Ms. Miller

Use Strong Verbs Be verbs (is, are, was, were, be, am, been) are grammatically correct if used properly; however, they are weaker than action verbs. Attempt action verbs. Often one action verb is stronger than a verb phrase with a linking or helping verb (helps instead of is helping)

Avoid “there” statements There are many similarities between the plowman and the parson. Many similarities exist between the plowman and the parson. Or Chaucer presents many similarities between the plowman and the parson.

Write about literature in the present tense “The Pardoner lies.” rather than “The Pardoner lied.” “Chaucer despises hypocrisy.” rather than “Chaucer despised hypocrisy.” “The Miller plays the bagpipes.” rather than “The Miller played the bagpipes.”

Avoid run-on sentences A run-on sentence is created when two or more independent clauses (a group of words with a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a sentence— complete thought) are punctuated incorrectly.

Punctuating two independent clauses Two independent clauses may be written as two separate sentences—utilize a period and a capital letter to correct Two independent clauses may be divided with a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, etc.) Two independent clauses may be separated by a semicolon.

Punctuating two independent clauses Two independent clauses may be separated by semicolon, a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, nonetheless, etc.), and a comma Two independent clauses may be separated by a colon if the first introduces a second clause which modifies the first. (This usage occurs infrequently—do not force!)

Presenting verse line in prose Chaucer begins “The Prologue” with “When April with his showers sweet with fruit/The drought of Match has pierced unto the root” which announces the pilgrimage takes place in the spring (1-2).

Avoiding a full-blown introduction or conclusion If this concept is selected, the reduced introduction and conclusion should be come a part of another paragraph (introduction part of first body paragraph and conclusion part of last body paragraph) rather than standing alone as a very short paragraph.