ACT English

How to improve your ACT English score quickly

May 31, 2026 · 6 min read

You can improve your ACT English score quickly by mastering the handful of grammar rules the test repeats, learning to pick the most concise correct answer, and drilling concept quizzes with focused review. English rewards rules over reading, so fast gains are totally realistic.

Why English improves fastest

Unlike Reading, English is rule-based and predictable. The same grammar and rhetoric concepts appear on every test, so once you know them, you can apply them right away. Many students pick up several points in just a few weeks.

Start with the highest-frequency rules

Punctuation and sentence structure account for a big share of questions. Nail those first, then move on to verbs, pronouns, and modifiers. Use the grammar rules tested on the ACT as your checklist.

When in doubt, go shorter

The ACT favors concision. If two answers are grammatically correct and mean the same thing, the shorter one is usually right. Start eliminating redundant and wordy choices on sight.

Read the whole sentence and nearby ones

Many errors only show up in context: verb tense, transitions, and pronoun agreement all depend on surrounding sentences. Don't answer from the underlined portion alone.

Drill, then review relentlessly

Do short, focused English quizzes and review every miss until you can name the rule. thirty-six's concept quizzes and explanations are built for this loop. Track patterns the way you would for any section; see how to study for the ACT.

Push toward the top

Shooting for around a 30 first? See how many questions you can miss for a 30 in English. Once you're consistent, go for perfection with how to get a 36 on ACT English. The last points usually come from concision judgment and the rarest rules.

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.