"

Did you get it right? Let us know in the comment section below.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz