Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

· Parts of Speech………………………………………………………….3

· Nouns

· Pronouns

· Verbs

· Adjectives

· Adverbs

· Conjunctions

· Prepositions

· Identifying the Subject and Verb of a Sentence……………………...14

· Fragments……………………………………………….……………….20

· Run-on Sentences…………………….………………………………………….24

· Phrases, Clauses, and Sentence Types…………………….………..29

· Commas…………………….……………………………………………36

· Active Voice vs. Passive Voice…………………….…………………..43

· Subject-Verb Agreement…………………….………………………….47

· Pronoun Problems …………………….………………………………..52

· Commonly Misused Words…………………….……………………….58

· Capitalization…………………….……………………………………….64

· Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers……………………………………..67

PARTS OF SPEECH

1. A NOUN is a person, place, thing, feeling, or idea.

· A proper noun is the name of a particular person (Chase Utley), place (Havertown), or thing (Friday) and is always capitalized.

· A common noun is any noun that does not name a particular person, place, thing, or idea and is not capitalized in English unless it is the first word of a sentence. Examples: child, country, rainbow, happiness, winter, etc.

Hints for identifying nouns:

· If you can make the word plural, it is a noun.

· Ex. The word cat is a noun. You can have one cat (singular) or you have multiple cats (plural).

· If you can make a word possessive, it is a noun.

· Ex. The word cat is a noun. The cat’s (possessive) tail belongs to him.

· When you are unsure what part of speech a word is, the letters at the end of the word can sometimes help you figure it out:

COMMON NOUN ENDINGS

-ness

-ity

-ism

-tion

-ence

-ist

-ment

-ance

NOUN PRACTICE

Directions: Underline all the nouns in each sentence.

1. Paul used lanterns to explore the cave’s waterfalls, underground streams, stalagmites, and other fascinating formations.

2. Jeff bought a house and had it redesigned and renovated.

3. Computer science is the study of computers and their functions.

4. Amy invited us to the party.

5. I did not understand the question he asked me.

6. Both of his children are in the play.

7. I cannot believe that Mrs. Jenkins approved the proposal.

8. She is a strong believer in positive thinking.

9. Each community has more needs than it can meet.

10. Nearly everyone enjoys a good book.

11. The library sent me the additional materials.

12. She will go with us to New York.

13. Her older brother is also a painter.

14. The innkeeper led her down a long hallway.

15. We often have lunch at the museum.

2. A PRONOUN is a word that takes the place of a noun. The noun which is replaced is known at the antecedent. The antecedent should be identified, either in the same sentence or in a previous sentence within the paragraph, before a pronoun is used.

There are 3 different kinds of personal pronouns:

· 1st person pronouns refer to the speaker(s) or writer(s)

· 2nd person pronouns refer to the person or people being spoken or written to

· 3rd person pronouns refer to the person or people being spoken or written about

PERSONAL PRONOUNS

1st Person

2nd Person

3rd Person

Singular

I, me, my, mine, myself

You, your, yours, yourself

He, him, his, himself

She, her, hers, herself

It, its, itself

Plural

We, us, our, ours

You, your, yours

They, them, their theirs, themselves

PRONOUN PRACTICE

Directions: Underline all the personal pronouns in each sentence. Above each pronoun that you underlined, identify which type of personal pronoun it is (1st, 2nd, or 3rd person).

1. How did you hurt yourself?

2. I am having battery trouble with my car.

3. The realtor will send you pictures of our house in the mountains.

4. She is a woman of influence.

5. At first, we did not understand what the professor was saying.

6. Yesterday, I mailed her gift to her house.

7. Can you go to Washington with us?

8. My dog wags its tail emphatically when I came home from work.

9. Both of them love to ski.

10. I cannot do this project by myself.

3. A VERB is a word that shows action or being.

There are two kinds of verbs: Action verbs and “To be” verbs.

1. Action Verbs (run, jump, swim, eat, etc.)

2. “To Be” Verbs

TO BE VERBS

am

were

isbe

are

being

was

been

“To be” verbs can be used in two different ways. When a “to be” verb is used by itself, it is called a linking verb because it links the subject to the rest of the sentence.

Example: John was happy when he passed his driver’s test.

( the “to be” verb was links John to the adjective that describes John, happy.

When a “to be” verb is used in combination with an action verb, it is called a helping verb.

Example: The strikers were hoping for a quick settlement

(You could not correctly say, “The strikers hoping for a quick settlement.” The action verb hoping needs the help of the to be verb were.

Hints for identifying verbs:

· You can tell that a word is a verb if you can change the tense:

I verbed yesterday. (past tense)

I am verbing right now. (present tense)

I will verb tomorrow. (future tense)

Let’s use the action verb “play” as an example:

I played yesterday. (past tense)

I am playing right now. (present tense)

I will play tomorrow. (future tense)

· When you are unsure what part of speech a word is, the letters at the end of the word can sometimes help you figure it out:

COMMON ACTION VERB ENDINGS

-ate

-ize

-ify

VERB PRACTICE

Directions: Underline all the verbs in each sentence. Above each verb that you underlined, identify what kind of verb it is (action verb, linking verb, or helping verb)

1. Storytelling is a rare art form.

2. Angie’s sweater was ruined in the washing machine.

3. Many varieties of flowers are planted in the back yard.

4. Magnolia trees are cherished for their sweet smell and their soothing shade.

5. The student council approved the two proposals.

6. The homecoming parade is one of the most exciting events of the year.

7. The Treaty of Paris of 1783 ended the American Revolution.

8. The committee will interview the candidates tomorrow.

9. The rain pelted the windows and soaked the lawn throughout the night.

10. I am having guests over to my house for the holidays.

11. The first American coal mine opened in Virginia in 1750.

12. My brother painted his house last summer.

13. She will meet you at the airport.

14. Pam’s cake will be the only chocolate cake at the bake sale.

15. Our class was given an extra week to complete our research papers.

4. An ADJECTIVE is a word that describes a noun or pronoun.

Hints for identifying adjectives:

· If the word answers the question, “What kind of noun?” it is an adjective

· Ex. Martin Luther King Jr. was an eloquent speaker during the Civil Rights Movement.

( What kind of speaker was Martin Luther King Jr.?

( Answer: An eloquent speaker. (Eloquent is an adjective that tells us more about the noun “speaker”)

· If you can form superlatives of the word by adding the letters “er” or “est” to the end of the word, it is an adjective.

· Ex. My dog is fast.

· Ex. My dog is faster than Sean’s dog.

· Ex. My dog is the fastest dog in my neighborhood.

( Fast, faster, and fastest are all adjectives.

· When you are unsure what part of speech a word is, the letters at the end of the word can sometimes help you figure it out:

COMMON ADJECTIVE ENDINGS

-ous

-ish

-able

-ary

-ial

-ful

ADJECTIVE PRACTICE

Directions: Underline all the adjectives in the paragraph below. Then, draw an arrow from each adjective to the noun it is modifying or describing.

Paul ran across the wet, soddened fields, pushing through the thick hedges. It took him several minutes to come to the pond. He stood on the steep bank, breathing heavily. His watchful eyes searched the dark water. Then he saw the green lizard lurking beneath the surface of the water. He slowly ventured into the murky water to try to catch the lizard. The bottom was slippery, and he fell with a cold splash. As he stirred, he could smell the cold, rotten clay that lay on the bottom of the pond. It was objectionable in his lungs. Still, determined to catch the evasive lizard, he moved deeper into the pond. The lower part of his body was sunk into the dense clay. The bottom was so soft and uncertain that he was afraid to venture any further. The lucky lizard slithered away as Paul ran home to get a warm shower before dinner.

5. An ADVERB is a word that describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

Hints for identifying adverbs:

· Most adverbs end in the letters “ly.”

