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Grammar Boot camp Need-to-Know Basics
Warm up Read the following sentences. On your paper, identify whether the sentence is a run-on (RO), fragment (F), or a complete sentence (CS). Then, make changes to them to make a complete sentence. Write the corrected version only on your paper. If the sentence does not give you much detail, you can add your own to make a complete sentence. • Which is why you should go to school. • Until I graduate from high school. • I am eager to start eleventh grade and finally be an upperclassman. • We showed up late and the teacher was mad, but she filled us in on what we missed anyways. • When the fight broke out everyone took out their phones to record it, and Mr. Necessary had to ask the students to leave the area because someone got hurt. • Students, on the other hand.
If a sentence starts with any of the following words, stop and think about whether the sentence expresses a complete thought. Fragments An easy way to identify a fragment is to look at the word(s) a sentence starts with. If a sentence starts with any of the following, it is likely a fragment. Which, because, although, before, while, whether, whenever, unless, if, after, since, when, until, by, as long as, even though, whereas
Independent & dependent clauses Independent Clause: A complete sentence that has a subject and verb. Essentially, it expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself. Ex: I went to school today. My dog ran towards me when I got home. Dependent Clause: A group of words with a subject and a verb that do not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot stand on its own. There are different types of dependent clauses: Adverb clauses, adjective clauses, and noun clauses. Ex: When the president arrives Because I can’t wait for the bus
Run-On Sentences (review & additional info) A sentence is considered a run-on if it joins two independent clauses with a comma or no punctuation at all. A run-on that has two independent clauses joined by a comma is called a comma splice. Examples of run-ons with a comma splice: • My head hurts, I took some advil. • I fell asleep before I finished my homework, I was exhausted yesterday. • Sometimes I like to go to the movies, for example, I saw The Avengers last weekend.
Run-ons continued How to fix a run-on Examples of run-ons without a comma splice: • Ryan loves baseball he talks about the Dodgers all the time. • He told his mom he was going to the football game he went to a party with his friends instead. • Katy was looking forward to summer she loved swimming and going to the beach. One way to fix a run-on is by joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction Some common coordinating conjunctions: For And Nor But Or Yet So (FANBOYS) ALWAYS put a comma before a coordinating conjunction
Practice Using coordinating conjunctions The following sentences are examples of run-ons which have been fixed by using a coordinating conjunction. Examples Run-on: Jane needed to tell him the truth she refused to speak a word. Fixed w/Coordinator: Jane needed to tell him the truth, but she refused to speak a word. Fix the following run-ons on your paper by using a coordinating conjunction • Gracie likes to run Lola prefers to prance. • I am going to sushi I will be ordering all you can eat. • She couldn’t wait to go shopping there were so many sales during the holiday weekend. • Her mom told her she was grounded she pouted in her room all weekend. Remember: f.a.n.b.o.y.s.
Fixing run-ons: subordinating conjunction Run-ons can also be fixed by placing a subordinating conjunction between independent clauses. Use the list of common subordinators to fix run-ons Common Subordinating Conjunctions: Since, When, Although, Because, If (S.W.A.B.I.) Others include:After, as long as, before, even if, even though, if in, once, since, so that, though, unless, until, whenever, wherever, while Example Run-on: Alex can play outside he has to finish his dinner. Corrected: Alex can play outside, as long as he finishes his dinner.
Fixing run-ons-conjunctive adverbs Conjunctive adverbs can also help fix a run-on sentence. Conjunctive adverbs: Special adverbs that show the relationship between two thoughts. They can be found at the beginning, middle, or back of a complete thought. Use the acronym T.H.A.M.O.s to remember common conjunctive adverbs. Examples Jason did not study; therefore, he failed the final. You must complete your homework; otherwise, you will not do well the class. We took popcorn to the movies; Jane also brought sodas. Therefore However Also Meanwhile Otherwise
Fixing run-ons: semicolons A semicolon is used to separate two closely related INDEPENDENT CLAUSES, so long as they are not already separated using a coordinating conjunction or subordinating conjunction. Semicolons should be used sparingly. Examples of run-ons corrected with a semicolon Run-on: Rafael walked Jane to her class he opened the door for her and left. Corrected: Rafael walked Jane to her class; he opened the door for her and left. Run-on: Daisy ran away Lola stayed behind waiting for her return Corrected: Daisy ran away; Lola stayed behind, waiting for her return.
Practice fixing run-ons Correct the following run-ons using a coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction, or semicolon. • Please stop bothering me you are really getting on my nerves. • Sarah didn’t want Stacy at her party she knew it would hurt her feelings if she excluded her. • Alex needed to finish his essay, he stayed at the library all night. • Russell was exhausted after grading makeup work, she stopped at Starbucks in order to make it through work. • He wouldn’t stop talking about girls his behavior annoyed every girl he flirted with.
Dependent clauses & Fragments When a dependent clause is left on its own, it becomes a fragment.To fix a dependent clause, it can often be combined with an independent clause to create a complete sentence. You can also remove the coordinating or subordinating conjunction at the beginning to make a simple, complete sentence. Example: Because I left my backpack at home. Correct: I left my backpack at home. Dependent clauses can occur at the beginning or middle of a sentence. They can act as adjectives, adverbs, or nouns. Adjective Clause: Add more information to a sentence; begin with relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, that, which) or relative adverbs (when, where, why) Examples: Which most people love Whose names are on the list
Types of dependent clauses Noun Clause: A dependent clause that acts as a noun; starts with words such as how, that, what, whatever, when, where, whether, which, whichever, who, whoever, whom, whomever, and why. Examples: Whichever restaurant you pick Whoever interviewed you That I am a hard worker Adverb Clause: Add more info. To a sentence by clarifying when, where, why, how, how much, or under what condition the action in a sentence takes place; begins with a subordinating conjunction Examples: When you get back from your trip After the sun goes down As if her life depended on it
Practice identifying dependent clauses Read the following sentences. Then identify the type of clause that is underlined. On your paper, write the underlined clause and the type (ADVC, ADJC, NC) • Fruit that is grown organically is more expensive. • You must keep practicing the moves until you get it right. • We can go to the mall as soon as my mom gets home. • It is important to think about why we make certain decisions. • On the weekends, we can do whatever we want. • Give me a call when you get home safe.
Punctuation basics You already know what happens when a comma is used incorrectly. Now, let’s talk about proper punctuation & creating more complex sentences using punctuation.
When to use Commas Use a comma... • before any coordinating conjunction (THINK: FANBOYS) that links two independent clauses • After a dependent clause that starts a sentence • To offset appositives* from the rest of the sentence • To separate words or word groups in a series of three or more items • To separate two adjectives *Appositives: a noun or noun phrase that follows another noun or noun phrase in apposition to it; it provides information that further identifies or defines it. Appositives are not necessary for a sentence, but provide additional, helpful information/details. Example: While running, I saw a mallard, a kind of duck. “a kind of duck” is the appositive giving more information about “mallard”
Comma examples • He stormed into his room, and he slammed the door shut. • If you are not sure, please let me know immediately. • The teacher, known for running late, rushed to the meeting. • This week we will talk about grammar, sentence structure, and simple writing rules. • The intelligent, straight A student, worked hard in school. Oxford Commas When using commas to separate words or word groups in a series of three or more words, the last comma in a series is known as an Oxford Comma. Often time, the oxford comma in a simple series is dropped (you will notice this often in magazines and newspapers). However, such omission can lead to confusion. Ex: She had a sandwich, cheese and crackers and water. Adding a comma after crackers would make it clear that cheese and crackers is being grouped together. Thus, the oxford comma is necessary.
Practice Read the following sentences. Rewrite them by including commas in the necessary spots. If no change is needed, write ‘no change.’ • If we hurry we can make the bus. • Since our plan arrived late we slept as soon as we got to the hotel. • I spend most evenings working out doing homework and eating dinner. • After learning grammar rules from Russell her favorite teacher she felt more confident in her writing. • Because he had not been feeling well for a few days he went to the doctor.
Semicolons ; We already know a semicolon can be used to separate two independent clauses. There are other times a semicolon is appropriate as well. • Use between items in a list or series if any of the items include commas or if a list is long. Students can take notes using pen, pencil, and highlighters, which is most common; or they may choose to use ipads, laptops, or phone apps instead. His plan for the date included taking her to a nice dinner; seeing a movie together; getting ice cream; and taking her home by curfew. • When a *conjunctive adverb links two independent clauses together, a semicolon should be used. *Common Conjunctive Adverbs: moreover, nevertheless, however, otherwise, therefore, then, finally, likewise, and consequently
Semicolons ; Example of joining two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb and semicolon: I needed to go for a walk to get some fresh air; I also needed a break from the boring class. The students were advised against plagiarism; however, Trent did not think he would be caught.
Semicolon errors Be careful when using semicolons, as they are not interchangeable with commas. Sometimes, a comma is necessary. Example: Because she uses so much foul language; she offends me. This is incorrect, as these are not two independent clauses. Instead, a comma is needed. Because she uses so much foul language, she offends me.
Colons : • To introduce an item or list, if the list follows an independent clause There are three things you will need for school: a backpack, lined paper, and a pencil. 2. Use between two sentences if the second sentence illustrates or emphasizes the first. Thinking back, our trip to the Bahamas was incredible: we saw some of the clearest water we had ever seen. 3. Use to introduce a bulleted or numbered list There are five important things to remember to be successful in school: • Be on time 3. Be respectful 5. Never give up • Try your hardest 4. Always be prepared
Colons : 4. Use a colon to introduce extended quotations. When doing so, you will not use quotation marks and the quotes will be single spaced. An extended quote is usually anything three lines or more in length (it just depends) 5. Use a colon following a greeting in a formal letter Dear Mr. Ferry: To Whom It May Concern:
Warm Up Correct the following sentences by including proper punctuation. If the sentence is correct, write ‘correct’. • Russell, my favorite teacher is kind of crazy. • Because she wanted a dog she went to the shelter. • He visited his family in Boston every fall, it was his favorite time of the year. • The students knew Mr. Kennedy’s starbucks order, a venti vanilla latte. • He is always late to practice, therefore he was kicked off the team. • It is important to go to school; even though it is not always fun.
Hyphens - • Hyphens are used to join together two words or parts of words to create clarity. Run-down up-to-date 2. Sometimes, a hyphen is used when a prefix is added to a word Co-operate post-colonial anti-nuclear 3. Numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine should also be hyphenated 4. Use a hyphen with a compound modifier before a noun. A compound modifier (also called a phrasal adjective) is made up of two or more words that must be understood as a unit. A dog-friendly hotel A book-loving student A closed-door meeting (Hyphens are only needed when the modifier comes before the noun)
Dashes -- Hyphens and dashes are commonly confused but they are not the same. A dash is longer than a hyphen and is used indicate a range or pause. There are two different kinds: An em dash and an en dash. En Dash: An en dash is approximately the length of a capital ‘N’ They are used when there is a compound modifier that includes a multi-word element that can’t be hyphenated Usher-style dance moves Ms. O’Brien-inspired shoes
Dashes -- The em dash (about the length of an ‘M’) is used to indicate a pause in a sentence. It is stronger than a comma but weaker than a semicolon or period. They can be used to: • Draw special attention to parenthetical (non-essential) information The teacher--who was wearing a black and gold pair of Nikes--started the class with Good Things. • It can be used like a colon to add explanatory or amplifying information I opened the door and there she stood--my long, lost sister. 3. Em dashes can indicate a sudden interruption, particularly in dialogue “Wait! I forgot to tell you--” She hung up the phone and never heard me to tell her how I felt.
Dashes -- Few tips/things to know: • Em dashes are not interchangeable with hyphens • If an em dash is not available on the word processing program you are using, (i.e., Microsoft words, Google docs)use two hyphens put together (--)
Parallelism Example of faulty parallelism: He always prefered talking to listening, and to give rather than to take direction. Correction: He always prefered talking to listening, and giving over taking directions. Two or more phrases or clauses in a sentence that have the same grammatical structure. To avoid faulty parallelism, you do not want to go from active voice to passive voice, from second person to third person, from present tense to past tense, or from a series of adjectives to a noun.
Parallelism practice Read the following sentences and rewrite them in parallel structure. If the sentence does not need to be fixed, write ‘no change.’ • Her main responsibilities were the management of the PR department and to attend trade shows. • The revised plan called for reduced salaries, operating budgets, and longer hours. • Courses are offered in spring, summer, and in fall. • Runners usually like practicing, competing, and to eat ice cream sandwiches. • For dinner we like chicken and to have mashed potatoes.
