Grammar!

1. Grammar! Complete sentences vs. fragments

2. Parts of a complete sentence • Subject – the do-er of the action • Verb/Predicate – the action • A complete sentence is a word or group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. • A sentence fragment is a word or group of words that is punctuated like a sentence but does not contain both a subject and a verb OR does not express a complete thought. • Note: From here on, in your papers when you have an incomplete sentence, I will write “frag” next to it and count it against you as a grammar error.

3. Complete sentence examples • Fragment: Was waiting by the door. [no subject] • Sentence: The gorilla was waiting by the door. • Fragment: The room with the high ceiling. [no verb] • Sentence: The room with the high ceiling echoed with sound of basketballs thudding on the hard wood floors. • Fragment: After you have finished the test. [not a complete thought] • Sentence: After you have finished the test, you may rip it up and throw it away. • Complete fragment activity in grammar packet.

4. Simple subject vs. complete subject • Simple Subject: the main word or word group that tells who or what is doing the action of the sentence or whom or what the sentence is about • Complete Subject: consists of the simple subject and any words, phrases, or clauses that modify the simple subject • Examples: • A triumphant Britney Spears stepped up to the microphone. • Complete Subject: A triumphant Britney Spears • Simple Subject: Britney Spears • Complete the complete subject/simple subject activity in grammar packet.

5. Simple Predicate vs. complete predicate • Simple Predicate/Verb: the main word or word groups that tell something about the subject (what action the subject performs or what the subject is) • Complete Predicate/Verb: consists of a verb and all the words that describe the verb in its complete meaning • Examples: • The ambulance raced out of the hospital driveway and down the street. • Complete Predicate/Verb: raced out of the hospital driveway and down the street • Simple Predicate/Verb: raced • Diego may have borrowed my book. • Complete Predicate/Verb: may have borrowed my book • Simple Predicate/Verb: may have borrowed • Complete the complete subject/simple predicate activity in grammar packet.