ADVERB PRACTICE

Directions: In each of the following sentences, underline all the adjectives once. Underline all the adverbs twice. Draw an arrow to the word that each adjective and adverb is describing.

Example: Her hair is too long.

1. Nick and Laura arrived at the summer house quite early.

2. She was unusually quiet tonight.

3. The professor solved the difficult problem quickly.

4. I have been here nearly three months.

5. The realtor showed us a very level piece of land.

6. A mango is a yellowish tropical fruit with firm skin and a hard stem.

7. Educational videos are becoming increasingly popular.

8. Aftershocks following earthquakes are very alarming and frequently cause damage.

9. At the party, he was extremely rude to everyone.

10. I spotted her bright auburn hair immediately.

11. The class enjoys Professor Mallard’s wit.

12. Suddenly a long silence was broken.

13. Does the milk taste sour to you?

14. Our crew works well together.

15. Did you see that she looked very angry?

6. A CONJUNCTION is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.

COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS (FANBOYS)

For

or

Andyet

nor

so

but

CONJUNCTION PRACTICE

Directions: Underline all of the conjunctions in the sentences below.

1. While he was climbing in the Alps, Clyde lost his footing and nearly fell.

2. Mr. Bell said that either Ross or I would attend next week’s meeting.

3. We went to the park, for it was a beautiful day.

4. Alice will go to Paris next year, and she will study French language and literature.

5. I went to Paris and learned French.

6. The football players did not win the game, nor did they score any points.

7. The dogs barked all night, but they did not bother me.

8. We can stay home and watch TV or go out to the movies tonight.

9. All the leaders came to the summit meeting, yet they did not reach an agreement.

10. Henry inherited some money from his grandmother, so he decided to go on a long trip to Europe.

Directions: Underline all of the conjunctions in the paragraph below.

Many people anxiously look forward to summer, but they are not always aware of the precautions they should take. One of the best ways to protect the skin from overexposure to the sun is to use sunscreen. Sunscreens come in all types, and the buyer should look for a few specific ingredients before choosing a sunscreen. Sun protection factors (SPF) are extremely important, for they indicate how long a person can stay in the sun without burning. An SPF 15 sunscreen works well for most people, yet it is probably not enough protection for people with fair skin. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher are said to be the most effective, so sunbathers should carefully read the labels of each type of sunscreen to ensure that the sunscreen they choose is both safe and effective.

7. A PREPOSITION shows a relationship between a noun and another word in a sentence.

By itself, a word like "in" or "after" is rather meaningless and hard to define. For instance, when you do try to define a preposition like "between," you inevitably have to use your hands to show how something is situated in relationship to something else.

Example: The girls’ soccer team played on the new field.

( On shows the relationship between the noun field and the verb played.

COMMON PREPOSITIONS

about

beside

into

toward

above

besides

near

under

across

between

of

until

after

beyond

off

up

against

by

on

upon

around

down

out

with

at

during

outside

without

before

except

over

according to

before

for

since

because of

behind

from

through

in addition to

below

in

throughout

in front of

beneath

inside

to

instead of

Every preposition has an object. The object of a preposition can be a noun, a pronoun, or a phrase that is acting as a noun. The object of a preposition usually answers one of the following questions: What? Who? Where? Together, the preposition and its object form what is called a prepositional phrase.

Ex. The mockingbird woke me [with its beautiful song].

( The mockingbird woke me with what?

( Answer: its beautiful song

Ex. I went [to the mall] [with my friends].

( I went to where?

( Answer: the mall

( I went with who?

( Answer: my friends

EXAMPLE

Consider the professor's desk and all the prepositional phrases we can use while talking about it. The prepositions are in italics, and the object of the preposition is underlined.

The professor can sit on the desk or behind the desk, and then his feet are under the desk. He can stand beside the desk, or he can stand between the desk and the class. He can even stand on the desk if he's really strange. If he's clumsy, he can bump into the desk, which would probably cause books to fall off the desk. During his lectures, he rests his elbows upon the desk and looks across the desk at the class. Because he thinks of nothing except the desk, sometimes you wonder about the desk. What is in the desk? What did he pay for the desk? Could he live without the desk? You can walk toward the desk, around the desk, by the desk, and even past the desk while he sits at the desk or leans against the desk.

All of this happens, of course, in time: during the class, before the class, until the class, throughout the class, after the class, etc.

PREPOSITIONS PRACTICE

Directions: Circle each preposition and underline the object of that preposition. Remember, the preposition and the object of the preposition together make up what is called a prepositional phrase.

        Francis Macomber was carried to his tent from the edge of the camp in triumph on the arms and shoulders of the cook, the personal boys, the skinner and the porters. The gun-bearers had taken no part in the demonstration. When the native boys put Francis down at the door of his tent, he shook all their hands, received their congratulations, and then went into the tent and sat on the bed until his wife came in. She did not speak to him when she entered the tent because she did not agree with his demonstration. He did not want her to ruin his mood, so he left the tent at once to wash his face and hands in the portable wash basin. Then, he walked to the dining tent to sit in a comfortable canvas chair in the shade. After he had sat there for an hour, his wife stormed out of the tent and scolded Francis for his immature behavior. Francis simply looked at his wife and smiled.

PARTS OF SPEECH REVIEW

Directions: Below is a list of word endings. Using your knowledge of common endings, identify which part of speech a word that ends on those letters probably is.

1. ness ______________

7. tion ______________

13. ism ______________

2. ate ______________

8. ence______________

14. ance ______________

3. ify ______________

9. ous ______________

15. ly ______________

4. ment ______________

10. ity ______________

16. ist ______________

5. ial ______________

11. ize ______________

6. ful ______________

12. able ______________

Directions: Answer each question below using your knowledge of parts of speech.

1. Which part of speech connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences?

_______________

2. If you can make a word plural, what part of speech is it?

_______________

3. Which part of speech shows action or being?

_______________

4. Which part of speech describes a noun?

_______________

5. If you can make a word possessive, what part of speech is it?

_______________

6. Which part of speech describes a verb, an adjective, or an adverb?

_______________

7. If you can change the tense (past tense, present tense, future tense, etc.) of a word, what part of speech is it?

_______________

8. Which part of speech shows a relationship between a noun and another word in the sentence?

_______________

9. If the word answers the question, “What kind of noun?” what part of speech is it?

_______________

10. Which part of speech takes the place of a noun?

_______________

11. If you can form superlatives by adding the letters “er” and “est” to the end of a word, what part of speech is it?

_______________

12. There are seven coordinating conjunctions. List them below:

13. There are eight “to be” verbs. List them below:

Directions. Identify the part of speech of the underlined word in each sentence below. Be sure that you pay attention to how the underlined word is functioning in each sentence, as some words can be different parts of speech depending on how they are used.

1. Henry nearly collapsed in the locker room after his workout.

_______________

2. Many companies are having difficulty recruiting qualified employees.

_______________

3. Employees in the business world spend many hours in company classrooms.

_______________

4. He is in New York for a business meeting.

_______________

5. Last Saturday, my uncle made a hole in one.

_______________

6. The United States has the highest rate of illiteracy of any industrialized country.

_______________

7. We walked and shopped all day.

_______________

8. Althea Wilson studied art while growing up in Africa.

_______________

9. Can you bring me a quart of milk from the store?

_______________

10. The lilies and the daisies were breathtakingly beautiful this spring.

_______________

11. The committee carefully analyzed each proposal.

_______________

12. Careers in the military are becoming increasingly more attractive to young people.

_______________

13. I really love this house.

_______________

14. How many textbooks did you buy for your history class?

_______________

15. Mary and Paul are living in a stilt house on Pawley Island.

_______________

LOCATING THE SUBJECT AND VERB

In order for a sentence to be a complete sentence, it needs to have 3 things:

1. A verb

2. A subject

3. A complete thought

1. The verb is the action of the sentence. There are a few helpful hints to keep in mind as you try to identify the verb of a sentence:

a) If you cannot find an action verb, look for one of the to be verbs.

