120 likes | 420 Views
Grammar and Punctuation Agreement, Semi-Colon, and Comma Usage. By: Colin Henderson, Maria Lusso, Olivia Migliori, and Shannon Hurley. Stated Lesson Objective:.
E N D
Grammar and PunctuationAgreement, Semi-Colon, and Comma Usage. By: Colin Henderson, Maria Lusso, Olivia Migliori, and Shannon Hurley
Stated Lesson Objective: • Students will be able to integrate correct rules of grammar and punctuation in regards to agreement and semi-colon and comma usage in English Composition.
Agreement • Can be described as the relationship between the subject and verb or the pronoun and antecedent in a sentence. • Basic rule: If you have a singular subject, you will have a singular verb. If you have a plural subject, you will have a plural verb. • Good: I am a potato. • Bad: We is potatoes.
Agreement • Collective nouns are generally singular. • This includes “everyone” and “everybody.” • Good: Everybody is bumptious. • Bad: Everybody are bumptious. • Good: The family has never been very close. • Bad: The family have never been very close.
Semi-Colons • Connect two related and independent clauses. • Add variety to sentence structure. • Can be used as a stylistic choice. • Good: It was below zero; Squiggly wondered if he would freeze to death. • Bad: It was below zero; Squiggly had pizza for dinner.
Semi-Colons • Almost never used with coordinating conjunctions. • Exception: a list of items used with commas. • Example: This week’s winners are Herbie in Des Moines, Iowa; Matt in Irvine, California; and Jan in Seattle, Washington. • Often used with conjunctive adverbs such as “therefore” and “however.” • Example: Squiggly doesn’t mind doing the extra work; however, he would like to be thanked.
Commas • The most versatile and misused punctuation mark in the English language. • The Oxford or serial comma may or may not be used, depending upon the stylistic intent of the author. • Good: Hank likes chocolate, vanilla, and coconut. • Also Good: Hank likes chocolate, vanilla and coconut.
Commas • Commas are used between commas if “and” can be put between them. • Example: The customer was served the large, succulent steak. • Beware of comma splices (connecting two independent clauses with only a comma). • Commas are needed to separate nonessential elements from the rest of the sentence. • Example: My father, an ex-detective, stayed curious and investigative throughout his retirement.
Citation • Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty.