NO CHANGE is correct on ACT English when the underlined portion is already grammatically sound and the other four choices each introduce a real error—not because you are unsure or because the sentence sounds fine at a glance. Roughly a quarter to a third of questions use NO CHANGE as the right answer, but you still have to earn it by eliminating alternatives.
When NO CHANGE is right
- The underlined text follows punctuation and grammar rules.
- Every alternative breaks a rule or changes meaning incorrectly.
- Shorter choices are wrong because they drop needed words or create fragments—not because NO CHANGE is "lazy."
Question-type context: ACT English question types.
When students pick NO CHANGE too often
- They skim alternatives and assume the original must be fine.
- They fear concision and skip the shortest correct fix—see redundancy and wordiness.
- They confuse NO CHANGE with DELETE—the underlined portion stays when you choose NO CHANGE.
A reliable workflow
- Read the sentence with NO CHANGE as written.
- Test each alternative for grammar, punctuation, and meaning.
- If one alternative is clearly better, pick it—even if NO CHANGE felt safe.
- Choose NO CHANGE only when every other option fails a concrete test.
NO CHANGE vs DELETE
DELETE removes the underlined portion entirely. NO CHANGE keeps it exactly as printed. Add/delete rhetoric questions use DELETE when the sentence is redundant or off-topic—guide: ACT English add/delete questions.
Drill tip
On missed questions where you picked NO CHANGE, rewrite why each alternative was wrong. If you cannot name the error in at least three choices, you guessed. Pair with common ACT English mistakes.
Start practicing
Start with a free diagnostic, then drill your weak spots with 15-question quizzes and track how you're doing across Reading, English, and Math. Compare plans whenever you're ready to go further.
This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.