Write on target. We can even answer rhetorical questions.

Write on target. We can even answer rhetorical questions. 458-1455 writingcenter.tamu.edu

Grammar & Punctuation for Writers

Comma Splice Error Joining complete sentences (independent clauses) with a comma Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal,they believe in honesty and loyalty.

Run-on Error • Joining complete sentences with no • punctuation • Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal they believe in honesty and loyalty.

To Correct These Errors . . . • Comma + coordinating conjunction [, for and nor but or yet so—Think FANBOYS] Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal, for they believe in honesty and loyalty.

2. Semicolon [;] Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal;they believe in honesty and loyalty. • Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal; in fact, they believe in honesty and loyalty.

3. Period [.] Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal.They believe in honesty and loyalty. • Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal. For they believe in honesty and loyalty.

Transitions with Semicolons Words like however, therefore, in addition, nevertheless, whereas, thuscan be used with semicolons to make transitions. Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal; however, nobody’s perfect. Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal; thus, they have an Honor Code.

Use Coordination for Balance Coordinate sentences have balanced parts that are given equal emphasis. • Two sentences joined by a semi-colon • Two sentences joined by a comma plus a coordinate conjunction (FANBOYS) Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal; they believe in honesty and loyalty.

Subordinate Ideas with Commas Because Aggies believe in honesty and loyalty, they do not lie, cheat or steal. Because they do not lie, cheat or steal, Aggies believe in honesty and loyalty. The emphasis goes to the completesentence (They do not lie, cheat, or steal).

Commas with Who, Which, That If the phrase or clause is essential to the sentence’s meaning, do not use commas. The Aggie wearing the Maroon Out shirtis my brother. • The Aggie who is wearing the Maroon Out shirt is • my brother.

Commas with Who, Which, That • If the word, phrase, or clause is not • essential for your sentence to make the sense you want, use commas. • The Aggie, wearing the Maroon Out shirt,is my brother. • The Aggie, who is wearing the Maroon Out shirt,is my brother.

Commas with Introductory Elements When using an introductory word,phrase, or dependent clause to begin asentence, use a comma. During the last thirteen football seasons, I have seen every Aggie home game. • However, I have seen every Aggie home game.

Agreement of Subject & Verbs Make the subject and verb agree witheach other, and not with the words that come betweenthem. Oneof the most famous Aggies is reviewing the march-in. Several of my friends have vowed never to leave Aggieland.

Agreement of Nouns & Pronouns Make the nouns and the pronouns that refer to it agree. Every Aggiehas promised to uphold his or herpart of the bargain. All Aggies have promised to uphold their part of the bargain.

Dangling Modifiers An introductory modifier should always refer to the subject of the sentence. After carrying themini-fridgeup the dorm stairs, it wouldn’t fit in the doorway to the room. After carrying the mini-fridge up the dorm stairs, the Fish found that it wouldn’t fit in the doorway to the room.

Parallelism In a series, always use the same type of grammatical structure for elements throughout the list. Make themparallel. We learnedAggie yells, sangthe “Aggie War Hymn,” talkedabout the traditions, and made new friends. We had fun learning the Aggie yells, singingthe “Aggie War Hymn,” talking about the traditions, and making new friends. We learned to doAggie yells and to singthe “Aggie War Hymn.”

Active Voice • If the subject of the sentence performs theaction, the verb is in active voice. • The Aggie men’s basketball team beat Colorado’s basketball team this week. • When the actor is more important than the action, use active voice.

Passive Voice • If the subject of the sentence receivesthe action, the verb is in passivevoice. • The tu women’s basketball team was beaten by the Aggies this week. • When the actor is unknown or unimportant or you want to hide the actor, use passive voice.

COSMO gone grammar! What’s he really thinking? The grammar secrets and tricks that will impress him! (page 68) Want to know if you have mastered your skills? Grammatical elements quiz (page 42)

Want to know whether your grammar is top notch or below the belt? Could it be that your poor grammatical skills are keeping your lover away from you? Test your skills and find out whether you have those FANBOYS in love with your ways or if your love life is nothing more than just a run on. 42

Question 1 Which of these three sentences shows the best way to fix a comma splice error?

Question 2 My husband says I speak too quickly. He wants me to write down my sentences. Which of the following is a run-on sentence?

Question 3 At times, I include pointless information in my stories and scare away men. Which of my statements is an example of an unnecessary “who, which, or that” clause?

Question 4 The following sentences are examples of proper and improper use of parallel structure. Which of the following sets of sentences illustrate the MOST proper examples of parallelism?

Question 5 Dangling and misplaced modifiers are bad news for relationships–they can confuse the meaning of your sentences and spark illicit arguments between you and your companion! Select the group of sentences that follows the rules concerning dangling and misplaced modifiers.

Question 6 Sometimes you need to take charge of your love life and be more assertive; the best way to do that is to rid your sentences of passive voice. Which one of these sentences does that best?

Question 7 A good compound sentence, like any good relationship, requires the right kind of connection. Which of these sentences has the best relationship?

Question 8 I have an interview tomorrow, and I need to answer one question perfectly: “What is your greatest strength?”

Don’t Forget We are here to help with any of your writing concerns. Check us out on… 214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Library writingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455

Write on target. We can even answer rhetorical questions.