TO BE VERBS

am

were

isbe

are

being

was

been

b) The verb will never be in a dependent clause (see notes on next page)

c) The verb will never be in a prepositional phrase

d) There may be a compound verb, which means that the subject may be doing more than one action.

S V V

Ex. They plan parties for other people and provide all the refreshments.

2. The subject of a sentence is always a noun. The subject is the person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something. You can find the subject of a sentence if you can find the verb. Ask the question, "Who or what is doing the action?" and the answer to that question is the subject. Remember to look for one of the “to be” verbs if you cannot find an action verb. There are a few helpful hints to keep in mind as you try to identify the subject of a sentence:

a) The subject of a command, order, or suggestion — you, the person being directed — is usually left out of the sentence and is considered to be the understood subject even though the word “you” does not appear in the sentence:

Ex. [You] Keep up with the group or we'll leave you behind!

b) The subject will never be in a dependent clause (see notes on next page)

c) The subject will never be in a prepositional phrase

d) There may be a compound subject, which means that there may be more than one person, place, idea, or thing that is doing the action of the sentence.

Ex. Ellen and Karla started their own part-time business.

3. In order for a sentence to have a complete thought, it needs to make sense without the help of the sentence before it or the sentence after it.

DEPENDENT CLAUSES

A dependent clause is a group of words that begins with a dependent word (see chart below for some examples). A dependent clause by itself is not a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. For instance, below is a dependent clause that begins with the word because.

Because there was a mosquito in the room.

The dependent clause by itself is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought. It leaves the reader expecting something more. The writer must follow through in the same sentence and tell what happened because there was a mosquito in the room. In the sentence below, the writer has corrected the fragment by completing the thought in one sentence.

Because there was a mosquito in the room, I could not fall asleep.

COMMON DEPENDENT WORDS

after

although

because

before

even if

if

since

that

unless

until

what

when

which

while

who

**Note: The subject and verb of a sentence will never be in a dependent clause.

Dependent Clause S V

Ex. Although David tried to appear calm, his trembling hands gave him away.

S V Dependent Clause

Ex. The commuters drank coffee while they waited for the bus to arrive.

EXERCISE 1

Directions: Remember, the subject and verb of the sentence will NOT be part of a dependent clause. Put [brackets] around the dependent clause in each sentence. Then, label the subject and verb in each sentence.

Example: Because the couple both came down with measles they had to postpone their wedding.

S V

Answer: [Because the couple both came down with measles,] they had to postpone their wedding.

COMMON DEPENDENT WORDS

after

although

because

before

even though

if

since

that

unless

until

what

when

which

while

who

1. Even though David tried to appear calm, his trembling hands gave him away.

2. The customer waited impatiently while the clerk slowly filled his grocery bags.

3. Although my doctor can seem cold and distant, he cares deeply for his patients.

4. When the boy in “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” was finally telling the truth, nobody believed him.

5. Smoke alarm batteries should be checked often since smoke alarms are important to a family’s safety.

6. Even though the flashlight was very bright, its beams still could not reach the back of the deep cave.

7. The commuters were drinking coffee and reading the newspaper when the bus arrived.

8. After the Walmart opened in town, a lot of the stores on Main Street went out of business.

9. If school gets cancelled due to snow, we will build a snowman in the yard.

EXERCISE 2

Directions: The subject and verb of a sentence will NOT be part of a prepositional phrase. Cross out all of the prepositional phrases in each sentence. Then, label the subject and verb of the sentence.

Example: For the first time this year, Lilian left for school before 7:15.

S V

Answer: For the first time this year, Lilian left for school before 7:15.

1. We ate all the Christmas candy except the peppermint sticks.

2. In the closet, you will find your boots.

3. You cannot come through the window.

4. Mario is not serious about his work.

5. We were on a narrow dirt road when we found the fawn.

6. I remember my first experience at a haunted house.

7. Jeff’s treehouse is behind the barn.

8. After the game, we went home and ate dinner in our newly remodeled kitchen.

9. Instead of using flashcards to study for the test, I made an outline with all the important information from the chapter.

10. It is essential that you turn off the water before you work on the pipes.

11. Nikki waited in the supermarket checkout line for nearly half an hour.

12. A dog with muddy paws bounded across the clean kitchen floor.

EXERCISE 3

Directions: A sentence may have a compound subject, a compound verb, or both a compound subject and a compound verb. Label the subject and verb in each sentence below.

1. Tulips, daffodils, and azaleas bloom among the debris in the urban park.

2. The car’s motor coughed once and refused to start.

3. Accounting and computer science are very practical majors but require a lot of work.

4. Twisted belts and mismatched shoes lay in a pile on the closet floor.

5. The author of the popular children’s book and her husband attended the book signing, sipped coffee, and chatted with visitors.

6. Without a word, Bob and Susan left the office, turned the corner, and never looked back.

7. Even though they stayed outside all night, John and Jill still did not see Haley’s Comet in the sky because it was cloudy.

8. The tree in the backyard looks and smells beautiful when it is flowering.

9. My mother’s vase and her favorite porcelain mug shattered because my brother was throwing the baseball in the house.

10. Several small stores and restaurants moved to the suburbs when the mall was built.

11. The service agreement for the copy machine covered the cost of all the repairs, which made it possible for the school district to stay within its annual budget.

12. From my bedroom window, I can watch all the games on the high school football field and cheer for my favorite players.

13. During the summer, reports of several shark attacks prevented people from swimming in the ocean.

14. Bob and Susan enjoy eating, socializing, and relaxing on the weekend.

15. The young couple stood in front of the jewelry store for a long time and admired the diamond rings.

EXERCISE 4

Directions: Use all of your knowledge in identifying subjects and verbs to label the subject and verb in each sentence below. Remember:

a) The subject of a command is understood to be you even if the word you does not appear in the sentence.

b) The subject and verb will never be in a dependent clause.

c) The subject and verb will never be in a prepositional phrase.

d) There may be a compound subject, compound verb, or both.

e) If you cannot find an action verb, look for a to be verb (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been)

1. My brother plays computer games until well past midnight on a regular basis.

2. The bus left two hours after its scheduled departure time and was late for its next stop.

3. Without a doubt, Ramon will win the race.

4. Some students have had a terrible case of the flu for two weeks.

5. The stars in the cloudless sky seem especially bright tonight.

6. That freshly baked apple pie on the kitchen counter smells heavenly.

7. The boss’s temper tantrums are impossible to ignore.

8. Our neighbors have complained about the old car in our front yard.

9. Some people can never forget an insult.

10. When the weather is warm, homeless people do not come to the homeless shelter as often as when the weather is cold.

11. The tree in the backyard looks dead.

12. It always relaxes me to walk along the path around the lake.

13. My roommate and I like to eat chocolate ice cream and talk about our classes.

FRAGMENTS

As you know, in order for a sentence to be complete, it needs to have 3 things:

1. A verb

2. A subject

3. A complete thought

Any group of words that is missing one or more of these 3 things (subject, verb, and/or complete thought) is called a fragment.

SEEING WHAT YOU KNOW

Directions: Now that you are an expert in locating the subject and verb of a sentence, let’s see Underline the statement in each item that you think is a fragment. Then, correct the fragment by making it a complete sentence with a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. There may be more than one correct way to fix a fragment.

1. After the shopping mall opened. Several local stores went out of business.

2. The nursing student poked my arm four times. Trying to take a blood sample. I was beginning to feel like a pin cushion.

3. Some young people are learning old-fashioned dances. Such as the waltz, polka, and lindy.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANSWERS

1. After the shopping mall opened is a fragment because the writer does not follow through and complete the thought by telling us what happened after the shopping mall opened.

S V

Correct: After the shopping mall opened, several local stores went out of business.

