It’s Grammar Time!

CLAUSES ALL CLAUSES have a SUBJECT and its VERB.

Independent Clause: Group of words with a Subject AND its Verb. Expresses a complete thought. “Strong like bull.”

They usually begin with an “AAAWWUBBIS!” Dependent Clause: Group of words with a Subject and its Verb. It does NOT express a complete thought. “Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy.” They usually begin with an “AAAWWUBBIS!”

Example: Dependent & Independent Clause

Run-on Sentences Example: WRONG: I like tacos so I eat them often. Joining TWO or more INDEPENDENT CLAUSES without proper punctuation. Example: WRONG: I like tacos so I eat them often. (s) (v) (object) (s) (v) (object) Where, oh where, does the comma go?

Correct! RIGHT: I like tacos, so I eat them often. (s) (v) (object) (s) (v) (object)

Sentence Fragment A group of words that doesn’t express a complete thought. It’s missing a SUBJECT and/or VERB. Fragment: I need to find a new roommate. Because the one I have now isn't working out too well. Possible Revision: I need to find a new roommate because the one I have now isn't working out too well.

Sentence Fragment Example of a Fragment: Toys of all kinds thrown everywhere. Possible Revisions: Add a Complete verb: Toys of all kinds were thrown everywhere. Add a Direct object: They found toys of all kinds thrown everywhere.

Sentence Fragment - Fix ‘er up! WRONG: Will thinks he’s slick when he chews gum but Mrs. Timmins knows better so she busts him on the regular. Where, oh where, do the commas go?

RIGHT: Will thinks he’s slick when he chews gum, but Mrs RIGHT: Will thinks he’s slick when he chews gum, but Mrs. Timmins knows better, so she busts him on the regular.

Comma Usage

AAAWWUBBIS! (AKA: “Dependent Clauses”) While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door. Because her alarm clock was broken, she was late for class. If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor. When the snow stops falling, we'll shovel the driveway.

Usage

Who/Whom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnKbOAuA4iI Who = Subject of the sentence (He) Whom = Object of the verb (Him)

Affect/Effect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCY7FbBQrCY Affect = Verb Effect = Noun

it’s/its It’s = contraction for “it is” Ex. It’s getting late, so I should leave. Its = possession Ex. The dog licked its paw.

Who’s/Whose Who’s – contraction for “Who is” or “Who has” Example: Who’s coming to my party? Whose- Possession Example: Carl knows the girl whose phone was stolen. Whose pencil is this?

They’re/Their/There They’re = contraction for “They are” Example: They’re going to Avalon for vacation. (They are) Their= Possession Example: Their beach house is beautiful. (ownership) There = Location Example: Evil seagulls lurk over there. (location)

Fewer/Less Singular: Less Plural: Fewer Candy is . . . less candy M&Ms are . . . fewer M&Ms Water is . . . less water Glasses of water are . . . fewer glasses of water Potato salad is . . . less potato salad Potatoes are . . . fewer potatoes

Fewer/Less…an exception to the rule Time, Money, Distance, and Weight Time: I can fix the roof in less than 12 hours. Money:We had less than $1,000 dollars in the bank. Distance: We’re less than 50 miles away. Weight: Since Luke snatched some big toys from the bag, it weighed less than I thought it would.

Finished/Done Finished = task complete Done = cooked to the proper temperature “Cakes and steaks are done. Humans finish.”

Among/Between Between is used when naming distinct, individual items (can be 2, 3, or more) Example: The negotiations between Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are going well. Among is used when the items are part of a group, or are not specifically named (MUST be 3 or more) Example: The negotiations among the countries of South America are going well.

Compliment Complement A complement, with an e, is a full crew or a set, and when something complements something else, it means they go well together. The sauce is a nice complement to the vegetables.

Good= Adjective Well= Adverb Modifies NOUNS (person, place, thing, or idea.) Modifies Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs Good roof Good book Good student Good friendship Good idea Runs well Sings well Reads well Did well on the test