Grammar Guide

Grammar guide

Sentences/complete sentence/independent clause

IC: Subject verb “complete thought”

Sentence Errors:

1.Fragments

For dependent clauses

Subordinate Conjunctions: after, although, as, as if, as though, because, before, except, if, since, though, unless, until, when, whereas

2. Run-on: Fused Sentence and Comma Splice

-Dividing them into two complete sentences. Add a period to the end of the first sentence,

and capitalize the first letter in the second sentence.

-By using an appropriate coordinating conjunction and a comma. Coordinating

conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so (FANBOYS).

-Using a semicolon. Semicolons may be used to join independent clauses not joined by

coordinating conjunctions.

Capitalization

1. The first word of a direct quotation. (“We are going home,” said Dad.)

Commas

1. Use commas to set off parenthetical expressions that provide additional information that can be easily removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. (Reserved seats are an extra cost, according to the brochure.  The actors, I believe, are not ready for the show.)
2. Use a comma to set off two or more introductory prepositional phrases (prepositions-often give us more information about time, place, and movement: in, before, after, at, down, across, inside, out, outside, for, by, on, between, behind, under, around, against, near, through, throughout), when the prepositional phrase is very long (four words or more), or when a comma is needed to make the meaning clear. (In the late fall of 1991, Mr. Jordan was elected mayor. After her incredibly complicated and exhaustingly emotional day, the grieving woman cried herself to sleep.  On Friday, Freddy, Frank, and Frodo went to the movies. )
3. Use a comma or set of commas to set off too in a sentence when too means also. (Air pollution, too, causes problems.)

Commas in sentence structure

Use a comma when writing a complex sentence in which the subordinate clause precedes the independent clause. Subordinate clauses will begin with subordinate conjunctions such as: after, although, as, as soon as, because, before, even though, except, if, since, so that, than, that,  though, unless, when, where, while, or until.  (As soon as it stops raining, we will leave for the beach. We will leave for the beach as soon as it stops raining. )

Semicolons

1. Use semicolons when writing compound sentences using a conjunctive adverb or transitional words or phrases. Some of the conjunctive adverbs are accordingly, also, besides, consequently, finally, furthermore, hence, however, instead, moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, similarly, still, therefore, thus.   Common transitional words include as a result, for example, in addition, in fact, in other words, on the other hand. (I have not had much time to devote to my studies; nevertheless, I take a major test on Tuesday. I have been spending all of my free time watching videos; as a result, I have not read my novel.)
2. Use semicolons instead of commas between items in a series if the items themselves contain commas. (Next week the President will visit Norfolk, Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio, and San Antonio, Texas.)

Quotations

1. Use a period at the end of explanatory words that come at the end of a sentence. (“What were you thinking?” asked my mother.)

2. Use a comma to separate a direct quotation from the explanatory words. (Stephan explained, “I think we’ll be late for class due to the traffic.”) If the introduction to the quote is an independent clause, use a colon. (She offered the following advice: “Don’t drink the water.”) Do not use a comma if the quote is made a part of the sentence itself. (She said that “it was fine.”)

3. Commas and periods always go inside the quotation marks, and colons and semicolons go outside. (“There was a storm last night,” Paul said. “There was a storm last night”; he said this with fear in his voice.)

Words

COMPLEMENT-noun, something that completes; verb, to complete
ex: Orange juice complements eggs and French toast any day

 COMPLIMENT-noun, praise; verb, to praise
ex: I complimented the girl on her dress, and she blushed

CONSCIENCE-sense of right and wrong
ex: My conscience is telling me not to steal the baby’s food

CONSCIOUS-awake
ex: I am not fully conscious until about midday

EMINENT-famous, respected
ex: up in coming eminent artist Chance the Rapper received 3 Grammys
IMMANENT-inherent or intrinsic

ex: Her beauty was immanent because she was born with a beautiful matter.

  IMMINENT-ready to take place
ex: Tension was imminent as soon as my aunt walked in.