2. Trying to take a blood sample is a fragment because it lacks both a subject and a verb, and it does not express a complete thought.

S V

Correct: The nursing student poked my arm four times while trying to take a

S V

blood sample. I was beginning to feel like a pin cushion.

3. Such as the waltz, polka, and lindy is a fragment because it lacks both a subject and a verb, and it does not express a complete thought.

S V

Correct: Some young people are learning old-fashioned dances such as the waltz, polka, and lindy.

EXERCISE 1

Directions: Underline any group of words that is a fragment and re-write it in the space provided to make it a complete sentence. Then, label the subject and verb in your corrected sentence. There may be more than one correct way to fix a fragment.

1. Often barking all night. The neighbor’s dog has become a serious nuisance.

2. After last week’s heat and humidity. Today’s cold and rainy weather is actually a relief.

3. The restaurant specializes in Mexican food. Including burritos, tacos, and refried beans.

4. The full, silver moon rose in the sky. And cast its magical light over the countryside.

5. Hundreds of people called the radio station. Hoping to win the concert tickets.

6. Although Seattle is a beautiful city. It has many gray, rainy days.

7. No one could believe the honor student had committed the crime. Especially his family.

8. The delicious-looking cake was covered with a cherry icing. And decorated with sugar swans.

9. Sea gulls drink both fresh water and sea water.

10. Even though her son attends the Naval Academy.

11. What most students need to develop along with good study habits.

EXERCISE 2

Directions: Underline any word group that is a fragment. Then, re-write the passage using only complete sentences in the space provided. There may be more than one correct way to fix a fragment.

1. Because members of a youth group in Finland once felt that Donald Duck was immoral. They tried to have Donald Duck cartoons banned from their town. They objected to the fact that Donald had been keeping company with Daisy Duck for more than fifty years. Without ever getting married.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Itching for several days. Mosquito bites are one of the little miseries of summer. The itch is the result of the mosquito’s saliva. Which produces a mild allergic reaction in most people.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Although Western movies show cowboys as being mainly white Americans. The facts about America’s cowboys show another story. Many of the cowboys were black or Mexican. Also Native Americans.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. In 1891, an English sailor was swallowed by a whale. And lived to tell the story. James Bartley survived for most of a day in the belly of a whale. When the animal was caught and killed. Bartley was found unconscious but unharmed.

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EXERCISE 3

Directions: Underline any word group that is a fragment. Then, re-write the passage using only complete sentences in the space provided. There may be more than one correct way to fix a fragment.

Some people drink in secret. Others binge on chocolate. I also have a secret passion. Not drinking, smoking or gambling. Instead, loving to visit office-supply stores. I feel the thrill of excitement as I walk into one of these stores. And stroll down the aisles. The smooth blank pages of the notebooks make me itch. To write a masterpiece. I am inspired by the packs of new pens and pencils. That wait on the shelves. The colorful file folders and sleek drawer dividers make me believe that I am going to become incredibly organized. Even though that will never happen. Recently, I came home from a buying spree with a bag full of treasures. Including a load of bright new paper clips, a pad of clean white paper, and markers in assorted colors. I felt a sense of pleasure. Which lasted for days.

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RUN-ON SENTENCES

A run-on sentence is two or more complete sentences joined together without the proper punctuation.

In order to be able to identify a run-on sentence, you need to be able to identify where one complete sentence ends and the next complete sentence begins. If you are having trouble finding this junction, read the sentence out loud to yourself and pay attention to where you naturally pause. It is natural as a reader to pause when one complete sentence ends and the next complete sentence begins, but be careful not to assume that every single natural pause means that you have reached the end of a complete sentence. Finding the subject, the verb, and the complete thought of each complete sentence is the only way to be 100% sure that you have correctly located the junction between two complete sentences.

There are 4 acceptable ways to separate two complete sentences:

1. A period ( . )

2. A semicolon ( ; )

3. A comma ( , ) + a simple conjunction

4. A semicolon ( ; ) + a conjunctive adverb + a comma ( , )

Conjunctions:

Remember that conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, clauses, and sentences.

for and nor but or yet so

If you are using one of these conjunctions to join two complete sentences, make sure you do not forget to put a comma before it!!

A comma by itself is NOT an acceptable way to separate two complete sentences.

A conjunction by itself is NOT an acceptable way to separate two complete sentences.

Conjunctive Adverbs:

A conjunctive adverb functions as a connector even though it is not a conjunction. Note that you need to use different punctuation when you use a conjuctive adverb to separate two complete sentences than when you use a conjunction to separate two complete sentences.

Some common conjunctive adverbs include:

howeverthereforemoreovernevertheless meanwhileconsequentlyalso

furthermore

SEEING WHAT YOU KNOW

Directions: Read the following pairs of items and, for each pair, circle the letter that is punctuated correctly.

1. a. Our math professor has the flu, half the class is sick as well.

b. Our math professor has the flu, and half the class is sick as well.

2. a. Sue seldom got to play in an actual game. She was tempted to quit the team.

b. Sue seldom got to play in an actual game she was tempted to quit the team.

3. a. My father had no brothers or sisters and he never learned to share

b. My father had no brothers or sisters; therefore, he never learned to share.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANSWERS

1. Letter b is punctuated correctly.

Item a is made up of two complete sentences: (1) Our math professor has the flu. (2) Half the class is sick as well. These two complete sentences are incorrectly separated by only a comma. A comma plus a conjunction such as and is an acceptable way to separate these two complete sentences.

2. Letter a is punctuated correctly.

Item b is made up of two complete sentences: (1) Sue seldom got to play in an actual game. (2) She was tempted to quit the team. These two complete sentences are fused together with no punctuation. A period is an acceptable way to separate these two complete sentences.

3. Letter b is punctuated correctly.

Item a is made up of two complete sentences: (1) My father had no brothers or sisters (2) He never learned to share. These two complete sentences are incorrectly separated by only a conjunction, and. A semicolon followed by a coordinating conjunction such as therefore followed by a comma is an acceptable way to separate these two complete sentences.

EXERCISE 1

Directions: Label the subject and the verb in each of the two complete sentences and put a slash (/) between the two complete sentences. Then, fix the run-on sentence in the space provided by using one of the four acceptable ways to separate two complete sentences. Try to vary the method you use to separate the complete sentences throughout the exercise.

1. My alarm clock rang like a fire bell, I slowly rolled out of bed.

2. Rosa got a parking ticket she decided to go to traffic court.

3. One student made a lasting impression at his interview he arrived an hour late.

4. Tyrone got lost driving to the wedding for he refused to stop to ask for directions.

5. The cabbage salad included shredded carrots chopped peanuts were sprinkled on top.

6. Prices were high at the concession stand, the lines were long as well.

7. Sharon drove halfway home, then she noticed her purse was missing.

8. Bicycles may be the world’s best method of transportation, they require very little maintenance and do not pollute.

EXERCISE 2

Directions: Label the subject and the verb in each complete sentence below. Then, fix each of the run-on sentences in the space provided by using one of the four acceptable ways to separate two complete sentences. Try to vary the method you use to separate the complete sentences throughout the exercise.

1. The female panda was thought to be pregnant the zookeepers watched her closely for signs of the coming birth. However, many months went by with no baby panda so the keepers finally gave up hope.

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2. My nephew goes to the fairgrounds every night, he does not go to see the sights. Instead, he goes to pick up extra money. He searches the ground for coins that people have dropped one night he collected almost five dollars.

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3. Many of us have heard warnings about swimming on a full stomach but the truth is that we are better off swimming on a full stomach. Muscles are starved for energy in a hungry body, therefore they cannot work efficiently and may cramp.

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4. The most popular song in the world was composed in 1893, it was written by two sisters in Kentucky. Mildred and Patty Hill’s song was first titled, “Good Morning to You.” Later the sisters changed the words of the song to “Happy Birthday to You.”

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EXERCISE 3

Directions: Label the subject and the verb in each complete sentence below. Then, re-write the paragraph in the space provided to eliminate all of the run-on sentences. Try to vary the method you use to separate the complete sentences throughout the exercise.

Terry is a lively talker, her listening skills are underdeveloped. She calls herself a caring person but the truth is that she never really listens to anyone. Terry is thinking about what to say next she only seems to be listening. Her friends know she does not listen to them so they do not discuss important things with her. One friend learned the hard way he told Terry that his mother had cancer. Terry was full of sympathy, she kept saying, “I’m so glad you told me.” She sounded very supportive, the friend felt better. When his mother died, Terry asked him, “Why didn’t you tell me that your mother was sick?” Terry thinks she is a kind and loyal friend but she does not realize the truth. She is not a real friend at all her only real friend is herself.

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CLAUSES, PHRASES, AND SENTENCE TYPES

A. PHRASES

A phrase is a group of related words that does not include a subject and verb.

Ex. in the morning

Ex. running down the street

B. CLAUSES

A clause is a group of related words containing a subject and a verb

Ex. Because she is older than her brother

Ex. While Josie sat inside watching television

There are 2 types of clauses:

1. independent clause ( a complete sentence with a subject, verb, and complete thought

2. dependent clause ( even though it has a subject and a verb, it cannot stand on its own as a complete sentence because it lacks a complete thought.

DEPENDENT CLAUSES

A dependent clause is a group of words that begins with a dependent word (see chart below for some examples). A dependent clause by itself is not a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. For instance, below is a dependent clause that begins with the word because.

Because there was a mosquito in the room.

The dependent clause by itself is a fragment because it does not express a complete thought. It leaves the reader expecting something more. The write must follow through in the same sentence and tell what happened because there was a mosquito in the room. In the sentence below, the writer has corrected the fragment by attaching the dependent clause to an independent clause.

Dependent Clause Independent Clause

Because there was a mosquito in the room, I could not fall asleep.

COMMON DEPENDENT WORDS

after

although

because

before

even if

if

since

that

unless

until

what

when

which

while

who

C. SENTENCE TYPES

There are 4 different types of sentences:

1. Simple ( one independent clause

Independent Clause

Ex. We drove from Connecticut to Tennessee in one day.

2. Compound ( more than one independent clause joined with a comma + a conjunction

Independent Clause Independent Clause

Ex. We were exhausted, but we arrived in time for my father's birthday party.

3. Complex ( one independent clause + at least one dependent clause

Dependent Clause Independent Clause

Ex. Although he is now 79 years old, he still claims to be 65.

4. Compound-complex ( more than one independent clause + at least one dependent clause.

Dependent Clause Independent Clause

Ex. After it was all over, my dad claimed he knew we were planning something,

Independent Clause

but we think he was really surprised.

SEEING WHAT YOU KNOW

Directions: For each sentence, identify the sentence type (simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex).

1. Pauline and Bruno have a big argument every summer over where they should spend their summer vacation.

2. Pauline loves to go to the beach and spend her days sunbathing.

3. Bruno, on the other hand, likes the view that he gets from the log cabin up in the mountains, and he enjoys hiking in the forest.

4. Bruno went to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and Pauline went to Cape Cod.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANSWERS

1. Complex

The independent clause is "Pauline and Bruno have a big argument every summer.” The dependent clause is "where they should spend their summer vacation."

2. Simple

There is only one independent clause here and no dependent clause. There is only one subject-verb relationship in this sentence: Pauline “loves” and “spends.”

3. Compound-complex

There are two independent clauses here: "Bruno likes the view" and "he enjoys hiking in the forest" There is also one dependent clause: "that he gets from the log cabin in the mountains."

4. Compound

There are two independent clauses here connected by the conjunction, "and."

EXERCISE 1

CONJUNCTIONS

for

or

andyet

nor

so

but

COMMON DEPENDENT WORDS

after

although

because

before

even though

if

since

that

unless

until

what

when

which

while

who

1. Make a complex sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

The couple both came down with measles. They had to postpone their wedding.

2. Make a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

David tried to appear calm. His trembling hands gave him away.

3. Make a complex sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

My doctor can seem cold and distant. He cares deeply for his patients.

4. Make a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

My doctor can seem cold and distant. He cares deeply for his patients.

5. Make a complex sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

The boy was telling the truth. Nobody believed him.

6. Make a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

The flashlight was very bright. Its beams still could not reach the back of the deep cave.

EXERCISE 2

CONJUNCTIONS

for

or

andyet

nor

so

but

COMMON DEPENDENT WORDS

after

although

because

before

even if

if

since

that

unless

until

what

when

which

while

who

1. Make a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

The bookstore is out of history textbooks. I will have to borrow my roommate’s book.

2. Make a complex sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

The bookstore is out of history textbooks. I will have to borrow my roommate’s book.

3. Make a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

The workers dripped paint on the carpet. They stomped through the flower bed.

4. Make a complex sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

Strawberries become ripe. They must be picked quickly.

5. Make a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

Gingko trees are very pretty. Their fruit smells dreadful.

6. Make a complex sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

Gingko trees are very pretty. Their fruit smells dreadful.

7. Make a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

I was nervous all morning. I had to get a tooth pulled in the afternoon.

EXERCISE 3

CONJUNCTIONS

for

or

andyet

nor

so

but

COMMON DEPENDENT WORDS

after

although

because

before

even if

if

since

that

unless

until

what

when

which

while

who

1. Make a compound-complex sentence out of the following three simple sentences:

The Walmart opened in town. Stores on Main Street lost a lot of business. Many of the stores went out of business a few months later.

2. Make a compound-complex sentence out of the following three simple sentences:

Smoke alarms are important to a family’s safety. Their batteries should be checked often. A smoke alarm with dead batteries is useless.

3. Make a compound-complex sentence out of the following three simple sentences:

Grandpa never graduated from high school. He strongly believes in education. Grandpa retired from his job at the factory. He began studying to get a high school diploma.

4. Make a compound-complex sentence out of the following three simple sentences:

Managers want to sell high-cost items like imported mustard. They place those items on eye-level shelves. Shoppers are less likely to look on lower shelves.

5. Make a compound-complex sentence out of the following three simple sentences:

Adriene was an inexperienced tennis player. She wanted to join the tennis team. She practiced every day after school

EXERCISE 4

Directions: Match each type of sentence with its definition. Write the letter of the correct definition on the line to the left of the sentence type.

______ 1. simplea. one independent clause plus at least one dependent clause

______ 2. compoundb. more than one independent clause + at least one dependent clause.

______ 3. complexc. more than one independent clause joined with a comma plus a conjunction

______ 4. compound-complexd. one independent clause

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Directions: Identify the sentence type of each of the following sentences. Write simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex in the space provided.

1. Jay’s fishing trip with his buddies was not exactly a success.

2. As Jay ran down the stairs the next morning, a step broke under his weight.

3. Thinking quickly, Jay jumped into the nearby lake and put the fire out, and he spent the rest of the day in a nearby emergency room with a cast on his broken ankle.

4. The guys went to bed early after their unlucky first day, and they had no trouble sleeping because they were very tired.

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Directions: Make sure you follow the directions for each of the items below.

1. Create a complex sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

They drove to the cabin in the mountains. They got a flat tire.

2. Create a compound-complex sentence out of the following three simple sentences:

They arrived at the cabin. They found the last renters had left the place in terrible condition. They had to spend most of the first day cleaning.

3. Create a compound sentence out of the following two simple sentences:

They did manage to catch a few trout before suppertime. Bad luck soon struck again.

COMMA RULES

1. Use a comma plus a conjunction (FANBOYS) between two complete sentences.

Examples:

S V S V

a. Someone had broken into the house, but nothing had been taken.

S V S V

b. Melba was not wearing her glasses, so she could not read the fine print on the ad.

