Sentence Structure and Punctuation

1. Sentence Structure and Punctuation

2. Sentence • A sentence is a group of words expressing a complete thought. • Has 5 characteristics • Starts with an uppercase letter and ends with a punctuation mark attached to the final word • Has a subject. • Has a verb. • Has standard word order. • Has an independent clause (a subject and verb that can stand alone).

3. Clauses • Independent could stand by themselves as discrete sentences, except that when they do stand by themselves, separated from other clauses, they're normally referred to simply as sentences, not clauses. • Dependent cannot stand by themselves and make good sense. They must be combined with an independent clause so that they become part of a sentence that can stand by itself.

4. Avoid Fragments • A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence, an error that occurs when a sentence is missing either a verb or an independent clause. • To correct a sentence fragment, use two of the following strategies: • Introduce a verb. • Link the fragment to an independent clause.

5. Fixing Fragments • Introduce a verb. • Fragment: The pressure loss caused by a worn gasket. • How would you fix this sentence? • The pressure loss was caused by a worn gasket. • Link the Fragment. • Ex: The article was rejected for publication. Because the data could not be verified. • Which sentence is the fragment? • How would you fix it?

6. Subject-Verb Agreement • The subject and verb of a sentence must agree in number, even when a prepositional phrase comes between them. • If the subject is singular/plural, the verb must be singular/plural. • Sentence 1: The result of the tests are promising. • Sentence 2: The result of the tests is promising. • Which sentence is correct?

7. Comma • The comma is the most frequently used punctuation mark. • Uses: • In a compound sentence • To separate items in a series composed of three or more elements • To separate introductory words, phrases, and clauses from the main clause of the sentence • To separate a dependent clause from the main clause

8. Avoid Comma Splice • A comma splice is an error that occurs when two independent clauses are joined together by a comma. • Can be corrected 3 ways • Use a comma and coordinating conjunction (and, or, nor, but, for, so, or yet). • Use a semicolon. • Use a period or another form of terminal punctuation. • Ex: The 909 printer is our most popular model, it offers an unequaled blend of power and versatility.

9. Period. • Uses: • At the end of sentences that do not ask questions or express strong emotion (Declarative Sentence) • Abbreviations

10. Question Mark? • Used at the end of a sentence that asks a direct question (Interrogative Sentence)

11. Exclamation Point ! • Used at the end of a sentence that expresses strong emotion. (Exclamatory Sentence)

12. Semicolons ; • Use a semicolon to separate independent clauses not linked by a coordinating conjunction • The second edition of the handbook is more up-to-date; however, it is also more expensive. • Use semicolon to separate items in a series that already contains commas • The members elected three officers: Jack Resnick, president; Carol Wayshum, vice president; Ahmed Jamoogian, recording secretatry.

13. Colons : • Use a colon to introduce a word, phrase, or clause that amplifies, illustrates, or explains a general statement. • The project team lacked one crucial member: a project leader. • Use a colon to introduce items in a vertical list if the sense of the introductory test would be incomplete without the list • We found the following: • Potassium • Cyanide • Asbestos • Use a colon to introduce long or formal quotations • The president began: “In the last year…”

14. Hyphen - • Use hyphens to form compound adjectives that precede nouns • General-purpose register • Use hyphens to form some compound nouns • Go-between • Use hyphens to form fractions and compound numbers • One-half • Use hyphens to attach some prefixes and suffixes • Post-1945 • Use hyphens to divide a word at the end of a line • We will meet in the pavil- • ion in one hour

15. Dashes -- • To make a dash use two uninterrupted hyphens • Use dash to set off a sudden change in thought or tone. • Ex: The committee found—can you believe this?—that the company bore full responsibility for the accident. • Use dash to emphasize a parenthetical element • Ex: The managers’ reports—all 10 of them—recommend production cutbacks for the coming year. • Use dash to set off an introductory series from its explanation • Ex: Wet suits, weight belts, tanks—everything will have to be shipped in.

16. Quotation Marks “” • Used to indicate titles of short works. • Smith’s essay “Solar Heating Alternatives” was short but informative. • Used to call attention to a word or phrase used in an unusual way or in an unusual context. • A proposal is “wired” if the sponsoring agency has already decided who will be granted the contract. • Used to indicate a direct quotation • “In the future,” he said, “check with me before authorizing any large purchases.”

17. Parentheses () • Used to set off incidental information. • Ex: Galileo (1564-1642) is often considered the father of modern astronomy. • Used to enclose numbers and letters that label items listed in a sentence • Ex: To transfer a call within the office, (1) place the party on HOLD, (2) press TRANSFER, (3) press the extension number, and (4) hang up.

18. Apostrophes ‘ • Used to indicate possession. • Ex: the manager’s lounge • Used to form contractions • Ex: I’ve • Shouldn’t • It’s

19. Avoid Run-Ons • In a run-on sentence, two independent clauses appear together with no punctuation between them. • Can be corrected in the same three ways as a comma splice.

20. Homework • Grammar Worksheet Packet • Due 6/28