S V S V

c. I used to be able to type very quickly, but now I am out of practice.

Hint: Don’t add a comma just because a sentence has a conjunction. Use a comma only when the conjunction is used to separate two complete sentences. Both complete sentences must have their own subject, verb, and complete thought. For example:

Need a comma: Lois spent two hours in the gym, and then she went to class.

( Each complete thought has a subject and verb: Lois thought and she went

No comma: Lois spent two hours in the gym and then went to class.

( There is no complete sentence after the conjunction, and, because it does not have its own subject.

2. Use a comma to separate three or more items in a series.

Examples:

a. Bears, chipmunks, raccoons, and groundhogs all hibernate during the winter.

b. Felipe groaned when he learned that his exams in biology, economics, and sociology were all scheduled for the same day.

c. The mechanic started the engine, fiddled with the fan belt, and announced that the problem was solved.

3. Use a comma after an introductory word, phrase, or clause. Any word, phrase, or clause that comes before the subject of the sentence is introductory and should have a comma after it.

Examples:

S

a. Although the country issues a large number of jury duty notices, many people find reasons not to serve.

S

b. Ultimately, only people who are willing to work hard are able to achieve their goals.

S

c. In the middle of the thunderstorm, all the lights on our street went out.

4. Use commas to set off a non-essential word, phrase, or clause. To tell whether a phrase is non-essential, try to take it out of the sentence. If the sentence still makes sense without the phrase, it is non-essential and should be set off with commas.

Examples:

a. My brother, who is very neat, complains that I am too messy.

b. The owner of the blue Ford, grumbling angrily, came out to move his car.

c. Our house, which was built in 1955, needs a new roof and extra insulation. The house’s storm windows, however, are in fairly good shape.

5. Use a comma to introduce a direct quotation or to continue a sentence after a direct quotation. The comma goes before the quotation mark.

Examples:

a. Someone shouted, “Look out below!”

b. The customer grumbled to the waiter, “This coffee tastes like mud.”

c. “To learn more about lions,” the zookeeper told the children, “you should read the book Born Free.”

SEEING WHAT YOU KNOW

Directions: Insert a comma where needed in the following sentences.

1. The restaurant dessert tray featured carrot cake coconut cream pie and death by chocolate ice cream.

2. Because I was three credits short of the graduation requirements I had to take a course during the summer

3. Students hurried to the campus store to buy their fall textbooks but several of the books were already out of stock.

4. My sister asked “Are you going to be on the phone much longer?”

UNDERSTANDING THE ANSWERS

1. The restaurant dessert tray featured carrot cake, coconut cream pie, and death by chocolate ice cream.

There are three desserts on the tray; therefore, commas are needed to separate these three items listed in a series.

2. Because I was three credits short of the graduation requirements, I had to take a course during the summer

“Because I was three credits short of the graduation requirements,” is an introductory phrase that needs to be separated from the rest of the sentence with a comma.

3. Students hurried to the campus store to buy their fall textbooks, but several of the books were already out of stock.

A conjunction such as but is not enough to separate two complete sentences. A comma plus a conjunction is an appropriate way to join the two complete sentences together.

4. My sister asked, “Are you going to be on the phone much longer?”

A comma is needed to introduce a direct quotation.

EXERCISE 1

Directions: Insert a comma where needed in the following sentences. Then, explain why the commas you inserted were necessary in the space below each sentence. “Because it sounds like there should be a comma,” is not a good enough reason. You need to know the rule!

1. The kids’ Halloween bags were full of quarters peanuts gum and candy bars.

2. “All I want” said Jeff wearily “is to crawl into bed and stay there for a week.”

3. Carrying her popcorn Sylvia looked for an empty seat in the theatre.

4. My father wanted to attend college but did not have enough money.

5. After she read the Harry Potter books Yoki began calling her young brothers and sisters muggles.

6. That pizza the one with the broccoli and mushroom toppings is the best I have ever eaten.

7. Mata Hari a famous spy reportedly charged at least $7,500 per job.

8. Opal has evening classes on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays.

9. Bad weather destroyed much of last year’s orange crop so the price of orange juice is high this year.

10. “You look as if you’ve seen a ghost” my brother remarked when he saw the scared expression on my face.

EXERCISE 2

Directions: Insert a comma where needed in the following sentences. Then, explain why the commas you inserted were necessary in the space below each sentence. “Because it sounds like there should be a comma,” is not a good enough reason. You need to know the rule!

1. The principal announced in a loud voice “Please welcome our graduates!” Then the graduating class wearing royal blue caps and gowns marched into the auditorium.

2. My psychology class is very practical. We have learned about stress defense mechanisms and coping skills. In addition I now understand a good deal about the anger I have toward my parents.

3. A fire siren outside woke Kim at 5:30 so she got dressed and went for an early morning run. “You’re up bright and early” a neighbor called to her as she ran down the street.

4. Alvin who weighs 260 pounds works as a bouncer in a nightclub. When he tells people it is time to leave few people argue with Alvin.

5. Home from his first day of kindergarten the little boy stumbled into the house. He dropped his brightly colored book bag on the floor collapsed on the couch and promptly fell asleep.

6. Jake is disappointed that he lost in the finals but plans to continue training and try again next year.

7. The trees especially the newly planted maples were badly damaged by the construction trucks. Broken branches and wilted leaves were signs that the tree might die.

EXERCISE 3

Directions: Insert a comma where needed in the following sentences. Then, explain why the commas you inserted were necessary in the space below each sentence. “Because it sounds like there should be a comma,” is not a good enough reason. You need to know the rule!

1. After Gerald smashed the front end of the family car he called his parents. “I wasn’t driving carelessly” he said. Luckily a witness verified his story by telling the police officer that the other driver was entirely at fault.

2. The cable company despite its claim of providing superior service has not been welcomed in our town. High prices power outages and limited channel coverage are all reasons why the company is not popular.

3. P. T. Barnum a well-known circus ringleader once hitched an elephant to a plow in order to promote his circus. As a result it is still a crime in North Carolina to plow a field with an elephant.

4. Early in the twentieth century women did not have the right to vote. That was not the only injustice experienced by women. Many people thought that higher education was wasted on women so very few women had the opportunity to attend college.

5. While I was trying to think of a name for my puppy I had numerous suggestions from my friends and family such as Spot Alfie Shadow and Nibbles. I thought it was very cute how the puppy liked to nibble my ear and decided to name him Nibbles.

6. At tonight’s sports banquet the girl who scored the most points this season will present the gift to Mr. Harris who is retiring.

EXERCISE 4

Directions: Correct the comma errors in the paragraph below. You may need to insert commas and remove unnecessary commas to correct the paragraph.

Edgar Allen Poe the famous American short story writer died in 1849. He was drunk alone and friendless at his death. His family purchased a tombstone for him but it was smashed on its way to the cemetery by a runaway freight train. Because his family could not afford another tombstone Edgar Allen Poe was buried in an unmarked grave. A group of Baltimore teachers decided to raise money for a tombstone. They held fundraisers and asked for donations. After ten long years they had finally raised the $1,000 they needed. When the press found out about the fundraiser, H. L. Mencken a writer for the NY Times wrote “During all this time, not a single American author of position gave the project any financial aid.” The Baltimore teachers made it possible for teachers students or anyone who admires Poe’s work to visit his grave. Twenty six years after his death Edgar Allen Poe finally had a tombstone bearing his name and honoring his memory.

ACTIVE VOICE VS. PASSIVE VOICE

I'll start with active voice because it's easier. In an active sentence, the subject is doing the action. A very straightforward example is the sentence, "Steve loves Amy." Steve is the subject, and he is doing the action: he loves Amy, the object. Another example is the title of the Marvin Gaye song I Heard It through the Grapevine. I is the subject, the one who is doing the action. I is hearing it, the object of the sentence.

In passive voice the target of the action gets promoted to the subject position. Instead of saying, "Steve loves Amy," I would say, "Amy is loved by Steve." The subject of the sentence becomes Amy, but she isn't doing anything. Rather, she is just the recipient of Steve's love. The focus of the sentence has changed from Steve to Amy. If you wanted to make the title of the Marvin Gaye song passive, you would say It Was Heard by Me through the Grapevine . Not such a catchy title anymore.

So, these are some of the reasons to avoid passive voice: the form can lead to awkward sentences and obscured meaning. Also, passive voice is wordy. You can tighten up your writing a lot if you use active voice more often than passive.

Once you know what to look for, passive constructions are easy to spot. Look for a form of "to be" (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been) followed by a past-tense verb. (Past-tense verbs is typically, but not always, end in "-ed." Some exceptions to the "-ed" rule are words like "paid" (not "payed") and "driven." (not "drived"). Here's a sure-fire formula for identifying the passive voice:

form of "to be" + past-tense verb + **by = passive voice

1. When a sentence is in active voice, the subject comes before the verb. In active voice, the subject does the action of the sentence.

S V

Ex. Everyone at the party had fun.

S V

Ex. The committee revised the agenda for this afternoon’s meeting.

2. When a sentence is in passive voice, the verb either comes before the subject or the subject is unnamed. In passive voice, the subject of the sentence is acted upon by some other agent.

V S

Ex. Fun was had by everyone at the party.

V

Ex. The agenda for this afternoon’s meeting was revised. (subject is unnamed)

Rule: In academic essays, a writer should try to use active voice and avoid using passive voice.

EXERCISE 1

Directions: Label the subject and verb in each sentence. Then, if the sentence is in passive voice, re-write the sentence in active voice in the space provided. If the sentence is already in active voice, write “ACTIVE” in the space provided.

1. The position of program analyst has already been filled by the personnel department.

2. An appointment with the dentist was originally made for Friday morning by my roommate.

3. The picket fence, which was repaired last week by Dad, was painted by Claire and Dave.

4. First prize was won by Harriet for her one-act play.

5. The book fair, which was sponsored by the Friends of the Library Association, is held the first week in October.

6. Micky listened to her favorite song in the car on her way to school.

7. After the tent had been pitched by the campers, their sleeping bags and supplies were unpacked from the car.

8. The basketball, which was passed from McHale to Bird, was immediately dunked by Bird.

9. The parrot was let out of its cage by Tony, who was promptly chastised by Ms. Quincy, the owner.

EXERCISE 2

Directions: Label the subject and verb in each sentence. Then, if the sentence is in passive voice, re-write the sentence in active voice in the space provided. If the sentence is already in active voice, write “ACTIVE” in the space provided.

1. Their finances were kept by Joanna, but their tax returns were figured by Chet.

2. The aesthetic new bank building was designed by an architect who had been selected by the Board of Directors.

3. The film A Christmas Carol, which is based on a story that was written by Charles Dickens, was enjoyed by a group of my friends last night.

4. After the tour of the Scandinavian countries had been arranged by the alumni director, the itinerary was published in the bulletin.

5. Tall buildings and mountain roads were avoided by Raoul because he had such a fear of heights.

6. An unexpected tornado smashed several homes and uprooted trees in a suburb of Knoxville.

7. The executive committee approved the new policy, and the calendar for next year's meetings was revised.

8. The major points of the lesson were quickly learned by the class, but they were also quickly forgotten by them.

9. Later in the day, the employees were informed of their loss of benefits by the boss herself.

EXERCISE 3

Directions: Change any sentence that is in passive voice to active voice. When you are finished, your revised paragraph should be in active voice.

In the summer of 1904, a camp was rented by my father on a lake in Maine. We were taken there for the month of August. Ringworm was gotten from some kittens, and Pond's Extract had to be rubbed on our arms and legs night and morning. Aside from the ringworm, the vacation was thought to be a success. To this day, I still believe there is no place on earth as wonderful as that lake in Maine. My family visited that lake summer after summer. Recently, I bought a house on the ocean. The restlessness of the tides and the fearful cold of the sea water in the afternoon and evening is soothing, but every summer I still wish for the placidity of the lake in the woods. A few weeks ago, this feeling was experienced by me so strongly that I bought a couple of bass hooks and a spinner and drove up to the lake. After my weekend of fishing and relaxation, I felt like a kid again.

SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT

The subject and verb must agree in number. In other words, singular subjects need singular verbs, and plural subjects need plural verbs. In most cases, the singular form of a verb ends in the letter “s,” while the plural form does not end in “s”

S V

Ex. My parents (works, work) two jobs each.

( parents and work are both plural.

S V

Ex. Therefore, my grandmother (takes, take) care of the children.

( grandmother and takes are both singular.

There are some cases, however, in which it can be tricky to make the subject and verb agree in number:

1. When the subject and verb are separated by a prepositional phrase. Remember that the subject of a sentence is never part of a prepositional phrase. Cross out any prepositional phrases if you are having trouble finding the subject of the sentence:

Ex. The guys behind the counter (likes, like) to joke with their customers.

Ex. The two women on my bowling team always (scores, score) over 250.

Ex. The noise in the city streets sometimes (hurts, hurt) my ears.

2. When the verb comes before the subject. In most English sentences, the verb follows the subject. But in some cases, the verb comes before the subject. These sentences are often questions, or they may begin with prepositional phrases like there is or here are.

Ex. There (is, are) many starving actors in Hollywood.

Ex. Here (is, are) the computer disk for that project.

Ex. What (was, were) the purpose of that assignment?

3. When the subject of the sentence is an indefinite pronoun. The following indefinite pronouns always take singular verbs.

SINGULAR INDEFINITE PRONOUNS

each

either

neither

one

anyone

everyone

someone

no one

anybody

everybody

somebody

nobody

anything

everything

something

nothing

Ex. Neither of my parents (has, have) called.

Ex. Somebody (was, were) reading my mail.

Ex. Everyone (loves, love) to get something for nothing.

4. When there is a compound subject. Compound subjects are usually joined by the word, “and.”

Ex. Rent and car insurance (was, were) my biggest expenses each month.

Ex. There (is, are) canoes and sailboats for rent.

SEEING WHAT YOU KNOW

Directions: Label the subject in each sentence and circle the verb that you think agrees with that subject in number.

1. The two gray cats sitting by the trash can (belongs, belong) to a neighbor.

2. Which one of the bikes (is, are) Eric going to buy?

3. Nobody in my family (carries, carry) a gun.

4. Chicago and Atlanta (has, have) the busiest airports in the United States.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANSWERS

S

1. The two gray cats sitting by the trash can (belongs, belong) to a neighbor.

( Cats is a plural subject, so it requires a plural verb, belong.

S

2. Which one of the bikes (is, are) Eric going to buy?

( one is a singular subject, so it requires a singular verb, is.

S

3. Nobody in my family (carries, carry) a gun.

( Nobody is a singular subject, so it requires a singular verb, carries.

S

4. Chicago and Atlanta (has, have) the busiest airports in the United States.

( Chicago and Atlanta is a plural compound subject, so it requires a plural verb, have.

EXERCISE 1

Directions: Label the subject in each sentence and circle the verb that you think agrees with that subject in number.

1. Nobody (likes, like) to be laughed at.

2. Everything in our attic (smells, smell) like mothballs.

3. Black and white (is, are) the only colors Jermaine wears.

4. Bright yellow daisies and blue morning glories (makes, make) the tiny yard beautiful.

5. The two lamps beside the couch (gives, give) little light.

6. There (is, are) no doubt that the witnesses are telling the truth.

7. Here (is, are) the names of three doctors you can call.

8. When (is, are) the deadline for dropping a course?

9. (Do, Does) your aunt and uncle know that you wrote an essay about them?

10. Across the avenue (stands, stand) the post office.

11. The leather jacket beside the books (belongs, belong) to our teacher.

12. Rags and spray cleaner (is, are) needed to wash the windows.

13. Junk email and chain letters (annoys, annoy) many internet users.

14. (Is, Are) those parking spaces in front of the administration building reserved for faculty?

15. The flowers in my neighbor’s garden (attracts, attract) many butterflies.

16. Magnolia trees and Spanish moss (is, are) common in many areas.

17. Running down the back alley toward the fire (was, were) several police officers.

18. Tom and Caroline’s marriage (seems, seem) like a happy one.

19. Each of my roommates (is, are) depressed about getting poor grades on the psychology exam.

20. Everyone in the class (is, are) responsible for bringing his or her book to class every day.

EXERCISE 2

Directions: Label the subject and verb in each sentence. Then, fix any problems with subject-verb agreement.

1. Construction of the apartment buildings have been going on for months. The noise from the bulldozers, cranes, and backhoes are deafening. Everyone in the neighborhood wants it to end.

2. It is not true that the skin of snakes are slimy. Also, warts are not caused by touching a toad. Why does reptiles and amphibians have so many false stories told about them?

3. Nothing about my restaurant job bother me as much as the way the chef makes fun of the mentally challenged man who runs the dishwasher. The chef simply does not realize that people with a disability also has feelings.

4. The new employee’s quick wit and willingness to work hard pleases her boss very much. She is the kind of person whom everyone in the office enjoy having as a coworker.

5. The students and the teacher is having a disagreement about the upcoming test. The teacher says it is scheduled for Friday, but everyone else believe she announced that the test would be the following Monday.

6. There are a lot of young women in my office. It seems as if everyone have had a baby recently. All the baby presents costs me a fortune.

7. High on the closet shelf is several brightly wrapped packages for my niece’s birthday. My niece knows that they are there. Every day, she and her sister tries for hours to guess what might be inside.

8. The computers in the office gives me heartburn. Everybody, it seems, have success with them except me.

EXERCISE 3

Directions: Label each subject and verb pair. Then, fix any problems with subject-verb agreement.

I used to think there was few tasks more difficult than picking out birthday presents for my friends. Since my husband and I do not have much extra money, big luxuries are not an option, and the household goods on sale at Walmart is not the kind of presents they would enjoy. But birthday shopping has become simpler since I decided that what everybody really like is toys. Forget the big, expensive department stores; children’s catalogues and toy shops is where I do my birthday present shopping. My favorites have been the rubber stamp sets. One of them contain funny pictures of parts of faces, including eyes, ears, and noses. With it, anyone can become a cartoonist, creating silly faces to decorate all kinds of things. I gave another friend a flying saucer that soars into the air when you pull the strings. There is now saucers all over the roof of her apartment building, and she tells me that her neighbors and the building superintendent have no idea where the saucers came from. I am actually looking forward to shopping for another friend’s birthday. Some trick hand buzzers and glow-in-the-dark yo-yos is what I am planning to buy next.

PRONOUN PROBLEMS

A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun. The word that is being replaced by a pronoun is called the antecedent.

Examples: P A

Freddy is a wrestler. He weighs 270 pounds. (He takes the place of Freddy)

P A

Rita always writes her letters in purple ink. (Her takes the place of Rita)

There are 3 different kinds of personal pronouns:

· 1st person pronouns refer to the speaker(s) or writer(s).

· 2nd person pronouns refer to the person or people being spoken or written to.

· 3rd person pronouns refer to the person or people being spoken or written about.

1st PERSON

2nd PERSON

3rd PERSON

SINGULAR

I, me, my, mine

You, your, yours

He, him, his

She, her, hers

It, its

PLURAL

We, us, our, ours

You, your, yours

They, them, their theirs

PRONOUN RULES

Rule 1: Make sure it is clear what noun the pronoun is replacing.

Incorrect: Gloria told Renee that she had gotten an A on her paper

Who got the A—Gloria or Renee? The pronoun “she” could refer to either of the two girls, and it is not clear which noun “she” is replacing

Correct: Gloria told Renee that Renee had gotten an A on her paper.

Rule 2: Do not switch from one point of view to another within the same sentence. For example, do not switch from 1st person to 2nd person.

Incorrect: What I like best about vacations is that you do not have to wake up early.

Correct: What I like best about vacations is that I do not have to wake up early.

Rule 3: A pronoun must agree in number with its antecedent. Either both the pronoun and its antecedent need to be singular, or both need to be plural. The following antecedents are ALWAYS SINGULAR:

SINGULAR ANTECEDENTS

Each

Every

Either

Neither

Anyone

Everyone

Someone

No one

Anybody

Everybody

Somebody

nobody

Anything

Everything

Something

nothing

Incorrect: Each of the students remembered to bring their book to class.

Correct: Each of the students remembered to bring his or her book to class.

SEEING WHAT YOU KNOW

Directions: Cross out the pronoun mistake in each of the following sentences. Then, write the correction above the mistake.

1. Each of my sons required two chances to pass their driver’s test.

2. If there are stains on any hotel towels, they should be removed immediately.

3. I do not shop at that supermarket because they are so slow at the check-out counters.

4. People go to the local diner because you can get low-priced meals there all day.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANSWERS

1. Each of my sons required two chances to pass his driver’s test.

( Each is a singular antecedent; therefore, only a singular pronoun can take its place.

2. If there are stains on any hotel towels, the towels should be removed immediately.

( It is unclear which noun is the antecedent—the stains or the towels? The pronoun “they” could refer to either one. Replacing “they” with “the towels” makes the meaning of the sentence clear.

3. I do not shop at that supermarket because the clerks are so slow at the checkout counters.

( It is unclear who the pronoun “they” is referring to. The sentence should be clarified by replacing “they” with the antecedent it is meant to replace.

4. People go to the local diner because they can get low-priced meals there all day.

( People requires a third person pronoun, “they.” Sentences that begin in the third person should not suddenly shift their point of view to a second person pronoun such as “you.”

EXERCISE 1

Directions: Fix the incorrect pronoun reference in each sentence below.

1. My mother told my girlfriend that she looked marvelous.

2. As Rudy told his father about being arrested, he began to cry.

3. Students complain that they keep the library too hot.

4. While Eric was adding sugar to his coffee, he spilled it all over the table.

5. Mrs. Owen told her daughter that she couldn’t baby sit Friday night.

6. Many people enjoy hiking and camping, but I’m not interested in them.

7. Mario told the manager that he needed to hire more help.

8. Maria enjoys reading to her little girl even though she sometimes gets sleepy during the stories.

9. Every time Barb paints her nails, I have to leave the room because the smell of it makes me sick.

10. When I was stopped for speeding, he said I had been going fifteen miles over the speed limit.

11. In the department store, women often block the aisles and spray perfume samples on the shoppers. This annoys many people.

12. Bob told Luis that he needed a new car.

13. The two movers carried the piano out to their double-parked van and left it in the middle of the street while they went for coffee.

EXERCISE 2

Directions: The following sentences contain at least one problem with changing pronoun point of view. Fix the problem so that all the pronouns are the same type (all first person pronouns, all second person pronouns, or all third person pronouns)

1. When you drive from New York to South Carolina, one should plan to stay overnight at a motel on the way.

2. If the high school juniors and seniors take a special class to help prepare them for the SATs, you will probably have higher test scores.

3. My father says he prefers to drive at night because then the sun will not get in your eyes.

4. I know spring is really here when you see neighborhood kids playing softball.

5. Although Sharon and I were good friends, you could tell that we would not be good roommates.

6. If you want to advance in this company, we must be willing to work overtime and move to a new location every couple years.

7. We do not want the local clinic to close because then you would have to drive all the way to the city for medical treatment.

8. I will not go to the concert tonight because there is no way you could get a ticket.

9. Many people love trying foreign restaurants where you can experience a